The Official 2007 Vikings Thread.

[Durango53]

Detectives on Wednesday handed a prosecutor an inch-thick file on a boat party held by Vikings players that allegedly included strippers and sex acts. Prosecutor Steve Tallen said he is reviewing the file to decide whether anyone should be charged with a misdemeanor in the Oct. 6 party on Lake Minnetonka. Employees of a charter boat company have identified 17 players among the approximately 90 guests on two party boats. The company's attorney has said players participated in lewd behavior.

[Durango53]

Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper will head home to Orlando next Thursday to continue rehabilitation on his injured right knee. Culpepper, who tore the anterior cruciate, medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments on Oct. 30, has been rehabilitating at Winter Park in recent weeks. He will work with a Florida-based physical therapist recommended by Dr. James Andrews, who performed the surgery on Culpepper on Nov. 15. The Vikings, of course, will keep close tabs on him, and Culpepper will return to the Twin Cities for occasional checkups.

[Durango53]

Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss is back at full strength, by all accounts outside of Moss'. That begs the question, why has his production dropped off so much? No one seems to have the answer, and Moss isn't providing any clues because he hasn't spoken with local media in almost three months. "I wouldn't say there is a problem," Raiders quarterback Kerry Collins said in response to why Moss has gone from an average of 24.5 yards his first four games to 12.2 in his past six. Collins said Moss looks fine in practice and that he remains an integral part of Oakland's offense. Still, Moss is averaging only 3.4 receptions and 63.4 yards per game, while scoring five touchdowns in 11 games, far below his career averages.

Huh maybe Moss needs the Vikings more than they need him.

[LesPaul]

Moss might be suffering from the Raiders not really having other big name targets coupled with Collins having no threat to scramble and perhaps the coverage is better in the ol AFC??

Or maybe like you said Shad, he might be needing the Vikings more than they need him since he had established himself in MN but is unproven in Raider Nation.

I think I saw an article a week or so ago talking about Collin's play this season as well.

[Durango53]

Ya Moss saying Collins is a better QB than Culpepper is showing its truth. But the Raiders do have a guy that many people feel is a good number one guy for most teams with Porter. But it comes back to what I say. You cant have to many guys on a team and they have the same game. Porters and Moss's game is to run deep and get the bomb. You got to have the middle guy to mix it up.

[Durango53]

Well not the best win but still a win is a win!!!!

McKinnie was getting beat some but got the job done when need be.

And so did that defense. Got ran on some but they got the job done when they needed to and stopped the Lions.

Mark you was right in saying that Koren Robinson was going to be the man. He is quickly stepping up and becoming the number one guy. But Robinson and Taylor had a ok game also. Nate got some good first downs when need be also.

[Durango53]

Vikings placed guardToniu Fonoti on injured reserve Friday, ending his season because of a severely strained groin he suffered in his only appearance with the team.

[>TC<]

Robinson is getting more and more comfortable with the offense. Tice said tonight that Koren will be the #1 guy at WR.

TC

[Durango53]

And should be.

I like the Vikings chances coming down to the end of the season. All but one of the games at home. Two tough ones and one of those is with the Bears.

[Durango53]

Injured Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper surprised everyone, including Mike Tice, by showing up at Ford Field, along with Reggie Fowler, one of the team's limited partners. Culpepper watched the game from the visiting owner's box, along with Fowler and owner Zygi Wilf, and he visited his teammates in the locker room after the game. Culpepper, though, kept his vow of silence — at least with the print media. Asked repeatedly to comment, Culpepper said: "When the time is right, I'll talk. Talk to the team." Before the game, Culpepper spoke briefly with KFAN-AM sideline reporter Greg Coleman. "I'm doing good," Culpepper told Coleman. "Every day I'm getting better and better. I'm here to show my support to the fellas and the guys I love, and we're going to keep it rolling." As for his surgery, he told Coleman it "was excellent." "It was very good," he said. "I just want to continue my rehab and keep everything on a positive note. Everything's going good." Tice said he didn't know Culpepper would be at the game.

[brandonwarne52]

If Koren can keep his head screwed on right this will be the pickup of the year. He is so talented that he could probably be a #1 on a lot of teams, he just needs to mature some. I've felt that he should be our #1 ever since we signed him, and it's encouraging to see him get more comfortable with the offense.

[Durango53]

The Vikings' rookie punter, who suffered a sprained left ankle and strained right knee, certainly didn't have his head coach feeling sorry for him.

"Punters: They don't know about pain," Vikings coach Mike Tice said following his team's 21-16 victory over Detroit at Ford Field. "He was out there yelling and whistling and every other thing. He could have had a concert out there with all the noises he was making."

[Durango53]

The head coach still was muttering some 20 minutes after the final gun. He had just ordered his players to report for an unusual 10 a.m. film session today, tearing into them after the Vikings escaped Detroit with a 21-16 victory over the hapless Lions. Mike Tice was upset at his offensive line, irritated by several questionable penalty calls

[Durango53]

The Vikings' game plan, Tice said, featured a goal of "getting the crowd to boo early." The jeers came about three seconds after Johnson released a deep pass down the right sideline toward Robinson, who beat cornerback R.W. McQuarters.

Johnson called the play "Louisiana" -- "As in, Blew by-you," Tice said. Ever the comedian, Tice joked that Johnson would undergo hernia surgery today and that team officials needed a wheelbarrow to "cart [Johnson's] insides off the field" because he put so much effort into the throw.

[Durango53]

The Vikings appeared to have closed out the game midway through the fourth quarter when cornerback Brian Williams returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown, but officials called Pat Williams for a late hit on Garcia. The call was one of several Tice was steamed about afterwards -- for one, because Williams was not on the field for the play. Defensive end Darrion Scott said he hit Garcia, but replays showed it was almost immediately after Garcia threw the ball.

I didnt like the call also but hey that is the way football works.

The thing is that good football teams overcome the bad calls and rise up. Just like the Vikings did this week.

[Durango53]

Although they remain two games behind Chicago in the NFC North, the Vikings' 7-5 record has put them squarely into the wild-card picture.

"And not to look ahead," Tice said, "but we do have three of our last four games at home" -- where they are 4-1.

In a rowdy postgame locker room, tight end Jermaine Wiggins was not exaggerating when he said: "The ball is in our court now. If we keep doing what we're doing, we'll control our own destiny."

I like where they have put themselves after that start.

[Durango53]

Much ado about nothing: At the end of his 75-yard interception return for a touchdown, Vikings cornerback Brian Williams had a strange celebration. He put his hands in the air and tucked the ball under his shirt.

Williams said he was acting like he was "being arrested by the police."

But the play was called back by a roughing-the-passer penalty.

"I wanted to get a touchdown. But the most important thing is we got the win," Williams said. "If I could have gotten that on top of everything, it would have been perfect."

Oh ok that explains that......

I thought he was acting like he was pregnant and........... Nevermind.... :hmm:

[Durango53]

Injury report: Punter Chris Kluwe jammed his right knee in the second quarter and had to leave the game with a sprained left ankle at the end of the third quarter after being roughed by Lions safety Vernon Fox.

Vikings trainer Chuck Barta said X-rays of Kluwe's ankle showed no damage and his condition will be re-evaluated today. Kluwe said he hoped to be able to kick this week against St. Louis.

Running back Mewelde Moore aggravated a right ankle sprain on his first punt return and had just one carry for minus-6 yards. He said he expects to play this week.

The Vikings also reported injuries to cornerback Laroni Gallishaw (sprained ankle) and linebacker Heath Farwell (sprained knee). Running back Ciatrick Fason suffered a mild concussion but returned.

[>TC<]

The Vikings face the prospect of going a season without a 2,000-yard passer or a 1,000-yard rusher or receiver for the first time in a long time.

The year was 1984. The Vikings were in the shambles year with Les Steckel at the helm. That's how far back Vikings fans have to go to find the statistical futility of the 2005 squad.

Granted, injuries have played a huge part in it, but the Vikings of 2005 could be the first team since that awful '84 squad to not have a 1,000-yard rusher, receiver or a 2,000-yard passer.

As it stands, Brad Johnson will have to average more than 250 yards to get his end of the deal done. Leading rusher Mewelde Moore will have to average more than 110 yards a game rushing in the final four to hold up his end of the bargain. And Jermaine Wiggins or Travis Taylor will have to average 130 yards a game to make it happen among the receivers.

It goes to show fans that statistics don't always tell the story. The awful team of 1984 was woeful -- arguably the worst in team history. The 2005 Vikings are on the brink of getting themselves back into the thick of the playoff chase. But they likely will end up sharing a dubious statistical record -- but proving that numbers don't always tell the story.


TC

[>TC<]

MONDAY NOTES
* Chris Kluwe will be examined today for injuries to both his left ankle and his right knee. The ankle injury looked more serious and Kluwe was wearing a protective boot after the game, claiming the injury was the result of a cheap shot.
* The loss for the Lions eliminated them from the NFC North title chase -- which is now down to only the Bears and Vikings.
* Napoleon Harris and Troy Williamson , the two players acquired in the deal that sent Randy Moss to the Raiders, were both de-activated by coach's decision Sunday.
* Mewelde Moore suffered a recurrence of his ankle sprain on a punt return in the first quarter, but is expected to be ready for Sunday's game with the Rams. He had just one carry Sunday.
* Brad Johnson topped 25,000 career yards passing in Sunday's win.

TC

[Durango53]

Wow those are some intresting numbers Mark........

[Durango53]

I wonder how those Fire Tice sites are doing........

Or if they are just getting repeat posters........

[Durango53]

Troy Williamson made a rookie mistake when he took himself out of a practice last week because of a shoulder injury. Until then, he was making some progress on the field, if not as fast as a lot of people might like.
Ah I was wondering why he didnt dress.....

[>TC<]

Kicker Paul Edinger handled the Vikings' final two punts of the day, hitting a 35-yarder to the Lions 27 and then a key 40-yarder to the Detroit 7 with the Vikings leading by five points late in the final quarter.

