The Official 2007 Vikings Thread.

[Timberwolf]

Goldberg did not even start, Shad? Are you serious? WTF is Tice thinking? Goldberg should have started. You hit the nail in the head. Daunte has zero faith in that OL and it has clearly effected the way he is playing so far.

Why is Ciatrick not playing? Why? Mwelde and Michael has showed you nothing.

God this Tice is an idiot. Is it any wonder why Zygi wants to be hands-on?

[Timberwolf]

First off, who stinks more. The Twins or the Vikings. That's a tough question. It's hard to answer. You can make a case that both teams stink like shit out there. There is no right or wrong answer. I got to see the Twins (I was hoping that they would take the series from She-ca-go), but man they just stunk out there as the offense simply blew as usual. Vikings did not fare better either. They got outworked, outclassed, and outcoached for the second straight week. Twins and Vikings really took it on the chin (don't be fooled with the low scoring game by the Twins. They looked inept and got their ass kicked too).

It was one thing to lose badly in Week 1. You can talk about how the Vikings did not take the Bucs lightly or how Tampa Bay's defense just had a great game. To come out this bad again causes concern. I thought the offense would do much better today. They could not be worse than last week. Was I ever wrong? Vikings offensive unit looked overwhelmed and initimidated against Cincy's defense which will not remind you much of great defensive teams even if Marvin Lewis was coaching that team. Daunte looked horrible, but it was not just him. It was his whole unit from the OL to the Running Backs to etc. It's just a mess right now. Vikings offense is as bad as the Twins offense which is very startling and suprising. Normally, the Vikings average 25 points a game even on bad days. This is just way too bad. I think the offense will get back on track, but as Pat said that this team is still sorting themselves out. The OL is a mess and they need to get this straightened out before other parts of that supporting cast on offense needs to be fixed.

Defense did alright, but not as great as last week. Carson Palmer had his way today.

I am not going to fault Steve Loney as the offensive coordinator. I don't think it's his fault. All he can do is tell them what play to run. This is more about execution right now and everyone in that offensive unit is just not executing.

They could not afford to lose this game today esepcially with the Saints and Falcons next. This team could conceivably go 0-4 now and that could be it for Mr. Wilf to make a coaching change and let Cotrell run the ship for the rest of the season. That's a cause to be concerned right now and Mike Tice is going to have sleepless nights worrying that if he will be around after the bye week. Thank God the NFC North is atrocious so the Vikings still have a chance to win that division. You have to figure the only way a NFC North team makes the playoffs is by winning the division. Mike Tice must hope that he will be around for that to happen and for him to stay, I am guessing he needs to win the next two games. 1-3 or 0-4 may not cut it with Zygi.

What a depressing day to be a MN sports fan. Both the Twins and Vikings got worked.

[Durango53]

No Goldberg didnt start he came in again in the 3rd quarter.

Bennett and Moore had ok games for the carries they got but Bennett fumbled twice. Fason should be in there but never even got a carry.

[LesPaul]

Culpepper had a 13.6 QB rating at the end of the third I believe...

[Durango53]

Ya he did.......

[>TC<]

Sharper is having an MRI today on his knee. Rumor has it that the team is worried it's serious. Not good.

Burleson also suffered a knee injury and Tice said he could well miss a couple of weeks. He said that Koren Robinson would suit up if Nate is out.

Udeze left the game because of a calf strain. That's the same injury that caused Cowart to miss this game.

Bennett is griping that he was benched. He was the only player, after the game, who was more worried about himself than the team.


TC

[Durango53]

Dang that sucks about Shaper.... :(

I just heard that about Nate also.

And ya I read that about Bennett also. Man you lose two balls that quick even if you did rush for 36 yards for 3 rushes I dont know to many coachs that will stick with you even in Jr. High football.

Man that Sharper one hurts though. Even more so with Fox out for the season also!!!!

[Durango53]

Dubay just made a great point I thought.

Culpepper on that first drive of the TB game he was in the zone. He was doing great and doing the right things. Up until Nate ran that bad route and he gave up the INT. After that it has all been down hill.

[Durango53]

On a bright side the whole NFC North hasnt looked that great so it is still wide open.

It is only 2 loses and no one in the North has won both of the games.

[>TC<]

I heard another good point brought up by former Viking Stu Voigt. Tice loves his "huge" offensive lineman. The problem is, the team has brought in all these gigantic players but none of them play physical football. They all "play small" for their size.

Interesting observation from someone who's been there. (and who was undersized himself but played his heart out every game)


TC

[Durango53]

Ya that is true I can see that.

But to add on to the point I dont think Tice is letting those big guys play there game and that is a good solid run block. To go out and pound on the D-line. To where it gets in there head just run blocking to where they will play passive.

[Durango53]

P.A just said that Sharper should be in the lineup next week?????

[>TC<]

If Sharper passed the MRI, Tice said he'd play Sunday


TC

[Durango53]

Man oh man I hope he passes then!

[>TC<]

Vikings finalize stadium plans

BY SEAN JENSEN and ARON KAHN

Pioneer Press

The Minnesota Vikings and Anoka County have agreed to a plan for a retractable-roof stadium in Blaine that likely would cost at least $700 million when all expenses are tallied.

The parties have a called a Tuesday press conference to announce the plan, which they say calls for spending $675 million for the sliding-roof stadium, parking, land, on-site infrastructure, a practice facility and team headquarters.

The new team owners, led by Zygi Wilf, plan to pay at least $250 million of the cost. The rest of the money would come from an Anoka County sales tax and a tax increment financing district that would capture tax revenues created by the stadium instead of sending those revenues to the state treasury.

The true cost probably will exceed $700 million because the stadium boosters will ask the state to allow the special taxing district to fund road improvements beyond the immediate stadium site -- improvements planned for years in the future that the stadium team wants accelerated.

Lester Bagley, the Vikings vice president of public affairs and stadium development, said Wilf and Anoka officials, including County Board Chairwoman Margaret Langfeld, will announce more details at a press conference at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

Wilf has been trying to persuade Gov. Tim Pawlenty to include the Vikings’ stadium project in the event of a special legislative session this fall, during which stadiums for the Minnesota Twins and University of Minnesota would be considered.

The Vikings and Anoka County need the governor and lawmakers to allow the county to impose the sales tax and to create the tax increment financing district.


http://www.twincities.com/images/twincities/twincities/12687/160969813112.jpg



TC

[Durango53]

So now all they have to do is have the voters vote on it?

When will the Vote take place?

[>TC<]

No - now they need the legislators to vote to authorize the state's share and to authorize Anoka County to raise the sales tax in their county. The other issue is to let the county keep the taxes that would be raised by the stadium.

The Anoka County Board has already passed the proposal, so they don't need a voter referendum.


TC

[Durango53]

Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper played Sunday's game at Cincinnati despite an injured right knee that has caused mild concern within the Vikings organization.

Although Culpepper was not among the players the team acknowledged as injured Monday -- a list including receiver Nate Burleson, free safety Darren Sharper and linebacker E.J. Henderson -- he was seen wearing a tight elastic brace around the knee Sunday. The team has not revealed the exact nature of the injury, but coach Mike Tice alluded to it during his pregame radio interview Sunday on KFAN (1130-AM).

Cornerback Fred Smoot said the 0-2 Vikings have called a players-only meeting as they try to snap out of their early-season funk. "We're just going to sit and talk to each other," said Smoot, who expects the meeting to take place Wednesday. Players don't have practice today.

• Running back Michael Bennett, who reiterated his frustration Monday with Tice's decision to bench him after two fumbles against the Bengals, said he will not seek out a meeting with Tice. "I can't," Bennett said. "I'm a little man in this big bowl. Whatever happens, happens."

• With Burleson's status uncertain, receiver Koren Robinson should make his Vikings debut Sunday. "I do see him having a role this week," Tice said.

Man this could be a long season.........

I hope that Smoots talk does some good and fires up some guys.

Bennett had a tough game losing those two balls but on the bright side he also ran for 36 yards in 3 carries. Hang on to the ball and he might do something. If he gets a chance again.

[Pickles84]

The Vikings reached an agreement with Anoka county to build a retractable roof stadium worth $625 million.

According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the plan will rely on nearly $400 million from taxpayers with the Vikings contributing $275 million.

"We put a lot of energy into this and we feel good about having a stadium here," Vikings vice president of stadium development Lester Bagley said.

The stadium, training facility and team headquarters would comprise 200 acres of the 740-acre Blaine development project.

The Vikings are still under lease to play in the Metrodome until 2011, but I am extremely happy that some progress is finally being made. Vikings fans everywhere should be extremely happy that McCombs is finally gone. Wilf has accomplished more (stadium-wise) in 3 months than McCombs had done in his whole time as the Vikings owner.

[Durango53]

How ya doing Pickles?

[Durango53]

Tice might move quarterbacks coach Rich Olson from the press box to the field, and send offensive coordinator/line coach Loney from the field to the box. That would enable Olson to work closely with Culpepper during the game. The offensive linemen, meanwhile, would be overseen on the field by offensive line assistant Corbin Lacina, assistant offensive line/tight ends coach John Tice and even Pro Bowl center Matt Birk.

[Timberwolf]

I think Loney did the best he could as an OC. I don't think it's his fault at all. I don't think he is the problem. I am not sure if Tice is going to make a difference as the defacto offensive coordinator. The only good thing about this move is that Loney can fix what's ailing this team which is the OL. That's an major issue and that has to be rectified for the Vikings to start executing offensively.

Bottom line was that Scott Linehan or somebody else who has experience in running an offense should have been hired. Stupid Red McCombs!

Losing Sharper and Burelson is not a good thing. Here's hoping they somehow play, but I hear it's not looking good as Bob Sansevere indicated on that morning show on 92 KQRS that they may not play this Sunday. With that said, it will be good to see what Koren can do to jumpstart Daunte and this offense.

