Well, we’ve been on the other end of it a number of times, so it was certainly a thrill watching Brett Favre lead the Vikings to a last second victory. But as exhilarating as the 27-24 win over the San Francisco 49ers was on Sunday, let’s be clear-eyed here. What does this game say about the kind of team the Vikings are and the kind of team they will be?
First, the good news.
Clearly this is a win that should be great for a team’s confidence. To have the ball with just 1:29 left in the game, on your own 20-yard line, no timeouts remaining and needing a touchdown to win the game and then winning it in the manner the Vikings did, well, that’s not something we’ve seen the Vikings do very much in the recent past. (Actually I can’t remember the Vikings ever winning a game like this.) This was the kind of drive the Vikings got Favre for. It’s also the kind of drive you could never envision Sage Rosenfels or Tarvaris Jackson pulling off.
So the belief in Favre in the Vikings locker room must be very high right now. I’d expect that they now feel that with Favre as their quarterback, they have a guy who can come through in any pressure situation, no matter how dire, and lead them to victory. That’s a powerful feeling.
The game also answered two critical questions I had about Favre for several weeks now:
1. Could the Vikings win a game when Favre had to throw the ball a lot? (The answer – today at least – was yes.)
2. Does Favre have the arm strength anymore to complete passes beyond 10 yards? (The 32-yard winning touchdown throw to Greg Lewis was a bullet and I saw Favre throw several other long passes in this game with plenty of velocity, if not accuracy.)
Still, I’m not sure how good a team the Vikings beat on Sunday. There are some troubling aspects to this game that I won’t be able to shake off the rest of the week.
To be fair, the 49ers certainly are spunky and tough. They don’t appear to be a team that goes away easily. And they had some things go their way in this game, which, perhaps, kept them in it when they shouldn’t have been. (Exhibit A: the 49ers score a touchdown two plays after an E.J. Henderson interception in the Vikes end zone is called back on a San Francisco delay of game penalty.) But I’m concerned the Vikings needed a miracle touchdown throw to beat an average team whose best offensive weapon by two country miles – Frank Gore – barely played. So are the Vikings really good or just really good at beating average teams?
Some other concerns:
– The Vikings defence made Shaun Hill and Vernon Davis look like Montana and Rice. Davis repeatedly got behind Viking linebackers in coverage and split the safeties down the middle of the field. This is not a new problem. With the Packers coming into the Metrodome next week, I’m sure Aaron Rodgers will pick up on this.
– If Lewis doesn’t make that great catch with two seconds left, the Vikings offence would have scored zero points in the second half. I know San Francisco’s defence has played pretty well this season, but geez, that isn’t the stuff champions are made of.
– Finally, while the final drive might obscure the fact for some, Favre badly misfired on several throws in this game that didn't look that difficult and really didn’t look very good at all for much of it. This isn’t the kind of quarterback play the Vikings will require to beat the elite teams.
But hey, the Vikings are 3-0. The early schedule looked favourable and the Vikings have taken advantage of it. But it gets harder from here on in – starting with the Packers next Monday night.
It will be one of the most hyped and anticipated games in a while and it should be a lot of fun to watch. But for the Vikings to win it, they’ll have to play much better than they did today.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday's football post
Vikings – 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are an excellent example why it’s a fool’s errand to look at your favourite team’s upcoming schedule in the offseason and start penciling in wins and losses.
Of course, I do it, because I can’t help myself sometimes. But what appeared like a relatively easy win for the Vikings in April looks a bit tougher now. The 49ers are 2-0, with one of those wins coming on the road against the Super Bowl runner-ups. I suspect they are coming into the Metrodome feeling good about themselves and relishing a chance to upset another 2008 playoff team with high expectations for 2009.
And here’s something I didn’t know until Thursday – the 49ers have won six of their last seven games under Samurai Mike’s leadership. We have to consider that San Francisco might be a good team now that Mike Singletary is the head coach.
However, if the Vikings really are a Super Bowl contender, this is the kind of squad they should beat comfortably in a home opener. The 49ers defence can be stout. But Shaun Hill, an ex-Viking who puts the “M” in mediocre, leads the offence. Hill’s not terrible. But it would be a stretch to say he’s good and it’s difficult to picture this Vikings defence allowing Hill to make enough plays with his arm to beat them – especially when his best receiver is 37-year-old Issac Bruce. The 49ers also have pass protection issues. Hill’s been sacked eight times in two games. Jared Allen, Ray Edwards and Kevin Williams are looking forward to this one.
Of course, the 49ers won’t want to pass much. You may have heard about Frank Gore and his 207-yard performance against Seattle last week. And you know the Vikings have looked surprisingly vulnerable against the run in their two wins. I suspect San Francisco will test the Vikings early and use Gore often. Which they should – he is their best offensive player.
Still, Gore is no Superman. Two weeks ago against Arizona, he rushed for 30 yards on 20 carries. So if the Vikings defence tackles well and plays up to their capabilities, I can’t see Gore making enough big plays to be a difference-maker that he has to be. And if he can’t do it, who else on the 49ers can? Josh Morgan? Vernon Davis? Michael Spurlock?
Two years ago, the Vikings beat San Francisco on the road 27-7. It was a weird game. Adrian Peterson averaged 0.2 yards per carry. Kevin Williams intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. The 49ers fumbled the ball six times. Robert Ferguson was the Vikings leading receiver. Tarvaris Jackson played well.
This time, I expect the Vikings to win again and the score to be similar to what it was in 2007. But I also expect this one to go a bit more according to script. Peterson will be a factor. Brett Favre will be quietly effective, completing a high percentage of short passes that keep the chains moving. And I expect Jared Allen and the gang to have Hill curled up in a fetal position by the fourth quarter.
Vikings 28 – 49ers 7
We’re number 15!
It’s great to be the best at something. And for the past three seasons I’ve been proud the Vikings were number one in run defence.
But two games into the 2009 season and my football universe has been turned upside down. The Vikings run D is just average (15th overall, although I’m sure you knew that.) What gives?
Look, I’m just a schmuck with a blog. I really don’t know. But what concerns me is I’m not noticing Pat Williams doing Pat Williams things often enough – like busting through a double-team and nailing a ball carrier for a loss.
Williams will turn 38 on October 24. Is he starting to show his age? It’s too early to make that call after two games. But if his play is declining rapidly, we might have to get used to a Vikings run defence that is closer to being average than it is to being outstanding.
Confidence
I might be imagining this, but during the Lions game last week, every time Fox cameras focused on the Vike’s sidelines, it seemed like they caught Minnesota players and the coaching staff either laughing, smiling or looking surprisingly relaxed – and this was even when the game was close.
I guess playing Detroit has a way of doing that to you. However, I also think the addition of Favre has made the Vikings a more confident team. But will the Vikings win more games this year compared to past years just because they believe in themselves now that they’ve got a Hall of Fame quarterback playing for them –even one that is past his prime?
I think they can. Just about any book I’ve read about coaching says that players perform better when they have positive attitudes, when they believe they will be successful. I don’t think recent Viking teams have always believed they would be successful, especially on the road.
I can think of a number of Viking teams this decade that would have imploded on the road after, say, a punt return for a touchdown gives the home team a late first half lead. But this Vikings team hasn’t imploded when faced with some adversity. I think having Favre on the team has a lot to do with that. It’s an encouraging sign.
Super Freak
I really dislike it when a gifted athlete is referred to as a freak. I think the word gets overused in sports. I get annoyed whenever I hear it.
However, if Adrian Peterson was put on a planet of freaks, I think even the freaks would describe Peterson as a freak – that’s how freakish his athletic talents are. And I wouldn't mind a bit.
That was driven home to me again this week after watching highlights of some of Peterson’s more impressive runs against Detroit on NFL.com. There weren’t even any holes for Peterson to run through in most of these clips. It’s almost all AP, bouncing off a wall of blockers and defenders, reversing his direction, then juking, outrunning (and running over) guys. He may be the best Viking of all time. We’re lucky to be watching him.
Now Adrian, go rip up San Francisco on Sunday, you freak.
The San Francisco 49ers are an excellent example why it’s a fool’s errand to look at your favourite team’s upcoming schedule in the offseason and start penciling in wins and losses.
Of course, I do it, because I can’t help myself sometimes. But what appeared like a relatively easy win for the Vikings in April looks a bit tougher now. The 49ers are 2-0, with one of those wins coming on the road against the Super Bowl runner-ups. I suspect they are coming into the Metrodome feeling good about themselves and relishing a chance to upset another 2008 playoff team with high expectations for 2009.
And here’s something I didn’t know until Thursday – the 49ers have won six of their last seven games under Samurai Mike’s leadership. We have to consider that San Francisco might be a good team now that Mike Singletary is the head coach.
However, if the Vikings really are a Super Bowl contender, this is the kind of squad they should beat comfortably in a home opener. The 49ers defence can be stout. But Shaun Hill, an ex-Viking who puts the “M” in mediocre, leads the offence. Hill’s not terrible. But it would be a stretch to say he’s good and it’s difficult to picture this Vikings defence allowing Hill to make enough plays with his arm to beat them – especially when his best receiver is 37-year-old Issac Bruce. The 49ers also have pass protection issues. Hill’s been sacked eight times in two games. Jared Allen, Ray Edwards and Kevin Williams are looking forward to this one.
Of course, the 49ers won’t want to pass much. You may have heard about Frank Gore and his 207-yard performance against Seattle last week. And you know the Vikings have looked surprisingly vulnerable against the run in their two wins. I suspect San Francisco will test the Vikings early and use Gore often. Which they should – he is their best offensive player.
