Finally. This has been a long time coming. It's been a long time since we outplayed the Saints, and gave them the ticket to the Super Bowl. Since that time Brett Favre retired and unretired, LT turned us down, the Timberwolves and Wild each missed the playoffs. Well now it's time for us to pay the Saints back.
This is going to be tough game. The Super Bowl winners are 9-1 since the NFL started playing these Thursday opening games. It's going to be a tough environment with a huge home field advantage. But it was last time too. And that wasn't why we lost the last game there.
There are a lot of reasons we won't win this game. But I think there are two reasons we do.
Number one being our defense. Yes our secondary is weak at the moment, but I think our defensive line and linebackers make up for that. I think they'll cause chaos all night.
Number two is Adrian Peterson. I think he's the type of person who doesn't like being questioned. I think he takes pride in his craft, and doesn't like being recognized as the second best running back in the NFL. So I think he'll take it upon himself to have a monster year. And more importantly hang onto the ball.
I'm obviously extremely biased, but I think the teams are very similar to last years teams, I think the environment will be the same. So I think the Vikings hang onto the ball, and win the game 27 - 17.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Optimism
It seems like the Vikings are hit daily with a bit of pessimism. I think a lot of it has to do with Vikings fans afraid to believe. Let's look at the facts.
Let's start with the 41 year old QB. Obviously if he gets hurt that is bad news. But it's also bad news if Peyton Manning, Aaron Rogers, Tony Romo, Drew Brees, or Tom Brady gets hurt. I'll take my chances with a guy who hasn't missed a game since 1992. And if he does get hurt, I don't mind T-Jack or Sage in the back up role. I think T-Jack might be one of the better back-ups in the league. He's like 18-12 as a starter.
Let's move onto the running back. He had a down year for his standards and is being labeled as a fumbler, rightfully so. So he has a lot to prove I think. I think we might need to rely on him more at times than we did last year, and I think if he can answer that and get back to the years prior to last year we'll be just fine. This is all based on the hope that the offensive line improves. I gotta believe that Loadholt is only going to get better. I think Center is becoming a big question mark for this team, so let's wait on that. Maybe they'll get some guy that gets dropped this weekend.
What was Sidney Rice before Favre? Who is Greg Camarillo without Favre? What has Javon Walker done without Favre? Is it the receiver or is it the Quarterback? What if Camarillo plays a Wes Welker like role, and picks up first downs and catches 80-90balls this year? Also how many games has Percy Harvin missed due to these Migraines? He missed one game last year. Let's hold off judgment until he starts missing considerable time with these head aches.
The defense is what I think separates us from the likes of the packer, cowboys, and saints. One corner position is a little weak. The other side is held by a pro bowler. Our linebackers and defensive line are the best in the NFL, and hopefully Ray Edwards can improve again, and give us 1 all pro D end, and another pro bowler on the other side. Teams can't run on us, and if we can put pressure on the QB then the secondary will look better too.
These other teams have problems too. It's just that the other teams weren't a play away from the Super Bowl last year. The other teams weren't in the spotlight all summer because of Brett Favre. Darren Sharper is missing time for the Saints, the Packers defense can't stop anybody in the preseason! So let's all calm down, step off of the ledge, and enjoy the season.
Let's start with the 41 year old QB. Obviously if he gets hurt that is bad news. But it's also bad news if Peyton Manning, Aaron Rogers, Tony Romo, Drew Brees, or Tom Brady gets hurt. I'll take my chances with a guy who hasn't missed a game since 1992. And if he does get hurt, I don't mind T-Jack or Sage in the back up role. I think T-Jack might be one of the better back-ups in the league. He's like 18-12 as a starter.
Let's move onto the running back. He had a down year for his standards and is being labeled as a fumbler, rightfully so. So he has a lot to prove I think. I think we might need to rely on him more at times than we did last year, and I think if he can answer that and get back to the years prior to last year we'll be just fine. This is all based on the hope that the offensive line improves. I gotta believe that Loadholt is only going to get better. I think Center is becoming a big question mark for this team, so let's wait on that. Maybe they'll get some guy that gets dropped this weekend.