"I was pretty comfortable," said Edinger, who sat out practice on Friday because of a sore right foot but was bothered more by a bad cold than anything. "I took a bunch of snaps from Cullen [Loeffler] on the sidelines. I hit punts in practice all the time, just for that reason."

Edinger said he had punted three times previously in his six-year career but all had been quick kicks out of a field-goal formation. Edinger's last real punting experience had come when he played at Michigan State.

TC

[Durango53]

Interim Rams head coach Joe Vitt said Monday that with Marc Bulger expected to miss at least another game, rookie Ryan Fitzpatrick will be back at the controls Sunday in Minnesota. Jamie Martin, if healthy, presumably will back up Fitzpatrick. "I have no problem with the way (Fitzpatrick) played" Sunday in a 24-9 loss to Washington, Vitt said. "We've got to help him."

[Durango53]

With punter Chris Kluwe out of Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams because of a right knee injury, the Vikings could turn to an old friend. Darren Bennett, who was released Sept. 4 after the final roster cutdown to 53 players, will be one of three punters auditioning today at the Metrodome, and he said he is ready to step in, if asked. "I was expecting a call when I heard about Chris, but I wasn't expecting it this morning," Bennett said Monday from his San Diego home. "I was sliding happily into retirement, but if they need me, absolutely, I'll be there."

[>TC<]

Vikings quarterback Brad Johnson is one of three NFL QBs up for the FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week.

Quarterbacks Brad Johnson , Cincinatti's Carson Palmer and Miami's Sage Rosenfels are the finalists for FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week honors for games played last weekend.

Brad Johnson completed 17 of 23 passes for 256 yards, two touchdowns and a 139.0 passer rating in the Vikings' 21-16 victory over the NFC North-rival Detroit Lions.

TC
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[Durango53]

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nfl/teams/1/50x50c/min.gif

By JON KRAWCZYNSKI

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Koren Robinson came to the Minnesota Vikings a broken man.

The No. 9 pick in the 2001 NFL draft was cut by the Seattle Seahawks after four years in which trouble off the field overshadowed one very good season on it.

Fresh out of an alcohol treatment facility, Robinson's voice trembled as he spoke of getting a second chance with the Vikings.

"I prepared myself for the worst, not even taking a snap," Robinson said Wednesday, three months to the day after he signed with the team. "But just being on a team, that would have been fine with me. That's what I was prepared for coming in."

It's been much more.

The former North Carolina State star is making the most of his second chance. Robinson steadily has become the Vikings' most dangerous receiver, beginning to fulfill the promise he once showed in Seattle.

Last week he had four catches for 148 yards in a 21-16 victory at Detroit, including an 80-yard touchdown from Brad Johnson on the Vikings' first play.

He leads the team with 18.1 yards per catch and also has been returning kicks, including an 86-yard TD in a stunning victory over the Giants in Week 10.

That's when things started to click.

"He has certainly had an impact and that's sometimes what special teams can do for you," offensive coordinator Steve Loney said. "He got confident and was feeling good about things, and that's when the offensive production started to come."

Robinson also had a 45-yard reception against the Lions, giving the Vikings a vertical element to their offense sorely lacking since they traded Randy Moss to the Oakland Raiders in the offseason.

"They've given me a role and opportunities to make plays," Robinson said. "But I feel like my confidence picked up and it got started on special teams."

Robinson's plight is eerily similar to the Vikings' 2005 season. Things started off rough with a 2-5 record on the field and the now infamous boat party scandal off it.

But as Robinson's production has increased, the Vikings have got back on track. They have won five in a row and are back in the playoff picture.

A big smile crept across his face as he talked about the 80-yard TD against the Lions, a play Johnson called "Louisiana," as in "blew by you." He's smiling a lot more these days while he answers questions about his performance on the field, and not his troubles with alcohol off it.

After he was released by the Seahawks, Robinson spent 28 days in a rehab facility in South Carolina, wondering if his career was over before it really started.

He caught 78 passes for 1,240 yards and five touchdowns in 2002, before getting caught up in the fast-paced NFL lifestyle that led to him pleading guilty in July to drunken driving.

Robinson speaks with a humility and maturity that seems genuine, a far cry from the problem child in Seattle. But he is quick to point out those days will always be with him.

"I can't never let that slip out of my mind, as far as everything that I've been through," he said. "I think about it every day. I'm mindful of where I've been, what I went through, where I'm at now, how I got here.

"Everybody should be mindful of what they've been through. It lets you know how you are thankful for things or are lucky to have certain things."

On the field, however, Robinson is anything but humble.

"I think he believes he's the best player on the field bar none," coach Mike Tice said. "And that's pretty good, when you have a player who thinks he's the best player on the field."

And the 6-foot-1, 205-pounder has the physical skills to back it up.

"I always felt that way. That's how I approach everything," Robinson said. "I feel like you have to play with a lot of confidence. You have to see yourself making plays. You have to say, 'I don't care who I line up on. No matter how fast he is, I'm going to run by him."'

He ran right by Lions cornerback R.W. McQuarters last week, but that has never been the problem for Robinson.

"The guy has a lot of talent," linebacker Keith Newman said. "He had some rough moments out in Seattle, but when we all were young, we all had some rough moments. I think sometimes, when you have high expectations, you're held to a higher standard because you are an NFL player, and in his case a first-round pick making millions of dollars. He understood, 'I made some mistakes.' He got some help, and he's having a tremendous year on the field."

Most importantly to Robinson, he's earned the respect of his teammates, who voted him the winner of a team honor for courage and overcoming adversity.

"Coming to Minnesota, it's opened his eyes that this thing is for real," safety Darren Sharper said. "He has to go out each week and play at that level. Then when he goes home, he has to take care of himself. You see the rewards that it's reaping for him right now."

For the first time in a long time, he feels comfortable in his own skin. And he can't help but look ahead.

"I love the front office, I love the organization, the atmosphere, the morale of the team, it feels home," Robinson said. "So I can see myself here for the rest of my career, if that happens. I don't want to go from team to team, or whatever, like that. If I could stay here, then I would love it."
http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nfl/teams/1/50x50c/min.gif
Great read.......

I am rooting for Koren big time!!!! :thumbsup:

[Durango53]

The word from Oakland is that former Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss has been playing hurt all season. It will be interesting to see if Oakland is concerned about Moss' health in the future, and if they will pick up his $10 million contract next year.

[Durango53]

There is no question in the mind of injured Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper that he will be healthy and ready to take part in training camp when it opens in July in Mankato. "I'm a tough guy," Culpepper said before leaving for his home in Orlando, where he will rehabilitate his right knee with a trainer. "I'm making good progress in rehabilitating the knee, and I'm going to play a lot more football." Culpepper said the surgery done by Dr. James Andrews went well, and that he was told he will make a complete recovery and be ready to play football again. Culpepper has a $6 million reporting roster bonus coming from the Vikings next March, and there isn't any doubt Vikings owner Zygi Wilf will pick that up. If Wilf doesn't pay it, Culpepper would become a free agent.

[Durango53]

You know I was thinking. (I know and yes it does hurt)

I wonder if this knee injury in the long run could help DC? He should be able to start to just throw in a bit but he wont be able to move. Watching Brad Johnson and how he does his timing with the WR should spark a light off in his head.

Those that have had knee injures know that even after the knee is 100% the brain isnt. It takes time for the brain to trust the knee again. To where I hope he will drop back 3 to 5 steps and start to hit the WR on routes and when the DB's start to jump the routes go downtown.

[LesPaul]

You know I was thinking. (I know and yes it does hurt)

I wonder if this knee injury in the long run could help DC? He should be able to start to just throw in a bit but he wont be able to move. Watching Brad Johnson and how he does his timing with the WR should spark a light off in his head.

Those that have had knee injures know that even after the knee is 100% the brain isnt. It takes time for the brain to trust the knee again. To where I hope he will drop back 3 to 5 steps and start to hit the WR on routes and when the DB's start to jump the routes go downtown.

It could backfire to if he remains panicky in the pocket afraid of being hit at all and starts to chuck the ball downfield to anyone wearing a helmet. Or if he rushes his return afraid that his starting job might be in jeopardy...

[Durango53]

You are right also Ryan. It is a double edged sword.......

[Durango53]

Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander said on KJR that his contract negotiations haven't gone anywhere this season. This is consistent with what has been happening (or not happening) with his contract going all the way back to last year. His direct quote was, "You don't want to know" when asked about the status of contract talks.

There are going to be a few good RB's on the FA market this year. The Vikings could sign one and I see them going for some stand out O-line men this year early in the draft.

Alexander so far is a FA
Green (Coming off a Knee injury)
Martin (He may be old for a RB but with a line infront of him he is still getting the job done)

Any more out there?

[>TC<]

Big article in yesterdays paper on Ontario Smith. He has gone through a four month, in-house, drug and alchohol rehab program and says he is now clean. He wants to recommit himself to football and come back to the Vikings.

Wilf says he hasn't looked into the situation at all and will wait until the off-season to address the issue

TC

[Durango53]

Tough to say what I would do on that. If you say give him a second chance and he does a Ricky Williams on you that screws your team. Ditch him and he really does want to do it right and catchs on with a diffenent team and then screws you that way.

I would ditch him though. Try to get a RB in the FA and and see if what you could do in the draft.

[Durango53]

Bears fall behind!!!!!

And Koren will's himself in for a TD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Durango53]

Mike Tice's rallying of the Vikings would seem to have earned him at least a $4.5 million, two-year contract extension.

I think he needs it also.....

[Durango53]

Vikings wide receiver Koren Robinson, who can become an unrestricted free agent this winter, said he wants to remain with the Vikings, but there have been no talks with him about a new contract.

This HAS to get done......

[Durango53]

If Vikings quarterback Brad Johnson continues at his current pace, he could make a strong case for the team this winter to tear up his $6 million, four-year contract and replace it with a significant pay raise. Considering that Daunte Culpepper has three knee ligaments to rehabilitate, there seems little doubt that Johnson, who has led the Vikings to five consecutive victories, will be the starting QB when the 2006 season begins. Culpepper, by the way, is to receive a $6 million roster bonus on March 15.

