The Official 2007 Vikings Thread.

[Durango53]

:banana: :usa: :Partyguy :dancin: :Party: :drink1: :band: :hi5: :cheer: :nut:

[shnuskis]

I just found this forum and I gotta say this place is great. I can finally talk sports intellegently without all the adolescent behavior. This is a great thread too by the way, and to note I am a Packer Backer myself living transplanted to the Twin Cities. I find Vike fans interesting, growing up so close to Minnesota and now living there. I think they are the worst fans in the country(not directed at you), at least the natives are. I think it is due to all the years of really good teams but never quite getting the job done.

For example, after their 5th win of the season, the fans on the local radio show were ripping the team saying there is no way this team can win the division since they can't stop anyone. What I here are fans ripping the team, or the opposit, they will win the super bowl. Either they are preparing to be disapointed again or they are setting themselves up to be disappointed again.

Another example being back in, what was it, 1998, when they were 15-1, they didn't sell out their first game until game #11 of the season, against the Chiefs I believe it was. Being a Packer fan, where every game is sold out no matter how bad they are or for how long, the stadium is sold out, I found that both humorous and embarassing for the Vikings.

Like I said earlier, this isn't directed at you. This thread is great! Its an observation of Vike fans in MN.

Also, what is your opinion of how the Randy injury was handled?

[PopTop]

I can finally talk sports intellegently without all the adolescent behavior.

Yeah, that's what you think! :hmm: I happen to know that two of the biggest Viking fans here are both escapees of local mental hospitals and capable of very childish shenanigans.

;)

I really don't know squat about the NFL. Just wanted to welcome you to Addict Sports. :wave1:

:beer:

[Durango53]

I happen to know that two of the biggest Viking fans here are both escapees of local mental hospitals and capable of very childish shenanigans.

Oh ya well well well TAKE THAT!!!!!! :doublefin


No just jokin!!!!
Welcome to the board shnuskis!!!!

I like this place to because there are no flamers here!!! Sure you can get on the other team and raise some heck but it is all in good fun!!!

I welcome ANY Packer fan in the Vikings thread!!!! :wave1:

But at times I get down on the Vikings also but if it is a win it is a win. And I try to take something on a lose also.

But you ask how I felt about how they handled Moss. I feel that it was bad. I dont know if it was his idea or Tices or whos but he has hurt the team in the long run I feel by going out there and taking chances that he should have been working just on getting back to the field 100%. If it was me I would care more about the catchs per game and that streak than not missing a game. What would be more impressive and more of a team stat? But that is just me. But I dont think he is playing next week and I dont think he should. I would play the Packers without him being they will be on the road and give him one more week. If they lose then they are tied with the Packers and the Packers still have to come and play in the Dome. But with other teams they have been beating or scoring a lot on the Packers so getting down the field shouldnt be a problem for the Vikings it will be stopping the Packers from getting down the field on them.

But good news for the Vikings they are gettin back some of there key d players this week so that well help out!!! I think this will be the game of the week for a Packers Vikings game is just great anyway!!!

But welcome to the forum and I am also Mod of the Twins forum so please stop in and talk some Twins talk also!!! Good to have you and why not start your own Packer thread? :wave1:

[shnuskis]

I think in the end Tice has to take the blame. It was pretty obvious Moss couldn't make any cuts on that leg in the first game after the injury. I like Tice as a guy, but he has done some dumb things as a coach. The first being the Randy Ratio. If you are going to have every third play go to Randy no matter what, then fine, but don't tell the other team that. Then, after the loss to the Giants he comes out and says without Randy they need to change there approach and become a running team. So in the Indi game he took the ball out of Culpeppers hands. He was 16 0f 19 throwing. I think he needs to shoulder more of the load without Moss, not less. Those two things and then the Moss injury, the meltdown last year starting with the Giants game and now being repeated this year. Tice sounds like a guy off the street, not a head coach. That is why I like him. But if I was the owner, I don't think I could keep him.

[Durango53]

I feel Tice will be coaching in the NFL if not with the Vikings with some other team. He can do what no other coach can do. He can be that hard nosed I am going to kick your ass guy but he is the players coach also.

You are right in saying he has done some dumb things but that is the learning curb that you take. I agree with you that the Randy Ratio was very dumb but every team knew that they was going to Randy. Culpepper just looked to Randy and that was what lead to the turnovers. But also the first two years of Tices coaching he had the worst O-line in the NFL. Culpepper would get the ball and then have to run for his life. He had no time. And I posted all over last year that Culpepper would have a great year last year because he had a very good line in front of him.

I am with Tice also on a running team. It is just because I am a old time football person. I like hard nosed running and great freaking defense!!! ;) Cant you see why I am a Vikings fan!!!! ;)

But the week with the Giants Culpepper was getting the ball to the WR and they was dropping them and not pulling in catchs that they should have been. And then this week they got all there main RB's back and heathy and facing a great offense like the Colts you have to run the ball to keep it away from them. Just like the Edge did to the Vikings.

Ya I can see both points though on running and giving Culpepper more of the load also.

But as you have looked back at the Randy Ratio and such you must say that in the 3 years he has improved very much as a head coach and will keep getting better I feel. I know when he took over the Vikings there was no way I felt they could win with Randy and I didnt like him what so ever. And now Tice has shown him who is in charge and gave Randy the leadership to prove himself and he has stepped up. And I dont know if there was a coach in the NFL that could have done that.

As an owner I would hire Tice as the coach of my team!!!!

Hey shnuskis why not go into the Rookie forum and say hi to everyone.

[shnuskis]

I agree with you on just about all accounts, especially on Randy. Like I said, I do like the guy and there problably isn't anyone who could have gotten Randy to mature as much as Tice has. Maybe the Randy Ratio helped Randy in that process proving to him he can't do it all by himself.

As far as the running game, I think you can get the ball to the talented backs on screen plays and draws and keep the downfield passing, ala Indi. I love a great defense with a power running game too, like Pittsburgh, but the Vikes have built there team around speed and the big play and they should try to get the ball to those speedy backs in the open field on short screens and undernieth routes where they can make people miss. The backs they have aren't power running backs.

I didn't know there was a rookie spot here. I will go check it out and say hi.

[Timberwolf]

Durango: There is no way I want to see Bennett back. He is not that great and he is constantly hurt. I like Onterrio Smith a lot better than Bennett. I hope we can get someone on defense for Bennett.

As for the defense, they have simply underacheived this season. There is lot of talent, but for whatever reason, they are blowing too many assignments and they are just getting beat constantly by the other team's offense. I really miss George O'Leary. He ran a great defense.

[Timberwolf]

I thought it was real stupid of Tice to even play Moss against the Titans and Giants. I don't care if he was used for a decoy to make other coaches think. If Randy is not ready, you don't play him. There is no reason to reaggravate the injury even more. Because of this stupid decision, Randy has to miss Monday night game and this week against G.B now.

As far as what I think of Tice, I think he has done a good job. He is still learning, but I think he is getting better and better. I really hope this is the year that he gets his team in the playoffs and I know he will get it done.

[Durango53]

I do like Bennett but he has been hurt a bunch. (Who does he remind you of? Robert Smith anyone?) I think he is a very good back and will be one.

With that said if I had to pick right now it would be Smith also. I think you would be able to trade any one of the three backs the Vikings have right now to the Fins for a good draft pick. So I would trade Bennett right now. But we have to wait and see also if Smith is going to be out just as much with his drug problem but if Tice said he was going to kick his ass he should change. It worked with Randy so with Randy and Tice on his ass I think he can change.

Hey I just thought of something. Could it be that Randy is bulking up so much so that he can get back at Tice and try to kick his ass??? :D

I think it is great to have a head coach that he will say to anyone on the team I will and can kick your ass and he can do it. I just dont see old Dick Vermell being able to do that!!!!!!

[shnuskis]

Good luck today to all you Vike fans. I am not going to be too cocky as us Packer fans have suffered too many times in the past to the Vikes but it should be a good one. The division hangs in the balance as hopefully the Vikes continue their slide into the oblivion.

[Nanner]

Yeah, that's what you think! :hmm: I happen to know that two of the biggest Viking fans here are both escapees of local mental hospitals and capable of very childish shenanigans.



:eek:

Where?!! Are they dangerous?!

:smokin:

[LesPaul]

Here it is 12 minutes left in the 1st and FOX still isn't airing the Vikings game. To add to the frustration, Detroit just tied the game up so its going into OT!!! Switch to the Vikings game already! We are talkin about a rivalry here!

:angry:FOX!

[PissedPrincess]

You guys better win this goddamn game. I picked you!

[LesPaul]

i think this is the last game i will watch this season. i cannot stand having to watch the d attempt to play.

[shnuskis]

That is the difference between Packer fans and Viking fans. We will sit througth the games no matter how bad we are playing.

[shnuskis]

Another great game in the books. Both teams definately came to play. I can't believe the series record is so close, 43-42-1, now in favor of the Pack.

[redsoxman]

Good game. However, I wish the Pack wouldn't have had a shitty 4th quarter. Good job secondary!

And Brett Favre. What else is there to say? The Iron Man/Magician just doing his thang.

[Durango53]

Ok first off I am totaly ticked at the TV station here!!! This crappy ass nickle and dime station is one of the worst!!! They had the station go down and didnt do crap for about 40 minutes!!! And then it was fixed so freaking crappy that I could hardly see it or anything!!!! So I caught the last 2 minutes of the game on Direct TV after a difffent game got done with!!!!

Second this was about the worst called football games I have ever seen!!!! It went both ways!!! It was so freaking poor that it made me sick!!!!! But I wasnt going to blame crap on them because I hate that and the D did play so freaking bad starting off but came on strong at last!!!

But please someone please tell me this!!!!!!!! HOW THE HELL DO YOU FUMBLE A BALL AND A VIKING PLAYER FALL ON THE BALL AND THEN COME UP WITH THE BALL IN THE PILE AND THEY CALL THE BALL FOR THE PACKERS!?!?!?!? HOW THE HELL DOES THAT WORK!!!!!!!

