Things to Watch Tomorrow
1. Teddy
Tomorrow, you and I will be watching the future of Minnesota Vikings football. No Adrian Peterson - and Teddy B. will be at the helm. Win or lose, I think it will be an extremely fun game to watch for this reason alone.
2. The Running Game
If the Vikings cannot establish a successful running game, they are in trouble, and may be needing to stay on the lookout for a solid back, either this season or in the off-season.
3. The Red Zone
The Vikings MUST score touchdowns when they are in the red zone. It could mean the difference between a postseason chance and another 5-win season.
4. Patterson
Especially if the running game is useless, Patterson MUST be used more effectively (like we saw him in the first game). I will be extremely confused if this is not the case.
5. My Wife's Stomach
She is 6 days away from her due date, and an exciting Vikings game may just make him want to get out and watch.
Prediction
The Vikings will play great football, but ultimately lose 27-31.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
A Bridge Over Stormy Waters
In Good Company
The bad news is that the 1-2 Vikings are ranked among the worst in football at the moment. The good news is that they share the same number of wins with Green Bay, San Francisco, Indianapolis and Kansas City (all playoff teams from last season). Most of those teams are expected to turn things around, but their poor starts are giving the Viking some time to figure things out.
Minnesota QB Circus Continues
Of course Cassel fractured his foot. Minnesota is just the state that breaks quarterbacks (physically and otherwise). But maybe the circus is over. The Vikings finally made a seemingly brilliant draft pick at QB, and now that fate has dealt Cassel out of the deck, it is up to Bridgewater to paint his own future. If he plays sufficiently, Minnesota will embrace him for a decade. Amidst and NFC North boasting Rodgers, Cutler and Stafford, we need a franchise quarterback.
After yesterday's debut, Teddy could be that man.
This Week
Maybe all the rumors about Peterson never playing in the NFL are good for the Vikings. They can deal with this once and for all. They can practice with the mindset that he is never coming back. The running backs can prepare like they are the future of the purple running game. And Bridgewater can be our new leader. This is a new team. And maybe that's a good thing for Zimmer and for Minnesota.
I'm going to miss Peterson like crazy. But maybe his absence will spark a grand new era in this state that will echo for years to come.
Tune in Saturday for more thoughts and predictions. In the meantime, go Jets!
The bad news is that the 1-2 Vikings are ranked among the worst in football at the moment. The good news is that they share the same number of wins with Green Bay, San Francisco, Indianapolis and Kansas City (all playoff teams from last season). Most of those teams are expected to turn things around, but their poor starts are giving the Viking some time to figure things out.
Minnesota QB Circus Continues
Of course Cassel fractured his foot. Minnesota is just the state that breaks quarterbacks (physically and otherwise). But maybe the circus is over. The Vikings finally made a seemingly brilliant draft pick at QB, and now that fate has dealt Cassel out of the deck, it is up to Bridgewater to paint his own future. If he plays sufficiently, Minnesota will embrace him for a decade. Amidst and NFC North boasting Rodgers, Cutler and Stafford, we need a franchise quarterback.
After yesterday's debut, Teddy could be that man.
This Week
Maybe all the rumors about Peterson never playing in the NFL are good for the Vikings. They can deal with this once and for all. They can practice with the mindset that he is never coming back. The running backs can prepare like they are the future of the purple running game. And Bridgewater can be our new leader. This is a new team. And maybe that's a good thing for Zimmer and for Minnesota.
I'm going to miss Peterson like crazy. But maybe his absence will spark a grand new era in this state that will echo for years to come.
Tune in Saturday for more thoughts and predictions. In the meantime, go Jets!
Saturday, September 20, 2014
What Now?
I had a grand, lengthy article all planned discussing the NFL as we know it, and whether or not it's even worth continuing to watch. But I'm going to put that on hold - partly because I haven't made up my mind, and I don't want to say anything without full consideration. For the moment, I'm grasping for hope. I'm not confident, but I haven't given up completely. That being said, I still have enough motivation at 11:30 p.m. to discuss my thoughts on tomorrow's game.
We've Lost Our Identity
Here we have, not only an Adrian Petersonless team, but a team who knows they will be without him for quite some time. Frankly, I don't think Zimmer or any fan in the great state of Minnesota (or Nebraska) thinks they Vikings have enough running power to be the same team they were with AP. AP's backups just aren't ready to put the team on their backs. We can no longer be a successful running machine. Adrian Peterson was the face - the identity - of the Minnesota Vikings. We are now the Minnesota Jason Bourne's - trying to figure out who we are.
That's not a great place to be when you have a struggling quarterback who was signed with the full knowledge that the man BEHIND him would actually be running the team. The team you will watch tomorrow (and probably the rest of the season) will not the be Minnesota Vikings. It will be a team with a new coach - with no home stadium - with no star running back - with no top tier quarterback - and with no confidence.