:thumbsup: Go Brad!!!!!

[Durango53]

The resurgence of the Vikings' defense has resulted in some NFL teams quietly expressing interest in Vikings consultant Foge Fazio.

[Durango53]

Actor Burt Reynolds, a longtime Vikings fan, will be a luxury-suite guest of the team for today's game against St. Louis at the Metrodome. :eek:

[Durango53]

Fred Smoot received $10 million to sign with the Vikings and got hurt. Brian Williams replaced Smoot in the starting lineup, and now Smoot is playing in the nickel defense while Williams has played better and better and will continue to start. Williams will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, and one Vikings official questioned whether they will be able to keep him because of the big market for cornerbacks.

[Durango53]

Now the hard games start. But they will be at home!!! This week the Steelers come in. From what I have heard so far no one is giving the Vikings much of a chance. It will be a tough game that is for sure but the way this defense is playing right now this could be a old time pound it out smash mouth football game!!!!! I love saying that with the Vikings now!!!!

This will be an exciting week to watch some football with the Vikings in the drivers set for the playoffs. But they must win some more games and have to win the home games. And those games are the Steelers and Bears.......

[Durango53]

Ciatrick Fason looked ok for a few carries he had. I would like to see him get a bulk of the load and it would be nice vs the Steelers this week. A pounder to come in and hit some guys.

One thing I didnt like about Fason is that he tried to be to shifty though on a couple of runs. Instead of lowering his head had dishing out a hit. But that is something he has to learn.

[Durango53]

Nice thing also is that the Rams about blitzed the whole game. Get used to that coming up with the Steelers. Because the Steelers are a very good defense and get a ton of pressure on the QB.

[Nanner]

Burt Reynolds?!?

:eek:



:D



GO VIKES!!!!

[>TC<]

The Vikings are awaiting word on the results of an MRI on Keith Newman's injured knee, but are expecting that he might miss at least a game or two in a best-case scenario.

The Vikings' linebacker corps has continued to be a sore spot for the team this season, as they continue to search for the right combination of players. But one of the constants had been the play of Keith Newman , who coaches found hard to keep out of the lineup.

They may have finally found a way. Newman suffered what the team is calling a strained left posterior collateral ligament -- the same injury that put Nate Burleson on the shelf for nearly a month. Newman is scheduled to have an MRI to confirm the diagnosis and, if as serious as feared, he will likely miss the next two games.

Newman said after the game that the injury was feeling better, but added that today would be the true test of the severity.

TC

[>TC<]

MONDAY NOTES
* The combination of the Vikings' win and the Lions' loss means the team is guaranteed of finishing no worse than second place in the NFC North. Why is that important? It clears up who the Vikings' 2006 opponents will be. Aside from the six games played vs. the division and the four vs. the AFC, the Vikings now know that in 2006 they will play the four teams from the NFC West along with everyone else and, in their two games different from the rest in their division, they will play the second-place finishers this year in both the NFC East and NFC South.

* Tice and Mewelde Moore appeared at odds following Sunday's game. Tice said Moore was benched in favor of Michael Bennett because the medical staff told Tice that Moore wasn't in what Tice termed as "mental shape" to play with a quadriceps injury. He backed up that assertion by saying players who want to get in the game typically stand around the coach waiting to get their number called. On an occasion when Tice said he looked for Moore, he was nowhere to be found. Moore denied the claim and said the injury had loosened up in warmups and he was good to go.

* Former Viking Greg Coleman appeared to take his sideline job with the team pretty seriously Sunday. Coleman, who provides sideline commentary for the Vikings radio network, was standing directly in front of a play in which the Rams were initially granted a completion on a pass that clearly hit the ground. The first official ruled the play a catch and Coleman immediately took off down the Vikings sideline seeking out Tice, apparently to tell him to throw the red challenge flag. By the time he got there, another official with a better vantage point had stepped in and overruled the call and said the pass was incomplete. Red McCombs may no longer own the team, but his radio employees still know where the bread is buttered.

* Brad Johnson rolled his right ankle in the third quarter but played the rest of the game. The Rams blitzed Johnson on about 70 percent of plays Sunday in hopes of getting him rattled. Although he took several big hits, he was never sacked.

* Fred Smoot returned to action Sunday, but didn't wear the protective harness on his healing broken collarbone. Why? He said in warmups he couldn't breathe properly because of the tight-fitting harness and felt more comfortable going without it than with it. Smoot had an interception in the second half Sunday (but, then again, who didn't?).

* Fans reacted angrily at times to punter Darren Bennett , who had eight punts Sunday -- almost three punts above average for the Vikes. Bennett was booed loudly after a couple of awful looking punts. He averaged 37.5 yards per punt -- the same average as kicker Paul Edinger in two tries the previous week. Chris Kluwe is expected back this week.

TC

[>TC<]

If the season ended today, the Vikings would have the 19th pick in the draft


TC

[Durango53]

MONDAY NOTES
* The combination of the Vikings' win and the Lions' loss means the team is guaranteed of finishing no worse than second place in the NFC North. Why is that important? It clears up who the Vikings' 2006 opponents will be. Aside from the six games played vs. the division and the four vs. the AFC, the Vikings now know that in 2006 they will play the four teams from the NFC West along with everyone else and, in their two games different from the rest in their division, they will play the second-place finishers this year in both the NFC East and NFC South.

TC
And they played Denver last in MN so it should be in Denver next year!!!!!!!! I will get to see the Vikings play a second time now!!!!!! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

* Former Viking Greg Coleman appeared to take his sideline job with the team pretty seriously Sunday. Coleman, who provides sideline commentary for the Vikings radio network, was standing directly in front of a play in which the Rams were initially granted a completion on a pass that clearly hit the ground. The first official ruled the play a catch and Coleman immediately took off down the Vikings sideline seeking out Tice, apparently to tell him to throw the red challenge flag. By the time he got there, another official with a better vantage point had stepped in and overruled the call and said the pass was incomplete. Red McCombs may no longer own the team, but his radio employees still know where the bread is buttered.TC
That is cool. Glad to see that the Vikings have eyes all over the field.

[>TC<]

I hadn't realized they'd be coming your way next year. Good for you! You'll have to scramble and get some good seats, when the time comes.

TC

[Durango53]

I gave Bill the heads up on this when we was down for the game this fall.

I was at the last Vikings Broncos game in Denver 4 years ago now. I was SHOCKED at how many Viking fans was there!!! SHOCKED. And I was shocked at how loud they was in cheering for them. I say it was 60% Broncos fans and 40% Vikings fans. One kid in the area we was at got mad at some Viking fans in front of him and started to yell some mean things at him. There was this huge guy behind him with the Viking helment on and told him to sit down and shut up. He looked behind and saw about 60 Vikings fans behind him and we never heard a peap out of him the rest of the game. :D

I will be there to!!!! Les was at that game also and I think he will make it...

Goals left. NASCAR race, Home Viking game, Home Twins game, Home Husker game.
:D

[>TC<]

One step at a time .

I'll be looking for you on those home games.


TC

[>TC<]

e Vikings once again find themselves in a running back controversy -- this time squeezing out the team's leading rusher.

Mike Tice has been adept at dogging Mewelde Moore in his two seasons with the team -- and for fairly good reason at times. Moore, who leads the Vikings in rushing this season, has been criticized by Tice as not being capable of being a full-time featured back due to his numerous injuries.

Monday Tice indicated that Moore might be slipping down on the depth chart. Claiming he's always been "enamored" with big running backs, Tice hinted that short-yardage back Ciatrick Fason is going to see more action. While he said it's too early to turn the featured back role over to the rookie, he did say that Fason will be working his way into more touches.

With Michael Bennett penciled in as the starter for the time being, it would seem that any more action Fason sees will come at the expense of Moore -- leaving him serving as the odd-man out.

TC

[>TC<]

TUESDAY NOTES
* Keith Newman got the results on an MRI that showed a strained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Surgery won't be required and he's expected to miss two weeks. It's the same injury Nate Burleson suffered earlier in the season.
* Kevin Williams is expected back in the lineup Sunday. He'll replace C.J. Mosley , who both Tice and Brian Baker have praised as a fill-in for Williams.
* Brian Williams is expected to keep his starting job ahead of Fred Smoot for another week. As Tice said about the situation, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." But unlike the Rams, who routinely line up with three receivers, the Steelers are much more likely to run predominantly two-receiver sets.
* Chris Kluwe returned to practice Monday and Tice is optimistic that he may be able to return Sunday.

TC

[Durango53]

Count Vikings running back Michael Bennett among those who hope coach Mike Tice receives a new contract, and not just for a few years. "I hope he gets a seven- or eight-year deal," Bennett said Monday. "I believe he deserves it." Bennett also appreciates the cool demeanor of Brad Johnson, who has quarterbacked the Vikings to six consecutive victories. "Sometimes he tells jokes in the huddle," Bennett said, citing the game Sunday against the St. Louis Rams. "He was talking about one of their defensive lineman stinking so bad it was making Brad's nose hairs stick up. We just started laughing. That's the kind of leadership and poise he has."

[>TC<]

While one defensive starter is lost for a couple weeks, another one is set to return. The Vikings lost LB Keith Newman to a sprained knee and are expecting the return of DT Kevin Williams. Just as the Vikings prepare for the return of one defensive starter, another has been lost.

Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kevin Williams looked good in a workout Monday, according to coach Mike Tice, and he will be listed as probable for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh.

owever, the Vikings expect to be without strong-side linebacker Keith Newman for two weeks after he sprained the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Sunday's 27-13 victory over the St. Louis Rams .

Tice said that Napoleon Harris , who lost the starting job to Newman after four games, and Raonall Smith will compete for the starting job in practice this week. Smith took over Sunday after Newman was injured in the first half.

Newman's loss is important because in addition to bringing energy to the field, he also made many of the calls in the Vikings' nickel package.