Other than this game being desided by the refs the Vikings showed that they can come back and play strong without Moss. They went back the the old offense with Moss and it worked without him. So with most of there home games coming up I like where the Vikings could still go. This was a game I think they will feel they could have won and I think they will build on it. Also the Pack still has to come into the Dome...

[shnuskis]

Like you said, the bad calls went both ways and I don't think the refs decided the outcome.

"HOW THE HELL DO YOU FUMBLE A BALL AND A VIKING PLAYER FALL ON THE BALL AND THEN COME UP WITH THE BALL IN THE PILE AND THEY CALL THE BALL FOR THE PACKERS!?!?!?!? HOW THE HELL DOES THAT WORK!!!!!!!"

Just like on the 4th and one where Luchey was clearly a yard past the first down(but since you couldn't see the ball on the replay so you coudn't overturn it on replay.)

Back to the fumble your referring to, there was a Packer jumping on the ball at about the same time as the Viking and it comes down to who ever had the best posession when the ref gets there to unpile them.


As far as the Viking offense, like I said, put it on Culpeppers shoulders and let him carry you. Its his team. If he gets time to throw, he is really good. Too bad the receivers let him down with some key drops too.

[LesPaul]

That is the difference between Packer fans and Viking fans. We will sit througth the games no matter how bad we are playing.

time is a precious thing. i must always plan accordingly.

[Thedatch]

That is the difference between Packer fans and Viking fans. We will sit througth the games no matter how bad we are playing.

boy you're a nice one aren't you...you come in here and have done nothing but insult...first you insult people's accents, and now vikings fans...aren't you a nice person

[Timberwolf]

What a freaking disgrace. This was disgusting. The refs were horrible today like the VIkings defense. They made so many questionable decisions. None worse than that final play today. How in the world could the refs could not figure out or see that Ross (Vikings) got that fumble? How in the world did they miss that? How? What was the ref thinking? A 5-year old could find out that it was a fumble recovered by Ross. Instead, Packers still had the ball. I am so incensed and angry. I am so ticked off by this shiat. This is not the first time a ref screwed the other team at Lamblow Field. I saw that last year in the playoffs where the Seahawks got screwed at Lamblow. I hear the fans at Lamblow really manipulate the refs the way Gabrielle manipulates her husband, Carlos on Desperate Housewives. How I know? My friend's wife, who is a Seahawks fan, went to the first round playoff series at Lamblow to see his Seahawks. He was telling me how Packers fans would threaten refs or influence them. I am pretty sure that ref knew what happened, but he sure was not going to be attacked by an angry mob at Lamblow. I mean if Dan Devine's dog can get killed by those idiots, who is to say that he may not make it alive out of Lamblow. I am sure that has to be on his mind. A 5-year old could figure it out that it WAS A PHUKING FUMBLE. I mean c'mon. In the ref's mind, he even knows it's a fumble. He just wasn't going to call it only because he was fearing for his life. I am not halluceinating.

Vikings did not played well. Their defense stunk again. Sure Winfield got the fumble recovery and Ross too, but they should have played a lot better than that. Defense has been a compelete dissapointment this entire season. Makes you wonder which defense is softer. The Vikings D or the Gophers D? The defense once again was horrible. They have to play a consistent defense for four quarters.

Daunte was fantastic again. Vikings may have gotten a legitimate #2 receiver to team up with Randy in Nate Burelson. Burelson speed is something else.

The running game was great again.

The refs will hear from me for sure. I am writing up a letter to Tagliabue. This ref should be fired for what he did. Vikings deserve to lose, but other teams should not be punished when they play a good game at Lamblow.

[Timberwolf]

That is the difference between Packer fans and Viking fans. We will sit througth the games no matter how bad we are playing.

Stop the BS! Packers fans are frontrunners and you know it. Where were Packers fans when Lindy Infante was coaching and when Bob Majikowski was the QB? Where were you and them then? Stop BSing everyone that you are a true Packers fans when they stunk. Vikings fans are loyal. Packers fans are not. I can't wait till Farve retires and then we will see the "real Packers fans are.

Oh and I love how Packers fans walked out of Lamblow when Michael Vick was crapping all over Lamblow Field in the first round laugher in the playoffs couple of years ago. My god it was sweet. So funny that Bob Trumpy was quoted as saying "The Slience You Hear is Lambeau Field"

[shnuskis]

Actually I saw every Don Majikowski game he played and my whole family watched every game through the 70's and 80's. That is true. Sure, I know people who weren't fans then that are now but me personally, have seen every game since sometime in the middle of the Lynn Dickey era, minus a few due to the Army. No BS.

People didn't empty the seats two years ago in the playoffs. They were quiet, but it wasn't empty.

Look, if everyone here is soooooo upset about me giving a little ribbing to people, then I apologize and it won't happen again. I won't say a bad word about anything. Mr. Nice guy.

[shnuskis]

I am now the defender of politeness, so I would appriciate it if you got off the refs backs and oppologize to the accusations against the packer fans. Thank you.

[Nanner]

time is a precious thing. i must always plan accordingly.

:D

:thumbsup:

[shnuskis]

Winfield had his best game of the year yesterday and the secondary overall looked decent. I wasn't impressed by the play of the linebackers at all even with the return of Clayborne, but I am sure they will get better as Clayborne gets more playing time back from his injury.

[Durango53]

Well now one thing is for sure if they let Hovan go I wont care... There are some high round draft picks on defense that HAVE to step up and start to play and he is the first one.

[shnuskis]

How does Hovan go from being SO dominating two years ago to giving just about nothing right now I have no idea. They were saying at the beginning of the year last year he had a picture of Favre up to motivate him and he overlifted and got too big, supposedly losing his quickness. I am not buying that now. Its been too long since he has really had a great performance like he used to give.

[Durango53]

There would be many shuskis that would argue with you saying that Hovan has had only one good year and that was his rookie year. He was doubled teamed after that up until now and now this year he hasnt done anything. Sad I like him but man he just aint getting the job done. I wonder about a move to end or something but he clearly aint getting the job done in the middle.

[shnuskis]

What a freaking disgrace. This was disgusting. The refs were horrible today like the VIkings defense. They made so many questionable decisions. None worse than that final play today. How in the world could the refs could not figure out or see that Ross (Vikings) got that fumble? How in the world did they miss that? How? What was the ref thinking? A 5-year old could find out that it was a fumble recovered by Ross. Instead, Packers still had the ball. I am so incensed and angry. I am so ticked off by this shiat.


From FoxSports.com
"Ross said a 300-pound lineman - who was actually the 250-pound Steele - pried one of his arms back and he was helpless to do anything about it: "I'm on the bottom of the pile for two minutes, eventually he's going to win that one." "

Apperantly, even Ross says Steele eventually got the ball. This happens all the time with fumbles. In a big pile, the guy who has it first isn't always the one who ends up with it. Its the one who wanted it most.


"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather is a lack or will."Vince Lombardi


I don't blame you for being upset though. Like another Lombardi, quote, "Show me a good loser and I'll show you a loser."

[Timberwolf]

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twinc...ts/10183233.htm

I think Sanny makes a good point at the very end of this article that he wrote in Monday's edition of the Pioneer Press. Sure we can go talk about that bizarre call at the end by the ump, but as Bob said, Vikings should have never been in this position at all.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...sing/index.html

I always read Peter King's columns on Mondays. He made a great point about what makes a football team better. While the Vikings have a great offense, their defense is simply not as good enough as Pittsburgh and New England.

Let's face it. The Vikings are nothing more than a average team at this point.

[shnuskis]

They are average without Moss. Once he is back they are better than average, which puts them into the playoffs where anything can happen.

[shnuskis]

I couldn't get your links to work, but I did read Sanny's article. I agree with him a lot. Used to listen to him all the time on the morning radio show here, KQ92. He is hilarious. By far the best radio show I have ever heard. You can listen live over the internet if you are interested. 5:30-9. Not a sports show, although they cover them all. Its a Minnesota show, right down to making fun of the accents. :notme:

[Timberwolf]

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/columnists/bob_sansevere/10183233.htm

Try this one, shnuskis.

I love Sansevere. He is pretty good. He reminds me of Dan Barriero, who used to be a columinst for the Star-Tribune. They are both criticial though Sanny does not pride on being negative as much as Danny. My favorite sports columinst in the Minnesota papers is Tom Powers though.

The morning show on KQ is pretty good and Sanny does a great job making the show good. The main host, Tom Narnard, is awful though. He always hates everyone on the show.

[shnuskis]

I saw you are from NJ. Did you spend some time MN or did you catch the show on the net for titbits about your teams?

[Nanner]

Its a Minnesota show, right down to making fun of the accents. :notme:

This made me chuckle, because it reminded me of the time I went home (Minnesota) for Christmas and brought my copy of the movie Fargo. It was a Cohen Brothers movie....... the Cohens being originally from Minnesota. I thought it was hysterical, and that the whole accent thing was spot on.

After watching it, my brother, (who loves the Cohen Brothers' movies), actually stood there and said, "Oh, ya. I loved it...... but I don't know anyone who talks like that." And he was talking in the exact same cadence of the characters in the movie, and, for that matter, all of my relatives and friends from Minnesota. :laff: :rolling

I said, "You don't hear yourself, do you." He said, "I don't talk like that." I just laughed.

:D

[LesPaul]

i know a guy goin to the lions game this sunday. i told him good luck. in all honesty i really hope we get out of this funk cause otherwise those damn giants will gloat over ruining our season again

[Timberwolf]

I saw you are from NJ. Did you spend some time MN or did you catch the show on the net for titbits about your teams?

It's wierd I became a big fan of Minnesota sports teams. I just had an affection towards Minnesota teams and the people over there going back to 1991. I became a Twins fan during the WS year in 1991 and then it filtered through Minnesota teams. I think one attribute that made me love Minnesota sports teams is their underdog mentality and the fact they win on a low payroll.