As for that stadium proposal, I will believe it when I see it. I have seen the same dance with the Twins and now the stadium proposal has died down to the point that it will never happen.

[Timberwolf]

Bennett is griping that he was benched. He was the only player, after the game, who was more worried about himself than the team.


Obviously, he was frustrated with the way he is playing, but there is no excuse for him to start griping when the team is in dire straits.

[Pickles84]

How ya doing Pickles?


I've been doing great, thanks for asking. Sorry I haven't been on lately. I've been busy with a new job.

Before all of the Vikings running back problems, there was serious talk about trying to go after Ricky Williams. Now that Onterrio Smith is done for the season and Bennett is so deep in Tice's dog house that we now know that Tice's dog house has a basement, I think the Vikings will once again bring up serious talks about getting Williams.
There is another side to this though. And that's the Dolphins. Ronnie Brown has not produced like the Dolphins had hoped, but he is getting better. If Ronnie Brown has just 1 good game, it will prove that he can have good games at times.
So if Ronnie Brown has some good games and Bennett stays in Tice's dog house's basement, I believe the Vikings will try to get Ricky Williams. What do you guys think?

[Durango53]

That crossed my mind also Pickles. I thought the Fins could be wanting to trade him and the Vikings needing a running back like Ricky.

But dont know if I like the move. Just because the Viking already have a smoker that let the team down.

[>TC<]

The Vikings stadium deal looks dead already. Zygi and the Anoka Board made their pitch and they want $580 million in government funding, not the $175 as was initially reported. That includes infrastructure costs, the state share of stadium funding, and the state ok for tax incriment financing and raising the county sales tax. The Speaker of the House said he can't see any way that it will even come up for a vote in the legislature. He was quoted as saying that if the Vikings proposal is heard with the Gophers and Twins proposal, all three will be defeated. He said he was going to send word to Gov. P that if a special session is called, it should address the Gophers first (and he predicted that will pass easily in the house), then the Twins, and the Vikings proposal should be held back for a later time.


TC

[Timberwolf]

I want no part of Ricky Williams at all.

[Pickles84]

New center Melvin Fowler has been taking snaps this week during practice, which hints that he may replace Withrow at center for thie week's game against the Saints.
Right now, I don't see any harm in starting, or even playing Fowler. The o-line can't get much worse so really, the only thing Fowler could do is make it better.

[Durango53]

They played MUCH better the second game but still not that good and improved some again when Goldberg got put in there. Why not have him start?!?!? If a Tackle goes down then put Adam in a tackle spot and move the backup in the gaurd spot.

But ya no harm in seeing what Fowler can do. I would expect to see him if the line is letting guys up the middle again this week.

[Durango53]

The Vikings could be shopping Michael Bennett to other teams. The Vikings had a brief conversation about Bennett with the Arizona Cardinals, a team coached by Dennis Green, who drafted the running back late in the first round of the 2001 draft. But Rod Graves, the Cardinals' vice president of football operations, told the East Valley (Ariz.) Tribune that the Vikings initiated the discussion. Neither team, however, expects a deal. "I can't do anything about it," Bennett said. "I can just do my job, and if it's for me to get shipped out of here, then it's out of my hands."

[Durango53]

The Saints mood was lightened, too, when strength and conditioning coaches Rock Gullickson and Adam Bailey rode onto the Alamodome turf during practice on a motorcycle, honking the horn and wearing Viking horns and a Vikings foam finger. One of the goalposts was also decorated with Vikings pennants and foam fingers. And, as the team pumped in simulated crowd noise during practice, there was the added sound of a Viking horn on every play, a computer-generated effect added by team employee Carter Sheridan.

[Durango53]

I think this is what Wilf meet by hands on.

New Vikings owner Zygi Wilf, during a meeting with Mike Tice, told his coach that if there's anything he needs to help the team after its disappointing 0-2 start, he'll provide it for him. Look for Tice to request an offensive coaching consultant.

[>TC<]

We can only hope - that kind of help the team could use.

TC

[Timberwolf]

It seems Denny has no used for Marcel Shipp. I wouldn't mind taking him on my team if Denny does not want Shipp.

[Timberwolf]

Great win today. This is what the doctor ordered. The offense finally did something today. I knew this offense couldn't be this bad all season. The OL did a great job out there and it showed when Daunte was being effective in throwing the ball. Once the OL got it together, then a QB can start producing instead of running for his life in fear that he will be attacked and then the running game can be effective.

Daunte was fantastic. What can you say? This is the Daunte that we all know out there.

I think Jermaine has to be the #1 receiver at this point. He was fantastic out there and Daunte seems very comfortable throwing to him.

The defense was fantastic out there and it helped the Saints just played sloppy out there.

Mwelde had the rock and was very productive with it as he had a good rushing day.

I had a good feeling about this game in the middle of the week with the Saints being tired and mentally drained as they finished this three-week road trip. Vikings took advantage of that today.

Very good win. This is something that they can build on heading to Atlanta. I hope the OL can build on this performance.

Great weekend in Minnesota football with the Gophers winning in a dramatic fashion and the Vikings win their first of the year. Also congrats to Zygi Wilf as he win his first game as the owner of the Vikings. Hopefully for him, there will be mroe where it cam from.

[Durango53]

This is what happens when you run the ball. Still not as much as I would like to see but good running.

But I wont get on the running to much just because I didnt see the game so I dont know how it all looked.

But great game for Tayor. Did Nate play? Good to see Williamson get in the game also. Saw the highlight on that. Still love the pick. Speed kills. Get him in the game and soon teams will have keep someone up top.

Nice to see Culpepper get it going and they said they took a few plays out of the book for him just to get back to the basic which was needed so he can just read the defense and take what they was giving.

Wasnt Loony up in the box also up away from the sideline?

[>TC<]

Nate is out for two or three weeks - Koren Robinson was active today.

Tice was calling plays - he commented on how they called 5 or 6 keepers for Daunte

Taylor had a great game.

After the game, Tice was critical of the OL, specifically complaining about right guard, where Johnson started and Goldberg came in, then was pulled again for Johnson. Tice said that he wouldn't be surprised if the five guys who started on the OL today weren't the same guys who will be starting after the bye. He commented that the OL would probably grade out lower today than they did against the Bengals.

TC

[Durango53]

Taylor had a great catch there for a TD I saw the highlights!!!!!! Wonderful game for the Vikings. I didnt get to watch the game so I cant comment on the O-Line.

[Durango53]

Who started at center today?

[>TC<]

withrow



TC

[Durango53]

innesota safety Willie Offord will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury that puts a big dent in the secondary depth and takes away the Vikings' special teams captain.

Offord's left knee got caught in the Metrodome's artificial grass while covering a kickoff in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against New Orleans. Offord, who started at strong safety, re-entered the game and aggravated the injury. An MRI test Monday revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament which will likely require surgery, trainer Chuck Barta said.

[>TC<]

Great, with Sharper still hurting, they are really thin at S. I would guess they'll either be activating a DB from the practice squad or bring in FAs. Irvin would probably get the start on Sunday if Sharper can't go.

TC

[>TC<]

Practice squad safety Will Hunter is expected to take Offord's spot on the active roster.The Vikings also lost third cornerback Brian Williams to a sprained left knee late in the second quarter. Williams is not expected to play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

"(Offord's) loss is as big as any other top player on defense because he is the leader on special teams," said Sharper, recovering from a sprained left knee. "And he's a guy that can play in several packages on defense. He was an impact player."

Coach Mike Tice and trainer Chuck Barta were optimistic Sharper would return to the lineup in Atlanta. But Sharper does not want a repeat of his 2004 season, when his performance suffered as he tried to play with a knee injury. Sharper tested his knee Monday. "I'm not too excited right now," Sharper said. "It's just not where I want it to be. But I've still got five or six days. So you never know what's going to happen."

Sharper said he does not feel extra pressure to return with Offord is out, noting that Ken Irvin "can step in and do an excellent job." Sharper also said he does not want to risk further damage to his knee so early in the season.

But Irvin doesn't give the Vikings the same confidence Offord did. Playing on a one-year contract worth $656,000, Offord was off to a solid start. Always considered a gifted athlete, Offord was beginning to display the awareness and instincts befitting a starting safety. Irvin had started 72 games in his previous 10 NFL seasons. But his transition from cornerback to safety has not been smooth.

Because the Falcons have a run-oriented offense, Tice indicated the Vikings might use four linebackers and one safety, Corey Chavous, on Sunday.

Outside options for help are few.

The veteran pool is thin and includes Reggie Tongue, former Green Bay Packers draft pick Antuan Edwards and Rushen Jones, whom the Vikings released.

The Vikings said they believe in Irvin and have been impressed by Hunter. The team will work out Robb Butler, formerly of the San Diego Chargers, today. They looked at two other defensive backs, Marvin Ward and Jerrell Pippens, earlier in the month.

Ralph Brown can handle the fifth defensive back role. But the Vikings likely will have to play rookie Dovonte Edwards as the fourth cornerback.


TC

[>TC<]

Not good.

More than a year ago, Vikings coach Mike Tice had an attorney give his players a seminar about off-field behavior. The attorney warned them to avoid nightclubs at closing time because that's often when there is trouble. A few days later, three Vikings were arrested at a Minneapolis nightclub … at closing time.

After Sunday's game, Tice urged his players to behave themselves and be careful before he sent them on their way. About 12 hours later, at 3:05 a.m. Monday, offensive linemen Bryant McKinnie and Marcus Johnson were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing a legal process.

"I would wish they weren't out at 3:05 in the morning,'' Tice said.

**Players leave themselves open to criticism when they're out at 3 in the morning. The next time the Vikings lose, people will wonder if players were still staying out to all hours and whether that contributed to the loss.**


TC

[Durango53]

I saw that Mark but I also heard that this is being made into a mountain but it really isnt that bad. But that is what I heard so take it as you will. I know that you have a ton more on this than I do.

