Minnesota Vikings Blogs

This team is the only team in the entire league with a team name.  I'm not making this up, the rest of the teams are sorted by their owner/coach, but not the self proclaimed Minnesota State Screaming Eagles.  So, what does this squad have in common with the rest of the state?  A:  They're losers.  Year in and year out.. even when they're close, they really aren't.  Brian managed to win 4 games last year.. in 14.  That means he also managed to lose double digit games which can be difficult to do in fantasy sports.  So, without further ado, lets take a look at this bottom feeder.

Continue reading "College Fantasy Football Preview ..."

A day after the NFL Network revealed San Diego shopped OLB Shawn Merriman during the NFL Draft to New Orleans and two other teams, the Patriots re-signed DE Derrick Burgess. Knowing what is out there, Burgess’ return doesn’t excite the fan base much.

Continue reading "A "Lights Out" Alternative"

For football fans another very exciting time is coming up soon.  The NFL Draft is mere weeks away and for many this begins another exciting NFL season.  This is when teams address needs that were evident last season or try to fill holes left by a retirement, trade, or losing a player to free agency.  This is when hope springs eternal and every team is destined for Super Bowl glory.  This is also the time of year when fans get to first guess (before their teams drafts) and then second guess (after their teams has drafted) the players that are available this year. 

Continue reading "Should the Patrots Draft Tim Tebow?"

Whenever I think back to this past Sunday’s game against the Vikings, everything just seems blurred.  Although the final score read 34-3, I just can’t imagine how things got out of control so quickly.  The Cowboys were moving the ball well and playing pretty well on defense initially.  Then suddenly, they were getting stampeded.  Not by Adrian Peterson.  Not even by Chester Taylor.  They weren’t even being mauled by Minnesota’s Pro Bowl laden offensive line.  So what the hell happened?!  Well in review, it was a lot of things but at the same time it was one thing:  respect.  The Cowboys underestimated and undervalued players on the Vikings and players on their own team.  They underestimated the effect of a home field advantage in Minnesota.  They also under estimated the amount of desperation that needs to be displayed in every playoff game.  Somewhere between beating the Eagles twice and getting demolished by the Vikings, the Cowboys forgot that they were playing the one of the top 2 teams in the conference.

Continue reading "The Underestimated"

Are you ready for two weeks of hype for a Brett Favre versus Peyton Manning Super Bowl?

Well TOO FREAKING BAD! The Saints were having none of it today. And what a coincidence that in a year marred by missed field goals, it was on the leg of lesser-known Saints kicker Garrett Hartley that the Saints earned a spot in their first ever Super Bowl with a 31-28 win over the Vikings.

Continue reading "Saints in the Super Bowl after 31-28 ..."

Here it is: the last weekend of real football. Conference Championship Sunday is here and isn't lacking for drama. From Brett Favre and Peyton Manning's legacy to the Jets' dominating defense or the surge in New Orleans, every team is a great story. Who do I think will make it to the Super Bowl in Miami? Read on in this edition of the Opening Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Conference Championship ..."

Count me among the "fooled" pundits who thought the Dallas Cowboys would have the upper hand over the Minnesota Vikings in their divisional round match-up. How wrong we were. Tony Romo turned the ball over three times en route to an embarrassing 34-3 loss to Brett Favre and the Vikings. 

Continue reading "Cowboys make quiet exit from playoffs ..."

Even if yesterday's were drama-less (story of the playoffs so far), I couldn't miss a second. That won't change today as the most hyped game of the weekend starts Divisional round Sunday. New York's Cinderella story (is Rex Ryan the fairy godmother?) closes out the night with a west coast appearance. The Opening Drive of Divisional Sunday in the NFL starts now!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Divisional Sunday"

The Cowboys have a huge match-up this week against the #2 seed Minnesota Vikings.  But, I don’t think that will keep any Cowboys fan from relishing in what has transpired over the last month.  Over these last 4 weeks the Cowboys have exercised all of their “demons” and now simply have to go into the Metrodome and take on the 12-4 Minnesota Vikings led by Brett Favre to advance to the NFC championsip.  Piece of cake, right?  Well before we stuff ourselves, let’s digest the last month of the season and see what the Cowboys were able to stomach (pun intended). 

Continue reading "Exercising the Demons"

The Dallas Cowboys have pulled off their first playoff win in years.  Tony Romo is now 1-2 in the playoffs, and Wade Phillips finally has won one himself.  Phillips and Romo had been known as "choke artists" in the past years, Romo fumbling a kicker hold against the Seattle Seahawks and throwing an interception late against the New York Giants.

Continue reading "First Playoff Win in 14 Years For 'Boys"

Though it means nothing, I am required by football law to point out I was 7-0 in my Opening Drive predictions for week 17. Woot. Multiple teams lost because they did not keep their starters in while one NFC East leader got railed on. Now, onto the last week of the regular season with this edition of the Final Drive! 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 17"

I know the game was meaningless for the Bears. There's not a huge difference between 5-9 and 6-9. Lovie Smith's job status could have been decided already. Jay Cutler was going to have a poor season either way, right? That being said...

Continue reading "What I learned from the Bears' 36-30 ..."

The Chicago Bears defeated the struggling Minnesota Vikings 36-30 in overtime Monday night at Soldier Field. 