"It was noticeable on the tape when he left the game that we had some trouble getting lined up, very noticeable," Tice said. "They came out in some unbalanced line and quite frankly gave us a little bit of a problem. ... So we need to hone that up, tighten that up. We definitely missed the communication and the awareness of Keith Newman out there on that football field. We did settle down, but initially it caused us some problems."

TC

[Durango53]

In his first three seasons as coach, the Vikings compiled a 6-8 record in December, including three victories in 2002 when the team had fallen from playoff contention. So far, the Vikings are 2-0 this December -- and not by accident, Mike Tice said. "This is my favorite team," Tice said. "For the first time since I've been a head coach, I'm going into December with a pretty mature bunch of guys. ... I finally have some mature adults that understand what it's going to take to accomplish our goals."

[>TC<]

# Receiver Koren Robinson on how many NFL receivers are more explosive than he is: "I don't know. I don't really talk like that. I'm OK, I'm nice. I feel like I've got a lot of ability. I feel like I can compete with the best of them. Let's put it like that."

# Rookie running back Ciatrick Fason has made an impression on coach Mike Tice. Tice said Monday he is "enamored" by the 6-foot, 207-pound Fason. "He's a big guy," Tice said. "He breaks a lot of tackles. He's got some good vision. I've heard people say he doesn't have good vision. I don't know what they're looking at. I think he's got great vision, and he has some wiggle to him for a big guy. He's got to learn to run behind his pads, as he matures and gets whacked a couple of times, but he has some quickness about him for a big guy. He does a great job on the (scout) team. He makes them work."

TC

[Durango53]

We are starting to talk about a trip to MN in two years. I have friends up there and some very close friends in AK that are from some where around the Twin Cities and I would like to plan a trip up there for a week with them up there also. Get a Twins game in Mid week and a Vikings game in on a Sunday!!!!!

;)

[LesPaul]

I will be there to!!!! Les was at that game also and I think he will make it...


Ya we were surrounded by Broncos fans but there was about 12 Viking fans just below us. We didn't catch much crap but at the end when the Vikings won it with the FG as time ran out the Vikings fans below us got silly stringed, spit on, and beer thrown on them. Prolly didn't help much that the guy in the middle of the group stood up and told everyone around us to "Look at the scoreboard" throughout the game. The guy that sat next to me admitted he cheers for both teams but being he was in Denver he was wearing the Broncos colors. I did hear quite a few complaints about how disgrading it was for the "season ticket owners to be selling out their team" :D

[>TC<]

NT Pat Williams sprained his right knee in the fourth quarter Sunday but said Monday that he's fine.

LB Heath Farwell (right knee) is expected back Sunday after missing a game. Farwell plays on all the Vikings' special teams.

# The Vikings might have been ahead by 14 points in the fourth quarter, but safety Darren Sharper wasn't pleased to see fans head for the Metrodome exits early. "I would like to see them stay for the whole game," he said. "Where I come from - everybody knows where I come from (Green Bay) - the fans don't leave. No matter if you're blowing a team out by three touchdowns or you're losing by three touchdowns, the fans don't leave. I know we have traffic problems here, so it might be a little bit of difference, they want to beat the traffic. But I would like to see them stay for the whole game."


TC

[Durango53]

I stay for the last second. But then again it is because I dont get to go to those games hardly at all. So I want to take it all in. But traffic is a *****.......

[>TC<]

That would be a fun trip. Twins tickets in September are easy to get, the Vikings you'll have to work a bit harder for. Get a hotel by Mall of America - take the light rail down to the Dome, drops you at the door.


TC

[Durango53]

Tice said the players' hard work and willingness to accept coaching and criticism have played a big part in the turnaround. He also credited owner Zygi Wilf and the team's front office for their support of his decisions to play players based strictly on performance.

"At this juncture right now, it's not about making a trade look good," Tice said. "It's not about making a draft pick look good. Right now, we need guys on the field that are going to make plays for us. Being able to make those decisions without being second-guessed in the building has helped me a lot.... I don't have guys upstairs second-guessing me, and that makes it so easy for me to do my job."

Asked if that wasn't the case earlier this season, Tice said: "I won't say I have always felt that way. I feel that way now, though."

He also threw one more accolade at Wilf, the team's first-year owner.

"I think it all starts with Zygi's positiveness and his approach to the team," Tice said. "Which is, whatever it takes to win games, we can have. Period. End of story. That makes a difference."

[Durango53]

Tice said running back Michael Bennett played hard and ran well against the Rams and that the quad muscle contusion that limited Mewelde Moore to punt-return duty "should hopefully be better this week."

"At the same time, I'm enamored by No. 35 (rookie Ciatrick Fason) and want to take a look at him," Tice said. "So we'll be going down the stretch here with three good backs."

Fason has carried just 24 times for 63 yards this season, but he has scored three touchdowns. Tice likes the fourth-round draft pick's combination of size (6 feet, 207 pounds) and shiftiness.

"We haven't had a lot of big backs through here since Leroy Hoard :thumbsup: (from 1996-99)," Tice said. "(Fason is) a big guy. He breaks a lot of tackles... and he has some wiggle to him as a big guy."

As for Moore, Tice said, "Mewelde's going to get plenty of chances."

I think he saw that Fason will be a HUGE factor in a game coming up.

[>TC<]

Looking to return

Alvin Keels, the agent for receiver Koren Robinson, said Wednesday that he would like to have a new contract completed with the Vikings before free agency begins March 3. Keels does not expect to begin negotiations until after the season.

"Koren is happy and wants to come back," he said. "It will be on me and the organization for that to happen. We'll work together to make something happen. I don't see any turbulence."

Robinson, who signed a one-year contract in September, has nine receptions in the past three games and leads the NFC in kickoff returns with a 26.6 average.


TC

[>TC<]

Injury update

Rookie Chris Kluwe (knee) punted again Wednesday and, barring a setback, will be healthy enough to punt against the Steelers on Sunday, Vikings athletic trainer Chuck Barta said. Veteran punter Darren Bennett remains on the roster and could punt if Kluwe, who is listed as questionable, struggles in practice today or Friday.

In other injury news:

• Linebacker Keith Newman, who suffered a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in last week's victory over the Rams, did not practice and is listed as out for the Steelers game. Players typically miss two to four weeks because of that injury, Barta said. "It's the first major injury I've really had in the NFL," Newman said. "First time I will miss time at any point in my career due to injury. I guess that's a disappointment, but the team is doing well and we have some guys in the linebacker room that I think are more than capable of stepping in and filling in and getting the job done with [Raonall Smith] and Napoleon Harris." Smith likely will get the start Sunday.

• Running back Mewelde Moore (quad), defensive tackle Kevin Williams (knee), cornerback Fred Smoot (shoulder) and linebacker Heath Farwell (knee) are listed as probable. Williams, who missed the past two weeks, was moving around well in practice.


TC

[>TC<]

* With the new TV contract in place starting next year, the salary cap could jump as high as $92-95 million and, with getting money like the Randy Moss pro-rated signing bonus off the books, the Vikings should be about $20 million under the cap again this year.


TC

[Durango53]

Looking to return

Alvin Keels, the agent for receiver Koren Robinson, said Wednesday that he would like to have a new contract completed with the Vikings before free agency begins March 3. Keels does not expect to begin negotiations until after the season.

"Koren is happy and wants to come back," he said. "It will be on me and the organization for that to happen. We'll work together to make something happen. I don't see any turbulence."

Robinson, who signed a one-year contract in September, has nine receptions in the past three games and leads the NFC in kickoff returns with a 26.6 average.


TC


I think Wilf will get the people to step up on this one. I think the fans would not like the move if Koren leaves.

[>TC<]

* The NFL has approved moving the regular season finale of the Packers-Seahawks from 3 p.m. local time to noon. Many believe that is a precursor to shifting the Bears-Vikings game from noon to 3 p.m. so it can be seen by a national audience.


TC

[Durango53]

And with that extra money I think the Vikings could go after a big name FA running back. There will be a few out there and who knows maybe Shawn Alxanader. I think they will be drafting some O-Linemen in the first round being that they will be getting a late round pick or maybe even a QB.

[Durango53]

* The NFL has approved moving the regular season finale of the Packers-Seahawks from 3 p.m. local time to noon. Many believe that is a precursor to shifting the Bears-Vikings game from noon to 3 p.m. so it can be seen by a national audience.


TC
It better be!!!!!!!!!!! I will be without my direct TV that day so it better be on where I am!!!!

But the record will be on to make sure I do see it.

[Durango53]

After their review of the Vikings boat cruise scandal, the FBI has decided not to pursue an investigation or file federal charges, according to FBI Special Agent in Charge, Michael Tabman. "There is nothing more that we can uncover and there is apparently no violation of federal law that would warrant FBI investigation," Tabman said. Agents were trying to determine if anyone violated federal law by flying in strippers from other states.

[Durango53]

Don't be surprised if the Oakland Raiders at season's end dump former Vikings receiver Randy Moss because of his injuries and lack of production.

:eek: :eek: :eek:

I dont see this happening....

[>TC<]

Four Vikings players will be charged with three misdemeaners each as a result of the boat cruise investigation.

The official press conference is at 1:30 CST.

I hear the names are: Daunte Culpepper, Fred Smoot, Moe Williams, and Bryant McKinnie



TC

[>TC<]

Culpepper, Bryant McKinnie, Fred Smoot and Moe Williams were charged with indecent conduct, disorderly conduct and lewd or lascivious conduct, according to court papers.

If convicted, each player faces a maximum of 90 days in jail on each count.

The court papers released Thursday said Smoot and defensive end Lance Johnstone arranged the charter.


Vikings coach Mike Tice was careful with his reaction.

"According to NFL rules and union contracts, there is a large difference between allegations and charges and convictions," Tice said just before his routine news conference. "So until at any point there is a conviction of some type, if there is, I have no action to take and nothing to say."

After that, Tice threatened to stop talking to reporters if anyone asked more questions about the allegations.


TC

[Durango53]

Not as bad as it looked like it could be or what some wanted it to be.

