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!!!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
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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