Still, Gore is no Superman. Two weeks ago against Arizona, he rushed for 30 yards on 20 carries. So if the Vikings defence tackles well and plays up to their capabilities, I can’t see Gore making enough big plays to be a difference-maker that he has to be. And if he can’t do it, who else on the 49ers can? Josh Morgan? Vernon Davis? Michael Spurlock?
Two years ago, the Vikings beat San Francisco on the road 27-7. It was a weird game. Adrian Peterson averaged 0.2 yards per carry. Kevin Williams intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. The 49ers fumbled the ball six times. Robert Ferguson was the Vikings leading receiver. Tarvaris Jackson played well.
This time, I expect the Vikings to win again and the score to be similar to what it was in 2007. But I also expect this one to go a bit more according to script. Peterson will be a factor. Brett Favre will be quietly effective, completing a high percentage of short passes that keep the chains moving. And I expect Jared Allen and the gang to have Hill curled up in a fetal position by the fourth quarter.
Vikings 28 – 49ers 7
We’re number 15!
It’s great to be the best at something. And for the past three seasons I’ve been proud the Vikings were number one in run defence.
But two games into the 2009 season and my football universe has been turned upside down. The Vikings run D is just average (15th overall, although I’m sure you knew that.) What gives?
Look, I’m just a schmuck with a blog. I really don’t know. But what concerns me is I’m not noticing Pat Williams doing Pat Williams things often enough – like busting through a double-team and nailing a ball carrier for a loss.
Williams will turn 38 on October 24. Is he starting to show his age? It’s too early to make that call after two games. But if his play is declining rapidly, we might have to get used to a Vikings run defence that is closer to being average than it is to being outstanding.
Confidence
I might be imagining this, but during the Lions game last week, every time Fox cameras focused on the Vike’s sidelines, it seemed like they caught Minnesota players and the coaching staff either laughing, smiling or looking surprisingly relaxed – and this was even when the game was close.
I guess playing Detroit has a way of doing that to you. However, I also think the addition of Favre has made the Vikings a more confident team. But will the Vikings win more games this year compared to past years just because they believe in themselves now that they’ve got a Hall of Fame quarterback playing for them –even one that is past his prime?
I think they can. Just about any book I’ve read about coaching says that players perform better when they have positive attitudes, when they believe they will be successful. I don’t think recent Viking teams have always believed they would be successful, especially on the road.
I can think of a number of Viking teams this decade that would have imploded on the road after, say, a punt return for a touchdown gives the home team a late first half lead. But this Vikings team hasn’t imploded when faced with some adversity. I think having Favre on the team has a lot to do with that. It’s an encouraging sign.
Super Freak
I really dislike it when a gifted athlete is referred to as a freak. I think the word gets overused in sports. I get annoyed whenever I hear it.
However, if Adrian Peterson was put on a planet of freaks, I think even the freaks would describe Peterson as a freak – that’s how freakish his athletic talents are. And I wouldn't mind a bit.
That was driven home to me again this week after watching highlights of some of Peterson’s more impressive runs against Detroit on NFL.com. There weren’t even any holes for Peterson to run through in most of these clips. It’s almost all AP, bouncing off a wall of blockers and defenders, reversing his direction, then juking, outrunning (and running over) guys. He may be the best Viking of all time. We’re lucky to be watching him.
Now Adrian, go rip up San Francisco on Sunday, you freak.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Lombardi chimes in
The National Football Post's Mike Lomardi writes about his concerns with Brett Favre and the Vikings passing game.
It makes for interesting reading (the reader comments are good fun, too.) But Lombardi isn't telling Viking fans anything they hadn't already noticed after watching Favre play.
So here is what concerns me after watching Favre in two regular season games as a Viking and what amounted to roughly three quarters in the preseason.
1. Favre is slow in the pocket
This is to be expected. He'll be 40 soon and there are a lot of big, fast dudes chasing him. Still, the fact is Favre is unable to nimbly step up or around collapsing pass protection. And when an opposing pass rusher does lay a hand on him, he is going down easily, without a fight.
This isn't going to change or improve, which means the pass routes the Vikings call will have to mask this weakness throughout the season. In short: I think we are going to continue to see a lot of short passing plays. This is what the Vikings must do with the 2009 Brett Favre.
2. Favre's deep ball does not look good
He hasn't thrown many, but the ones he has thrown have lacked the zip we're seeing on most of the short throws (like the pass to Visanthe Shiancoe for a touchdown against Detroit.) It also seems like he's not steeping into his longer throws, which reduces the zip he can put into them. But that just illustrates one final problem with the Vikings passing game ....
3. The offensive line isn't protecting him very well
A big reason Favre can't step into his long throws is defenders are in the process of hammering him just as he's releasing the ball. If the Vikings blockers were doing a better job keeping pass rushers off of Favre, he'd have more time and a cleaner pocket to throw from. But he's not getting that, so the Vikings are forced to throw a lot of short stuff, featuring three-step drops and the ball coming out before a pass rusher has any hope of reaching Favre.
Again, if the pass blocking does not improve greatly, the Vikings will have to continue to call plays to hide that weakness. That's going to mean more short passing plays.
One other thing, while it's only based on two games, the Vikings are on pace to give up 56 sacks this season. Favre will not make it through the season taking that kind of punishment.
So I think the short passing game is the way it's going to be in 2009. I don't think it's going to change very much – barring significant improvements in points #2 and #3 – and the Vikings are going to have to ride this offensive formula as far as it will take them.
Considering how well Adrian Peterson has played thus far, that could be pretty far (especially if the run defence returns to its dominant old self.) But like Lombardi points out, can the Vikings beat Baltimore or Pittsburgh – the really, really good teams – this way?
I really don't know. I hope so. But I don't know.
It makes for interesting reading (the reader comments are good fun, too.) But Lombardi isn't telling Viking fans anything they hadn't already noticed after watching Favre play.
So here is what concerns me after watching Favre in two regular season games as a Viking and what amounted to roughly three quarters in the preseason.
1. Favre is slow in the pocket
This is to be expected. He'll be 40 soon and there are a lot of big, fast dudes chasing him. Still, the fact is Favre is unable to nimbly step up or around collapsing pass protection. And when an opposing pass rusher does lay a hand on him, he is going down easily, without a fight.
This isn't going to change or improve, which means the pass routes the Vikings call will have to mask this weakness throughout the season. In short: I think we are going to continue to see a lot of short passing plays. This is what the Vikings must do with the 2009 Brett Favre.
2. Favre's deep ball does not look good
He hasn't thrown many, but the ones he has thrown have lacked the zip we're seeing on most of the short throws (like the pass to Visanthe Shiancoe for a touchdown against Detroit.) It also seems like he's not steeping into his longer throws, which reduces the zip he can put into them. But that just illustrates one final problem with the Vikings passing game ....
3. The offensive line isn't protecting him very well
A big reason Favre can't step into his long throws is defenders are in the process of hammering him just as he's releasing the ball. If the Vikings blockers were doing a better job keeping pass rushers off of Favre, he'd have more time and a cleaner pocket to throw from. But he's not getting that, so the Vikings are forced to throw a lot of short stuff, featuring three-step drops and the ball coming out before a pass rusher has any hope of reaching Favre.
Again, if the pass blocking does not improve greatly, the Vikings will have to continue to call plays to hide that weakness. That's going to mean more short passing plays.
One other thing, while it's only based on two games, the Vikings are on pace to give up 56 sacks this season. Favre will not make it through the season taking that kind of punishment.
So I think the short passing game is the way it's going to be in 2009. I don't think it's going to change very much – barring significant improvements in points #2 and #3 – and the Vikings are going to have to ride this offensive formula as far as it will take them.
Considering how well Adrian Peterson has played thus far, that could be pretty far (especially if the run defence returns to its dominant old self.) But like Lombardi points out, can the Vikings beat Baltimore or Pittsburgh – the really, really good teams – this way?
I really don't know. I hope so. But I don't know.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
First halfs – who needs 'em
What’s a beautiful sight to see for Viking fans?
It’s watching Brett Favre smiling on the sideline wearing a Minnesota ball cap and Adrian Peterson throwing his cleats into the crowd – and there’s still five minutes left in the game.
When you see those types of actions by your starters, that usually means your favourite team is on its way to a comfortable victory, which is exactly what went down against the Detroit Lions Sunday as the Vikings picked up a 27-13 win to go 2-0.
Vikings detractors will point to another poor first half by the team as evidence that this squad isn’t yet a Super Bowl contender. But once again the team won another game on the road by a double digit score against a team it should beat by a double digit score.That’s what a Super Bowl contender is supposed to do.
Meanwhile, as I write this, the Packers have lost at home to the Bengals and the Bears are tied 7-7 at half time against the Steelers and Jay Cutler and the Chicago offence started the game with two straight three-and-outs. (Update: Bears won 17-14)
So while we should be concerned about some of the bad things we witnessed against the Lions this Sunday, let’s focus on some of the many good things we saw from the Vikings (particularly in the second half) in this game.
Good things like ....
Adrian Peterson catching passes
The Vikings made a concerted effort to get Peterson in space on some screens today. The results weren’t spectacular – gains of five, five, three and 11 yards on each catch – but Peterson looked comfortable catching the ball (something we didn’t see from him last year) and it’s not hard to imagine AP taking a few of these screens to the house later this season.
