The Official 2007 Vikings Thread.

[>TC<]

Football stuff:

Tice did say that he thinks Fowler is going to be a pretty good football player after he gets a bit more experience.

He also said that Bryant McKinnie has been playing very well the last few weeks and that he isn't getting the credit he should.

G - Toniu Fonoti is starting to practice. He came in way overweight though, so we'll see how long it takes to get in there.


TC

[LesPaul]

Johnson and Gannon both back...that would be de ja vu

See if ol' Sean Salisbury would come back and switch him and Gannon out :D

[Durango53]

Hell Ryan just ask Salisbury and he would say he is ready!!!!! :D

[>TC<]

This Vikings season doesn't compare with the Les Steckel Error of 1984. So far, it's worse.

The '84 Vikings lost five of their first seven games, same as this team. The average margin of defeat for the current Vikings is 22 points, more than double the 9.2-point differential by which Steckel's 3-13 Vikings lost their first five games.


TC

[>TC<]

Vikings Coach Mike Tice sounded off Monday on the Vikings lacking "mental toughness" and said he considered bringing in a sports psychologist. That's not a good sign when, almost halfway into the season, the head coach is bemoaning the lack of mental toughness and admitting he thought about seeking outside help to rummage through his players' minds.


TC

[>TC<]

Time and again, cornerback Fred Smoot was scalded by wideout Steve Smith (11 catches, 201 yards), yet Tice chose not to have Antoine Winfield cover Smith.

"Not every single ball (Smith) caught was in man-to-man coverage," said Tice, adding the Vikings used several zone defenses against Smith, including something called the "Zombie."

Why you would name a defense after the walking dead is beyond me, although it does seem to fit with this bunch.


TC

[>TC<]

In the wake of another dismal performance on the road, Vikings starting cornerback Antoine Winfield questioned his team's defensive coaching staff and insisted a more aggressive approach was necessary.

"Some plays, guys are out of position. But it's the scheme too," Winfield said Monday, a day after a 38-13 loss at Carolina. "The coaches are handcuffing us. We played a lot of three-deep coverage, so we're going to give up a lot. We mix in some man (coverage). But we're putting eight in the box. We need to be more aggressive."

Informed of Winfield's criticism, Vikings defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell said: "Everybody has a level of frustration going on. We just need to keep working. Winning takes care of everything."

"We need to go back to the drawing board," Winfield said, "work on the basics. We had communication problems out there.

"It just looks sloppy. I mean, it's not even fun."

Winfield said he was particularly frustrated that he embraced the approach last week in practice. But he added that the coaching staff strayed from the original game plan for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.

"We were supposed to double 89," Winfield said of Panthers receiver Steve Smith. "That's all we practiced last week. Then when the calls came in Sunday, we didn't do that, except for two out of 70 plays. That's why he had 11 catches for 200-plus yards."

Cottrell disagreed with Winfield.

"We did do what we game-planned," Cottrell said. "We rolled up, we doubled and we changed our looks.

Winfield noted that the defense has played well during stretches this season and that they have a lot of talent.

"We need to be more disciplined and in a position to make plays," Winfield said of his teammates. "But we need to take away what we need to take away. Make someone else beat us."

After Smith's dominant first half (seven catches, 153 yards, TD), Winfield also was upset that the coaches didn't make adjustments, something he said does not happen enough during the course of a game.

"That's a problem," he said. "It's like we go out there blind. Nothing happens on the sidelines, and they run the same plays over and over again."

Cottrell said he and his staff are constantly making adjustments.

"You have to keep in mind, you can't pull something from four weeks ago," Cottrell said. "You can only call things you worked on in practice. You don't want them to be uncomfortable with the adjustments you make."


MY thought is, why the heck not?? #1 What you're doing isn't working. #2 Most of these guys are veteran players who are familiar with making adjustments.


TC

[PissedPrincess]

Guys I am so sorry about Daunte. I feel your pain. Injuries have killed us too.
It's ironic that some of the things that make the NFL great, also hurt it. No trades, money to get help, etc... :(

[>TC<]

Thanks, PP

Part of the game, but that doesn't help much.


TC

[PissedPrincess]

TC, you probably won't remember this, but I became a quasi-Vikes fan in 2001 because of you. You and Rockie Bill were the only guys who talked to me over at Sleeperpicks/Hyperbaseball. All the Mets fans had these cliques.

I told you I was gonna root for the Vikes that year, and I did. I probably paid more attention to them than the Pats that year because I told you I would.

And of course, the Pats won their first SB. :laff:

I have no luck.

[>TC<]

I remember those days, well. :)

I didn't realize you backed off the Pats, though.

TC

[PissedPrincess]

I remember those days, well. :)

I didn't realize you backed off the Pats, though.

TC

Oh, I was still a Pats fan, but I adopted the Vikes as my other favorite team and ended up getting involved. Bad timing. :D

[Durango53]

Ya the heartache of being a long time Viking fan.

I like looking one the bright side of things. At least this year they crushed our hopes early in the season. :D

I am with Winfield though. This guy is a stud. He did great things last year with him being about the only good player on defense to boot. (At least in the secondary) I think this guy could make a good coach some day also but I think he is right. I dont think he is going to come to the press and make things up.
Why would Winfield make up and say what we practiced isnt what we did? And then to say man we need to get back the the basics. That is just a guy that wants stablity it sounds to me.

[>TC<]

A few weeks ago I posted that the word was the players wanted to go back to basics. Back then, Cottrell got testy and said he wasn't cutting his defense back. This looks like a season long conflict over the way the players see things and the way Ted sees them.

Maybe Ted should worry more about results than his precious scheme?


TC

[Durango53]

You are right Mark...... So very right.......

[Durango53]

Also to Brad Johnson has a 4 year contract also. So they will be looking for a QB to back him up.

[Durango53]

ESPN now got ahold of the Winfield comments. They are spinning it sounds to me to blame Winfield. In saying " It is getting worse in MN with Winfield saying the reason the Vikings lost is because the defense wasnt agressive enough"

[Durango53]

Daunte Culpepper's season officially ended Tuesday when the Minnesota Vikings placed the quarterback on injured reserve.

[>TC<]

The press are going to make the players look bad. The off field stuff, now whiny rich spoiled athletes, etc. Too bad, because there are some of these guys who do play the game the right way.

I do have one thing to say about 2006. If this franchise doesn't bring back Matt Birk, with or without a restructured contract, they are out of their minds!


TC

[Durango53]

I read today that the Lions are all ready drooling over Matt Birk.

And I agree 100% with you on this one. I think Matt has proved his worth to this team without playing this year.

They shouldnt say a thing about his contract and just bring him back as is.

[Timberwolf]

Okay, Mark. So how did Bryan Cupito was able to find holes and get some first down while Maroney couldn't? Gary Russell actually had success. I thought Mason should have ran with the hot hand in Russell considering Laurence was struggling. Look I am not saying Maroney is overrated. I am just saying that he should have found a way to get it done in the second half.

I thought the Gophers offense did alright, but remember it was Bryan that made the most of the plays not Laurence.

[Durango53]

Cant get it done if there is no holes.

[Special_K19]

Having watched the game myself, from the opposite perspective, I gotta agee with TC here. Maroney was unstoppable in the first half, the adjustments made for the second half were designed to stop Maroney and it worked brilliantly. The D wasn't going to let Maroney beat them, let Russel and Cupito do their worst, they aren't game breakers like Maroney is. When Maroney was on the field the focus was all on him, which is why the others had holes. Throw in the D's speed, Kudla a DL chasing someone down from behind comes to mind, and Maroney wasn't going to do anything in the second half. The D was inspired, their second half performance was one the best of the season.

[>TC<]

There we go with those special glasses you must use when you watch sports .... the stats don't back you up.

The Gophers offense did "alright"??? The Gophers posted 578 total yards of offense, the second-highest yardage total ever allowed against a Buckeye team. OSU was ranked third in the country in total D(254.9 yds per game), number 1 against the run (62.7 yds per game).

I don't know what you're talking about with Cupito. He had one rush for two yards, so you must not mean he found holes through the line. The defense were running 8 in the box to stop the run. Bryan had a great game, but he was going against 1 on 1 most of the way.

We had 182 yards rushing, 396 passing

Russell had 50 yards on 15 carries, 3.3 yards a carry.

Maroney had 127 on 25 carries for 5.08 per carry, if you take off his 53 yard run, he still had a 3 yard average, roughly the same as Russell. Of course, anybody with intelligence keeps giving the ball to Maroney because at any time he can break one, like he did on the 53 yard run.

Wrong again - Just for the record, for an offensive line that was "manhandled", they didn't give up a sack and the team posted 182 yards rushing.


TC

[Durango53]

Some people believe that if Rick Smith, director of pro scouting for the Denver Broncos, ends up running the Vikings, Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, left, could become the next Vikings coach.

I would love this!!!!!

[>TC<]

That would be good.


TC

[Durango53]

I think Culpepper would be working his butt off wanting to get back in the game ASAP if they got Kubiak as a head coach.