Much-maligned Bears quarterback Jay Cutler tossed a 39-yard touchdown pass to Devin Aromashodu to secure the victory. 

Continue reading "Is Jay Cutler destined to become ..."

New England Patriots players and coaches expressed their support for embattled wide receiver Randy Moss this week after he played like a pathetic moose-knuckle in their 20-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers last Sunday in Foxboro.

Continue reading "Randy Moss Is a Moose-Knuckle Who ..."

It was a crazy week 14 in the NFL, book-ended by division upsets on Thursday and Monday night. While the playoff picture is coming into focus, we still have loads of drama in the NFC East and two undefeated teams with their eyes set on the Lombardi Trophy. The Final Drive starts now!

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 14"

Approximately 20 years ago, former Philadelphia Eagles superstar quarterback Randall Cunningham was featured on a cover of Sports Illustrated titled, “The Ultimate Weapon.”

Continue reading "Randall Cunningham Should Fly Like ..."

OLB Clay Matthews. DE Larry English. CB Alphonso Smith. Just a few of the names projected as players the New England Patriots would draft with the 23rd overall pick. Instead the Pats traded out of the first round, stockpiled more picks, and used all four second round picks.

Continue reading "Rookies vs. Rookies"

This weekend Denver faces yet another stiff challenge, and four division match-ups make the Opening Drive! Oh yeah, and some guy named Favre returns to the second team he played for. No big whoop. Let’s analyze! 

Continue reading "Joe’s NFL Opening Drive: Week 8"

Wow, it was blowout city this weekend. 11 of the 13 NFL games in week 7 were decided by ten points or more. That’s just ridiculous. Maybe it was good I was moving furniture on Sunday… wait, no it still wasn’t. To the Final Drive of week 7! 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 7"

Um… I struggled to find six games with real significant drama. Bob Sanders will return to the Colts, but it’s against the lowly Rams! The Packers face the bumbling Browns, New England faces winless Tampa Bay in London, and Buffalo takes on Carolina. *shudder* Here’s the best of week seven in my Opening Drive! 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 7"

In a crazy week six in the NFL, we saw both New York teams fall, one squad completely give up, and three teams continue their undefeated ways. The Final Drive of week six starts right now! 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 6"

With a busier schedule than normal, the Opening Drive was relegated to Sunday morning! Here’s my quick takes on some of the weekend’s NFL match-ups. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 6"

Geriatric quarterback Brett Favre helped the Minnesota Vikings defeat his estranged team, the Green Bay Packers, 30-23 Monday Night at the Metrodome.

Continue reading "Aaron Rodgers, Jimmy Clausen, Evander ..."

Geriatric quarterback Brett Favre helped the Minnesota Vikings defeat his estranged team, the Green Bay Packers, 30-23 Monday Night at the Metrodome.

Favre, 40, played brilliantly against his rivals as he completed 24 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns.

Continue reading "Aaron Rodgers Will Make Packers Fans ..."

Someone finally looked like a rookie quarterback; things are going south in Tennessee, and some guy named Brett Favre made headlines. I wrap up week four in the NFL with the Final Drive! 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 4"

In week four of the NFL season, at least one more undefeated team will fall. AFC forces meet in Boston, and one of the best rivalries in the league takes it to a whole ‘nother level thanks to a certain unretiring quarterback. Week four Opening Drive commence! 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 4"

He’s close. You know it. He knows it. And it’s frustrating Tom Brady to no end to being just a little off. Brady had a handful of overthrows or didn’t put the ball in exactly the right spot. It should come back to him in time, but for now Brady will beat himself up until the touch returns.

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 3"

Week 2 is behind us and it's on to Minnesota next...

We are 2-0...undefeated...I have to say I would love to go further undefeated but, after a while you start thinking about it so much, you can't concentrate on the task at hand...playing the game.

Continue reading "WEEK 2"

I was a decent 3-1 last week. Called the Games straight Up and where to take the points. My only lost was the Upset special. Which seems not so special for week 1. The Colts help on for the win, Yet like I said did not cover the spread. The Saints went marching in to the season with 6 touchdowns from Brees. The Dolphins seem to let me down in more then one way, I actual  sipped the Ronnie Brown Kool aid and left a sour taste in fantasy for week 1.

Continue reading "Week 2 NFL Picks"

The United Football League (UFL) is scheduled to begin their inaugural season on October 8, 2009.

The upstart league will have four teams competing in seven cities and games will be played on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings.

Continue reading "The United Football League (UFL) Will Thrive"

The main problem with Brett Favre’s ongoing retirement-waffling situation, aside from its sheer ridiculousness, is that it undermines the importance and value of training camp and the essential team building shenanigans that occur then and there.

Continue reading "The Vikings Message"

Boy, this Brett Favre character really knows how to play with a man's heart.  He's there, he's not, he's back, he's not, he's done for good.. PSYCH!  He really isn't done, NOT!  He is done!  Today is opposite day, he's back!  This is a legendary performance and my man, Brett, hasn't even taken the field yet.  I'm so psyched; my friend called me that day.. and all I could think was they're baaaa-ack.  Except instead of zombies, it was DB's screaming.

Continue reading "Classic Brett Favre!"