Peterson catching passes just makes AP a more complete back and harder to defend. I also like seeing a game where the Vikings win and Peterson only had to touch the ball 19 times. Nice to see the franchise avoid more wear and tear.
Percy Harvin’s strength
The rookie hasn’t broken any long plays yet, but it’s clear Favre likes him and he almost always makes the first tackler miss. And how many tackles did he break and Lions defenders did he carry for an extra yard or two when he had the ball?
You wouldn’t think you could say this about a guy who is listed at 5’11 and 184 pounds, but this kid is a load. Get the ball to him and it’s a guaranteed five-to-10 yard gain. Harvin speed and strength is leading to positive plays, first downs and extended drives for the Vikings.
The short passing game
I’m not in love with dink and dunk offences. But it worked in this game. Favre was accurate (only four incompletions) and threw with authority. It was also nice to see Bernard Berrian (six catches) and Sidney Rice utilized today. Number four looks much more comfortable with his receivers now than he did against Houston a month ago. That’s encouraging for a Vikings passing game that’s generally been pretty poor during Brad Childress’ tenure as head coach in Minnesota. I expect Favre and the Vikings passing game to get better.
Discipline
An ugly two-play sequence aside, where Kevin Williams and Jayme Mitchell both were called for 15-yard penalties that contributed greatly to Detroit’s only touchdown, the Vikings did another good job avoiding taking penalties. The Vikes were only called for five in this game and only three against the Browns last week.
Now when you’re playing teams that aren’t as good as you, you probably shouldn’t take many penalties against them. But the amount of flags the Vikings were called for during the preseason was a concern. So far in the regular season, they are not beating themselves in this area.
Heath Farwell and Chad Greenway
Pay attention after an opposing punt or kick-off returner gets off the ground and you’ll probably find #59 getting up off of him.
Farwell made at least two tackles today on punt and kick-off coverages where he prevented a long gain and maybe even a touchdown or two. These are the kind of tackles the Vikings coverage units couldn’t make last year.
Let me be clear – Heath Farwell is one valuable Viking.
As for Greenway, his athleticism continues to surprise me, although I don’t know why. His two key interceptions sucked the life out of Matt Stafford and the Lions offence. And he showed nice hands recovering the Lions onside kick. This guy could’ve have been a tight end if he wasn’t such a good linebacker.
Oh yeah, the Vikings last three number one picks: Greenway, Peterson and Harvin. Nice.
Of course, it wasn’t all good times against Detroit. Another sluggish first half by the Vikings was perplexing. It would be good to see them smoke San Francisco early next week.
Some other concerns: pass protection, Favre’s arm strength on the deep ball and the Vikings run defence.
I find it alarming that Favre’s already been sacked seven times this season (and hit and pressured heavily on numerous other throws) against two bad defensive units like the Browns and the Lions. Favre will have a hard time making it through the season if this continues.
And he still doesn’t look good throwing any ball beyond 15 yards. This has been noted elsewhere by other people the past two seasons – that Favre can’t throw the deep ball anymore – but if teams don’t think Favre can hurt them with longer throws, they are going to start scheming to take away the Vikings short passing game. And what happens to Favre and the passing game then? Is the rotator cuff problem hindering Favre on long throws?
The run defence also doesn’t look sharp. Jamal Lewis looked 10 years younger last week. But when the Browns fell behind in the second half against the Vikes, Lewis didn’t get enough touches to be the factor he was in the first half.
Today against Detroit, I was surprised how often the Lions Kevin Smith, Maurice Morris and Aaron Brown consistently broke through a crowded line of scrimmage for positive – sometimes excellent – yardage. If this continues, better teams will undoubtedly take advantage of that more than the Browns and Lions were able to. But I don’t expect it to continue.
However, no need to worry much about all that right now. The Vikings are 2-0 with the average (at best) San Francisco 49ers coming into the Metrodome next week. It’s good to be a Vikings fan right now. Let's enjoy this one for a while.
It’s watching Brett Favre smiling on the sideline wearing a Minnesota ball cap and Adrian Peterson throwing his cleats into the crowd – and there’s still five minutes left in the game.
When you see those types of actions by your starters, that usually means your favourite team is on its way to a comfortable victory, which is exactly what went down against the Detroit Lions Sunday as the Vikings picked up a 27-13 win to go 2-0.
Vikings detractors will point to another poor first half by the team as evidence that this squad isn’t yet a Super Bowl contender. But once again the team won another game on the road by a double digit score against a team it should beat by a double digit score.That’s what a Super Bowl contender is supposed to do.
Meanwhile, as I write this, the Packers have lost at home to the Bengals and the Bears are tied 7-7 at half time against the Steelers and Jay Cutler and the Chicago offence started the game with two straight three-and-outs. (Update: Bears won 17-14)
So while we should be concerned about some of the bad things we witnessed against the Lions this Sunday, let’s focus on some of the many good things we saw from the Vikings (particularly in the second half) in this game.
Good things like ....
Adrian Peterson catching passes
The Vikings made a concerted effort to get Peterson in space on some screens today. The results weren’t spectacular – gains of five, five, three and 11 yards on each catch – but Peterson looked comfortable catching the ball (something we didn’t see from him last year) and it’s not hard to imagine AP taking a few of these screens to the house later this season.
Peterson catching passes just makes AP a more complete back and harder to defend. I also like seeing a game where the Vikings win and Peterson only had to touch the ball 19 times. Nice to see the franchise avoid more wear and tear.
Percy Harvin’s strength
The rookie hasn’t broken any long plays yet, but it’s clear Favre likes him and he almost always makes the first tackler miss. And how many tackles did he break and Lions defenders did he carry for an extra yard or two when he had the ball?
You wouldn’t think you could say this about a guy who is listed at 5’11 and 184 pounds, but this kid is a load. Get the ball to him and it’s a guaranteed five-to-10 yard gain. Harvin speed and strength is leading to positive plays, first downs and extended drives for the Vikings.
The short passing game
I’m not in love with dink and dunk offences. But it worked in this game. Favre was accurate (only four incompletions) and threw with authority. It was also nice to see Bernard Berrian (six catches) and Sidney Rice utilized today. Number four looks much more comfortable with his receivers now than he did against Houston a month ago. That’s encouraging for a Vikings passing game that’s generally been pretty poor during Brad Childress’ tenure as head coach in Minnesota. I expect Favre and the Vikings passing game to get better.
Discipline
An ugly two-play sequence aside, where Kevin Williams and Jayme Mitchell both were called for 15-yard penalties that contributed greatly to Detroit’s only touchdown, the Vikings did another good job avoiding taking penalties. The Vikes were only called for five in this game and only three against the Browns last week.
Now when you’re playing teams that aren’t as good as you, you probably shouldn’t take many penalties against them. But the amount of flags the Vikings were called for during the preseason was a concern. So far in the regular season, they are not beating themselves in this area.
Heath Farwell and Chad Greenway
Pay attention after an opposing punt or kick-off returner gets off the ground and you’ll probably find #59 getting up off of him.
Farwell made at least two tackles today on punt and kick-off coverages where he prevented a long gain and maybe even a touchdown or two. These are the kind of tackles the Vikings coverage units couldn’t make last year.
Let me be clear – Heath Farwell is one valuable Viking.
As for Greenway, his athleticism continues to surprise me, although I don’t know why. His two key interceptions sucked the life out of Matt Stafford and the Lions offence. And he showed nice hands recovering the Lions onside kick. This guy could’ve have been a tight end if he wasn’t such a good linebacker.
Oh yeah, the Vikings last three number one picks: Greenway, Peterson and Harvin. Nice.
Of course, it wasn’t all good times against Detroit. Another sluggish first half by the Vikings was perplexing. It would be good to see them smoke San Francisco early next week.
Some other concerns: pass protection, Favre’s arm strength on the deep ball and the Vikings run defence.
I find it alarming that Favre’s already been sacked seven times this season (and hit and pressured heavily on numerous other throws) against two bad defensive units like the Browns and the Lions. Favre will have a hard time making it through the season if this continues.
And he still doesn’t look good throwing any ball beyond 15 yards. This has been noted elsewhere by other people the past two seasons – that Favre can’t throw the deep ball anymore – but if teams don’t think Favre can hurt them with longer throws, they are going to start scheming to take away the Vikings short passing game. And what happens to Favre and the passing game then? Is the rotator cuff problem hindering Favre on long throws?
The run defence also doesn’t look sharp. Jamal Lewis looked 10 years younger last week. But when the Browns fell behind in the second half against the Vikes, Lewis didn’t get enough touches to be the factor he was in the first half.
Today against Detroit, I was surprised how often the Lions Kevin Smith, Maurice Morris and Aaron Brown consistently broke through a crowded line of scrimmage for positive – sometimes excellent – yardage. If this continues, better teams will undoubtedly take advantage of that more than the Browns and Lions were able to. But I don’t expect it to continue.
However, no need to worry much about all that right now. The Vikings are 2-0 with the average (at best) San Francisco 49ers coming into the Metrodome next week. It’s good to be a Vikings fan right now. Let's enjoy this one for a while.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The Harvin effect
To wet your appetite for Sunday's matchup against the Lions, and for the benefit of the five people who read this blog on Saturday's during the regular season, I pass along this excellent post by Chris Brown at the New York Times' Fifth Down blog that I came across Saturday morning roaming the Internet when I should have been spending quality time with my toddler daughter.