And he would get some great coachs around him (which is hurting Tice the most right now) also.

[>TC<]

This Vikings defense is worse than last year, and we all thought that one was bad.

In 2004, we were like 5-1 or 5-2 at this time and had allowed 162 points. This year, we’ve given up 193 points in the same time span.

According to my calculations, that’s over 31 points more with a defense that was supposed to be new and improved.

This defense gets beat like a dirty rag on the road. Our average point loss has been 25 points on the road. That’s disgraceful.

We can blame the players all we want, but how much blame should defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell shoulder.

He’s the one setting up the schemes for these games and sometimes you have to wonder what film he’s watching. We’re not even setting up in the right formations to stop teams.

According to Winfield, the Vikings were supposed to double team Steve Smith because that’s what they worked on in practice. During the game, Winfield said they only doubled teamed Smith twice.

Smoot paid for that one. He wasn’t capable of defending Smith one-on-one.

Cottrell had a different version than Winfield. He said the team double teamed Smith more than twice. Who do we believe? Winfield was out on the field, so he might be more credible.

I think the biggest thing lacking with this team is communication. Nobody knows what they’re supposed to do. If that’s the case, then the coaching staff should shoulder most of the blame.

You can’t do one thing in practice and not transfer it over to the game.

Consistency and communication are the keys to a successful defense. Right now, the Vikings have neither of those things working for them and that’s why they’re 2-5 and in dire straits.


TC

[>TC<]

At their current pace, the Vikings could end up with a top-five pick in the first round of the NFL draft next April. With quarterback Daunte Culpepper's status uncertain next season because of his knee injury, Minnesota could have an intriguing decision to make: choose a quarterback or running back.

The problem with trading Culpepper is that the Vikings would have to absorb a large salary cap hit, so that makes a deal unlikely. Among the top three running backs available — Reggie Bush of Southern Cal, DeAngelo Williams of Memphis and Laurence Maroney of the Gophers — Maroney could be the Vikings' choice because of his durability, their desire for a featured back and his hometown appeal.

NFL scouts figure Maroney is strong enough to rush 25 to 30 times a game, unlike Bush and Williams.

Draft expert Scott Wright (nfldraftcountdown.com) figures the Vikings could start next season with Brad Johnson at quarterback until Culpepper returns from knee rehabilitation, and at draft time choose a quarterback in the third, fourth or fifth round, perhaps Darrell Hackney, a 6-foot-2, 240-pounder from Alabama-Birmingham.


TC

[>TC<]

The Vikings' switch to a 3-4 defense has effectively limited opposing running backs, but the scheme also has limited all-pro defensive tackle Kevin Williams and the team's pass rush.

Through seven games, the Vikings' nine sacks are the fewest in the NFL. That's 17 fewer than that of the league-leading Indianapolis Colts, and 10 fewer than the Vikings had at this point last season.

In the three games since they've installed the 3-4, the line has two sacks. In the past two games, the Vikings haven't had a sack, and they've given up 670 passing yards.


TC

[Durango53]

I didnt see to much at all of Smith doubled. Heck one time Sharper was in the area but was at the ball well after Smith caught the ball something I wouldnt call doubled but I am sure Ted would.

I didnt watch to much of the game. I did the same thing the Vikings did. I took a little nap. :D

And as you said Mark I am not a fan of the 3-4 at all as I have said a few times. You take out the beef up front. That is fine if you have the playmakers with the LB core and not on the line but this is a team that there strong point is the D-line. K and P Williams along with Johnstone. I like the old 4-3. Or heck when they get Udeze back next year how about some old Buddy Ryan and some 6-1 or 5-2 something crazy like that. :D

[>TC<]

Heck, I remember Bud Grant rushing five all the time in passing downs.

You probably wouldn't remember this, but they made a rule change because of old Bud. He used to run his defensive replacements into the game and have a 14 or 15 man defensive huddle, then run off the players who were supposed to come out right as the offense was breaking the huddle and coming to the line of scrimmage. It used to screw up the offense something fierce. So many teams complained that the NFL changed the rules and you can't have more than 11 men in the huddle on either side of the ball.

TC

[>TC<]

Tice said that James is going to get some serious reps this week. That means the 4-3 DL. He also said that Kevin Williams is so much more effective inside that they need to get him into a position to make some plays.


TC

[Durango53]

I dont remember to much at all of Bud Grant but that is a great info there Mark!!!! I remember some of him but I mostly remember Jerry Burns. Young and didnt really care who the coach was back then. :)

Glad to see James get some reps. I liked the bit of nastyness he had in the Falcons games. Ya the whole 2 plays. :D But glad to see the first rounder going to get some time in the game.

[Durango53]

The Vikings auditioned three quarterbacks for their vacant No. 3 job Friday, putting Rohan Davey, Doug Johnson and Preston Parsons through their paces, but declined to offer any a contract. That guarantees the team will go with two quarterbacks — starter Brad Johnson and backup Shaun Hill — for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions and perhaps longer. "I'm not really in a rush right now to sign one," Tice said. "This is our short list of guys we brought in. There are one or two other names that maybe we'll bring in Tuesday, but I'm not really keen on cutting anyone right now." For this week, at least, that also means wide receiver Koren Robinson will fill the role of third quarterback.

[Durango53]

Great start for James!!!!!!

Nice to see Fowler pulling!!! Him and Goldberg leading the outside run. Nice pull for them both!!!

[Durango53]

Put Mike Bennett in and go to his strenth and imagine that he starts to kick butt and break off some big runs!!!!!!

[Durango53]

In no way is Brad Johnson a better QB than Culpepper.

But this might help the Vikings by getting back to running and letting WR make plays....

Any question on why the Vikings drafted Troy Williamson over Mike Williams?

Mike Bennett way to play!!!! Only if they was giving you the ball the whole year like this!!!! That line is pounding away and pulling great!!!! I cant believe how good these guys are pulling for blocks!!!!! Fowler might be the missing piece now needed to get by this year without Birk.

Still Vikings you better not get rid of Birk!!!

[Durango53]

Man oh man!!!!!! That line oh that line!!!!! Have they pulled there head out of there butt!!!! Goldberg pulls and give Fason his first TD!!!!

[Durango53]

Troy just missed that ball!!!!!!!! He should have had it but he shows he has the burst speed to get away and amost made a great chatch. Hard to do but still should have made it.

[Durango53]

Dang Rose has gave up 2 sacks and this team isnt playing like it did the first half.

It is playing like it dont want to lose a game instead of going out and winning a game.

[Durango53]

Players for the game for D.

Mike Bennett. Outstanding game. This team was forced to run it and they did. And they ran to Bennetts strenth!!! Draws and plays to the outside. His speed was great and a great way to stun the blitz that the Lions tryed to do.

And on the D side of the ball....... If you come out and make some big talk about the coachs you better step it up. The coachs it looked made the defense more simple back the the basic and Winfield steps it up and has a soild game.

[Durango53]

Fason looked good for the short amount of time he was in also.

If I was GM for this team I would look at the best O-Lineman in the draft. I would look for a tackle to go bookend with McKinnie. (if he stays durning the offseason) I like the guards with Chris and Adam and get Birk back this could be a great line again. And see how the RB's run out the rest of the year and see what happens there.

[LesPaul]

Victory! I don't think I will watch another game this season... the first game the Vikings won I was on the road back from Denver so didn't get to see it. The second game they won I quit watching at half, in which they came back to win during the second half I did not see. Today I was doing homework all day and no where near a tv. You guessed it, the Vikings win their third game. :sigh: To think they could be 8-0 now if only I hadn't watched the other 5 games...

[>TC<]

Midseason awards
By Cris Carter, Yahoo! Sports

# Worst Offseason Addition
Fred Smoot, Minnesota Vikings – He has performed nowhere near the expectations they had for him. You would think a guy who's getting $30-plus million could play a little man-to-man.

Most Disappointing Team
Minnesota Vikings – Some people picked them as a possible Super Bowl team, but the Vikings have lacked the ability to score points on a consistent basis. We thought they'd at least win their division.


TC

[>TC<]

An injury once thought to be minor will sideline cornerback Fred Smoot for about a month.

Following the Vikings' 27-14 win over the Detroit Lions , head coach Mike Tice said Sunday he thought the only significant injury was a sprained wrist on running back Mewelde Moore .

As it turns out, Moore might play, but cornerback Fred Smoot will not be available Sunday and probably will miss a month's worth of action. Smoot exited Sunday's game early in the fourth quarter but returned before the end of the game. Originally listed a strained right shoulder, the Vikings announced today that he suffered a small fracture in his collarbone and is expected to miss three to six weeks.

Smoot, who left Washington and signed a six-year contract worth $34 million that included a $10.8 million bonus with Minnesota in March, has 37 tackles, one interception and a team-high 11 passes defended this year.

"That will set us back some," Tice said. "He got hit after a play and he finished the game with the injury. It's a terrible setback for us and our defense."

Smoot was at Winter Park Wednesday wearing a sling.