Michael Jordan came back, twice.  The first time was an unbelievable run.  The second time was with the Wizards.  He made them better.  Richard Hamilton learned a lot from Jordan.  Enough to win a championship. 

Continue reading "Favre I'm behind you."

Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer is reporting that he expects the recently “retired” Brett Favre to join the Vikings sometime in the next few weeks. 

Glazer quotes a few anonymous Vikings about Favre’s signing, with one saying “I’m telling you it’s already done.” Yet another Viking told him “I don’t know if it’s done, but I think he’ll be in by the third preseason game.”

Continue reading "Is Favre STILL Not Retired?"

Now that #4 isn't in the equation, let's briefly talk about the Vikes options at QB.  #7 Vick, uh NOOOOOOO. After the Sex Boat and the fact it's JUST now fading into the sunset, Ziggy, if Chilly brings this to you, for godsakes, slap HIM.....

Continue reading "Vikes QB options"

Well, it's over.  #4 has decided to listen to his body and say it's over OVER.  Does this Vikes Fanatic thinks we have heard the last of this drama?  I hope we have, but my spidy sense tells me NO.  By staying retired, Favre has retained some of his luster as a "premier" QB in NFL History.  At the same time, do I think either QB the Purple has now can get us where Favre would have?  That's hard to say.  However I also don't think it fair to annoint T-Jack "the startesr".  A number of national media types don't think Rosefel has a shot at the starting nod.  Myself, I think if it's just between the 2, T-Jack will win.  To this day, I don't understand the Purple trading for Sage, he is not a "Premier" QB in the League.  He is buy no means a Sanchez which has not got the opportunity to show his skills.  Sage has received the opportunity in Houston and I can't say here he came out smelling like a rose.  So, why?  Us mere mortal fans will never know that.  Media has asked Chilly that question and did not receive a straight answer.  Now that Favre is not going to become reality, Chilly will live or die with his decisions.  I still say Garcia would have been an improvement and he was willing and didn't even have to un-retire.  I think we all know T-Jack is going to win, and if and when he does, I think the Vikes should cut the loser and promote JD Booty to 2nd string and give him that chance.  If the Purple doesn't get to the playoffs and progress past Round 1, Chilly and T-Jack have to be gone for ZWilf in order for fans to continue to be on the Purple bandwagon.  For that matter I also think Spielman also has to go, if this result happens.  We will all just have to wait and see.  I do think T-Jack demonstrated a bit of where his maturity is right now by letting it leak he would ask for a trade if Favre was signed.  That's a maturity concern involving what "if's".  Hopefully, that's not a sign of how T-Jack is going to hold up when the going get's tough.  We shall all stay tuned....

Continue reading "The End of Favre-a-Palooza"

Well, the Brett Favre saga appears to be over… for now. 

The routinely flip-flopping quarterback informed ESPN’s Ed Werder of his decision to stay retired  after telling Brad Childress of the Minnesota Vikings.  Favre explained that he was unsure of his body’s ability to withstand another grueling NFL season and the training camp and preseason schedule that accompany it.  

Continue reading "Brett Favre to Stay Retired"

Well, that's disappointing.  I've gotten a few Packers fans all riled up with my Favre and Away post and now he's staying retired.. OR so he says.  Muuuahahah.  I hope this isn't over, I can't get enough of this story.. it's so much better than the Michael Jackson coverage.  Brett has done more, and if you don't think so.. you're wrong.  Michael Jackson doesn't have a prayer after him I bet.. Brett does.  It's no big deal, that's just who he is and why he will be missed. 

Continue reading "Brett Favre: Say It Ain't So!"

ESPN has an unknown segment on nearly every edition of Sportscenter called "The Favre Watch," which chronicles the ins and outs of Brett Favre's possible return to the NFL.  In Wisconsin, the fans don't even need ESPN because whether they are out camping or on the golf course having a few beers the Favre story finds them.  Inevitably, it throws off their golf game as they miss an easy putt or break their wedge in the sand and somehow it's Favre's fault.  And you know what?  I am sick and tired of all of this "Brett is losing a fan here" talk because Brett Favre doesn't care if you're not his fan anymore.  His only mission right now is to come back and stick it to Ted Thompson.  The same Ted Thompson that ran him out of Green Bay, the same Ted Thompson that wanted to put his mark on the roster.. the same Ted Thompson that has shrewdly put together an impressive roster.. so darn impressive that Green Bay rattled off 6 wins last year.  (I know, Favre can't stop the run.. Favre can't stop the pass.. Favre's not giving up 30 points a game.. Favre once won 4 games in a season.. but they were coming off a 13 win season.)

Continue reading "Brett Favre and Away"

As long as everyone else is throwing in their two cents about disgraced NFL quarterback Michael Vick's next career move, I thought I should chime in because the answer is just common sense.

Mike -- can I call you Mike? -- this is what you should do: Forget about a return to pro football for 2009 and contact dog whisperer Cesar Millan about becoming his sidekick.

Continue reading "Two Words of Advice for Vick: Reality Series"

Continue reading "The Favre Saga"

Continue reading "The Arm is Healthy or Not So Much?"