But what I heard was that McKinnie got into a argument about Miami players with this other guy and was started to get heated and Johnson jumped in to get McKinnie out of there and that was when the cops came in.

But I am with Tice. Being a high profile guy out 3 in the morning is asking for trouble. I hope it is nothing.

[>TC<]

According to Loney, Herrera and Goldberg graded out the same, but Goldberg's role as the swing lineman might make Herrera the logical choice to split time with Johnson.

"Fair or unfair, Goldy is kind of the do-it-all guy, the Mr. Universal," Loney said. "If you have something happen at tackle, he's got to be the guy. … I don't know how that will affect it, but I think Goldy for sure is the swing guy."


TC

[>TC<]

Defensive end Lance Johnstone had a magnetic resonance imaging test on his injured chest, but his status for Sunday's game at Atlanta is uncertain.

Vikings trainer Chuck Barta said Johnstone's injury is to the pectoral area where the muscle attaches to the shoulder bone and that the team is still gathering information, which is an indication it could be serious.

Defensive end Kenechi Udeze has some swelling in his left knee, but that injury isn't believed to be serious


TC

[>TC<]

Tice said he was pleased with the results of the Vikings' new play-calling system, with Loney sending down plays from the booth instead of calling them from the sideline.

The Vikings have been vague on the details, but Loney said it basically involved him sending down a play to quarterbacks coach Rich Olson and Tice, who then would relay it to quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

"Or Mike says, 'No. That's not what I want. Here's what I want,' " Loney said.

Asked how often that happened Sunday, Loney said, "It happened some."


TC

[>TC<]

As far as McKinnie and Johnson go, I don't think this will be a huge deal.

From what I've heard, there was a group of around a dozen people, there was an argument, the police were called. The police ordered the group to leave the premisis and disperse, Johnson and McKinnie argued with the cops and refused to leave. They were taken into custody.

It's still stupid that they don't get the message and that they maybe shouldn't be in downtown Minneapolis at 3 AM.

TC

[Durango53]

Man that sucks about Lance!!!!!! He is such a key guy to that defense and a guy I love to watch play....

But at first I thought man it is a shoulder even though it is very important for a end to have they could just have him on the side where his hurt shoulder is on the outside so he can still swim but a peck is a whole diffenet story!!! Man that would hurt like hell and effect both sides just because of it being a peck.

Sucks bad....

I still dont understand. If Goldberg is the best guy to play there then why not use him as a guard. And then if a tackle gets hurt shift him over to tackle and move one of the other guys in as gaurd. I dont know about that...

[Durango53]

That is good we have been hearing close to the same thing then about that. I to now dont think it is a big deal also. And I hate the do you know who I am type person. The cops told them to leave they should have packed there bags and left.....

[>TC<]

A witness said that if they took McKinnie,(and Johnson,) they should have taken the guy he was arguing with. He said Johnson got involved when he stepped in between the cops and McKinnie and didn't let the cops advance.


TC

[Durango53]

Any news on bring in a DB? Scott Frost a good Husker that can play some Safty ;) Just kidding I think he is somewhere backing up right now.

But is Shaw somewhere or is the team looking else where or even looking.

Also Mark you posted above that Tice said after the Bye week the O-Line was going to look diffenet. Does that mean the Dix is coming in or some other guys?

[Durango53]

And I would like to bring to light a guy that caught my eye week one big time and I read he had some good plays this week also and he is Keith Newman. A nice fill in....

Any word on Fox also Mark? He should be about healed up but with the Vikings putting him on the IR they cant use him. I feared something like this would happen..... :(

But we never saw the lossing Offord also in this whole thing....

[>TC<]

Outside options for help are few.

The veteran pool is thin and includes Reggie Tongue, former Green Bay Packers draft pick Antuan Edwards and Rushen Jones, whom the Vikings released.

The Vikings said they believe in Irvin and have been impressed by Hunter. The team will work out Robb Butler, formerly of the San Diego Chargers, today. They looked at two other defensive backs, Marvin Ward and Jerrell Pippens, earlier in the month.

TC

[Timberwolf]

Just who the hell is Mike Tice to go rip people at KFAN Rube Chat. Who the hell is he? It was pretty obvious that he took shots at us at the Rube Chat. He was describing some of the stuff that we talk about over there about him, his family, and Daunte. I couldn't believe it. He is ripping fans that are paying his salary. Another thing. What type of a head coach goes out of his way and read message boards? In sports, the cardinal rule is never ever listen to sports radio or read message boards. Mike Tice should know better than that. I am amazed that he would actually go read message boards. Shame on him!

His immature rant has gone old whether it's fighting with the Twin Cities media or calling out Doug Brien on Vikings Fanline or ripping into Jeff Dubay on the post-game show or going at it with Kevin Seifert, the Vikings beat writer for the Strib last year because Seifert picked the Saints to beat the Vikings. It's one thing or another with this buffoon. He ought to just coach instead of worrying about petulant little things.

I am so glad Zygi Wilf, the hands-on owner, put Tice in his place as he reportedly scolded at him and ordered him to apologize on the air. I know Tice's apology was insincere though. Tice should know better than this.

I lost a lot of respect for this piece of garbage. Even Dennis Green had more self-restraint than that.

[LesPaul]

Well I hope if Tice ever wanders into here he would enjoy his visit and know, that for the most part, the rule of thumb around this message board is intelligent posting.

[Durango53]

Former Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton has accepted owner Zygi Wilf's invitation to watch Sunday's game from a private suite at the Georgia Dome. Tarkenton, who lives in the Atlanta area, does not usually attend Falcons games. "I'd rather watch the game on television," Tarkenton said. "The only reason I'm going is to meet (Wilf)." Wilf, a lifelong fan of the New York Giants before buying the Vikings, was a fan of Tarkenton, who played for the Vikings and Giants.

[Durango53]

Vikings defensive end Lance Johnstone was seeking a second opinion Tuesday on what is apparently a serious injury to his right shoulder, but early indications were that Johnstone would be able to play with the ailment.

Athletic trainer Chuck Barta said the injury is to the tendon that attaches Johnstone's pectoral muscle to the shoulder, but coach Mike Tice said Tuesday that doctors determined the injury would not need surgery. Unless Johnstone receives contradictory information in his second opinion, he will return to practice Thursday and play a role in Sunday's game at Atlanta.

[Durango53]

Tice moved Ken Irvin from cornerback to free safety but did not rule out the possibility that Darren Sharper's sprained left knee could heal quickly enough to return him to the starting lineup against the Falcons. Sharper did not appear optimistic about his chances Monday, noting the advantage of resting through the Oct. 9 bye, but without him the Vikings are down to only one experienced safety -- Corey Chavous.

Irvin is an 11-year veteran but has always played cornerback. The Vikings placed safety Willie Offord on injured reserve and promoted first-year safety Will Hunter from the practice squad. Offord is expected to undergo surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

[Durango53]

I think if Johnstone is gone the game it is going to hurt the most will be this week. Johnstone is the fastest guy off the line for the Vikings and a guy that could hold Vick off the outside he plays on. You got to fight speed with speed. I was seeing this game like the Eagles vs Falcons game last year where Kearse shadowed Vick and they forced him to pass more. I was seeing that with Johnstone. :(

[Durango53]

A day after using three players at right guard, the Vikings contacted semi-retired lineman David Dixon on Monday to gauge his interest in returning to the team. Dixon, who is coaching part-time at Burnsville High School, said he is not interested in playing.

Every man has his price. ;)

[Durango53]

Look for the Vikings, whose first-round draft pick next April is expected to be about No. 12, to try to trade up to get Gophers running back Laurence Maroney, who could go as high as No. 5 overall. It's a foregone conclusion that Maroney, a junior, will opt for the draft. Even if Maroney were a top-10 pick, he could expect a signing bonus of about $10 million.

Wow want to mail the season in already? Would be a nice story but man it is way to early to start to think about the draft and that high up!!!

[Durango53]

Tice was on the Dan Patrick show.

They was a bit testy to each other. Funny... I like to see the media knocked down a spot or two.....

[Durango53]

Viking's coach Mike Tice's job security has been the subject of much speculation this week.

But owner Zygi Wilf doesn't have many viable options. The names that have popped up in various outlets: Jim Fassel, former coach of Wilf's former favorite team, the New York Giants; former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka; and former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson. But Fassel, now the offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, has fizzled since leading the Giants to Super Bowl XXXV, and Ditka and Johnson are talking heads whose sole interest in returning to the sideline would be for absurd paydays. In addition, no one on the staff stands out as someone Wilf could promote on an interim basis if he fires Tice. One thing is clear: During the off season Wilf will spend money on the coaching staff.

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/football/12728377.htm

As most of you know I aint much on bone head column writers just because they most of the time want to get a rise out of people. But I saw this on a rumor site and got me thinking what if....

Do you really want Fassel? Hell no what has he done? Got the Giants to a Super Bowl and under the talk of cheating that the NFL quickly shut up. Other than that nothing and he has done wonders with the offense guru with the Ravens.

What about Ditka? No way.

Jimmy I could live with and like but would he come back? And will Wilf give him that much control that he would want? Don’t know but out of the three that was said he would be all I would want.

But how about this. Instead of dragging up names of guys that are overrated or just don’t get it done why not get a new guy?

I would love to see Gary Kubiak as a head coach in this league. And I think he could do wonders for Culpepper. He could bring in an offense that will be very solid. I think he would make a great head coach for some team and if Wilf gets rid of Tice I would like to see it be the Vikings.
:thumbsup:

[Durango53]

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Brian Williams was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons because of a sprained left knee.

Williams, the Vikings' third corner, injured the medial collateral ligament in his knee in last week's game against New Orleans. It's the latest setback for a secondary that has already lost backup free safety Willie Offord for the year with a torn ACL.

