Trade Him!!

The photo to the right shows a player who exemplifies the defensive backfield the Vikings have had for many years.  This year it looked like we may have a pretty good secondary. 

Enter...Josh Robinson.  In my opinion, the worst defensive back the Vikings have on the roster.  Today, he gave up play after play and even a couple of touchdowns.  Granted, the Chicago receivers are bigger than he is, but that is true of most receivers against defensive backs.  If the Vikings hope to keep from being beaten through the air game after game, they need to bench this guy or trade him away.

When Fantasy and Reality Collide

This year is the first year I have participated in a real fantasy football league.  I have had to learn all the nuances of how to draft, when to bench someone, when to trade, etc.  The hardest part to deal with has been putting team loyalties aside and drafting players I either dislike or from teams I don't like.

One such player was Drew Brees.  I have not cared for the Saints since their dirty-playing defeat of the Vikings in 2009 in the NFC Championship game.  I thought of Aaron Rogers, but could not stomach drafting a Cheesehead.  So, I settled on Brees, a player I knew could get me some points.  I also grabbed the Chicago defense and a player off the Packers (Cedric Benson until he got hurt). Selena has continuously told me that I have to put my real life loyalties aside and pick players who will score me points.

While trying to follow my wonderful wife's advice, I still picked up a couple of Vikings who have done quite well for me.  Thankfully, Kyle Rudolph is a favorite target of Christian Ponders, so he is my TE and has done quite well for me.  I also grabbed Chad Greenway, my only true loyalty pick.  He is a South Dakota boy, I have his jersey, and a Viking.   That is a great combination.  Plus, he is doing well and getting me good poihts.

Then comes the first Vikings' game I am able to watch on TV.  Vikings Vs. Redskins.  My fantasy match up for the week is against a co-worker who has Harvin and Walsh on his team.  For this game I have Rudolph, Greenway, and the Minnesota Defense.  So while I am cheering for my real-life team to win, I need Harvin to have a poor statistical day for Fantasy purposes.  My disloyalty to my real-life team was punished by me taking a drubbing with my fantasy team.  The loss I took was the largest point spread in our 6-team league so far this year.

I have learned a lot this year about fantasy football, but I don't think I will ever get used to having players on my team that I don't like in real life.

Work Him Hard Jared!

It sounds like Jared Allen is working our rookie offensive left tackle, Matt Kalil, pretty hard.  If anyone can make this kid the best he can be, it's Allen.  After going against him, everything else should be easy.

It is nice to see that we finally have an offseason that we can watch our teams develop and build our excitement for the year to start.  I know the Vikings are in a "rebuilding" year, but I still hope to see us do well.  It shouldn't be too hard to improve on 3-13.  Even if all we get is better play from the secondary we could win another two or three games.  They were horendous last year.  But then again, we have had many years of bad defensive backs.

Wouldn't it be simply awesome to see Ponder set the NFL on fire and have our new receivers tear up the endzones?  I know, I know...wishful thinking.  But hey, after all, I AM a Vikings fan!!!!

Karma Sucks, Doesn't it Payton?

Ever since the early part of the 2009 NFC Championship Game I was saying that it looked like the Saints were trying to hurt Favre.  The number of late hits and cheap shots was far beyond what could have simply been championship game excitement.  After the shot pictured here, where Favre's ankle was crushed, I had an immediate dislike for Sean Payton.  I had heard that he had commented that they would take out Favre.  Now, it seems he was taken out instead.

When Payton got hit on the sidelines last year and hurt his knee, I felt a small sense of justice being dealt.  Now that he has been suspended for one year for his bounty program, all is good in the NFL world.  I have disliked the Saints ever since that day, now without him as their coach I can at least tolerate them this year.

All this won't get our game back, but it is nice to know that what I had been screaming at my TV that night was actually what was going on.

Enjoy your time off, Payton.  I know I will enjoy not seeing you on the sidelines for a year.

What to do? What to do?

Draft day is coming soon and the Vikings still don't know where they are going to play next year.  Why do our off seasons always have to be so stressful?

To me, the Vikings couldn't have enough draft picks to fix all the holes they have on that team.  On offense, I would keep AP, Ponder, Harvin, Sullivan, and our Tight Ends.  On Defense I would keep Allen, Greenway, and fire everyone else!  Why can't we seem to find a defensive back who can play worth a crap?

I really think Ponder will be a good quarterback, maybe even exceptional, if we can give him the time to make those decisions and throws that he obviously has the talent to make.  When you give a quarterback just enough time to get away from center and then he is getting chased, you can't expect him to do anything for you.  He showed he  has the talent.