Ok, in my last blog post I said Brett Favre can't happen, so Sage or T-Jack has to.  Well, i stand corrected.  I saw u-tube video today of Favre throwing and saying it felt "OK".  He also said "ok" isn't good enough.  We all know give him the time between now and Training Camp, it's going to be a Brett Favre's level of "ok".  I guess this Viking fan needs to be on the "if you can't beat 'em join 'em" bandwagon.  I don't necessarily like it, but we all also know it's going to happen.  Brett is noticably drooling over the opportunity he is presented with with the Vikes.  He has a chance here to do what Jerome Bettis and Michael Strahan did.  If he can manage it more power to him, but this Vikings fan has also got a lot of Packer backer friends and he will never be accepted back the way he was if he does this.  Ted Thompson, hide that hunting knife you keep around, cuz attempts to split your back are coming from #4.  Obviously that is part of this scenario. 

Continue reading "Retraction from Previous Blog Post"

The best fit Minnesota could get now is Favre and a healthy arm. Even if his arm isn't 100%, if it is at least 70%, then they will improve. He provides tangibles and experience and can win.  With Favre as quarteback, they are at least a threat to pass, regardless of who the receivers are.  That is something they didn't have last year.  Adrian Peterson will still get his yards and Taylor will too.   And if Favre's arm is ok,  look out!

Continue reading "Favre and Minnesota"

The Minnesota Vikings are sending representatives to check out Brett Favre.  Why, are we wasting more time pursuing this man?  He is a empty bucket with little incentive for the Vikings to follow.  

Continue reading "Brett Favre Should Find His Sofa ..."

The country is getting more and more disgusted with each passing day as one of the NFL's greatest quarterbacks continues to make a mockery of his career by behaving like a spoiled diva. As if it weren't bad enough that we were subjected to endless speculation his last three seasons in Green Bay over whether he would or would not be in training camp, we now face year two of whether he will come out of retirement or stay out for good. Whether you loved Brett Favre throughout his career, or hated him, you cannot deny his place among the all time greats at his position.

Continue reading "Who needs Brett Favre? The Minnesota ..."

I am not sure it is possible, but Brett Favre needs to find the most desolate place in Mississippi and hide. Although I believe he is already past this stage, he needs to read Damage Control for Dummies

Continue reading "Brett, Go Far, Favre Away...."

Today wasn’t anything particularly special.  I woke up at 8:00a.m., a full hour after my alarm went off, not awesome.  Turned on the TV to see more Brett Favre.  His face, his grizzle and red jersey.  It seems that all the footage of Brett playing in Packer colors has been wiped off the face of the earth.  

Continue reading "Brett Favre -- Green Bay & America's ..."

Continue reading "Is it T-Jack or SRose, cuz Favre can't happen"

Does anyone believe the Minnesota Vikings wouldn't be better with Brett Favre?  Of course some do but I don't, his pre-madonna motivation to reign the Vikings to a Superbowl simply to spite his former GM is going to carry him far enough.  That type of attitude isn't for the Vikings.  We need a team made of selfless leaders and selfish role players.  Our Quarterback Tavaris Jackson needs to simply develop himself as a passer, stop trying to be a runner, and become a leader.  Our wide receivers need to stop being scared and get hungry.  The fear of being hit isn't enough for them to run fast, the motivation should be the touchdown.  The end zone dance should be their highlight.  

Continue reading "Brett Favre "Mr. Self-Destructive" ..."

As OTA's and minicamps progress while training camp begin to roll over the horizon, America's favorite sport nears its regular season.  While nobody knows how well teams will do in a season with the randomness of injuries and several other factors, it's always interesting to look ahead at the schedule and prognosticate.  Unlike most people, I'm not going to give just a win or loss for each game, rather I'm going to predict how many times the Steelers would win if they played a team 10 times.  For instance if the Steelers were playing a very crappy team, I would say 9/10 or 10/10.  At the end i will add up the wins and divide by 10, giving us how many wins they will have this season.

Continue reading "Steelers Game By Game Preview of ..."

Brett Favre was released from the New York Jets last week as an unrestricted free agent, and ever since the gossip has been swirling that Head Coach Brad Childress has been trying to woo Favre to his former rival team the Minnesota Vikings. At Favre's press conference he stated that he was retired from the National Football League "at this time" and the rumor mill has been churning up stories ever since. But whats the truth? It was reported that Childress flew to visit Favre at his home in Mississippi on Wednesday May 6, but Childress arrived the Vikings training facility the following morning. Are we to believe that if such meeting did occur, that it was so cut and dry as to be concluded in less than a day. Fans don't know whats going on, and its stirring up some unpleasant feelings from many die hard Vikes fans who will forever view Brett as the most loathesome of rivals, a Green Bay Packer. And on the other hand, there are some fans who overlook Favre's green and gold upbringing and view him simply as the best man for the job, as many folks have speculated that the Vikings are just a great Quarterback away from being a true Super Bowl Contender.

Continue reading "Say it aint so... Vikings Coach Childress ..."

Overall, I think it must be said the Vikings draft was a success.  Percy Harvin was a very smart move with his play making ability.  However, I think it must be noted that the original structure for "character first" within the Spielman-Childress regime is being seen to be sliding a bit.  This Purple People Eater fan thinks the pressure to win and potentially salvage an  executive or two's job might be the cause for relaxing that standard.  Chilly must have received one heck of a warm and fuzzy feeling from those down in Gainesville to look beyond Harvin's character issues.  Time will only tell on that.  If one takes the time to examine some of the Gainesville blog's about Harvin's off the field antics in his last years down there, it is certainly not favorable.  It is painstakenly obvious that he got a lot of latitude from Coach Meyer when it comes to being on the field.  A player with less talent, may not have experienced the same.  If Percey can prove me wrong and become a model citizen as well as maintain his showtime ability, then I will glady eat the crow that will be waiting for me. 