What was Sidney Rice before Favre? Who is Greg Camarillo without Favre? What has Javon Walker done without Favre? Is it the receiver or is it the Quarterback? What if Camarillo plays a Wes Welker like role, and picks up first downs and catches 80-90balls this year? Also how many games has Percy Harvin missed due to these Migraines? He missed one game last year. Let's hold off judgment until he starts missing considerable time with these head aches.
The defense is what I think separates us from the likes of the packer, cowboys, and saints. One corner position is a little weak. The other side is held by a pro bowler. Our linebackers and defensive line are the best in the NFL, and hopefully Ray Edwards can improve again, and give us 1 all pro D end, and another pro bowler on the other side. Teams can't run on us, and if we can put pressure on the QB then the secondary will look better too.
These other teams have problems too. It's just that the other teams weren't a play away from the Super Bowl last year. The other teams weren't in the spotlight all summer because of Brett Favre. Darren Sharper is missing time for the Saints, the Packers defense can't stop anybody in the preseason! So let's all calm down, step off of the ledge, and enjoy the season.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
What's next
In the never ending saga that has become Brett Favre's career. What comes next? How will this story end?
The way I look at it, it can go three ways. The first being an absolute train wreck. Another option would be something similar to last year. A lot of fun, but nothing accomplished in the long run. The only other option would be a Super Bowl victory.
The train wreck option isn't that far fetched to me. I mean the guy is 40, are we really supposed to believe that he'll duplicate last year, his best year ever? Look at guys like Hasselback, Bulger, Garcia, and even Warner. These guys are much younger than Favre, and are considered too old. So can Favre do it again? What about his ankle? Will it last at least 19 games? He hasn't missed a game in 18 years, but he wasn't 40 all those years. Are we certain that Harvin and Rice will get better, or at least have the same years. What about AP, will he become the game changer he started his career, or the fumbler he was last year? A lot of things went right for us last year. So as a Vikings fan, we have to wonder, can we duplicate the magic?
The same type of year is another option. A lot of success but nothing to show. This is the Vikings 50th year, and we have never won the Super Bowl, so are we certain we ever will? A lot of things have to work in your favor to win the Super Bowl, and only one team can win it, meaning 31 teams will fall short.
Winning the Super Bowl is the the goal. We have youth at our skill position player, so you'd assume they'll get better. Our offensive line should improve with a little more experience, especially at the important center position. If that happens you'd also assume AP will have a better year. He had a down year, but it was still a career for most players. Our defense has a ton of depth. So looking at our team, you'd assume they'd be better.
A lot of writers and sports personalities are picking the Packers, Jets, and Ravens. This happens every year, they jump on board some team, so that at the end of the year if it turns out in their favor, they can say "I told you so." The Jets we a 9-7 team that doesn't make the playoffs if the Colts don't play their JV squad at the end of the year. The Packers are always a trendy pick, because they a the token little squad that could.
I think the Vikings along with the Saints should be the two favorites to come out of the NFC. I don't think the Saints will have the same success because I don't think they'll be able to duplicate the number of turnovers they get this year. So I think top to bottom the Vikings are the best team in the NFC. So now that all of these columnists and former players like Teddy Bruschi are hating on the Vikes, we'll just have to see how it turns out. I think Favre is a smart enough guy, that he doesn't come back unless he really feels like it's there is a legitimate chance to win the big game. He doesn't come back unless he knows he'll be able to take the punishment like he did against the Saints. Either way it's good to have him back.
The way I look at it, it can go three ways. The first being an absolute train wreck. Another option would be something similar to last year. A lot of fun, but nothing accomplished in the long run. The only other option would be a Super Bowl victory.