I catch the show on KQ. I only listened to the first 30 minutes of the show just to hear Sansevere talk on MN sports teams. Same with Garage Logic on AM1500. When Reusse is on at 5:40 central time (6:40 Jersey time), I normally listen to his segment on the show

[shnuskis]

I think its great you can stand to listen to Garage Logic. I don't think anyone would believe me if I tryed to explain how dry that show is. I get a kick out of it. Those two shows get me through the rush hours. I can't believe KQ's morning show has one of the top sports editorial writers and a night-time news ancor saying what they say on that show.

[Durango53]

Well a win is a win and talk about a game of two halves!!!!

First half the Vikings looked like the worst team in the NFL. The second half the Vikings looked like one of the best teams in the NFL. The D played huge the second half and the offense was it same old self just. I think a game like today is a great game for this team. First off for the Defense but of the offense. They know that they can move the ball down the field just as well without Moss and Culpepper is getting timing down and getting to know the other 3 WR that they are using.

Moss comes back and this team has just became that much more better.

[Timberwolf]

I am so relieved and happy the Vikings won this game. Had they lost this game, this season was going to be over. I thought the outlook was bleak. Fortunately, the defense hung in there and the offense made it happen in the fourth quarter. Winfield's interception sealed it.

I can't say enough about Daunte. He is becoming a man among boys now. His leadership showed today. He never gaved up and he willed them today. I never saw that in Daunte in past years. He kept working and it paid off. He has had a great season so far.

Nate was awesome today too.

Just a good win. Vikings needed this one badly.

[Durango53]

Ok Viking fans lets talk some after season here.

What do you think happens to Tice?

At half time I was saying good by to Tice. He was gone. But he might have saved his job. I dont know if his job is still safe if the Vikings can get a big named coach that is a Defense coach. Or if they could talk a guy like Jimmy Johnson out of retirement.

Thoughts on this? If TC comes in here I would love to here his thoughs and what is the local feel on this also.

I think Red is going to kind of leave Tice twisting for a few weeks if he hasnt already talked to some people about other coachs. I think Tice is a great fit for this team but they havnt fixed the defense by putting money into a good coach. How about getting Wanny to run the D or some very good coach that will want money but make that team play some defense...

[Timberwolf]

Tice stays if the Vikings make the playoffs. If they don't make the playoffs, his contract won't be renewed. Simple as that.

I like Tice a lot. I think he has a great work ethic and he relates well with his players. He is great with the media. Thing is though. It's about results. He has done okay. There are times I have been down on him like in his first season. Tice can prove his mettle by leading his team to the playoffs.

I think fans are mixed about Tice. Some like him and some hate him.

Ted Cotrell who the Vikings hire has been awful as the defensive coordinator.

Tice right now can not worry about extension or his future. Tice's future is right now.

[Durango53]

Randy Moss is expected back on the field this week for the Minnesota Vikings, provided his strained right hamstring doesn't swell.

Coach Mike Tice said Monday a reasonable plan for Moss in Sunday's game against Jacksonville is 25 plays, mostly in three-receiver formations.

Moss, who has been running routes on the side for the past week, looked good in an intense workout Monday morning to test his strength and endurance. Tice and team trainers want to make sure the leg doesn't swell on Tuesday before allowing him to practice. He'll be listed as doubtful, for now.

[Durango53]

TE Jermaine Wiggins and WR Nate Burleson have gained QB Daunte Culpepper's trust in the absence of WR Randy Moss. Wiggins has excellent hands and good instincts in finding open areas. He also is good at hurdling defenders who attempt to tackle him low. Burleson's concentration sometimes wanes, leading to dropped passes, but he is perhaps the team's best third-down receiver. He runs precise routes and shields defenders well when catching low passes.

[Durango53]

Rookie Spencer Johnson has worked his way into the defensive tackle rotation with Kevin Williams and Chris Hovan. Coaches like Johnson's quickness and ability to get off blocks.

[Durango53]

Few noticed when Aaron Elling suffered a season-ending broken ankle, but he was playing an important role as the kickoff specialist. He consistently got the ball inside the 5-yard line with hang times of more than 4 seconds--ideal for players covering kicks. Elling also was a relatively reliable long-distance field-goal option; K Morten Andersen's range is less than 50 yards. K Jose Cortez replaced Elling but has been ineffective, and the corresponding deterioration in field position has been noticeable.

[Durango53]

It's obvious the Vikings will move a running back in the offseason. It makes no sense to carry three starter quality backs in Bennett, Onterrio Smith and Mewelde Moore when the team has pressing needs, especially on defense. The most likely scenario could be trading Bennett, the only back who wasn't drafted by the current regime. Smith and Moore are cheaper, and money always is a factor with the Vikings. (Dan Pompei/TSN)

[>TC<]

RT Dorsey was hurt on Sunday and Adam Goldberg received his first extended playing time. Tice singled him out as having a very nice game in his Monday news conference. Tice said his only lapse was on the play where the Lions recorded a safety. It was Goldberg's man who beat him to get the tackle. Tice said Goldberg will probably get his first NFL start against Jax.


TC

[Durango53]

GO GOLDBERG!!!!!!

I know I will be watching that game. A big game for the Vikings. On of the all time favs of the Vikings comes in as a head coach and a must win to keep up in the div. I will be watching and go Adam!!!!

[Durango53]

Convinced the Vikings will not re-sign him when he becomes a free agent, defensive lineman Chris Hovan has, according to rumors, put his local home up for sale, according to the Minnesapolis Star Tribune.

[Timberwolf]

Break up the Vikings! They won 2 in a row!

A tight game throughout, but then Kevin Williams made a big play to give them the lead and win. It looks like the defense is starting to hit its stride which is a good thing since they have to keep doing that if they are going to win the division or get the wildcard spot.

Moss is something, eh.

Chris Hovan was unactivated today. Hovan has been a disaster for the last two seasons.

[Nanner]

WOOHOO!!! TWO IN A ROW!!!

:cheer: :jump: :cheer: :jump:

Reading about this game, there was one reception Randy made where he jumped over and above some guy's shoulder to grab the ball. I loved Daunte's quote about it so much I had to change my signature.

:D

[Durango53]

Yes a great game!!!! I will talk about it when I warm up and can type again!!!!!!

[Durango53]

Ok warming up some now. :D

What a game. Moss clearly not 100% but still Moss at 60% is better than 95% of the rest of the WR in the NFL. He has the whole package. He has the knowlege and the hands to when he dont have the speed or moves. Also I dont know if anyone notice but Moss was blocking his ASS off in the game. He had some great blocks in that game that gave the RB's 5 or 6 more yards... Not bad for a guy that people think dont block and dont work when a play aint to him and hurt also.

I think we can say goodby to Hovan and Bennett. Hovan a FA at the end of the year will not be resigned and with how good Smith has been the past two years and a better alround RB the speedster Bennett will be gone. Hey what would happen if Bennett got on the Falcons and him and Vick in the backfield?!?!?

Two very solid games for the Defense!!! Tice getting rid of most of the defense and having them just react seems to have been a great move!!!! Let those LB's that have a ton of speed run down the play and the line has been getting some pressure and hitting the QB also. And that in turn helps out the CB's who has been laying some wood to the WR who go up against them. Like they was hitting the WR of the Cowboys in the first game we are starting to see those plays again!!!!

And Udeze had that play to end the game!!!! Knocking that ball out and then the big man Williams running it in for the TD!!!!

Great game because it is against a team that is a good team and Jack Del Rio coming back to his playing haunts wanting to win this game for that and to keep his team in the hunt. But mostly because it puts the pressure on the Pack tonight!!! The Pack have to win to keep up with the Vikings for first place and this is a game I feel the Pack will have a tough time with because there D isnt that good. So lets put on our Rams hats and cheer for the Rams to win one in GB and let the Vikings get rolling again and forget about the 3 games they lose and last year...

[Durango53]

Minnesota Vikings center Matt Birk will miss at least four games after undergoing sports hernia surgery Friday for the second time in four months.

[Durango53]

http://images.sportsline.com/u/ap/photos/MPD108112817_viewer.jpg
Minnesota Vikings wide reciever Randy Moss, right, leaps into the arms of teammate Kenechi Udeze, left, as they celebrate teammate Kevin Williams' touchdown on a recovered fumble during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Minneapolis, Sunday, Nov. 28, 2004.

[Durango53]

RB Moe Williams, 30, battled ankle, calf and quadriceps injuries from the start of training camp until about two weeks ago. He's definitely back in what could be the final stretch run of his NFL career. Williams converted two third downs running and one receiving and scored on a 1-yard touchdown run. "Moe, he's like an uncle to us," said RB Onterrio Smith. "We might vote for him for president in a couple of years. He's just one heck of a leader."

[>TC<]

Goldberg looks like he's won the right tackle job, for now. He scored 1.7 out of 2 on the Vikings' grading system for OL. Tice singled him out as having done a great job.


TC

[Durango53]

I saw that!!! Well I saw that they thought he was doing great after some bad plays!!!

This guy is a stud IF he can stay heathly!!!! IF IF IF that is. He was hurt alot durning his time with Wyoming but when he was heathly NO ONE got by him or though him... It is a whole new league now he aint in the scruby Mountain West now he is in the NFL but I do wish him all the luck in the world!!!

[Durango53]

Onterrio Smith, not former Pro Bowler Michael Bennett, will be Minnesota's starting running back for now.

"We'll try to define a role for Mike," coach Mike Tice said, "but I think right now we'll try to ride Onterrio and see how he progresses down the stretch."

Smith, in his second year out of Oregon, racked up 421 combined yards in the Vikings' first three games before serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. He had a season-high 20 carries for 72 yards in Sunday's 27-16 win over Jacksonville.

Bennett, a starter in four of the Vikings' previous five games, was in for a handful of plays Sunday and didn't carry the ball. He has gained just 89 yards on 27 carries since returning from a sprained knee Oct. 24.

After an ankle sprain, rookie Mewelde Moore also could be back in uniform this week at Chicago, though he likely would be limited to kick returns.

[Timberwolf]

Onterriro has to start. He has played the best of all the RBs that the Vikings have. He gives the team the best chance to win. It's a no-brainer.