Continue reading "Vikings Draft Day & Questions"

So there is barely any news on the Chicago front. After waiting over five hours to make their only pick of the day at number 17 in the second round (49th overall), the Chicago Bears made a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. The Bears sent their 2nd round selection to Seattle and received the Seahawks’ 3rd round (68th overall) and 4th round (105th) choices, both of which will be on Sunday.

Continue reading "NFL Draft Day One: Bears Trade Down ..."

1st to my blogging fans.....I apologize for having a longer lapse between my entries.  I know, haha, some of you are waiting on the edge of you seat for every word I may write, lol.....yeah sure and now I will get over myself!!  Life has been busy and my store is taking off, so I won't complain about that and thank my lucky stars for it's fortune.  Now back to the Purple Crew;  latest news out of Chicago has some undisclosed (of course!!) Bears players not too happy with the fact of Jay Cutler not only not knowing who Sid Luckman is or was, but in his live press intro, he openly displayed the attitude of "whatever" toward the Bears icon.  Not good when it comes to the respect trait toward those that have come before him in the grand scheme of Bears country.  The reason I put this competitors thought in my Purple Crew speal is because the Bears ARE in our division.  Now, do I think Cutler will be able to impact the Purple's success?  Heck NO......the Bears offensive line isn't anything like what Denver's was or what our's is and with players such as JAllen, Culter will be seeing a lot of turf face to face.  Yes, Cutler is a mobile QB, but some of the DEs he will be facing are just as swift.  It is this bloggers opinion that Cutler will be lucky to get away with his health. 

Continue reading "Apologies and latest thoughts"

I just wanted to post a little note saying that I will no longer be blogging on this site in the future.  I want to thank the host of this blogosphere for letting me postulate about the Vikings during the 2008 season, and I'm definitely not leaving this blogosphere because I feel uncomfortable posting or anything like that.  Basically, I just want my blog to get a little more exposure in the NFL community.

Continue reading "Moving Day"

Continue reading "Let me be the 1st to say, I told ya so...."

I was sick to my stomach when i heard we had the deal between us and the texans became final and that we had landed sage rosenfels to compete with T-jack. After we lost to philly in the playoffs and childress said he wanted to bring in a person to compete with jackson, i thought he was just saying that to make jackson feel like he still was in the running. And i assumed that they would bring in a real quaterback such Cassel, Garcia, Warner, or a Leftwhich to run the team next year. But turns out Chilly wasnt lying he did get a guy that would compete at the same level of Jackson, which isnt saying much.

Continue reading "Sage is not our savior"

 As football fans across the globe cast their longing eyes in the direction of the April draft, I decided that now might be a good time to reflect on draft classes of the last 10 years. Too often in this business, we rush ahead to the next big event without taking pause to evaluate the past and learn from it. In a way, this study will still be a celebration of the coming 2009 draft as I believe it will shed some light on certain overlooked trends that no one ever stops to consider. I will begin with a class by class showdown of sorts at the quarterback position over the last 10 drafts.  This is part II in the series:

Continue reading "NFL Quarterback Draft Class Showdown: 2002 vs 2001"

In a show of their dedication to mediocrity, the Minnesota Vikings appear close to dealing a fourth round draft pick to the Houston Texans for QB Sage Rosenfels.

With Tavaris Jackson showing few signs of developing as a starter and free agent Gus Ferrotte refusing to return unless he's named the starter, the Vikes will go in a different direction and barter a second day draft pick for a band aid to apply to a wound that needs better first aid.

Continue reading "Three Points"

Now that the infamous Favre has allegedly put his name back on the retirement list, let the rumor mills begin.  We all know "some" will start the unwelcomed rumors that Brett is getting the itch, whenever or if he ever does get it again.  From this sports blogging fans persective, I don't think the itch will return.  Seriously, I think we all know Favre's days are done when it comes to playing at the highest level possible for his position.  I realize he had a torn bicep tendon during the last 4-5 games which obviously affected the velocity on this throws.  That injury really won't heal completely without surgery, accordingly to a number of sources.  Besides, as the Jets approached the end of the year this past season, I think anyone that is objective will concede he didn't have the same vigor or enthusiasm Favre fans are used to.  There has also been chatter of whether Favre will play the situation in order to get released by the Jets in order to sign with the Purple Nation?  To be perfectly candid, I think that would knock any progress the Vikes have made to date back a year or even two.  The word now is that Jeff Garcia is an option.  That I can actually see happening.  Garcia has the experience, pedigree and toughness to take the Purple Nation to the promised land.  He has the physical toughness that the Purple want to see as well (bloody nose he played with in the 2nd to the last game for the Buc's this past season).

Continue reading "End of an Era, maybe?"

The first year I ever watched a Super Bowl was after the 1996 season, when the Green Bay Packers (whom I, ironically, as a Vikings fan, was rooting for) beat the New England Patriots thanks in large part to a kickoff return by Desmond Howard for a touchdown to open the second half (if my memory serves me right).