In free agency there are a couple of people we definitely need to stay away from.  One is Randy Moss, who plans on coming out of retirement.  I don't think the Vikings are dumb enough for that one again.  We also have no need for another Manning on the team.  Granted, this one is tons more talented than the last one we had, but he is damaged goods that, in my opinion, is a fool if he comes back to play.  I have heard Chester Taylor is available again.  We should have never let him go.  I say go get him back.  We could use that 3rd down threat again.

As always, I hold out hope that we will have a good season.  After last year, we really can't go much further down.  This year we have a full off season, so it should be better.  I will settle for a winning season this year.  I won't hold my breath for any sort of a title...not even a division one.

Oh the Shame....

It is not very often that I am able to watch a Minnesota Vikings game on TV out here on the East Coast, and this is one that I wished I hadn't been able to as well.

I don't think I can find one positive in this game, unless you consider Jared Allen adding to his sack total.  But personal accomplishments often fade behind a L in the W-L column.

The backfield had more green and gold in it than Purple and White.  Any and every time Ponder went back to pass, he was unable to take enough time to really read the field and then make a pass that was even close to being comfortable and not rushed.  Our offensive line is just that...offensive!  Loadholt barely had time to slap Clay Matthews on the butt as he sped past him to get in Ponder's face.  When Matthews is allowed to practically take the hand off FOR Peterson, you know he isn't being touched.  I can only imagine what McNabb was saying under his breath during the game.  Maybe, "Damn!  I am glad that ain't me getting pounded out there".  If it wasn't for Ponder's quickness and youth, he would probably be hurt right now.

Our defensive secondary, which has been our weakness for years, is now so abysmal that any team that even uses their running back against us is simply keeping their quarterback from throwing out his arm.  I saw some of the poorest coverage ever from NFL players and when they did get hold of a guy, it was briefly and usually by accident!  All I could see was a bunch of overpaid, under performing defensive backs.  I would trade them all for a Woodson...even half a Woodson.

 We don't have enough draft picks next year to do what we need to do to fix the problems.  I would hate to be Studwell this year trying to prioritize the "needs".  They are ALL needs.  I think we are safe at kicker, QB, running back, and punter.  Everything else is a need.  All I ask is that the pain that is this season goes away and maybe next year we can get our respect back.

Are the Politicians Listening?

I usually start my day off looking at the Viking Update website to see what is happening with the only important NFL Team in my world.  For those of you unfamiliar with the site, it morphed from what was a little weekly newspaper to a monthly magazine and an Internet site...all for $99/year.

Today, as I was looking at the "Forums" section, I saw a question posted by a member that read, "Who is your backup team if Vikes leave?"

I have thought of that a few times and thought maybe the Redskins, since they are local to where I am and I would be able to watch them regularly.  But I don't really like them that much.  Do I go extreme and cheer for the Packers out of animosity for the team leaving?  I don't think so...

After reading many of the remarks that stated that football life without the "Minnesota" Vikings just wouldn't be the same, I think I agree with the majority who said they would probably continue to watch the NFL because of a love for football, but not have a favorite team.  As one poster put it...as he discussed possibly following the Bears since he lives in Chicago...

"What sucks for me is that the Vikes are the ONLY team in any sport that I would call myself a true fan.  A true die hard.  Most of you know what I am talking about.  The one team where I will get a huge pit in my stomach when the lose or when the season ends.  The only team I will follow on sites like this on nearly a daily basis.  A true die hard.

I can grow to become a fan of another team like the Bears.  But the truth is, when they lose, I won't REALLY care.  I won't have that empty feeling anymore.  That is what hurts the most because it can't be replaced."

I think that about sums up how I feel about it too.  If the politicians in Minnesota saw this thread, and many like it that I have read, they would see that Minnesotans really don't want to lose the Vikings.  Most will complain about new taxes but will gladly pay it too keep them.  A politician that votes a tax to keep the Vikings will have a chance for reelection.  A politician that casts a vote that causes the Vikings to pack there bags and move to a new home...will not.


Full Forum thread:  Viking Update Forum Question

Should Be an Interesting Year!

What can I say?  We arrive at another year...and we have another "old" quarterback.  This one, I hope, just needed a change of scenery.  I am, honestly, quite excited about us getting McNabb this year to allow Ponder some time to learn and grow.  I am sure he is going to be a great quarterback in a couple years.

This whole off season just has things in a funk.  It doesn't quite seem like the excitement level is there yet.  Don't get me wrong...I am pumped up that football is back, it just seems like things are "off" a bit.

I was sad to see Rice go away, but not Jackson.  Rice just had some health issues last year...Jackson was still having quarterbacking issues.  I do not see him leaving the Vikings and becoming a great QB like Rich Gannon did.  I still think Gannon was more of a fluke.