[Timberwolf]

Looking at the playoff standings, I am going to say the Vikings are a lock to make the playoffs even though Poptop disagrees with me. The NFC is so bad. I don't see the Vikings messing up this year and even if they did, they may have enough to win it if they win one more game. I feel confident that they are going to the playoffs. I think the offense will continue to get better and the defense is starting to hit its stride.

I like the Vikings chances.

[Durango53]

I think they do also. ANd there is still a great chance of them winning the Div. They have to play the pack still but it is a home game for them!!!

I think the Vikings make it but if they have to go on the road to play then they are in trouble!!! Not so much I think if they play the Falcons but if they have to play the Eagles again.

[rockin500]

you guys are going to kill us this week. hutchinson is not a good QB. we may have to play jeff george. :sigh:

good thing i will miss the game. :(

[Durango53]

Well Ray I got to say this.... I hope you are right!!!!!!!!!

But this is a game I am not going to look past. The Bears are up and coming and playing at home agaist a Div team. I hope the Vikings dont look past the Bears for if they do they lose.

[Durango53]

His hamstring finally healed, Moss had four receptions -- his first in six weeks -- for 40 yards after playing the majority of Minnesota's snaps. He politely declined to comment after the game with a shake of his head, but everybody else gladly spoke for him.

[Durango53]

Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich hurt the Vikings on some third-down plays but was average overall with 19 completions in 35 attempts for 235 yards and one touchdown. Jacksonville didn't score a touchdown in four trips to the red zone. The Jaguars also scored just 16 points despite seven trips inside the Vikings' 30. DE Kenechi Udeze and DT Kevin Williams combined on the play of the game. With 2:18 left and the Jaguars looking at third-and-6 from the Vikings 19, Udeze came loose on the blind side and slapped the ball out of Leftwich's hand. Williams scooped up the fumble, got a great block from CB Antoine Winfield and took off for a 77-yard game-clinching touchdown.

[Durango53]

All it took was one look at former No. 1 draft pick Chris Hovan standing on the sideline in a hooded sweatshirt along with the team's other inactive players to realize coach Mike Tice is no longer worried about hurt feelings as he scrambles to find playmakers who can help the Vikings' defense become a playoff-caliber unit.

Earlier this season, Tice allowed Hovan to keep his streak of consecutive starts alive. Hovan started and then retreated to a secondary role behind veteran Steve Martin.

Two games ago, Hovan's streak of 69 consecutive starts was snapped as the Vikings turned to rookie free agent Spencer Johnson as the starter. Johnson played well enough in a 22-19 victory over the Lions to warrant another start.

Sunday, Hovan fell completely out of the team's plan of attack against Jacksonville RB Fred Taylor. The Vikings decided to activate seven defensive linemen and told Hovan at the team hotel on Saturday night that he wasn't one of them.

Hovan, who had played in 74 games since being drafted out of Boston College in 2000, didn't take the news well. He was gone before reporters reached the locker room after Sunday's 27-16 victory over the Jaguars.

"I'm trying to find the right mix of players," Tice explained. "I'm trying to find guys who can make plays, frankly."

Hovan has 21 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks but has been criticized by coaches for undisciplined play and a general lack of production this season.

Hovan is a free agent at the end of the season. He reportedly has put his house on the market because he knows he won't be with the Vikings beyond this season.

The Vikings obviously have moved on. The key play in Sunday's victory was made by the team's last two No. 1 picks, both defensive linemen. DE Kenechi Udeze's sack and forced fumbled led to DT Kevin Williams' 77-yard fumble return for the game-clinching touchdown with 1:59 left in the game.

Tice said it's too early to say whether Hovan will be inactive against the Bears on Sunday.

[Durango53]

DE Kenechi Udeze didn't know who had returned the fumble 77 yards for a touchdown after he stripped Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich of the ball on a sack with 2:18 left in the game. So he asked teammate Kevin Williams after the play was over. "I did," said the 311-pound Williams. Udeze believed him. "He was pretty much exhausted," Udeze said. "Drool was coming out of his mouth." Williams denied it. "Oh, I wasn't that bad," he said. "But I might have been about to pass out."

[Durango53]

WR Randy Moss played in 54 of the Vikings' 61 offensive snaps but clearly favored the strained right hamstring that had sidelined him the last three games and for all but 11 snaps the last five weeks. Moss, however, was his old self on a 2-yard touchdown grab in double coverage in the back of the end zone. "We call it the 'R Zone' -- Red Zone, Randy Zone," said receiver Kelly Campbell. "Once we're in that red zone, that's when Randy really takes it to another level."

[Durango53]

WR Kelly Campbell caught a 48-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper during the second quarter Sunday. The play set up a tying touchdown. Jaguars CB Dewayne Washington, a former Viking, was trying to cover Campbell one on one. Asked to describe the play, Campbell said, "I burned his butt," Campbell said. "That's what happened."

[Durango53]

RG Dave Dixon, who missed the entire second half of Sunday's game because of a sprained right knee, had an MRI performed Monday. His injury isn't expected to be serious.

[Durango53]

QB Daunte Culpepper has 3,180 yards passing in 11 games this season. That tied Warren Moon's 1994 team record for fewest games to reach 3,000 yards passing. Culpepper's 28 touchdown passes also breaks the 11-game mark of 23 that Culpepper set in 2000.

[Durango53]

WR Ben Nelson was waived to make room for C Billy Conaty on the 53-man roster. Conaty was signed as a backup to Cory Withrow, who is now the starter because Matt Birk had hernia surgery Friday. It's Birk's second hernia surgery in three months. Nelson was re-signed to the practice squad.

[Durango53]

RB Michael Bennett lost his starting job, had no carries and touched the ball only once in two plays on Sunday. He had one catch for 5 yards.

[Durango53]

Brian Williams had one of his best games of the season with a game-high seven solo tackles and eight total. He forced a fumble in the red zone that teammate Dontarrious Thomas recovered.

[Durango53]

WR Randy Moss' right hamstring came out of Sunday's game fine. Moss, who had missed the past three games and all but 11 plays of the past five because of a strain, caught four passes for 40 yards and a 2-yard TD against Jacksonville on Sunday. He said his hamstring was OK but noted that his back was sore after the game. The back injury isn't expected to be serious.

[Durango53]

Scouting Report on Goldberg

The Vikings signed Adam Goldberg as a rookie free agent after the 2003 draft.

The offensive lineman is local product from Edina who worked out for the team prior to the draft because of his local ties. Might not have the athleticism to stay at tackle, but has the size, strength (450-pound bench-press) and technical proficiency to develop inside at guard. Not a sure thing but could be a poor man’s Matt Birk under the tutelage of head coach Mike Tice and offensive line coach Steve Loney. Solid developmental-type prospect.

[>TC<]

If the Vikings can win 3 more games, maybe even 2, they'll make the playoffs. To get the home field in the first round, they'll either need to win 3, with one of those being the GB game, or they'll need to win 4, with a loss to GB.

If they keep their focus, they should make the playoffs and the division.

TC

[Durango53]

I agree with you TC all the way....

I really have no fear of the Falcons if the Vikings have to play them on the road. Same thing the Viking play in already but the crowd noise will be on the other side. And I think this is a defense that could keep Vick from running. With fast LB's if they say home they make Vick throw the ball. But lets not get ahead of myself!!! The Vikings have to make the playoffs first!!!! :D

But I like the games coming up for the Vikings and the tough ones at home with one of those being the Packers.

This is a team that knows it can win now without Moss and they still can get the same numbers and as Moss get better each week this offense could be the one that will scare any D bad. And a D that looks as if they are starting to play somewhat better pass defense that is. Still need to work on the Run defense but it looks as if they are getting some together now...

[Durango53]

In the first four years of his NFL career, Jermaine Wiggins had to overcome the ignominy of being an undrafted college free agent, was released by three different clubs, auditioned more times than a Broadway wanna-be and never caught more than 18 passes in a season.


Despite earning a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots in 2001 and playing in the title game with the Carolina Panthers last season, Wiggins was viewed, literally and figuratively, as a journeyman, a tight end who never seemed to be quite the right end for a team's needs. His career receiving totals entering the 2004 season: 50 catches, 482 yards, eight touchdowns.


Through the first 11 games of this season with the Minnesota Vikings, though, Wiggins has 47 receptions for 465 yards and four scores. Signed by the Vikings as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, and taking full advantage of the rare opportunity presented him when Minnesota standout tight end Jim Kleinsasser suffered a season-ending knee injury early in the year, Wiggins has become a key cog in the team's high-octane offense.


The onetime afterthought isn't exactly a guy with afterburners but, on a unit rife with big-play wide receivers, Wiggins has become a nifty short-range complement. His projected numbers for the season -- 68 receptions, 676 yards and six touchdowns -- are staggering by his past performance standards.


Generally regarded as one of the NFL's premier tight ends, Kleinsasser, by comparison, had 46 catches in 2003, a career best.


Vikings players have hung a nickname, "Garbage Man," on Wiggins, because, as tight ends coach John Tice noted: "He's not the prettiest-looking player running around out there, but he picks up all the garbage underneath and gets the job done."

[Durango53]

WR-PR Nate Burleson's 11.0-yard punt return average ranks eighth in the NFL and fourth in the NFC. "I'm having a lot of fun with this," said Burleson, who is returning punts only because the No. 1 returner, Keenan Howry, is on injured reserve.

[Durango53]

WR Randy Moss didn't catch a ball for five weeks because of a strained right hamstring, but his nine touchdown receptions are still tied for fourth in the NFL and tied for second in the NFC.

[Durango53]

QB Daunte Culpepper ranks 13th in team history with 2,180 career rushing yards. He needs 85 to pass Herschel Walker for 12th place.

[Durango53]

GAME PLAN
The Vikings' offense basically is back to where it was in Week 3 when it amassed 453 yards while beating the Bears 27-22 at the Metrodome. Onterrio Smith has regained featured-back status, something he lost right after the Bears game because of a four-game drug suspension. In the Bears game, Smith ran for 94 yards on 17 carries and caught six passes for 104 yards. Randy Moss caught seven passes for 119 yards and touchdowns of 3 and 2 yards. Moss is close to 100 percent from a strained right hamstring. If the weather is nice (game-time temperature is projected to be 40 degrees), look for QB Daunte Culpepper to do what he did the last time, throw for 360 yards and two touchdowns in a controlled passing attack. If the weather turns ugly, look for Smith to grind out 100 to 140 yards and lead the way.

