I didn't make a prediction this week because I wanted to see how the Vikes would fare without putting my thoughts down in writing. It appears that was a good decision as they actually looked like a team capable of playing to the level I think they should, and they hadn't done that when I called them out with predictions. I think I'll continue this trend for the rest of the season (unless a lot of people think I should predict blowout wins so they lose, as was the trend with my predictions coming out opposite, so they tank and get Chilli fired and a high draft pick to use on a QB).
Anyway, on to the game:
Coming into this matchup, the Texans were the hottest offensive team in football with Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, and Steve Slaton clicking on all cylinders, especially in the passing game. Andre Johnson had posted 10+ receptions and 140+ yards in his prior 3 contests and the matchups said he should continue his strong outings against a still subpar Minnesota pass defense. Well, Antoine Winfield and the debut of offseason Safety acquisition Madieu Williams contributed to limiting Johnson to 4 receptions for 62 yards(cutting his weekly production by more than half) though he did catch a late game TD in garbage time. Matt Schaub did not play in the second half after suffering a knee injury on a 'controversial' hit by Jared Allen, but Sage Rosenfels and Schaub did still end up combining for 363 yards through the air on 45 attempts. But by limiting their playmakers Slaton and Johnson, the Houston offense did not resemble the juggernaut of previous weeks and the Vikes prevailed at home.
OFFENSE:
Childress' offense can officially be labelled as 'having a pulse' with Gus Frerotte guiding the ship. 182 yards isn't an extravagant statistic, but his 3 TDs tell the story that the Vikings offense is functioning like it is built too, dominating with the run game, capitalizing with the passing game. The Vikes are 4-2 with Gus starting and passing yardage totals and points per game have significantly increased, from 154 yards and 17 pts to 257 yards and 24.7 pts. The points per game mark is 5th in the league over Gus' tenure. The Vikes passing game also is in the upper echelon of 'explosive plays', or passing plays of over 20 yards, with 32 of them, only 5 behind the NFL's leader. Bernard Berrian, though he only caught 2 passes, is everything the Vikes hoped they were getting with former 1st RD bust Troy 'stone hands' Williamson, as he turned those 2 catches into 104 yards and a TD. Lovin' this guy these days.
Even with the emergence of the passing game, the running game behind the Minnesota Moving Company and Adrian Peterson continues to be the bread and butter. AD racked up 139 yards on 25 carries, including a 40 yard jaunt where I was actually surprised he wasn't able to run away from the DB, and so was Adrian as he pounded his fist into the turf when he got up. I love that about this guy as he does that on more than one occassion every game. It shows he knows he could have done better, and knows that he can improve, and he is the type of guy who is going to work tirelessly until he longer has plays that put himself in a position to pound the turf, which basically means he is going to work tirelessly for the rest of his career to be the best he can be. I know everybody likes the guy, but I absolutely LOVE this guy for that reason. In fact, I may have a permanent Man-Crush on our RB.
Chester Taylor also emerged as a dynamic option on 3rd downs, catching 3 balls for 25 yards, including a fantastic effort play to get a first down, and tallying 38 yards on 7 carries. His performance added evidence to the fact that I think the offense could further its improvement by involving Chester even more in the offense with dual RB formations.
The Good: Pretty much everything, can't find much to gripe about this week. 3 passing TDs, AD 100+ yards, Berrian 100+ yds and a TD, Sidney Rice returning to snag a score, only 3 penalties for 20 yards...Kudos.
The Bad: 3 sacks given up...bout the worst thing I can find.
The Ugly: The Coverage, or lack thereof on Shiancoe's TD grab by the Texans.
Player of the Game: I'll give it to Gus Frerotte for his 3 TDs, which hasn't happened often, if at all under Childress and Bevell's offense.
DEFENSE:
As mentioned above, this defense played a good game despite the yardage totals given up to the Texans as a team, displaying a bend but don't break philosophy that produced 2 INTs, including 1 in the endzone to negate a Texan point scoring drive by that one guy, Madieu Williams. DE Jared Allen continued his recent strong play, posting 2 sacks and forcing a fumble despite suffering a rather serious shoulder injury, taking a painkilling shot at halftime, and gutting it out the rest of the way. Ray Edwards, Kevin Williams, and Chad Greenway also posted a sack each with Greenway also forcing a fumble that was recovered by Ben Leber. The other interception was collected by stalwart CB Antoine Winfield who continues to be a force in all phases of defense.
Special teams also did not do anything bad, which was a bonus.
The Good: Pass rush, Run D like always, and limiting of NFL's hottest WR.
The Bad: Jared Allen suffering a serious shoulder injury.
The Ugly: 11 receptions and 133 yards given up to a TE.(reaching here)
Player of the Game: Madieu Williams. In his 2008 season debut for his new team, all he did was lead the team in tackles and intercept a pass in the endzone. I think he's good...
Overall I thought this was a good game and an example of how this team should perform every week, but I'm also disappointed as I currently have nothing negative to say or talk about in a 'Brad Childress Coaching Ineptitude 101' entry after debuting it lask week. I guess I can say my opinion of him as a coach still didn't improve any though. If he can get the Vikings to a 10-6 record at the end of the season that might improve, but I still need to see a lot more from a coaching standpoint out of him to even think about endorsing him as the coach who can get the job done for the Vikes. My stance still is if they miss the playoffs, give him the boot 'ala Mike Tice 5 minutes after the last game.
'Til next time...
Friday, November 7, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Afterthoughts: Vikings vs. Bears
Well, Like I've said before, I have a keen ability to predict the exact opposite of what happens in the Vikings games on Sundays. Saying the Bear-Viking Matchup would be a defensive slugfest was just a little of the mark, wouldn't you say?
Anyway, on to highest scoring Vikings-Bear matchup in their Rivalry's history:
Vikings 41 - Bears 48
OFFENSE
First game in a while where it was not painful to watch the Vikes attempt to move up and down the field as yards came easily against an injured Bear defense. Gus Frerotte briefly had the first 300 yard passing game for the Vikings under Brad Childress' direction, before taking a sack toward the end and falling back down to his final tally of 298 yards through the air. Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor combined for 155 yards and 3 TDs on the ground, and AP finally flashed some of his rookie season magic taking one carry 54 yards to the house that looked like an instant replay of one of his long TD runs at Soldier Field last year, turning on the jets to get the corner, running through an arm tackle, and cutting back against the grain to reach the endzone, beautiful.
The 3 TDs also bring up a point with me for this offense. On 2 of these TD runs, the Vikes were on the goal line and utilized their 2 back set of Taylor and Peterson side by side behind the QB. This is a FANTASTIC formation for the Vikes in this situation, as demonstrated by the leap over the line TD by Chester in which the Bears D followed AP and was caught unprepared. Further example as to why these two should be put on the same field at the same time FAR more often. The same logic on putting these guys together on the goal line should be applied all across the field. It will cause matchup problems and give the Vikes options to confuse a Defense with counters, reverses, and play action passes. What could possibly be wrong with having your 2 most explosive offensive players on the field at the same time? Just cause they are both RBs doesn't mean you can't use them both effectively. Anyway....
Bernard Berrian had another good day and is turning into a solid play for my Fantasy team every week. His 6 receptions for 81 yards ended his run of 100+ yard games, but he also added a nice TD catch at the sideline in the endzone which showed his ability and awareness to keep both feet in bounds and snag the ball. Bernard Berrian in my book is now officially worth the contract the Vikings gave him, he is looking like everything and more of what they expected from him.
In the end though, the offense still gets a B-/C+ rating because of turnovers and their ineptitude on 3rd downs (4-12, 33%, 32.7% on the season, 27th in the league). Gus Frerotte, in addition to his 2 TD throws, also had 4 INTs against first year or practice squad equivalent players. Each man substituting for an injured started in the Bears secondary had an INT, and without a couple of these, the Vikes very easily could have came out on the winning end.
I also am a little concerend that I am saying this, but it looks like TE Visanthe Shiancoe has also turned the corner, as he caught 4 balls for 68 yards and a TD, and finally looks like the vertical seam route runner the Vikes brought him in to be. I think all of these improvements could also be traced back to QB play, compare how they look with Frerotte running the offense to Tarvaris, just sayin...(another knock on Childress' coaching prowess...)
The Good: Adrian Peterson and the run game producting 3 TDs.
The Bad: Turnovers.
The Ugly: Brad Childress STILL has yet to coach a game that produced 300+ yards passing.
DEFENSE
I said in my preview that Kyle Orton scared me in this game, and that feeling proved to be on the mark as he lit up the Vikes for 283 yards and 2 TDs and ZERO interceptions. If Marty Booker could have found his hands sooner, Orton very likely could have had 400 yards and 4 TDs, and this game would have looked much worse, and this brings me to a new addition to 'Afterthoughts' entries:
BRAD CHILDRESS' COACHING INEPTITUDE 101:
The Vikings chose this week to try as hard as they could to keep the ball away from Devin Hester in the return game. They did this by squib kicking, pooch kicking, and anything else to keep the ball out of his hands. The results? In the first half the Bears average starting field position was their own 48 yard line, giving them a very short field to work with to score points. When the Vikes finally abandoned this tactic, Hester produced only 36 return yards on 2 tries. To be honest with you, as bad as the Vikes special teams have been so far, I'd still take my chances kicking a normal kickoff to the guy over simpling HANDING THEM great field position. At least make them WORK FOR IT. Yet another Brad Childress coaching decision that had a DIRECT result on the outcome of the game, that being a LOSS. End of this weeks lecture.
Jared Allen produced the defenses only 2 sacks, bringing his season total to 5, now only half a sack behind last years team leader from the DE spot. Newcomers to full time duty, filling in at MLB for injured E.J. Henderson, Napolean Harris and Vinny Ciurciu were extremely overmatched in this game. Though Vinny Ciurciu was flagged for a NON-pass interference penalty on a key 3rd down and goal play that gave the Bears another chance and a resulting TD. Combined they had only 6 tackles, which is about half of what could be expected from E.J. Lets hope Harris gets up to speed quickly and can prove serviceable.
The defense was handcuffed by field position and didn't seem like they came ready to play up to the level they had in previous weeks, but they did still hold the Bears and dynamic rookie RB Matt Forte to only 53 total yards on the ground. As long as the Williams are around, this dominance against opposing running games will continue.
The Good: Allen producing, Run D.
The Bad: Everything else.
The Ugly: The guys manning the MLB spot.
We'll now see how the boys fare against arguably the NFL's hottest offense and hottest QB when the Texans and Matt Schaub come to town on Sunday.
Skol Vikings! 'Til next time...
Anyway, on to highest scoring Vikings-Bear matchup in their Rivalry's history:
Vikings 41 - Bears 48
OFFENSE
First game in a while where it was not painful to watch the Vikes attempt to move up and down the field as yards came easily against an injured Bear defense. Gus Frerotte briefly had the first 300 yard passing game for the Vikings under Brad Childress' direction, before taking a sack toward the end and falling back down to his final tally of 298 yards through the air. Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor combined for 155 yards and 3 TDs on the ground, and AP finally flashed some of his rookie season magic taking one carry 54 yards to the house that looked like an instant replay of one of his long TD runs at Soldier Field last year, turning on the jets to get the corner, running through an arm tackle, and cutting back against the grain to reach the endzone, beautiful.
The 3 TDs also bring up a point with me for this offense. On 2 of these TD runs, the Vikes were on the goal line and utilized their 2 back set of Taylor and Peterson side by side behind the QB. This is a FANTASTIC formation for the Vikes in this situation, as demonstrated by the leap over the line TD by Chester in which the Bears D followed AP and was caught unprepared. Further example as to why these two should be put on the same field at the same time FAR more often. The same logic on putting these guys together on the goal line should be applied all across the field. It will cause matchup problems and give the Vikes options to confuse a Defense with counters, reverses, and play action passes. What could possibly be wrong with having your 2 most explosive offensive players on the field at the same time? Just cause they are both RBs doesn't mean you can't use them both effectively. Anyway....
Bernard Berrian had another good day and is turning into a solid play for my Fantasy team every week. His 6 receptions for 81 yards ended his run of 100+ yard games, but he also added a nice TD catch at the sideline in the endzone which showed his ability and awareness to keep both feet in bounds and snag the ball. Bernard Berrian in my book is now officially worth the contract the Vikings gave him, he is looking like everything and more of what they expected from him.
In the end though, the offense still gets a B-/C+ rating because of turnovers and their ineptitude on 3rd downs (4-12, 33%, 32.7% on the season, 27th in the league). Gus Frerotte, in addition to his 2 TD throws, also had 4 INTs against first year or practice squad equivalent players. Each man substituting for an injured started in the Bears secondary had an INT, and without a couple of these, the Vikes very easily could have came out on the winning end.
I also am a little concerend that I am saying this, but it looks like TE Visanthe Shiancoe has also turned the corner, as he caught 4 balls for 68 yards and a TD, and finally looks like the vertical seam route runner the Vikes brought him in to be. I think all of these improvements could also be traced back to QB play, compare how they look with Frerotte running the offense to Tarvaris, just sayin...(another knock on Childress' coaching prowess...)
The Good: Adrian Peterson and the run game producting 3 TDs.
The Bad: Turnovers.
The Ugly: Brad Childress STILL has yet to coach a game that produced 300+ yards passing.
DEFENSE
I said in my preview that Kyle Orton scared me in this game, and that feeling proved to be on the mark as he lit up the Vikes for 283 yards and 2 TDs and ZERO interceptions. If Marty Booker could have found his hands sooner, Orton very likely could have had 400 yards and 4 TDs, and this game would have looked much worse, and this brings me to a new addition to 'Afterthoughts' entries:
BRAD CHILDRESS' COACHING INEPTITUDE 101:
The Vikings chose this week to try as hard as they could to keep the ball away from Devin Hester in the return game. They did this by squib kicking, pooch kicking, and anything else to keep the ball out of his hands. The results? In the first half the Bears average starting field position was their own 48 yard line, giving them a very short field to work with to score points. When the Vikes finally abandoned this tactic, Hester produced only 36 return yards on 2 tries. To be honest with you, as bad as the Vikes special teams have been so far, I'd still take my chances kicking a normal kickoff to the guy over simpling HANDING THEM great field position. At least make them WORK FOR IT. Yet another Brad Childress coaching decision that had a DIRECT result on the outcome of the game, that being a LOSS. End of this weeks lecture.
Jared Allen produced the defenses only 2 sacks, bringing his season total to 5, now only half a sack behind last years team leader from the DE spot. Newcomers to full time duty, filling in at MLB for injured E.J. Henderson, Napolean Harris and Vinny Ciurciu were extremely overmatched in this game. Though Vinny Ciurciu was flagged for a NON-pass interference penalty on a key 3rd down and goal play that gave the Bears another chance and a resulting TD. Combined they had only 6 tackles, which is about half of what could be expected from E.J. Lets hope Harris gets up to speed quickly and can prove serviceable.
The defense was handcuffed by field position and didn't seem like they came ready to play up to the level they had in previous weeks, but they did still hold the Bears and dynamic rookie RB Matt Forte to only 53 total yards on the ground. As long as the Williams are around, this dominance against opposing running games will continue.
The Good: Allen producing, Run D.
The Bad: Everything else.
The Ugly: The guys manning the MLB spot.
We'll now see how the boys fare against arguably the NFL's hottest offense and hottest QB when the Texans and Matt Schaub come to town on Sunday.
Skol Vikings! 'Til next time...
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Gameday: Vikings vs. Bears
To put it simply, I have no idea what is going to happen in this game. The Vikings play so far this season has been up and down (mostly down) but they've gotten lucky and been on the right end of a lot of calls so far this season. When will this catch up with them? This week, I don't know, but it will eventually.
Look for this game to be a defensive and boring slug fest that is won by whichever Defense makes the biggest play or gets a score. One thing that is on the Vikings side as they go into this one though is that Chicago's secondary is hurt, hurt at CB, hurt at S and don't bring 2 of their top players into this game. If AD can get to the second level its going to be another long day for the Bears at Soldier Field.
Never thought I'd say this, but Kyle Orton scares me in this game. He has been efficient and is even turning himself into a playmaker for the Bear offense. Gus Frerotte has also breathed some life into the Viking passing game, and I have a feeling these 2 will battle it out through the air as the game goes on and end up with similar numbers.
As for the score, I'm still goin with the Hometown team goin up against an injury riddled defense, but a few strange or big plays the other way can always change that, you never know whats going to happen to a Childress coached team.
Skol Vikings!
Look for this game to be a defensive and boring slug fest that is won by whichever Defense makes the biggest play or gets a score. One thing that is on the Vikings side as they go into this one though is that Chicago's secondary is hurt, hurt at CB, hurt at S and don't bring 2 of their top players into this game. If AD can get to the second level its going to be another long day for the Bears at Soldier Field.
Never thought I'd say this, but Kyle Orton scares me in this game. He has been efficient and is even turning himself into a playmaker for the Bear offense. Gus Frerotte has also breathed some life into the Viking passing game, and I have a feeling these 2 will battle it out through the air as the game goes on and end up with similar numbers.
As for the score, I'm still goin with the Hometown team goin up against an injury riddled defense, but a few strange or big plays the other way can always change that, you never know whats going to happen to a Childress coached team.
Skol Vikings!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Afterthoughts - Vikings vs. Lions
Well, I will never again question what couldn't or shouldn't happen in a Vikings game for as long as Brad Childress is still the head coach as my 'I just can't see the Vikings losing this game' quote from my preview could not have been further from the truth.
I'll get this out of the way: I am psyched as a fan that somehow the Purple are 3-3 and tied for first in a very weak NFC North Division, but they in no way shape or form deserved to win this game with how they played. Lucky for them, Detroit didn't deserve to win it by just a little larger margin as well (or they got screwed).