In short, Brown – who the NY Times tells us is a former football coach – thinks Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson will make beautiful music together. He also has high praise for how Vikings head coach Brad Childress used Harvin in the season opener against Cleveland. Surprising – and encouraging.
In short, Brown – who the NY Times tells us is a former football coach – thinks Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson will make beautiful music together. He also has high praise for how Vikings head coach Brad Childress used Harvin in the season opener against Cleveland. Surprising – and encouraging.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Friday's football post
I’ve decided to junk the “two-minute drill” title for my Friday posts. It seems everybody tries to give these Friday columns some catchy name. I never really liked “two-minute drill” title – it was too obvious. But it was also all I could come up with at the time. So I’m going with something that is not as catchy and even more obvious – Friday’s football post.
Now for some thoughts about Sunday's game.
Vikings – Lions
As a Vikings fan, I often talk myself into upsets. And this game is an easy one to talk myself into. You’ve got a Detroit team with all those losses and they played the Vikings close last year. The Lions must be due for a win, right?
It could happen. But my key concern after Detroit named number one pick Matt Stafford as its starting quarterback was that he’d pull a Matt Ryan, team up with Calvin Johnson (who really, really scares me) and give the Lions an offence that was just good enough to make up for its awful defence in this game.
I didn’t see Stafford’s debut against New Orleans last Sunday, but here is Football Outsiders' write-up on the rookie after his three-interception performance against the Saints:
Stafford appeared to get a copy of the playbook with only one route written in for each play, since it was the only read and progression he seemed to go through. Every criticism we heard of Stafford coming out of college -- that he wasn't mobile enough, that he relied on his arm too heavily, that he was prone to bouts of inaccuracy because of inconsistent mechanics -- came out against the Saints. And it's not like the Saints have anything resembling a good pass defense. It's not fair to judge Stafford based upon his first start, so we won't, but things did not look good out there.
Stafford may make some impressive throws in this one. He does seem to have a strong arm, and in Johnson, he has a big, fast target to throw to. But he should make some impressive mistakes, too, especially if the Vikings pass rush is as effective as I expect it to be on Sunday. The Lions also won’t be facing Gus Frerotte, whose 1/3 touchdown-to-interception ratio and overall craptastic play had a fair bit to do with how close those two games were last year.
Brett Favre might not throw six touchdown passes against Detroit on Sunday like Drew Brees did. But I can see him throwing two or three, mixed in with a couple of Adrian Peterson touchdowns and maybe one from Chester Taylor as well. That should be plenty of offence against Detroit, especially if the Vikings hold the Lions under 20 points, as they should.
The Vikings are too good – on both sides of the ball – to lose this one, no matter how much I talk myself into it.
Vikings 31 – Lions 17
NFC North predictions
This is kind of late, but here is how I see the NFC North shaping up this season.
Packers 11-5
Vikings 10-6 (wildcard)
Bears 9-7
Lions 3-13
Honestly, this is what I thought before all the football cognoscenti starting fawning over the Packers. I hope I’m wrong. But these predictions are based on the Vikings shaky quarterback situation, the Packers excellent offence and Dom Capers improving the Packers defensive performance.
I felt Capers – not Jay Cutler, Stafford, Percy Harvin or Favre – was the most important acquisition made by an NFC North team in the offseason. So what impact is Green Bay’s new defensive coordinator having on the Packers D? Mike Tanier of Football Outsiders breaks down some of the blitzes Capers threw at the Bears in the season opener. Read it and tell me you’re not terrified thinking about how the Vikings offensive line is going to deal with this stuff in a couple of weeks.
Facial hair
So what do you think of Chilly’s beard? The mustache look never did it for me. As ESPN’s Bill Simmons once wrote (although I’m not getting his exact words right here), the old look made Childress look like the kind of guy who liked to slap around hookers after hours for kicks.
Anyway, I’ve always wondered how football players could take someone of Childress’ physical stature seriously when he starts talking about football. He looks like he should be teaching a high school history class.
I like the scruffy beard. It makes him look tougher, more in command. However, I do realize growing a beard won’t make him a better coach, or better at challenging calls or calling plays during the two-minute offence. So what am I trying to get across here? I have no idea. But I do like the beard.
When ex-athletes write
Access Vikings has spiced up the look of its site and it even features some new blogs not written by the paper’s staff, including one from ex-Viking linebacker Matt Blair.
I have no recollection of watching Blair play, although I must have since he retired after the 1985 season. Still, I’ve always liked him, perhaps because he was good at blocking all those field goals, back when the Vikings special teams was actually good and contributed to wins instead of losses.
Blogging by athletes is hit and miss. But I’m going to keep checking out Blair’s to see how it develops. Basically, I’m looking for a lot of “insider” knowledge about what’s it like to be an NFL player and an NFL player in Minnesota in particular. This week, Blair delivers – writing about the preparation NFL players put in during the regular season back when he played. It’s pretty interesting.
Now for some thoughts about Sunday's game.
Vikings – Lions
As a Vikings fan, I often talk myself into upsets. And this game is an easy one to talk myself into. You’ve got a Detroit team with all those losses and they played the Vikings close last year. The Lions must be due for a win, right?
It could happen. But my key concern after Detroit named number one pick Matt Stafford as its starting quarterback was that he’d pull a Matt Ryan, team up with Calvin Johnson (who really, really scares me) and give the Lions an offence that was just good enough to make up for its awful defence in this game.
I didn’t see Stafford’s debut against New Orleans last Sunday, but here is Football Outsiders' write-up on the rookie after his three-interception performance against the Saints:
Stafford appeared to get a copy of the playbook with only one route written in for each play, since it was the only read and progression he seemed to go through. Every criticism we heard of Stafford coming out of college -- that he wasn't mobile enough, that he relied on his arm too heavily, that he was prone to bouts of inaccuracy because of inconsistent mechanics -- came out against the Saints. And it's not like the Saints have anything resembling a good pass defense. It's not fair to judge Stafford based upon his first start, so we won't, but things did not look good out there.
Stafford may make some impressive throws in this one. He does seem to have a strong arm, and in Johnson, he has a big, fast target to throw to. But he should make some impressive mistakes, too, especially if the Vikings pass rush is as effective as I expect it to be on Sunday. The Lions also won’t be facing Gus Frerotte, whose 1/3 touchdown-to-interception ratio and overall craptastic play had a fair bit to do with how close those two games were last year.
Brett Favre might not throw six touchdown passes against Detroit on Sunday like Drew Brees did. But I can see him throwing two or three, mixed in with a couple of Adrian Peterson touchdowns and maybe one from Chester Taylor as well. That should be plenty of offence against Detroit, especially if the Vikings hold the Lions under 20 points, as they should.
The Vikings are too good – on both sides of the ball – to lose this one, no matter how much I talk myself into it.
Vikings 31 – Lions 17
NFC North predictions
This is kind of late, but here is how I see the NFC North shaping up this season.
Packers 11-5
Vikings 10-6 (wildcard)
Bears 9-7
Lions 3-13
Honestly, this is what I thought before all the football cognoscenti starting fawning over the Packers. I hope I’m wrong. But these predictions are based on the Vikings shaky quarterback situation, the Packers excellent offence and Dom Capers improving the Packers defensive performance.
I felt Capers – not Jay Cutler, Stafford, Percy Harvin or Favre – was the most important acquisition made by an NFC North team in the offseason. So what impact is Green Bay’s new defensive coordinator having on the Packers D? Mike Tanier of Football Outsiders breaks down some of the blitzes Capers threw at the Bears in the season opener. Read it and tell me you’re not terrified thinking about how the Vikings offensive line is going to deal with this stuff in a couple of weeks.
Facial hair
So what do you think of Chilly’s beard? The mustache look never did it for me. As ESPN’s Bill Simmons once wrote (although I’m not getting his exact words right here), the old look made Childress look like the kind of guy who liked to slap around hookers after hours for kicks.
Anyway, I’ve always wondered how football players could take someone of Childress’ physical stature seriously when he starts talking about football. He looks like he should be teaching a high school history class.
I like the scruffy beard. It makes him look tougher, more in command. However, I do realize growing a beard won’t make him a better coach, or better at challenging calls or calling plays during the two-minute offence. So what am I trying to get across here? I have no idea. But I do like the beard.
When ex-athletes write
Access Vikings has spiced up the look of its site and it even features some new blogs not written by the paper’s staff, including one from ex-Viking linebacker Matt Blair.
I have no recollection of watching Blair play, although I must have since he retired after the 1985 season. Still, I’ve always liked him, perhaps because he was good at blocking all those field goals, back when the Vikings special teams was actually good and contributed to wins instead of losses.
Blogging by athletes is hit and miss. But I’m going to keep checking out Blair’s to see how it develops. Basically, I’m looking for a lot of “insider” knowledge about what’s it like to be an NFL player and an NFL player in Minnesota in particular. This week, Blair delivers – writing about the preparation NFL players put in during the regular season back when he played. It’s pretty interesting.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Normally I'm a happy guy
I think I came off as overly negative in Sunday’s post after a 14-point Vikings win on the road, outdoors and on grass. It’s a win I would have given my right testicle for in 2003 and 2004.
So while I’m still not confident the Vikings passing game is any better right now with Brett Favre than it was the previous three seasons with Brad Johnson, Tarvaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte, I realize it is a work in progress and I was wayyyyy more encouraged than discouraged by what I saw in the win over Cleveland.
Despite my reservations, this could be a special season.
Some Monday links
– What was the biggest upset so far in week one of the 2009 NFL season? For me, it’s learning that Vikes Geek actually had something good to say about Vikings head coach Brad Childress.