Nickel back Brian Williams will start in Smoot's place, with Ralph Brown moving into the nickel role. A pair of rookie free agents will see more action. Dovonte Edwards is expected to be the dime back and Laroni Gallishaw likely will be active on special teams and available in emergency duty in the defensive backfield.

Tice said the Vikings expect Smoot back before the end of the season.


TC

[>TC<]

WHO'S HOT

Cornerback Antoine Winfield - who was clearly angry after the secondary's meltdown at Carolina in Week 8, criticizing the coaching staff for not having a more aggressive plan - earned a game ball Sunday, thanks to his team-leading 11 tackles, as well as two passes defended and a second-quarter interception.


TC

[>TC<]

With Minnesota struggling on defense in recent weeks, one couldn't help but wonder why in the world coordinator Ted Cottrell was using so many 3-4 packages. It's not quite this simple, but essentially the Vikings were emphasizing what has historically been the weakness of this defense (the linebacker position) and devaluing their greatest strength from a year ago (the front line).

Despite the noticeable difference in the outcome of Sunday's performance, coordinator Ted Cottrell insists that it is less about the scheme and more about how the men on the field played.

"We got pretty good execution, that was the big difference," defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell said.

Cottrell wouldn't commit to saying the 4-3 is back in Minnesota, at least not until the health status of all the defensive linemen is determined. "We don't know yet," he said. "We'll see how injuries go. That's what drove us to go to the 3-4. We've always been a 4-3, so we'll see how it goes."


Just stay in the 4-3, Ted!


TC

[>TC<]

The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan on Tuesday and released veteran cornerback Ken Irvin.

O'Sullivan will be the third quarterback behind Brad Johnson and Shaun Hill. The team needed another quarterback when Daunte Culpepper went out for the season with a knee injury.

O'Sullivan was drafted in the sixth round by New Orleans in 2002 and was traded to Green Bay last season. He was on Chicago's practice squad when the Vikings signed him.

An All-American at Cal-Davis, O'Sullivan led the Frankfurt Galaxy to the World Bowl during the 2004 NFL Europe season. He has appeared in one regular-season NFL game, but hasn't attempted a pass.

Irvin, an 11-year veteran, missed last season because of a ruptured Achilles' tendon and played sparingly this year. He has 10 career interceptions.


TC

[Durango53]

Just stay in the 4-3, Ted!
TC
Hell ya!!!!

[Durango53]

Rumor I have been reading and hearing is that the Vikings are one of the teams being talked about getting moved to LA if they dont get a new place to play in fairly quick.

[>TC<]

That comes from Red openly campaigning for the move.

Word in NFL circles say that they will not let an existing franchise move to LA - they would lose the $1 BILLION expansion fee if they did.


TC

[Durango53]

And a very tough week for the Vikings this weekend. Man oh man if there is one team in the NFL I hate to see vs the Vikings it is the Giants.... :(

[Durango53]

Good thing we signed a kicker that can get it done....... :banghead:

[BPBlueSox]

way to go, nice win!

[Durango53]

I dont know if I would call it a nice win. :notme: But it is a win :D vs a good defense. It seems that something has changed with this team after Culpepper went down. I think this team would have folded.

I like it though. A win outside on the road!!!!

[Royce]

A good defense, but an absolute crap special teams unit...lol. Manning sucked...

[Durango53]

The Vikings defense is starting to play like they was expected to at the start of the season. They might be starting to come together.

A very solid game for James!!! Glad they are having him play the front line with the 4-3!!!

[Durango53]

But the biggest thing is that the Vikings beat the Giants!!!! That is something that just hasnt happened t much over the past few years!!!

[Nanner]

Wow! My brother called me right after the game and said it was the weirdest, whackiest game he had ever seen! (But he was happy!)

Here they were, playing in New York, and I didn't even get to see the game. I was at a screening of a movie. I walked off my elevator here at home, and that's when the phone rang, with my brother's update.

So, Brad Johnson has two wins under his belt! :clap:

Did I hear Mike Tice got taken out on the sidelines? :eek:

[Tigers#1]

I'm rooting for every NFC North team for the rest of the season, unless the Lions make a major playoff push of course.

I'm getting tired of all the bashing, like the cover of the current ESPN the magazine "we rip the NFC North and they don't fight back". :doublefin

[Durango53]

Ya and I heard that he might have a torn ACL!!!!!! How many times do you see the coach on the hurt list!!!

[Royce]

I'm getting tired of all the bashing, like the cover of the current ESPN the magazine "we rip the NFC North and they don't fight back". :doublefin


Yeah, I read that lol...

[LesPaul]

I didn't watch the game again this week, and they won again :D

[Nanner]

I didn't watch the game again this week, and they won again :D

:D Keep doing that.

[Durango53]

Tice said he suffered a sprained or torn MCL when he got knocked over on the sideline during the game. "Fourteen years in the league and I never hurt my knee," he said with a chuckle. "I guess I was turning and yelling at somebody."

[>TC<]

It was the weirdest game ever.

7 points at halftime - 6 total yards of offense

I still can't figure out why Moore didn't get any snaps on offense when he was healthy enough to return punts.

Did you see Tice hopping down the sideline on one leg, after his injury, following Sharper down the field on the interception return for a TD?

Wouldn't it be ironic that Mike never blew out a knee as a player in 14 years, and he might have torn an ACL on the sideline as a coach?


TC

[Durango53]

I did see that!!!

I do wish they could have ran the ball more with Moore. He looked good with the punts.

Also to this is the first game in the NFL that had a kick return, punt return and INT returned for a TD!!!!

[>TC<]

I was wondering about that as the game wore on. I knew it couldn't have happened many times.

GB takes out Atlanta, and the Lions and Bears win - maybe the NFC North jokes will let up a bit.


TC

[>TC<]

* Chris Kluwe is currently second in the NFL among punters with a tremendous 47.1-yard average. The last rookie to lead the league in punting was Kansas City's Bob Grupp in 1979.


TC

[>TC<]

* Some Vikings fans would have liked to see Giants punter Jeff Feagles sustain an injury this week. With his play Sunday, Feagles played in his 281st straight game - just one short of the NFL record held by former Viking great Jim Marshall.

When he breaks it, this is one record that should have a GIANT asterisk beside it. There is no comparison between what Feagles has done and what Marshall did.


TC

[Durango53]

I agree with you Mark. No way should a kicker or punter be talked about in the same breath as a full time player. Just like kickers getting most points and such I dont think that it counts as much as a RB or WR getting points.

[Durango53]

How about Sharper!!!! Player of the game!!!! Great game for him!!!

How many times will you see a coach in the IR report!!!!!!!! :D

[Durango53]

I still can't figure out why Moore didn't get any snaps on offense when he was healthy enough to return punts.
TC
They was just saying that Moore didnt use his right hand for anything. To hold the ball or stiff arm.

[Durango53]

With that victory the Vikings accomplished the improbable -- not only winning on the road but winning outside of a domed stadium. Entering Sunday's game they'd lost all four road games this season and 24 of their last 27 contests in the Great Outdoors.

But look at them now.

Not only did they knock off the NFC East leader -- a team, incidentally, that was unbeaten at home -- but they may have raised the Titanic. The club that was supposed to be sunk, has surfaced again, thanks to a schedule that has them playing four losers the next four weeks.

The envelope, please: Next week it's at Green Bay. Then it's home against Cleveland. Then back on the road to Detroit, where the Vikings have won their last three. Then home again vs. 4-5 St. Louis.

Say the Vikings win three of them. They're 7-6. Say they win all four. They're 8-5.

Just keep winning!!!

[PissedPrincess]

I was the only one that picked you guys to win. And you call yourselves fans. :no:












:)

[Durango53]

I know PP I know....

I wanted to pick them so bad vs the panthers and almost did. And that last game on the road was so bad oh so very bad I couldnt pick them this time. But I hope that this defense comes out to play like it has the past two times and keeps getting better and the offense finds ways. :)

[PissedPrincess]

Granted, this game was on the same time as the Pats, but I switched to it during commercials. Seemed like every time I peeked, Wiggy was catching a ball. :smokin:

[Durango53]

Wiggy was about the only one who caught the ball for the Vikings.

PP I cant believe that the Pats let this guy go!!! If he can touch the ball he is going to catch it. I dont think he has dropped a pass. And when the Vikings do good it is when they go to there TE and for him he has been a stud for the Vikings. I am glad they have him and hope they hold onto him. He was on one of the boats I heard but I havnt heard anything bad about him.

But his catchs won that game for the Vikings....

[PissedPrincess]

I loved Wiggy. But, it was a numbers thing. As good as he was, TE is a position the Pats are deep in. Graham, Watson, and Fauria are all better.

But, he's still my homie. :smokin:

[>TC<]

I did the Startribune poll and picked the Vikes to win, mostly because I wanted Brad Johnson to succeed. I just think that Brad is going to keep turnovers to a minimum and will let players make plays, instead of trying to make the impossible happen.


TC

[Durango53]

I think you are right Mark. About Brad Johnson that is. He is going to get the ball to the WR and make them make the plays.