Brad Childress for the second week in a row was bailed out and basically handed a victory by a pass interference call that put them deep in the opposing team's territory on an end of the game drive. He was also fortunate again that the referees may have missed the call on another fumble play, though I personally still think Calvin Johnson was not hanging on to the ball as he went down. From what I saw, that's just how it looked to me. I say this because he got knocked the (bleep) out on that play and crumpled to the turf in a heap, and when that happens muscles and nerves go limp, and for this play that means he was not holding onto the ball, and I have a feeling that is what one of the refs saw and the head referee trusted his guy more than the replays. But I get the feeling I'm in a very small minority on this call. Either way, the Brad Childress blueprint for winning has now become having blown calls go his way and throwing it deep to draw pass interference penalties when they need a big play.
I also severely question why they did not go for two after Bernard Berrian broke his big reception for a touchdown. Ya, it was still a little early, BUT with how this game was going and how your team was playing, how is going for 2 not the right call?!? If you make it, you have tied the score in a game where both teams are struggling mightily and the feeling to me was they might not get another chance (and after that a FG was blocked, and a pass interference penalty set up the winning FG, so they were lucky they got that chance) . And if you don't make it, what difference does a 10-8 score make compared to a 10-9 score? Not a single shred. Personally, my philosophy would be if I can tie a game with a 2 point conversion at ANY point in the game, I'd go for it. Yet another piece of evidence that the Childress philosophy is to play not to lose, instead of playing to WIN.
The coach deserved every one of the 'Fire Childress' chants that erupted, and the players have a right to be upset about all those Boo's, but they were not directed at the players themselves on this team because I know for a fact these fans think they have got a group of players that can do great things. That is why the Boo's came down, because they are not playing up to there potential and they were directed at yet again the unimaginative and poor playcalling, the bad gameplanning, and lack of adjustments that is present week in and week out that causes this subpar play.
There were players and plays that hurt the Vikes chances, ie. AD fumbling, holding calls bringing plays back, etc... etc... But the Vikes still only converted on 3 of 15 3rd downs and as I sit on my couch and call out several plays before they happen keeps most of my blame for the uninspiring effort against the worst team in the NFL on the coach.
OFFENSE
Gus Frerotte and Bernard Berrian again looked like they have a good chemistry though Berrian did most of the legwork on the big pass play. B.B. has been earning his paycheck the last 2 weeks and continues to make an effort toward proving his worth. Gus also threw for 296 yards which has to be a team high for the Vikes under their current coach (which is pathetic), but it was nice to see. Adrian Peterson got back above the 100 yard markas well but also lost 2 fumbles to kill drives which probably would have produced points and made this game more tolerable.
As a team however, the Vikings only converted 20% of their 3rd down plays to keep drives alive and this is well below average and can not continue if they want to have a shot at the playoffs. This is also a stat that relies heavily on the playcalling of the coaching staff, who scores yet another F on my report card as this was the one team your offense should have been able to dominate. There also was yet another 3rd and short play where they threw it deep, I can't describe to you how much I hate those play calls.
The Good: Bernard Berrian.
The Bad: Everything Else.
The Ugly: Playcalling and gameplanning(for the third week in a row).
DEFENSE
These guys continue to go out every week and do everything they possibly can to keep Childress from losing them the game, and this should not be a position they should be put in. But Detroit QB Dan Orlavsky also helped them big time by demonstrating his lack of awareness and running out of the endzone for a safety.
DT Kevin Williams 4 sacks is a great stat line and he dominated the one-on-one matchups the Lions continued to give him the entire game. He looks like he has become the biggest benificiary of having a legit pass rushing DE in Jared Allen lining up alongside of him.
There were some big hits yet again in this game as S Darren Sharper laid out and produced the Calvin Johnson fumble later in the game which was one of those plays they had to make to keep the Vikes in it.
Detroit is a bad team on both sides of the ball and the Defense was able to do much more than what they should have had too for the Vikes to win this game in keeping them to only 10 points.
The Good: The Kevin Williams show.
The Bad: can't think of any off the top of my head.
The Ugly: Dan Orlavsky spotting the Vikes the games winning 2 points.
I'll get this out of the way: I am psyched as a fan that somehow the Purple are 3-3 and tied for first in a very weak NFC North Division, but they in no way shape or form deserved to win this game with how they played. Lucky for them, Detroit didn't deserve to win it by just a little larger margin as well (or they got screwed).
Brad Childress for the second week in a row was bailed out and basically handed a victory by a pass interference call that put them deep in the opposing team's territory on an end of the game drive. He was also fortunate again that the referees may have missed the call on another fumble play, though I personally still think Calvin Johnson was not hanging on to the ball as he went down. From what I saw, that's just how it looked to me. I say this because he got knocked the (bleep) out on that play and crumpled to the turf in a heap, and when that happens muscles and nerves go limp, and for this play that means he was not holding onto the ball, and I have a feeling that is what one of the refs saw and the head referee trusted his guy more than the replays. But I get the feeling I'm in a very small minority on this call. Either way, the Brad Childress blueprint for winning has now become having blown calls go his way and throwing it deep to draw pass interference penalties when they need a big play.
I also severely question why they did not go for two after Bernard Berrian broke his big reception for a touchdown. Ya, it was still a little early, BUT with how this game was going and how your team was playing, how is going for 2 not the right call?!? If you make it, you have tied the score in a game where both teams are struggling mightily and the feeling to me was they might not get another chance (and after that a FG was blocked, and a pass interference penalty set up the winning FG, so they were lucky they got that chance) . And if you don't make it, what difference does a 10-8 score make compared to a 10-9 score? Not a single shred. Personally, my philosophy would be if I can tie a game with a 2 point conversion at ANY point in the game, I'd go for it. Yet another piece of evidence that the Childress philosophy is to play not to lose, instead of playing to WIN.
The coach deserved every one of the 'Fire Childress' chants that erupted, and the players have a right to be upset about all those Boo's, but they were not directed at the players themselves on this team because I know for a fact these fans think they have got a group of players that can do great things. That is why the Boo's came down, because they are not playing up to there potential and they were directed at yet again the unimaginative and poor playcalling, the bad gameplanning, and lack of adjustments that is present week in and week out that causes this subpar play.
There were players and plays that hurt the Vikes chances, ie. AD fumbling, holding calls bringing plays back, etc... etc... But the Vikes still only converted on 3 of 15 3rd downs and as I sit on my couch and call out several plays before they happen keeps most of my blame for the uninspiring effort against the worst team in the NFL on the coach.
OFFENSE
Gus Frerotte and Bernard Berrian again looked like they have a good chemistry though Berrian did most of the legwork on the big pass play. B.B. has been earning his paycheck the last 2 weeks and continues to make an effort toward proving his worth. Gus also threw for 296 yards which has to be a team high for the Vikes under their current coach (which is pathetic), but it was nice to see. Adrian Peterson got back above the 100 yard markas well but also lost 2 fumbles to kill drives which probably would have produced points and made this game more tolerable.
As a team however, the Vikings only converted 20% of their 3rd down plays to keep drives alive and this is well below average and can not continue if they want to have a shot at the playoffs. This is also a stat that relies heavily on the playcalling of the coaching staff, who scores yet another F on my report card as this was the one team your offense should have been able to dominate. There also was yet another 3rd and short play where they threw it deep, I can't describe to you how much I hate those play calls.
The Good: Bernard Berrian.
The Bad: Everything Else.
The Ugly: Playcalling and gameplanning(for the third week in a row).
DEFENSE
These guys continue to go out every week and do everything they possibly can to keep Childress from losing them the game, and this should not be a position they should be put in. But Detroit QB Dan Orlavsky also helped them big time by demonstrating his lack of awareness and running out of the endzone for a safety.
DT Kevin Williams 4 sacks is a great stat line and he dominated the one-on-one matchups the Lions continued to give him the entire game. He looks like he has become the biggest benificiary of having a legit pass rushing DE in Jared Allen lining up alongside of him.
There were some big hits yet again in this game as S Darren Sharper laid out and produced the Calvin Johnson fumble later in the game which was one of those plays they had to make to keep the Vikes in it.
Detroit is a bad team on both sides of the ball and the Defense was able to do much more than what they should have had too for the Vikes to win this game in keeping them to only 10 points.
The Good: The Kevin Williams show.
The Bad: can't think of any off the top of my head.
The Ugly: Dan Orlavsky spotting the Vikes the games winning 2 points.
Now, with all that said, the Vikes did still pull out the Victory, and are still tied for the NFC North Division lead with the Bears and the Packers, so there is still hope and potential for something good to happen this season. But like all the fans at the game sending out the 'Fire Childress' chants, I just can't get excited about these guys with him at the helm and with how they have gone about pulling out their victories. I want this team to be, and think they should be great, but if you wan't the chants and boos to stop, you have got to show me a lot more.
Skol Vikings! 'Til next time...
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Gameday: Vikings vs. Lions
The Motor City Kitties come to town today in Minneapolis missing there starting QB Jon Kitna and send out a guy who I thought was a MMA fighter, at least by name in Dan Orlovski. The Lions have been terrible this year and the Vikes catch them at an even better time this week.
This is a big game for the Vikings that they should win and at least make an effort towards running away with. At 3-3 the Viking season would look much better than it did early on and I question whether the Chicago Bears will be able to shut down an Atlanta team that has been playing very well. Who'd have thought? If the Bears lose and Vikes win, its a potential 3-way or 2-way tie for first in the NFC North Division. Point is, the Vikings aren't anywhere near out of the playoff race in this young season, and we as fan's should at least be excited about that.
Heard a great stat the other day, and that is that Viking CB Antoine Winfield has given up only SIX pass completions TOTAL this season. That is amazing if you ask me. Granted, QB's have been picking on Cedric Griffin on the other side, but only 6 completions? As often as other teams pass against the Vikes? That has got to be tops in the NFL this season.
A backup QB playing for the Lions basically eliminates their passing game (I have benched Calvin Johnson in one of my Fantasy leagues...for Bernard Berrian...), and like everyone else, the Lions shouldn't be able to run the ball. I would be very surprised if the Lions were able to put up more than 10 points on offense, and unless something similar to last weeks game happens on Special Teams or Defense I don't see how they could put up 20 or more, which is what it will take at a minimum this week to beat the Vikings at home. Fact is, Detroit just isn't very good on either side of the ball.
Analyst's and prognosticators say Adrian Peterson is due for a big day against these guys and I agree with them, he is definitely DUE, but I think the Vikings will come out in this game passing and passing often to send a message to the rest of the NFL and more specifically the NFC North. Most of AD's offensive output will come later in the game after they've loosened up the D a little, but I do think at least once this game we get to see Peterson's high step trot into the endzone. I also predict that Brad Childress gets a week off from any negatives as I just can't see the Vikings losing this game.
Vikings 31 - Lions 16
Skol Vikings! 'Til next time...
This is a big game for the Vikings that they should win and at least make an effort towards running away with. At 3-3 the Viking season would look much better than it did early on and I question whether the Chicago Bears will be able to shut down an Atlanta team that has been playing very well. Who'd have thought? If the Bears lose and Vikes win, its a potential 3-way or 2-way tie for first in the NFC North Division. Point is, the Vikings aren't anywhere near out of the playoff race in this young season, and we as fan's should at least be excited about that.
Heard a great stat the other day, and that is that Viking CB Antoine Winfield has given up only SIX pass completions TOTAL this season. That is amazing if you ask me. Granted, QB's have been picking on Cedric Griffin on the other side, but only 6 completions? As often as other teams pass against the Vikes? That has got to be tops in the NFL this season.
A backup QB playing for the Lions basically eliminates their passing game (I have benched Calvin Johnson in one of my Fantasy leagues...for Bernard Berrian...), and like everyone else, the Lions shouldn't be able to run the ball. I would be very surprised if the Lions were able to put up more than 10 points on offense, and unless something similar to last weeks game happens on Special Teams or Defense I don't see how they could put up 20 or more, which is what it will take at a minimum this week to beat the Vikings at home. Fact is, Detroit just isn't very good on either side of the ball.
Analyst's and prognosticators say Adrian Peterson is due for a big day against these guys and I agree with them, he is definitely DUE, but I think the Vikings will come out in this game passing and passing often to send a message to the rest of the NFL and more specifically the NFC North. Most of AD's offensive output will come later in the game after they've loosened up the D a little, but I do think at least once this game we get to see Peterson's high step trot into the endzone. I also predict that Brad Childress gets a week off from any negatives as I just can't see the Vikings losing this game.
Vikings 31 - Lions 16
Skol Vikings! 'Til next time...
Saturday, October 11, 2008
College Gameday: Bison vs.Leathernecks, Gophers vs. Illini
Gophers just jumped out to a 14-3 lead over Illinois in Champagne early in the 3rd quarter. Some trickery in this one as P Justin Kucek completed a 12 yard 1st down pass to Duane Bennett deep in the Gophers own territory, they did not score on the continuation of that ensuing drive however. Defenses for both teams are playing well in this one.
Go Brewster and Co.!
#17 Western Illinois Leathernecks vs. #11 NDSU Bison
Tough matchup for the Bison today in the Fargodome as the Leathernecks sport the FCS' #6 ranked offense, though the Bison also send out the #14 ranked FCS defense that holds up very well against the run, the primary strength of WI. Also a matchup of Walter Payton Award candidates at RB for both teams, in Herb Donaldson(830 yards, 12 TDs) for WI and Tyler Roehl(407 yards, 4 TDs) for NDSU. Roehl has been banged up but you could say he won this matchup last year in Macomb, Ill with 136 yards to Donaldsons 97 in a 41-28 Bison victory(they both scored 3 TDs).
Homefield advantage has been huge for the Bison in Head Coach Craig Bohl's tenure, and I see this continuing today in a tough physical matchup that remains a close shootout throughout.
NDSU 34 - WI 27
-SCORE RECAPS, 10/12/08-
Gophers pulled out another great victory winning on the road 27-20. Starting to get mad at the Big Ten Network as I currently can't watch any of their games on TV and become more interested week after week... starting to appreciate Coach Tim Brewster (didn't think I'd ever say that...)
As for my Bison, I got the Western Illinois score right, but the Bison fall 27-22 at home in the Fargodome. This was a big hit to any playoff aspirations for the Bison as they fall to 3-3 and will have to go undefeated the rest of the way to even have a shot at the National Championship bracket in their first year of FCS eligibility. The Bison have been hurt this year by a banged up All-America RB in Tyler Roehl, and QB Nick Mertens at this point just isn't as great as Superman Steve Walker was over his career. If you ask me, I'd say turn this team into a spread offense and let Nick mature with his great stable of receivers because the running game has not been doing much this season (compared to others...) with Roehl playing hurt. Utilize that Big Arm and let Kole Heckendorf and company set all the NDSU passing records (which aren't even close to as great as you'd expect of ANY college FB team...), I think that would be fun to watch. The Bison are still a very good team however and the FCS powerhouses (Appalachian State, Northern Iowa, etc...) are all having down years, so who knows what could happen if the Bison put together a good run, lets hope for it... Go Herd!
Go Brewster and Co.!
#17 Western Illinois Leathernecks vs. #11 NDSU Bison
Tough matchup for the Bison today in the Fargodome as the Leathernecks sport the FCS' #6 ranked offense, though the Bison also send out the #14 ranked FCS defense that holds up very well against the run, the primary strength of WI. Also a matchup of Walter Payton Award candidates at RB for both teams, in Herb Donaldson(830 yards, 12 TDs) for WI and Tyler Roehl(407 yards, 4 TDs) for NDSU. Roehl has been banged up but you could say he won this matchup last year in Macomb, Ill with 136 yards to Donaldsons 97 in a 41-28 Bison victory(they both scored 3 TDs).
Homefield advantage has been huge for the Bison in Head Coach Craig Bohl's tenure, and I see this continuing today in a tough physical matchup that remains a close shootout throughout.
NDSU 34 - WI 27
-SCORE RECAPS, 10/12/08-
Gophers pulled out another great victory winning on the road 27-20. Starting to get mad at the Big Ten Network as I currently can't watch any of their games on TV and become more interested week after week... starting to appreciate Coach Tim Brewster (didn't think I'd ever say that...)
As for my Bison, I got the Western Illinois score right, but the Bison fall 27-22 at home in the Fargodome. This was a big hit to any playoff aspirations for the Bison as they fall to 3-3 and will have to go undefeated the rest of the way to even have a shot at the National Championship bracket in their first year of FCS eligibility. The Bison have been hurt this year by a banged up All-America RB in Tyler Roehl, and QB Nick Mertens at this point just isn't as great as Superman Steve Walker was over his career. If you ask me, I'd say turn this team into a spread offense and let Nick mature with his great stable of receivers because the running game has not been doing much this season (compared to others...) with Roehl playing hurt. Utilize that Big Arm and let Kole Heckendorf and company set all the NDSU passing records (which aren't even close to as great as you'd expect of ANY college FB team...), I think that would be fun to watch. The Bison are still a very good team however and the FCS powerhouses (Appalachian State, Northern Iowa, etc...) are all having down years, so who knows what could happen if the Bison put together a good run, lets hope for it... Go Herd!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Afterthoughts: Vikings vs. Saints
Talk about seeing 'stranger things happen'... to quote my preview of the game. Such a crazy game that there is so much to talk about this took me awhile. Anyway, on to that Crazyness:
-As everybody probably saw, this was the first game in NFL History with a Blocked FG return for a TD, 2 Punt Returns for TD, a non QB throwing a TD pass, and 2 FGs of over 50 yards(who comes up with this?...).
-CB Antoine Winfields snatch and return of a Blocked FG for a TD was a regular season first time occurence in Viking franchise history.
-Bernard Berrian turned in a career high 110 yards receiving (which was surprising to me, considering we paid him top of the NFL WR money), and was the first Viking to go over 100 yards in the last 35 games (even more surprising).
-The Vikings were the first team in NFL history to lead by 10 points at halftime after being outgained by more than 130 yards in the half.
-Adrian Peterson had the lowest rushing average for an NFL RB with at least 20 carries in a game in six seasons.