– Football Outsiders entertaining “Audibles at the Line” deals with the Vikings/Browns game at length. Two raise-my-eyebrows moments in the exchange: FO head honcho Aaron Schatz liked the Childress decision to try an onside kick to start the game (I didn’t) and the assertion by some guy named Mike Kurtz that the Vikings pass protection problems on blitzes was Favre’s fault.
It sounds like a plausible theory – blaming it all on the old guy who chose to skip OTAs and training camp and showed up three weeks ago – except that the Vikes offensive line has struggled with blitz pickups for as long as Childress has been in Minnesota. What we saw Sunday against Cleveland was not all on Favre.
– Playing linebacker in the NFC North has been hazardous to one’s football career the past 12 months. E.J. Henderson missed most of last season with dislocated toes. The Packers Nick Barnett still isn’t back to full strength after last season’s knee injury at the Metrodome ended his year. And now the Bears Brian Urlacher is gone for the season with a dislocated wrist.
I don’t like to see anyone sustain season-ending injuries. But .... Urlacher always seems to play out of his mind against the Vikings. (Desperately trying to hold off a smirk.)
– The National Football Post’s Andrew Brandt talks about the Williams Wall ruling.
So while I’m still not confident the Vikings passing game is any better right now with Brett Favre than it was the previous three seasons with Brad Johnson, Tarvaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte, I realize it is a work in progress and I was wayyyyy more encouraged than discouraged by what I saw in the win over Cleveland.
Despite my reservations, this could be a special season.
Some Monday links
– What was the biggest upset so far in week one of the 2009 NFL season? For me, it’s learning that Vikes Geek actually had something good to say about Vikings head coach Brad Childress.
– Football Outsiders entertaining “Audibles at the Line” deals with the Vikings/Browns game at length. Two raise-my-eyebrows moments in the exchange: FO head honcho Aaron Schatz liked the Childress decision to try an onside kick to start the game (I didn’t) and the assertion by some guy named Mike Kurtz that the Vikings pass protection problems on blitzes was Favre’s fault.
It sounds like a plausible theory – blaming it all on the old guy who chose to skip OTAs and training camp and showed up three weeks ago – except that the Vikes offensive line has struggled with blitz pickups for as long as Childress has been in Minnesota. What we saw Sunday against Cleveland was not all on Favre.
– Playing linebacker in the NFC North has been hazardous to one’s football career the past 12 months. E.J. Henderson missed most of last season with dislocated toes. The Packers Nick Barnett still isn’t back to full strength after last season’s knee injury at the Metrodome ended his year. And now the Bears Brian Urlacher is gone for the season with a dislocated wrist.
I don’t like to see anyone sustain season-ending injuries. But .... Urlacher always seems to play out of his mind against the Vikings. (Desperately trying to hold off a smirk.)
– The National Football Post’s Andrew Brandt talks about the Williams Wall ruling.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
I'm a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers ....
Should a fan be worried when his team scores 34 points and wins by two touchdowns on the road in its first game of the season?
Probably not. But when Fox play-by-play guy Thom Brennaman mused late in the fourth quarter – with Minnesota cruising to victory – that it seemed like the Vikings offence hadn’t played all that well, I think he was right. And that is what worries me.
It’s true the Vikings mostly obliterated the Cleveland Browns in the second half of a 34-20 win, as I suspected they would. It’s also true Adrian Peterson is still great and Brett Favre made a couple of key throws in that second half that kept drives alive and helped contribute to the rout. But we know the Vikings can win when they are able to run the ball as effectively as they did in the second half against the Browns.
What we don’t know is if they can win when they have to pass the ball – something they haven’t been able to do at any time in Brad Childress’s tenure as head coach of the Vikings. And a 14-for-21 for 110 yards and one touchdown effort by Favre still doesn’t answer that question for me, for other Viking fans and, more importantly, for future Viking opponents who will be gobbling up tape from this game and likely won’t be scared by anything Favre and the offence did throwing the ball.
So in essence, my worry is that while Favre didn’t throw an interception today, he didn’t (and, in truth, wasn’t asked) to make any “wow, look at that throw” plays. When the Vikes did throw, it was a menu of screens and short, safe stuff mixed in with a couple of shots downfield. Not that there's anything wrong with that and it's fine strategy against a team like the Browns. But will it be enough to win against Baltimore, Pittsburgh or any quality NFC opponent the Vikings would face in the playoffs? (My answer: nope.)
So the worrying about the Vikings passing game continues for me. But I'll admit there's no such thing as a bad win and I did enjoy a victory on the road by double digits. Next up, the Detroit Lions.
Other bad stuff
Pass protection: Last year the Browns sacked the quarterback 17 times. Today they sacked Favre four times, twice on blitzes by defensive backs that weren’t picked up. It seemed like any time Favre didn’t get rid of the ball quickly, he was under pressure and the offensive line, backs and tight ends couldn't keep the pocket clean. That’s a concern considering Favre only dropped back to pass 25 times. The Vikings need to get better at this.
Kick coverage: Mostly, I thought the Vikings did a good job on Pro Bowl returner Josh Cribbs. But can you say your coverage units did a good job when they give up a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown? I don’t think you can.
Some good stuff, too
Percy Harvin: Not huge numbers, and he did drop one pass, but the rookie did several things to help the Vikings win. His 41-yard kick-off return to start the second half gave his team great field position and set up the touchdown drive that righted an offensive unit fresh off a lackluster first half. And his 21-yard catch on a second-and-18 was a key, key play in the Vikes second TD drive of the second half. Not including kick returns, Harvin touched the ball five times and produced three first downs, a touchdown catch and a nine-yard catch that set up the touchdown catch. That’s pretty productive.
The return game: The Vikings got nothing from their punt or kick-off returners last year. Today, Harvin had the aforementioned 41-yard kick off return and Darius Reynaud had a 36-yard punt return that led to the Vikings first touchdown. This helps our offensive unit greatly. Harvin and Reynaud look like they’ll be fun to watch in the return game this year.
And finally, a word or two about Childress.
Most of us consider him to be a pretty conservative guy. But at least once a game, he seems to do something reckless. Today, the short kick to start the game was Chilly at his reckless worst.
Sure, if it worked, it would have been a great gut shot to the Browns in front of their home crowd. But I’d guess the success rate of onside kicks around the league is around 10-15 per cent. Given those odds, and with a defence like the Vikings have and an offence like the Browns have, do you really want to give the Browns a shot at a short field and a chance to score some cheap points on the first drive of the season opener?
Brad Childress, your gambling ways perplex me.
Probably not. But when Fox play-by-play guy Thom Brennaman mused late in the fourth quarter – with Minnesota cruising to victory – that it seemed like the Vikings offence hadn’t played all that well, I think he was right. And that is what worries me.
It’s true the Vikings mostly obliterated the Cleveland Browns in the second half of a 34-20 win, as I suspected they would. It’s also true Adrian Peterson is still great and Brett Favre made a couple of key throws in that second half that kept drives alive and helped contribute to the rout. But we know the Vikings can win when they are able to run the ball as effectively as they did in the second half against the Browns.
What we don’t know is if they can win when they have to pass the ball – something they haven’t been able to do at any time in Brad Childress’s tenure as head coach of the Vikings. And a 14-for-21 for 110 yards and one touchdown effort by Favre still doesn’t answer that question for me, for other Viking fans and, more importantly, for future Viking opponents who will be gobbling up tape from this game and likely won’t be scared by anything Favre and the offence did throwing the ball.
So in essence, my worry is that while Favre didn’t throw an interception today, he didn’t (and, in truth, wasn’t asked) to make any “wow, look at that throw” plays. When the Vikes did throw, it was a menu of screens and short, safe stuff mixed in with a couple of shots downfield. Not that there's anything wrong with that and it's fine strategy against a team like the Browns. But will it be enough to win against Baltimore, Pittsburgh or any quality NFC opponent the Vikings would face in the playoffs? (My answer: nope.)
So the worrying about the Vikings passing game continues for me. But I'll admit there's no such thing as a bad win and I did enjoy a victory on the road by double digits. Next up, the Detroit Lions.
Other bad stuff
Pass protection: Last year the Browns sacked the quarterback 17 times. Today they sacked Favre four times, twice on blitzes by defensive backs that weren’t picked up. It seemed like any time Favre didn’t get rid of the ball quickly, he was under pressure and the offensive line, backs and tight ends couldn't keep the pocket clean. That’s a concern considering Favre only dropped back to pass 25 times. The Vikings need to get better at this.
Kick coverage: Mostly, I thought the Vikings did a good job on Pro Bowl returner Josh Cribbs. But can you say your coverage units did a good job when they give up a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown? I don’t think you can.
Some good stuff, too
Percy Harvin: Not huge numbers, and he did drop one pass, but the rookie did several things to help the Vikings win. His 41-yard kick-off return to start the second half gave his team great field position and set up the touchdown drive that righted an offensive unit fresh off a lackluster first half. And his 21-yard catch on a second-and-18 was a key, key play in the Vikes second TD drive of the second half. Not including kick returns, Harvin touched the ball five times and produced three first downs, a touchdown catch and a nine-yard catch that set up the touchdown catch. That’s pretty productive.
The return game: The Vikings got nothing from their punt or kick-off returners last year. Today, Harvin had the aforementioned 41-yard kick off return and Darius Reynaud had a 36-yard punt return that led to the Vikings first touchdown. This helps our offensive unit greatly. Harvin and Reynaud look like they’ll be fun to watch in the return game this year.
