That just happened. I haven't seen an end to a game like that since mccown rolled out and nailed us in the desert years ago. 'Ol Brent Favre wings the ball to the most unlikely of heros in the endzone with 2 seconds left. Greg Lewis' foot less than a fricken centimeter away from being out of bounds. Vikes win.
In the Chilly regime years we really haven't had the privelage to see a comeback quite like that. To watch a salty veteran who still has some zip on the ball lead us down from improbable odds to win the game in the marquee matchup of the week between the two hot and undefeated NFC teams. To be honest... i thought the 'queens were gonna win with just a little more ease than that... but when it boils down to it... we get that Dubblya at the end of the day. And hopefully those close wins can help bring this team from 10-6/11-5 to maybe even 12-4 by the end of the year and help us garner better positioning in the post season.
And how about our defense. NO THIRD DOWN CONVERSIONS. Jared Allen sack/FF on first play. Mostly stalwart against the run all day. Some nice phatty hitz. And had it not been for the niners blocking and running the field goal back we would have won handily. But again, another game where the offense has some very in-opportune 3 and outs and puts our defense in some sad situations and they bail out this team. Time and again it has happened and I am just thankful to be watching such a studly unit.
Again, what a drive at the end, what poise, and it is nice to know we have someone back there who doesn't have the deer-in-the-headlights look when sh!t starts getting crazy.
3-0 and going into a much anticipated monday night game. I would say that if the vikings were a mullet, at this point they have let the mane start to flow in the back, and definitely trimmed up the "bidness" in the front to keep it nice, high and tight. They just gotta keep letting the mullet floweth and the wins will come.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
NFL Network, ESPN, and LT's friend
I'm partial to Rich Eisen and the NFL Network. I love their thoroughness in covering the games throughout each weekend... i love their gameday show as it gives us nearly 4-5 minutes of highlights per game... i love Mooch, Deon, Eisen and the crew bantering intelligently about football and making me laugh. Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuttttttttttttttttttttttt. Then I see 'ol Joe Theisman on NFC playbook this week, and his absolutely rediculous analysis of the vikings/niners game, and it makes me wanna shiv myself. Theisman has been one of the most spot-OFF announcers/analysts i've ever had to listen to and hearing his analysis of how Frank Gore is going to run all over the vikings in the home opener is just another example. Yes, it could potentially happen, but if the vikings and niners played this game 100 times, our defense would shut that ass down 95 out of 100 of those games. But here we have to watch Theisman choose one play where the lions got a 15 yard run last week and analyze it because EJ got sucked into the hole and Kevin Smith made a nice little play and got into our secondary. A 10-15 yard run USUALLY happens in a football game, but i guess we can correlate that play with the demise of the vikings run defense. Wow.
I predict our defense wins this game for us. Lots of sacks tomorrow and the home crowd gets the dome icky sticky. We all can feel it in the air this year with post season contention and i think the D will feed off of that.
And as for ESPN, their coverage is starting to get old, tiring, and weak compared to NFL network. MUCH fewer highlights per game, Chris Berman's same old tiring schtick every week, Schlereth generally sucking at his job, and in-your-face coverage on the most obvious and overblown NFL issues for the week. One now must have to go to other sites and media outlets to get a little deeper look into what some of the other stories are in the league and for one's favorite team. Meh.
Geez I hope the 'queens pull this one out tomorrow and head into the Green Bay game with a sexy lil 3-0 record for monday night. My prediction is 24-20 vikings. The D scores one of our TD's.
I predict our defense wins this game for us. Lots of sacks tomorrow and the home crowd gets the dome icky sticky. We all can feel it in the air this year with post season contention and i think the D will feed off of that.
And as for ESPN, their coverage is starting to get old, tiring, and weak compared to NFL network. MUCH fewer highlights per game, Chris Berman's same old tiring schtick every week, Schlereth generally sucking at his job, and in-your-face coverage on the most obvious and overblown NFL issues for the week. One now must have to go to other sites and media outlets to get a little deeper look into what some of the other stories are in the league and for one's favorite team. Meh.