I will have to wait and see how the Vikings do with the Packers in Lambo Monday night. If they can win then I think they can come back and get the Div. And I hope they do!!

[LesPaul]

I was the only one that picked you guys to win. And you call yourselves fans. :no:

I picked them :D I had the inside scoop that they would win this one...

[Eva]

Would you, Vikings fans, say you're back in the playoff hunt this season after this big win against the Giants? Or, is this season still a lost cause still?

I don't know myself, but I think the Vikings have thrown themselves back into the hunt for their division, even though they didn't get a win, they beat a good team in the Giants while the Bears beat down on probably the worst team in NFL, which they barely beat, in the 49ers.

No way I thought they win this game. Even if you're a fan of the Vikings and thinking rational, I don't see any stat to back up why you think they would win. I think they only had 2 wins in the past 20 plus outdoor games, so I really thought this was going to be all Giants.

[Durango53]

Sure I think they are back in the playoff hunt.

But Viking fans have been wondering why this team wasnt playing good. This was a .500 team the past two years that added some very good players this off season. The only off season for years that they tried to get better with the FA signings. So this was a team that people expected to do good and the defense to lead them.

If you look back the past few pages :D we talked about the coaching holding this team back, the Vikings missing there center, we crushed the Moss myth, to the team didnt want to play for the coachs. And I think Mark hit it on the head. Culpepper was trying to do to much. Instead of getting the ball to the WR and letting them get the job done. The O-line hasnt been that good but coming around some. The inside of that line is a bit weak right now.

But the big thing is after that ass kicking by the cats that defense seemed to have changed. Pulled together and started to play together.

I didnt think they would win but like I have been thinking all season long there was also no reason they shouldnt have won.

[LesPaul]

The way I see it is the Vikings season has been DERAILED every season with a loss to the Giants. All it has taken in the past few years was a loss to the Giants to send the Vikings into a downward spiral. One season the Vikings were undefeated, loss to the Giants, then went something awful like 2-7 in the last 9 games to miss the playoffs.

I am hoping this season will be the opposite of the trend of the seasons since the crushing loss in the NFC championship to the Giants; maybe this is the year the Vikings are propelled to the playoffs by the game against the Giants instead of the recent trend.

[Durango53]

Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper traveled Monday to Birmingham, Ala., to prepare for surgery on his right knee, coach Mike Tice said. Dr. James Andrews, an orthopedist with the Alabama Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center, will perform the surgery today on Culpepper, according to Vikings vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski. Culpepper tore three ligaments in the knee. He was advised to wait for swelling to go down and to strengthen his quadriceps muscles to prepare for a grueling rehabilitation. Already on the injured reserve, Culpepper is expected to be out at least six to nine months.

[Eva]

Well, there's going to be a tough game coming up against the Packers, on their home field, which is outside. While the Giants did win their third game outside in their past 20 plus contest just last Sunday, you think lightning can strike twice? Also consider both team are coming off huge wins against possible Super Bowl bound teams, I think both teams are on a natural high after those big wins.

Yes, where else should this game take place, but on Monday Night Football. I have to admit, it's going to be a big game. Hell, can we count the Packers out? Remember what they did last season? ;)

I like the Vikings move this off-season. While it would be crazy to say they got better on WR core with the lost with Randy Moss, it like saying the Eagles are better on their WR core without T.O.. You made your team better by getting rid of a problemic player like Randy Moss, you didn't better playing wise, but as team goes, you did and in the end, chemistry and stable locker room is better than a locker full of fully talent super stars bickering with each another.

Right now, the Vikings special teams carried them this Sunday. If they want to make a good run, that offense need to get going. You know, I hate to say it, but even with all the injuries, the Packers have the best offense in that league with Brett Favre still making plays, but you never know, someone bound to get injuried again on the Packers.

Unless Thomas Jones of the Bears is fully healthy, the Bears offense stinks.

Nate Burleson and Johnson need to connect to make some offensive roar since I don't think Moore and Bennett are going to do much to rush the football for them. Vikings need the offense to step up. The special teams can't win every game for you. In truth, the Vikings should have stream rolled the Giants after the Giants gave them all those points, but they need a final field goal with a few seconds to win still, but hell, if they find ways to win, who cares. ;)

[Durango53]

Tough to win a road game but yes the Vikings should have had a 21 to 0 lead early in that game. ;)

To say the Packers have the best offense in the NFC North is about saying that a poodle is the meanest dog out of a wiener dog, Chihuahua, or a Yorkie. None of them are very good.

But Culpepper had a MVP season last year and the yards he threw was one of the best seasons by a QB ever. And that was with over half the games Moss being out or a non factor. So the WR core is there. Not as good yes but they can get the job done +. The tools are there but as with the Giants game we saw it all starts with the line. The offense line is what has done this team in this season. A QB has to have time to even look at one wr at least. Culpepper was just getting the ball and running for his life. And when the Vikings do go with the run and stick with it they can run the ball. The RB they have can get the job done but they have to have at least one hole open and Bennett needs a good pull when he runs the ball and Fowler two weeks ago gave that to him when he had that 100 yard game. He wasnt getting that pull this week.

It all comes down to that O-Line. That is what has been killing them. Fowler was hurt in that last game (TC do you know if he is playing?0 and add the fact in that the gaurd play has been poor to fair all season long you are getting that rush from the inside of that line.

If the line can get the job done Brad Johnson has a ton of targets to get the ball to. But he has to have time to do that and that is something that no QB in with the Vikings have had time to do this year.

but you are right I feel that the Vikings have to come out and say yes we are in this thing and we plan of winning the div by a win Monday night. It dont get any bigger than this for Vikings. The Packers on there home turf on Monday night!!!!

[Durango53]

How about the play of rookie holdout Erasmus James? He looked outstanding I though in the Giants game for just now getting his second game in. I think he and Udeze can do some things on the line from the outside!!!

[>TC<]

A couple things.

The only reason I picked the Vikings was Brad Johnson at QB. He is a smart, steady quarterback, who isn't going to turn the ball over. This defense has not played as bad as the stats say - the offense leads the league in turnovers (under Daunte) and they frequently had to deal with the oposition getting the ball with a short field.

I also like the "Johnson gameplan" better than the Daunte system. You notice that even though they weren't gaining much yardage, they kept trying to run the ball (21 attempts) and kept the clock moving. With Daunte in there, we would have run the ball six times and give up on it. That's been a huge issue for a lot of fans - eh, Durango? ;).

I find it interesting that people are having a hard time giving the Vikings defense the credit they deserve. I keep hearing that the Giants "gave them all those points" - not entirely true. The defense played well, put on some pressure, changed up the looks, and generally confused Manning. Yes, the Giants turned the ball over, but the Vikings defense forced those turnovers.

The Vikings special teams have been very close to breaking loose for a couple weeks now. They've been one key block from going all the way. This week they got that block and hit that hole.

I think the Vikings have a decent shot on Monday night. The team always gets up for GB.


TC

[>TC<]

Tice really likes Fowler's athletic ability, but admits that he's still learning the system. He also said that the O-line is still adjusting to Matt Birk being out. Tice said that they were all so used to Matt telling them what to do and what adjustments to make on the field that they are sometimes lost out there.


TC

[Eva]

Consider the Bears got the Pathers this week, it look like they're going down. If Thomas Jones not playing for the Bears, I don't see the Bears getting more than 7 points in the game against the Bears. Though, the Bears are playing at Soliders Stadium, so you never know what can happen there. I think last Sunday game was a good example of that.

O-Line has to be the reason Culpepper has been so bad this year. The WR has looked good at certain times, but they get limited chances. The QB are getting slaughter, so I guess the O-line would be the most logical way of saying why Culpepper was so bad and show you need protection, no matter how damn good you are or you're going to get beat down, like Culpepper did. Yeah, I was aware that half of those games were without Randy Moss. ;)

So, this would be nice way to gain more ground on the Bears. Beat the Packers, win yet another exclusive away and outside door game, have a three game winning streak and the Bears lose. Things would completely tilt towards the Vikings' favor. Of course, we know Favre not going to just sit there and let them walk all over them, even with the Packers at 2 wins. It's going to be exciting Monday Night game, even though the teams are not the elite, it's going to be a dog fight and you know both teams are going to be with all they got. Vikings got the playoff on the line and we know the Packers are just playing for pride.

TC, I think the Eagles should have did what you said. Run the ball when you have the led. That was quite impressive by the Vikings. Kill the clock, because you know the Giants are going to score on you. Killing the clock like the offense did kept the Giants offense off the field long enough. The Daunte system is also the McNabb system. McNabb would have been slaughter if he trade places with Daunte without a doubt. Passing the entire game is not a great thing all the time. :D

Well, give them the game a bit of an insult, I suppose. The Vikings totally beat Manning. They INT from a bunch of times. Not like Manning is an elite QB yet or just threw the football to them, so he could lose on purpose. He will faulter, like any QB can, like he did during that game. As for returning kick-off and punt returns for TD, that's not giving the Vikings a thing. That's just flat-out out playing the Giants during those plays. I say the Giants gave them the game since they handle the Vikings offense completely, but still end up losing. If the Vikings' offense ran down the clock, they were still trying to score and the Giants defense held them.