Starting free safety Darren Sharper is listed as questionable with a less severe MCL sprain, but if he can't play, Ken Irvin will get his first start at safety after playing his first 10 years in the league at cornerback.

Wow they better bust out the old phone book and see who is out there.... :(

[Durango53]

Tice had wanted to be patient with Minnesota's top draft pick, hoping to keep the Randy Moss comparisons to a minimum.

Heading into just his fourth game as a pro, Williamson's considerable skills - and an injury to No. 1 receiver Nate Burleson - have made the speedy newcomer a big part of the game plan heading into Sunday's game at Atlanta.

"We know that he is a real burner and he plays the ball very well in the air," Tice said. "We are not holding anything back now due to Nate's injury. He is in the game."

[>TC<]

Everyone in town is talking about how no matter who the Vikings start at RB, he is no better than the third best RB in town. Maroney is by far the best, and his backup, Gary Russell, is a stud in waiting, averaging 8 yards a carry.

The Vikings covert Maroney, but they also want the All-American C, Greg Eslinger. Even if Birk comes back, Eslinger would be a great addition to the team.

As far as a coaching change, there is no one on this staff who is qualified to be a head coach. Ditka's name has been making the rounds, but I can't imagine why they'd bring him in other than to get people talking.

Zygi is going to spend some money to bring in qualified coaches and co-ordinators. Looney wasn't Tice's choice for a OC, but Red said Tice had to hire someone in house to save money. Next year things will be different, Tice or no Tice


TC

[Durango53]

I think they need to get a center more. You cant run if you dont have a good line. You can get a good RB in the second or thrid round as the Vikings and Broncos have showed many times.

I dont know I think that Ted could stay. Tice depends on how he does. But I think Looney wont last.

Ditka would sink the ship faster than anyone I think and I am with you no way they bring him in and if they do I might be into college football more for a bit. :D Also I dont think the fans are to close to Iron Mike after the Barn Yard statment when he was with the Bears.

I still like Kubiak as a head coach in this league. But I dont see Wilf getting rid of Tice just because of what we have said. Who is out there to replace him? Wait until the end of the season and see what shakes up.

[Durango53]

With their secondary already weakened by injuries, the Minnesota Vikings' defense has now taken a hit upfront, as starting right defensive end Kenechi Udeze will have surgery next week on his left knee.

Udeze, 22, was injured in last week's victory over the New Orleans Saints and doctors suspect he may have damaged a meniscus cartilage in his left knee. He is tentatively scheduled for arthroscopic surgery next Wednesday and a timetable for his return won't be established until doctors can determine the extent of the damage.

:banghead:

[>TC<]

Man, here we go again. This is not looking good.


TC

[Timberwolf]

Well I did not expect much today to be honest with you. This was a loss. Vick was going to have his way with the Vikings and he is doing that today.

With that said, the Vikings are still in it so they got time as long as they start scoring before the half.

[LesPaul]

Vick only played 3 drives I believe before being taken out of the game. Lucky for the Vikings or this would have been worse than the Bengals game.

It appears to me its all the O-line again for the Vikes that are making this game reminescent of week 2.

[Durango53]

Well I guess I can can my reservations to Detroit.

Man that line sucks.... Why the hell isnt Goldberg in there? 4 times now he has came in and replaced and every week he is back on the bench. The pass rush from the outside the pass rush from the inside Culpepper has no time.

The stat that counts is 9 sacks........ Nine freaking sacks. Although there was two or three that was the fault of Culpepper for not getting the ball out in time.

Running game looked good this week.

Williamson looked good for a second week in a row when Culpepper did get the ball to him.

And we got to see Erasmus James up close. Knocking out Vick and then a late hit on a diffenet play. I liked the bit of nastyness he showed but that is just me. Get him in how will it hurt?

But looking on the bright side of this is the Pack was 1-4 and won the div in the past. Lets hope the Vikings can do that this year.

Also going into the by week. What kind of changes could we see?

[>TC<]

The Vikings did call David Dixon this past week, so maybe this week they will call with more $$ on the plate. We can only hope.

The Daunte jeckle/hyde show is something to watch. The word is definately out on this guy - put pressure on him and he'll look like a rookie. Until he shows that he can make opposing defenses pay, they will keep it up.

The one fear that we all had about this defense is coming true - injuries. Let's hope the two week break will give these guys time to heal.


TC

[Durango53]

Ya that is for sure. Udez, Shaper, Newman, Smoot all hurt. That was the one thing we did say that if this team got hurt there would be trouble.

But man this line is not good. I would love to see David back with the Vikings......

[redsoxman]

What a weird season. I actually had the Vikings picked to win their division, but this team is simply horrible. So much for that expensive defense that they put together in the off-season!

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

Some ESPN writers predicted the Vikes to be in the Super Bowl. I'm not counting them out, but it's not looking to good right now. Do they really miss Moss?

[Durango53]

I dont think they really miss Moss. For you can look 4 and 3 years ago to see how Moss did with the Vikings in this situation. And back a few pages when we hashed this out.

And that is this. No offensive line. None that can protect Culpepper what so ever. Tice isnt putting the best guard out of the group in there because he is to good of a backup for guard and tackle but instead he uses him as a back up and then has to put him in late in the game so far every game because Culpepper is getting no protection.

ABF the Vikings are missing the guy that puts it all together and that is Matt Birk. You can have all the greatest WR in the world out there but if that D-line is getting pressure on the QB with the 4 up front and no time for the QB to even look at a WR it dont do any good. That line is sick. They are running over the center and guards and around the tackles to get to Culpepper.


Not to mention the 5 or 6 guys that are hurt besides Birk.

[Durango53]

Vikings coach Mike Tice held an 80-minute team meeting while his assistants waited outside, an unusual move that spurred a frank discussion about the team's schematic and philosophical direction. According to several people present, players voiced concern about the team's revolving game plan on both sides of the ball, believing it contributed to missed assignments and general confusion against the Falcons.

Sounds like this team is done. Pointing fingers and such. :( But they are right. To many calls and plays coming from to many directions.

They need one o-coach and then need to get a good QB coach. I think Culpepper misses that the most.

[Durango53]

Here is a great read on the Vikings.

Embattled coach Mike Tice maintained his resolve Monday night that he's the man to lead the Vikings.

But an 80-minute meeting Tice called with his players earlier in the day left some wondering if their coach was on the verge of resigning after an embarrassing 30-10 loss in Atlanta.

With his assistant coaches outside the meeting room and reporters waiting for his weekly address in the media center at Winter Park, Tice engaged in what one player called a candid "state of the Vikings speech," during which he questioned the effectiveness of his own leadership. The team, before the season considered by many to be among the NFC's best, has stumbled to a 1-3 start.

In making his point, Tice said he provided an anecdote from his childhood, involving his late father Jack, who implored his son to never quit.

"The point of the meeting was, 'We're one-quarter into the season. Of course we're all frustrated. Of course we all have had thoughts of what we can do better. But none of us can quit right now. We need to battle our way through it,' " Tice said.

"If some people can't understand the message, that's their fault."

Some players praised Tice, with one veteran calling the meeting very "useful," and one starter noting that if the Vikings are going to turn around this season, Tice is "going to have to lead us."

But three players said Tice told them he contemplated resigning hours after the Vikings' blowout loss to the Falcons, a point two players considered deplorable.

One starter said Tice delivered a "rambling resignation speech."

"He quit on us," the starter said. "I lost all respect for him."

"You could tell he gave up on us," another player said.

According to that player, Tice also said he would not be surprised if Vikings owner Zygi Wilf made a coaching change.

The confusion at Winter Park on Monday is the latest example of communication issues that have plagued the team thus far. They include:

• A revolving door of players on the interior offensive line.

• Defensive players who are confused and frustrated about the team's style of play.

• Players on both offense and defense who lament the various changes in game plans from week to week.

• Assistant offensive coaches who have shifted from the field to the booth, as play-calling duties and game adjustments have been tweaked.

The Vikings are considering bringing offensive line coach/offensive coordinator Steve Loney back to the field and sending running backs coach Dean Dalton to the booth, so that Loney can be more involved with the line.

Grasping for answers, the Vikings might bring in consultants who worked with Tice in the past to evaluate the team.

During his press conference Monday, for which he was 50 minutes late, Tice laid out his plans as the team searches "for an identity" on offense and defense. He said that the offensive and defensive coaching staffs would evaluate one another's schemes and players, and review their analyses together Wednesday night. He also would consider input he got from two respected staffers at Winter Park: Scott Studwell, the director of college scouting, and Paul Wiggin, the senior pro personnel consultant. Then, on Thursday, the Vikings would begin working on their next game, against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Oct. 16.

Tice appeared emboldened and committed to the challenge of overcoming the shaky start during his news conference.

"That goes with losing. If I am not doing my job, then they should call for my head," Tice said. "Right now, I'm not doing my job because we are 1-3. I need to continue to work to do my job better. I believe when it is all said and done and evaluated at the end, I will have done my job."

Tice noted that his wife had a suggestion for him after Sunday's loss in Atlanta.

"(She) said... I am not yelling at the players enough," Tice said.

Tice downplayed the effectiveness of that, adding that he has a "veteran" and "more mature" team.

In the meantime, the Vikings are trying to settle down, as they try to regroup for an important stretch during which they play four of their next six games on the road.

"I was in a situation where we were (0-3 in 1998)," linebacker Sam Cowart said, recalling his rookie season with the Buffalo Bills. "It was bad. I told the guys it was a lot worse than it is here, and we went on to make the playoffs. We can definitely turn it around."

One player apparently got Tice's message loud and clear.

"I don't want to be 1-3, but I know it's a long year," quarterback Daunte Culpepper said.

"I still feel like we got a team to do what we set out to do, and that's win our division and be world champions. Nobody said it's going to be a straight shot. You got to go up and down sometimes. But I'm ready and willing for the journey.