Geez I hope the 'queens pull this one out tomorrow and head into the Green Bay game with a sexy lil 3-0 record for monday night. My prediction is 24-20 vikings. The D scores one of our TD's.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Am I becoming a Favre apologist??
My whole life (mostly, considering I was 7 when Favre joined the league) I've despised the Favre apologists that saturate the national media. His interceptions have always been a side effect of his love of the game, or just good old fashioned "gunslinging". My ultimate fear (and prediction) is that Brett "gunslings" us out of the NFC championship game. I've been mentally bracing for it ever since the dance started this last spring. Hopefully I'm not so saturated with purple kool-aid by that point in time that I can avoid the inevitable catastrophic let down... but now that he is in purple, I have a few rebuttals for the knocks that people are putting on him. There has been a lot of talk this week about the Vikings not having a down-field passing game and here are a few of my thoughts on that.
1. We haven't needed one. We've played two of the bottom five teams in the NFL and have beaten them both convincingly. Despite a stacked box AP has put up 270+ yards in two games. Brett is still adjusting to our offensive system (even though he was supposed to be able to teach it from the get go...) and we're running conservative plays.
2. Our pass protection is very very suspect. Brett has already eaten 7 sacks in the first two games, that cannot continue or else we WILL be seeing Tarvaris back on the field later this season. Not only the sacks, but Brett barely has any time back there for a down-the-field play to develop which really hamstrings our attempt to get the longball going.... and everyone knows that chicks dig the longball.
3. Alluding to point number one... maybe we're saving our long game for legitimate competition. Perhaps (and I know that this is giving WAY too much credit to the Chilly brain trust) we are playing conservative while we can and not expose looks to future defenses. This one is a stretch, but as a delusional fan of a 2-0 Vikings team I can dream, can't I?
Also, the whole thing about people complaining that we don't have enough passing yards is ridiculous. Have we needed them? No. We are not the 98' vikings anymore, we are a defense first team with a phenomenal talent at RB. Passing stats are the least of our worries (except interceptions of course).
Interesting thought though, what would people be saying if T-Jack had the exact same numbers as Brett right now with a 2-0 start? I'm sure there would be a LOT of people out there complaining that he's not doing enough, that he's not a pro caliber QB and that we're not going anywhere with this passing game. Meanwhile with Brett out there he's just being a "game manager". Moral of the story, people are stupid, fickle and contradictory.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE that AP is a very physical runner... but there were a couple times during Sunday's game against the Lions that I cringed when he dropped his shoulder instead of going out of bounds. I know it's passion, and I know it most likely cannot be changed, but I could go without seeing him turn his spine into an accordion for just a half yard. I'd like to be watching AP past the 2011 season... which if he keeps this stuff up, I doubt I will be. Not surprisingly, he was held out of practice yesterday due to back issues. He is officially listed on the injury reports. He will play on Sunday, but we might be seeing a little more Chester Taylor than we have so far. AP did have his worst game of his career against the Niners two years ago though, he will probably want to remedy that this weekend knowing him.
So I was not expecting the 49ers to be coming to the Dome this weekend 2-0. Looks like Mike Singletary has whipped them into shape rather quickly. They have actually defeated more difficult teams than us (not that hard to do considering who we played though) so we cannot discount schedule on that. The vikings have a tendency to play down to their competition, so hopefully we see a much cleaner first half this week considering we're playing a legitimate team. Although Fat Pat has appeared to lose a little bit of a step this year, I still think we will keep Frank Gore in check. That leaves Shaun Hill to beat us, and he is essentially a poor man's Sage Rosenfels (an astute observation by Winters). I like the guy, but I have more confidence in our pass rush and linebacking corps. I think the defense has a stalwart performance fueled by the home crowd this weekend. The offense still won't be too flashy, just effective, and we will win rather decisively.