End of his time for the Vikings I feel for Moe though. Culpepper might get traded I feel if an offer comes in for him that blows away the team. Smoot and McKinnie might be intresting to see what happens to them.

But not as bad as I thought was going to happen and shouldnt effect to much on the team this week. McKinnie being the only guy out of the four that is a starter right now.

[LesPaul]

Ya it will be interesting to see what happens with Smoot. I checked to see what he signed for and it was a six year contract...

Interesting in light of the boat incident and the fact that Smoot has been injured a lot this year perhaps causing him to play under expectations.

[LesPaul]

Here is the link to the FoxSports story that covers in enough detail of what the four did to be convicted; I figured it might be distasteful to post here on the G rated Addicts site :D

What Did They Do? (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5170762)

After reading it and realizing McKinnie was the only one still in the lineup without injury problems it might go to say that there are actual health benefits to eating what most Chinese restaurants call "chicken".

[Durango53]

Smoot played last week Ryan and should this week but in the nickle package. Williams is just playing way to good and the coachs said he is the man.

[>TC<]

The Vikings don't plan to suspend any of the four Vikings players charged in October's boat scandal...at least not now.

Two of the four players charged -- Daunte Culpepper and Moe Williams -- are already on injured reserve. Two others -- Bryant McKinnie and Fred Smoot -- won't face immediate disciplinary action. But all four could be subject to some form of team punishment.

Owner Zygi Wilf promised that, once the process is completed, he will examine the facts of the case -- which is still ongoing -- and make a decision, which could include suspending the offending players or as far as potentially releasing them.

The first court appearance for the four players is scheduled for Jan. 5.


TC

[>TC<]

In the wake of a national report that the Indianapolis Colts piped in artificial crowd noise when they played Pittsburgh at the RCA Dome on Nov. 28, the NFL sent a memo to all 32 teams this week warning against resorting to such tactics in order distract opponents.

The league did not investigate that specific incident, but it might not be a coincidence the memo went out the same week the Steelers are playing in the Metrodome. Pittsburgh, which lost to the Colts in that Monday night game, is 4-7 in domes since Bill Cowher took over in 1992. That includes three consecutive losses. The Steelers' last victory inside occurred in 1996, when they beat Atlanta 20-17.

Despite its timing, Steve LaCroix, Vikings vice president of sales and marketing, said he did not think the memo was in reference to any specific incident.

LaCroix also said that while the Steelers will have to deal with a noisy building Sunday, it won't be because of any fake crowd noise. "We do not and have never piped in crowd noise, and we don't plan to do so," he said. "Our fans are certainly loud enough, and there's no need for artificial crowd noise."

Teams were threatened with fines or loss of draft picks as penalties for using fake crowd noise.


TC

[>TC<]

• Tice has been impressed by what he has seen from defensive tackle Kevin Williams, who is expected to return Sunday after missing the past two games because of a sprained right knee. "Kevin is doing great," Tice said. "I thought he took too many plays in practice [Wednesday]. The first play he was in there he got a sack. ... His weight is as a good as it has been since the season ended last [year]. His spirits are good."

• Linebacker and special teams contributor Heath Farwell suffered a setback when he experienced swelling in his sprained right knee. Farwell, who missed Sunday's game, was held out of practice Thursday and downgraded to questionable on the injury report.


TC

[Durango53]

I was impressed with the Vikings defense and stopping the run getting pressure on Ben the first part of the game.....

But the offense couldnt move the ball at all. And they couldnt get there poop together and not have some penalties that was just dumb is what killed this team. Lack of running and not letting the defense rest this might have been a diffenet game.

But though to get though those penalties........

And I have to thank James....... ;)

[Durango53]

Sen. Richard Cohen, DFL-St. Paul, chairman of the Minnesota Senate Finance Committee, has been a Vikings season-ticket holder for more than 25 years. He will be at the Vikings-Steelers game today at the Metrodome. But he wants action off the field. "I will not hear any stadium bill involving the Vikings until appropriate disciplinary action has been taken against the four players publicly identified with the Lake Minnetonka boat incident," Cohen said.

[Durango53]

Injured Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper reportedly raised the possibility of playing elsewhere in 2006 during an off-camera interview Sunday morning with ESPN. "I want to play where I'm wanted," Culpepper told reporter Andrea Kremer, who relayed the statement during ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown." Owner Zygi Wilf said as recently as Tuesday that Culpepper will be on the Vikings' 2006 roster, even if his surgically repaired right knee is not fully healed in time for training camp. Two days later, Culpepper was charged with three misdemeanors in connection with an alleged Oct. 6 sex party aboard two boats on Lake Minnetonka. Culpepper, who has refused to speak with the Star Tribune, reiterated his innocence Sunday to ESPN and said that he was charged even though only one employee of Al & Alma's Supper Club identified him. Team officials are not happy that Culpepper plans to fight the charges in open court, but there are no indications the situation would change Wilf's mind. Nevertheless, Kremer reported that Culpepper said: "Whatever team gets me next year, the team where I'm wanted, they'll get a bigger, better, faster Daunte Culpepper."

Wow talk about trying to make news out of nothing.....

Dont you always want to be wanted no matter where you play????

[>TC<]

Daunte is pouting. He is upset that he is getting heat for both the bad season and the boat scandal. Tice tried to downplay it at his press conference today. I heard there were some statements such as, how would you feel if people were dogging you and questioning your values, etc.

He'll get over it as soon as Zygi comes up with that $6 million roster bonus in March


TC

[>TC<]

Now the Vikings need to be scoreboard watchers and big fans of teams like the Packers and Panthers, because they're going to need help to make the playoffs ... a lot of help.

The least complicated way to make the playoffs would be to win the NFC North, which is still possible -- but not probable. It would require a Christmas present from the two games next Sunday -- the Vikings beating the Ravens and the Bears losing to the Packers. In that scenario, the game with the Bears in Week 17 would be one game for all the NFC North marbles. If the Vikings could win that game, both they and Chicago would finish 10-6, but the Vikings would win on a divisional tie-breaker.

The wild card is a much more complicated situation. The only team the Vikings had a clear advantage over was the Giants, but with the Cowboys loss Sunday, New York now has a two-game lead in the NFC East and needs just one win or a Cowboys/Redskins loss to clinch the division -- negating any tie-breaker edge that the Vikings had.

So that leaves five teams fighting for two playoff spots. At 9-5, the Bucs have the inside track, but four other teams -- the Vikings, Cowboys, Redskins and Falcons -- are all at 8-6 fighting for what looks to just be one playoff spot.

Because the Vikings have bad tie-breakers with the entire NFC South contingent fighting for the playoffs, the question gets a little dicier. The Redskins have come out of nowhere to pretty much control their own destiny. If Washington wins out, they will finish 10-6, but 10-2 vs. the NFC (they lost all four of their games vs. the AFC West).

But all hope isn't lost. With the Panthers still hoping for a Bears stumble so they can get a first-round bye, Carolina has a chance to take care of half the wild card field on behalf of the Vikings. Effectively, the Vikings need to win their final two games and for the Cowboys, Redskins and Falcons to all lose once. Carolina can do much of the dirty work for them -- they host Dallas this week and play at Atlanta in Week 17. That leaves the Redskins, who host the Giants this weekend and go into Philadelphia in Week 17. Neither of those will be easy games, but the Vikings desperately need the Redskins to lose at least one of them.

The different scenarios will become much clearer after this weekend, but, the one clear point is that the Vikings no longer control their own destiny and not only need some help, but will need a lot of help to make it past Jan. 1 for the 2005 season.

TC

[>TC<]

The NFL has announced that the Vikings-Bears game scheduled for noon Jan. 1 has been moved back to 3:15 p.m. The decision was based on the game that could garner the most national attention.

Last week, FOX announced its plan to make the move -- suggesting that the Seattle-Green Bay game, which when the schedule was made looked like a potential pre-playoff tune-up, from the 3:15 slot to the noon slot.

The move was made primarily due to the growing national interest in the Bears -- who have emerged from the cellar of the NFC North to be the most dominant defense in recent years. The other potential candidate for being switch to a late game was the Panthers-Falcons game, but due to its market size and the growing wonderment of the average football fan to see for themselves if the Bears are a Super Bowl contender or a smoke and mirrors team like the one that went 13-3 in 2001 and was summarily greased at home in their first playoff game.

TC

[Timberwolf]

Daunte is pouting. He is upset that he is getting heat for both the bad season and the boat scandal. Tice tried to downplay it at his press conference today. I heard there were some statements such as, how would you feel if people were dogging you and questioning your values, etc.

He'll get over it as soon as Zygi comes up with that $6 million roster bonus in March


TC

Can you blame him? There are many irrational Vikings fans who have been bashing him since he became the QB. Reusse wrote a piece on that today in the Strib about how hypocritical Vikings fans are about not booing Brad Johnson for not making mistakes yet ripping Daunte for every INT and fumble. I would feel the same way a little bit considering that Daunte has been very productive in his time here.

I think this is just him being frustrated and nothing much. I hope things work out and I think it will. Vikings need Daunte IMO. I think their best shot of winning it all one of these days is with him with the Vikings. QBs are so hard to find so dumping Daunte would be an irrational move considering he has proven that he can win games. I just think he was not healthy all season.

[>TC<]

If Daunte, and any of the other players involved, had just come forward and said, "Hey, we screwed up and used poor judgement", this wouldn't have taken on a life of it's own.

As far as Daunte's play, he was terrible this year, and it was more than just being injured. He didn't follow game plans, he wanted to "be the show" and it failed. Word out of the Vikings HQ is that Daunte was audibling out of up to 75% of the plays that were sent in, that can't happen, especially when you're not making good calls.

He's pretty much getting what he deserves. Hopefully, he's been watching Brad and learning how to minimize turnovers , so he can come back and be successfull.

TC

[>TC<]

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Tice says his team needs more help from Metrodome replay officials and the fans on game day.

Tice spoke at length Monday about his frustration with the replays on the big screen during the game and the large contingent of Pittsburgh Steelers fans in the stands during the Vikings' 18-3 loss Sunday.