If we look at the History of these teams, one could say we should have expected something of this nature in this game, The Vikings had similar victories against the Giants in the past few seasons, having 3 intercceptions returns for touchdowns in a game, a Viking first, and being the first team to have an INT, Punt Return, and Kick Return TD in the same game. They also beat the Saints a few years ago courtesy of a last second 2 pt conversion from Daunte Culpepper, who fumbled the snap on the play. As for the Saints, they've shown a knack for being in weird games as well, and most of the time on the losing end.
Anyway, on to the game:
OFFENSE
After this game I'm a big Gus Frerotte fan, though I always kind of have been (ever since he took over for Culpepper a few years ago and in 2 1/2 games produced 690 yards, 7 TDs and only 2 INTs), that guy has got some big time competitive fire and Cajones to stand in there and deliver some passes when he knew he was going to take a shot from a D-Lineman.
The running game was pretty absent though, which was surprising considering the deficiencies of New Orleans' defense, but winning the turnover battle and scoring when it was needed proved to be enough.
And even though Childress and Bevell actually appeared to show some imagination in having RB Chester Taylor throw a pass on the goal line for a TD, it doesn't really score any points with me as I have seen this play run before (Shiancoe dropped 2 of them last year), and I'm looking for something NEW, like Taylor and Peterson in the same bacfield a LOT more, so much could be done with misdirections and what not with them both. And this also brings me to my evaluation of the Coaching Staff's playcalling. The Breakdown:
Total Offensive Plays(minus pre-snap penalty plays): 67 / 43 passes / 24 runs
1st Down Plays: 26 / 10 passes / 16 runs
Any down and less than 3 yards to go: 5 / 2 passes / 3 runs
I'll cut Childress a miniscule amount of slack for the disparity between total pass and run plays as the Saints were definitely putting all their resources into stopping the run, but what I think these numbers also point out is the still extremely predictable and poor playcalling, as 16 of 24 total team rushing attempts occurred on 1st Down, thats 66% of them, far too much. This also means that on 2nd and 3rd downs, 33 of 41 plays were passes, a whopping 80.5%. If I was a Defensive Coordinator, I'd love playing those odds, and If you ask me, it looked like Gary Gibbs did as well...
I also HATED, absolutely HATED, the 3rd and 3 play where we got the pass interference call that set up the winning FG. That pass never should have been thrown in that situation if you ask me, Childress caught a break with that one. And its not like Gus saw single coverage or something so he decided to take a shot, because Berrian was double covered by a corner and a safety, and I'm pretty sure somewhere in the playbook there is a play designed for a 3rd and short situation such as this where there isn't a go-route involved, I would have been much more confident in completing say a 5 yard out than going for it all with a bomb, but hey, a lot of the plays seemed to finally go the Vikings way in this game, and they got lucky with this one. If I was Childress, I would have bought that corner and the 2 referees who threw the flags dinner, because they may have well preserved his job.
Was very nice to see Bernard Berrian breakout in relation to his history that I pointed out above, 110 yards is good, but not a spectacular career high. He also dropped one 3rd down reception that would have kept a drive going and would have stopped Reggie Bush from returning one of his punts for a TD, at least for a few plays anyway. But it looks like he and Frerotte are developing a good chemistry and this is nothing but good news.
As for Adrian Peterson, I have this feeling that he is trying so hard not to try and break a big play every time he gets the ball, that he has lost some of his Killer Instinct. I say just let it loose man, it seemed to work just fine for you last year, don't waste that natural and uber ability by trying to be something that you're instincts and history say you're not. Just let your natural abilities guide you, and the mojo and big plays will come back. (This is not a knock on AD, just a 'maybe' observation, he's still the man, every RB has a bad game or two, ask LT). The return of Bryant Mckinnie also may have played a part in this as he hasn't played next to his teamates in a game for a long time. And on the plays where I actually decided to watch how Mckinnie looked, I saw nothing but good things, but I also know he had a False Start penalty and probably was part of the reason for a sack or two, but I'm still not as down on this guys play on the field over the last few years as a lot of people are, as I can't think of many Left Tackles in the league that I would want on my team over him, and he'll get back into the groove as he works in practice.
The Good: Gus Frerotte and Bernard Berrian developing chemistry, and 0 turnovers.
The Bad: Strong rushing game disappearing.
The Ugly: Still the playcalling from Childress and Bevell.
DEFENSE
The defense actually gets a pretty good grade from me in this game. They did give up 330 yards passing to Drew Brees, but who hasn't this season? But one thing they did do that nobody else has is force turnovers, and in bunches, getting 2 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions. Brees also only completed 56.5% of his passes after completing 73% of them this SEASON before this game. Thats a pretty good job of disrupting his comfort zone if you ask me. Fact of the matter is, New Orleans' high powered offense only produced 13 points on its own, and thats a number I'll take every week.
Can't say enough about Antoine Winfields play this year, he deserves all the credit he is getting and to be in the Defensive Player of the Year So Far conversations. He has been a HUGE part of both of the Vikings victories this season, and you could even say he IS the reason. Always loved this guy and thought he has deserved a Pro-Bowl appearance for the last few years, lets hope he gets it finally. Also love the nickname I heard for the first time from I can't remember who on KFAN, 'mighty mouse.' Anyway dude is awesome, I hope someone else can step up like he has with the loss of E.J. in the middle.
The Good: Antoine Winfield and forcing turnovers.
The Bad: Special Teams coverage.
The Ugly: Brad Childress blaiming the punter for Reggie Bush's 2 Punt Return TDs.
The ugly comment here was a very low blow in my opinion. Ya, you may have told him to kick it out of bounds, and he should have, but there are still 10 other guys on those coverage units that have a responsibility to undertake and execute, and that obviously wasn't done either. Don't forget that Chris Kluwe was the best P in the NFL last year in several significant punting categories Chili, this was one bad game, which everybody has, and I still think you deserve more of the blame than the player for not getting your guys to execute properly on something that should be pretty easy for an NFL team to do, and thats cover a punt. Even more disappointed that Brad Childress would resort to this type of under the bus throwing to try and deflect the blame from himself(you did still WIN by the way, you could almost blame him for that as well, seeing as how he gave the Vikings more time with the ball on offense to get the game winning FG because Brees' offense didn't use any for a drive after those...just sayin...), just more proof in my opinion that he is not the right guy to get the Vikings to the playoffs and a Superbowl.
Anyway, not sure If I should make any predictions before games anymore this season as it seems I have some clairvoyant ability to make the exact opposite of what I predict happen, your thoughts on this would be welcome...Very happy the Vikes pulled this one out though as it was a hard-hitting and history making game that was fun to watch.
'Til next time...
-As everybody probably saw, this was the first game in NFL History with a Blocked FG return for a TD, 2 Punt Returns for TD, a non QB throwing a TD pass, and 2 FGs of over 50 yards(who comes up with this?...).
-CB Antoine Winfields snatch and return of a Blocked FG for a TD was a regular season first time occurence in Viking franchise history.
-Bernard Berrian turned in a career high 110 yards receiving (which was surprising to me, considering we paid him top of the NFL WR money), and was the first Viking to go over 100 yards in the last 35 games (even more surprising).
-The Vikings were the first team in NFL history to lead by 10 points at halftime after being outgained by more than 130 yards in the half.
-Adrian Peterson had the lowest rushing average for an NFL RB with at least 20 carries in a game in six seasons.
If we look at the History of these teams, one could say we should have expected something of this nature in this game, The Vikings had similar victories against the Giants in the past few seasons, having 3 intercceptions returns for touchdowns in a game, a Viking first, and being the first team to have an INT, Punt Return, and Kick Return TD in the same game. They also beat the Saints a few years ago courtesy of a last second 2 pt conversion from Daunte Culpepper, who fumbled the snap on the play. As for the Saints, they've shown a knack for being in weird games as well, and most of the time on the losing end.
Anyway, on to the game:
OFFENSE
After this game I'm a big Gus Frerotte fan, though I always kind of have been (ever since he took over for Culpepper a few years ago and in 2 1/2 games produced 690 yards, 7 TDs and only 2 INTs), that guy has got some big time competitive fire and Cajones to stand in there and deliver some passes when he knew he was going to take a shot from a D-Lineman.
The running game was pretty absent though, which was surprising considering the deficiencies of New Orleans' defense, but winning the turnover battle and scoring when it was needed proved to be enough.
And even though Childress and Bevell actually appeared to show some imagination in having RB Chester Taylor throw a pass on the goal line for a TD, it doesn't really score any points with me as I have seen this play run before (Shiancoe dropped 2 of them last year), and I'm looking for something NEW, like Taylor and Peterson in the same bacfield a LOT more, so much could be done with misdirections and what not with them both. And this also brings me to my evaluation of the Coaching Staff's playcalling. The Breakdown:
Total Offensive Plays(minus pre-snap penalty plays): 67 / 43 passes / 24 runs
1st Down Plays: 26 / 10 passes / 16 runs
Any down and less than 3 yards to go: 5 / 2 passes / 3 runs
I'll cut Childress a miniscule amount of slack for the disparity between total pass and run plays as the Saints were definitely putting all their resources into stopping the run, but what I think these numbers also point out is the still extremely predictable and poor playcalling, as 16 of 24 total team rushing attempts occurred on 1st Down, thats 66% of them, far too much. This also means that on 2nd and 3rd downs, 33 of 41 plays were passes, a whopping 80.5%. If I was a Defensive Coordinator, I'd love playing those odds, and If you ask me, it looked like Gary Gibbs did as well...
I also HATED, absolutely HATED, the 3rd and 3 play where we got the pass interference call that set up the winning FG. That pass never should have been thrown in that situation if you ask me, Childress caught a break with that one. And its not like Gus saw single coverage or something so he decided to take a shot, because Berrian was double covered by a corner and a safety, and I'm pretty sure somewhere in the playbook there is a play designed for a 3rd and short situation such as this where there isn't a go-route involved, I would have been much more confident in completing say a 5 yard out than going for it all with a bomb, but hey, a lot of the plays seemed to finally go the Vikings way in this game, and they got lucky with this one. If I was Childress, I would have bought that corner and the 2 referees who threw the flags dinner, because they may have well preserved his job.
Was very nice to see Bernard Berrian breakout in relation to his history that I pointed out above, 110 yards is good, but not a spectacular career high. He also dropped one 3rd down reception that would have kept a drive going and would have stopped Reggie Bush from returning one of his punts for a TD, at least for a few plays anyway. But it looks like he and Frerotte are developing a good chemistry and this is nothing but good news.
As for Adrian Peterson, I have this feeling that he is trying so hard not to try and break a big play every time he gets the ball, that he has lost some of his Killer Instinct. I say just let it loose man, it seemed to work just fine for you last year, don't waste that natural and uber ability by trying to be something that you're instincts and history say you're not. Just let your natural abilities guide you, and the mojo and big plays will come back. (This is not a knock on AD, just a 'maybe' observation, he's still the man, every RB has a bad game or two, ask LT). The return of Bryant Mckinnie also may have played a part in this as he hasn't played next to his teamates in a game for a long time. And on the plays where I actually decided to watch how Mckinnie looked, I saw nothing but good things, but I also know he had a False Start penalty and probably was part of the reason for a sack or two, but I'm still not as down on this guys play on the field over the last few years as a lot of people are, as I can't think of many Left Tackles in the league that I would want on my team over him, and he'll get back into the groove as he works in practice.
The Good: Gus Frerotte and Bernard Berrian developing chemistry, and 0 turnovers.
The Bad: Strong rushing game disappearing.
The Ugly: Still the playcalling from Childress and Bevell.
DEFENSE
The defense actually gets a pretty good grade from me in this game. They did give up 330 yards passing to Drew Brees, but who hasn't this season? But one thing they did do that nobody else has is force turnovers, and in bunches, getting 2 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions. Brees also only completed 56.5% of his passes after completing 73% of them this SEASON before this game. Thats a pretty good job of disrupting his comfort zone if you ask me. Fact of the matter is, New Orleans' high powered offense only produced 13 points on its own, and thats a number I'll take every week.
Can't say enough about Antoine Winfields play this year, he deserves all the credit he is getting and to be in the Defensive Player of the Year So Far conversations. He has been a HUGE part of both of the Vikings victories this season, and you could even say he IS the reason. Always loved this guy and thought he has deserved a Pro-Bowl appearance for the last few years, lets hope he gets it finally. Also love the nickname I heard for the first time from I can't remember who on KFAN, 'mighty mouse.' Anyway dude is awesome, I hope someone else can step up like he has with the loss of E.J. in the middle.
The Good: Antoine Winfield and forcing turnovers.
The Bad: Special Teams coverage.
The Ugly: Brad Childress blaiming the punter for Reggie Bush's 2 Punt Return TDs.
The ugly comment here was a very low blow in my opinion. Ya, you may have told him to kick it out of bounds, and he should have, but there are still 10 other guys on those coverage units that have a responsibility to undertake and execute, and that obviously wasn't done either. Don't forget that Chris Kluwe was the best P in the NFL last year in several significant punting categories Chili, this was one bad game, which everybody has, and I still think you deserve more of the blame than the player for not getting your guys to execute properly on something that should be pretty easy for an NFL team to do, and thats cover a punt. Even more disappointed that Brad Childress would resort to this type of under the bus throwing to try and deflect the blame from himself(you did still WIN by the way, you could almost blame him for that as well, seeing as how he gave the Vikings more time with the ball on offense to get the game winning FG because Brees' offense didn't use any for a drive after those...just sayin...), just more proof in my opinion that he is not the right guy to get the Vikings to the playoffs and a Superbowl.
Anyway, not sure If I should make any predictions before games anymore this season as it seems I have some clairvoyant ability to make the exact opposite of what I predict happen, your thoughts on this would be welcome...Very happy the Vikes pulled this one out though as it was a hard-hitting and history making game that was fun to watch.
'Til next time...
Monday, October 6, 2008
A Message To Zygi Wilf:
Dear Mr. Wilf,
Can you please make Brad Childress the first NFL head coach to be fired Mid-season after a Victory?
Sincerely,
MinnesotaHomer
P.S. I'm dead serious.
Can you please make Brad Childress the first NFL head coach to be fired Mid-season after a Victory?
Sincerely,
MinnesotaHomer
P.S. I'm dead serious.
Gameday: Vikings vs. Saints
Well, I have to admit, I'm in a state of Minnesota Sport Fan Depression with today's announcement that Viking MLB E.J. Henderson, who had been playing at a phenomenal level so far this season and was the one player I've raved about, was placed on injured reserve, ending his 2008 season. His presence in the middle of the field and running the defense will be missed. Get well soon E.J.!
On to tonights game:
If there was an offense in the entire NFL that should scare the Vikings, its the one run by Drew Brees for the New Orleans Saints, who has been spectacular even without standouts Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey in the pass game. If ever there was a game where the pass rush needed to step up, this is it, and big time.
The Saint's run offense doesn't frighten me that much against the Viking front four, but Reggie Bush on swing passes in space and Brees' knack for spreading the ball to all his weapons does. Sean Payton will stick with what works for his team in this game, and that is passing the ball.
As good as New Orleans is on offense however, they are just as bad on defense, ranking 27th in the league overall giving up 372 yards per game, and 29th and 20th against the pass and rush respectively.
The Viking offense should be able to move the ball better than they have against any other foe so far this season, and despite their offensive production, the Saints haven't exactly run away with any of their games, which brings me to this:
Official Memo to Brad Childress:
Do not be enticed by the fact that New Orleans has given up a lot of pass yards to try and come out throwing in this game. The pass offense run by Gus Frerotte will not be able to keep up with Brees', and the thing that you do well on offense will be your best defense against their passing attack. That being controlling the clock and keeping the Saint offense off the field by running the ball with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor behind your O-Line which should be able to control the trenches even moreso with the return of LT Bryant McKinnie from suspension.
If Adrian Peterson can rush for about or greater than 50% of the yards Drew Brees throws for, the Vikings will have a chance in this game, and my intuition (which is not exactly dependable so far, take it for what you will...) says that this game will (or should...) be closer than people think, but then again, the Vikes are still coached by Brad Childress so a 42-0 throttling (sorry Vike faithful for the reminder) isn't out of the question either.
The only silver lining to the season I can see so far is that the rest of the NFC North Division isn't exactly lighting it up either. Looking more and more like a 9-7 or 8-8 team could win this division, and thats still a record thats not out of reach with the worst part of the Viking schedule behind them. A win would go a long way towards restoring some swagger and confidence for the Vikes, and I have seen stranger things happen, so keep the faith, even if I'm picking against them.
Vikings 27 - Saints 34
Skol Vikings! 'Til next time...
On to tonights game:
If there was an offense in the entire NFL that should scare the Vikings, its the one run by Drew Brees for the New Orleans Saints, who has been spectacular even without standouts Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey in the pass game. If ever there was a game where the pass rush needed to step up, this is it, and big time.
The Saint's run offense doesn't frighten me that much against the Viking front four, but Reggie Bush on swing passes in space and Brees' knack for spreading the ball to all his weapons does. Sean Payton will stick with what works for his team in this game, and that is passing the ball.
As good as New Orleans is on offense however, they are just as bad on defense, ranking 27th in the league overall giving up 372 yards per game, and 29th and 20th against the pass and rush respectively.
The Viking offense should be able to move the ball better than they have against any other foe so far this season, and despite their offensive production, the Saints haven't exactly run away with any of their games, which brings me to this:
Official Memo to Brad Childress:
Do not be enticed by the fact that New Orleans has given up a lot of pass yards to try and come out throwing in this game. The pass offense run by Gus Frerotte will not be able to keep up with Brees', and the thing that you do well on offense will be your best defense against their passing attack. That being controlling the clock and keeping the Saint offense off the field by running the ball with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor behind your O-Line which should be able to control the trenches even moreso with the return of LT Bryant McKinnie from suspension.