And then there is the whole Randy Moss thing.  I guess it is sad to see him leave the league, but he just can't seem to get his brain right when it comes to being on a "team".  The talent...WOW!...the talent...is still there.  He just can't seem to do what he is supposed to do and let the outside stuff work out right.  He will get in the HOF if all the people voting forget his "I play when I want to" mantra.

We need to get AP a new contract so he doesn't go away.  We haven't had a running back like this since Robert Smith, and he is better than Smith.  Looks like Harvin is doing well with his migraine issue...so let's hope that continues.  I watch my wife deal with them on occasion and they are not pretty.

Finally, I was glad to hear that Greenway is working on  a new contract that will hopefully keep him in Purple for his career.  He seems to have a good head on his shoulders from what I read and hear him say.  So many players get insulted when the franchise tag is placed on them.  Greenway, on the other hand, felt humbled and looks forward to working out a new contract.  He makes it obvious that it is NOT all about money.  Then again, what would you expect from a well-raised South Dakota Boy!!!

I look forward to this season, to see what sort of affect the lockout had on the players and teams.  I predict a rough start...but at least we are going to watch NFL football this year! 

SKOL VIKINGS!!!

The Missing Link?

Viking Land has got to be glowing purple right now after the news of Randy Moss returning to the Vikings.  I hope he is that receiver we are missing to give Favre and the Offence that push they need to relive last year.

I like Moss when he was with the Vikings before, even though he did some stupid things.  I really hope he has gotten rid of his "I play when I want to" attitude.  I haven't seen too much of the "me first" attitude over the past couple of years, so hopefully he is over that.  He can obviously still play some ball and should have some years left in him.  The only disadvantage is that he was not given a long contract, just one that takes him to the end of his current, which is one more year.  I hope that the Vikings will give him a good long contract along with Greenway.

Let's hope this is what the Vikings need.  I know I will be cheering a bit harder.  Guess I will have to go to a bar for the next game to watch.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!

Just Not Ready for Prime-Time

What a horrible start to the 2010 season. The Vikings just did NOT look like they were ready for the start of the season. Blame the fact that Farve was not there for the preseason, blame injuries, blame whatever. The team simply did not look like a team. The secondary was picked apart all night. I understand there were injuries back there, but the guys who played, played poorly. Corners were getting spun around out of place, linebackers were absent from plays. We allowed the Saints to move the ball at will. The offense was no better. His receivers and backs just didn't seem to be in the game. The line did a fair job of pass blocking, but not much else. We better get our stuff together soon or it is going to be a long season.

Free Agency Stays Interesting

It was good to see on Viking Update this morning that DT Jimmy Kennedy has signed a new deal. I know he wanted something longer than 2 years, but that is a start. I thought he did a great job last year and was hoping he would get resigned. He has only been in the league for 7 years, so he should have a few years left in him. Hopefully he will continue to thrive in our system and will be able to take over for Big Pat when he retires.

I found it funny that CB Karl Paymah left the Vikings for San Francisco. He came to the Vikings spouting his abilities and how good he was going to be for us, only to have a very lackluster season and even being inactive for the last 4 games plus the playoffs. The Vikings didn't even have a tender on him and made no offer to him to stay. His biggest complaint was the weather...I always knew the winters up North kept the riff-raff out!

And a final note...I am very curious to see how Tim Tebow goes in the draft next month. It looks like he impressed a lot of people with the changes he made to his throwing motion. Personally, I think he would be better used in a position other than quarterback, but we shall see.

Hate to See Him Go!

Well...we lost him! I hate to see Chester Taylor leave the Vikings. I have always been a huge fan of his. He fit our system well and was a very productive and reliable player. I think what stinks the most is the fact that he went to the Bears. I think he will help them improve quite a bit, which is not good for us. We do have some young backs on the team that I hope to see do well. One in particular is Ian Johnson. He was amazing in the preseason last year. He was running bubbas OVER! I would love to see him make the regular squad.

Not too sure what I think about the Vikings flirting with signing Tomlinson. He has been losing productivity for the past few years and I personally think his ego will get in the way of his being an asset to the team.

I Hate What-ifs!

This time of year always brings out the "what-ifs" in the NFL. For the Vikings this year, the be one is Favre. So many people want him back for another year...even those who didn't want him in the first place. One fan from Wisconsin actually took out a full-page letter in a newspaper in Favre's hometown asking him to come back. Hopefully we find out his desires soon.

The other is Chester Taylor. To me this one is as big as Favre. He fits our system so well and gives us a back with very little drop-off in performance when Peterson is out. Options being mentioned now are Westbrook or Tomlinson, with Westbrook being the best replacement for Taylor. My attitude is just keep Taylor.