Waiting on Superman
For this season to land anywhere near my orignal 9-7 prediction, the Minnesota Vikings need a miracle - Superman to fall from the sky. Maybe that superhero is Zimmer coaching lights out football. Maybe it's a defense that plays like a stone wall. Maybe it's Patterson maturing far faster than expected. Maybe it's Cassel rubbing a little magic from a Brett Favre jersey. Wherever it comes from, the Vikings need it - desperately.
Best Case Scenerio
I apologize for a depressing article. Some people think the NFL's future looks bleak. Try being a Vikings fan. My prediction for tomorrow's game won't lift your spirits. The Saints are in desperate need of a win. And at home...they'll get it in week three. No matter how "focussed" Zimmer says the team is - they're not. I predict Zimmer tries to continue being a running team, and it just doesn't work. Cassel will throw 1-2 interceptions and maybe one touchdown, and ultimately Drew Brees passes his way to a 31-13 victory.
That Being Said...
Some of the greatest stories in sports are of teams rising from the ashes. You can skip tomorrow's game if you want. I would understand. But whether this year or in ten years - the magic will come back, and I don't want to miss it.
Last Note
I did predict the Vikings would win their opener and lose the next four games, still enroute to a 9-7 win. So, don't lose all hope if we lose a couple more games in a row. We just have a lot of hard games right off the bat. MAYBE we will figure out this no Peterson thing by week 6.
Monday, September 15, 2014
DON'T PANIC!
Speaking of Abuse
Peterson was out for child abuse, but it was the Patriots who should be indicted for the abuse given to the Minnesota Vikings yesterday. After a wonderful first drive, the Minnesota Vikings looked more lost than Jack Shepherd. However, this was to be expected - at least if you read my game prediction last Saturday.
Reasons not to Panic
Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't be too worried about the manhandling that took place.
1. Adrian Peterson didn't play. As much as Zimmer would like to put the blame on "the team," the team IS Adrian Peterson. Whether AP has 100 yards or 10 yards, his presence changes everything. Word is he'll be back next Sunday, so no sweat.
2. Matt Cassel won't throw 4 interceptions again. Why? Because AP will be in the backfield so he doesn't have to throw so much.
3. The blocked field goal changed everything. If Blair Walsh's field goal is good instead of being blocked - the Vikings have half-time confidence, Cassel doesn't throw 4 picks, the defense isn't constantly on the field, and the Vikings ultimately lose, but not nearly as ugly.
4. Obviously we were going to lose anyway.
Looking Forward
Forget those Teddy chants. Cassel is still our guy. Four interceptions is nothing. Brett Favre once threw 6...in the PLAYOFFS. If I'm Zimmer, I stay relaxed. Get Peterson back in the mix, encourage Cassel, get Patterson back doing his thing and MOVE ON. A huge loss is still only 1 in the loss column. The NFC North is 1-1 across the board. No sweat. So don't panic.
The Biggest Need for the Vikings
NFC north teams to lose a lot. I did a little research and technically it is possible for the Vikings to make the playoffs with only 2 wins. So, if things go really south for us, we can hope for that.
Peterson was out for child abuse, but it was the Patriots who should be indicted for the abuse given to the Minnesota Vikings yesterday. After a wonderful first drive, the Minnesota Vikings looked more lost than Jack Shepherd. However, this was to be expected - at least if you read my game prediction last Saturday.
Reasons not to Panic
Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't be too worried about the manhandling that took place.
1. Adrian Peterson didn't play. As much as Zimmer would like to put the blame on "the team," the team IS Adrian Peterson. Whether AP has 100 yards or 10 yards, his presence changes everything. Word is he'll be back next Sunday, so no sweat.
2. Matt Cassel won't throw 4 interceptions again. Why? Because AP will be in the backfield so he doesn't have to throw so much.
3. The blocked field goal changed everything. If Blair Walsh's field goal is good instead of being blocked - the Vikings have half-time confidence, Cassel doesn't throw 4 picks, the defense isn't constantly on the field, and the Vikings ultimately lose, but not nearly as ugly.
4. Obviously we were going to lose anyway.
Looking Forward
Forget those Teddy chants. Cassel is still our guy. Four interceptions is nothing. Brett Favre once threw 6...in the PLAYOFFS. If I'm Zimmer, I stay relaxed. Get Peterson back in the mix, encourage Cassel, get Patterson back doing his thing and MOVE ON. A huge loss is still only 1 in the loss column. The NFC North is 1-1 across the board. No sweat. So don't panic.