If Adrian Peterson can rush for about or greater than 50% of the yards Drew Brees throws for, the Vikings will have a chance in this game, and my intuition (which is not exactly dependable so far, take it for what you will...) says that this game will (or should...) be closer than people think, but then again, the Vikes are still coached by Brad Childress so a 42-0 throttling (sorry Vike faithful for the reminder) isn't out of the question either.
The only silver lining to the season I can see so far is that the rest of the NFC North Division isn't exactly lighting it up either. Looking more and more like a 9-7 or 8-8 team could win this division, and thats still a record thats not out of reach with the worst part of the Viking schedule behind them. A win would go a long way towards restoring some swagger and confidence for the Vikes, and I have seen stranger things happen, so keep the faith, even if I'm picking against them.
Vikings 27 - Saints 34
Skol Vikings! 'Til next time...
Saturday, October 4, 2008
College Gameday: Bison Homecoming, Gophers
Note: As of this writing the Bison trail the Southern Illinois Salukis 6-0.
The Bison got a much needed bye week after suffering consecutive losses to the Wyoming Cowboys and Missouri Valley Football Conference foe Youngstown State. QB Nick Mertens lost his mojo in these games for NDSU by throwing 7 interceptions, and this was the biggest factor in their losses.
But with the bye week the Bison are able to get healthy, with RB Tyler Roehl back near 100% and S Cyrus Lemon, and MLB Tyler Henry returning to strengthen the defense.
The Salukis are coming off a big victory over perennial power Northern Iowa and should provide a tough opponent for the Bison, but with their week off and the return to the Fargodome for Homecoming, look for Coach Craig Bohl to have his squad more than prepared and ready to come out and get back on the winning track.
The crowd plays a big factor and the Bison win a close one at home to claim their first MVFC victory.
NDSU Bison 24 - SIU Salukis 20
Gophers:
They lead the Hoosiers 13-7 in the 4th as I write this, for two teams that seem to give up and score a lot of points against eachother in recent history, this one has been kept close.
Gopher QB Adam Webber left the game briefly in the 1st quarter with an injury, but has returned to the lineup. WR Eric Decker is having yet another big game as he approaches 200 yards receiving on the day. Lets hope the Gophers can hold on and get that first big ten victory of the season.
'Til next time...
10/6/2008 - RECAPS
-NDSU Bison 35 - SIU Salukis 27
After falling behind 20-0 with 2 minutes left in the first half, the Bison came storming back, started by a 9 yard TD connection from NDSU QB Nick Mertens to TE Jeremiah Wurzbacher in the 2 minute drill to close the second quarter, and scoring on 4 0f 6 possessions in the second half, missing a field goal and running out the game clock on the other two.
RB's Tyler Roehl and Pat Baschall contributed 202 yards and 2 TDs on the ground, and Mertens finished with 195 yards passing and 2 TDs to go along with a rushing TD of his own and 0 interceptions (after throwing 7 in the past 2 games) to bring the Bison back for a Homecoming victory.
It was an entirely different team in the second half, and I give all the credit to NDSU's fantastic head coach Craig Bohl, who has shown a knack for making in game adjustments and getting the most out of his players. I hope this guy stays around a long time.
-UMN Golden Gophers 16 - Indiana Hoosiers 7
The Gopher defense stepped up big in this game and the Gophers gutted out a victory at home to improve to a surprising 5-1.
WR Eric Decker had another monster game, posting 13 receptions for 190 yards and the rest of the offense did enough to pull it out.
Was not a Tim Brewster fan the day they hired him or at all last season, but its looking like he's got his team moving in the right direction, lets hope they keep it up.
'Til next time...
The Bison got a much needed bye week after suffering consecutive losses to the Wyoming Cowboys and Missouri Valley Football Conference foe Youngstown State. QB Nick Mertens lost his mojo in these games for NDSU by throwing 7 interceptions, and this was the biggest factor in their losses.
But with the bye week the Bison are able to get healthy, with RB Tyler Roehl back near 100% and S Cyrus Lemon, and MLB Tyler Henry returning to strengthen the defense.
The Salukis are coming off a big victory over perennial power Northern Iowa and should provide a tough opponent for the Bison, but with their week off and the return to the Fargodome for Homecoming, look for Coach Craig Bohl to have his squad more than prepared and ready to come out and get back on the winning track.
The crowd plays a big factor and the Bison win a close one at home to claim their first MVFC victory.
NDSU Bison 24 - SIU Salukis 20
Gophers:
They lead the Hoosiers 13-7 in the 4th as I write this, for two teams that seem to give up and score a lot of points against eachother in recent history, this one has been kept close.
Gopher QB Adam Webber left the game briefly in the 1st quarter with an injury, but has returned to the lineup. WR Eric Decker is having yet another big game as he approaches 200 yards receiving on the day. Lets hope the Gophers can hold on and get that first big ten victory of the season.
'Til next time...
10/6/2008 - RECAPS
-NDSU Bison 35 - SIU Salukis 27
After falling behind 20-0 with 2 minutes left in the first half, the Bison came storming back, started by a 9 yard TD connection from NDSU QB Nick Mertens to TE Jeremiah Wurzbacher in the 2 minute drill to close the second quarter, and scoring on 4 0f 6 possessions in the second half, missing a field goal and running out the game clock on the other two.
RB's Tyler Roehl and Pat Baschall contributed 202 yards and 2 TDs on the ground, and Mertens finished with 195 yards passing and 2 TDs to go along with a rushing TD of his own and 0 interceptions (after throwing 7 in the past 2 games) to bring the Bison back for a Homecoming victory.
It was an entirely different team in the second half, and I give all the credit to NDSU's fantastic head coach Craig Bohl, who has shown a knack for making in game adjustments and getting the most out of his players. I hope this guy stays around a long time.
-UMN Golden Gophers 16 - Indiana Hoosiers 7
The Gopher defense stepped up big in this game and the Gophers gutted out a victory at home to improve to a surprising 5-1.
WR Eric Decker had another monster game, posting 13 receptions for 190 yards and the rest of the offense did enough to pull it out.
Was not a Tim Brewster fan the day they hired him or at all last season, but its looking like he's got his team moving in the right direction, lets hope they keep it up.
'Til next time...
Thursday, October 2, 2008
A Brief Twins Season Recap
Well, it was a good fight, but Jim Thome and Ken Griffey Jr. pulled off a feint and counter right hook that knocked the Twins out of the postseason. Great pitchers duel from Blackburn and Danks, too bad the lineup couldn't find their mojo at any point.
This season was a very welcome surprise for the Minnesota faithful as they outplayed how everyone thought they would after losing Johan Santana and Torii Hunter in the offseason. The question raised now as we head to the offseason and next year is were they overachievers or the real deal?
A young pitching staff laid the groundwork for becoming a very solid pitching group for years to come as all Twins pitchers who started a game posted at or above .500 Win-Loss marks, led by Glen Perkins at 12-4, and Scott Baker at 11-4. Kevin Slowey and Nick Blackburn also posted 12 and 11 wins respectively, and the Franchise returned (perhaps a week or two late) to go 6-1 in the stretch toward the playoffs. The youth and ability of these pitchers should be encouraging for all Twin fans as the future is very bright for these guys who should be together as a Staff for at least the next few seasons. Scott Baker showed he's ready for top of the line status, Francisco Liriano returned to the 'Ace' position late in the year despite a dropoff in velocity, Kevin Slowey and Nick Blackburn were Radke esque, and Glen Perkins showed he has what it takes to be a starter in the majors.
The bullpen started the season strong but then fell off dramatically toward the end of the season. Joe Nathan is still one of the best closers in the game, but he can't do much if the bullpen doesn't hold a lead for him going into the ninth. Pat Neshek going down hurt them big time, but AL hitters figuring out Matt Guerrier and Jesse Crain, Dennis Reyes, and Boof Bonser being inconsistent (and very hittable) didn't help. The emergence of Craig Breslow and Jose Mijares toward the end of the year was nice, but it was just a little too late. They offer hope for next season though.
Justin Morneau again put together a fantastic season, posting a team high 23 HRs and 129 RBI (2nd in AL) and was a big part of the MVP conversation up until his semi-slump in September. Much like in '06, I think if the Twins made the playoffs and he led the AL in RBI's that he would be the MVP. But mediocre HR numbers and the playoff failure knock him out of consideration. Joe Mauer won his second career batting title at the age of 25 (amazing), at the catcher position (more amazing). Jason Kubel contributed 20 HRs to the offense, but only one other player posted double digits in HRs, and barely, with big offseason acquisition Delmon Young slamming 10.
This is the biggest dificiency on this teams offense that needs to be addressed for the second straight year. The Twins need a RH power swinging bat. You can make the argument that they scored a lot of runs this year, but that was while they hit for an extraordinary average with runners in scoring position, and that will not stay consistent. They would be amazing if there was ONE guy who could come up with a big homerun in a close game (not sure if that happened once all season...at least it seems like that).
But overall, I was very excited to see these young guys succeed as much as they did, and lets hope they move forward and improve even more next year, a season I think they could be dangerous with all the SP returning and a year under the belts for guys like Span, Gomez, Young, Buscher, and Harris and some viable talent coming up in the Minors.
'Til next time...
This season was a very welcome surprise for the Minnesota faithful as they outplayed how everyone thought they would after losing Johan Santana and Torii Hunter in the offseason. The question raised now as we head to the offseason and next year is were they overachievers or the real deal?
A young pitching staff laid the groundwork for becoming a very solid pitching group for years to come as all Twins pitchers who started a game posted at or above .500 Win-Loss marks, led by Glen Perkins at 12-4, and Scott Baker at 11-4. Kevin Slowey and Nick Blackburn also posted 12 and 11 wins respectively, and the Franchise returned (perhaps a week or two late) to go 6-1 in the stretch toward the playoffs. The youth and ability of these pitchers should be encouraging for all Twin fans as the future is very bright for these guys who should be together as a Staff for at least the next few seasons. Scott Baker showed he's ready for top of the line status, Francisco Liriano returned to the 'Ace' position late in the year despite a dropoff in velocity, Kevin Slowey and Nick Blackburn were Radke esque, and Glen Perkins showed he has what it takes to be a starter in the majors.
The bullpen started the season strong but then fell off dramatically toward the end of the season. Joe Nathan is still one of the best closers in the game, but he can't do much if the bullpen doesn't hold a lead for him going into the ninth. Pat Neshek going down hurt them big time, but AL hitters figuring out Matt Guerrier and Jesse Crain, Dennis Reyes, and Boof Bonser being inconsistent (and very hittable) didn't help. The emergence of Craig Breslow and Jose Mijares toward the end of the year was nice, but it was just a little too late. They offer hope for next season though.
Justin Morneau again put together a fantastic season, posting a team high 23 HRs and 129 RBI (2nd in AL) and was a big part of the MVP conversation up until his semi-slump in September. Much like in '06, I think if the Twins made the playoffs and he led the AL in RBI's that he would be the MVP. But mediocre HR numbers and the playoff failure knock him out of consideration. Joe Mauer won his second career batting title at the age of 25 (amazing), at the catcher position (more amazing). Jason Kubel contributed 20 HRs to the offense, but only one other player posted double digits in HRs, and barely, with big offseason acquisition Delmon Young slamming 10.
This is the biggest dificiency on this teams offense that needs to be addressed for the second straight year. The Twins need a RH power swinging bat. You can make the argument that they scored a lot of runs this year, but that was while they hit for an extraordinary average with runners in scoring position, and that will not stay consistent. They would be amazing if there was ONE guy who could come up with a big homerun in a close game (not sure if that happened once all season...at least it seems like that).
But overall, I was very excited to see these young guys succeed as much as they did, and lets hope they move forward and improve even more next year, a season I think they could be dangerous with all the SP returning and a year under the belts for guys like Span, Gomez, Young, Buscher, and Harris and some viable talent coming up in the Minors.
'Til next time...
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
All For One and One For ALL!!! Twins-White Sox Playoff
Are you Ready?!?
This one is for all the AL Central marbles.
Winner takes all, Loser goes home.
CWS (88-74) - SP John Danks, 11-9, 3.47 ERA
MIN(88-74)- SP Nick Blackburn(R), 11-10, 4.14 ERA
Let's Go Twins!!!
This one is for all the AL Central marbles.
Winner takes all, Loser goes home.
CWS (88-74) - SP John Danks, 11-9, 3.47 ERA
MIN(88-74)- SP Nick Blackburn(R), 11-10, 4.14 ERA
Let's Go Twins!!!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Afterthoughts - Vikings vs. Titans
I'll get this out of the way: The Tennessee Titans are NOT a better football team than the Minnesota Vikings. However, the Titans ARE a FAR better COACHED team than the Vikings.
I hope Brad Childress had a notebook and a pen to take notes during this game, because Jeff Fisher just showed him PRECISELY how to run a team like the one he's got in this game. Severely outcoached and outperformed. I loved everything Jeff Fisher did in running his team, which is basically a carbon copy of the Vikes.
Brad Childress got a week off from my bashing due to the dominance of Carolina last week, but the same things I said after the Indy game apply even moreso now. Brad Childress sucks at playcalling(3rd and 1 and we throw it 30 yards downfield, R-TARDED with this team). Brad Childress sucks at managing a game (timeouts anyone? oh wait, were out already...). Brad Childress sucks at motivating players (I don't think this team buys into him). Brad Childress sucks at making adjustments (evidenced by losing games when team was ahead, and never coming back to win). Plain and Simple:
BRAD CHILDRESS SUCKS as an NFL head coach. Period.
This game was painful to watch, and I was screaming at my TV on several occassions for the crap happening on the field per Childress' direction:
3rd and 1 - lets throw it 30 yards downfield when we suck at passing and are almost guarenteed to gain at least a yard on the ground. Brilliant.
Lets blow 2 timeouts to look at a challenge (that I feel we should have won though, and the receiver fumbled). Both halves were far from over by the time we had 0 timeouts left. Good Work.
Lets watch RB Chris Johnson line up in the backfield instead of LenDale White, and still expect the Titans to go up the middle. I saw both C. Johnsons TD's coming the second the teams lined up because the LB and S were way out of position for an outside run which I'm pretty sure you should expect Johnson to run. Bam, walks into the endzone untouched twice. Not so proud of the goal line defense like I had been after this one. Unacceptable.
I could go on and on and on and on and on and on and on, but for your sake I'll leave it with those, I'm sure anyone else has other points in the game they could point out.
OFFENSE
The offense actually was able to move the ball effectively, outgaining the Titans 333 yards to 275 yards of offense, but killed themselves with turnovers and penalties. Nice to see AD smell the endzone again and bust a nice TD scamper in the process(helped one of my fantasy teams dominate this week!). Not much else to say. This unit is handcuffed by terribly predictable and often times extremely POOR playcalling and no imagination under the direction of Brad Childress and Darrell Bevell.
-The Good: AD scores twice on the ground.
-The Bad: Penalties and Turnovers.
-The Ugly: Playcalling and coaching from Childress and Co. (I'll give Frazier leeway on this one)
DEFENSE
Was put in some tough spots by turnovers and was unable to hold, giving up 3 rushing TD's to Chris Johnson(2) and LenDale White(1) in goal line situations. Did hold another QB to under 200 yards passing(barely, aiming low for any positives) and Titans also rushed for only 77 yards as a team, which can be somewhat encouraging. Or not. Pass rush was AWOL again this week, I hope the Jekyll and Hyde act doesn't continue.
note: E.J. Henderson went down with what initially looked like a serious injury (crossing fingers) but did return for some time before finally bowing out completely. Get better E.J., we need ya!
-The Good: Run defense still limited a tough running attack.
-The Bad: Goal line failures, misallignments, lack of common sense in relation to other teams personnel.
-The Ugly: 3 rushing TD's given up. The last time this occurred against the Vikings was the '06 season finale against the Rams' Steven Jackson. In between these 2 games(19 of them), the most rushing TD's the Vikes gave up to a team in a single game was 1. End of a good run.
You'll hear this after every game for the rest of the season until it happens Zygi, FIRE BRAD CHILDRESS! NOW! Look at Tennessee, run by a fantastic coach in Jeff Fisher, and see exactly what your team should be playing like. Too bad the reality is it isn't, and Brad Childress is the prime reason why.
'Til next time...
I hope Brad Childress had a notebook and a pen to take notes during this game, because Jeff Fisher just showed him PRECISELY how to run a team like the one he's got in this game. Severely outcoached and outperformed. I loved everything Jeff Fisher did in running his team, which is basically a carbon copy of the Vikes.
Brad Childress got a week off from my bashing due to the dominance of Carolina last week, but the same things I said after the Indy game apply even moreso now. Brad Childress sucks at playcalling(3rd and 1 and we throw it 30 yards downfield, R-TARDED with this team). Brad Childress sucks at managing a game (timeouts anyone? oh wait, were out already...). Brad Childress sucks at motivating players (I don't think this team buys into him). Brad Childress sucks at making adjustments (evidenced by losing games when team was ahead, and never coming back to win). Plain and Simple:
BRAD CHILDRESS SUCKS as an NFL head coach. Period.
This game was painful to watch, and I was screaming at my TV on several occassions for the crap happening on the field per Childress' direction:
3rd and 1 - lets throw it 30 yards downfield when we suck at passing and are almost guarenteed to gain at least a yard on the ground. Brilliant.
Lets blow 2 timeouts to look at a challenge (that I feel we should have won though, and the receiver fumbled). Both halves were far from over by the time we had 0 timeouts left. Good Work.
Lets watch RB Chris Johnson line up in the backfield instead of LenDale White, and still expect the Titans to go up the middle. I saw both C. Johnsons TD's coming the second the teams lined up because the LB and S were way out of position for an outside run which I'm pretty sure you should expect Johnson to run. Bam, walks into the endzone untouched twice. Not so proud of the goal line defense like I had been after this one. Unacceptable.