[>TC<]

You know, the O-line has struggled a lot this year and has taken heat for it - but - the truth is that Daunte caused many of the sacks, by holding the ball too long or moving out of the pocket instead of stepping up into it. The game where he was sacked nine times - Tice said that after viewing that film, he only charged the O-line with three of them. he said the other 6 were Daunte's fault. That's what I meant when I said that Daunte was trying to do too much and didn't stay within the system. I have heard that there were games where he audibled on 2/3 of the plays sent in.

TC

[>TC<]

After not running a single play with the offense in Sunday's win, Mewelde Moore has been given the starting job back by coach Mike Tice heading into next Monday's game with the Packers.

Mewelde Moore was relegated to backup duty Sunday, seeing his only action as a punt returner -- but scoring the Vikings' third return TD of the game. That will change next Monday.

At his Monday press conference, Mike Tice said that Moore is going to return to the starting lineup and that his demotion and return had nothing to do with Michael Bennett 's lackluster performance as the starter.

Bennett will return to his role as backup -- in which he plays one or two series as the featured back for the game. With the Vikings planning to run much more vs. the Packers, both backs could see extensive duty in the Vikings backfield.


TC

[>TC<]

* Tice had a MRI on his left knee that showed a torn MCL. The injury, which happened on a punt, revealed the MCL tore off the bone, but the ACL remains intact and the torn ligament won't require surgery.

* Moe Williams had arthroscopic knee surgery to fix a nagging injury. He's expected to be out at least the next two weeks.

* Tice said Nate Burleson will receive additional rest this week, saying the receiver is "nicked up." It's expected he will play Monday, but, with the team having three days off heading into the Monday game, Tice said his practice time will be closely monitored.

TC

[>TC<]

The rest of the story:

Mike Tice's injury that looked awful and was sustained during a punt Sunday. In the process, he broke his trademark pencil when he hit the ground and had to replace it with a pen.
* The pen got its own air time Sunday. After complaining about an offensive pass interference call, Tice inadvertently threw his pen on the field. When he went out to retrieve it, he was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct -- a rare penalty on a coach. It led to the unsual scenario of the Vikings facing a third-and-41 play. There aren't many plays in the book to cover that one.


TC

[>TC<]

* The 12 yards rushing for the Vikings Sunday was just one yard short of the least ever in a game -- 11 set vs. the Bears in 1996.
* Darren Sharper set a team record for most interception return yards with 123 -- shattering the old record of 97 yards set by Reggie Rutland in 1991. Sharper's 92-yard return for a touchdown was the third-longest in team history, behind Rutland's 97-yard return and Walker Lee Ashley's 94-yard return for a TD in 1988.
* Paul Edinger made the seventh game-winning kick of his career Sunday and his second as a member of the Vikings. All seven of his game-winners have been from 40 yards or more.
* The last Giants opponent who had three interceptions in a game prior to Sharper was Washington's Vernon Dean back in 1984.
* Koren Robinson had one reception for 44 yards, but he led all Vikings rushers and receivers for individual yards gained.


TC

[Durango53]

* Paul Edinger made the seventh game-winning kick of his career Sunday and his second as a member of the Vikings. All seven of his game-winners have been from 40 yards or more.
TC
Still dont take away the ones he missed early in the game :banghead:
But he has come though twice. When will the Vikings get a kicker that wont make us pull or hair out?

Mike Tice's injury that looked awful and was sustained during a punt Sunday. In the process, he broke his trademark pencil when he hit the ground and had to replace it with a pen.
* The pen got its own air time Sunday. After complaining about an offensive pass interference call, Tice inadvertently threw his pen on the field. When he went out to retrieve it, he was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct -- a rare penalty on a coach. It led to the unsual scenario of the Vikings facing a third-and-41 play. There aren't many plays in the book to cover that one.
TC
Tough one to take when you are b!tching all the time about the team taking dumb penalties and your coach takes one!
But that is to bad about his knee. He will just have to rap it up before he goes out now. :D I guess he is probable for game time huh? :D

You know, the O-line has struggled a lot this year and has taken heat for it - but - the truth is that Daunte caused many of the sacks, by holding the ball too long or moving out of the pocket instead of stepping up into it.
TC
Ya you are right. That is Culpepper trying to make plays and not let the WR make the play. I just hate to see those guys coming up the middle and that was a lot to do with Marcus Johnson and Cory Withrow both being in there.


I also like the "Johnson gameplan" better than the Daunte system. You notice that even though they weren't gaining much yardage, they kept trying to run the ball (21 attempts) and kept the clock moving. With Daunte in there, we would have run the ball six times and give up on it. That's been a huge issue for a lot of fans - eh, Durango?TC
YES IT HAS and yes I have noticed. Even if you dont get 20 yards you still got to run the ball to give it the respect that it needs and help with the passing game. (Big issue for you people that dont come in here much for me :D )

I find it interesting that people are having a hard time giving the Vikings defense the credit they deserve.
TC
That is one thing I have been doing is giving them credit the past two games. After that Jr. team defense that was out there durning the Cats game that made me sick and Winfield also he came out and ripped some people which shocked many people. And then after that they have stepped up. The Giants had a few good drives on the Vikings but they stepped up when they had to and stopped them.

What do you think is going though Favre's head now. Seeing the Vikings defense stepping it up and with the great games that Sharper has been having. Wouldnt it be nice to see him have a big game again. I know that is going though his head and I hope that it dont cloud him. But I think the Vikings can do fairly good the rest of the way if they keep playing like they have been with that defense. That will always give you a chance to win just like it did this week. The Vikings will have a chance to study the new Packers RB and with Williams boys in the middle of that line it is something that the Falcons didnt have. I like the Vikings chances also. They know that they have to step up and do something and no better team to do it with than the Packers.

[Eva]

Dude, they played the Lions. How hard is to stop that offense? :laff:

Though, you have to give credit to Vikings defense for this game against the Giants, a legit offensive force so far this season. I do hate when people say Manning gave them the game with the INT. You mean he threw the game on purpose when they use that excuse? Plain and simple, the Vikings defense held the Giants offensive force to 20 or so points. That's saying a lot for a stuff team like the Giants. As for the Lions, when you got bums like Harrington and Garica, it's not hard to hold that offense at all.

Like people givng Giants credit for their defense. Hello? They played the lonely 49ers. Lol, the freaking Redskins were also being over-rated, but it was their offense that horribly over-rated after a game against the 49ers. I don't want to take away what some of these teams are doing good, but you might be giving a misque message when you're facing bums team.

I totally give props for the Vikings against the Giants, but not the horrid Lions offense. Harrington had a fluke game. I doubt it will happen again from him or the Lions.

I think Favre on a natural high after beating the Falcons, which I can say are far better than the Packers and better than the Vikings. I just think Monday game going to be a grinder between two teams. I really can't give one team the advatage. Defense need to step up, even though the Packers' offense is crippled. Vikings offense totally needs to take advantage of that horrible Packer defense.

[Durango53]

Vikings coach Mike Tice got his vote of confidence, at least for the season, from owner Zygi Wilf last month. Now Wilf has given a vote of confidence to Rob Brzezinski, the vice president of football operations. "I see him as part of our organization for many years," Wilf said. Brzezinski declined to comment. Like Tice, Brzezinski's contract runs out during the upcoming offseason. Nearly all of the coaches and scouts have contracts that will expire. Wilf said he is gathering as much information as possible before making a decision about hiring a top executive to oversee football operations. He said he didn't know if that executive would be strictly a player-personnel expert or a general manager.

Like to have Brzezinski back. I think the job he did durning the Red years speaks for itself. Having no money to spend on anything and still putting together a team that did alright.

As for Tice I think he can be an ok coach in this league. But I think he has to have the expernce in coachs around him.

[Durango53]

Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper had surgery to repair his injured right knee, the team announced Tuesday night. Culpepper had the anterior cruciate, medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee repaired in Birmingham, Ala., by acclaimed orthopedist Dr. James Andrews of the Alabama Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center. Culpepper will begin rehabilitation immediately and is expected to be ready for the start of training camp next season.

Wow training camp!!! I know that you always shoot for the next year but for what happened with that knee to be ready in less than a year!!!!! I hope he and the team dont rush him back to quick.

[Durango53]

Veteran Vikings running back Moe Williams underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee and could miss the rest of the season. Inactive the past two games, Williams, who also has a back injury, has only 13 carries for 20 yards this season, but he served a key role as a top pass blocker and showed a knack for making big plays.
Can you say Running Backs Coach? :thumbsup:

[LesPaul]

Can you say Running Backs Coach? :thumbsup:

Some additional information



Associated Press

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota running back Moe Williams will miss the remainder of the season following surgery on his right knee.