I hope that this clears out the air some. Many of the things said here is things we have been talking about from game one also. :(

[Durango53]

Longtime NFL coaches Foge Fazio and Jerry Rhome will join the Vikings this week to provide an independent analysis of the team's schemes, and coach Mike Tice said Tuesday he hoped to make Rhome a permanent member of the staff if the details can be worked out.

In that scenario, Tice said, Rhome would serve as an offensive assistant and sit in the coaches booth during games. Offensive coordinator/line coach Steve Loney would return to the sidelines, allowing Loney to work more with the line while he continues to provide play-call suggestions to Tice.

Good move. To late though? Losing the O coach last year is what really hurt this team along with Matt Birk.....

[Durango53]

Tice and a group of players spent part of the day dealing with fallout from a St. Paul Pioneer Press report published Tuesday.

The story quoted three unnamed players who said Tice told the team during an 80-minute meeting Monday that he considered resigning in the wake of the 30-10 loss at Atlanta.

"That was absolutely the opposite of the point I made during the meeting," Tice said Tuesday.

Tice said he told players he was not a quitter and implored them to continue playing hard.

Injured center Matt Birk, who sat in on the meeting, said: "I was there, and I will tell you on the record that Mike Tice never said he was quitting or anything like that. Not for one second did I think he was quitting."

Birk added: "The last thing that was said in the meeting was that we should keep what was said in there between us. For someone to go to the media, not use their name and talk about what they claim happened or was said is a bunch of crap.

"It shows that those one or two players, whoever it was, aren't in this for the team. It shows they're just in it for themselves."

WOW!!!! Who knows the guy that sold out the Vikings over the SB tickets might still be on the team!!!! :eek:

But with this stuff coming out now I think Tice isnt going to be back next year. It sounds as if there are guys on the team falling out of the game plan.

Or the paper is making stuff up which happens all the time also......

[Durango53]

Fazio, who served as the Vikings' defensive coordinator from 1995-99 and most recently was a special assistant in Washington's front office, is expected to arrive in the Twin Cities today. Fazio will conduct a film evaluation of the defense and help determine what its best alignments are based on existing personnel.

The Vikings will pay Fazio's expenses, but at 65 he is retired and not believed to be interested in a full-time job. His son, Vince, lives in the Twin Cities.

Rhome, 63, was an assistant on Seattle's staff in 1981 during Tice's rookie season as a player. Known as a quarterbacks guru, Rhome was a Vikings assistant in 1994 and last coached for Atlanta in 2001.

Rhome will observe Thursday's practice at Winter Park, evaluate the Vikings' game plan for each week and provide suggestions for the remainder of the season.

If a full-time deal can not be worked out, Rhome likely would serve as a volunteer assistant this season.

"We'll see how it goes," Tice said. "At the very least, Jerry could be another set of eyes for us. I think it could be a good scenario."

Makes me wonder what is going on with Contrell? Is Tice in his stew also and wanting to add to much? Some intresting things could come out of this. I am very intrested in what Mark of Pickles could add onto this with them being right there hearing more about what is going on.

[Durango53]

Zygi Wilf says Mike Tice is the Vikings coach for the rest of the season. Period.

That will not stop the peanut gallery from calling for Tice's head. After all, many of these same folks have called for Jerry Burns' head, Dennis Green's head, Ron Gardenhire's head, Glen Mason's head, Flip Saunders' head, Tom Kelly's head, Dan Monson's head, the governor's head and the archbishop's head.

If it starts to drizzle outside, somebody's head has to roll. In other areas of the country they boo or hiss to show displeasure. Here, we want a decapitation.

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[>TC<]

Cotrell:

He is constantly shuffling players in and out on the DL - Kevin Williams hasn't been in the game on several key downs this year. He's rotated out for a third of the game or more! You don't do that with your stud All-Pro tackle.

His situational substitutions of LBs has been questioned - Harris has been horrible but he keeps getting on the field.

Word here is that some veteran players have said that the scheme should be simplified, and the rotation should be shortened. Indentify what you do best and stay with it. Fazio is here to review the D and see who is making an impact, and what schemes are most successfull. Then the game plan will be adjusted accordingly.


TC

[Durango53]

I did notice this week that Kevin was out in some downs. I though he was sucking wind or something. I didnt think much about it but now that you said that ya if there is nothing wrong with him you dont pull him out!!!

I did notice that he rotated a ton of schemes. Heck that first week he was doing a 3-3-5, 4-4-3 and some odd stuff and as soon as the Bucs figured it out he suck with it for some time after that.

But good stuff Mark!!!!! Way to get the info for us!!

[>TC<]

The reason they want Rhome - simple.

He is known for being a QB guru and Daunte misses Linehan a ton.

Bring in a guy with experience coaching QBs, and get Loney back to the OL.

Rhome has worked with passing offenses before.


FYI - I don't know if you read this, but after grading out the OL against Atlanta, word is that the coaches only held them responsible for 3 of the 9 sacks. Daunte got blame for holding the ball to long and moving into sacks or being caught behind the line trying to run.


TC

[Durango53]

Ya I understand Rhome all the way!!! A needed guy even if it is just for Culpepper.


I did read that Mark. They was blaming others on the WR also on not doing enough to get open I saw also. I would have put more on the line just because there was a couple of times the outside rush got around the tackles to quick I though.

But I saw Jimmy was helping out McKinnie this game also. But there was some sacks that was Culpeppers fault no question about it.

But the line has been getting somewhat better. They have been run blocking very well now I thought but you cant run if you are behind 21 to 0 by the middle of the 2nd quarter.

Who knows this might have cleared the air some with this talk with team and Tice only and getting in a guy for Culpepper this can start to turn around.

[>TC<]

Unconfirmed reports say Udeze is out for the year, with damage to his knee.


TC

[Durango53]

Dang that sucks!!!!!!!

Well that should give James a shot and for us to see what he can do...

[Durango53]

The Vikings will spend the next few days contemplating two personnel moves along the offensive line, Mike Tice said. There is some sentiment within the organization for inserting Adam Goldberg as the starting right guard, replacing rookie Marcus Johnson, and also giving backup center Melvin Fowler an opportunity to move ahead of starter Cory Withrow. Goldberg has played adequately while replacing Johnson for parts of each game this season. The team still considers Johnson a future starter, but Goldberg's experience might be a more immediate benefit. While the line has had its share of struggles this season, coaches say left tackle Bryant McKinnie has been a bright light.

I think Goldberg should be in there but you all know I think that. ;)

[Durango53]

Hey Mark what is the news on the by week?

I know most teams give the players a few days off on the by week what did the Vikings staff do with the players? Make them stay of a few days off after that meeting?

Also any news on Dixion?

[>TC<]

The word on Dixon is no go, right now. He says he's not in shape and the money isn't very good - yet. Funny, how Tice said all last year that Dixon was having his best year and then during the off season, they forced him into retirement. Stupid.

Goldberg is the starter at guard. Word in the last couple days confirmed it.



TC

[>TC<]

Tice and his assistants were busy with a self-analysis of the team, a typical bye-week practice in the NFL. Retired coaches Jerry Rhome and Foge Fazio, longtime friends of Tice, were even invited to provide independent critiques and insight.

Outside consultants aren't all that unusual, but it's clear that Tice is desperately trying to figure out how his team can improve.

Fazio and Rhome might stay for the rest of the season, if the logistics can be worked out. Rhome, who spent time with nine NFL teams as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, could wind up calling plays from the booth with Tice relaying them - under veto power - to quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

That scenario would allow offensive coordinator Steve Loney to return his focus to the offensive line, a group that has gradually made progress after a rough start. It would also give Tice more freedom to supervise the team.

Though Rhome might usurp some of his authority, Loney doesn't mind. It was actually his idea to bring him in to observe.

"He's coached a lot of places," Loney said.

Pro Bowl center Matt Birk's season-ending injury has been as big a blow as could be expected. Undersized backup Cory Withrow has struggled, and newcomer Melvin Fowler hasn't had enough time to learn the line calls.

Right guard has been a revolving door, though Tice said Thursday that Adam Goldberg will start in the Oct. 16 game at Chicago, with rookie Marcus Johnson also seeing significant time. Despite giving up nine sacks at Atlanta, the Vikings believe this unit is getting better.

"As a group, this last week was probably our highest-graded performance," Loney said.


Defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell tersely dismissed the notion his defense is too complicated to digest and that any more simplifications need to be made.

"We're not going to talk about that," Cottrell said. "It's been streamlined already."

Cottrell echoed Loney, though, in welcoming the extra set of eyes this week, and Fazio told him he liked a lot of what he saw on film.

"You look and see the guys are still playing hard," Cottrell said. "That's a huge positive for a team with a losing record."


TC

[>TC<]

From another source:

The Vikings brought in Jerry Rhome and Foge Fazio to serve as consultants, but after just a couple of days, it looks as if Rhome's duties are going to be considerably more expansive.

The Vikings returned to their only full practice of the bye week Thursday with a couple of familiar faces roaming around Winter Park. Jerry Rhome and Foge Fazio, brought in this week to serve as consultants to review the Vikings' offensive and defensive schemes, were on hand to watch practice. But for one of them, it could be the start of something big.

Rhome, a veteran offensive mind, is expected to assume the role of playcalling. While Steve Loney will retain the title of O.C., Rhome will likely be in the booth in charge of playcalling while Loney focuses on working more with the offensive line.


TC

[>TC<]

FRIDAY NOTES
* Daunte Culpepper had a cortisone shot in his ailing knee and missed Thursday's practice.
* A former Pioneer Press writer now working in Denver claims Michael Bennett is all but certain to be traded to Denny Green and the Cardinals before the Oct. 18 trade deadline. Although the Vikings are dangerously thin at RB and Moe Williams had his knee on ice Thursday at Winter Park, the report claims that the disgruntled Bennett will sign a long-term deal with the Cardinals. What the Vikings would receive in exchange wasn't discussed.
* Those trying to get Tice fired have been busy. Jimmy Johnson has been contacted concerning a potential job opening by media types but expressed no interest in coming to Minnesota.
* With Kenechi Udeze out for the season, the Vikings plan to work out at least three players -- Antonio Cochran (last with the Seahawks), Anton Palepoi (Denver) and Matt Mitirione (Vikings).
* Tice said Thursday that Adam Goldberg will replace Marcus Johnson as the starter at right guard.