I could go on and on and on and on and on and on and on, but for your sake I'll leave it with those, I'm sure anyone else has other points in the game they could point out.
OFFENSE
The offense actually was able to move the ball effectively, outgaining the Titans 333 yards to 275 yards of offense, but killed themselves with turnovers and penalties. Nice to see AD smell the endzone again and bust a nice TD scamper in the process(helped one of my fantasy teams dominate this week!). Not much else to say. This unit is handcuffed by terribly predictable and often times extremely POOR playcalling and no imagination under the direction of Brad Childress and Darrell Bevell.
-The Good: AD scores twice on the ground.
-The Bad: Penalties and Turnovers.
-The Ugly: Playcalling and coaching from Childress and Co. (I'll give Frazier leeway on this one)
DEFENSE
Was put in some tough spots by turnovers and was unable to hold, giving up 3 rushing TD's to Chris Johnson(2) and LenDale White(1) in goal line situations. Did hold another QB to under 200 yards passing(barely, aiming low for any positives) and Titans also rushed for only 77 yards as a team, which can be somewhat encouraging. Or not. Pass rush was AWOL again this week, I hope the Jekyll and Hyde act doesn't continue.
note: E.J. Henderson went down with what initially looked like a serious injury (crossing fingers) but did return for some time before finally bowing out completely. Get better E.J., we need ya!
-The Good: Run defense still limited a tough running attack.
-The Bad: Goal line failures, misallignments, lack of common sense in relation to other teams personnel.
-The Ugly: 3 rushing TD's given up. The last time this occurred against the Vikings was the '06 season finale against the Rams' Steven Jackson. In between these 2 games(19 of them), the most rushing TD's the Vikes gave up to a team in a single game was 1. End of a good run.
You'll hear this after every game for the rest of the season until it happens Zygi, FIRE BRAD CHILDRESS! NOW! Look at Tennessee, run by a fantastic coach in Jeff Fisher, and see exactly what your team should be playing like. Too bad the reality is it isn't, and Brad Childress is the prime reason why.
'Til next time...
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Gameday: Vikings vs. Titans
Talk about a matchup of similar teams, pretty much carbon copies of eachother.
The Titans start 35 year old QB Kerry Collins who started the year as a Backup to Vince Young, while the Vikes send out their own 37 year old backup Gus Frerotte in place of Tarvaris Jackson for the second week. The Titans rely on a stout running game to move their offense with AFC leading rusher RB Chris Johnson (276 yds, 1 receiving TD), and goal line bruiser RB Lendale White(4 TDs). But the Vikes have an even better running game with the 2nd in NFL rusher RB Adrian Peterson(340 yds, 1 TD), and former 1000 yard (and 800+ last year) rusher RB Chester Taylor. Both have anemic passing games, but this is actually a week when the Vikings put a better WR core out on the field, and that doesn't happen often. The Titans front seven is a tough group very good against the run with DT's Albert Haynesworth(3 sacks, 2 TFL) and Tony Brown(2.0 sacks, 2 TFL) clogging the middle and athletic LB Keith Bullocks flying sideline to sideline but can also apply pressure with DE's Kyle Vanden Bosch(2.5 sacks) and Jevon Kearse(1.5 sacks). The Vikings bring a front seven even better against the run with Pro-Bowl DT's Pat and Kevin Williams(2 sacks) and MLB E.J. Henderson(1 sack, 5 TFL) who is playing at a phenomenal level right now and the pass rush has been improved recently with help from DE Jared Allen(2 sacks). The Titans bring a better secondary into the game with CB Cortland Finnegan (4 INT) and S Michael Griffin (3 INT) as far as turnovers in this young season are concerned, but the Vikes also boast CB Antoine Winfield who has shut down Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison and Steve Smith in consecutive weeks picking off Peyton Manning and forcing a fumble which he returned himself for a TD off Jake Delhomme, he is also 3rd on the team in tackles.
The only difference I can really see in these teams is Kerry Collins came in at QB for off the field reasons, while Gus Frerotte came in for reasons on the field. Oh wait, there's also this telling statistic: Combined record of Titan opponents, 1-7. Combined record of Viking opponents, 5-4 and includes Green Bay, Indianapolis, and Carolina compared to the Titans' Cincinatti, Jacksonville, and Houston.
I like the Vikings run game vs. Tennessee's tough D over the Titans run game vs. Minnesota immovable front seven. I also think Tennessee's Offensive line play has been helped by the defensive units they have seen so far, Minnesota's D-Line will be better than those. RB Chris Johnson is a burner in the backfield, but the Duo of Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, who are similar Johnson and White, were held to 47 yards last week. Johnson's speed gives him a chance, but speed is hard to use when there is no hole to burst through. Johnson recieves his welcome to the NFL moment today from DT Pat Williams or MLB E.J. Henderson. Enjoy the replays of it.
WR's Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice (who should be back from injury) are a better tandem then Justin Gage and Justin McCairrens from the Titans, but the Vikes WR's face a slightly better secondary, at least based on their play so far. The passing games of these teams I think are a push in this game.
Its no surprise with as close as these teams sound that the end result is a close, hard fought, tough, and physical game. Both defenses will make some big plays, but Adrian Peterson outshines arguably this years version of himself in Chris Johnson and this is enough to overcome the Titans on the road.
Vikings 20 - Titans 13
Skol Vikings!...'Til next time...
The Titans start 35 year old QB Kerry Collins who started the year as a Backup to Vince Young, while the Vikes send out their own 37 year old backup Gus Frerotte in place of Tarvaris Jackson for the second week. The Titans rely on a stout running game to move their offense with AFC leading rusher RB Chris Johnson (276 yds, 1 receiving TD), and goal line bruiser RB Lendale White(4 TDs). But the Vikes have an even better running game with the 2nd in NFL rusher RB Adrian Peterson(340 yds, 1 TD), and former 1000 yard (and 800+ last year) rusher RB Chester Taylor. Both have anemic passing games, but this is actually a week when the Vikings put a better WR core out on the field, and that doesn't happen often. The Titans front seven is a tough group very good against the run with DT's Albert Haynesworth(3 sacks, 2 TFL) and Tony Brown(2.0 sacks, 2 TFL) clogging the middle and athletic LB Keith Bullocks flying sideline to sideline but can also apply pressure with DE's Kyle Vanden Bosch(2.5 sacks) and Jevon Kearse(1.5 sacks). The Vikings bring a front seven even better against the run with Pro-Bowl DT's Pat and Kevin Williams(2 sacks) and MLB E.J. Henderson(1 sack, 5 TFL) who is playing at a phenomenal level right now and the pass rush has been improved recently with help from DE Jared Allen(2 sacks). The Titans bring a better secondary into the game with CB Cortland Finnegan (4 INT) and S Michael Griffin (3 INT) as far as turnovers in this young season are concerned, but the Vikes also boast CB Antoine Winfield who has shut down Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison and Steve Smith in consecutive weeks picking off Peyton Manning and forcing a fumble which he returned himself for a TD off Jake Delhomme, he is also 3rd on the team in tackles.
The only difference I can really see in these teams is Kerry Collins came in at QB for off the field reasons, while Gus Frerotte came in for reasons on the field. Oh wait, there's also this telling statistic: Combined record of Titan opponents, 1-7. Combined record of Viking opponents, 5-4 and includes Green Bay, Indianapolis, and Carolina compared to the Titans' Cincinatti, Jacksonville, and Houston.
I like the Vikings run game vs. Tennessee's tough D over the Titans run game vs. Minnesota immovable front seven. I also think Tennessee's Offensive line play has been helped by the defensive units they have seen so far, Minnesota's D-Line will be better than those. RB Chris Johnson is a burner in the backfield, but the Duo of Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, who are similar Johnson and White, were held to 47 yards last week. Johnson's speed gives him a chance, but speed is hard to use when there is no hole to burst through. Johnson recieves his welcome to the NFL moment today from DT Pat Williams or MLB E.J. Henderson. Enjoy the replays of it.
WR's Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice (who should be back from injury) are a better tandem then Justin Gage and Justin McCairrens from the Titans, but the Vikes WR's face a slightly better secondary, at least based on their play so far. The passing games of these teams I think are a push in this game.
Its no surprise with as close as these teams sound that the end result is a close, hard fought, tough, and physical game. Both defenses will make some big plays, but Adrian Peterson outshines arguably this years version of himself in Chris Johnson and this is enough to overcome the Titans on the road.
Vikings 20 - Titans 13
Skol Vikings!...'Til next time...
Friday, September 26, 2008
Twins-Sox Game
WOW! My voice is obliterated today, it hurts to talk at any volume above a whisper, but it was worth it, because last nights game was the best Minnesota Twins Game experience I have ever had. The Dome was rockin'.
Special thanks to Director of Ticket Operations for the Twins Paul Froehle for the tickets. Great guy, got to meet him and shook his hand. Thankyou again Paul.
Anyway, me and 5 friends were in section 127, on the 3rd base side of home (section is right next to the one directly behind home), and it was incredible and rowdy.
Got a call in the 2nd inning from a friend not in attendance, 'Dude, you at the Twins game? I just saw you on TV!'. Camera guy was right next to us and filming us a bunch for the first 3 innings. Got Text messages and calls from other friends as well who saw us. Then I come to work this morning and my boss says 'Did you see me at the game?' - 'Were you there too?' - 'No, could you see me through the TV, cause I saw you!'. It was cool, we're big Twins and sports fans in general.
A.J. fouls a ball off, hits the upper deck facing, comes falling in our direction, I was in an awkward position turning backwards and looking up for the ball, Friend snags it bare handed just before striking my face, good lookin out Clint.
Twins just kept clawing back and when Nick Punto reached first base in the Tenth amidst the 'Lets go Pun-To' chants, you just knew that they were gonna come through. Fantastic games from Span and Gomez, Great bullpen work for the second night in a row. Game was absolutely awesome. Hope they keep the Mojo going! Go Twins!....'Til next time....
Special thanks to Director of Ticket Operations for the Twins Paul Froehle for the tickets. Great guy, got to meet him and shook his hand. Thankyou again Paul.
Anyway, me and 5 friends were in section 127, on the 3rd base side of home (section is right next to the one directly behind home), and it was incredible and rowdy.
Got a call in the 2nd inning from a friend not in attendance, 'Dude, you at the Twins game? I just saw you on TV!'. Camera guy was right next to us and filming us a bunch for the first 3 innings. Got Text messages and calls from other friends as well who saw us. Then I come to work this morning and my boss says 'Did you see me at the game?' - 'Were you there too?' - 'No, could you see me through the TV, cause I saw you!'. It was cool, we're big Twins and sports fans in general.
A.J. fouls a ball off, hits the upper deck facing, comes falling in our direction, I was in an awkward position turning backwards and looking up for the ball, Friend snags it bare handed just before striking my face, good lookin out Clint.
Twins just kept clawing back and when Nick Punto reached first base in the Tenth amidst the 'Lets go Pun-To' chants, you just knew that they were gonna come through. Fantastic games from Span and Gomez, Great bullpen work for the second night in a row. Game was absolutely awesome. Hope they keep the Mojo going! Go Twins!....'Til next time....
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Twins-Sox Finale!
Well, me and some friends are fortunate a certain Director of Ticket Operations for my hometown MLB team didn't know how to set up his Sleep Number bed properly... Buddy fixes it for him, we get VIP tickets to tonights game as a thankyou! Thanks P. F.
Anyway, tonights game for the Twins is obviously the biggest game they have played this season and can put them back into the AL Central lead going into the last series of the season against Kansas City.
Kevin Slowey takes the mound for the hometown team and he faces off against Gavin Floyd whom has had the Twins number this season, going 3-1 with a 1.86 ERA against them.
The Twins bullpen, much like the White Sox's, has been the main ingredient to the subpar play lately, but the emergence of rookie lefthander Jose Mijares has helped recently, and the pen did pitch 4 incredible innings in last nights game to preserve a 3-2 must win victory. Tonight again falls into that category as I feel much better about going into the last series with a 1/2 game lead then a 1 and 1/2 game deficit.
Gotta say, I didn't predict many good things to happen for the Twins this season, but they have managed to surprise everyone except themselves, all while being the short bus version of a MLB power hitting team. The young starting pitching staff has more than held up their end of the bargain and 'The Franchise' has reinvented himself with less dominating (but still electric) stuff in his comeback, posting a 6-0 record since returning to the rotation. He and Scott Baker give the Twins a good chance to do some damage in the playoffs, and Slowey, Blackburn, and Perkins provide a good amount of other options if and when they get there. If the Bullpen can hold it together, anything can happen with this team.
Go Twins, and can't wait to see you at the game!...'Til next time...
Anyway, tonights game for the Twins is obviously the biggest game they have played this season and can put them back into the AL Central lead going into the last series of the season against Kansas City.
Kevin Slowey takes the mound for the hometown team and he faces off against Gavin Floyd whom has had the Twins number this season, going 3-1 with a 1.86 ERA against them.
The Twins bullpen, much like the White Sox's, has been the main ingredient to the subpar play lately, but the emergence of rookie lefthander Jose Mijares has helped recently, and the pen did pitch 4 incredible innings in last nights game to preserve a 3-2 must win victory. Tonight again falls into that category as I feel much better about going into the last series with a 1/2 game lead then a 1 and 1/2 game deficit.
Gotta say, I didn't predict many good things to happen for the Twins this season, but they have managed to surprise everyone except themselves, all while being the short bus version of a MLB power hitting team. The young starting pitching staff has more than held up their end of the bargain and 'The Franchise' has reinvented himself with less dominating (but still electric) stuff in his comeback, posting a 6-0 record since returning to the rotation. He and Scott Baker give the Twins a good chance to do some damage in the playoffs, and Slowey, Blackburn, and Perkins provide a good amount of other options if and when they get there. If the Bullpen can hold it together, anything can happen with this team.
Go Twins, and can't wait to see you at the game!...'Til next time...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Afterthoughts - Vikings vs. Panthers
Sure glad a friend called me at 10:30 in the morning on Sunday with an extra ticket to the game, very fun game to watch at the Metrodome....Anyway, on to said game...
Isn't this how every one of them should go? After a shaky at times 1st quarter, Frerotte ironed the bugs out and did everything he needed too to keep the Vikes in control of this game. A 22 play, 11 minute scoring drive is all the proof you need for that. Defense was again phenomenal, and closed this one out convincingly with consecutive sacks on the Panthers final drive, forcing them to turn it over on downs.
OFFENSE:
Well whattya know? a passing game does exist in Minnesota. Granted, it wasn't flashy, but everything that needed to be done in the passing game was accomplished. They even completed a big play to Bernard Berrian, remember that guy?
A banged up Adrian Peterson is still a monster RB, and seeing Chester out there more was a good thing too. People forget about him, but he's still probably the 2nd or 3rd best offensive weapon on the team, and should be utilized more.
The Good: Running game again top notch.
The Bad: Penalties killing drives and scoring plays.
The Ugly: Visanthe Shiancoe catching a TD. (ugly for Carolina)
DEFENSE:
If they hadn't already had a coming out party, this was it. Carolina's highly touted RB duo of Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart amounted to what is considered in the real world as 'nothing'. A whopping 42 yards on 17 carries.
E.J. Henderson's Superman dive over two lead blockers to flatten Stewart 5 yards in the backfield was the play of the year so far for me on defense. That is, until Antoine Winfield came untouched off the edge and demolished Jake Delhomme, forcing a fumble, picking it up, and running it in for a TD. Don't look now, but if this team goes on to be a contender, that play is the turning point in their season.
Pass rush was also phenomenal, to the point that Delhomme said it was the worst beating he had received since being sacked 8 times in a game a few years ago. He was never comfortable, and as a result Steve Smith's return to the lineup was spoiled miserably, as was the Carolina passing game, so entire offense for that matter.
Pure Dominance by the Purple People Eaters.
The Good: 5 sacks, numerous hurries, uncomfortable QB.
The Bad: NONE.
The Ugly: E.J. Henderson blowing up everyone who has the misfortune of coming within 10 yards of him. Another Fantastic game from the MLB.
Isn't this how every one of them should go? After a shaky at times 1st quarter, Frerotte ironed the bugs out and did everything he needed too to keep the Vikes in control of this game. A 22 play, 11 minute scoring drive is all the proof you need for that. Defense was again phenomenal, and closed this one out convincingly with consecutive sacks on the Panthers final drive, forcing them to turn it over on downs.
OFFENSE:
Well whattya know? a passing game does exist in Minnesota. Granted, it wasn't flashy, but everything that needed to be done in the passing game was accomplished. They even completed a big play to Bernard Berrian, remember that guy?
A banged up Adrian Peterson is still a monster RB, and seeing Chester out there more was a good thing too. People forget about him, but he's still probably the 2nd or 3rd best offensive weapon on the team, and should be utilized more.
The Good: Running game again top notch.
The Bad: Penalties killing drives and scoring plays.
The Ugly: Visanthe Shiancoe catching a TD. (ugly for Carolina)
DEFENSE:
If they hadn't already had a coming out party, this was it. Carolina's highly touted RB duo of Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart amounted to what is considered in the real world as 'nothing'. A whopping 42 yards on 17 carries.
E.J. Henderson's Superman dive over two lead blockers to flatten Stewart 5 yards in the backfield was the play of the year so far for me on defense. That is, until Antoine Winfield came untouched off the edge and demolished Jake Delhomme, forcing a fumble, picking it up, and running it in for a TD. Don't look now, but if this team goes on to be a contender, that play is the turning point in their season.
Pass rush was also phenomenal, to the point that Delhomme said it was the worst beating he had received since being sacked 8 times in a game a few years ago. He was never comfortable, and as a result Steve Smith's return to the lineup was spoiled miserably, as was the Carolina passing game, so entire offense for that matter.
Pure Dominance by the Purple People Eaters.
The Good: 5 sacks, numerous hurries, uncomfortable QB.
The Bad: NONE.