The Biggest Need for the Vikings
NFC north teams to lose a lot. I did a little research and technically it is possible for the Vikings to make the playoffs with only 2 wins. So, if things go really south for us, we can hope for that.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
The Effects of Adrian Peterson's "Child Abuse"
Stating the Obvious
Here's the deal. Everyone has their own opinion on child discipline. Some of us spank. Some of us give time-outs. Some of us just roll our eyes. I've got my opinions. You have yours. But I think we can all agree on one thing. If you are one of the most popular figures in all of the entire sports world...hitting your kid with a tree branch will probably have repercussions.
I don't care if that's how your dad punished you. Your dad wasn't Adrian Peterson. Now, if you are trying to stand up for your beliefs that branch-slapping is the only biblical way to punish your boy for "hitting his brother," that's an entirely other matter. But I'm just assuming that's not the case.
All this ranting to say, if you (the reader) ever become someone famous that 52 other people are heavily relying on...don't hit your kid with a stick.
Back to Football: Where does this leave the Vikings?
I have the Vikings losing this game anyway, but losing AP is a huge blow to the Vikings. So here are three potential ways they will respond.
1. Suck. Not be able to consistently run the ball well at all, which ultimately tears apart the passing game.
2. Patterson and AP's backups play their hearts out, and Cassel shows the Patriots some of the old magic.
3. The offense clearly suffers, but Zimmer's defense plays lights out.
My prediction? - the number 1 scenario. I think Minnesota fans are coldly reminded that we are not quite a playoff team yet, and Tom Brady is....Tom Brady.
What to Watch for
It will be extremely interesting to see how a new coaching staff, along with Matt Cassel, handles a Petersonless Vikings squad. Expect Patterson to carry the team, along with much more passing than last week.
Prediction
Vikings 13 - Patriots 34
...kind of an overall bummer of a game.
Here's the deal. Everyone has their own opinion on child discipline. Some of us spank. Some of us give time-outs. Some of us just roll our eyes. I've got my opinions. You have yours. But I think we can all agree on one thing. If you are one of the most popular figures in all of the entire sports world...hitting your kid with a tree branch will probably have repercussions.
I don't care if that's how your dad punished you. Your dad wasn't Adrian Peterson. Now, if you are trying to stand up for your beliefs that branch-slapping is the only biblical way to punish your boy for "hitting his brother," that's an entirely other matter. But I'm just assuming that's not the case.
All this ranting to say, if you (the reader) ever become someone famous that 52 other people are heavily relying on...don't hit your kid with a stick.
Back to Football: Where does this leave the Vikings?
I have the Vikings losing this game anyway, but losing AP is a huge blow to the Vikings. So here are three potential ways they will respond.
1. Suck. Not be able to consistently run the ball well at all, which ultimately tears apart the passing game.
2. Patterson and AP's backups play their hearts out, and Cassel shows the Patriots some of the old magic.
3. The offense clearly suffers, but Zimmer's defense plays lights out.
My prediction? - the number 1 scenario. I think Minnesota fans are coldly reminded that we are not quite a playoff team yet, and Tom Brady is....Tom Brady.
What to Watch for
It will be extremely interesting to see how a new coaching staff, along with Matt Cassel, handles a Petersonless Vikings squad. Expect Patterson to carry the team, along with much more passing than last week.
Prediction
Vikings 13 - Patriots 34
...kind of an overall bummer of a game.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Vikings Vs. Rams Reaction
Well, had Harrison Smith's interception/TD resulted instead in 7 points for the Rams, my game prediction would have been pretty close. As it is, I guess I'm happier to see great defense, even if it is against a third-string undrafted quarterback.
Five Positive Takeaways from Sunday
1. Paul Allen still has it. Confession, I don't have TV at the moment, so I listened to the game and watched highlights.
2. Matt Cassel will work. I don't expect greatness from Cassel. That's not his job. His job is to protect the football and make veteran decisions. He did that, and as long as he keeps that up, the Vikings will keep raking in W's and Teddy will continue getting paid millions to drink Gatorade on the bench.
3. Norv Turner is a genius. Why? He is going to add two years to Adrian Peterson's football career by the way he is implementing Patterson. The Vikings will remain that run-pounding team they've always been, but AP won't be the one suffering from every hit.
4. Blair Walsh is the real thing. I'm not saying that hitting a 52-yard kick in the season's first attempt takes your breath away, but it does give fans something to smile about. And in close games, this will be something that takes your breath away.
5. Our brand new coach just won his first NFL game, and he did it on the road. The Vikings now return home with a winning record and a confident coach.
Tune in Saturday for "Vikings vs. Rams - Five Things to Look For."
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Minnesota Vikings Predictions
Vikings vs. Rams Prediction
If anyone remembers the Minnesota Vikings first game in the 2009 season, I think they will have a moment of dejavu. Matt Cassel will take the field ready to play, but he won't really do much - the coaching staff will make sure of that.