The train wreck option isn't that far fetched to me. I mean the guy is 40, are we really supposed to believe that he'll duplicate last year, his best year ever? Look at guys like Hasselback, Bulger, Garcia, and even Warner. These guys are much younger than Favre, and are considered too old. So can Favre do it again? What about his ankle? Will it last at least 19 games? He hasn't missed a game in 18 years, but he wasn't 40 all those years. Are we certain that Harvin and Rice will get better, or at least have the same years. What about AP, will he become the game changer he started his career, or the fumbler he was last year? A lot of things went right for us last year. So as a Vikings fan, we have to wonder, can we duplicate the magic?
The same type of year is another option. A lot of success but nothing to show. This is the Vikings 50th year, and we have never won the Super Bowl, so are we certain we ever will? A lot of things have to work in your favor to win the Super Bowl, and only one team can win it, meaning 31 teams will fall short.
Winning the Super Bowl is the the goal. We have youth at our skill position player, so you'd assume they'll get better. Our offensive line should improve with a little more experience, especially at the important center position. If that happens you'd also assume AP will have a better year. He had a down year, but it was still a career for most players. Our defense has a ton of depth. So looking at our team, you'd assume they'd be better.
A lot of writers and sports personalities are picking the Packers, Jets, and Ravens. This happens every year, they jump on board some team, so that at the end of the year if it turns out in their favor, they can say "I told you so." The Jets we a 9-7 team that doesn't make the playoffs if the Colts don't play their JV squad at the end of the year. The Packers are always a trendy pick, because they a the token little squad that could.
I think the Vikings along with the Saints should be the two favorites to come out of the NFC. I don't think the Saints will have the same success because I don't think they'll be able to duplicate the number of turnovers they get this year. So I think top to bottom the Vikings are the best team in the NFC. So now that all of these columnists and former players like Teddy Bruschi are hating on the Vikes, we'll just have to see how it turns out. I think Favre is a smart enough guy, that he doesn't come back unless he really feels like it's there is a legitimate chance to win the big game. He doesn't come back unless he knows he'll be able to take the punishment like he did against the Saints. Either way it's good to have him back.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Beautiful Game?
As I sit in a press box waiting out a lightning delay for a soccer game. I wonder why anyone calls this the beautiful game. I mean I know why we as American's don't like it. If makes perfect sense to me. And the reason is because we're smarter than the rest of the world.
This is a sport that promotes ties. The settle their biggest championship with a shootout. Nothing about this sport interests me. I have watched 15 games live now, and literally have seen about 5 minutes of what I'd call intense action, and about a half dozen good/great plays. Granted I'm watching low level proffesional soccer. Hockey and Basketball are better live, not soccer. At least when I'm watching soccer at home, I can throw my TV into the bathtub with me in the tub to end it.
You'll hear the arguement, more kids play soccer than any other sport. Here are the reasons for that.
A. You can have 11 kids on the field at a time, not counting subs. So everybody get's to play.
B. It's cheap as hell. You need a paid of shoes. And I'm guessing that isn't even necessary.
C. Nobody ever gets their feelings hurt, because nobody ever wins or loses. Every game ends in a tie, so nobody goes feeling like they're not special.
D. There are so many kids on the field that you can hide chubby fat kids, and unathletic kids.
So I don't buy this crap about soccer. It's a terrible sport. Let the rest of the world enjoy this crap. I've seen guys go down and taken off on the cart, only to return to the field minutes later. What soccer is, is a level up from cross country and track. It's a little bit of competition but not to much.
I hate this game, and I'll never get world cup fever.
This is a sport that promotes ties. The settle their biggest championship with a shootout. Nothing about this sport interests me. I have watched 15 games live now, and literally have seen about 5 minutes of what I'd call intense action, and about a half dozen good/great plays. Granted I'm watching low level proffesional soccer. Hockey and Basketball are better live, not soccer. At least when I'm watching soccer at home, I can throw my TV into the bathtub with me in the tub to end it.