The Ugly: E.J. Henderson blowing up everyone who has the misfortune of coming within 10 yards of him. Another Fantastic game from the MLB.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
#2/#3 NDSU Bison vs. #24 Younstown State
The Bison open their first Missouri Valley Football Conference season against a ranked opponent who has had a rough last 2 weeks, losing 40-7 to the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State, and 38-0 at FBS juggernaut Ohio State.
Though this game could be kept close as it is held on Youngstown's home field and the Bison bring a variety of injuries to some starters into this game, including RB Tyler Roehl for a second consecutive week, the score in the SDSU game gives a good indication of what to expect.
Younstown has an anemic passing game, posting a high of 107 yards against Central State, and only 98 and 85 in its other 2 contests. Their offense tries to revolve around their running game, but they don't bring the type of group thats on the level of NDSU's, even with Roehl probably out of the game, and the Bison defense takes prides in limiting the running game of its opponents, limiting them to an average 3.8 yards per rush. Without a passing game, this game will be ugly. But if Youngstown can keep the Bison defense honest, it will be closer. NDSU runs away with its first ever MVFC game.
NDSU Bison 38 - Younstown State Penguins 17
Though this game could be kept close as it is held on Youngstown's home field and the Bison bring a variety of injuries to some starters into this game, including RB Tyler Roehl for a second consecutive week, the score in the SDSU game gives a good indication of what to expect.
Younstown has an anemic passing game, posting a high of 107 yards against Central State, and only 98 and 85 in its other 2 contests. Their offense tries to revolve around their running game, but they don't bring the type of group thats on the level of NDSU's, even with Roehl probably out of the game, and the Bison defense takes prides in limiting the running game of its opponents, limiting them to an average 3.8 yards per rush. Without a passing game, this game will be ugly. But if Youngstown can keep the Bison defense honest, it will be closer. NDSU runs away with its first ever MVFC game.
NDSU Bison 38 - Younstown State Penguins 17
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Afterthoughts - Vikings vs. Colts
I think with the announcement of Gus Frerotte starting at QB for the Vikes the rest of the season I am finally somewhat over my disappointment with how the Vikes lost last weeks game, but it was the fault of BRAD CHILDRESS, not Tarvaris Jackson. When the booth is calling out plays during the game before you run them, you're in big trouble, cause I'm sure the other teams coaching staff knows even more then them from the film they study...A team that dominates almost the entire game in all phases but still manages to lose has nothing to do with the strong effort the team put on the field that day, it has to do with coaching and the management of said game by said coach. The Vikings never should have lost this game and I am furious with Brad Childress for letting it happen. Granted, you have to score a TD sometimes BUT that brings me to my next point...
Predictable, predictable, thats all I can say about the offense run by Chili with Jackson at QB. Maybe thats because the playbook has to be somewhat limited by what T-Jack could run, but we'll see if anything changes this week against Carolina, I suspect the predictability will remain because Childress lacks any semblance of an imagination.
This question has been brought up numerous times this week, but why on God's holy green Earth would you call a deep fly route pass play on a 3rd and 5 play late in the game when a 1st down not only keeps your own drive alive, but enables you to run some more time off the game clock so Peyton Manning doesn't have enough to drive his team down the field for a winning score? Who the hell taught Childress to coach? He lost this game for his team, and if I were his players, I'd be pissed about it. This officially makes Brad Childress my first entrant into the MinnesotaSportsGuy's doghouse. I'm calling for his head Zygi, Brad Childress turned a 9-7 team run by MIKE friggin TICE into a 6-10, and 8-8 underachiever in his first two seasons, and so far in his 3rd, nothing has changed despite all the money you've spent, Childress finds ways to lose games for this team, and this cannot continue. One more meltdown like this with how well the team has actually played in these 2 games and you MUST send him packing, and yes, in the middle of this season. And I hope you learn a lesson from all of this Zygi.
Anyway, the actual game:
Great run defense(and overall defense), AGAIN. Great running game, AGAIN. Pass rush much improved, good to see Jared Allen causing havoc, this needs to continue. T-Jack just looks lost, and I am now completely convinced that NOTHING can be learned about a player or a team in the Preseason or with how much work they do in the offseason. One play Jackson zips one in there between a couple defenders and you say 'wow.' next play he misses a wide open target horribly, this cannot happen. With Gus Frerotte now taking over, I expect this 'consistency' and 'game management' aspect to improve, but not dramatically 'ala Jeff George taking over for Cunningham in '99.
random thoughts:
-Adrian Peterson is currently on pace for a 2104 yard rushing season. One should expect a team with a runner like that to be sitting in great shape, but this one is 0-2.
-I love how Chad Greenway flies around the field with reckless abandon.
-The slow-mo replays of Pat Williams stopping Joseph Addai dead in his tracks at the Goal line were awesome. I suspect if they had ruled Addai didn't score, they also would not have overturned it. Still loving the goal line defense.
-Bench Visante Shiancoe for Garrett Mills right now, how many TD receptions does he have to drop before you make a change? Thats like 7 in his brief minnesota career already. (did have a nice catch down the seam, but that wouldn't have put the winning points on the scoreboard)
'Til next time
Predictable, predictable, thats all I can say about the offense run by Chili with Jackson at QB. Maybe thats because the playbook has to be somewhat limited by what T-Jack could run, but we'll see if anything changes this week against Carolina, I suspect the predictability will remain because Childress lacks any semblance of an imagination.
This question has been brought up numerous times this week, but why on God's holy green Earth would you call a deep fly route pass play on a 3rd and 5 play late in the game when a 1st down not only keeps your own drive alive, but enables you to run some more time off the game clock so Peyton Manning doesn't have enough to drive his team down the field for a winning score? Who the hell taught Childress to coach? He lost this game for his team, and if I were his players, I'd be pissed about it. This officially makes Brad Childress my first entrant into the MinnesotaSportsGuy's doghouse. I'm calling for his head Zygi, Brad Childress turned a 9-7 team run by MIKE friggin TICE into a 6-10, and 8-8 underachiever in his first two seasons, and so far in his 3rd, nothing has changed despite all the money you've spent, Childress finds ways to lose games for this team, and this cannot continue. One more meltdown like this with how well the team has actually played in these 2 games and you MUST send him packing, and yes, in the middle of this season. And I hope you learn a lesson from all of this Zygi.
Anyway, the actual game:
Great run defense(and overall defense), AGAIN. Great running game, AGAIN. Pass rush much improved, good to see Jared Allen causing havoc, this needs to continue. T-Jack just looks lost, and I am now completely convinced that NOTHING can be learned about a player or a team in the Preseason or with how much work they do in the offseason. One play Jackson zips one in there between a couple defenders and you say 'wow.' next play he misses a wide open target horribly, this cannot happen. With Gus Frerotte now taking over, I expect this 'consistency' and 'game management' aspect to improve, but not dramatically 'ala Jeff George taking over for Cunningham in '99.
random thoughts:
-Adrian Peterson is currently on pace for a 2104 yard rushing season. One should expect a team with a runner like that to be sitting in great shape, but this one is 0-2.
-I love how Chad Greenway flies around the field with reckless abandon.
-The slow-mo replays of Pat Williams stopping Joseph Addai dead in his tracks at the Goal line were awesome. I suspect if they had ruled Addai didn't score, they also would not have overturned it. Still loving the goal line defense.
-Bench Visante Shiancoe for Garrett Mills right now, how many TD receptions does he have to drop before you make a change? Thats like 7 in his brief minnesota career already. (did have a nice catch down the seam, but that wouldn't have put the winning points on the scoreboard)
'Til next time
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Vikings vs. Colts
I think this game is going to be a lot closer than some people think, as the Vikings appear to be a team built to cause Peyton Manning and the Colts some fits ala their loss against the Bears last week. Chicago was able to run the ball effectively against the colts and the Vikings put a much better running game than the Bears on the field.
If Adrian Peterson and the Viking offense can control the clock and keep Manning off the field, good things are going to happen. But its all moot if Tarvaris Jackson can't make some plays to keep drives alive in the passing game.
The Colts' offense also matches up well against the Viking defense however, as the passing game has been its achiles heel since the Reagan administration, or at least that's what it feels like. Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, Dallas Clark, and Anthony Gonzalez provide a plethora of weapons that will test the Viking secondary, and Peyton Manning is a master at limiting a pass rush by making quick decisions and getting the ball out of his hand in nanoseconds.
The Colts were embarrassed last week against a Bears team they beat in the Superbowl a couple seasons ago, and I can guarentee Peyton Manning and everyone else there is motivated to come into the Metrodome and put on a show to quiet any doubters. While I don't think this game turns into a blowout, I don't see Manning and company performing the same as they did last week and they will ruin the Vikings Home Opener. Here's to hoping I'm wrong.
Minnesota Vikings 20 - Indianapolis Colts 27
If Adrian Peterson and the Viking offense can control the clock and keep Manning off the field, good things are going to happen. But its all moot if Tarvaris Jackson can't make some plays to keep drives alive in the passing game.
The Colts' offense also matches up well against the Viking defense however, as the passing game has been its achiles heel since the Reagan administration, or at least that's what it feels like. Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, Dallas Clark, and Anthony Gonzalez provide a plethora of weapons that will test the Viking secondary, and Peyton Manning is a master at limiting a pass rush by making quick decisions and getting the ball out of his hand in nanoseconds.
The Colts were embarrassed last week against a Bears team they beat in the Superbowl a couple seasons ago, and I can guarentee Peyton Manning and everyone else there is motivated to come into the Metrodome and put on a show to quiet any doubters. While I don't think this game turns into a blowout, I don't see Manning and company performing the same as they did last week and they will ruin the Vikings Home Opener. Here's to hoping I'm wrong.
Minnesota Vikings 20 - Indianapolis Colts 27
Saturday, September 13, 2008
#1/#2NDSU Bison vs. Wyoming Cowboys
In their only game against a NCAA FBS team in the 2008 football season, the Bison head to Laramie, Wyoming to face off against the Cowboys at 7000+ feet (highest elevation in all of NCAA) and at War Memorial Stadium.
Though Wyoming isn't that well known, they sport a tough 3-4 defense that ranked 22 in the NCAA last year in total defense and sacks. Most likely this will be the toughest opponent the Bison see this season.
The Bison did beat a similar quality opponent last year in the MAC Champions Central Michigan 44-14, so its not out of the question for the Bison to win, but injuries in last weeks game left them slim at a few positions, including RB Tyler Roehl. Elevation also could play a factor.
If Nick Mertens can get the passing game going against the Cowboys, the Bison defense should be able to limit an offense that has lacked a passing game so far this season posting only 111 yards vs. Ohio, and 76 vs. Air Force last weekend in a 23-3 loss at home.
NDSU Coach Craig Bohl has shown a knack for getting his teams ready to play in big games and in big game situations, and I suspect this team will act no differently in keeping the game close enough to win despite a couple of key injuries. This is also the type of matchup between teams that match up so well against eachother that we could see some overtime. I'm just not sure yet if Nick Mertens is Steve Walker despite his stellar play so far, and Wyoming pulls it out late in the game. But I can also see the Bison winning.
NDSU Bison 16 - Wyoming 17.
***UPDATE***
I hate to say I was right after listening to this game on the radio, but after dominating much of the first 3 quarters, a Nick Mertens interception in Bison territory as the Herd tried to drive for a game winning score with 1 minute left in a 13-13 game sets up the cowboys to kick a game winning field goal with 7 seconds left and they pull out a 16-13 comeback victory at home in regulation. Talk about predicting a game....'Til next time...
Though Wyoming isn't that well known, they sport a tough 3-4 defense that ranked 22 in the NCAA last year in total defense and sacks. Most likely this will be the toughest opponent the Bison see this season.
The Bison did beat a similar quality opponent last year in the MAC Champions Central Michigan 44-14, so its not out of the question for the Bison to win, but injuries in last weeks game left them slim at a few positions, including RB Tyler Roehl. Elevation also could play a factor.
If Nick Mertens can get the passing game going against the Cowboys, the Bison defense should be able to limit an offense that has lacked a passing game so far this season posting only 111 yards vs. Ohio, and 76 vs. Air Force last weekend in a 23-3 loss at home.
NDSU Coach Craig Bohl has shown a knack for getting his teams ready to play in big games and in big game situations, and I suspect this team will act no differently in keeping the game close enough to win despite a couple of key injuries. This is also the type of matchup between teams that match up so well against eachother that we could see some overtime. I'm just not sure yet if Nick Mertens is Steve Walker despite his stellar play so far, and Wyoming pulls it out late in the game. But I can also see the Bison winning.
NDSU Bison 16 - Wyoming 17.
***UPDATE***
I hate to say I was right after listening to this game on the radio, but after dominating much of the first 3 quarters, a Nick Mertens interception in Bison territory as the Herd tried to drive for a game winning score with 1 minute left in a 13-13 game sets up the cowboys to kick a game winning field goal with 7 seconds left and they pull out a 16-13 comeback victory at home in regulation. Talk about predicting a game....'Til next time...
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Afterthoughts - Vikings vs. Packers
FINAL: Packers 24 - Vikings 19
Well, pretty much replace every Viking reference in my prediction with a Packer one and you've got how the game turned out.
But I'm far less concerned about the result and happenings in this game than several of my Viking-Brethren, as it says in my prediction, I wasn't exactly confident that the Vikes would win this game, the Pack is always a tough game for them regardless of the teams on the field. And with all the hype surrounding our Vikings team in the offseason after all the additions they made, people seem to forget that the Pack was 13-3 last year and 1 play away from a Superbowl appearance. Forget the fact that they lost Brett Favre, that doesn't turn a 13-3 team that ran away with the division last year into one thats gonna lay down against a rival that was 8-8 at home. Fact is, the Vikes may be a contender this year, but that doesn't eliminate the Packers from that status. On to thoughts on player and team performance in the season opener:
-NEW ADDITIONS:
Jared Allen had what he himself admitted as one of his least productive games in his career with his only entry into the stat sheet being a pass defensed. It was obvious watching the game that Green Bay had gameplanned to make Allen's impact on the game minimal. Not once do I remember a roll-out to his side and Chad Clifton was getting a lot of help from TE's, RB's, and G's to limit his effectiveness. We should expect more however after making Allen the highest paid defensive player in the league.
Bernard Berrian, slowed a little by a 'tired' toe (explain that one to me), also had a lackluster effort helping out the passing game. I do feel there were one or two plays where an illegal contact or pass interference penalty were missed, but we do need more from him to help move the passing game forward and open things up for Peterson and the ground game.
Tyrell Johnson, filling in for injured starter and fellow newcomer Madieu Williams, had a decent if unspectacular game, but also was most of the problem on the long completion to Greg Jennings that set up the Pack's first TD, as he was out of position and unable to recover and help Charles Gordon who had decent coverage, but was unable to stop Jennings from making a great play.
-OFFENSE:
Concerns about the Viking running game after a lackluster preseason should at least be dispelled after Adrian Peterson contributed 103 yards and a score on 19 carries, and Tarvaris Jackson added 65 yards on 9 scrambles. The passing game however, still looks lost, and a 16 yard performance through the air in the first half is far worse than just inadequate. In the second half things got better as Childress and Bevell seemed to open up the playbook a little bit, but it was still nothing spectacular and far too predictable at times. The disappearing act of Peterson with the game on line is also unacceptable. Peterson may be on the field in those situations, but you have got to run some plays designed to get the ball in your most explosive player's hands in those situations, he should not be only a decoy. How bout a screen or moving him around in formations to try and create some mismatches? The unimaginative playcalling that was evident last season was still around and doomed the offense.
The Good: Running game.
The Bad: Pass protection.
The Ugly: Jackson's accuracy (16-35).
-DEFENSE:
I thought the defense played really well despite posting zero legit sacks (Ray Edwards did have one play in which he laid out Rodgers in the red zone negated by a penalty) against an O-line starting 3 backups on its interior. Take away the 56 yard completion to Jennings and the 57 yard scamper in the 4th quarter by Ryan Grant and the Pack gained only 204 yards on 47 plays, and that also potentially elimanates 14 Green Bay points. Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda though, and it ends up 24-19. QB Aaron Rodgers completed a masterful 18-22 passes, but still only posted 178 yards, which if the Vikes could limit a QB to every week, I have a feeling they'd be ecstatic (they gave up a league worst 261 per game last season).
I also thought the Goal line unit played extremely well, but hurt themselves by committing penalties in those situations. On Green Bay's first TD series, in which Rodgers completed a Favre like throw to fullback Korey Hall to put them in front 7-3, the Vikes D stuffed 4 or 5 consecutive goal line plays, but you can only stop a team so many times from that part of the field when you give them 2 or 3 extra plays.
Look for the team as a unit to keep improving while still playing pretty well, and for the pass rush to come around.
The Good: Chad Greenway. (His diving over a blocker and tripping up Grant in the backfield play was awesome)
The Bad: Pass Rush.
The Ugly: Penalties giving Green Bay numerous second chances on the goal line.
-SPECIAL TEAMS:
This unit gave up the big punt return TD to Will Blackmon that ultimately provided the game winning points, but P Chris Kluwe didn't help them out any on that play by booting a line drive instead of a hanger. One positive from this unit though is that they did block a field goal attempt to end the first half, which seemed to give them a little momentum entering the second half.
-We'll see if the Vikes can shore up their shortcomings that came out in this game and bounce back against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in the home opener on Sunday, and don't fret fellow fans, the schedule is a tough start to the season, but it's only 1 game so far, 'Til next time...
Well, pretty much replace every Viking reference in my prediction with a Packer one and you've got how the game turned out.