Tice said he has tried for years to get the official who runs the replay monitor to show more plays with questionable calls to help him decide whether to challenge them.

"We don't get help at home on the video board at all," Tice said. "It's been something that I've been complaining about since I've been the head coach.

"There are some stadiums in the league that are absolutely wonderful. One, if there is something that the visitors need to look at, it never comes up. Two, if it's something they need to look at, they put it on the Jumbotron. My grandma could see it."

Tice wants the Metrodome to adopt a similar approach, showing plays the Vikings might consider challenging and not showing replays that might prompt the opponent to challenge.

"We've tried to make it so simple to give them instruction: 'Look, if you think it's going to help us, show it. If you think it's going to hurt us, don't show it,'" Tice said. "That's kind of how we've simplified it to. Maybe you need a football guy running the replay thing. Seriously, I don't know. We've got to look at all of that."


TC

[rockin500]

The NFL has announced that the Vikings-Bears game scheduled for noon Jan. 1 has been moved back to 3:15 p.m. The decision was based on the game that could garner the most national attention.

Last week, FOX announced its plan to make the move -- suggesting that the Seattle-Green Bay game, which when the schedule was made looked like a potential pre-playoff tune-up, from the 3:15 slot to the noon slot.

The move was made primarily due to the growing national interest in the Bears -- who have emerged from the cellar of the NFC North to be the most dominant defense in recent years. The other potential candidate for being switch to a late game was the Panthers-Falcons game, but due to its market size and the growing wonderment of the average football fan to see for themselves if the Bears are a Super Bowl contender or a smoke and mirrors team like the one that went 13-3 in 2001 and was summarily greased at home in their first playoff game.

TC
the game may itself mean nothing for the bears if they win next week versus the packers (where they seem to have more luck on the road against them than at home).

i hope it means nothing at any rate. :D

[Timberwolf]

Mark: I gotta say I was suprised to see Daunte been involved. It's not like him. He thinks he is innocent though. I like to see what he has to say in court. I definitely want to hear his side of the story. He should do that, but obviously his lawyer has advised him to say nothing till he goes to court. I wasn't crazy about anyone going to the boat in the first place.

As for his on-field performance, I agree that it wasn't good, but that OL has been bad all year as you saw yesterday, they got manhandled by the Steelers hence why Brad was ineffective. I do think Daunte tries way too hard to make big plays which is his worst own enemy. He is also going to learn how to lead because it's clear that players seem to respect Brad a lot more.

I still think Daunte can play and I hope he learns from Brad's success.

[>TC<]

I think Daunte's image is a lot different than fact. Everyone seemed surprised to hear he was involved because he is carefull with his persona. During this investigation, some of the girls who flew in from Atlanta were interviewed and said they had been up here before for parties, flown in by players - guess what, several of the parties were at Daunte's house. Funny that none of these guys were smart enough to figure out that as long as they kept this kind of thing in a private setting, no one was going to bother them or bust them - no they had to go on a public launch with outsiders around. Stupid.

TC

[Durango53]

It wouldn't be surprising if the Vikings and Dolphins after the season talk about a trade of quarterback Daunte Culpepper to Miami, where the Florida native would be reunited with offensive coordinator Scott Lenihan. A deal could depend on how Culpepper's knee heals.

You dont like trading a QB like Culpepper in the first place. Not good for your team. :nono1:

And do the Vikings get one of the Running backs? Who takes over for the QB in the future? Let Brad take the helm for next year and try to sign one or trade for one?

I think the Vikings go after O-line in the draft. This could be there RB that they get with a trade and go after Rivers with a draft pick they get from the Fins?

[Durango53]

The $34 million, six-year deal Fred Smoot signed with the Vikings last March might have made him a rich man but it certainly doesn't seem to have made him a happy one. "Never in my life, ever," said Smoot when asked if he had ever been through a season like this one. "It just didn't go like I expected."

[Durango53]

Vikings punter Darren Bennett was released Monday and is expected to retire. One possibility for filling his roster spot is promoting receiver Chris Jones from the practice squad.

[Durango53]

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf has agreed to extend his stadium deal with Anoka County through at least next summer, a team official said Tuesday, and the parties largely will keep intact a proposal that calls for a $675 million retractable-roof stadium. The original agreement was set to expire Dec. 31, and the Vikings had been discussing an extension that would have eliminated the roof to feature a $560 million open-air stadium in Blaine. But Anoka County officials prefer a roof in order to create a year-round venue, and Wilf agreed to continue along that path.

[>TC<]

The Vikings' landlord has offered to help rectify the team's complaints about the timing of replays on the Metrodome's video boards.

The Vikings control the event," Lester said. "So, if something has to be changed about what's shown or not shown, our people would welcome the direction."

A crew of 13 employees works in a cramped room on gamedays, operating advertisements, video boards and sound levels. There isn't room for a Vikings employee to sit in the room, but Lester suggested wiring a headset that would enable someone from the team to speak directly with the video board operator.

"We're always willing to work with the team," Lester said.


TC

[>TC<]

WEDNESDAY NOTES
* The Vikings held their second annual holiday party for needy families and entertainment was provided by some Vikings players, including Koren Robinson on lead vocals, Melvin Fowler on drums and safeties Corey Chavous and Darren Sharper on cowbell. One Viking, who requested anonymity, was heard to say, "I have a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell."
* Fowler's competent drum work aside, the center showed some solid improvement in his sprained ankle and is now being listed as about 50-50 to start Sunday. If he can't Cory Withrow will start.
* Jermaine Wiggins remained in an immobilizing boot, but is expected to play Sunday.
* The news isn't as good for rookie tackle Marcus Johnson , who is expected to miss Sunday's game. If he doesn't show marked improvement, his spot in the starting lineup will be taken by Mike Rosenthal .
* Koren Robinson currently leads the NFC with a 26.6 yard kickoff return average.
* The Vikings-Steelers game last Sunday drew a 75 share -- meaning that three of every four TVs that were in use early Sunday afternoon were tuned into the game.


TC

[Durango53]

Fowler needs to start. I think this team has shown how important the center is to run this team and call out the blocking and to block.

I think Johnson should be the starter. I know how are you going to shot yourself in the foot. Johnson or Rosenthal. Johnson has been far better blocking that Rosenthal has been but Johnson has really hurt this team a TON with his penelties.

Wiggy I hope comes back and the Vikings can use him. I dont think he is being used enough but I also see that he is being covered and they are going to Jimmy more and that is just hitting the open man.

[Durango53]

Also more on the Johnson that I should have added. More time should get him over the penelties but the one fault I have with Tice is that this team has always had a lot of penelties with him as a head coach.

[>TC<]

I will be curious to see if the line comes together with Matt Birk back at C next year. Withrow has proven that he is no more than an average backup, not a starter.


TC

[Durango53]

I would think it would gel better with Birk on there. Not only is he the leader by action on that line he is one of the big team leaders.

As you and I talked about also Birk is one of the best pulling centers in the league and a man that size and his moves is what makes him the best along with this brain for the game.

[>TC<]

The Vikings placed Darren Sharper and Koren Robinson (KR) on the All-Pro team. I ahve to admit that I feel Pat Williams got a raw deal.


TC

[Durango53]

NO KIDDING!!!!!!!!

Pat is the main reason Sharper got all those INT's. Although INT's is the sexy stat Pat has been the best player on the Vikings team all year long. When you see him running down players that are 150 LB's less than him and taking a D-line and defense on his shoulders he is the MVP of the Vikings and one of the best.

[Durango53]

The attorney for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper said Thursday that a crew member on a players' boat cruise admitted he had engaged in sexual activity with a woman, and the attorney questioned why that boat company employee wasn't charged while four Vikings on the cruise were. Attorney Earl Gray said he learned about the employee's activities on the Lake Minnetonka boat when he read the case documents from Hennepin County Sheriff's Office investigators. "Mr. Culpepper is charged with an offense that can't be proved and he will be found not guilty," Gray said. "The only reason he was charged is because of his name."

[>TC<]

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

There was definitely a little bit of irony in hearing Mike Tice criticize Minnesota Vikings fans who he believed may have scalped their tickets to last week's loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tice's nose was out of joint over what he estimated were 15,000 to 20,000 Steelers fans who showed up in the Metrodome.

"It confuses me, I guess," said Tice referring to Vikings fans. "Maybe they're not really diehard season-ticket holders or maybe they needed the money for Christmas presents. I don't know. One of the two."

Can you say hypocrite? Someone who gets busted making extra cash by rounding up and selling Super Bowl tickets to a broker should just steer clear of the word "scalping" for the remainder of his career.

Charles Robinson is the national NFL writer for Yahoo! Sports.

Gotta admit this is true


TC

[LesPaul]

With the Redskins and Bucs winning today the Vikings will be eliminated from the playoffs if they lose Sunday.

The Vikings currently sit at the number 7 spot with the only tiebreaker advantage being that over the Cowboys, who sit at number 8, who also won today.

[LesPaul]

The Vikings head to Baltimore to face a tough defense and an offense that looked stellar against GB last week. Baltimore QB Kyle Boller is in the 2nd of 3 games in which he was told by head coach Brian Billick would be his audition for next year.

MINNESOTA TEAM REPORT

The Vikings will visit Baltimore on Christmas Night, playing in front of a hostile crowd in cold weather. The Ravens, coming off the high of a 48-3 victory over Green Bay on Monday night, will get another chance to prove to a national television audience that they are better than their 5-9 record.

Throw in the fact that embattled coach Brian Billick is the Vikings' former offensive coordinator and there appears to be plenty of incentive for Baltimore not to have a letdown.

Baltimore's defense is ranked sixth in the NFL, placing it only one spot behind Pittsburgh, and putting it in a favorable position against the Vikings' 26th-ranked offense.

Minnesota will have to find a way to create points or its Jan. 1 regular-season finale against Chicago at the Metrodome - a game moved to 3:15 p.m. to accommodate a bigger audience for Fox - could mean nothing.

Among the areas the Vikings will focus on in practice this week is the red-zone offense and third-down conversions.