[Durango53]

Vikings FS Brian Russell and SS Corey Chavous vs. Bears QB Chad Hutchinson -- The interception drought of Russell and Chavous is getting ridiculous. They combined for 17 last season. They have none this season. Hutchinson, a former third-stringer, will take over the Bears' pathetic offense this week. You know there will be picks to be had. Instead of dropping everything thrown to them, Russell and Chavous need to hang on to a ball or two.

[Durango53]

Vikings RT Adam Goldberg vs. Bears LE Adewale Ogunleye -- Ogunleye had one of his 4 1/2 sacks in the first meeting, when the Vikings played Adam Goldberg and rookie Nat Dorsey. Goldberg has assumed the starter's job since Dorsey was injured two weeks ago. Goldberg isn't the most athletic player and might need some help from a tight end or a running back.

[Durango53]

RG Dave Dixon missed the second half of Sunday's game because of a sprained left knee. He is expected to start, but he might have trouble lasting the entire game. Adam Haayer filled in well against Jacksonville.

How huge has this guy been this year!!!!

No one can stop the big Dix!!!!!

For anyone who dont know what I mean by that please look back in the past posts of last year in this thread!!!! :D

[Durango53]

Bennett still might have a future with the team, but he doesn't figure to play much the rest of this season. When Bennett had only 154 all-purpose yards in six games while rotating with Onterrio Smith and Mewelde Moore, the Vikings couldn't wait for his big-play potential to arrive.

So Tice named Smith his featured back and gave him 20 of the 21 carries by running backs in the Jaguars game. Bennett caught one pass for 5 yards.

As early as three weeks ago, the Vikings were still hopeful that the speedy Bennett would become their featured back. But he didn't produce. The final straw came at the end of the Lions game three weeks ago. Bennett had a hole and a shot to turn on his speed. He hesitated and was dropped for a minimal gain.

Smith runs hard and gets the tough yards that Bennett doesn't. That's important now because the offensive line is patched together because of injuries.

Tice made his decision based on what was best for the team, not whether it would make Bennett pout (which it has). Decisions like that one and the one on Hovan are good signs for a coach who basically has had to learn on the job the last three seasons.

[Durango53]

Coach Mike Tice is 10-5 in NFC North games, but he's 0-2 against the Bears on the road. Last year's 13-10 loss at Soldier Field was a critical defeat in the team's 3-7 season-ending slide.

[Timberwolf]

Great article by Bob Sansevere on Moss.

Sounds like Randy is fired up with his matchup with Charles Tillman. Oh and bad idea by Tillman proclaiming himself as Moss stopper.

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/columnists/bob_sansevere/10316601.htm

[Durango53]

RT Adam Goldberg said he has a very understanding wife. Brittany Goldberg has tended to all of the late night and early morning needs of their 2-week-old son, Eli. It's the couple's first child. "Brittany understands I have a job where I need to get my rest," Adam said. "But sometimes when I come downstairs to go to work, she gives me that look like she wants to rip my head off."

[Durango53]

Vikings RG Dave Dixon and Bears coach Lovie Smith go way back. Smith was coaching linebackers at Arizona State 12 years ago when Dixon was playing defensive tackle for the Sun Devils.

[Durango53]

TE Jermaine Wiggins, who has 47 catches for 465 yards this season, needs only four catches and 19 yards to top his career totals heading into this season. Most of Wiggins' catches and yards have come with him as the third or fourth option, or when QB Daunte Culpepper is scrambling under pressure. Wiggins, who came to the Vikings via free agency from NFC champion Carolina during the offseason, has a knack for gobbling up balls in the soft spots of the defense. "For lack of a better word, he's like a garbage man," said offensive coordinator Scott Linehan.

[Durango53]

In the first half of the last three games, the Vikings have allowed 340 yards rushing and 641 overall. In the second half of those games, they've allowed 166 rushing yards and 393 total. Simple alignment problems by anxious young players have been one of the main reasons for the slow starts. "Sometimes, you look at it and you get so frustrated," defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell said of the alignment woes. "It would be different if it were a new play or a trick formation. But there's no excuse for it. These are things we go over and over and over."

[Durango53]

Coach Mike Tice was asked if he felt comfortable at 7-4 considering there are only five teams with winning records in the NFC. "Not after last year, brother," Tice said. The Vikings started 6-0 last season but missed the playoffs after a 3-7 finish. The Vikings are exactly where they were after 11 games last season. They finished 2-3, losing at Chicago, St. Louis and Arizona while beating Kansas City and Seattle at home.

[Durango53]

QUOTE TO NOTE
"He wasn't very talkative after the game, and I don't blame him. ... There's not a lot of time to reminisce after a game when your guts have been ripped out because you lost." -- Coach Mike Tice, when asked what he and Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, a close friend and former teammate of Tice, said to each other after Sunday's 27-16 Vikings victory.

[Durango53]

Well contragts Bears... The better team won. Urlacker is the man. He about single handed won the game against the Vikings.

The Vikings on defense couldnt stop anything. And a good defense stopped them. The Vikings will make the playoffs just because everone else sucks in the NFC and they have home games. But come playoffs I dont think they will do crap. The whole NFC sucks and is going to be the whipping dog of any AFC team that plays them.

[Timberwolf]

I am sick of this. The Vikings find ridculous ways to lose each year.

Vikings had a chance to solidify a playoff spot today and a lead in the NFC North, but they blew it today losing to an awful Bears team. How sad is that? It seems we can't win a game outside a dome stadium. Vikings simply can't win on the road at all. Why is that? I don't know. This team has some good players. I don't think Tice and his coaching staff has gotten a lot out of this team this year. Tice has not done a very good job at all IMO. I have had it with Tice as a coach. I want him gone even if the Vikings make the playoffs.

The Vikings will make the playoffs, but after that, they are done. They are likely not going to win the NFC North since they can't win a game on the road and when they play the Packers at Lambeau Field, Vikings will get killed.

This has been another waste of a year.

[Durango53]

Man I just dont know if Tice is safe or not. It seems that no matter what he does with his defense coachs they cant seem to get this unit on track. And that is what make me sick. How many first round draft picks are on this defense unit? 6 I have heard??? And everyone keeps talking about Linehan as a job for head coach. I find that a joke right now. This guy can put together a great game plan but he cant adjust. The Vikings should have been pounding the ball down the field with the running game. They passed about all game and the Bears blitzed the heck out of a hurt O line that hasnt looked that good all season long in the first place. Culpepper didnt have time to hardly get the ball from the center before he was having to run for his life. I have to point out the Wyoming Boy Goldberg. He looked bad yeseterday. He was beat around badly. His guy was running all the way around him and getting Culpepper.

A great game as always for Brian Urlacker. That guy won the game all by himself. He kicked the crap out of the Vikings. Stopping the run, the pass, the screen, and Culpepper all in the same play it seemed. That guy should be the player of the week in the NFL for what he did in that game. He is one of my favorite guys to watch but not against the Vikings.

As for Tice. Man I love you dude you did what I thought no coach could do and that is turn Moss around from a me punk to a team leader...
I would love to see you stay but I dont know if Red will keep you. But I dont know if he should be fired if Red is going to hire a offense coach again. This team has the offense and should get a good Offensive Coordinator for the offense I guess I would be cool to keep Linehan just because he knows the offense. But if I was Red or I have to get with Nancy being she is part owner with me I am for hiring Romeo Crennel. He seems to know how to get the best out of players into getting the most out of players.

[Durango53]

Cornerback Antoine Winfield sprained his left ankle in the second quarter of Sunday's 24-14 loss at Chicago and did not return.

Winfield exited the locker room after halftime with the ankle taped, but was unable to move well enough to play in the second half.

Preliminary examination indicated that Winfield has a high-ankle sprain, which could sideline the Vikings' top cornerback for a week or more. Winfield will be reexamined Monday.

[Durango53]

Culpepper, sacked five times, was 23-of-33 for 279 yards.

[Durango53]

Mon Dec 6 2004 - Johnstone has carved himself a niche as one of the top situational pass-rushers in the NFL. Playing mostly in nickel situations, Johnstone had nine sacks in the team's first 12 games. Johnstone's speed is his best attribute, but he also has long arms and a 6-5 frame to give himself leverage against bigger offensive lineman. Although he is only 251 pounds, Johnstone uses his arm length to keep linemen from getting too close to him on their blocks, and then turns on his speed when he gets to the corner. He also is fast enough to cover running backs and tight ends in zone blitz situations.

[Durango53]

Stats that matter

This is what I have been saying. WHY DIDNT YOU SHOVE THE BALL DOWN THE BEARS MOUTH!?!?!?!?!

Onterrio Smith
ATT 13 YDS 79 AVG 6.1

6.1 Average yards per touch!?!?!?!?!? I would have gave him the ball 30 times and when he was done in I would have had Moore in there and Bennett. :doublefin

[Timberwolf]

Durango: Tice is a nice guy and he puts a lot of time to his job. I think that's great, but he and his staff has not gotten the max out of this team this year and Ted Cottrell has been lousy as a defensive coordinator. I want to see him succeed as a head coach, but it is not working. Every week, the Vikings find inventive ways to lose and this team tends to melt down and play worse than a Pop Warner team. That's on the coach IMO. A great coach finds a way to have his team play well and win couple of games in a row. It seems with the Vikings, it's win one or lose one.

Another thing. Have the Vikings won a road game in the outdoors under Tice? I don't think so. It's disgusting to lose games to bad teams like Arizona, Chicago, Oakland, and San Diego on the road.

As for Billy Joe McCombs aka Red McCombs, I wish he would sell the team. I am so tied of this idiot. It's obvious he wants to make money rather than improve the team. He wants to sell the team just so he can get his money.