Continue reading "My Favorite Super Bowl"

Being a fan of the NFL, by all accounts right now I should be doing nothing but preparing for the "holiest" of all days...Super Bowl Sunday.  Now don't get me wrong, I will watch the game on Sunday and enjoy it, but I really don't get into all the hype that precedes it.  In fact, I really dislike the fact that two weeks must commence between the AFC/NFC Championships and the overall title game (although I DO like the fact that it gives the players a chance to rest up in order to give their best performances).  However, at about this time every year, I start to become hooked by another sport...bowling.  I'm usually just a baseball (Twins) and football (Vikings) guy (I haven't watched an entire basketball or hockey game in years), so that February-March void needs to be filled with something (and Spring Training doesn't quite cut it).  Thus, I turn my attention to bowling.  Whether it be lacing up the flattened shoes at the actual alley or watching the pros break a sweat over every ball, I love what the sport of bowling represents: the idea that a task (knock down ten pins) that looks so easy can be so frustrating.

Continue reading "The Third Season"

About a week ago, I blogged about what I thought was the biggest question mark for the 2009 Minnesota Vikings...Head Coach Brad Childress.  In this post, I would like to examine the quarterback position, which will also come under deep scrutiny as the season plays out.

Continue reading "Issue #2: The Quarterback"

Continue reading "Newflash of Williams Duo"

Continue reading "A potentially long 2009 for Purple Pride followers"

(First of all, I want to sort-of apologize for this picture...I usually don't like to personally attack people on this blog without due cause, but it is just too funny not to put up!)

Continue reading "Dismiss the Sheriff, Promote the Deputy"

Last Sunday's 26-14 Viking defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card round was a tale of two halves:

Continue reading "Eagles 26, Vikings 14: Can't Quite ..."

It is weekends like the one we just had that make me glad I don’t make actual predictions in my blog. I would have been at best two for four, and maybe even one for four if I had gone with the Dolphins as a sentimental favorite. Showcasing its parity, each day of the NFL’s Wild Card Weekend followed different themes. On Saturday, the home teams pulled out the close victories, while on Sunday the road teams won in a more lop-sided manner. Let’s take a look at the weekend that was in this Wild Card edition of the Final Drive. 

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Wild Card Weekend"

As I mentioned yesterday, the Eagles came right after Tarvaris Jackson. And they beat him. They brought some real pressure on him like I haven't seen before. He did make some good plays - I don't think he was absolutely terrible. But I do agree with Kevin Seifert ( http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcnorth/0-7-38/QB-questions-not-going-away-for-Vikings.html) when he says that the Jackson experiement is over and it's time to move on. The Vikings have a great runningback in Adrian Peterson. The defense is good when they are healthy. Special teams have been below average but that will improve in practice. They have some decent wideouts that can make the plays. They need a QB that can throw it to them.

Continue reading "Vikings lost"

Attention all Purple Pride fans.  Today (January 4, 2009) should spell the end of an era for the starting quarterback stint for Tarvaris Jackson.  Among national media types, if Childress does not adjust his commitment to T-Jack then he could also be bringing light to a flaw in judgment when it comes to his talent finding abilities.  I really do not want to pile on a pack of critics that want Jackson's job, however he has now had 3 seasons to blossom and even #5 for the Eagles showed up by that time.  Given all the money Mr. Wilf  laid out during this past offseason, I don't think the ownership is going to have a whole lot of patience.  If there is any slack given to Brad Childress by Mr. Wilf, it also won't have a very long leash come the 2009 football season.  However, I also don't think that Purple Pride fans have any more patience for developing Jackson.  It was obvious that the boo birds were out with the stinking of the Offense to start the 2nd half.  There is also one glaring stat that should get any Purple fan to reach a state of confusion; and that is A.P. only having 6 rushing attempts in the 2nd half!  It was obvious that the D-Line was being wore down by our imposing 0-Line in the 1st half already and why get away from what is working is beyond me, but the Vikes, in my humble opinion, found that one way to LOSE again.  I am by no means calling for Brad Childress's job, however he also needs to acknowledge some accountability when it comes to how games are getting called for Offense.  On a positive note, I think it is obvious that DCoord Leslie Frazier, if anything, deserves a raise.  He not only continually has the opposition paranoid to run the ball against us, but he is also now being considered for Head Coaching  opportunites.  Frazier won't be the DCoordinator for the Purple for more than a season more. 

Continue reading "The Obvious End of T-Jack"

When the Vikings/Eagles wild card playoff matchup was finalized last weekend, the Las Vegas betting line had the home Minnesota Vikings as 10-point underdogs to the visiting Philadelphia Eagles.  Personally, I think that a different sort of "line" will be much more important on Sunday, that being the defensive variety...

Continue reading "Vikings/Eagles Preview: "Line" Is ..."

All I've written about so far is baseball, but since it's prime time in football season I might as well go ahead and share some thoughts about that. I've been a Vikings fan for awhile now. And it's been painful; the first season I remember was 1998, when they went 15-1 but lost in the championship game when Gary Anderson missed his first field goal all season. Since then they've had some other playoff teams, but very underwhelming. When Cris Carter left in the early part of this decade I have to be honest and admit that I kinda stopped following them. There was nothing exciting about them anymore.