BALTIMORE TEAM REPORT

When the Minnesota Vikings play the Ravens, there are differing motivations for both teams.

The Vikings are fighting for their playoff lives. Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller is fighting for his job.
After Boller produced the most efficient quarterback performance in Ravens history, coach Brian Billick offered his third-year starter a little praise and another big challenge.

"Kyle stepped up, it was his time to do it," Billick said. "Now the challenge is to follow up."

The final two games will likely determine whether Boller returns next season as the undisputed starter. Billick said last week that Boller's poor performance wouldn't weigh any more than previous games in the evaluation, and he reiterated that point after Boller's stronger effort.

"It's another game, another set of data to draw from," Billick said. "This one obviously very positive; that's why it's important he follows it up with another one."

Yet history shows that for every step forward Boller has taken in the past, he usually takes one backward.

The past two times he surpassed a passer rating of 100, he has failed to complete half of his throws in the next game, turning the ball over twice on each occasion.

The Vikings have the 22nd-ranked pass defense in the NFL, but have made 23interceptions, the second most in the league.

[Durango53]

It is a must win for the rest of the season and some prayer

[LesPaul]

I forgot about how the boat ride would effect Culpepper's endorsements...


Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS - FedEx Corp. was pulling a television ad with Daunte Culpepper because the Minnesota Vikings quarterback was charged in the team's boat party scandal, according to published reports.

"Upon learning of the criminal charges, we pulled (the ad) immediately," FedEx spokesman Ryan Furby told the Star Tribune for a story on Friday. "That was the only deal we had with him. There is no ongoing relationship."
On Friday, a message left with Furby was not returned and FedEx referred questions about the matter to spokeswoman Carla Boyd, who refused to discuss Furby's comment or confirm that the ad was pulled.

[KingDave]

in the detroit news today they had a gift list for the sports world. for daunte culpepper's present they had: The complete, unabridged DVD of the "Love Boat" television series.

[LesPaul]

A couple of dropped passes, a bending defensive scheme, and an opponent out to destroy playoff hope.

Sad to know that the fear has finally come true: a season with so much potential gone again.

All that remains now is all of the unanswered questions that must be answered in the off season and thoughts of what could have been.
:notme:

[Durango53]

You are right Les.

Time to start looking forward to the off season and seeing what happens now that Zigy is in control.

I think Tice has earned a contract. I would like to see some other coachs cleaned out and new ones brought in. But I think this should be an exciting off season for the Vikings.

[Durango53]

Even the certainty of the Viking season's fate apparently will not trigger an immediate decision on the future of coach Mike Tice. Terming his staff "lame-duck" as it prepares for a meaningless season finale against Chicago, Tice expressed hope Monday that owner Zygi Wilf will announce Tice's fate "sooner rather than later." But Tice, whose contract expires Jan. 31 along with those of his assistants, said he doesn't expect to hear from Wilf until next week at the earliest. Wilf and Jimmy Sexton, Tice's agent, had a brief conversation about two weeks ago. Wilf told Sexton they would discuss the issue after the season, and there were no indications Monday that Wilf -- who was unavailable for comment -- has altered that plan following his team's elimination from playoff contention.

[Durango53]

"I think my true love is coaching the offensive line," Loney said. "We'll have to see where things fall after this next week to know exactly where things lie."

If he is re-signed to the Vikings' staff — contracts for all the coaches expire next month — Loney is almost certain not to be given both jobs again. Asked which he preferred, Loney said, "I don't know. But the offensive line is where my greatest passion is."

Looks like Loney is setting it up for a return (If Tice comes back) to go back to the O-line and let someone else take the Offensive coordinator job. Loney is a good line coach I feel but was just way to thin and it showed with both the line and whole offense.

[Durango53]

The Vikings' defense, which entered Sunday's game ranked No. 1 in the league in fewest passes of 16 yards or more allowed, gave up TD passes of 47 and 39 to the Ravens, both on blitzes. "Third down was our downfall," Tice said. "I think it's as simple as that."

[Durango53]

"There are some young guys on our team that have played some roles that will probably play more significant roles," Tice said Monday. "There are some guys we want to see against very good competition — or at least I do."

As examples, Tice mentioned tight end Richard Angulo, running back Ciatrick Fason, linebacker Rod Davis and cornerback Dovonte Edwards.

Tice said No. 1 draft choice Troy Williamson also will have an increased role and that the coaches will try to settle on three wide receivers this week instead of attempting to work five into the game.

One bad thing about this team all year was the who was the starting RB and who was going to get the ball, who was going to cry about it and so on and so on.

Pick one guy to run the ball and let him carry the load or let the running backs know when they are to come in and what roles they are to play.

One role I didnt like was Fason's role. I can see this guy being a darn good RB but he isnt a Moe Williams to come in and pound out a few yards. I hope he is the starting RB this weekend and we get to see him get some carries and see what he can look like at the start, middle and end of a game. But we also cant forget that this would only be his first full game IF he gets that chance.

Also on Williamson. Did you guys catch that catch he pulled in going though the middle of the field. The ball was behind him and he was running what looked to me full speed and just reached behind him one handed and yanked that sucker right in and keep on running in stride?
For what little the ball has been throwin to him he has impressed me. He will be a game breaker. This team has a very solid group of WR's to where it is hard to get the ball to them all though.

[Durango53]

Agent Angelo Wright said other players conspired against Pat Williams.

"I know for a fact that the Bears were upset about Pat's comments about (center) Olin Kreutz," Wright said. "So Kreutz and the players called around and were in cahoots to make sure Pat didn't get votes."

The agent was referring to a comment Williams made in October that he had proved Kreutz was "nothing" and that he didn't respect him or any other center.

Wright pointed out that Williams was third in fan votes and said coaches would have given him the benefit of the doubt.

"There's a code," Wright said. "There's certain things you don't say about someone else."

Williams certainly had an argument. Rod Coleman's numbers are hard to ignore (34 tackles, 9.5 sacks and four forced fumbles). But Williams led defensive tackles with 58 tackles, and he has played at a consistently high level all season. Detroit's Shaun Rogers, meanwhile, missed two games, and he had 30 tackles and 5.5 sacks, while Chicago's Tommie Harris had only 28 tackles and three sacks.

"I'm not going to say they're not deserving," Wright said. "But none of them has played at Pat's consistent level all season.

"He was third in fan voting. You can't tell me the coaches didn't have him top three, so it had to be the players."

Fans know this one. Also to ask any Viking fan or anyone who watched Vikings games who was the MVP of the team and they will all say Pat Williams.

[Durango53]

While the questions about Mike Tice's future as the Vikings coach abound this week, the franchise also must address issues with other key staff members as the season comes to a close with Sunday's game against Chicago. Included in this group is Rob Brzezinski, vice president of football operations, whose contract expires Feb. 28. The Vikings don't want Brzezinski to hit the open market -- his management of the salary cap and negotiating abilities have earned him respect around the NFL -- and could reward him with a new contract in the next few weeks.

[Durango53]

WR Koren Robinson expects his agent, Alvin Keels, will soon open contract talks with the Vikings. "I know a couple phone calls have been made, and I think it's supposed to be happening now or real soon," Robinson said.

[Durango53]

The chatter is only increasing that Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper will be looking for a new home next season, one far away from Minnesota. One team official recently said that Mike Tice had a better chance of returning to Minnesota than Culpepper, and the quarterback himself has said it might be better for him to go someplace else. Just as Culpepper could be looking for an out, the Vikings might be happy to give it to him. After last year's boat party, the team might be anxious for as much of a fresh start as possible. Should it make the decision to explore dealing Culpepper, the most logical landing spot could be Miami.

Why do I keep gettting this sinking feeling about this and the name Ricky Williams keeps pounding in my head. :(

[Durango53]

There is some question whether the Vikings, considering the emergence of Brian Williams, will retain controversial cornerback Fred Smoot. As far as Smoot is concerned, though, he will remain a Viking. "The Wilf family told me I'll be back," he said.

The Vikings should be enough under the cap that they can get Brian signed. But the question will be if Smoot or Williams will be happy being the nickle guy?

I dont think they would be. I think Brian leaves to make sure he is a starting CB.

[Durango53]

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf was asked if he would have fired Mike Tice had he won the NFC North. "It would be very difficult to do that," Wilf said. Wilf did have a conversation with former Giants coach Jim Fassel in Baltimore, leading to a lot of speculation that Fassel, now the Ravens offensive coordinator, might be a top candidate to succeed Tice.

:barf: :barf: :barf: :barf:

This is what I fear. No way do I feel you fire a up and coming coach to hire a retread.
:no: :no: :no:

[Durango53]

Packers general manager Ted Thompson appears focused on hiring an offensive coach from within the National Football League ranks to replace fired Mike Sherman. One of the first people Thompson reached out to Monday was Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress, a former University of Wisconsin assistant with ties to the West Coast offense. Childress was on his way to Minnesota for an interview with the Vikings and was expected to talk with Thompson in the near future. The Eagles gave permission to both the Vikings and Packers to interview Childress, who is still under contract. The list of available offensive assistant coaches includes Denver offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, San Diego offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, Baltimore offensive coordinator Jim Fassel, former St. Louis head coach Mike Martz, former Detroit coach Steve Mariucci and Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt.

Kubiak!!!!! It will take some money to get this guy but he would be worth it!!!!

[Durango53]

It wouldn't be surprising if Mike Tice ends up as an assistant to Bill Parcells with the Dallas Cowboys, Brian Billick with the Ravens, or as an assistant with the New York Jets or Detroit Lions. He probably will need to spend a couple of years as a top assistant before becoming a NFL head coach candidate again.

Mark might be able to clear up what I am going to say more. I still think Tice becomes a HC for a college team but with Green cleaning house in AZ could Tice rejoin Green?

[Durango53]

Following the firing of Mike Tice by Minnesota, speculation on a future coach for the Vikings featured Dolphins offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, who was the offensive coordinator with Minnesota the previous three years. Linehan is well-liked by Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper, a source close to Culpepper said Monday. Culpepper had great success playing for Linehan and was consulted by owner Zygi Wilf before Tice was fired.
Now lets get something straight.