TC

[Durango53]

Rhome will likely be in the booth in charge of playcalling while Loney focuses on working more with the offensive line.


TC
Love the call there!!!!!!!

[PissedPrincess]

I try to follow thing here, truly I do, but the smilies throw me off. Why the sarcastic smiley DD?

I'm talking about the one that changes every day in the thread title.

[Durango53]

It reflects my mood with the Vikings. :)

The way they are playing compared to the talent they have it has me rolling this week.

They dont have a praying one for the week after the by week so I will have to look for one that will fit this weeks mood for them....

Follow now? :D

[Durango53]

Authorities are investigating whether Minnesota Vikings players were involved in allegations of criminal sexual conduct on charter boats Thursday on Lake Minnetonka.

A woman who apparently was working as a hostess on one of the boats called Mound police about 7:30 p.m. to report possible prostitution, drugs and sex acts, according to police reports. The information was coming from her brother’s girlfriend, who was working as a hostess on the boat, the report said. The girlfriend said the boat was chartered by the Minnesota Vikings.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office said it is investigating a report of alleged criminal conduct on an Al and Alma’s charter boat. Nobody has been arrested and no suspects have been identified, said Sgt. Haans Viteks. He wouldn’t confirm or deny whether any Vikings were involved.

“It was a stag party atmosphere on the boat with allegations of strippers and sexual conduct,’’ he said. “We’re still trying to sort things out at this time.’’

A Vikings official said the team would have no comment. Two hours after the Mound police received the call, another woman called to complain that six or seven men pulled up in a shuttle bus limo and urinated in her yard, police reports said. She followed the limo to Al and Alma’s, but she couldn’t identify the men, said Chief Jim Kurtz.

The responding officer was told that there were 40 people on the boat and that it was the Vikings football team, the police reports said.

The urination incident is no longer under investigation, Kurtz said.

A telephone call to Al and Alma’s wasn’t returned this morning. Anybody with information regarding the boat allegations should call the Sheriff’s Office at 612-348-3755.

:hmm:

[Durango53]

Monday that Keith Newman had supplanted Napoleon Harris as the Vikings' starting strongside linebacker. Newman has performed well as a part-time fourth linebacker, but Harris has been nearly invisible with nine tackles in four games

[rockin500]

does it get any worse for the vikings? sex parties with drugs, prostitution and sex acts? (well, no shit sherlock to the report as the headline does state it as a SEX party).

[Durango53]

Man Ray I just dont know what to think anymore. :(

[Durango53]

Ok Mark let us have it............

Who was on the boat that you have heard?

I have just heard one name. Fred Smoot is the one I have heard and he was the one that contracted it.

17 FREAKING PLAYERS!?!?!? What happens if the league gives them a few games off? This team is in big touble now.

I think this is the nail for Tice and half of this team. :(

[Durango53]

Stephen Doyle, a lawyer representing the owners of Al and Alma's, a company that charters cruises on the lake, said cornerback Fred Smoot and another Vikings player, whom he declined to name, reserved a charter for a night-time excursion Thursday. Doyle said about 90 people were on the two boats. According to a Vikings player who spoke on the condition of anonymity, about 15 Vikings players were on a charter as part of what he described as a "team event." The player said he was unaware of any sexual acts and that the cruise lasted less than 90 minutes. Doyle said he believed it to be a tradition for Vikings rookies and first-year players to take their teammates out. Contacted Tuesday afternoon, Smoot said the allegations are exaggerated. "It's slanderous," he said. "If (Doyle is) bringing my name up like this, I'm going to sue them. Other than that, I ain't got nothing else to say." Asked if he was denying involvement in the alleged incidents, Smoot said, "It ain't even what they're talking about."

[Durango53]

Prior to boarding, at least one group (of Vikings) in a limo urinated on Cathy Hough's lawn in Mound, according to Hough and police. She said she confronted the men. "I said, 'Excuse me, do you mind?' And they looked at me as if I was crazy," Hough said Tuesday. "One of them said, "It's only water, ma'am,' and he continued peeing. I said no, it's not."

I heard that this couldnt be proved and they aint looking into this anymore.

A source with direct knowledge of the case said Tuesday that accounts of Vikings players having public sex on at least one of the boats matched with what witnesses had reported. The source said that it appeared that the sex acts took place between consenting adults and that no felony-level crimes had been committed. The source said that it was likely that misdemeanor charges involving lewd behavior could be filed against some players within a week. :nono1: :nono1:

[>TC<]

Doyle said further details will be released in the coming days.

"I actually have the names of about 16 or 17 other Vikings that my crew believes were on board," he said, "and a number of them they would be inclined to describe as being involved in these activities. The reason I'm holding off on this answer is two-fold.

"One is, when the particulars of this story come out, I think it's going to be perceived by most people as just horrendous. I want to be very, very careful that we not put a name out there of somebody who wasn't there because the implications, I think, will be serious. Secondly, not everyone (who) was on board (who) was a Viking participated in this. My crew members tell me there were a couple of them that kept saying, 'I'm sorry.' … There were players that were embarrassed by it."

The Vikings released a statement Tuesday night, saying, "The organization has been made aware of the allegations involving our players, and we take these allegations very seriously. We are working diligently to gather as many facts as possible. At this time, we have no further comment."

TC

[Durango53]

Mewelde Moore was on the boat. He says nothing happened. Man what is it with running backs and the Vikings. :(

So we are up to two now. Smoot and Moore...

Culpepper said no comment when asked if he was on the boat... :(

[>TC<]

If the idiots hadn't propositioned the staff ..... nah, it wouldn't have been any better.


TC

[>TC<]

Stephen Doyle, attorney for the company, Al & Alma's Supper Club and Charter Cruises in Mound, said that some crew members said they feared retaliation from some of the Vikings who were aboard the boats because they reported the incidents to authorities.

"They're frightened of repercussions from Vikings players," Doyle said of the crew members.

"Whether it's real or perceived ... These crew members were afraid for their safety. They're out in the middle of the lake, there were 250-pound, 300-pound men drinking heavily, having sex in public and behaving in a bizarre manner. They feared for their safety and still do. They said they had never seen or imagined anything close to it before."

Six of the eight crew members met for more than a hour today with the detectives, he said.

Denials were in the air at Winter Park today, as the Vikings prepared to face the Bears in an NFC North matchup on Sunday in Chicago.

The accusations come on the heels of a two-day team retreat in which a code of conduct was at the forefront. As a result, the team is "on the same page" when it comes to standards for player conduct, Tice said. He said he had discussed the allegations with team owner Zygi Wilf this morning.

Tice would say nothing specific about how many players were involved in the cruise, or who they were.

TC

[Durango53]

If the idiots hadn't propositioned the staff ..... nah, it wouldn't have been any better.


TC
Man I know I shouldnt laugh over that but..........

[>TC<]

The incident certainly isn't helping the Vikings reputation. Last year, three players were arrested for beating up a man outside a downtown Minneapolis nightclub. This year running back Onterrio Smith was suspended by the NFL for the season after he was caught with a device design to help beat drug tests. And several other players have been recently arrested for misdemeanor offeneses.

While the team prepares to get its second win of the season on Sunday, the Vikings new ownership is trying to persuade legislators to convene a special session and approve a stadium bill. Some legislators say they are not optimistic about the possibility of a special session or getting the Vikings bill passed. And some legislative leaders have said the allegations from last Thursday certainly won't help their case.

Local sources are reporting that Zygi is very upset about this latest incident.


TC

[>TC<]

I'm listening to Mike Tice's radio show.

Tice says the Vikings are going to win Sunday against the Bears - no doubt.



TC

[Durango53]

I don’t think this is really a huge deal on a national level. I think it is a huge deal local level though. One thing for those who don’t live in the fly over states you have one teams that is the team. In MN it is the Vikings, South Dakota is the Huskers and such.

To where this is a HUGE deal for the local fans. They don’t want this team to turn into the Portland Jail Blazers.

[rockin500]

I don’t think this is really a huge deal on a national level. I think it is a huge deal local level though. One thing for those who don’t live in the fly over states you have one teams that is the team. In MN it is the Vikings, South Dakota is the Huskers and such.

To where this is a HUGE deal for the local fans. They don’t want this team to turn into the Portland Jail Blazers.
its getting bigger, shad.

[>TC<]

The host asked Tice, who has an 18 year old daughter, how he would have felt if his daughter were working on this cruise and been propositioned by these players (assuming the allegations are true). He said that he would be very upset.

He also says that he has been given full authority to disipline any players involved in this, who are found to be guilty of misconduct. He said that might mean demotion, deactivation, suspension, or fines.

On the game front, he said that Goldberg will be seeing a lot of time at guard

TC

[PissedPrincess]

This was the #1 story on Boston Sports radio today. Is it real? What exactly happened? Tell me Wiggins wasn't involved. :(

[>TC<]

No one is naming names until the investigation is completed.

Here is the scoop:

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Department is investigating allegations of criminal sexual conduct by Minnesota Vikings players after a boat cruise on Lake Minnetonka turned into an out-of-control party that included lap dances and sexual acts, an attorney for the charter boat company said Tuesday.

About 90 people were on the two boats. According to a Vikings player who spoke on the condition of anonymity, about 15 Vikings players were on a charter as part of what he described as a "team event."

"They were out for a bit, and then the crew was serving drinks and hors d'oeuvres and stuff," he said. "I think the first thing they noticed was some of the women that were on board seemed to be either changing clothes or undressing. And then they went into a galley, and there were three of them in the nude that were changing clothes. That was followed by them coming out and some of them doing lap dances. … That's where it started, and then it just progressed to just bizarre."