Neither team will look amazing, and most of the excitement will come from kickoff/punt returns and Adrian Peterson. I don't think AP will repeat his "touchdown on first carry," but he will break at least one run for 40-50 yards.
Prediction: Vikings 23 - Rams 17
And now for my bold....
Vikings Season Prediction
Week:
1. Win
2. Lose
3. Lose
4. Lose
5. Lose
6. Win
7. Win
8. Win
9. Win
10. Bye
11. Lose
12. Win (This will be the Vikings best game of the year.)
13. Lose
14. Lose
15. Win
16. Win
17. Win
Final Record: 9-7
Not bad for a Vikings team that was picked by most people to finish 4th in the division. Maybe a playoff berth - maybe not, but the important thing is that they show themselves a team to be reckoned with. The 2014 season will be a huge step in the right direction for Zimmer and his Vikes.Two Not-So-Random Thoughts
1. Something you may have noticed. I have 5 of our 9 wins coming on the road. I don't see home field advantage being a huge "advantage" at all.
2. The Vikings only have one night game all season, which comes on the road in week 5 against the Pack. This is great news for two reasons. First of all, the Vikings never win night games. Secondly, this game is pretty much an automatic loss anyway, so no harm done. Minnesota thrives on those noon games.
What do you think?
Am I way off? Do you agree? What record do you give us?
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
We'll Either Win or Lose
And it's back...
NFL regular season. Forget baseball. It's a pastime that should have stayed in the past.* The NFL is the new face of America, and I'm peeing my pants in excitement for Sunday.
Since no football has yet been played, I will keep this post short.
Things You Need to Know About the 2014 Vikings
1. We are a Question Mark Team
Like no other season that I can remember, the Vikings really either could win or lose just about every game this season. We don't know what Cassel will look like as a true starter for the Vikes, and we can only pray he plays well enough to avoid a QB circus show like last year. We are full of excellent, young talent, who could either come storming the castle into a winning season...or...playing adequate ball while getting their feet wet en route to another 5 win season. Honestly, neither would be shocking.
The Point: Every single game is going to be worth watching this season. I personally think we are highly under-rated, but let's face it...I always think that.
2. Relish Every Run of AP
I hate to break it to you folks, but Adrian is over the hill. At tops he's got two great years left in him. It's been a wild ride, and if he is fortunate enough to keep enough steam to rock the field this year, it will be a treat you will want to remember.
3. Minnesota is the New Chicago
Remember when nobody would kick the ball deep to Chicago, fearing that what's-his-name would run it back for a TD every time? That is now the Vikings. Get ready to enjoy spectacular starting field position every Sunday.
4. Bold Prediction
Everyone needs a bold prediction, and this is mine. The Vikings go 4-2 in NFC North games. We win all those home games, as well as a road win in Detroit. We may only get 4 wins all season, but I'm predicting at least those 4.
5. Enjoy it While it Lasts
Let's face it. 5-11, 8-8-, 15-1. Wherever we land, it's just the best sport ever. Enjoy it.
*I actually think baseball is awesome.
NFL regular season. Forget baseball. It's a pastime that should have stayed in the past.* The NFL is the new face of America, and I'm peeing my pants in excitement for Sunday.
Since no football has yet been played, I will keep this post short.
Things You Need to Know About the 2014 Vikings
1. We are a Question Mark Team
Like no other season that I can remember, the Vikings really either could win or lose just about every game this season. We don't know what Cassel will look like as a true starter for the Vikes, and we can only pray he plays well enough to avoid a QB circus show like last year. We are full of excellent, young talent, who could either come storming the castle into a winning season...or...playing adequate ball while getting their feet wet en route to another 5 win season. Honestly, neither would be shocking.
The Point: Every single game is going to be worth watching this season. I personally think we are highly under-rated, but let's face it...I always think that.
2. Relish Every Run of AP
I hate to break it to you folks, but Adrian is over the hill. At tops he's got two great years left in him. It's been a wild ride, and if he is fortunate enough to keep enough steam to rock the field this year, it will be a treat you will want to remember.
3. Minnesota is the New Chicago
Remember when nobody would kick the ball deep to Chicago, fearing that what's-his-name would run it back for a TD every time? That is now the Vikings. Get ready to enjoy spectacular starting field position every Sunday.
4. Bold Prediction
Everyone needs a bold prediction, and this is mine. The Vikings go 4-2 in NFC North games. We win all those home games, as well as a road win in Detroit. We may only get 4 wins all season, but I'm predicting at least those 4.
5. Enjoy it While it Lasts
Let's face it. 5-11, 8-8-, 15-1. Wherever we land, it's just the best sport ever. Enjoy it.
*I actually think baseball is awesome.
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