But I'm far less concerned about the result and happenings in this game than several of my Viking-Brethren, as it says in my prediction, I wasn't exactly confident that the Vikes would win this game, the Pack is always a tough game for them regardless of the teams on the field. And with all the hype surrounding our Vikings team in the offseason after all the additions they made, people seem to forget that the Pack was 13-3 last year and 1 play away from a Superbowl appearance. Forget the fact that they lost Brett Favre, that doesn't turn a 13-3 team that ran away with the division last year into one thats gonna lay down against a rival that was 8-8 at home. Fact is, the Vikes may be a contender this year, but that doesn't eliminate the Packers from that status. On to thoughts on player and team performance in the season opener:
-NEW ADDITIONS:
Jared Allen had what he himself admitted as one of his least productive games in his career with his only entry into the stat sheet being a pass defensed. It was obvious watching the game that Green Bay had gameplanned to make Allen's impact on the game minimal. Not once do I remember a roll-out to his side and Chad Clifton was getting a lot of help from TE's, RB's, and G's to limit his effectiveness. We should expect more however after making Allen the highest paid defensive player in the league.
Bernard Berrian, slowed a little by a 'tired' toe (explain that one to me), also had a lackluster effort helping out the passing game. I do feel there were one or two plays where an illegal contact or pass interference penalty were missed, but we do need more from him to help move the passing game forward and open things up for Peterson and the ground game.
Tyrell Johnson, filling in for injured starter and fellow newcomer Madieu Williams, had a decent if unspectacular game, but also was most of the problem on the long completion to Greg Jennings that set up the Pack's first TD, as he was out of position and unable to recover and help Charles Gordon who had decent coverage, but was unable to stop Jennings from making a great play.
-OFFENSE:
Concerns about the Viking running game after a lackluster preseason should at least be dispelled after Adrian Peterson contributed 103 yards and a score on 19 carries, and Tarvaris Jackson added 65 yards on 9 scrambles. The passing game however, still looks lost, and a 16 yard performance through the air in the first half is far worse than just inadequate. In the second half things got better as Childress and Bevell seemed to open up the playbook a little bit, but it was still nothing spectacular and far too predictable at times. The disappearing act of Peterson with the game on line is also unacceptable. Peterson may be on the field in those situations, but you have got to run some plays designed to get the ball in your most explosive player's hands in those situations, he should not be only a decoy. How bout a screen or moving him around in formations to try and create some mismatches? The unimaginative playcalling that was evident last season was still around and doomed the offense.
The Good: Running game.
The Bad: Pass protection.
The Ugly: Jackson's accuracy (16-35).
-DEFENSE:
I thought the defense played really well despite posting zero legit sacks (Ray Edwards did have one play in which he laid out Rodgers in the red zone negated by a penalty) against an O-line starting 3 backups on its interior. Take away the 56 yard completion to Jennings and the 57 yard scamper in the 4th quarter by Ryan Grant and the Pack gained only 204 yards on 47 plays, and that also potentially elimanates 14 Green Bay points. Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda though, and it ends up 24-19. QB Aaron Rodgers completed a masterful 18-22 passes, but still only posted 178 yards, which if the Vikes could limit a QB to every week, I have a feeling they'd be ecstatic (they gave up a league worst 261 per game last season).
I also thought the Goal line unit played extremely well, but hurt themselves by committing penalties in those situations. On Green Bay's first TD series, in which Rodgers completed a Favre like throw to fullback Korey Hall to put them in front 7-3, the Vikes D stuffed 4 or 5 consecutive goal line plays, but you can only stop a team so many times from that part of the field when you give them 2 or 3 extra plays.
Look for the team as a unit to keep improving while still playing pretty well, and for the pass rush to come around.
The Good: Chad Greenway. (His diving over a blocker and tripping up Grant in the backfield play was awesome)
The Bad: Pass Rush.
The Ugly: Penalties giving Green Bay numerous second chances on the goal line.
-SPECIAL TEAMS:
This unit gave up the big punt return TD to Will Blackmon that ultimately provided the game winning points, but P Chris Kluwe didn't help them out any on that play by booting a line drive instead of a hanger. One positive from this unit though is that they did block a field goal attempt to end the first half, which seemed to give them a little momentum entering the second half.
-We'll see if the Vikes can shore up their shortcomings that came out in this game and bounce back against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in the home opener on Sunday, and don't fret fellow fans, the schedule is a tough start to the season, but it's only 1 game so far, 'Til next time...
Sunday, September 7, 2008
College Gameday Recap, Viking-Pack Monday Night Football
The first week of the NFL Season is always one of the funnest and hardest to predict because as much as you think you know, its a brand new season and anything can happen. Today's opener was full of those moments:
-ATL RB Michael Turner breaks franchise rushing record in 1st game gaining 220 yards and scoring twice.
-ATL rookie QB Matt Ryan throws a TD on his first career NFL pass.
-Atlanta wins its first game under new coach Mike Smith.
-Rookie QB's Ryan and Baltimore's Joe Flacco win their first NFL games.
-The Carolina Panthers go into San Diego and pull an upset on a last second TD pass from Jake Delhomme to TE Dante Rosario.
-TOM BRADY gets injured, potentially seriously. (talk about ruining your Fantasy season!)
-Jacksonville falls flat on their face against Tennessee, losing 17-10.
-Buffalo rolls over Seattle.
-Pittsburgh RB Willie Parker scores 3 TDs in one game after scoring 2 all of last season.
-Brett Favre actually suits up for the NY Jets, and throws 2 TDs and wins the game.
Craziness! Anyway on to the college recaps and the NFC North battle between the Vikings and Packers tomorrow night.
-#1/#2 NDSU 50 - CCSU -14
This game was over in the first quarter as NDSU put up 27 pts in the opening frame and took a 43-7 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Tyler Roehl didn't get the 200 yards and 3 TDs I predicted as he left the game in the 1st quarter with an ankle injury, but on his 4 attempts before that he racked up 100 yds, and 3 backup RBs who got significant playing time picked up the slack to say the least as NDSU as a team rushed for 379 yards and 3 scores. Pat Baschall had 14 att for a career high 117 yards and a score, and redshirt freshman's Matt Voigtlander and D.J. McNorton contributed 10 carries for 89 yards, and 12 carries for 40 yards and 2 TD's respectively.
QB Nick Mertens was again efficient completing 15 of 23 passes for 189 yards and 3 TD connections, 2 of which to TE Jeremiah Wurzbacher, and another to WR Jordan Schultenover.
The Defense held C-Con RB James Mallory relatively in check as he broke no big plays but did end the day with 117 yards on 17 carries as the backups got much of the playing time for NDSU in the second half.
extra note: WR/RB/KR and team sparkplug Shamen Washington's 76 yard kickoff return in the third quarter is early NDSU and college football play of the year candidate even though he didn't make it into the endzone. Radio announcer had it right when he screamed "Shamen Washington is SUPERMAN!" WOW. If you can find a replay of it, watch and be amazed.
Go Herd!
-UMN GOLDEN GOPHERS 42 - BG FALCONS 17
Never have I been happier to miss so badly on a prediction as the Gophers showed a large improvement as an entire team in running away with this game on the road in Bowling Green, Ohio.
MIN QB Adam Webber was mega-efficient in completing 21 of 25 passes for 233 yards and 3 TDs, and WR Eric Decker contributed a TD as both a runner and a receiver for an offense that found its groove in the fourth quarter.
Biggest story from this game was the improved play of the defense that limited BG QB Tyler Sheehan to 261 yards on 44 pass attempts (compared to 388 last year) and forced 5 turnovers, including a whopping 4 fumble recoveries.
The Gopher's gained a big shot of confidence after their play in the second half and lets hope this team shows up every week the rest of this season. Hopefully this is a springboard game for Coach Tim Brewster and his program.
Go Gophers!
-"ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?" MONDAY NIGHT MAYHEM, VIKINGS-PACKERS
I don't know what to say about this game, I can see a rout by either team or a defensive slugfest that is won on a last second field goal. It could also be a very ugly game for both teams on offense.
But in the end what sways my prediction is the fact that Green Bays defensive and offensive fronts have been marred with injuries, as all indications are there will be backups starting at 3 spots along the offensive line, including Chad Clifton's important T spot that would be matched up against Viking DE Jared Allen, and DE's Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and Jeremy Thompson have been limited in practice, limiting their options along the D-line. RB Ryan Grant also hasn't gotten any work this preseason and has been hampered by a hamstring pull. All these elements add up to a good NFC team putting it's JV squad on the field in the opener.
Tarvaris Jackson's knee injury does scare me although his teammates have said he's been moving around fine in practice. One thing with Jackson though, is it seems he needs to be at or extremely close to 100 percent to be effective. That will be something to watch in this game. Adrian Peterson will do enough in the Minnesota running game to give them some balance, and somebody on the WR core makes a big play to get the Vikes some points.
I think the story of this game will be the Purple People Eaters causing fits for QB Aaron Rodgers in his first start at Lambeau Field. As mentioned above the Green Bay O-Line is suffering from the injury bug and backups could be starting at the T, G, and C spots. This is not a good thing for a team facing last years #1 rushing defense and star-studded defensive line that includes All-Pros Jared Allen and the 'Williams Wall' of Kevin and Pat. Pat Williams has spoken often about how this defense wants to get back at RB Ryan Grant for being the only RB to post a 100 yard game against them last year and the rest of the D is on the same level in regards to this. They are also motivated to make the Lambeau Boo Birds that have been present in the preseason come out for Favre-supplanter Aaron Rodgers in his NFL starting debut.
Turnovers are the difference in this game, and whoever comes out on top in that category wins this close game on Monday Night Football. My gut tells me the Vikings force more due to Green Bays injury issues and they pull out a victory on the road to open their 2008 season. But this game definitely could go either way and I'm split exactly 50-50 on this prediction.
Minnesota Vikings 24 - Green Bay Packers 17.
Skol Vikings! 'Til next time...
-ATL RB Michael Turner breaks franchise rushing record in 1st game gaining 220 yards and scoring twice.
-ATL rookie QB Matt Ryan throws a TD on his first career NFL pass.
-Atlanta wins its first game under new coach Mike Smith.
-Rookie QB's Ryan and Baltimore's Joe Flacco win their first NFL games.
-The Carolina Panthers go into San Diego and pull an upset on a last second TD pass from Jake Delhomme to TE Dante Rosario.
-TOM BRADY gets injured, potentially seriously. (talk about ruining your Fantasy season!)
-Jacksonville falls flat on their face against Tennessee, losing 17-10.
-Buffalo rolls over Seattle.
-Pittsburgh RB Willie Parker scores 3 TDs in one game after scoring 2 all of last season.
-Brett Favre actually suits up for the NY Jets, and throws 2 TDs and wins the game.
Craziness! Anyway on to the college recaps and the NFC North battle between the Vikings and Packers tomorrow night.
-#1/#2 NDSU 50 - CCSU -14
This game was over in the first quarter as NDSU put up 27 pts in the opening frame and took a 43-7 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Tyler Roehl didn't get the 200 yards and 3 TDs I predicted as he left the game in the 1st quarter with an ankle injury, but on his 4 attempts before that he racked up 100 yds, and 3 backup RBs who got significant playing time picked up the slack to say the least as NDSU as a team rushed for 379 yards and 3 scores. Pat Baschall had 14 att for a career high 117 yards and a score, and redshirt freshman's Matt Voigtlander and D.J. McNorton contributed 10 carries for 89 yards, and 12 carries for 40 yards and 2 TD's respectively.
QB Nick Mertens was again efficient completing 15 of 23 passes for 189 yards and 3 TD connections, 2 of which to TE Jeremiah Wurzbacher, and another to WR Jordan Schultenover.
The Defense held C-Con RB James Mallory relatively in check as he broke no big plays but did end the day with 117 yards on 17 carries as the backups got much of the playing time for NDSU in the second half.
extra note: WR/RB/KR and team sparkplug Shamen Washington's 76 yard kickoff return in the third quarter is early NDSU and college football play of the year candidate even though he didn't make it into the endzone. Radio announcer had it right when he screamed "Shamen Washington is SUPERMAN!" WOW. If you can find a replay of it, watch and be amazed.
Go Herd!
-UMN GOLDEN GOPHERS 42 - BG FALCONS 17
Never have I been happier to miss so badly on a prediction as the Gophers showed a large improvement as an entire team in running away with this game on the road in Bowling Green, Ohio.
MIN QB Adam Webber was mega-efficient in completing 21 of 25 passes for 233 yards and 3 TDs, and WR Eric Decker contributed a TD as both a runner and a receiver for an offense that found its groove in the fourth quarter.
Biggest story from this game was the improved play of the defense that limited BG QB Tyler Sheehan to 261 yards on 44 pass attempts (compared to 388 last year) and forced 5 turnovers, including a whopping 4 fumble recoveries.
The Gopher's gained a big shot of confidence after their play in the second half and lets hope this team shows up every week the rest of this season. Hopefully this is a springboard game for Coach Tim Brewster and his program.
Go Gophers!
-"ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?" MONDAY NIGHT MAYHEM, VIKINGS-PACKERS
I don't know what to say about this game, I can see a rout by either team or a defensive slugfest that is won on a last second field goal. It could also be a very ugly game for both teams on offense.
But in the end what sways my prediction is the fact that Green Bays defensive and offensive fronts have been marred with injuries, as all indications are there will be backups starting at 3 spots along the offensive line, including Chad Clifton's important T spot that would be matched up against Viking DE Jared Allen, and DE's Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and Jeremy Thompson have been limited in practice, limiting their options along the D-line. RB Ryan Grant also hasn't gotten any work this preseason and has been hampered by a hamstring pull. All these elements add up to a good NFC team putting it's JV squad on the field in the opener.
Tarvaris Jackson's knee injury does scare me although his teammates have said he's been moving around fine in practice. One thing with Jackson though, is it seems he needs to be at or extremely close to 100 percent to be effective. That will be something to watch in this game. Adrian Peterson will do enough in the Minnesota running game to give them some balance, and somebody on the WR core makes a big play to get the Vikes some points.
I think the story of this game will be the Purple People Eaters causing fits for QB Aaron Rodgers in his first start at Lambeau Field. As mentioned above the Green Bay O-Line is suffering from the injury bug and backups could be starting at the T, G, and C spots. This is not a good thing for a team facing last years #1 rushing defense and star-studded defensive line that includes All-Pros Jared Allen and the 'Williams Wall' of Kevin and Pat. Pat Williams has spoken often about how this defense wants to get back at RB Ryan Grant for being the only RB to post a 100 yard game against them last year and the rest of the D is on the same level in regards to this. They are also motivated to make the Lambeau Boo Birds that have been present in the preseason come out for Favre-supplanter Aaron Rodgers in his NFL starting debut.
Turnovers are the difference in this game, and whoever comes out on top in that category wins this close game on Monday Night Football. My gut tells me the Vikings force more due to Green Bays injury issues and they pull out a victory on the road to open their 2008 season. But this game definitely could go either way and I'm split exactly 50-50 on this prediction.
Minnesota Vikings 24 - Green Bay Packers 17.
Skol Vikings! 'Til next time...
Friday, September 5, 2008
College Gameday - NDSU will Roehl, Nature's course prevails in Gopher vs. Falcon throwdown
Both my College squads take the field on Saturday (Aug. 6th) for the second time in the young FBS and FCS seasons. My #1/#2 FCS ranked NDSU Bison take on the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (didn't realize Connecticut was big enough to have a 'Central') at the Fargodome, and the Minnesota Golden Gophers travel to Bowling Green to take on the Falcons fresh off their upset of #25 ranked Pitt last weekend. Lets take some quick looks at and predict the games:
-#1/#2 NDSU BISON vs. CCSU BLUE DEVILS
The Blue Devils will find themselves outclassed, outgunned, and overwhelmed in this matchup of David vs. Goliath. Only problem is, in this version David doesn't have a slingshot or any rocks to throw. CCSU is part of the Northeast Conference which is on the lower end of all FCS Football Conferences and currently has no teams represented in the FCS Top 25 polls. The Devils are coming off a 42-35 victory against Bryant University in which their top rusher James Mallory gained 257 yards and scored 2 TDs on 29 carries, but Bryant isn't even in the same universe as this NDSU squad. Look for Mallory to be held in check by the speed and size advantage that the Bison's defense, which held Austin Peay to 91 total yards of offense last week in their 41-6 throttling of the Governors, brings.
Look for NDSU RB and Walter Payton Award Watch List representative Tyler Roehl to have a big game after being held to just 74 yards on 15 carries against the 8 and 9 man fronts Austin Peay employed last week to slow him and the NDSU ground attack down. I predict Roehl will have his first 200 yard and 3 TD performance of the season. If the Devils do sell out against the run ala the Governors of last week, Junior QB Nick Mertens from East Grand Forks HS and last weeks FCS National Player of the Week WR Kole Heckendorf (8 rec, 179 yds, 3 TDs) will again have a big day.
The only thing keeping the Bison from scoring 60+ points in this game is the fact that the starters will be out of the game by halftime or early in the 3rd quarter. Nothing against CCSU, but they are handcuffed by the fact their program only has 30 scholarships, compared to NDSU's FCS max of 65, the talent available to compete on their level just isn't there, and they'll be overwhelmed by the atmosphere the NDSU students and fans bring to the Fargodome.
NDSU Bison 56 - CCSU Blue Devils 10.
-MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS vs. BOWLING GREEN FALCONS
Bowling Green came into the Metrodome last year and won a thriller against the Gophers in overtime 32-31. While I believe the Gophers will improve on their 1-11 record from a year ago, I don't see them escaping Ohio with a victory against a team coming off a 27-17 upset victory over #25 ranked Pitt on the road in their first home game of the young season.
The Gopher offense will be able to move the football and score points with QB Adam Webber making plays with his feet and his arm, but the defense didn't show me enough in their narrow-escape-closing-seconds victory against Northern Illinois last week at the Metrodome to make me believe they'll hold BG's offense in check. Falcons QB Tyler Sheehan threw for 388 yards and 2 scores last year in the Metrodome and look for them to air it out again against the Gopher Defense that surrendered 326 yards in last weeks win to NIU's freshman QB Chandler Harnish who was filling in for an injured starter.