Continue reading "Thoughts for Vikings-Eagles game tomorrow"

The playoffs are finally here, and not a moment too soon. After a crazy regular season, twelve teams are left with their eyes on the Super Bowl. Let’s get you ready for this weekend with a wild-card edition of the Opening Drive.

Continue reading "Joey A's Opening Drive: Wild Card Weekend"

Before previewing the big Vikings/Eagles matchup that will cap off the NFC Wild Card playoff round, I would first like to give my "official" (meaning they are most likely completely wrong!) predictions for the other three wild card games:

Continue reading "NFL Playoffs: Wild Card Preview"

Thin-slicing. It is the act cutting through all extraneous information and getting to the key items that characterize something. Malcolm Gladwell wrote an entertaining and informative book on thin-slicing called

Continue reading "Thin-slicing Week 1 of the NFL Playoffs"

I'm a bit late on commenting on the Vikings' last-second win over the New York Giants to catapult them into the playoffs on Sunday, but I do want to put in my two cents worth on the Vikings' effort.

Continue reading "Vikings 20, Giants 19: Getting the Job Done"

Continue reading "Not dead yet!"

While listening to some of the National Media types, it is obvious that most feel Brian Westbrook is going to run wild on the Purple Crew's defense.  I don't know that I buy that.  However, I do think that if the Purple shut down Westbrook, #5 is very capable of picking apart the Purple pass defense.  I think it is obvious that our only chance, should this scenario come to fruition, would be for our pass rush to come alive (as it has all season) and continually make #5 very uncomfortable.  I also don't think its enough to just make him feel uncomfortable, the Purple D need to make him eat some turf repeatedly, whether or not they get sacks.  Historically, that reduces #5's efficiency and effectiveness. 

Continue reading "Sold short againstw Philly"

The Vikings didn’t fumble, bumble and stumble their way into the playoffs, but they didn’t exactly come up with a work of art.

Instead they team play in spurts against the Giants, a formidable team that rested its starters in the second half. The red-zone defense was good throughout, and the offense played well early and late for the final (small) margin of 20-19.

Continue reading "Vikings beat Giants, make playoffs"

I thought I would write this blurb while watching the Purple in a dogfight with the G-Men.  I am eagerly awaiting some confirmation that the AZ win in all facets of the game wasn't just a aboration.  I will do my best to stay positive in this writing, however mistakes are killing us.  Right now, T-Jack has the opportunity to shut any critics up (including me!).  I am praying that he does.  I would love for him to step up.  They are going to A.P. so he doesn't have to make those smart decisions, which I can understand, however that also allows nerves to be rattled with A.P.'s tendenancy lately to lay the rock on the ground lately.  Now, with 25 seconds and the Purple driving there wasn't a sense of urgency to get closer for Longwell.  We had to burn our final timeout to stop the clock and make Longwell kick from much farther away than he should have had to.  Poor Longwell, having to make good in crunch time again.  .05 seconds to go and it's playoffs or......  The Vikes have won!  but boy did they make it interesting.....Go Purple!

Continue reading "Thoughts while watching with apprehension"

Now that the horrific game against the Falcons is behind us, let's reflect.  Score wise it wasn't horrific, however the 5 fumbles wasn't so nice to watch.  When a true fan such as myself and all of you other Purple lovers out there watch a game that had our offense penetrating DEEP into Atlanta's territory, then continually turning over the ball.  Not only that, but doing that at home!!  I do not live in Mn and was fortunate enough to have my local TV station carry the game and I thought the fans at "The Dome" were very gracious with how long they took to "booo" the Purple.  Also, it is very rare that I think Booing is warranted from a fan to their team.  However, it is obvious that in the ONE game that the Vikes needed to come out fired up for, they came out FLATTER than a warm beer!  It was also obvious, aside from CB Griffin and Jared Allen, that the team was flat and not really caring about the fan's concern with performance at home. 

Continue reading "Crucial Game Lapses"

Continue reading "week 17 Giants Vs Vikings"

It seems only fitting that what could end up as the Chicago Bears’ final game of significance this season comes against their biggest rivals the Green Bay Packers. If you choose to recall week 11’s trouncing at Lambeau Field, revenge would be that much sweeter. Oh, I hear revenge is a dish best served cold. Well, with an expected high of only seven degrees in Chicago, it could be on the menu Monday night. This time around, the Packers have been eliminated from playoff contention, and the Bears are the team fighting to stay alive. Since the Vikings chose to lose four fumbles to Atlanta yesterday, the Bears are playing with a purpose. 

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Green Bay ..."

I'm not going to analyze this game a whole lot, as it is pretty simple why the Vikings fell to the Falcons.  Despite dominating in nearly aspect of the game, turnovers (four fumbles in all) doomed the Purple in their quest for the NFC North Division title.

Continue reading "Falcons 24, Vikings 17: I Should ..."

Some things in this world are complicated. Not many people can describe all those fancy high-risk investments in Wall Street that have caused so much devastation.

But sometimes it doesn’t take much to understand the devastation at the Metrodome on Sunday. The Vikings had four turnovers against the Atlanta Falcons, and that’s it. When you’re minus four in the turnover battle, forget it.