A versatile 10-year veteran who has excelled in the past on special teams and as a blocker, runner and receiver, Williams' impact has been minimized this year by problems with his knee and back....with rookie Ciatrick Fason replacing him as the primary back in short-yardage situations.

[>TC<]

The Vikings had a short statement Tuesday explaining that Daunte Culpepper had undergone his surgery. Wednesday the same phrase that stuck with us Tuesday was repeated by the training staff.

Over the past two weeks, since Daunte Culpepper was lost for the season, several people have speculated as to how long he will be on the shelf. The Vikings have tried to keep a positive spin on the injury, hinting he will be ready for opening day. Others haven't been so optimistic. Unfortunately, many of those dissenters are people who perform such surgeries.

The timetable on a full return to range of motion has been suggested as 18 months -- which would take Culpepper until the minicamps heading into the 2007 season to be 100 percent back from the injury. Others have theorized that he could ready in nine to 12 months -- the short end of that having him ready by the start of training camp and the long end not having him ready to return until midseason.

In a statement released by the team earlier this week and echoed by coach Mike Tice, we questioned the language which said that the team expects Culpepper to "participate" in training camp last year. Participate and play are two very different things, and the same sentiment was echoed Wednesday by team trainer Chuck Barta.

"Our expectation," Barta said, "is that he'll be ready to participate in training camp. What that participation is going to entail will be known at that point in time."

Translation? We're just going to have to wait and see.

TC

[>TC<]

* Darren Sharper was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week with his three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Sharper has two touchdown returns for a TD this year and is currently tied for second in the NFL with five interceptions.

Sharper leads the NFL with 241 interception return yards this season, more than double his nearest competition (Indianapolis' Cato June with 115). Sharper needs only two more interception return yards this season to eclipse the franchise record currently held by Jimmy Hitchcock (1998).

It's the first time in Sharper's career that he has earned the honor. Defensive lineman Kevin Williams was the last Viking to win the award for his performance against Jacksonville on Nov. 28, 2004.


TC

[>TC<]

Erasmus James will make a homecoming of sorts in Green Bay on Monday night.

His timing couldn't be better.

Coming off the best game of his young NFL career, in front of 60 friends and family members at Giants Stadium, the Vikings rookie defensive end is trying to line up 30 tickets for former teammates and coaches at the University of Wisconsin to join him in his first visit to Lambeau Field.

"I'm really excited," James said. "Last time I didn't touch Brett Favre, but this time it's Monday night football and everyone's watching. I'm just really excited at this point. I really want to put it all together for this game."

James, who grew up in New York before moving to Florida when he entered high school, played his most complete game as a pro Sunday. He recorded season highs in tackles (four), passes defensed (two) and quarterback hurries (six) in the Vikings' 24-21 upset of the New York Giants.

That's the kind of production the Vikings expected when they selected James with the 18th pick of this year's draft, and they're looking for more.

"He's a big-play guy, and he's becoming more of a big-play (player) for us at the right time," coach Mike Tice said. "We are excited for him. It's about time."



TC

[Durango53]

Toniu Fonoti is still learning Minnesota's offense, and he's not yet in game condition. But he's starting at left guard this week for the Vikings.

Coach Mike Tice announced the change on Thursday, a bold decision that meant benching struggling stalwart Chris Liwienski, whose streak of 75 games started is currently the team's longest.

Play on the line has been uneven, at best, one clear reason the once-mighty Minnesota offense ranks just 25th in the league in total yardage and its 12 touchdowns are tied for 28th.

"We have talked many, many times about the offensive line, and most of the tweaks you make are just tweaks," said a grouchy Tice.

This wasn't a tweak, though.

"Obviously if it got to the point where I'm making this move, I'm concerned," Tice said.

Liwienski, a project signed to the practice squad in 1998 who developed into a starter under Tice's supervision, has been in the lineup for every game since the beginning of the 2001 season, playing right tackle and both guard spots.

He hurt his shoulder during training camp, sitting out a week, and he developed some bad blocking habits when he returned while trying to compensate for the injury.

"It may sound like I'm making excuses for him, but I think his legs are tired and I think his shoulder really hasn't bounced back," offensive coordinator Steve Loney said. "When you're not feeling well, things start to snowball on you a little bit."

Liwienski wasn't happy, but he understood.

"I definitely think my play is in a little bit of a rut at this point," he said. "I've got to get my body right and get my mind right. And hopefully I'll get a chance to contribute on this team this year. It's not for lack of hard work. That's one thing I can say. I'm not being demoted for being lazy."

Anthony Herrera became the backup, leaving Liwienski likely to be inactive for Monday night's game at Green Bay. Herrera will probably see some playing time, especially on longer drives, because Fonoti doesn't appear to be in great shape.

San Diego sent Fonoti to the Vikings for a seventh-round draft pick in 2006, which will be upgraded to a sixth-rounder if Fonoti suits up for six games or starts three. A second-round selection from Nebraska in 2002, Fonoti fought injuries and weight problems throughout his career with the Chargers.

He has started 32 of the 33 games he's played, including this season's opener, before breaking his right hand in practice Sept. 14. He played that week, too, but had a plate inserted and required further surgery. Supposedly weighing more than 400 pounds upon his arrival in Minnesota, the 6-foot-4 Fonoti - who is listed at 350 - has been inactive for all four games since the trade.

Asked about his weight, Tice said only, "He is big."

And his conditioning?

"Probably not real great, but I'm not going to continue down the same road," Tice said.

But Fonoti, who politely declined comment Thursday, moves his feet well for his size, which can often make up for other deficiencies. Fonoti has already created plenty of problems for the Vikings' defensive linemen during practice.

"I hate going against him," said 330-pound nose tackle Pat Williams. "I've got to use that extra strength. Come on, man. We're just practicing now."

Call in the Huskers!!!!!!

[Durango53]

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf needs 740 acres to build his stadium and his complex at Blaine. This week, after making three purchases of land, he owns 30 percent of what he needs.

[Durango53]

"Does he know the offense? No," Tice said. "But what is the difference right now based on what I'm seeing [from Liwienski] on tape? We might as well throw him in there and see how it goes."

Tice continued: "... Fonoti, to me, is a beast. I may as well unleash the beast and see if it brings another attitude to our front that we need."

[Durango53]

That front will be without assistant coach Corbin Lacina, who unexpectedly resigned Saturday and did not attend Sunday's 24-21 victory over New York. Lacina said Thursday that "my personal business and family life needed more attention than football," but numerous people within the organization said friction had arisen over his role as a part-time coach.

Lacina, who played for the Vikings from 1999 to 2002 and still lives in the Twin Cities, rejoined the team this summer as an intern; he later accepted a season-long job to ease the workload of offensive coordinator/line coach Steve Loney. Lacina made clear he did not want to work full time, but he was willing to help Loney during practices and games.

The Vikings agreed to that provision, but Tice recently has pushed Lacina to work more hours -- in several cases in front of the team. After a similar incident Saturday morning, Lacina reportedly stormed out of Winter Park.

Tice confirmed Lacina's departure but declined further comment.

[>TC<]

You're on ball, Shad!

I want see Fonoti play - he is a big boy

TC

[Durango53]

Ya I am getting excited to see this game Monday night. I got a fresh bottle of Whiskey and I am to excited about the old Husker and the old Cowboy on the line. My favorite part of a football team and my two favorite schools on my favorite Pro Team vs the biggest rival on the biggest stage.

[Durango53]

I think this guy could be the next Dixion for the Vikings. Although you can make the good jokes like you could with Dixion. "They just couldnt handle the big Dix" :D

But ya I am excited to see him also. 400LB+!!!!!! :eek: Man he should take up some sumo after football. Or heck the Vikings should just sign a sumo guy!

But I think he will help with the inside the most. His size and how strong he is will knock some crap out of some guys. To where it should help if Widrow has to go in with him also. I would love to see Fason pounding the ball up the middle to help knock back that D-Line now also....

[Durango53]

Also excited to see Erasmus James. This kid coming in is also the point that the defense has started to get it going. I wanted to see him after he knocked Vick on his butt. He has some speed and can get after it. I think we could be seeing a guy around the lines of a Chris Doleman.

[LesPaul]

Tice continued: "... Fonoti, to me, is a beast. I may as well unleash the beast and see if it brings another attitude to our front that we need."

"Alpha 1, this is base station. You may commence with Unleashing The Beast"

"Base station, Alpha 1 confirming request to Unleash the Beast?"

"Alpha 1, Base station, you have the green light to Unleash the Beast, over and out."

[>TC<]

Fonoti

http://www.chargers.com/downloads/wallpaper/fonoti_1024x768.jpg

This picture was at closer to 350#

Scary to think of him at 385#


TC

[xxxx]

Loser

[Durango53]

One guy I wish that the Vikings I feel should have signed was Plaxico Burress. This guy is having a great year and I think the Vikings missed the boat on him.