[Timberwolf]

Stats that matter

This is what I have been saying. WHY DIDNT YOU SHOVE THE BALL DOWN THE BEARS MOUTH!?!?!?!?!

Onterrio Smith
ATT 13 YDS 79 AVG 6.1

6.1 Average yards per touch!?!?!?!?!? I would have gave him the ball 30 times and when he was done in I would have had Moore in there and Bennett. :doublefin


WOW! Tice and his staff just keeps amazing me with the incomptence.

[Durango53]

That was why I said Romeo Crennel might be a great man for this team...

[Durango53]

Vikings coach Mike Tice was stunned by his team's performance in Sunday's 24-14 loss at Chicago, given the magnitude of its importance in gaining control of the division. Tice opened his postgame press conference by saying, "That was an absolutely horrible performance. Chicago kicked our (butt) today."

[Durango53]

RB Michael Bennett played only one snap against the Bears, and it wasn't pretty. He gave up a sack. Bennett, a starter three weeks ago, has played only three snaps the past two games.

[Durango53]

WR Marcus Robinson, who has been bothered by a foot injury the last month, showed good speed and body control on a 40-yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone against the Bears. It was his first touchdown since the Titans game on Oct. 24.

[LesPaul]

ya the O-Line totally sucked, not only gave up sacks and put Culpepper under pressure the whole game but also allowed that blocked FG as well, to me the point-of-no-return for the Vikes.

How about that pass completion from Culpepper to Moe when Culpepper was being taken down?

Also, how about Ross's performance coming in for Winfield? Seemed to me he was falling down more than anything else...

[Durango53]

Well it looks like the writing is on the wall and Tice can read it.... That is my take on it what is yours???

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice said that there are two or three college football jobs that could lure him from the NFL, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

"Certainly (Washington) would be one of those," he said. "I feel I gave you enough ammo right there to read between the lines, as they say. Who wouldn't want to come home?"
Tice, who played 10 of his 14 seasons in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, said he hadn't been contacted yet by the Pac-10 school. He did however sound as if he'd be interested in speaking with Huskies AD Todd Turner about the position.

"Wouldn't it be a lifelong dream to be able to work in the city where my two children were born?" he said "But I have a job here, and I'm under contract until Jan. 31, and I want to finish the job I started here."

The Vikings are 7-5 currently, and if they don't make the playoffs, Tice could be available Jan. 2, the last day of the NFL regular season.

Tice doesn't have any college coaching experience, but could bring along current Vikings offensive coordinator Scott Linehan to Washington, where Linehan was as assistant from 1994-1998.

Tice is still considered a long shot at best for the position, with two other confirmed candidates being fired Notre Dame coach Tyrone Willingham and former Boston College coach Tom O'Brien.

[Durango53]

A lot can happen over the final four games of the regular season that could affect the Vikings in several significant ways, but particularly the future of head coach Mike Tice, whose contract expires Jan. 31.

"I understand where I'm at," Tice said Thursday. "I'm not an idiot. I understand how I'm being evaluated, too. But I'm going to have fun with the next 24 days. I'll cherish this football team because it's my football team."

Vikings owner Red McCombs has a one-year, $1 million option on Tice's contract. Despite a report in Sports Illustrated last month that quoted McCombs as saying he will exercise the option regardless of the Vikings' final record, McCombs said Thursday he still has not made his decision.

http://www.startribune.com/stories/510/5129657.html

[Durango53]

Coach Mike Tice said Moss will be used in a reduced role, starting Sunday against Seattle. Tice said he wants to use Moss in fewer than 50 plays. Moss' back and hamstring have been bothering him since he returned from a partially torn hamstring two weeks ago.

[Timberwolf]

Durango: Tice has to lead his team to the playoffs and win a playoff game for him to get an extension. Even if that happens, I wonder if Red believes in him to take the Vikings to the next level. It seems half of the Vikings fans want him gone for good. I like Tice personally, but I just wonder if he is the guy to take them to the next level.

We will see what happens. I am rooting for him to do well. He is a class act and his work ethic is very superb.

Tice's performance in the next four games will speak for itself.

[LesPaul]

A question once again about playcalling. Why have Randy Moss throwing into the endzone in a game that you are down by 4 with 2:30 or so left in the game?? Moss should be in the endzone (as his role as WR) waiting for a pass from Culpepper (as his role as QB).

*Note: QB stands for quarterback, the player responsible for guiding the team on the field and designated as the one to throw passes.

WR stands for wide receiver, the player that runs around down field waiting to catch the pass delivered most likely from the quarterback.

[Timberwolf]

What a frustrating loss. To lose that way in a ridculous fashion at home is disgusting. I really thought the Vikings would pull this one out today, but they did not. Now you wonder if they will simply collapse. I don't think they will. Now if you tell me that if the Vikings lose to Detroit, then I would say yes. I think they will somehow win at least one or two more game to cement a playoff spot.

I am not really happy with what's going on in the last few weeks. The Vikings have played awful football. Tice and his staff mismanged this game so badly in the second half. What the heck was that pass by Randy? What was that? Why didn't he just run out of bounds? There is no need to throw at all. It was a great throw, but that was nowhere near close to the receiver. I did not get that at all. That was very stupid. I could not believe my eyes when that happen. Another critique I had with Tice today was his lack of use for the running game. From reading the boxscore, the Vikings passed the ball more than run the ball. What is that? Vikings are so loaded with runningbacks yet they are not used. Onterrio Smith should have done a lot of running today especially when you consider Seattle has had problems stopping the run. Also why throw a flag challenge when Daunte had two opportunites to get the first down? That was pretty stupid of Tice. Tice's decision making has been bizzare in recent weeks.

Did Daunte showed up in the second half? The offense was nowhere to be found in this second half.

The defense wasn't that great. I thought the D would get better, but instead they have regressed and that's not a good thing. They have to get it together fast.

Simply put, the players are making silly mistakes and they are playing undisciplined football. They are playing like they are not well-coached. They are showing signs of choking by just playing bad and making mistakes that is seen in high school football.

It's remarkable how the Patriots and Steelers can be so consistent every week while the Vikings are so consistent in choking every year. I tell ya what. I did not seem too sad or worked up with the Vikings loss. Maybe I expected it.

They really need to forget this game fast and get ready for Detroit. If they lose Sunday, they are done.

[Durango53]

Done Done Done Done Done

Done 1 is Tice. Thanks for turning around Moss and getting him on track. It might have been worth it to put up with you for these last 3 years if he keeps going the way he is and being a team guy. But Tice is done and not going to be the head coach next season.

Done 2 Vikings. They are done. Sure they might make the playoffs but they are not going to win any game in the playoffs. This defense is bad. Bad bad bad!!!! Sure the LB's are faster but they aint any better. And that secondary is the worst I have seen in a long long time. By Ross you are done also if you aint cut by today you are not playing next week. Cant keep up with your guy so you tackle him before he can get past you?

Done 3 is Scott Linehan talk of being a head coach. You said it Ryan... You have the BEST WR in football and still hurt this guy is about the 3rd best WR hurt. And he is throwing when you have the best running QB in the backfield with the best RB's in the backfield and you have the WR throwing with the game on the line?!?!?!? WTF ARE YOU THINKING!!!!! I think Culpepper can do a better job thinking on his feet and running and having to throw than Moss....

Done is This team until Red puts some money into this team. With the NFL today he can about buy a Super Bowl with all the money he is under the cap with. He can do a heck of alot with that money and the first thing he needs to do is get some GOOD COACHS!! PAY SOME MONEY TO THEM!!! You aint going to get a first class coach for nothing. And this is what this team needs is a coach that is going to put a iron fist up there ass when they want to start there slid and give up.

Done is me. I will no longer believe in this team until Red puts some money into this team. I will always like this team much to my dismay. I have always been a Vikings fan and always will be a fan. I lived and died with this team for so many years and now I am done. I will put the same fan far into this team that I now do with the Rox. Until they start to move forward I will not be putting so much of my heart in this team. For they dont put the heart into it that the fans do. And I say it all starts with the owner. Red put some money in this team.

[>TC<]

Don't be surprised to see Tice come back to finish out his contract. Red has an option for one more year, again as the lowest paid coach in the league. He also wouldn't want to sign a new coach, long-term, if he sells the team. That's all Red cares about - making as much money as he can. In real numbers, the Vikings are over $20 million under the cap this year. Word is that Red is just waiting for the new TV contracts to be signed so he can figure our the revenue streams for the next 5 years and increase the asking price for the team. Whether he can find a buyer at that price is another matter. Look for him to actively shop the team in 2005.

TC

[Durango53]

I see that to TC...

I would love to see Tice back. I think he will make a great HC... But he needs better coachs with him I feel. This team as you will go back and look in my posts from last year went from a smash mouth run it your face and hit you with that big line to a finesse team that has cute plays and such.

6.1 yards rushing vs the bears. I know they was running good against the Seahawks to. This team must run the ball and win with the run and then go off the run to set up the pass. When the win they run the ball good and a lot. When they dont run that much and be that finesse team they dont win. Sure the offense still gets about the same numbers in the end no matter which way they go but when you run the ball it gives time for the Defense to rest and this defense needs to be on the sidelines as much as they can.

[>TC<]

Agreed.

Sometimes they just don't seem to have a plan. Linehan and Tice have different philosophies. Tice would like to see more of a smashmouth offense and Linehan came from Louisville where they'd throw the ball all over the field. Makes you wonder who chose the offensive coordinator. I do know one thing, he interviewed with Tice, but he also interviewed with both Moss and Daunte before Red hired him. Wonder who influenced the decision more?

TC

[Durango53]

Never knew that?!?!?!?!!? So who does the hiring then? Cupepper and Moss or Tice!?!?!?! I think it is plan to see for you and I that they need that guy in the coaching that is going to smash that ball into the defense. Having the running backs that the Vikings have there is NO reason they shouldnt run the ball 30 to 35 times a game and then go with the deep ball after that. Can you see that? Run with Smith, Run with Moore, Run with big bad Moe until the D line is beat up and the LB's and saftys have to to cheat up and just like last year when they was winning those first games of the season a deep ball to Moss or Cambell or a middle pass to Nate or jimmy or Garbage man who is in there now and this team is unstoppable and more inportant they keep that Defense off the field!!!