Doyle said the crew, in accordance with company policy, reported what was happening to the captain of each boat, who called the home base and were told to return.

"Now they're still 40 minutes out, and they're getting frightened," Doyle said. "Some of the Vikings are yelling at the waiters and waitresses … and wanting drinks faster and trying to take over parts of the bar, trying to pour their own drinks. … It's just really bizarre, bad, terrible behavior.

"Like I said, these kids are petrified. They're afraid for their own safety. There are people doing sexual acts with toys in the middle of the floor. They're on a boat here, having to walk around and serve a drink, afraid to stop serving drinks because they're afraid that people will hurt them.

"They get them into the dock and eventually get off the boat. We're talking about a scene with used condoms on the boats laying around, handy wipes used by the women laying around, drinks thrown and poured in places. It's amazing."

TC

[Durango53]

Dan Cole is on Bill O'Rilley right now.

Ya it is bigger but I have been hearing a ton of sports talk guys saying this goes on all over and it isnt a big deal. The deal is they are saying is the accusations of sex for money. If that isnt true they say it is no story. (Which I agree it is a no story. Ever read the Tony Dorsett book! :eek: )

But with that said it is a big deal to me. I would like it to catch the public eye so that it shapes this team up some.

PP all we know so far (names for sure) on the boat (or I have saw and know) is Smoot and Moore.

[PissedPrincess]

Thanx TC. Bizarre! If this was in a private suite I would say non-story, but doing it in public in this day and age is ridiculous. I hope it's not true.

[>TC<]

A Vikings player, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the Pioneer Press he was on the lower level of one of the two charter boats. The player said there were strippers dancing and players shooting dice on the lower level. On the upper level, the player said, was "apparently" where more lascivious conduct occurred.

The player said he was not aware of any prostitutes on board, but he knew beforehand that dancers would be present.

The workers told Hennepin County sheriff's deputies they had to step over and around players and naked women engaged in sex acts on the floor.

Crew members on the two boats described being frightened by some of the players, who became aggressive and yelled at them for not pouring alcohol fast enough, for running out of Grey Goose vodka and for insisting that they keep the boats' lights on, Doyle said. They also said they feared retribution from the some of the players, Doyle said.

At least 17 of the 90 people aboard the two boats were Vikings players, although the number of players could be higher. The crew gave a list of players they had identified so far to investigators.


TC

[>TC<]

# Michael Bennett continues to be a subject of trade rumors around the NFL. Potential suitors include the usual suspects - the Arizona Cardinals, the Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints . Bennett said Wednesday he prefers to stay in Minnesota.

"I'm hoping this is home for me right now and hopefully it will be my home for the next five years," Bennett said. "I want carries, but I want wins first."

The trade deadline is next Tuesday.

# Safety Darren Sharper (sprained medial collateral ligament), running back Moe Williams (sore knee), and defensive end Lance Johnstone (partially torn pectoral muscle) all are expected to play Sunday in Chicago.

Cornerback Brian Williams is likely to miss his second straight game with a sprained left knee. Receiver Nate Burleson is still a week away, Tice said, but this time it's his shoulder, not his knee.

# KSTP-TV has reported one Vikings source suggests a potential conspiracy by some Vikings players to undermine Tice's future with the team.

Tice was asked Wednesday if he felt players were "leaving him out to dry."

"We'll see as we progress if they're leaving me out there to hang or not," Tice said. "I think that's the only fair answer I can give. We'll see as we progress through this week and Sunday and Sundays to come as to what the answer is."


TC

[>TC<]

For years, the Vikings have been lobbying state officials for financial assistance for a new stadium. While the mood across Minnesota - publicly and politically - was already reserved about tax dollars going toward a new stadium, the recent sexual conduct allegations all but killed any stadium solutions in the near future.

Political leaders such as Dem. Dean Johnson went on record Tuesday saying the Vikings' behavior is unacceptable and indeed hurts stadium chances.

TC

[Durango53]

This could be a very wild off season for the Vikings.. :(

[PissedPrincess]

How do you guys feel about Tice?

[Durango53]

In the wake of the Lake Minnetonka debacle, Timberwolves owner and native Minnesotan Glen Taylor, left, who was interested in buying the Vikings before Red McCombs and subsequently Zygi Wilf acquired the team, when asked Wednesday how he would have had the players bond had he owned the NFL team: "I would have taken them to the movie 'March of The Penguins.' "

[Durango53]

How do you guys feel about Tice?

On what level do you mean?

But every week now it seems that my feelings on him are going down.

He never really had a team around him with Red owning it before. I think he can be a good coach but he has to learn to be a coach not a buddy buddy guy with the guys on the team.

This team has no discipline. None at all. The penalties week after week guys on the team doing some crazy things...

But this will be it for Tice this year I feel as a coach.

[PissedPrincess]

I meant as a coach. I feel he is too buddy-buddy with his players too.

[Durango53]

I think he could be a good head coach but he has to have very good coachs around him to help him out. He had a good OC last year and the Vikings had a good offense.

When we first heard of Tice it was with Moss. Moss was yelling at reporters on a team bus and Tice stood up and told him to shut up and sit down. Moss did. That guy is gone now it seems. (Mind you this is a outsider looking in from about 900 miles away Mark could give you much better insite)

[Durango53]

I was startled by the lack of Vikings sex scandal chatter. Rest assured that the Vikings were the talk of sports radio Wednesday, but Paul Allen didn't talk about it at all while I was listening. He, of course, calls Vikings games. "Common Man" Dan Cole, however, had a funny caller who suggested that local jewelry stores are going to do bang-up business as penitent players do a Kobe Bryant, buying the little woman a bauble to make up for sexual indiscretions. "Is there any chance the Vikings' Lake Minnetonka sex [event] is better than their games?" asked Gregg Iverson, the Minnesota Department of Transportation employee and perennial political candidate.

Are the jewelrer's raising there prices today Mark? :D

[Durango53]

I am not the only one with this idea.

# Things are getting hot at Texas A&M. Early name: Gary Kubiak.
# Kubiak is also considered a candidate for the Houston Texans job.

[>TC<]

:yikes: Apparently there are pictures and possibly video of the Sex Boat tour.


The investigators are trying to track down the eveidence as we speak.


:Popcorn: "Vikings Gone Wild" - coming soon to video


TC

[>TC<]

By Don Banks SI - He used to be a local reporter

It's only a guess, but after the news that 17 Minnesota Vikings were aboard two charter boats on which sex parties allegedly were held on Oct. 6, I'm assuming no more United Way spots for the Vikings for the time being.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any more embarrassing for the team that gave us Onterrio Smith and "The Original Whizzinator'' and the Mike Tice Super Bowl-ticket-scalping affair, the Vikings may have hit a new high for lows.

I've heard of team bonding excursions, but never one in which almost one-third of the roster potentially had to post bond.

Even if the current allegations of prostitution and lewd behavior on Lake Minnetonka don't result in indictments, the controversy-plagued Vikings might still see their bid for a new stadium derailed by the avalanche of bad publicity. How's that for bottom-line impact?

For the life of me, I can't even understand what the Vikings players would have to party about these days. Picked by some to go to the Super Bowl, Minnesota stumbled to a 1-3 start after a host of offseason defensive changes. Its once potent offense has looked anemic.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=cnnsi-somepeoplenever&prov=cnnsi&type=lgns


TC

[Durango53]

Oh my gosh!!!!!!!!! Just when you think it cant get any worse.


WHAM!!!!!!!! It gets worse...... :(

[PissedPrincess]

:yikes: Apparently there are pictures and possibly video of the Sex Boat tour.


The investigators are trying to track down the eveidence as we speak.


:Popcorn: "Vikings Gone Wild" - coming soon to video


TC

:clap: I know if I was on that boat I woulda took pics.

[Timberwolf]

Jim Souhan and Tom Powers wrote a great piece about how these guys need to be suspended for the year. I agree with them. I am fed up with this garbage. Vikings have become a national joke with their off-field antics. They have become the football version of the Trail Blazers. It seems these guys have a problem with responsibility and self-discipline. Some of these guys have no clue how to act like adults or professions and you see that at football games and now at off the field. It's no wonder why the Vikings are a mess. Mike Tice needs to go after the season because he is a lousy gameday coach and the fact players have clearly quit on him, but it's not his fault that the Vikings got guys who are immature, stupid, and dumb. It's on them. Why would these players be in a situation to put themselves in problems? Why would they go to nightclubs? What is appealing about nightclubs? Why have a cruise and fool around for? How about acting responsible and stay at home after work? I am 26 years old and my responsibility is to go to work and go home. That's it. I am so busy at home to do those things and you would figure that these players have responsibilities at home to do those type of stuff that they do. Housework is a lot of work so you would think these guys would have those responsibilities to deal with.

Zygi is obviously upset and rightfully so. I am sure he will make changes this off-season. You have to wonder how secure Rod Brzyenski is at his job now. I always thought he was bulletproof, but I think you are going to see him gone after this recent incident. I think he is a great GM, but the fact that he drafted and signed all those guys who have zero character, intelligence, self-discipline, and all can't bode well for his future.

At this point, I am apathetic on the Purple. I don't think this team is good enough to be a playoff team. I don't think the head coach can lead his players and I don't think his players have the leadership, integrity, and character to get that far. With the incidents that Jim Souhan have cited in his Thursday's column, you can see why they don't have the leadership, integrity, or the intelligence to do well. What they did was complete stupidity last week.

[Timberwolf]

## KSTP-TV has reported one Vikings source suggests a potential conspiracy by some Vikings players to undermine Tice's future with the team.

If it's really true, then these guys need to go with Tice.