Continue reading "Vikings in holiday spirit, give game to Falcons"

To me, this Sunday's Minnesota Vikings-Atlanta Falcons matchup is very even: On defense, the Vikings are clearly the better squad.  Offensively, though, the Falcons have more star talent (Michael Turner, Matt Ryan, Roddy White) than the Vikings, so, again, a big effort from Adrian Peterson will likely be the key to victory.

Continue reading "Vikings/Falcons Preview: An Even Line"

Continue reading "Motivated Nfl pick for week 16"

Boy, that was a headline I never thought I would write...WANTING Tarvaris Jackson to be under center of a crucial, playoff-implication game!  At the beginning of the season, I was one of those fans calling for Gus Frerotte to replace the struggling Jackson, and even supported Rot with a post about a month ago on this very blog.  However, it became clear in that much-too-close game against the Lions that Gus Frerotte just isn't a very good quarterback any more.  Not only is he slow and prone to being sacked, but he also isn't careful enough with the ball (basically the premium task he is charged with) and throws many interceptions as well.  Basically, when Gus is under center the defense had to dominate for the Purple to get into the win column.  With T-Jack, the offense has a chance to stretch the field and get some aggressive scores (not lucky 99 yarders or screen passes).

Continue reading "The Right Man Under Center"

Continue reading "Bevell knows best?"

In the wake of all the playoff hoopla surrounding the Vikings seemingly imminent (famous last words, I know) clinching of the NFC North sometime during the next two weeks, news came down that DT Pat Williams suffered a fractured shoulder and will miss 2-6 weeks.

Continue reading "Pat Williams Eats Fractured Shoulders For Lunch"

I would like to thank the Minnesota Vikings for putting the boots to the Arizona Cardinals, with their back-up quarterback, to the tune of 35-14. As if the Cards didn't have reason enough to win this Sunday. They're still jockeying for playoff positioning. Now they are hungry to bounce back from Sunday's butt-kicking.

Continue reading "Another Inspired Patriots Opponent"

Because of my work schedule, I was unable to preview this past Sunday's MN/Arizona game.  However, had I done so, I would have predicted a 35-14 Arizona victory (that was the number in my head).  I would have gotten the scoring correct, at least!

Continue reading "Vikings 35, Cardinals 14: An Impressive ..."

Where was this in the first two weeks of the season?

Tavaris Jackson, bench after two losses this season, had four TD passes (two of them over 40 yards) to led Minnesota to a not-so-surprising win over the playoff-bound Arizona Cardinals. Jackson went 11-for-17 with 163 yard with no picks or fumbles. He was sacked three times but also had three carries for three yards, all of them for one yard, avoiding other potential sacks. This was the kind of spark the Vikings haven't had since Dante Culpepper had his MVP-caliber season--only to be upstaged by record-setting QB Peyton Manning.

Continue reading "Surprising T-Jack leads to win with ..."

Anyone who foresaw a Vikings blowout raise your hands. I didn’t think so.

The Vikings saved their best game of the year for a time they really needed it and put themselves on the fast track to the playoffs, up one game on the Bears with two left.

Continue reading "Vikings pillage Arizona, 35-14"

Any Purple fan that remembers the past few years knows we have had to hold on to the cushion of our seat during the last 2-3 games?  Myself as well as many national media types believe that with the way the Purple have been playin on the road lately Arizona isn't a gimme for the Cardinals.  Actually, if the Vikes are able to keep the Williams Wall intact and have Jared continue to raise havoc with the QB, we stand a better than average chance of winning there.  Warner doesn't move well and is only lethal to secondary's if he has time.  The past 3 weeks our opponents QBs haven't had time (Thank you J.ALLEN).  Warner is specifically a pocket passer and when he gets outside the pocket, his stat's take a nose dive.  If anyone noticed how AZ performed in NY, the G-Men ran at will on them.  With the Purple's O-Line, A.P. should be able to get off against them.  I also think it was a blessing in disguise for Frerotte to get dinged up, because from a fan's perspective, he was starting to throw pick's a bit too consistently for my liking.

Continue reading "Arizona? but NOT Arizona or bust!"

I just wanted to quickly comment on the recent retirement of NFL kicker Morten Andersen.  For Vikings fans, Andersen will ultimately always be remembered as the kicker who converted when our Anderson (Gary) could not in the 1998 NFC Championship Game and sent the greatest Vikings team of all-time home too early.  However, in a strange twist of fate, Andersen actually kicked for the Vikes in 2004 and had a decent season.  Bygones, I guess (!).

Continue reading "A Great Tormentor (And One-Time Friend) ..."

This season is the chance Matt Cassel had been waiting eight years for. He was finally starting and after about a month of regaining his feel, Matt was playing great and showing everyone the player he's always been.

Continue reading "It Will Be An Emotional Game Sunday"

It isn't a good sign when two important wins for the Vikings this season have been two- and four-point victories against a winless team. Nonetheless, the Viks avoided the trap game and are 7-2 in their last nine games to move to 8-5 and have a one-game lead over Da Bears in the NFC North.

Continue reading "Another week, antother close Vikings' ..."

Well, anyone reading this blog likely watched Sunday's contest between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, so I'm not going to provide a summary.  Suffice it to say, though, that the Vikings got away with playing another terrible game yet walking out with a victory.

Continue reading "Vikings 20, Lions 16: Getting Away ..."