[>TC<]

I think Koren Robinson can have just as big an impact, they just need to get him in there


TC

[Durango53]

Ya I forgot about him when I was seeing all the Plex highlights. :D

[Durango53]

While Vikings athletic trainer Chuck Barta has spoken to Daunte Culpepper several times since the quarterback underwent surgery last week to repair three torn ligaments in his right knee, it hasn't been as easy for other members of the organization to get in touch with him. Even coach Mike Tice admitted Saturday that his messages for Culpepper haven't been returned. "A number of us have called him," Tice said. "My guess is that he's in a form of depression. I'm anxious to see him when he gets back." Tice said it was his understanding that owner Zygi Wilf was sending his private jet down to the Birmingham, Ala., area to get Culpepper on Saturday and bring him back to Minnesota. Dr. James Andrews repaired Culpepper's anterior cruciate, medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments Tuesday. "[Culpepper is] frustrated at staying where he's at; he wants to come back and get going," Tice said. Tice said he wasn't certain that Culpepper was depressed but assumed it's a strong possibility.


Word within the NFL is that the Houston Texans are interested in Vikings vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski.

[Durango53]

Word is no more than a handful of Vikings players might be charged for alleged indiscretions in the infamous Lake Minnetonka boat party incident last month.

[>TC<]

Big one tonight.

If the Vikings can't motivate themselves for this one, there is a problem.

The D has an oportunity to get some turnovers tonight. Favre has had some trouble vs. the Vikes in the past. Even though he had a big game, Gado fumbled twice last week and carries the ball pretty loosely. Time to put on some pressure.


TC

[Durango53]

I think the way the Vikings season will go depends on tonight. Win and they should have enough to build on. Lose and it could be a downer. But for the Vikings to do anything they got to beat the guys in the NFC North.


Any news on Smoot? I will look it up. Last I heard he was going to be out for 3 to 4 weeks.

[Durango53]

Yes Smoot is out this game.........

And some tidbits.......

# The Vikings won outdoors last week against the Giants, which goes against the 4-24 record.
# Sharper had three interceptions and a touchdown last week.
# Brad Johnson has thrown 81 passes without an interception.
# Michael Bennett has two 100-plus-yard rushing games in Green Bay.
# The Packers are 1-3 at home this year.
# Minnesota beat Green Bay 31-17 last year in a playoff game at Lambeau Field.
# The Vikings have only two games left against winning teams and think they can get back in the race.
# Mewelde Moore (leading rusher on the team) is healthy enough to play.
# Starting Packers receiver Robert Ferguson was injured in practice this week.

[Durango53]

Lets get this thing going........


And LETS GO VIKINGS!!!!

[Durango53]

Players that have to do it tonight for the Vikings to win this game in my view.

Erasmus James on the defense. He has to help this line out and the front four have to get to Brett and put pressure on him to take pressure off that secondary.

Mike Bennett or the starting RB (I didnt catch who was starting). They have to get the ball moving and they have to take the pressure off of Brad for the Vikings to move the ball.

[Durango53]

Oh ya we are going to have to hear John Madden go on with his love fest with Favre......

[PissedPrincess]

EFF FAVRE. They had a funny little diddy on him on Brushback last week. It said Brett Favre: Only 3 Super Bowl wins away from living up to his reputation. :lmao:

HERE WE GO VIKES HERE WE GO! :beer:

[PissedPrincess]

Sorry, hubby took big TV, so I gotta watch in my bedroom. I'll check in at half time.

[Durango53]

Get Wiggy that ball!!!!!!


Fonoti has shut down that middle rush.

WIGGY!!!!!

[Durango53]

Kick Hubbys ass!!!! Football is on the Big TV!!!!!

[Durango53]

Man this kicker has missed 3 or 4 kicks in the past two weeks. :(

[PissedPrincess]

Kick Hubbys ass!!!! Football is on the Big TV!!!!!

I hear ya. Men. :(

Goddamn, where is Vinatieri when ya need him. :bonehead

[Durango53]

Ya we need more of those South Dakota boys on the Vikings!!!

[Durango53]

James my key of the game gets to Favre!!!!!!! (Hey give him credit he got there even if Favre was on the ground. :D )

[PissedPrincess]

Kick Hubbys ass!!!! Football is on the Big TV!!!!!

This reply is from Rob. I am PP's husband. I lose the big TV 162 Red Sox games a year, every Pats game, and evry Celtics game. The least she can do is give me the Big TV one damn night, the useless sports-addicted freak.

:D

[PissedPrincess]

This is why hubby's aren't allowed on my forums.

LET'S GO D!!!!!!!!

[Durango53]

BUT IT IS THE VIKINGS!!!!!!!!

Reply from Durango. :D

[Durango53]

Come on Defense!!!!!!!

Shut these guys down!!!!!

Or Sharper take one back again!!!!!!!

[Durango53]

Great throw by Favre...

:(

[Durango53]

Pat Williams is a beast!!!! That guy is great!!!

[Durango53]

And he is more than 317 LB's.......

[Durango53]

Poop........... :(

[PissedPrincess]

Eff. :bonehead

[Durango53]

Ok keep moving the chains........

[Durango53]

Oh man he was grabed so he couldnt get the ball!!!!!!!

That is crap.....

[Durango53]

Man when is these peneltys going to stop.........

[Durango53]

Johnstone with a sack!!!!!!!!! Johnstone is a beast!!!!

[Durango53]

About time Bennett is in there..........


AND A PENELTY AGAIN!!!!!!! I AM SICK OF THESE DUMB ONES!!!!!!

[Durango53]

If anything kills Tice it will be that..... :banghead:

[Durango53]

Keep running it though. Lets wear down this Packers line.

[Durango53]

I would think about moving Goldberg to the outside for Mike Rosenthal. He really did great that first year with the Vikings but now I just dont know..

I wish he would get it done after the Vikings resigned him..... :(

[Durango53]

I need to stop writing while I am drinking.

I could get a WWI.

[Durango53]

The defense has been looking good. :notme:

[Durango53]

Defense!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Defense!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Defense!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rockin500]

well, they can thank their defense (and favre) for it being a tie game.

[Durango53]

Yes they can. The Defense is getting to where we though it should be at the start of the season.

[rockin500]

ouch. not that time. perfect pass by favre. he giveth, he taketh.

[Durango53]

Double poop......... Favre might throw many INT's in a game but he will get the job done also..... :(

[Durango53]

Mike Rosenthal jerked....... Man 3 new guys on that line now..... I would like to see Johnson as guard if that is the case and Goldberg as the tackle.

[Durango53]

Hail Mary now......... :(

[Durango53]

The WR need to pull those balls in!!!! Two dropped balls with the ball being right in the peter tongs.....

[Durango53]

My word...... Dumb dumb dumb....... A WR holding and putting them in the hole...... My word.....

[Durango53]

James is doing his part....... Now the offense has to step up!!!!

LETS GET IT GOING!!!!!!! COME ON VIKINGS!!!!!!!

[Durango53]

Wiggy!!!!! What a player!!! Look at that guy jump over players!!!!!!!

[Durango53]

Now We Are Running The Ball!!!!!!!!!!

[Durango53]

Ok lets punch this thing in!! And let that defense play a few plays and then lets run the ball down the field again.

[Durango53]

Keep getting the ball to Wiggy also!!!!

[Durango53]

Ok lets do this thing. Just like last Packers game.....

[Durango53]

Toniu Fonoti hurt now... This O-line is beat up this year bad...... :(

[Durango53]

Ok Hold Them!!!!! Way To Go Defense!!!!!

[Durango53]

That is the way to do it. Run the ball good last time. Knock around that defense wear them out some and then your defense come out and shut them down and get the ball back. Lets run that ball again and get the lead!!!!

[>TC<]

They are in this game if they can keep running the ball to keep the Packers D-line honest


TC

[Durango53]

You are right Mark!!!!

What a play by Brad and Taylor!!!!!

GO MOORE GO!!!!!

[Durango53]

They are sucking that D-line to the inside and bouncing out real nice.

[PissedPrincess]

:wavey2: Let's punch it in here.

[Durango53]

Dang two burning of timeouts....... That could hurt........

[Durango53]

Punch it in for PP....

How about a nice short pass to Wiggy for PP.....

[PissedPrincess]

He was looking for Wiggy.

[Durango53]

I think the Vikings are going to be happy by the game Fonoti has had. 3+ quarters of solid ball.

FG for the Vikings. Now lets get the defense one more hold and let that O-Line knock the Packers around again!!!!!

[PissedPrincess]

Damn it. Really wanted 7 there. GO D.

[Durango53]

7 would have been real nice...........

[Durango53]

That is two on Chavios this game......

[PissedPrincess]

F'n Colts. Goddamn crybabies created these BS pass interference calls. :bonehead

[PissedPrincess]

:woohoo

HAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!

[Durango53]

Kevin Williams has had a solid game also. Not stats wise but getting in there......

INT INT INT INT INT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Durango53]

Lets punch this one in!!!!!!!!!!

Alright Moore!!!!!! Keep pumping those legs!! High knees and keep on pumping....

[Durango53]

Got the big TV back PP? :D

[PissedPrincess]

Yep! Hubby asleep. :woohoo

[Durango53]

That is why you run the ball!!! Wear them out at the end of the game. Come on Moore.