I want to know about Henderson too. His loss was quite significant and I'm not sure Brinkley is the answer as his replacement. Granted, he is young and learning and could turn into a great LB with some more experience. I just hope that if Henderson returns, he is able to play at the level he was playing at.

Draft day should be interesting. I still think we need some better corner backs. Our defensive backfield wasn't as porous as past years, but it still left a bit to be desired.

This time of year is tough...football withdrawal is bad. Is it August yet?

The Wall is Intact!!!

Great news for Vikings fans. According to Big Pat's agent, Angelo Wright, he will be back for the 2010 season. He had been 50/50 about his return after the season. Apparently the pain of the loss has stopped clouding his judgement and he will take his place on the Defensive Line next to Kevin!! Now if we can just get that other old guy on the other side of the ball to commit for another year...

We CANNOT Lose Chester Taylor!!!

I was not very good about posting during the football season and I failed to do any kind of a closeout on the season. After what I consider a very good year, albeit a disappointing ending...I remain ever optimistic that we will have another great year next year...hopefully with Favre at the helm.

My topic today, though, is Chester Taylor. We absolutely cannot allow Chester Taylor to go to another team. He is way too invaluable to us. He may be a "backup", but he is perfect for what we use him for. If Peterson goes down, there is no fear when Taylor comes in because he is a starting quality back. He has great presence on the field, can catch, run, and block. He is worth whatever he wants in salary. Too let him go would be a terrible thing.

Rope-a-dope!

Finally picked up my Jared Allen jersey the other night!!! Very excited to watch him put another smack-down on Rodgers on Sunday. Too bad I will be flying and unable to see all the game...gotta love DVRs. We have just got to go into this game Sunday with no alternative in mind but the complete dominance of the Packers. A win here will almost assure us the Division Title and much respect around the league. Allen has had a great year so far...constantly disrupting the offense. I love the guy not just because he is a great player, but because of his total support of the military and that he is extremely patriotic. While everyone else wears the jersey of Peterson, Harvin, or even....dare I say it....Favre, I will be proudly wearing Allen's number and cheering him on!!!

A Tollerable Loss

As painful as it was to watch the Vikings lose, this is the one game I don't mind having to watch them drop. The Steelers are a good team and I knew it would be tough to beat them. Perhaps if that lousy call of "tripping" hadn't been made, we would have pulled it off. That definitely turned the tide a bit. Otherwise, we did not play so horribly. A couple of tough breaks. The Vikes got a lot of respect around the league now from what I've been reading. Also...most people seem to be talking about Adrian Peterson RUNNING OVER William Gay! The number of that truck that hit you Mr. Gay was 28! That boy will be having AP nightmares for weeks! Now that the Vikes have a loss, they can settle down and beat up the Pack again. The pressure of being undefeated is now off..GO VIKES!!!

Sure to be AWESOME!!!

I haven't looked forward to a Viking/Packer game like this since 1998...when we crushed them!!! This one is so anticipated, the media hype is unreal...and of course, we have Favre. Once again I find myself happy we have him, but still think of him as a Packer. I stand by my conviction that I will never have a Favre jersey...my Jared Allen jersey is on the way after being told I could not get the Greenway jersey. At the price I was getting, it didn't pay to go to a different store. Anyway...I hope Favre and AP can shred the Packer defense and that the O-Line can keep him clean. The Packer defense is chomping at the bit to put Favre on his butt! I will be screaming my lungs out for this game...GO VIKES!!!

Proud to Wear His Jersey Number!!!!

I can't wait to get my Greenway jersey...hopefully today it will show. He has made the great state of South Dakota proud with his play for the Vikings. Add to it the fact that he is a stand-up sort of guy, what is there not to like about him. He had a great game for the Vikes this past weekend and I can't wait to see how he shuts down the 49ers' Gore. Should be an awesome matchup. He keeps getting better and better...I hope to see him in the Pro Bowl this year. So while everyone else is wearing their Favre or Peterson jersey...or the random Harvin #12, I will be at the Carolina/Vikings gamein December in my #52 cheering for the other Minnekotan!!!

And it Happened!

OK, so it has been quite a while since I last posted. So long...that the last entry mentioned how Favre was not coming and had a "fixed" picture of him in a Vikings uniform. This picture is the real deal and I must say...it still looks strange, but the whole idea of Favre as a Viking is growing on me...each additional win helps the shock become less. I like the fact that he is not a gunslinger anymore and more of a field general, making sure he makes smart plays and lets the play makers do their thing. Let's hope that the wins keep coming, the defensive line gets better against the run, and Favre stays healthy.