You'll hear the arguement, more kids play soccer than any other sport. Here are the reasons for that.
A. You can have 11 kids on the field at a time, not counting subs. So everybody get's to play.
B. It's cheap as hell. You need a paid of shoes. And I'm guessing that isn't even necessary.
C. Nobody ever gets their feelings hurt, because nobody ever wins or loses. Every game ends in a tie, so nobody goes feeling like they're not special.
D. There are so many kids on the field that you can hide chubby fat kids, and unathletic kids.
So I don't buy this crap about soccer. It's a terrible sport. Let the rest of the world enjoy this crap. I've seen guys go down and taken off on the cart, only to return to the field minutes later. What soccer is, is a level up from cross country and track. It's a little bit of competition but not to much.
I hate this game, and I'll never get world cup fever.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Is it true?
The question of the day seems to be, Is it true? Is Brett Favre really retiring. I mean you can't blame anyone for wondering. He's literally done this three times. HE even did this to us last year. So I'll ask it again, is it true. Did this guy ruin my football spectating season on August 3rd? I don't' want to go back to hating this guy.
If it is true the Vikings need to be held accountable. The passed on Donovan McNabb you was easily acquirable, and even hinted that he wanted to come here. We passed on Jimmy Clausen, and Colt McCoy twice each. We wasted the entire off season, and are now looking at opening a season with T-Jack as our quarterback? The assumption was that the coaches or front office obviously knew Favre was coming back. And it turns out they might be wrong. So now you're left with loaded team, and a hole at the single most important position in sports. Sure we won the division with T-Jack two years ago, but what are we the Minnesota Twins? We've got super bowl aspirations.
As far as Favre goes, this is a true testament of him. He waits until the rest of his teammates are back in action practicing in the sweltering heat, and says "this is it". Does he think he's the only one who got his ass kicked in New Orleans? Ced Griffin did, and he's itching to get back on the field. Granted he's not soon to be 41, but come on. Either Favre truly is retiring and held this team hostage for the entire off season, to announce now that he's retiring. Or he's coming back, and he just wants everyone to react like they did last year, and the year before.
As a Minnesota fan, I think everyone realizes that the Twins might make the playoffs, but also realize that they'll lose in the first round at best. The Wild and Timberwolves have no chance at making the playoffs. Which means the Vikings were our best bet, and everyone knows that Favre was the key player. Without him now, we're basically putting our hopes in T-Jack, and that sucks. This is another typical blow to a fragile sports mind.
If it is true the Vikings need to be held accountable. The passed on Donovan McNabb you was easily acquirable, and even hinted that he wanted to come here. We passed on Jimmy Clausen, and Colt McCoy twice each. We wasted the entire off season, and are now looking at opening a season with T-Jack as our quarterback? The assumption was that the coaches or front office obviously knew Favre was coming back. And it turns out they might be wrong. So now you're left with loaded team, and a hole at the single most important position in sports. Sure we won the division with T-Jack two years ago, but what are we the Minnesota Twins? We've got super bowl aspirations.
As far as Favre goes, this is a true testament of him. He waits until the rest of his teammates are back in action practicing in the sweltering heat, and says "this is it". Does he think he's the only one who got his ass kicked in New Orleans? Ced Griffin did, and he's itching to get back on the field. Granted he's not soon to be 41, but come on. Either Favre truly is retiring and held this team hostage for the entire off season, to announce now that he's retiring. Or he's coming back, and he just wants everyone to react like they did last year, and the year before.
As a Minnesota fan, I think everyone realizes that the Twins might make the playoffs, but also realize that they'll lose in the first round at best. The Wild and Timberwolves have no chance at making the playoffs. Which means the Vikings were our best bet, and everyone knows that Favre was the key player. Without him now, we're basically putting our hopes in T-Jack, and that sucks. This is another typical blow to a fragile sports mind.
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