And finally, a word or two about Childress.
Most of us consider him to be a pretty conservative guy. But at least once a game, he seems to do something reckless. Today, the short kick to start the game was Chilly at his reckless worst.
Sure, if it worked, it would have been a great gut shot to the Browns in front of their home crowd. But I’d guess the success rate of onside kicks around the league is around 10-15 per cent. Given those odds, and with a defence like the Vikings have and an offence like the Browns have, do you really want to give the Browns a shot at a short field and a chance to score some cheap points on the first drive of the season opener?
Brad Childress, your gambling ways perplex me.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The two minute drill
If you make it through this whole post, it will probably take you longer than two minutes to read it. Anyhow, these are my thoughts heading into the Vikings 2009 season
I’m excited to watch …
– The Vikings pass rush.
– Percy Harvin’s impact.
– Vastly improved special teams play.
– More 75-yard touchdown runs from Adrian Peterson.
– No Gus Frerotte playing QB.
– Beating the Packers.
I’m not excited about the prospect of…
– Dubious challenges and game management decisions by Brad Childress.
– Multi interception games from Brett Favre.
– Poor blitz pickups by the offensive line.
– Adrian Peterson’s quest for 2,000 yards and the 400-plus carries it will take him to get there.
– More talk about the Vikings expiring lease at the Metrodome.
I’m all about good times
Visanthe Shiancoe seems like a fun guy. Last year he made that classic comment about his dick. This year he’s Tweeting all the time, posting photos of big Phil Loadholt jammed into an airplane seat and telling us about mundane team meetings. He even had some good lines regarding His Favreness in a Star-Trib blog post the other day. He’s emerging as one of my favourite Vikings. However, if he reverts back to the 2007 Visanthe Shiancoe, he’s dead to me.
Obviously, this is good news
Looks like if Kevin and Pat Williams miss any games this season, it won’t be because of any suspensions levied in the Star Caps case.
A bit about the game
A lot’s been made about Cleveland head coach Eric Mangini trying to keep his starting quarterback secret (it’ll be Brady Quinn.) I think more should have been made about the offensive players on the Browns that we knew all along were going to start – like running back Jamal Lewis and his 3.6 yards per carry average in ’08, or Braylon Edwards and his bad hands, or the fact Robert Royal is the Browns starting tight end now – not Kellen Winslow Jr. In other words, the Browns offence looks pretty bad, and whether it’s Quinn or Derek Anderson at quarterback, the Vikings defence should eat this crew up.
Offensively, the Vikings get a break facing the Browns to start the season. You’ll be pleased to hear – given the Vikings struggles with pass protection at times during the preseason – that no one on the Browns had more than 4.5 sacks last year. Some of those players, like Willie McGinest, aren’t around anymore and Mangini’s brought in several ex-Jets to improve things. But the ex-Jets aren’t helping much.
I watched the Browns play the Packers in both team’s first preseason game last month. Yes, it was the preseason, but the Browns got absolutely no pressure on Aaron Rodgers. None. Brett Favre might not be what he once was, still, I don’t think you want to give Favre – even an almost 40, slightly gimpy Favre – all day in the pocket to scan the field. I think he’s going to enjoy playing against the Browns.
Of course, this is the Vikings and given their historic struggles playing on the road and playing outdoors, I expect this game to be closer early on than it should be. The Browns will get a boost from a loud home crowd in their season opener. But I also expect the Vikings to pull away from Cleveland by the end of the third quarter and win this game comfortably.
Vikings 24 - Browns 13
Hoping for the best but expecting slightly less than that
Like other Viking fans and bloggers, I’m officially all in with Favre playing for the Vikings. Sure, I was never crazy about the idea and I still have nasty visions of it going badly, but I’m a Viking fan and Favre is now a Viking. I’ll have no problem cheering for him.
Having watched Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels play recently, I now realize how naive I was to think either one of them (but especially Rosenfels, since I lost faith in Jackson after the playoff loss to Philly) could provide the Vikings with the consistently good quarterback play the team will need to keep pace with Jay Cutler’s Bears and Aaron Rodgers’ Packers. I don’t think Favre has shown us much yet, but he really is our best option.
As for worries about the Vikings long-term plans at quarterback, let’s leave those thoughts for the offseason. From February till the end of August, when there’s no real football being played, it’s natural for fans to think about the long-term prospects of the team. But now the NFL regular season is here and we’re in week-to-week mode with the Vikings. There’s no need to look further ahead than to the next game.
NFC North predictions
I meant to include them in this week’s two minute drill. But I was a bit lazy last night while writing this, so I’ll post them sometime on Saturday, when nobody’s reading the blog anyway.
I know nobody cares what I think, but I enjoy making these predictions.
I’m excited to watch …
– The Vikings pass rush.
– Percy Harvin’s impact.
– Vastly improved special teams play.
– More 75-yard touchdown runs from Adrian Peterson.
– No Gus Frerotte playing QB.
– Beating the Packers.
I’m not excited about the prospect of…
– Dubious challenges and game management decisions by Brad Childress.
– Multi interception games from Brett Favre.
– Poor blitz pickups by the offensive line.
– Adrian Peterson’s quest for 2,000 yards and the 400-plus carries it will take him to get there.
– More talk about the Vikings expiring lease at the Metrodome.
I’m all about good times
Visanthe Shiancoe seems like a fun guy. Last year he made that classic comment about his dick. This year he’s Tweeting all the time, posting photos of big Phil Loadholt jammed into an airplane seat and telling us about mundane team meetings. He even had some good lines regarding His Favreness in a Star-Trib blog post the other day. He’s emerging as one of my favourite Vikings. However, if he reverts back to the 2007 Visanthe Shiancoe, he’s dead to me.
Obviously, this is good news
Looks like if Kevin and Pat Williams miss any games this season, it won’t be because of any suspensions levied in the Star Caps case.
A bit about the game
A lot’s been made about Cleveland head coach Eric Mangini trying to keep his starting quarterback secret (it’ll be Brady Quinn.) I think more should have been made about the offensive players on the Browns that we knew all along were going to start – like running back Jamal Lewis and his 3.6 yards per carry average in ’08, or Braylon Edwards and his bad hands, or the fact Robert Royal is the Browns starting tight end now – not Kellen Winslow Jr. In other words, the Browns offence looks pretty bad, and whether it’s Quinn or Derek Anderson at quarterback, the Vikings defence should eat this crew up.
Offensively, the Vikings get a break facing the Browns to start the season. You’ll be pleased to hear – given the Vikings struggles with pass protection at times during the preseason – that no one on the Browns had more than 4.5 sacks last year. Some of those players, like Willie McGinest, aren’t around anymore and Mangini’s brought in several ex-Jets to improve things. But the ex-Jets aren’t helping much.
I watched the Browns play the Packers in both team’s first preseason game last month. Yes, it was the preseason, but the Browns got absolutely no pressure on Aaron Rodgers. None. Brett Favre might not be what he once was, still, I don’t think you want to give Favre – even an almost 40, slightly gimpy Favre – all day in the pocket to scan the field. I think he’s going to enjoy playing against the Browns.
Of course, this is the Vikings and given their historic struggles playing on the road and playing outdoors, I expect this game to be closer early on than it should be. The Browns will get a boost from a loud home crowd in their season opener. But I also expect the Vikings to pull away from Cleveland by the end of the third quarter and win this game comfortably.
Vikings 24 - Browns 13
Hoping for the best but expecting slightly less than that
Like other Viking fans and bloggers, I’m officially all in with Favre playing for the Vikings. Sure, I was never crazy about the idea and I still have nasty visions of it going badly, but I’m a Viking fan and Favre is now a Viking. I’ll have no problem cheering for him.
Having watched Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels play recently, I now realize how naive I was to think either one of them (but especially Rosenfels, since I lost faith in Jackson after the playoff loss to Philly) could provide the Vikings with the consistently good quarterback play the team will need to keep pace with Jay Cutler’s Bears and Aaron Rodgers’ Packers. I don’t think Favre has shown us much yet, but he really is our best option.
As for worries about the Vikings long-term plans at quarterback, let’s leave those thoughts for the offseason. From February till the end of August, when there’s no real football being played, it’s natural for fans to think about the long-term prospects of the team. But now the NFL regular season is here and we’re in week-to-week mode with the Vikings. There’s no need to look further ahead than to the next game.
NFC North predictions
I meant to include them in this week’s two minute drill. But I was a bit lazy last night while writing this, so I’ll post them sometime on Saturday, when nobody’s reading the blog anyway.
I know nobody cares what I think, but I enjoy making these predictions.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Back to the source
I was beginning to get a bit disappointed with Brad Childress. It looked like he was clean and had kicked the habit of acquiring mediocre-to-poor ex-Philadelphia Eagles.
In 2006 he brought in Artis Hicks, Mike McMahon, Todd Pinkston (running on one leg) and Billy McMullen. In 2007 he brought in Kelly Holcomb. Last year he resisted the urge. But he's fallen off the wagon and it's cost Bobby Wade a roster spot. Time for Childress to check back into rehab.
I don't know what Greg Lewis brings to the team besides his Eagles pedigree. But I did like Wade. On a team with a brutal wide receiving corps, I felt I could count on him. He wouldn't post big numbers and he wouldn't score many touchdowns, but he was a good blocker (not an insignificant skill on a Vikings team that runs the ball a lot) and he'd catch what was thrown to him.