[Timberwolf]

For years, the Vikings have been lobbying state officials for financial assistance for a new stadium. While the mood across Minnesota - publicly and politically - was already reserved about tax dollars going toward a new stadium, the recent sexual conduct allegations all but killed any stadium solutions in the near future.

Political leaders such as Dem. Dean Johnson went on record Tuesday saying the Vikings' behavior is unacceptable and indeed hurts stadium chances.

TC

This is nothing more than an excuse not to give a stadium to the Vikings, Twins, and Gophers. Who are they kidding?

[Timberwolf]

Tice says the Vikings are going to win Sunday against the Bears - no doubt.

He said the same thing two years ago against the Raiders and they promptly lost to the Raiders.

[Timberwolf]

I see Napolean Harris got demoted. I did not even know he was making an impact.

[Durango53]

I see Napolean Harris got demoted. I did not even know he was making an impact.
He wasnt that is why he got demoted.

[Durango53]

Like every other NFL team, the Vikings must formulate a list of eight inactive players before each game. Typically those decisions are based on injuries and specific schematic game plans. On Sunday, the Vikings' list might be related to other reasons. On the heels of this week's investigation into an alleged sex party aboard two boats on Lake Minnetonka, coach Mike Tice has ratcheted up discipline on other internal matters. Specifically, Tice has threatened to deactivate any player who is late to a meeting or breaks any of a number of other team rules.

[Durango53]

Some crew members came forward about three days after the cruise to report their accusations to authorities. Stephen Doyle, the charter company's lawyer said several factors explained the delay. After the boats returned to dock and guests departed, the crew had to clean the boat, he said, finding "used rubbers, K-Y Jelly, Handi Wipes, wrappers for sex toys - it was just incredible how it was left."


Detectives were investigating accounts Thursday that photographs were taken of sex acts that occurred during a cruise staged by Minnesota Vikings football players on two charter boats in Lake Minnetonka. There was no indication that authorities had recovered photographs, but if any exist they could help investigators identify players who allegedly participated. Crew members were unable to recall whether the passengers who took pictures were Vikings players or other passengers. At least 90 people were on the boats for the evening cruise, and 17 have been identified as Vikings players.


Man oh man. The old CSI people will be busy on this one. :nono1:

[Durango53]

The NFL, which already suspended Vikings running back Onterrio Smith for the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy, is watching the Vikings once again. The players involved could be in violation of the league's personal conduct policy if charges are filed. "Yes, we are monitoring the developments," league spokesman Greg Aiello said.

[Durango53]

Well shot who knows this might put us in line for the first pick in the first round. :notme:

[>TC<]

Strippers flew in for the party. Football players pulled up in limos. As a pair of chartered boats eased onto Lake Minnetonka, booze started flowing and, according to crew members, a sex party began.

Investigators now believe that the strippers from Atlanta, Florida and elsewhere apparently work for a high-class escort or call-girl service that caters to professional athletes, two law enforcement officials said.

After canvassing local strip clubs, a law enforcement official said, investigators believe none of the women who partied with the Vikings was a local. Instead, the source said they talked with someone on the boats and said they learned the women were flown in for the party from elsewhere. They are still trying to determine who brokered the deal to bring them to Minnesota.

"Basically, it's a crime of stupidity,'' one of the officials said. "We got naive young kids catering, watching 350-pound athletes" engaged in lewd conduct, said one of the officials. "There are probably only two or three other cities in the country where this incident would have happened and not made news or generated a complaint. I'm thinking Los Angeles, New York and possibly Chicago. That stuff doesn't go down well here.''


Team owner Zygi Wilf is expected to talk about the Vikings' latest headache for the first time this morning.


TC

[Durango53]

TV talk show host Jay Leno, on the Vikings' Lake Minnetonka escapade: "What are they, 1-3? That's the only offensive thing they've done all season."

[>TC<]

To the theme from Gilligans Island... :dancin:
>
> Come sit right back and you'll hear a tale
> A tale of fateful trip
> That started from a small lake town
> Aboard two tiny ships
>
> The mates were a bunch of pole dancers
> But the waitstaff was too pure
> The Vikings team set sail that day
> For a three hour tour, a three hour tour
>
> The action started getting hot
> The dancers strutted their stuff
> If not for the prudes in the fearless crew
> There wouldn't have been such a huff
>
> The boats turned around and went back home
> The authorities came aboard
> But fear not friends, 'cause all's not lost
> The Vikings finally scored!


:clap2:


TC

[>TC<]

Quarterback Daunte Culpepper, offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie and cornerback Fred Smoot are on a list of Minnesota Vikings football players whom investigators are interested in questioning about a sex party on charter boats on Lake Minnetonka, a source with direct knowledge of the investigation said Friday.

The list also includes: All-Pro defensive tackle Kevin Williams, tight end Jermaine Wiggins; running back Moe Williams; wide receivers Nate Burleson, Troy Williamson, Travis Taylor and Koren Robinson; running back Mewelde Moore, cornerback Ralph Brown, and safety Darren Sharper.

The list of players is based on the recollections of crew members. After the Star Tribune obtained the names on the list, the newspaper attempted to contact all of the players and was able to reach 13. Most declined to comment.

Culpepper declined to comment when asked this week what he knew of the cruise. McKinnie told reporters to "get over it." Smoot has repeatedly denied that he organized the party. A Vikings team spokesman had no comment Friday about the list.


TC

[>TC<]

Vikings will return from their bye Sunday at Chicago with two new starters on the offensive line.

Melvin Fowler will replace Cory Withrow at center, and Adam Goldberg has moved ahead of rookie Marcus Johnson at right guard. Coach Mike Tice announced the change at guard last week but did not make the move at center official until Friday.

Tice wants both Goldberg and Johnson to see time at right guard Sunday, but it appears Fowler would have to struggle for Withrow to get on the field.


TC

[>TC<]

Running back Moe Williams (knee) remained questionable on the injury report but participated in all of Friday's practice and said his status will be determined just before game time Sunday. Receiver Nate Burleson (knee) will miss a third consecutive game but expects to return the following week against Green Bay.

Seattle running back Shaun Alexander, appearing on Sirius NFL Radio on Friday, praised former teammate and current Vikings receiver Koren Robinson. "I think the Vikings got a steal," Alexander said. "On the field you're not going to find too many [like Robinson]. He has the makings of one of those guys who, if you get him focused on the game, can be dominant like [Isaac] Bruce and [Torry] Holt and [Terrell Owens] and even the big daddy Randy [Moss]. . . . He's one of those guys that, if he can just get it together, he's going to be unbelievable." Robinson has yet to catch a pass as a Viking.

TC

[Durango53]

Man put a guard in and LEAVE HIM!!!!! That causes more problems than anything not being able to get into a game flow and then having it disruped.

I think Jimmy Johnson said it best in the Fox pre-game show. The Vikings team has no fear. No fear for there jobs and that will make this team better.

[Durango53]

Offense comes out RUNNING the ball!!!!!!!! :eek:

And they run all over the Bears.

Culpepper come out with some short quick passes march quickly down the field.

Why Goldberg should be the starting gaurd just look at the second play of the game. Culpepper drops back to pass and there is Goldberg standing there looking for someone to block because he planted his guy in the first half a second from the snap. LEAVE HIM IN TICE!!!!

And then Edg for some reason doesnt want to kick the ball and get the 3 points. :banghead:

It is always something with this team.... :notme:

[Durango53]

Vikings come out with the 3-4 :eek:

But with half of there line hurt I can see that.

Defense looks much better so far and Johnstone welcome back with a speed rush he gets a sack!!!

7 sacks so far for the Vikings 3 of them belong to Johnstone. Where oh where are you Kevin Williams?

[Durango53]

Vikings punt coverage lets them down.

And an outstanding play for the Bears to get in.

What I like so far is Culpepper hitting the short passes. Get used to hitting the WR and trusting them. Moore is doing a great job against this defense.

I have some questions on some play calling but I feel this team is looking better than it has in the past.

[Durango53]

The Bears are the best in the NFC North. With that defense they can do some things.

Man this team again this week flags flying all over the place it looks like a yellow stream flowing.

I now feel Tice is gone after this year if not sooner. Just when you think it cant get any worse man. The field goal unit does wonders today the defense shooting itself in the foot. They get a TD to pull themselves back in the game just to get it called back for a dumb move.

Could Wilf bring in Jimmy Johnson? He said this is a team with some good talent that needs some fear. Just how he talked about them could something be in the works?

I dont see any coach out there that Wilf could want to bring in. And I think he needs to do damage control to where he needs to bring in a hard ass and that could be Johnson. I dont know. What I do know is this team is putting itself in a good shot for a first round draft pick...

I wonder if they can get the pick on time with about 4 months on the clock? :D

[Durango53]

Whats the word Mark? We know owners say things all the time but could Wilf do some damage control and bring in a guy that will lay some law down here quick? Anything we havnt heard about moves or anything, or status quo?

Get a better feel from you local guys what is being said and more truth than some of those gunes that make stuff up and put in the paper.

[Durango53]

Some people wouldn't be surprised that if Daunte Culpepper falters in Chicago today, Arizona Cardinals coach Denny Green will try to trade for the Vikings quarterback before Tuesday's NFL deadline.

:no: :no: :no:

[Durango53]

It the NFL will allow it, don't be surprised if Vikings owner Zygi Wilf, livid about the Lake Minnetonka escapade, doesn't release at least two participants in the alleged sex party soon.

I bet it will be the less known players.

[Durango53]

Quarterback Daunte Culpepper, offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie and cornerback Fred Smoot are on a list of Minnesota Vikings football players whom investigators are interested in questioning about a sex party on charter boats on Lake Minnetonka, a source with direct knowledge of the investigation said Friday. One player on the list, running back Mewelde Moore, confirmed he was on a boat but said he didn't see any sexual activity. The list also includes: All-Pro defensive tackle Kevin Williams, tight end Jermaine Wiggins; running back Moe Williams; wide receivers Nate Burles