Culpepper is sure to be traded as quoted above but Wilf consulted Culpepper about firing Tice and about Linehan? Give me a break newpaper reporters have as much clue as a turd.

[Durango53]

The question is where all these teams will find suitable candidates. Denver Coach Mike Shanahan said the Texans would interview his offensive coordinator, Gary Kubiak, later this week. Among the other assistants expected to be in demand are: Gregg Williams, Washington's assistant head coach for defense and the former head coach in Buffalo; Chicago's defensive coordinator, Ron Rivera (whom the Rams have asked permission to speak to); the Giants' defensive coordinator, Tim Lewis; and Philadelphia's offensive coordinator, Brad Childress. Among college coaches, Iowa's Kirk Ferentz, who is part of Bill Belichick's coaching tree, is considered a top candidate, as is Bob Stoops, Oklahoma's head coach.

Stoops....... Now there is an intresting name. IF he could get a top notch offense coach to be under him I feel only.

[Durango53]

So for the first time since Jim Finks ran the Vikings from 1964 to '73, the Vikings will have a football man completely in charge of personnel. The title won't be general manager, but Wilf said the person hired for that job will have the final say on personnel. One of the top candidates for that job would have been Tom Heckert, vice president of personnel for the Eagles. But Heckert was promoted Monday, so the Vikings will have to look elsewhere.

Huh sometimes the best guy is right under your nose.

[Durango53]

All the Vikings assistant coaches who are under contract until Jan 31 will continue to work and will be available to be interviewed for positions under the new coach. Defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell will be the head of this group, which will review film from the past season.

I also heard this morning after people was done laughing at the Vikings for firing Tice that Cottrell would be intreviewed for the Head Coach job.

Now give me a break. Why hire a coach that was throwin under the bus by his players. Now that is just asking for trouble.

[Durango53]

Vikings cornerback Fred Smoot thanked the fans on the Metrodome video screen for their support this season. Then Smoot, one of the players accused of arranging the infamous "Love Boat" cruise, was booed by the 64,023 fans in attendance.

huh you might want to look at the players who did the love boat thing Wilf to clean up the image of the team instead of the coach who has no control over what the team does on its off time.

[>TC<]

It's not going to be Cottrell. That is a courtesy interview, in my opinion.

Tice won't be out of work long. He is a very good offensive line coach, so he should be able to step into that position almost anywhere. An OC job might be a bit harder to come by but he is qualified. It won't be long before he is given a shot at head coach somewhere.

Linehan hasn't been mentioned once around here. He has no shot.

The Philly offensive coordinator, Brad Childress, Ron Rivera of Chicago, Greg Williams of Washington have been talked about a lot.

Haven't heard Kubiak mentioned at all.

Word is, Zygi will hire a GM first, so he can get his input.


TC

[>TC<]

Three players took down their nameplates when they left Winter Park yesterday. That's usually a sign that they feel their time with the team is done. The players were Michael Bennett, Corey Chavous, and Brian Williams.


TC

[Spitball67]

I'd like to ask the Vikings fans a question.

Do you feel the Vikings turnaround was due in spite of Tice or because of him?

I know he's had a rather tumultuous tenure there at Minnesota but the team seemed to be headed in the right direction and made a great comeback.

[Durango53]

From what Mark has said and such I feel that it was in part because of Tice it was turned around. He got more control over his team and the big reason is they got better coachs under Tice also.

They brought in those other two coachs in the by week and took some of the pressure of other coachs and that was also when they got better.

Players also said that they wanted Tice back the big named players so they was behind him.

[Durango53]

I think we all saw Bennett gone. I would love to see Williams back but as said I dont think any one of those three want to be the Nickle back and Smoot has a big contract so Brian is gone and that is to bad but wish him luck.

I think none of us are suprised to see Chavous gone also. They have two good looking young safties with Oxford and Fox. I think they will see how both of these guys look and Fox might become a CB also but I would like to see Fox as a starting SS.

[Durango53]

Here Spit I had to get the names of the guys I forgot at the second there.

When the Vikings hired Fazio and Rhome to come in and help that is when the defense got it together and the offense started to do somewhat better. It was the defense that got this team where it was this year. But bring this guys in helped spread out the coaching for the coordinators. Loney who was in his first year of offensive coordinator was splitting time between the line and whole offense. Not good for a first year guy. No QB coach and that was one reason I feel that Culpepper didnt do good. A good coach for Culpepper has showin in the past he will do great. Loney wasnt a QB coach and it showed.

That is a reason I like Tice as a coach and most players did also. They played hard for him but I feel Tice is only as good as his coordinators around him. This team just wasnt prepared as the other team because of lack of personel and that was thanks to Red.

And that is why I feel Tice needs to get a chance. He was still spread so very thin with Wilf coming in but when Wilf let other coachs come in and paid them they started to win.

[Spitball67]

thanks Duragno. From my outsider's view it is weird that they didn't fire him early on when things looked out of hand. Now I can't believe they did fire Tice after the season turned around pretty well for the Vikings.

[Durango53]

When things was out of hand it was the inmates running the place so to say. Red never really gave Tice full control of the team to lay down the law and such. Mark said at one point last year that when the Vikings hired Linehan Red did the interview and Culpepper and Moss had the say if he was good to go and Tice wasnt around. And then after all this Wilf gave control to Tice. (Mark knows a ton more than I so if I am wrong Mark please correct me)

I will see if I can dig up the thread where we talked about just this. It wasnt in the Viking thread (well the main part that is). This team was ran as cheap as it could be.

[>TC<]

It is true that Tice didn't have the control that most coaches have. It was so bad, that AFTER the boat incident, Tice commented that he had finally been given the authority to discipline players for violating team rules. Before that, he had to go to Red and Woods (Red's lapdog).

Someone - people here are wondering who - had Zygi's ear on this firing. Three weeks ago, Zygi was saying how he got along great with Mike and that he was doing a good job - now he's fired. A lot of people think it was Bagley, the attorney who is spearheading the stadium drive. Everything with him is the "Viking image" - if he said that Tice would hurt the prospects of getting a new stadium because of the scalping, and the behavior issues of this team, then Tice needed to go.

Look for the Vikings to bring in someone who is looked at as a disciplinarian, who will keep his players on a short rope.


TC

[Durango53]

Thanks Mark.

Funny how the whole thing has turned bad.

[Durango53]

The first two NFL mock drafts of the year — Scott Wright's Draft Countdown and Scouts, Inc. — project the Vikings to take Gophers running back Laurence Maroney with their 17th pick in April. Both services also project the Packers to choose outside linebacker A.J. Hawk of Ohio State with the No. 5 pick.

[Durango53]

Offensive line update: The Vikings' offensive line had its share of problems. But several players' futures became clearer Monday.

Although the Vikings hope Matt Birk can return to the lineup, they are interested in keeping Melvin Fowler, who started nine games this season. Fowler has other ideas.

Asked where he wants to play, Fowler said: "It doesn't matter where I go, as long as I have the opportunity to start. That's where I want to be."

Asked about being a backup to Birk, Fowler said starting is a "priority."

Mike Rosenthal, who was demoted as the right tackle, said he would be open to remaining with the Vikings, regardless of his role.

"Whatever role they want me to fill, I'll fill," said Rosenthal, under contract next season. "You never know what's going to happen. But I definitely want to come back here. This is a team on the rise."

Free-agent guard Toniu Fonoti said he was open to returning.

After being traded to the Vikings by the San Diego Chargers, Fonoti started and played in only one game before suffering a groin injury.

"It was frustrating. But things happen for a reason," he said.

[Durango53]

Tice, who gave a final news conference Tuesday at Winter Park in which he did not take questions, seemed relaxed as he discussed what the future might bring. Tuesday night, a Green Bay radio report said the Packers were interested in talking to him.

"My agent [Jimmy Sexton] has not made me aware of any contact with the Green Bay Packers," Tice said. "But I do know something is going on [with another team]."

[Durango53]

Mark any news about what is going to happen to Rob Brzezinski

[Timberwolf]

Shad: I could have swore Rod signed an extension Monday.

[Timberwolf]

It's not going to be Cottrell. That is a courtesy interview, in my opinion.

I don't think Ted should be intereviewed for the coaching position. I know the Vikings have to interview minority candidates as part of the NFL requirement, but there are lot of good minority candidates to choose from in Donnie Henderson (Jets defensive coordinator), Tim Lewis, and Ron Rivera. They don't have to interview Ted for the sake of courtesy. Ted is just not in that level and I don't think he was that great of a defensive coordinator. I cite the players success more than him. It's not like Cottrell was Belichick or Gregg Williams when it came to running defense. I don't think any minority candidate should be interviewed for the sake of courtesy. I think they should be interviewed based on whether or not whether he has the leadership skills and intelligence to coach the team. The new crop of minority candidates that I mentioned are legitimate coaching candidates.

[Timberwolf]

I'd like to ask the Vikings fans a question.

Do you feel the Vikings turnaround was due in spite of Tice or because of him?

I know he's had a rather tumultuous tenure there at Minnesota but the team seemed to be headed in the right direction and made a great comeback.

I cite the easy schedule and Brad Johnson as to why the Vikings succeed. I give Tice credit though for leading his team through the turmoil and playing through the tough times.

[Timberwolf]

The first two NFL mock drafts of the year — Scott Wright's Draft Countdown and Scouts, Inc. — project the Vikings to take Gophers running back Laurence Maroney with their 17th pick in April. Both services also project the Packers to choose outside linebacker A.J. Hawk of Ohio State with the No. 5 pick.

If Laurence can fall 17th, I will be elated. That would be nice. I doubt it though.

[>TC<]

Rob Brzezinski did sign an extension.

TC

[Durango53]

Team officials won't talk, but a little birdie says the reason Vikings controversial cornerback Fred Smoot was in full uniform on the Metrodome sideline but didn't play a down Sunday in the team's season-ending victory over the Chicago Bears is because he blatantly disregarded the team's curfew the n