[PissedPrincess]

Moore!!!!!!!!!!

GODDAMN IT!

[Durango53]

Come on come on...... That was weak....... :(

[Durango53]

What was that call?!?!?!

[PissedPrincess]

F8cking bullshit.

[Durango53]

Man you hate to see Favre with the ball late in the game this close....... :(

[PissedPrincess]

Man you hate to see Favre with the ball late in the game this close....... :(

Eff that. He'll get stupid and throw another pick.

[Durango53]

I hope you are right PP.......

[Durango53]

Kevin Williams again in there with a knock down.

[Durango53]

Give me a break........ Come on and pull your head out of your ass Vikings.....

[PissedPrincess]

:gripe:

[Durango53]

Ok lets do what you have to do on 4th!!!!! :whew:

[PissedPrincess]

Miss it you c*cksucker.

[PissedPrincess]

Shoot me.

[Durango53]

Ok lets get out there and pound it again and get a TD and knock the time off the clock!!!!

[Durango53]

:Pray:

[Durango53]

Welcome to being a Vikings fan PP..... :(

[PissedPrincess]

Welcome to being a Vikings fan PP..... :(

We got this. Stay positive.

[PissedPrincess]

Hurry guys I gotta pee!

[PissedPrincess]

Moore effing rocks. :thumbsup:

[PissedPrincess]

Hellllllllllll Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Durango53]

GET IT DONE!!!!!!!!!! Mark you called Koran!!!!!!

[Durango53]

The clock comes down......

[Durango53]

If the Packers was smart they would take a page out of the Pats book. Let the Vikings score and hope to tie it up.....

[Durango53]

:woohoo

:barf: I drank to much for this...

[PissedPrincess]

I'm not a fan of this knee crap. Take a shot at the endzone for Chrissakes.

[Durango53]

Me to PP.... Edge has missed FG for the Vikings this season but he has hit every game winner this season though.

[Durango53]

Ok you got the ball Edge get it done. For PP so she can win all the points!!!!!

[Durango53]

GAME DONE!!!!!!! GAME DONE!!!!! VIKINGS WIN!!!!!!!!

MVP Moore!!!

[PissedPrincess]

Had it all the way. :smokin:

Vikes win! PP wins!!!!

[Durango53]

That line stepped up today. Johnson came in and was a rock on the outside. I think he might have just found a home. The defense has came though again.

[Durango53]

PP you are the best football pick um player!!!!!

[PissedPrincess]

Congrats and good night. :wavey2:

[Durango53]

Thanks PP goodnight to you also!!!!

[Durango53]

Team is talking high of Mike Tice. Good for him.

[>TC<]

Awesome

I really like the new game plan - run the ball and don't give up


TC

[Durango53]

.500 and some games they should win coming up now!!!! Get to the playoffs baby and this defense keeps getting better each week. Get to the playoffs and see what happens from there!!!!

I think they might have found a O-line that might work. Or I hope it works!

[Durango53]

Awesome

I really like the new game plan - run the ball and don't give up


TC
Amen!!!!! I think this is what we have been waiting for all year long. Let that defense rest and let that O-Line beat down the other team.

The front 4 on the D-line had a great game in this game. It wont show in the stats but they got some pressure stopped the run and was knocking the ball down. Great game for the D-line.

[>TC<]

It made a hgue difference having Moore in there to run the ball. He can bounce it outside and make some moves. Fason looked good, too, moving in for Moe. Bennett has speed to burn but he has no moves and goes down easy.


TC

[Nanner]

WOOHOO!!! Ashamed to say, I fell asleep during the game. (Very tired. :( )

But, I was ecstatic to see the final score when I checked on ESPN!!! :jump: Eddinger kicks another game winner.

I like this new game plan they've got, too. I feel really confident with Brad Johnson in there. And Mewelde Moore is so much fun to watch, isn't he? I don't know why, but he reminds me of Robert Smith.

I like this quote: :D

"This one may be the worst because No. 1, it was Minnesota; No. 2, it was at home; and No. 3, it was Minnesota again," said Green Bay defensive end Aaron Kampman.

[Durango53]

And Nancy the Vikings signed Aaron Kampman as a RFA durning the off season. But the Packers matched the offer. :D

But a great game.

[Durango53]

Taylor is having a great game!!!!!!

And as crazy as this might sound Marus Johnson is having a good game. Taking away all 4 of his penelties. :D He has shut down his end.

And that defense is doing great!!!!!

[>TC<]

What a great game.

No way the Vikings are on this winning streak with Daunte at QB. Brad actually has the vision to find the open receiver and let the play develop, then come off the primary if he's covered. I hope Daunte is watching all these games, he could learn something.

TC

[Durango53]

Man as much as I wish you was wrong Mark you are right. ;)

Brad has hit all the WR and TE about on the Vikings roster. He dont look for one guy. (Althouth he might be looking for Robinson after it was raining TD's for him) He drops back reads the coverage and hits his guy. And Wiggy again is having a great season catching and moving the chains.

And with Brad at QB he is making that defense so much better also. He is moving the ball down the field and taking time of the clock and letting that defense rest. He is as Culpepper does doing the long bomb. When Moss left this team that part of the game left also. I to hope that Culpepper watchs and sees what to do on those tapes and learns how to run the offense.

[Durango53]

Some inside and outside the Dolphins organization are wondering about offensive coordinator Scott Linehan's future here because of questionable play-calling and Linehan's endorsement of Gus Frerotte last spring.

Huh didnt they watch any of the Vikings games the last few years? There are many questionable calls that happened.

But I still liked him as a OC......

[Durango53]

The Vikings have won three straight to pull to 5-5, and believe it or not, they're increasing Mike Tice's chances of staying with the team beyond this season. Team owner Zygi Wilf tells us the team will not address Tice's situation until after the season, and he still wants to hire a general manager. But if the Vikings somehow make the playoffs, club officials inform us there is increased optimism within the building that Tice will get to stay on. Despite all the problems faced by the organization, Tice is very well-liked by a large majority of his players, including Daunte Culpepper, who hopes to return from knee surgery by next season.

My feelings. If you cant get anyone better then dont get rid of him. I dont want a old retread. I dont want a old coach that has done it and failed and a new owner thinks he will win with him. I would like a Gary Kubak or someone like him.

I would keep Tice and get him some good coach's around him. A good OC and DC that will get it done.

[Durango53]

Pat Williams was asked if he had an explanation for Buffalo's decision to allow him to hit the free-agent market after last season.

"They are dumb," he said. "That's all I can say. They are dumb as can be up there."

Williams' comment was passed along to Matt Birk, the injured Vikings center, as he walked through the Metrodome's home locker room after Sunday's 24-12 victory over Cleveland.

"He's right," Birk said. "Letting Pat Williams go ... that's a dumb decision


Hell ya. This guy was the best signing of the off season. With the pressure he is getting it is taking pressure off the LB's which we just havnt heard much about and made the secondary very solid.

[Durango53]

Despite the improved play, Sharper doesn't feel the defense is playing its best.

"No, we actually can get better," he said. "We allowed a couple of plays on the screen pass [Sunday], things that we could stop. We want to be a total dominating defense and not allow teams to move the ball at all. Continue to get three-and-outs, and just be a dominating defense. We are still going to strive for that goal."

Nonetheless, the recent statistics are impressive. The Vikings have 11 interceptions, including six by Sharper, and four fumble recoveries in the past four games. In starting the season 2-5, they had six interceptions and four recovered fumbles. Pressure from up front is a key factor in the Vikings now being a plus-1 in turnover differential.

The Vikings' five sacks Sunday give them 13 in the past four games. They had only 10 in the first seven games.

That would be great if this team can keep getting better on defense. It is all there and it now looks like they are starting to get it together. Now if Smoot can come back strong and good this could be a fun team to watch!

The defense proved equally strong against the pass and the run, holding the Browns to 184 yards in the air and 78 on the ground. That included 73 yards (3.8 average) by Cleveland's Reuben Droughns, who was seventh in the AFC in rushing entering Sunday. Big nose tackle Pat Williams once again proved instrumental in holding down the middle.
This is the one that stands out to me the most of this game. Droughns can run the ball and run with power. Watching him with the Broncos last year and then a game this year this kid can run down hill and put a smack on a player. If you D-line can shut him down it will be better for the secondary for not having to come up and hit this guy. To show how strong Pat Willaims is how many times yesterday did he just reach out and grab Reuben pull him back to him wrap him up and then take him down? That was very impressive to me.

[Durango53]

Browns running back Reuben Droughns congratulated Vikings nose tackle Pat Williams for backing up his comments this week with a disruptive seven-tackle game.

"He had a good game," said Droughns, who was contained with 73 yards on 19 carries (3.8-yard average), with 14 yards coming on one play. "It was one of those situations where he spoke his mind and then stood up to the challenge."

Earlier in the week, Williams said, "We're not worried about their back. We're not worried about Droughns. They've got to worry about us."

Droughns was coming off a 166-yard performance in a 22-0 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

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