It may be a close game, but the Gopher defense fails in the clutch and the Falcons escape having a let down game in their 2008 home opener after their big upset of the Pitt Panthers on the road.
UMN Golden Gophers 24 - BG Falcons 31
'Til next time...(Go Herd!)
-#1/#2 NDSU BISON vs. CCSU BLUE DEVILS
The Blue Devils will find themselves outclassed, outgunned, and overwhelmed in this matchup of David vs. Goliath. Only problem is, in this version David doesn't have a slingshot or any rocks to throw. CCSU is part of the Northeast Conference which is on the lower end of all FCS Football Conferences and currently has no teams represented in the FCS Top 25 polls. The Devils are coming off a 42-35 victory against Bryant University in which their top rusher James Mallory gained 257 yards and scored 2 TDs on 29 carries, but Bryant isn't even in the same universe as this NDSU squad. Look for Mallory to be held in check by the speed and size advantage that the Bison's defense, which held Austin Peay to 91 total yards of offense last week in their 41-6 throttling of the Governors, brings.
Look for NDSU RB and Walter Payton Award Watch List representative Tyler Roehl to have a big game after being held to just 74 yards on 15 carries against the 8 and 9 man fronts Austin Peay employed last week to slow him and the NDSU ground attack down. I predict Roehl will have his first 200 yard and 3 TD performance of the season. If the Devils do sell out against the run ala the Governors of last week, Junior QB Nick Mertens from East Grand Forks HS and last weeks FCS National Player of the Week WR Kole Heckendorf (8 rec, 179 yds, 3 TDs) will again have a big day.
The only thing keeping the Bison from scoring 60+ points in this game is the fact that the starters will be out of the game by halftime or early in the 3rd quarter. Nothing against CCSU, but they are handcuffed by the fact their program only has 30 scholarships, compared to NDSU's FCS max of 65, the talent available to compete on their level just isn't there, and they'll be overwhelmed by the atmosphere the NDSU students and fans bring to the Fargodome.
NDSU Bison 56 - CCSU Blue Devils 10.
-MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS vs. BOWLING GREEN FALCONS
Bowling Green came into the Metrodome last year and won a thriller against the Gophers in overtime 32-31. While I believe the Gophers will improve on their 1-11 record from a year ago, I don't see them escaping Ohio with a victory against a team coming off a 27-17 upset victory over #25 ranked Pitt on the road in their first home game of the young season.
The Gopher offense will be able to move the football and score points with QB Adam Webber making plays with his feet and his arm, but the defense didn't show me enough in their narrow-escape-closing-seconds victory against Northern Illinois last week at the Metrodome to make me believe they'll hold BG's offense in check. Falcons QB Tyler Sheehan threw for 388 yards and 2 scores last year in the Metrodome and look for them to air it out again against the Gopher Defense that surrendered 326 yards in last weeks win to NIU's freshman QB Chandler Harnish who was filling in for an injured starter.
It may be a close game, but the Gopher defense fails in the clutch and the Falcons escape having a let down game in their 2008 home opener after their big upset of the Pitt Panthers on the road.
UMN Golden Gophers 24 - BG Falcons 31
'Til next time...(Go Herd!)
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Grand Opening Post - Minnesota Vikings 2008 Season Predictions
Welcome all Minnesota Fans!
I figured since the new NFL season is upon us and starts tonight with the Washington Redskins facing off against the defending Superbowl Champ New York Giants, I'd begin with some NFL and Viking predictions. Hate to say it NY (a town I despise in sports), but you aren't gonna repeat this year, and I doubt you even make the playoffs in a loaded NFC East Division, lost too much in the offseason and preseason. Washington wins Jim Zorn's coaching debut on the road 27-20.
As for my Vikings this season, everybody has said it, but they go as far as Tarvaris Jackson's performance takes them. If he puts together a 20+ TD, 15- INT season, this team will be in the running for a Superbowl appearance due to their #1 Rushing Offense and Defense from a year ago. I'm hoping for a David Garrard-like season from Jackson and if that happens and he can stay healthy, the sky's the limit. That's a big IF though.
Not since the '99 season has the anticipation for Viking football been greater than this year. The offense should be better in year 2 of Tarvaris Jackson and Adrian 'MVP' Peterson's development, and the Defense looks poised with the addition of Jared Allen and Madieu Williams to catapult into 'elite' status.
SEASON PREDICTIONS:
A quick glance at the Vikings 2008 schedule tells me it won't be an easy road, but I think they're up to it with a strong veteran presence surrounding the talented youngsters. They start off the season with tough games at Green Bay on a much anticipated Rivalry game on Monday Night Football, and the elder Manning coming into familiar Dome and Turf territory with his always upper echelon Colts team in week 2. I think we'll know a lot about this team after these 2 games. They then catch a Boom or Bust Carolina squad at home and head out of town for the next 2 weeks with tough games at Tennessee and New Orleans. The middle of the schedule gets a little easier as Detroit, Houston, and Green Bay come into the Dome, with visits to Chicago and Tampa Bay. In week 12 the Vikes catch yet another tough Road opponent in AFC darkhorse Jacksonville before facing off against NFC north Rival Chicago at home in their second division contest of the season. The Vikes appear to have caught a break in an otherwise tough schedule for the final quarter of the season facing off against Detroit and Arizona on the road, and Atlanta and the defending champ Giants at home to close out the season.
Final Season Record: 11-5, NFC North Champs.
I can see this team going as good as 13-3 with their only losses to Jacksonville, Indianapolis, and one of the Green Bay Rivalry games, but no worse than 9-7 provided everything goes to plan. T-Jack losing one or two games by himself is offset by the Defense winning one or two games again this year, putting my prediction at the median 11-5.
In the playoffs I see them making it as the #3 seed in the NFC, behind Dallas and New Orleans, catching a home playoff game in the Wild Card round which they win, but Jackson's development during the season is the key to where they go from there. Is the Superbowl a possibility? Yes. Will it happen? TBD.
OFFENSE:
The key obviously to this team's offensive output will be the ability of the passing game to offset the stacked boxes teams will employ to slow down Peterson and the run game. But don't be fooled, the running game may start off slow with the suspension of LT Bryant Mckinnie, but teams will still be only able to 'slow' the Vikes #1 running game for so long, AD is a big play waiting to happen on every touch he gets and his burst through a hole can and will cause problems for a stacked box that brings more guys closer to the line of scrimmage, if he breaks through that first level, its game over for the remaining 3 defenders in the secondary. I don't know if Peterson will have a season that overtakes LaDainian Tomlinson as the #1 RB in the NFL, but it is also not out of the realm of possibilities. Look for a 1,500+ yds and 15+ TDs season and a push for the NFL MVP award from the uber-sophomore.
In the passing game, look for there to be a fairly large improvement in Jackson's game. In his preseason work before suffering a knee injury, Jackson was decisive, precise, efficient, and displayed a grasp of the offense that wasn't there most of last season, but don't forget, he was 8-4 as a starter with horrific passing numbers, so imagine what he can do if he takes a step forward in those categories. The addition of Bernard Berrian to the WR core obviously helps stretch the field and gives Jackson his closest option to a #1 receiver he has had, and year 2 of Sidney Rice's career has the potential for breakout numbers. Bobby Wade is the quintessential #3 slot receiver (sans Wes Welker), and Robert Ferguson and Aundrae Allison provide adequate options in multiple receiver sets.
This offense will again be driven by the running game, but the passing game appears now to have the weapons that will do enough to keep teams honest and stay balanced.
DEFENSE:
Get ready for the new era of the Purple People Eaters. This defense on paper is scary, and I think it will prove to be as the season unfolds. Nobody can run against the Williams Wall and E.J. Henderson mops up anything that gets by them in the middle in what I predict to be a Pro-Bowl season for the middle linebacker. The addition of Jared Allen at defensive end gives instant credibility to a pass rush that lacked at times last year but still ranked in the top 3rd of the league in sacks with 38. A run at Michael Strahan's sack record is in store for Allen this season playing beside the All-Pro Williams Wall who will take a lot more of the double teams that Allen faced last year in Kansas City while still posting a league leading 15.5 sacks in 14 games. Ray Edwards should also see a spike in his sack numbers on the opposite side as he will often be left alone by the additional blockers keeping their attention on the other 3 along the line. Chad Greenway brings his superior athleticism and speed over to the Strong Side LB spot, swapping spots in the base defense with veteran and steady presence Ben Leber. Arguably the best pure tackler in the game and for sure #1 tackling cornerback Antoine Winfield remains the teams #1 CB with Cedric Griffin, unofficially the NFL's leading tackler from a defensive back position last season (bet you didn't know that), manning the other side. Charles Gordon and Marcus McCauley provide decent depth at the nickel back spot, and Safeties Darren Sharper and Madieu Williams will provide smarts and speed in the coverage game, when Williams comes back from a neck injury, but Rookie Safety Tyrell Johnson did not look overwhelmed filling the spot during the preseason.
This team wil NOT, I repeat NOT, rank last against the pass this season, and that combined with a third straight season as the #1 Rush Defense catapults them into top 5 NFL and championship caliber defense, and their knack for finding the end-zone on turnovers makes them special and worthy of a 'Purple People Eaters' resurgence.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Not much has changed from last season to this season. Ryan Longwell provides and accurate and veteran leg in the kicking game who will win at least one game with a last second FG, and Chris Kluwe returns at Punter with his strong if inconsistent leg. In these facets of the special team's game the Vikings are about the middle of the pack in the NFL, not special, but not nearly bad.
The coverage units have been inconsistent the past few seasons and I expect nothing different with this years go-round as these units have been hit with a few injuries to special teams standouts, including backup MLB Heath Farwell. Once again though, they'll be nothing special, but not terrible either.
In the Return game, RB Maurice Hicks was brought in from the San Francisco 49ers to handle the kickoff return duties and Aundrae Allison takes over the PR duties. Bobby Wade is also available to handle some of these if these two falter at any point. While this group looks like it could stand to be improved some, Allison displayed flashes of return ability last season and Hicks is capable. Recurring theme with Viking Special Teams, not flashy, but not horrible. Average with potential for improvement is the name of the Viking special teams game.
With that said, I'll end the 1st post of 'A Homer's View' and look forward to sharing more on the Vikings, Twins, Gophers, and any other Minnesota sports occurrences I find relevant during their respective seasons. I'll bring predictions for the opening weeks Viking-Packers game and others as the weekend goes on, but suspect my next few posts will deal with my alma-maters and #1 FCS football team the North Dakota State Bison, facing off against Central Conneticut State at the Fargodome on Saturday. (they're 1-0 after throttling Austin Peay last week 41-6 if you care). 'Til next time...
I figured since the new NFL season is upon us and starts tonight with the Washington Redskins facing off against the defending Superbowl Champ New York Giants, I'd begin with some NFL and Viking predictions. Hate to say it NY (a town I despise in sports), but you aren't gonna repeat this year, and I doubt you even make the playoffs in a loaded NFC East Division, lost too much in the offseason and preseason. Washington wins Jim Zorn's coaching debut on the road 27-20.
As for my Vikings this season, everybody has said it, but they go as far as Tarvaris Jackson's performance takes them. If he puts together a 20+ TD, 15- INT season, this team will be in the running for a Superbowl appearance due to their #1 Rushing Offense and Defense from a year ago. I'm hoping for a David Garrard-like season from Jackson and if that happens and he can stay healthy, the sky's the limit. That's a big IF though.
Not since the '99 season has the anticipation for Viking football been greater than this year. The offense should be better in year 2 of Tarvaris Jackson and Adrian 'MVP' Peterson's development, and the Defense looks poised with the addition of Jared Allen and Madieu Williams to catapult into 'elite' status.
SEASON PREDICTIONS:
A quick glance at the Vikings 2008 schedule tells me it won't be an easy road, but I think they're up to it with a strong veteran presence surrounding the talented youngsters. They start off the season with tough games at Green Bay on a much anticipated Rivalry game on Monday Night Football, and the elder Manning coming into familiar Dome and Turf territory with his always upper echelon Colts team in week 2. I think we'll know a lot about this team after these 2 games. They then catch a Boom or Bust Carolina squad at home and head out of town for the next 2 weeks with tough games at Tennessee and New Orleans. The middle of the schedule gets a little easier as Detroit, Houston, and Green Bay come into the Dome, with visits to Chicago and Tampa Bay. In week 12 the Vikes catch yet another tough Road opponent in AFC darkhorse Jacksonville before facing off against NFC north Rival Chicago at home in their second division contest of the season. The Vikes appear to have caught a break in an otherwise tough schedule for the final quarter of the season facing off against Detroit and Arizona on the road, and Atlanta and the defending champ Giants at home to close out the season.
Final Season Record: 11-5, NFC North Champs.
I can see this team going as good as 13-3 with their only losses to Jacksonville, Indianapolis, and one of the Green Bay Rivalry games, but no worse than 9-7 provided everything goes to plan. T-Jack losing one or two games by himself is offset by the Defense winning one or two games again this year, putting my prediction at the median 11-5.
In the playoffs I see them making it as the #3 seed in the NFC, behind Dallas and New Orleans, catching a home playoff game in the Wild Card round which they win, but Jackson's development during the season is the key to where they go from there. Is the Superbowl a possibility? Yes. Will it happen? TBD.
OFFENSE:
The key obviously to this team's offensive output will be the ability of the passing game to offset the stacked boxes teams will employ to slow down Peterson and the run game. But don't be fooled, the running game may start off slow with the suspension of LT Bryant Mckinnie, but teams will still be only able to 'slow' the Vikes #1 running game for so long, AD is a big play waiting to happen on every touch he gets and his burst through a hole can and will cause problems for a stacked box that brings more guys closer to the line of scrimmage, if he breaks through that first level, its game over for the remaining 3 defenders in the secondary. I don't know if Peterson will have a season that overtakes LaDainian Tomlinson as the #1 RB in the NFL, but it is also not out of the realm of possibilities. Look for a 1,500+ yds and 15+ TDs season and a push for the NFL MVP award from the uber-sophomore.
In the passing game, look for there to be a fairly large improvement in Jackson's game. In his preseason work before suffering a knee injury, Jackson was decisive, precise, efficient, and displayed a grasp of the offense that wasn't there most of last season, but don't forget, he was 8-4 as a starter with horrific passing numbers, so imagine what he can do if he takes a step forward in those categories. The addition of Bernard Berrian to the WR core obviously helps stretch the field and gives Jackson his closest option to a #1 receiver he has had, and year 2 of Sidney Rice's career has the potential for breakout numbers. Bobby Wade is the quintessential #3 slot receiver (sans Wes Welker), and Robert Ferguson and Aundrae Allison provide adequate options in multiple receiver sets.
This offense will again be driven by the running game, but the passing game appears now to have the weapons that will do enough to keep teams honest and stay balanced.
DEFENSE:
Get ready for the new era of the Purple People Eaters. This defense on paper is scary, and I think it will prove to be as the season unfolds. Nobody can run against the Williams Wall and E.J. Henderson mops up anything that gets by them in the middle in what I predict to be a Pro-Bowl season for the middle linebacker. The addition of Jared Allen at defensive end gives instant credibility to a pass rush that lacked at times last year but still ranked in the top 3rd of the league in sacks with 38. A run at Michael Strahan's sack record is in store for Allen this season playing beside the All-Pro Williams Wall who will take a lot more of the double teams that Allen faced last year in Kansas City while still posting a league leading 15.5 sacks in 14 games. Ray Edwards should also see a spike in his sack numbers on the opposite side as he will often be left alone by the additional blockers keeping their attention on the other 3 along the line. Chad Greenway brings his superior athleticism and speed over to the Strong Side LB spot, swapping spots in the base defense with veteran and steady presence Ben Leber. Arguably the best pure tackler in the game and for sure #1 tackling cornerback Antoine Winfield remains the teams #1 CB with Cedric Griffin, unofficially the NFL's leading tackler from a defensive back position last season (bet you didn't know that), manning the other side. Charles Gordon and Marcus McCauley provide decent depth at the nickel back spot, and Safeties Darren Sharper and Madieu Williams will provide smarts and speed in the coverage game, when Williams comes back from a neck injury, but Rookie Safety Tyrell Johnson did not look overwhelmed filling the spot during the preseason.
This team wil NOT, I repeat NOT, rank last against the pass this season, and that combined with a third straight season as the #1 Rush Defense catapults them into top 5 NFL and championship caliber defense, and their knack for finding the end-zone on turnovers makes them special and worthy of a 'Purple People Eaters' resurgence.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Not much has changed from last season to this season. Ryan Longwell provides and accurate and veteran leg in the kicking game who will win at least one game with a last second FG, and Chris Kluwe returns at Punter with his strong if inconsistent leg. In these facets of the special team's game the Vikings are about the middle of the pack in the NFL, not special, but not nearly bad.
The coverage units have been inconsistent the past few seasons and I expect nothing different with this years go-round as these units have been hit with a few injuries to special teams standouts, including backup MLB Heath Farwell. Once again though, they'll be nothing special, but not terrible either.
In the Return game, RB Maurice Hicks was brought in from the San Francisco 49ers to handle the kickoff return duties and Aundrae Allison takes over the PR duties. Bobby Wade is also available to handle some of these if these two falter at any point. While this group looks like it could stand to be improved some, Allison displayed flashes of return ability last season and Hicks is capable. Recurring theme with Viking Special Teams, not flashy, but not horrible. Average with potential for improvement is the name of the Viking special teams game.
With that said, I'll end the 1st post of 'A Homer's View' and look forward to sharing more on the Vikings, Twins, Gophers, and any other Minnesota sports occurrences I find relevant during their respective seasons. I'll bring predictions for the opening weeks Viking-Packers game and others as the weekend goes on, but suspect my next few posts will deal with my alma-maters and #1 FCS football team the North Dakota State Bison, facing off against Central Conneticut State at the Fargodome on Saturday. (they're 1-0 after throttling Austin Peay last week 41-6 if you care). 'Til next time...
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