1. We haven't needed one. We've played two of the bottom five teams in the NFL and have beaten them both convincingly. Despite a stacked box AP has put up 270+ yards in two games. Brett is still adjusting to our offensive system (even though he was supposed to be able to teach it from the get go...) and we're running conservative plays.
2. Our pass protection is very very suspect. Brett has already eaten 7 sacks in the first two games, that cannot continue or else we WILL be seeing Tarvaris back on the field later this season. Not only the sacks, but Brett barely has any time back there for a down-the-field play to develop which really hamstrings our attempt to get the longball going.... and everyone knows that chicks dig the longball.
3. Alluding to point number one... maybe we're saving our long game for legitimate competition. Perhaps (and I know that this is giving WAY too much credit to the Chilly brain trust) we are playing conservative while we can and not expose looks to future defenses. This one is a stretch, but as a delusional fan of a 2-0 Vikings team I can dream, can't I?
Also, the whole thing about people complaining that we don't have enough passing yards is ridiculous. Have we needed them? No. We are not the 98' vikings anymore, we are a defense first team with a phenomenal talent at RB. Passing stats are the least of our worries (except interceptions of course).
Interesting thought though, what would people be saying if T-Jack had the exact same numbers as Brett right now with a 2-0 start? I'm sure there would be a LOT of people out there complaining that he's not doing enough, that he's not a pro caliber QB and that we're not going anywhere with this passing game. Meanwhile with Brett out there he's just being a "game manager". Moral of the story, people are stupid, fickle and contradictory.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE that AP is a very physical runner... but there were a couple times during Sunday's game against the Lions that I cringed when he dropped his shoulder instead of going out of bounds. I know it's passion, and I know it most likely cannot be changed, but I could go without seeing him turn his spine into an accordion for just a half yard. I'd like to be watching AP past the 2011 season... which if he keeps this stuff up, I doubt I will be. Not surprisingly, he was held out of practice yesterday due to back issues. He is officially listed on the injury reports. He will play on Sunday, but we might be seeing a little more Chester Taylor than we have so far. AP did have his worst game of his career against the Niners two years ago though, he will probably want to remedy that this weekend knowing him.
So I was not expecting the 49ers to be coming to the Dome this weekend 2-0. Looks like Mike Singletary has whipped them into shape rather quickly. They have actually defeated more difficult teams than us (not that hard to do considering who we played though) so we cannot discount schedule on that. The vikings have a tendency to play down to their competition, so hopefully we see a much cleaner first half this week considering we're playing a legitimate team. Although Fat Pat has appeared to lose a little bit of a step this year, I still think we will keep Frank Gore in check. That leaves Shaun Hill to beat us, and he is essentially a poor man's Sage Rosenfels (an astute observation by Winters). I like the guy, but I have more confidence in our pass rush and linebacking corps. I think the defense has a stalwart performance fueled by the home crowd this weekend. The offense still won't be too flashy, just effective, and we will win rather decisively.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
1 - 0 After a pretty shakey start
This past Sunday Adrian Peterson decided that unlike LDT he would prove his greatness with actions and not words. While LDT watched his backup win the game for him on Monday night, AP was still washing his own blood off of his jersey and calling the Cleveland defenses family members to apologize for the National shaming he bestowed upon them the day before. AP's final run on Sunday was one of the single most entertaining plays I've ever seen. I've probably rewatched it 50+ times now and it doesn't get old. Jared Allen said it best when he called the move AP put on Brown's DB E. Wright a "pimp slap". This is a fun time to be a vikings fan.