I like Tice and I think he is going to make a hell of a head coach for someone and so why cant it be the Vikings but Linehan isnt a match for what the Vikings have and what they need to do. He would be a better fit for a Colts or Rams offense not a team that has to play smash mouth but dont.

[Liter22]

Mr. Shad sorry your team bombed out! NOW GET BACK ON AIM

[Durango53]

Burleson scored his fifth touchdown in six games Sunday, but he also suffered a broken nose in the Vikes' loss. He is expected to be able to play in Week 15 at Detroit.

[Durango53]

Moss had four catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. However, he threw an interception on a trick play near the end of the game.

[Durango53]

Winfield, who was expected to miss two or three games with a sprained ankle, is improving quickly and could play next week at Detroit, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

[Durango53]

After Harrington's latest poor performance -- 5-for-22 for 47 yards in Week 14 -- coach Steve Mariucci again had to clarify Harrington's job status. His endorsement was less than enthusiastic, and he left open the possibility that Mike McMahon will play at some point in the final three games. "Joey's our starting quarterback, Mike's our backup, and if we chose to play Mike in the next three weeks at all, we'll make that decision when the time comes or if the situation presents itself," Mariucci told the Detroit Free Press.

[>TC<]

They made a point of talking about how Randy and Daunte had to approve of anyone hired as offensive coordinator. That was how they came up with the dreaded "Randy Ratio", through meetings with Randy, Daunte, Linehan, and Tice.

TC

[Timberwolf]

I have been Tice's biggest booster, but I think it maybe the best for the team if he leaves. He constantly making too many coaching mistakes and his inability of not winning a challenge is not good. His big problem is that he is not a good tacitcian coach. I mean why in the world did he abandoned the running game in the second half. It was pretty successful in the first half and then the Vikings just abort going to the running game. That really turned me off.

I agree the Vikings are done in the first round. I still think they will make the playoffs, but they are done right after that.

I wish Billy Joe McCombs (Red's real name and the name I will call mockingly) would sell the team. I am not sure if he is not going to get any high value. He might as well get whatever Glen Taylor or any buyer is offering him and run with it.

[Timberwolf]

Winfield, who was expected to miss two or three games with a sprained ankle, is improving quickly and could play next week at Detroit, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

God I hope he plays. It's no coincidence that the Vikings D has lost a beat with him being out. They really need him badly.

[Durango53]

He constantly making too many coaching mistakes His big problem is that he is not a good tacitcian coach. I mean why in the world did he abandoned the running game in the second half. It was pretty successful in the first half and then the Vikings just abort going to the running game.
What >TC< was saying it wasnt Tice making those calls it was Linehan.

[Timberwolf]

Tice is the head coach. He should be the guy that knows what's going on. If Tice disagrees about that, he should have overrule Linehan's call. Now it's not the time for trick plays like that one.

[Durango53]

But how much power does Tice have if Moss and Culpepper told Red they wanted Linehan and they got to hire him and not Tice? It sounds like to me that he has the call on what he wants to do and Tice don’t. I think Red is the cause of all this and get rid of him and let Tice put the staff he wants on the field I think we will see a Vikings team that will smash the ball down the field and do what they did last year to win those games off the bat with running the ball so much and then playing off the run with the big pass play.

[Timberwolf]

Randy and Daunte wanted Linehan? Those two has been yelling at him in the sidelines in the last couple of years. I know Daunte has not been happy at times with Linehan minimizing Daunte's strength's.

I believe Linehan was Tice's guy since Tice was hired. Tice and Linehan has been joined to the hip for a long time.

[Durango53]

>TC< is from the MN area. I was suprised when he said
Linehan and Tice have different philosophies. Tice would like to see more of a smashmouth offense and Linehan came from Louisville where they'd throw the ball all over the field. Makes you wonder who chose the offensive coordinator. I do know one thing, he interviewed with Tice, but he also interviewed with both Moss and Daunte before Red hired him. Wonder who influenced the decision more?

They made a point of talking about how Randy and Daunte had to approve of anyone hired as offensive coordinator. That was how they came up with the dreaded "Randy Ratio", through meetings with Randy, Daunte, Linehan, and Tice.

I know 99% of O linemen love it when you run the ball. They can move out and pound someone. And this line was built for the running game Tice has said that. So this makes some sence what TC is saying about them passing so much when this team was built to run. A running QB, four very solid RB's and a huge line that can push some meat?

[Durango53]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=1946448

A huge mistake????? Or a twist of fate!!!!!!!!

It seems that Tice will be back next year... This is a wild event that is happening in the world of Vikings could turn out to be the biggest news of the year!!!!

For the past several months, Red McCombs has reiterated that he will wait until the 2004 season concludes before deciding whether to exercise the option on Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Tice's contract for the 2005 campaign.

Turns out that the Vikings' owner doesn't have the luxury of waiting that long to determine the fate of his head coach.

[Durango53]

TRANSACTIONS
Dec. 16
Signed cornerback Rhett Nelson; signed cornerback Mike Echols to the practice squad; placed linebacker Raonall Smith on injured reserve.

[>TC<]

Tice had never met Linehan until he was one of the candidates who interviewed for the OC job. After Red invested all the money he did in Daunte and Randy, the only guys interviewed came from high powered passing offenses.

Tice said this week that the trick play on Sunday was called by Linehan. He also said that he doesn't like to overrule his OC, preferring to let him call his own plays without "looking over his shoulder", worrying about Tice saying no. He also made an interesting comment - that if it was up to Daunte and Randy, they'd pass the ball on every play and that they are constantly after Linehan to throw it more than they already do.


TC

[Durango53]

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

WHERE DID THE RUN GO!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am getting freaking sick of this!!!!!!!

First two drives the Vikings looked great they was RUNNING the ball and taking the big plays off the Lions bring up guys to stop the run!!! And then they just start to pass!!!! AND NOTHING!!!! Bennentt was looking good and they was having some great screen plays and the defense was doing good. Then they start to pass and dont get the job done and the defense looks bad!!!!!

Why cant these guys figure this out!!! RUN THE BALL and everything happens the way it should and you win!!! This is getting bad.

[Timberwolf]

Mike Tice, the Vikings, and the fans should all give that Lions snapper a hug and a thank you card. Tice should definitely say thanks in his prayers tonight at his bed. WOW! The Vikings got lucky today. Lady luck was good for the Vikings for one day as the Lions snapper missed the snap which meant the kicker could not kick the extra point to tie the game. Vikings held on to win. Goes to show you that little things like that are important. This missed snap is just a microcosm of the Lions and Vikings season. For the Lions, it's a microcosm of how bad things have been for them not only just this season, but in the last three years. For the Vikings, it's a microcosm of how they find ways to blow a lead and how they needed luck to survive like today.

I am really stunned that the Vikings was able to hold on. I was thinking overtime and then the Lions would find a way to win the game. I really felt that way. This team almost found another way to lose. I thought the Vikings would make a huge defensive stop in the final play, but Harrington had all the time in the world to make his throws. That was so frustrating. It's just a microcosm of how bad the Vikings D has been all year. The fact they made Hutchinson and now Harrington into elite QBs bothers me to no end. The defense was simply horrible to watch again. I am getting tired of it.

Daunte was fantastic. I hope he can get on a groove as the playoffs begin soon.

The OL was great today.

Randy was fantastic. Good to see Nate get lot of touches today.

The running game was good and it was good to see the running backs do their stuff down the strech. Vikings got lucky BTW that Bennett was able to get that ball back after he fumbled. Had he not got the ball back, Moe Williams would not have ran for a TD and odds are the Lions might have won this game. Vikigns really got lucky there too. Speaking of Moe, this guy is so unheralded and underrated. He never get any highlights or attention, but he knows how to score TDs when the Vikings need him the most.

I am relieved that the Vikings won. Had they lost this game, I think the Vikings may have been doomed. I will take the win even though I wasn't happy with the way the Vikings played and how they almost blew it. They better play a lot better on Friday against the Packers because if they play like today, they will lose big time.

[Durango53]

On the running game also. Every Touchdown the Vikings got in this game the RB played the biggest roll in getting that TD.

Every TD the RB's got the big play with a screen or was getting very good solid runs and they brought up the LB's and a such to stop the run and that let Nate get free for his TD and helped Randy for his. Why is it that Scott cant see that????

[>TC<]

Lady Luck was smiling on the Vikes.

If Tice says one more time that Ross has 8 1/2 lives in the NFL, he should have to take a drug test. Three weeks in a row this guy has cost us a game or almost cost us a game. Why have him on the field as the nickle back?

The Vikes played most of the game with only two OL who started the season as starters, the two guards. Dorsey and Goldberg were at tackle and Withrow at C (and he got hurt and had to stay in) Next week Birk should be back, but he won't be 100% the rest of the year.

Tice said last night that Bennett will see more reps next week.

Moe is the man! They need him in there for 3rd downs, short yardage, and he's quietly been playing some on special teams in the last few weeks.

Burleson - not bad for a guy with a broken nose and a broken finger!

One big thing that disappointed me was when Kevin Williams took himself out of the game, because he was winded, at the end of the game with the Lions on the 15-17 yeard line. Great players dig deep and stay in the game when they are tired at "crunch time". The Vikings season was on the line and he needs a blow. Yeah, right.

Friday's a big one. Go Vikes!!

TC

[Durango53]

Moe is the man and he should be in there more. I know that they have 3 big play makers and Moe is just a lunch pail guy but damm you know the ball is safe and he is going to get 3 to 4 hard yards... That guy just puts his head down and dont do anything fancy just head down and is going to try his hardest to run though you.

Burleson is coming in his own!!! A number two to go beside Moss now it is starting to look like....

And yes Friday is the game. The Vikings have to get ready because the Packers are coming in and they are going to be tough. They got there butts kicked in a dirty game and that is going to piss them off and they are going to come into this game ready to play and the Vikings must match them!!!!!