But this is another sign of how much the talent of the Vikings receivers has improved since 2006. Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice have more talent and potential than Wade. They are the starters. And Percy Harvin looks like he can do what Wade did – that is, catch short passes in front of defensive backs and linebackers – only Harvin can do it better and much faster. Then there's Jaymar Johnson and Darius Reynaud, who are more explosive athletes than Wade. It's a young group, with a lot of potential, but not much of a track record of success in the NFL. Lewis is just an extra body, who will come even cheaper than Wade. Now we'll wait for the Lions to claim Wade off waivers.
If you're still feeling blue about the loss of Wade, check out this Q & A with Football Outsiders writer Bill Barnwell, where he briefly talks about Wade's value to the Vikings.
Correction
After doing some research after posting the article, I forgot that Childress did not cure his addiction to ex-Eagles in 2008. In fact, the Vikes signed the incredible Thomas Tapeh, who couldn't beat out the equally incredible Naufahu Tahi for the starting fullback job. Tapeh was cut after two games.
In 2006 he brought in Artis Hicks, Mike McMahon, Todd Pinkston (running on one leg) and Billy McMullen. In 2007 he brought in Kelly Holcomb. Last year he resisted the urge. But he's fallen off the wagon and it's cost Bobby Wade a roster spot. Time for Childress to check back into rehab.
I don't know what Greg Lewis brings to the team besides his Eagles pedigree. But I did like Wade. On a team with a brutal wide receiving corps, I felt I could count on him. He wouldn't post big numbers and he wouldn't score many touchdowns, but he was a good blocker (not an insignificant skill on a Vikings team that runs the ball a lot) and he'd catch what was thrown to him.
But this is another sign of how much the talent of the Vikings receivers has improved since 2006. Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice have more talent and potential than Wade. They are the starters. And Percy Harvin looks like he can do what Wade did – that is, catch short passes in front of defensive backs and linebackers – only Harvin can do it better and much faster. Then there's Jaymar Johnson and Darius Reynaud, who are more explosive athletes than Wade. It's a young group, with a lot of potential, but not much of a track record of success in the NFL. Lewis is just an extra body, who will come even cheaper than Wade. Now we'll wait for the Lions to claim Wade off waivers.
If you're still feeling blue about the loss of Wade, check out this Q & A with Football Outsiders writer Bill Barnwell, where he briefly talks about Wade's value to the Vikings.
Correction
After doing some research after posting the article, I forgot that Childress did not cure his addiction to ex-Eagles in 2008. In fact, the Vikes signed the incredible Thomas Tapeh, who couldn't beat out the equally incredible Naufahu Tahi for the starting fullback job. Tapeh was cut after two games.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Crazy idea
I’ve been thinking about this ever since the Vikings started pursuing Brett Favre. Okay, we know there’s some concern about Favre wearing down late in the season. The Vikings are monitoring how many throws he makes in practice. Brad Childress is talking about getting him some rest during the season. He’s got that tear in the rotator cuff and he’s talked about maybe having a cracked rib. The regular season hasn’t even started. There is a decent chance Favre might not be able to play all 16 games, and even if he does, he might be so beat up doing so that we could witness a repeat of last year’s debacle with the Jets.
So here’s a wacky idea. How about Brad Childress just tells Favre he’s going to limit the games Favre plays in during the regular season – regardless of how the ole’ gunslinger’s body feels or what he says?
Seems to me if the Vikings are so worried about Favre, who will be 40 in October, being fresh and healthy late in the season, then maybe he should only play in, say, 12 regular season games instead of 16. Brett’s already said he’s all about winning, right? So he should have no problem sitting out some games for the ultimate good of the team. And what’s good for the team is having Favre in almost as good shape in January as he is now.
And the Vikings have two pretty good backup quarterbacks on the roster already in Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson that can help make this work. They’ve had their moments when asked to start in this league. They’ve helped their teams win some games. So the drop off from Favre to them isn’t that great at this stage in his career as it was five or 10 years ago. This strategy gives Favre’s old body needed rest and it keeps your two other QBs game-ready in case Favre gets seriously hurt and you need them to play for an extended period.
You could also potentially cherry pick the games Favre sits out. I mean, do you really want Favre playing against Pittsburgh on Oct. 25 when the weather could be bad in Pittsburgh, against a hard-hitting, hard blitzing defence one week after playing a hard-hitting, hard blitzing Ravens defence? Save some wear and tear on Favre. Stick Jackson or Rosenfels in there and see what happens.
There are probably three or four games this season – if the Vikings play up to their potential – that Brad Childress could sit Favre for and still not cost the Vikings a divisional title, a first round bye and home field advantage. And once the playoffs start, three or four less games played and several dozen less hits taken should give Childress a healthier Favre, a Favre whose body feels good, whose arm feels good and who is ready to roll come playoff time.
Of course, it will never happen. Favre would never voluntarily sit out games (there are more records to break and a legacy to build upon) and Childress wouldn’t ask his buddy to do it anyway. It would also be such an unconventional, risky move – one that might cost him his job if it doesn’t work – that Chilly would never consider it.
But just because it’s a wacky idea doesn’t mean it's devoid of merit.
So this is progress?
I agree with Childress’ decision to keep both Jackson and Rosenfels on the roster (so far) to backup Favre. But now Chilly isn’t saying who the backup is going to be and that it might change week-to-week.
Do you suppose Sage Rosenfels wishes he was back in Houston now? Here is a player who knew he wasn’t going to start in Houston because Matt Schaub was Gary Kubiak’s guy. He also knew that Minnesota was a good football team with a bad quarterback situation that had tried to acquire him previously. So he lobbies to get traded here and it happens. He’s happy. He figures all he has to do to get that starting job is beat out Tarvaris Jackson – who isn’t very good. It should be a slam dunk.
But then the Favre-to-Minnesota rumors start. Then the Vikes finally sign Favre. There goes the starting job. Then Rosenfels hurts his ankle and can’t play in the second preseason game against Kansas City while Jackson plays very well. And now after thinking he could finally be a starter in this league with a playoff-ready team like the Vikings, he learns he might be the team’s third quarterback on some Sundays.
In Houston, he was a backup, but a backup for a guy who misses a lot of games. There was a good chance he'd get to play at some point this season. With the Vikings, there's now a good chance he'll be inactive on gamedays. I feel for him a bit.
So here’s a wacky idea. How about Brad Childress just tells Favre he’s going to limit the games Favre plays in during the regular season – regardless of how the ole’ gunslinger’s body feels or what he says?
Seems to me if the Vikings are so worried about Favre, who will be 40 in October, being fresh and healthy late in the season, then maybe he should only play in, say, 12 regular season games instead of 16. Brett’s already said he’s all about winning, right? So he should have no problem sitting out some games for the ultimate good of the team. And what’s good for the team is having Favre in almost as good shape in January as he is now.
And the Vikings have two pretty good backup quarterbacks on the roster already in Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson that can help make this work. They’ve had their moments when asked to start in this league. They’ve helped their teams win some games. So the drop off from Favre to them isn’t that great at this stage in his career as it was five or 10 years ago. This strategy gives Favre’s old body needed rest and it keeps your two other QBs game-ready in case Favre gets seriously hurt and you need them to play for an extended period.
You could also potentially cherry pick the games Favre sits out. I mean, do you really want Favre playing against Pittsburgh on Oct. 25 when the weather could be bad in Pittsburgh, against a hard-hitting, hard blitzing defence one week after playing a hard-hitting, hard blitzing Ravens defence? Save some wear and tear on Favre. Stick Jackson or Rosenfels in there and see what happens.
There are probably three or four games this season – if the Vikings play up to their potential – that Brad Childress could sit Favre for and still not cost the Vikings a divisional title, a first round bye and home field advantage. And once the playoffs start, three or four less games played and several dozen less hits taken should give Childress a healthier Favre, a Favre whose body feels good, whose arm feels good and who is ready to roll come playoff time.
Of course, it will never happen. Favre would never voluntarily sit out games (there are more records to break and a legacy to build upon) and Childress wouldn’t ask his buddy to do it anyway. It would also be such an unconventional, risky move – one that might cost him his job if it doesn’t work – that Chilly would never consider it.
But just because it’s a wacky idea doesn’t mean it's devoid of merit.
So this is progress?
I agree with Childress’ decision to keep both Jackson and Rosenfels on the roster (so far) to backup Favre. But now Chilly isn’t saying who the backup is going to be and that it might change week-to-week.
Do you suppose Sage Rosenfels wishes he was back in Houston now? Here is a player who knew he wasn’t going to start in Houston because Matt Schaub was Gary Kubiak’s guy. He also knew that Minnesota was a good football team with a bad quarterback situation that had tried to acquire him previously. So he lobbies to get traded here and it happens. He’s happy. He figures all he has to do to get that starting job is beat out Tarvaris Jackson – who isn’t very good. It should be a slam dunk.
But then the Favre-to-Minnesota rumors start. Then the Vikes finally sign Favre. There goes the starting job. Then Rosenfels hurts his ankle and can’t play in the second preseason game against Kansas City while Jackson plays very well. And now after thinking he could finally be a starter in this league with a playoff-ready team like the Vikings, he learns he might be the team’s third quarterback on some Sundays.