As for the rest of the offense... It started off with a very heavy dose of Brad Childress Vanilla. Our first half was exactly what we were used to seeing as our offense for the previous 3 years. Granted, the first snap of the game was Brett's 20th (or so) with the team... but we really didn't offer anything exciting. Brett only threw the ball more than 5 yards just 4 times on Sunday. We were dink and dunk central. How we even managed to move the ball with such a predictable offense is truly a testament to our blocking. Pass protection looked a little shaky at times but we have 2 new guys on the line and Sullivan was going against a true stud in Shawn Rodgers. During the second half we finally opened up the playbook. I was SOOO happy to see us throw 15 yards down field to Percy for that first down. Once we spread out the D a little bit and AP got his magical IV it was all but over for our hosts the Browns. There is just too much talent on this team offensively for us not to look like we did in the second half on Sunday.
Defensively... impressive. I know Cleveland isn't known for their offensive prowess but I thought the defense did a very good job of shutting them down. They only scored one offensive TD on us all day and that was during the garbage time at the end when we were playing a lot of backup players.
Now we're on to the Motor City Kitties... they got caught up in the hurricane that was the New Orleans Saints (too soon?) last weekend. They always play us like a playoff game so don't let that 9 point spread lower your guard. I have a feeling this is going to be another high scoring game but the vikings will still come out victorious.
-VV
As for the rest of the offense... It started off with a very heavy dose of Brad Childress Vanilla. Our first half was exactly what we were used to seeing as our offense for the previous 3 years. Granted, the first snap of the game was Brett's 20th (or so) with the team... but we really didn't offer anything exciting. Brett only threw the ball more than 5 yards just 4 times on Sunday. We were dink and dunk central. How we even managed to move the ball with such a predictable offense is truly a testament to our blocking. Pass protection looked a little shaky at times but we have 2 new guys on the line and Sullivan was going against a true stud in Shawn Rodgers. During the second half we finally opened up the playbook. I was SOOO happy to see us throw 15 yards down field to Percy for that first down. Once we spread out the D a little bit and AP got his magical IV it was all but over for our hosts the Browns. There is just too much talent on this team offensively for us not to look like we did in the second half on Sunday.
Defensively... impressive. I know Cleveland isn't known for their offensive prowess but I thought the defense did a very good job of shutting them down. They only scored one offensive TD on us all day and that was during the garbage time at the end when we were playing a lot of backup players.
Now we're on to the Motor City Kitties... they got caught up in the hurricane that was the New Orleans Saints (too soon?) last weekend. They always play us like a playoff game so don't let that 9 point spread lower your guard. I have a feeling this is going to be another high scoring game but the vikings will still come out victorious.
-VV
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Foist Day Jitters
So here we are. Day 1 of the NFL season... and my first evar post on the blog. I'm just gonna rush right into an assortment of thoughts going into tonight and into the season.
The Purple
1. On the recent news - Bobby Wade released, Greg Lewis picked up?? After doing a little research on this i guess Chilly justified it by letting us know that Greg lewis could act as a "gunner" on special teams as well as serve a backup role to Percy. I ... guess. Wade could not separate from anybody the last few years and it was noticeable on his routes, but Greg lewis is 5'1'' and about a buck fity in weight and runs like a duck. I'm meh about that situation. I suppose Lewis will enjoy getting his first ever ring in a purple uniform. HAYOOOO.
2. Overall Preseason Take - I'm about as cynical of a fan as they come, but the purple goggles are thick and i'm extremely excited for this season as it approaches. I mean, we have the greatest mullet (moo - lay) in the league who also happens to be a stizzud DE and kills grizzly bears for fun. We have probably the greatest RB this franchise has ever seen up to this point and will probably ever see again for another 50 years. We ripped the heart out of those sconnie bastards by taking their beloved demi-god Bert Favre. We have Tony Dungy Numero Dos treading the sidelines for a third consecutive year dialing up a sickly good defense every single week. Some stud rookies in the draft this year, and to top it off, Chilly with a nice full beard, have turned this upcoming season into one of the most anticipated since 'nam. I'm already gettin' a little tight in the pants just thinking about us hoisting the Lombardi trophy bringing it to the great north woods of Minnesota.