And dont forget RUN THE FREAKING BALL!!!!!!

[Durango53]

I am sure all of you get sick of me talking about this team having to run the ball to be a winner but here are some more stats to go with what I said above with every TD the Vikings scored the Running Back had something to do with it....

Bennett had 13 carries for 51 yards a avg of 3.9
Moe had 2 carries for 12 yards for a Avg of 6
Smith had 4 carries for 6 yards and a Avg of 1.5

Now come on you have the best RB core in the NFL and you only give the ball to them 19 times!?!?!?!?!?
This team needs to run the ball about 30 times and that will make Moss's numbers go though the roof.

[Timberwolf]

Hopefully, the running game will be ready in that Christmas Eve game.

With Winfield playing Friday, it looks like Ross's days with the Purple are done.

If you read Patrick Reusse's column today on the Vikings win yesterday, he is right on. I agree with everything what he said. Hopefully, the Vikings can show me something on Friday.
Here is the link of what Reusse had to say:
http://www.startribune.com/stories/1557/5145677.html

Can't wait for Friday.

[Durango53]

The Vikings must take every game from now on as a playoff game. They have to go into these games as lose and done.

[Durango53]

By the end of the Lions game, the Vikings' offensive line had only two players who began the season as starters -- LG Chris Liwienski and RG Dave Dixon. "Our offensive line got beat up pretty good by that defensive front," coach Mike Tice said. "That's a good group there. They got the better of us." LT Bryant McKinnie experienced back spasms Sunday. He left the game in the second quarter, returned briefly in the third and then left for good. C Matt Birk missed his fourth game because of surgery to repair a hernia. RT Adam Goldberg is the fourth starter at right tackle this season.

[Durango53]

CB Antoine Winfield nearly played Sunday against the Lions. The Vikings desperately wanted to play him, but his high left ankle sprain didn't pass a pregame workout with head trainer Chuck Barta. Winfield, who has missed the last two games, is expected to play against the Packers on Friday.

[Durango53]

C Matt Birk, who has missed the last four games because of surgery to repair a hernia, returns to practice this week. Barring a setback, Birk will start against the Packers.

[Durango53]

The Vikings and Packers have played 86 times, but the 87th meeting, scheduled for Christmas Eve at the Metrodome, might be the most important one in series history.

The winner wins the NFC North title. Period. It won't matter what happens in the final week of the season.

[Durango53]

"I'm sending Jack Del Rio a fruit basket tomorrow morning," said Tice, referring to the Jaguars' head coach and Tice's close friend and former teammate. "We've battled through a lot to get to this point. What else could be this exciting? The NFL looks like geniuses right now for scheduling this game on Christmas Eve for a division title."

[Durango53]

"This is a great game to coach in," Tice said. "A game for the division title against the Green Bay Packers. If I was a little thinner, I might even think of suiting up for it, but the only thing I have thin is my hair line, so I don't think there's a possibility that I'm going to be able to help out this week. I'll just hold the headphones and the pencil."

[Durango53]

Coach Mike Tice could be let go if the Vikings fail to make the playoffs, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

[Durango53]

RT Adam Goldberg appears to be playing well enough to retain his starting position for the remainder of the season. Goldberg is not as athletic as the rookie he replaced, Nat Dorsey, but is smart and rarely makes mistakes.

[Durango53]

FS Brian Russell is having a subpar season. Last year, he made up for occasional uneven play with nine interceptions. This season, he has dropped several passes and has only one pick. Russell is a defensive anomaly: He is a hard hitter but not a sure tackler. The hard hits aid him in coverage, but the tackling deficiency makes it difficult to rely on him for run support.

[Durango53]

The defense still is having trouble with issues most teams fix in training camp. To get the best matchups possible, coaches are substituting five or six players on every play based on offensive formations, and at times the subs are just getting into their stances as offenses snap the ball. Linebackers and safeties also are having communication breakdowns in zone coverage and leaving opposing receivers wide open at times.

[Durango53]

Coach Mike Tice said Winfield (ankle) looked good in workouts Monday. Winfield has missed the past two games.

[shnuskis]

Packers-Vikes on Christmas Eve! The women in my family(grandmother, mom, wife)started scheduling how we were going to celebrate and watch the game as soon as the schedule came out way back when! Have any of you had to change plans in order to watch the game? I had to turn down 8 tickets for the game(player tickets at that). My wife would kill me since I missed two of the last three Christmas's already due to war.

Hope your Christmas isn't ruined-oh, wait, maybe I do. Just kidding. :)

[Timberwolf]

shnuskis: There is no way in hell I am missing that game on Friday. I am definitely watching this game. I think every fan that loves football should watch this game on Friday. Vikings can put up or shut up this Friday and they better play a lot better than they did Sunday in which they were very lucky to even win that game thanks to a miss snap by Lions snapper Don Muhlbach.

I am really interested to see how the Vikings fare especially since the game is at the Dome where it will be crazy.

[shnuskis]

Due to history, I never have a good feeling going into the Dome. And the Packers have either looked great or horrible this year. It is definately going to be wild.

[Durango53]

DT Chris Hovan has been all but removed from the line rotation. A starter as recently as midseason, Hovan now is inactive for games unless the Vikings are playing a strong passing offense. In those cases, the coaches believe Hovan can be a disruptive factor as a nickel pass rusher. But Hovan can't get off blocks well enough to be a factor in the run defense and has been recognized as a liability in that area.

[Durango53]

The team has learned how important it is to have C Matt Birk (hernia) healthy and in the lineup. Birk's pass blocking and ability to pull make him a critical part of the offense. Backup Cory Withrow, at 281 pounds, relies on his ability to scrap and work harder than his opponent. When Withrow has been nicked up, he has lost strength he needs to neutralize bigger, faster opponents.

[Durango53]

Rookie LB Rod Davis didn't play well on special teams for much of the season, failing to stay in coverage lanes consistently. He needed a wake-up call from the coaches to improve his study habits. Having done so, Davis now is one of the team's top special teams players and could get time in the nickel defense.

[Durango53]

Moss missed the last meeting with the Packers because of a hamstring injury, but Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper still threw for 363 yards and four TDs. Playing on artificial turf at the Metrodome, the healed Moss will be a threat. The Packers are one of two teams to allow 30 TDs passing this season. Meanwhile, Moss has more career yards receiving (1,213) and TDs (11) against the Packers than against any other team.

[Durango53]

Coach Mike Tice told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that Bennett could start over Onterrio Smith this week. This comes three weeks after Tice named Smith the full-time starter. Bennett had 102 total yards in Week 15, partially because Smith left with an elbow injury.

[Durango53]

Quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and defensive tackle Kevin Williams today were named to the Pro Bowl.

[Durango53]

Cornerback Antoine Winfield and wide receiver Randy Moss also garnered heavy consideration, but Moss’ partially torn hamstring caused him to essentially miss five games. He still has 11 touchdowns in what amounts to about nine games of service this season.

[Durango53]

Signed running back Rushen Jones; released cornerback Derek Ross; signed wide receiver Lane Danielsen to the practice squad.

[Timberwolf]

Good riddance to Derek Ross. He was awful.

Good to see Birk and Winfield back especially Winfield.

Can't wait for the game today. I am really pumped up.

[Durango53]

Ya Ross just gave up to much.

Wyoming Cowboys gave me my first christmas present so come on Vikings give the the second today!!!!!

[Durango53]

CHRIS STANDS UP AND MAKES BIG PLAY TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!

[BPBlueSox]

Wow. Minnesota's defense is horrible.

[Durango53]

And the great Viking choke strikes again....

And yes Dan the Defense is so very very very bad...

[Timberwolf]

Wow. Minnesota's defense is horrible.

That is an understatement.

[Timberwolf]

Another choke, another meltdown, and another laydown by the defense. That's Vikings football for you. Those three characteristics I just mentioned is what is best described for the Vikings. They did it again today. They did absoultely nothing in the fourth quarter. I am so disgusted. I can't take it anymore. I am tired of watching this. It's a refelection on the coaches when you see this every week like I have seen this year. I am fed up with this. This is the second year in a row that I have seen this.

You got the impression that things were going the Packers way in the fourth quarter when Farve figured the Vikings defense out. Farve knew what the defense was giving him. It was so predictable. Also how come the Vikings don't blitz much. Farve was waiting to be blitzed yet there was no blitz. I was screaming at the screen to go blitz him out there, but he was able to go unscathed. That got me really upset. Cottrell's defense is a joke and I definitely want him gone when the season is over.

Did anyone saw how wide open the Packers receivers were? Did anyone saw the holes that Ahaman Green had? UGH! This Vikings D has to be worse defense in the NFL. They make the Chiefs Defense look like the 85 Bears.

I did not like the way Daunte executed in the fourth. He had couple of opportunities to run when he had that space. I know he was looking for an receiver, but they were being covered and Moss was walking gingerly late in the game. He should have gotten some yardage and used his feet to run late in the game.

Where was the running game in the final two drives of the game? In crunch time, he and Vikings offensive coordinator Scott Linehan was relying on Daunte to make the plays. That was impossible because the wide receivers were covered and Moss was showing his injury late in the game.

I just did not like the way the Vikings played in the fourth quarter. I did not like their mental toughness and approach. It seemed like they were expecting to lose and that bothered me.

This was a blown oppportunity to win the division and get a home playoff game. Now they will likely be on the road if they make it and quite frankly, I don't see them winning a road playoff game.

Congrats to the Packers for winning the NFC North. As for the Vikings, do they really deserve to be in the playoffs with the way they have played in the last few weeks. They will probably make it, but I personally don't think they earned it.

[Durango53]

Nearly an hour after his team's last-play loss to the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Eve, a game in which the perennially underachieving Minnesota Vikings surrendered 10 points in the final 3:34, Mike Tice was still hanging around the locker room talking about a defeat that "rips your heart out." His hands were trembling and his face ashen.
Despite all that, the Vikings are still likely to qualify for a postseason berth in the blighted NFC, and owner Red McCombs is apt to exercise the 2005 optio