In Houston, he was a backup, but a backup for a guy who misses a lot of games. There was a good chance he'd get to play at some point this season. With the Vikings, there's now a good chance he'll be inactive on gamedays. I feel for him a bit.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
The Vikings cut some guys
Friday, September 04, 2009
Preseason game #4: A dog’s breakfast
Even though the Vikings are 3-0 and have looked reasonably good in the preseason, there are still a number of onfield issues and concerns that need to be addressed. Too bad they won’t be tonight.
For example, I’d like to see the newest starters on the offensive line – John Sullivan and Phil Loadholt – get some work against DeMarcus Ware and the rest of the Dallas Cowboys front seven. But that probably isn’t happening because Brad Childress and Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips won’t be playing their stars or even most of their starters tonight.
I’d also like to see Brett Favre throw a bit to Bernard Berrian and work on his timing with all the Viking receivers. But again, that isn’t happening because Favre is not playing. What will happen is players like Ian Johnson and Albert Young will state their case for who shouldn’t be relegated to the practice squad – or released outright.
Which is all a long-winded way of saying I probably won’t be watching much of tonight’s matchup between the Vikings and the Cowboys.
For those who do decide to watch it, I’d suggest paying attention to what Vikings' preseason analyst Mike Mayock says. God, he’s good. If you watch even a quarter of tonight’s contest and really listen to what Mayock is talking about, I bet you’ll learn at least five things about the players or the game of football that you didn’t know when you woke up Friday morning.
Instead of spitting out story lines and making obvious observations any trained chimp could spot, Mayock actually analyzes what is happening on the field – pointing out subtle things, like a quarterback’s faulty footwork or a cornerback’s positioning while covering a wide receiver. If I have one complaint about Mayock, it's that he could probably stand to explain things a bit more because he sometimes uses football jargon like, for example, “trail technique,” that means something if you played the game but might not mean anything to someone like me, who hasn't.
But overall, Mayock doesn’t try to talk down to fans and he doesn’t try to oversimplify the game, which I really, really appreciate. He assumes we know a bit about football, which, I think, most NFL fans do. I think he’s the best NFL analyst alive and maybe the best analyst ever – even better than John Madden (but I’ll admit I never watched Madden prior to 1985. We didn’t get American channels in the small Nova Scotia village I grew up in till then.)
I sure wish we’d get a chance to listen to him during regular season games. But I suspect the reason I think he’s so good is also the reason why the big networks won’t touch him – he doesn’t dumb down the game and doesn’t buy into story lines.
Oh well.
For example, I’d like to see the newest starters on the offensive line – John Sullivan and Phil Loadholt – get some work against DeMarcus Ware and the rest of the Dallas Cowboys front seven. But that probably isn’t happening because Brad Childress and Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips won’t be playing their stars or even most of their starters tonight.
I’d also like to see Brett Favre throw a bit to Bernard Berrian and work on his timing with all the Viking receivers. But again, that isn’t happening because Favre is not playing. What will happen is players like Ian Johnson and Albert Young will state their case for who shouldn’t be relegated to the practice squad – or released outright.
Which is all a long-winded way of saying I probably won’t be watching much of tonight’s matchup between the Vikings and the Cowboys.
For those who do decide to watch it, I’d suggest paying attention to what Vikings' preseason analyst Mike Mayock says. God, he’s good. If you watch even a quarter of tonight’s contest and really listen to what Mayock is talking about, I bet you’ll learn at least five things about the players or the game of football that you didn’t know when you woke up Friday morning.
Instead of spitting out story lines and making obvious observations any trained chimp could spot, Mayock actually analyzes what is happening on the field – pointing out subtle things, like a quarterback’s faulty footwork or a cornerback’s positioning while covering a wide receiver. If I have one complaint about Mayock, it's that he could probably stand to explain things a bit more because he sometimes uses football jargon like, for example, “trail technique,” that means something if you played the game but might not mean anything to someone like me, who hasn't.
But overall, Mayock doesn’t try to talk down to fans and he doesn’t try to oversimplify the game, which I really, really appreciate. He assumes we know a bit about football, which, I think, most NFL fans do. I think he’s the best NFL analyst alive and maybe the best analyst ever – even better than John Madden (but I’ll admit I never watched Madden prior to 1985. We didn’t get American channels in the small Nova Scotia village I grew up in till then.)
I sure wish we’d get a chance to listen to him during regular season games. But I suspect the reason I think he’s so good is also the reason why the big networks won’t touch him – he doesn’t dumb down the game and doesn’t buy into story lines.
Oh well.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
I do this because I'm lazy
No time for a longer post today, but I do have a couple of useful links to pass along.
There is about a week to go before the NFL regular season starts, so everybody is reading the tea leaves.
If you've got 20 minutes to spare, I suggest listening to this podcast featuring the National Football Post's main columnists, Mike Lombardi and Matt Bowen.
If you don't have the time, here's a Twitter-like rundown of what they had to say.
In short: They like the Bears and Packers. No love for the Vikings. Even less love for Vikings head coach Brad Childress.
In fact, most of their criticisms of the team revolve around Childress and not on the actual talent the Vikings have. I think most Vikings fans would concur.
And there seems to be a lot of Jay Cutler love going on right now. Football Outsiders writer Mike Tanier joins in and explains why the Bears offence could be pretty effective in 2009.
I can certainly see Cutler completing about 30 passes to Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark over E.J. Henderson and Chad Greenway this season. But I can also see Adrian Peterson averaging over 200 yards and two touchdowns per game against the Bears. And I can see Bernard Berrian catching several deep balls on Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher.
The Vikings games against the Bears and Packers are going to be incredibly fun (and nerve racking) to watch.
There is about a week to go before the NFL regular season starts, so everybody is reading the tea leaves.
If you've got 20 minutes to spare, I suggest listening to this podcast featuring the National Football Post's main columnists, Mike Lombardi and Matt Bowen.
If you don't have the time, here's a Twitter-like rundown of what they had to say.
In short: They like the Bears and Packers. No love for the Vikings. Even less love for Vikings head coach Brad Childress.
In fact, most of their criticisms of the team revolve around Childress and not on the actual talent the Vikings have. I think most Vikings fans would concur.
And there seems to be a lot of Jay Cutler love going on right now. Football Outsiders writer Mike Tanier joins in and explains why the Bears offence could be pretty effective in 2009.
I can certainly see Cutler completing about 30 passes to Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark over E.J. Henderson and Chad Greenway this season. But I can also see Adrian Peterson averaging over 200 yards and two touchdowns per game against the Bears. And I can see Bernard Berrian catching several deep balls on Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher.
The Vikings games against the Bears and Packers are going to be incredibly fun (and nerve racking) to watch.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
I spit out my food while reading this
Sports Illustrated's Peter King has released his predictions for the upcoming season.
I'll let you digest it in regards to who he sees coming out of the NFC and playing in the Super Bowl. I'm speechless.
I'll let you digest it in regards to who he sees coming out of the NFC and playing in the Super Bowl. I'm speechless.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Hitting the links
A few links to kick off the month of September for you.
Seems like most everyone in Vikings territory was pretty satisfied with how Brett Favre played against Houston. And Matt Bowen – a former player and teammate of Favre - liked what he saw as well.
However, I can't get on board with Bowen's theory that Favre just has to be okay for the Vikings to go far. Okay will work against teams like Cleveland and Detroit. But at some point the Vikings are going to need Favre to be great – or at least very good – if they are going to get to the Super Bowl. And that's why we brought this guy in here, right?
I plan on doing a preview of the division sometime this week. But as a warmup, SI's Peter King writes that the NFC North is going to be one tough division this year.
I agree the division will be tough. But think it's a bit optimistic of King to think the Bears are capable of winning 12 games this year. The acquisition of Cutler was a brilliant move, but they've got too many questions on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball to be that good this year.
Who could be the Vikings next quarterback of the future? The National Football Post's Wes Bunting gives us his list of the top 20 senior quarterbacks in college football.
And if it happens, I don't think Adam Jones and Winnipeg are made for each other.
I've been to Winnipeg three times in my life and I like the city. But it does have a reputation (undeserved) as a backwater – and that's by Canadian standards. I can't imagine what a guy like Jones is going to think of the place.
I also wonder how he gets through customs. If I had his rap sheet and tried to cross the border into the U.S., I don't think I'd make it in. I guess Canadian border officials are little more forgiving.
Seems like most everyone in Vikings territory was pretty satisfied with how Brett Favre played against Houston. And Matt Bowen – a former player and teammate of Favre - liked what he saw as well.
However, I can't get on board with Bowen's theory that Favre just has to be okay for the Vikings to go far. Okay will work against teams like Cleveland and Detroit. But at some point the Vikings are going to need Favre to be great – or at least very good – if they are going to get to the Super Bowl. And that's why we brought this guy in here, right?
I plan on doing a preview of the division sometime this week. But as a warmup, SI's Peter King writes that the NFC North is going to be one tough division this year.
I agree the division will be tough. But think it's a bit optimistic of King to think the Bears are capable of winning 12 games this year. The acquisition of Cutler was a brilliant move, but they've got too many questions on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball to be that good this year.
Who could be the Vikings next quarterback of the future? The National Football Post's Wes Bunting gives us his list of the top 20 senior quarterbacks in college football.
And if it happens, I don't think Adam Jones and Winnipeg are made for each other.
I've been to Winnipeg three times in my life and I like the city. But it does have a reputation (undeserved) as a backwater – and that's by Canadian standards. I can't imagine what a guy like Jones is going to think of the place.
I also wonder how he gets through customs. If I had his rap sheet and tried to cross the border into the U.S., I don't think I'd make it in. I guess Canadian border officials are little more forgiving.
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