Other NFL musings
1. Tonight tonight tooniiiighhhtt... whoooaaaaaa. Stillers vs. Titans, I'm gonna have to take the black in this one. Steelers are at home and I think the Titan's season last year was a mirage. They are good but Lebeau and Tomlin will have the boy's ready tonight, it's a close one, but stillers win 24-17.
2. Speaking of Lenwale White. He sucks. And his dance sucks. Just wanted to vent my illogical dislike of that poopsmith.
3. I hope Ben Rothlisburger and Shawne Merriman pulled out.
4. And how about the Raiders, giving up most likely a TOP TEN first round pick in 2011 for an aging DT who probably shat himself when he heard he was getting traded from the beloved Pats to the lowly Raiders. Somehow, the Patriots goad another franchise out of a first round pick and create some cap room as well as space for their defensive line prospects (who looked good this preseason).
5. After watching hard knocks this season. I think Runpee.com is one of the greatest gimmick ideas of all time and it's a great idea for an iphone app. Ochocinco is one quirky SOB, but not a bad dood. Carson Palmer would look good in purple. And I love listening to Mike Zimmer talk, just something about how he weaves swear words into his vocab is something to behold.
6. TeeNine.
The Purple
1. On the recent news - Bobby Wade released, Greg Lewis picked up?? After doing a little research on this i guess Chilly justified it by letting us know that Greg lewis could act as a "gunner" on special teams as well as serve a backup role to Percy. I ... guess. Wade could not separate from anybody the last few years and it was noticeable on his routes, but Greg lewis is 5'1'' and about a buck fity in weight and runs like a duck. I'm meh about that situation. I suppose Lewis will enjoy getting his first ever ring in a purple uniform. HAYOOOO.
2. Overall Preseason Take - I'm about as cynical of a fan as they come, but the purple goggles are thick and i'm extremely excited for this season as it approaches. I mean, we have the greatest mullet (moo - lay) in the league who also happens to be a stizzud DE and kills grizzly bears for fun. We have probably the greatest RB this franchise has ever seen up to this point and will probably ever see again for another 50 years. We ripped the heart out of those sconnie bastards by taking their beloved demi-god Bert Favre. We have Tony Dungy Numero Dos treading the sidelines for a third consecutive year dialing up a sickly good defense every single week. Some stud rookies in the draft this year, and to top it off, Chilly with a nice full beard, have turned this upcoming season into one of the most anticipated since 'nam. I'm already gettin' a little tight in the pants just thinking about us hoisting the Lombardi trophy bringing it to the great north woods of Minnesota.
Other NFL musings
1. Tonight tonight tooniiiighhhtt... whoooaaaaaa. Stillers vs. Titans, I'm gonna have to take the black in this one. Steelers are at home and I think the Titan's season last year was a mirage. They are good but Lebeau and Tomlin will have the boy's ready tonight, it's a close one, but stillers win 24-17.
2. Speaking of Lenwale White. He sucks. And his dance sucks. Just wanted to vent my illogical dislike of that poopsmith.
3. I hope Ben Rothlisburger and Shawne Merriman pulled out.
4. And how about the Raiders, giving up most likely a TOP TEN first round pick in 2011 for an aging DT who probably shat himself when he heard he was getting traded from the beloved Pats to the lowly Raiders. Somehow, the Patriots goad another franchise out of a first round pick and create some cap room as well as space for their defensive line prospects (who looked good this preseason).
5. After watching hard knocks this season. I think Runpee.com is one of the greatest gimmick ideas of all time and it's a great idea for an iphone app. Ochocinco is one quirky SOB, but not a bad dood. Carson Palmer would look good in purple. And I love listening to Mike Zimmer talk, just something about how he weaves swear words into his vocab is something to behold.
6. TeeNine.
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