The Official 2007 Vikings Thread.

[Durango53]

I am going to start a Tread about my fav football team the Vikings. Just going to post news and notes here on this tread and if anyone wants to add something please put it down....

[Durango53]

Statement from Coach Tice
Friday, July 11, 2003


Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Mike Tice released the following statement in regard to the medical condition of Vikings RB Michael Bennett.

"I talked to Michael today and I'm excited that he is going to undergo a medical procedure that may give him an opportunity to return at some point during the 2003 season. Our first concern is for Michael's well-being for the long term. This gives an opportunity for the rest of the backs on our team to step up and do what every player wants and that’s to compete."

[Durango53]

The Minnesota Vikings announced today that the team has agreed to terms with wide receiver Keenan Howry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Howry was drafted by Minnesota in the 7th round of the 2003 Draft out of Oregon, where he was a four-year starter, a two-time Biletnikoff Award nominee, and a two-time All-Pac-10 first-team selection for the Ducks. He finished his career with 173 receptions for 2,698 yards (15.6 avg.) and 24 TDs and also returned 104 punts for 1,221 yards (11.7 avg.) and 4 TDs. He ranks among the top 10 at Oregon in 19 career, season, and single-game statistical categories. Howry was a teammate of Vikings rookie RB Onterrio Smith with the Ducks.

[Durango53]

Stunned earlier this week by the news that tailback Michael Bennett could miss the entire season because of a slow-healing foot injury, the Minnesota Vikings were further rocked on Friday, when tight end Byron Chamberlain was suspended by the NFL for four games after a positive test for a banned substance.

Two league sources confirmed the suspension and said that the appeal process already had run its course.

Chamberlain tested positive for ephedra, for which the NFL began testing last summer. If his contentions are correct, that he mistakenly ingested the substance while he was taking a dietary supplement, he becomes the latest unwitting victim of the ban. Because of poor or inconsistent labeling, other players claim to have made similar mistakes, and have paid a price for their lack of diligence.

Ephedra is believed to have been the substance responsible for the death of former Vikings offensive lineman Korey Stringer.

The suspension will cost the Vikings the services of Chamberlain for the first four games of the regular season and will cost the eight-year veteran $176,470 in base salary. That is the prorated share of his $750,000 base salary for 2003.

Chamberlain, 31, is permitted to practice with the Vikings in training camp and can even play in the preseason contests. But once the regular season commences, he cannot work out at the team's facility and technically cannot have contact with club officials.

If there are no extenuating circumstances, Chamberlain will be eligible to re-join the team following its Sept. 28 game against San Francisco. His first appearance would then come in an Oct. 5 matchup at Atlanta.

The NFL Players Association sought this offseason to have the four-game suspension for a first-time offender reduced but failed in that initiative.

Minnesota is fortunate, in that it is deep at the tight end spot, but losing Chamberlain is still a setback, since he is the Vikings' best receiver at the position. Jim Kleinsasser and Hunter Goodwin, both proven veterans, are also on the roster. Kleinsasser, designated as the team's "franchise" player this spring, is one of the NFL's best blocking tight ends.

A former Wayne State standout, Chamberlain played the first six years of his career with the Denver Broncos and, while a solid performer, never started a game. He signed with the Vikings as a free agent in 2001, started 14 contests, posted a career-best 54 catches and was named to the Pro Bowl squad.

His numbers fell off in 2002, when he had 34 catches for 389 yards and no touchdowns. In his two seasons in Minnesota, he has 88 receptions for 1,034 yards and three scores. Chamberlain's career resume includes 163 catches for 2,019 yards and six touchdowns. He has appeared in 102 games and started 23 of them.

[Durango53]

Vikings Sign Culpepper to 10-year Contract Extension


The Minnesota Vikings have signed QB Daunte Culpepper to a 10-year contract extension the team announced. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Culpepper is entering his 5th NFL season and has started 43 of the 44 games he has played for the team since taking over starting duties in 2000. The 11th pick in the 1999 Draft, Culpepper has already etched his name throughout the Vikings record book. He holds 2 of the top 5 single-season passing yardage marks in team history, ranks 4th in career passing yards (10,402), 4th in career passing TDs (65) and holds team records for career completion percentage (62.3%), career rushing yards (1,501) and TDs by a QB (22) and has combined with Randy Moss for 28 career TD passes, the most by a duo in team history.

Culpepper has completed 60% of his passes in 23 of his 43 career starts and has led the team back from 4th-quarter deficits to win 7 times. Last season Culpepper ran for 10 TDs, the 4th-best total by a QB in NFL history. He joins Tommy Kramer and Warren Moon as the only QBs in team history to throw for 3,000+ yards in multiple seasons. Culpepper has posted a QB rating of 100+ points in 14 career games and has an 11-3 mark in those games.

[PissedPrincess]

How old is Culpepper.

Cool name.:cool:

[Durango53]

Originally posted by pedro's princess
How old is Culpepper.

Cool name.:cool:
Culpepper is 26 years old. Built like a MLB than a QB HT 6-4 / Wt 260. He can run and has a cannon for a arm. Was looked at being picked by the Browns in the first round but they thought that he would take a bit longer to get his stuff together so they went with Couch. He could have the running stats that Vick has but the coachs dont let him run as much. But when he does he will not shy away from contact to much. I look at Culpepper having a MVP year. That is just me though I will probley be wrong.

[Durango53]

Viking cheerleader of the week is.
Allison

Education/Profession:
Studying Entrepreneurship and Communications at the University of St. Thomas.

Profession/Future Goals:
To earn her MBA, start her own business and start a family.

Accomplishments:
Being an active volunteer in the community.
Hobbies:
Jogging around the Minnesota lakes, cooking, and weight lifting.

Her experience as a Vikings Cheerleader:
This is Allison's fourth year on the team. She has 19 years of experience in dance/cheer.

Fun and Interesting Facts:
Allison describes herself as amiable, organized and energetic. She enjoys being a promoter of 'Purple Pride.' Her favorite memory as a Viking cheerleader is teaching dance in Acapulco, Mexico. Allison favorite charity to work with is Race for the Cure.
http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Allison2002_2.jpg
http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Allison2002_7.jpg

[duckboy]

Originally posted by Durango53
The Minnesota Vikings announced today that the team has agreed to terms with wide receiver Keenan Howry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Howry was drafted by Minnesota in the 7th round of the 2003 Draft out of Oregon, where he was a four-year starter, a two-time Biletnikoff Award nominee, and a two-time All-Pac-10 first-team selection for the Ducks. He finished his career with 173 receptions for 2,698 yards (15.6 avg.) and 24 TDs and also returned 104 punts for 1,221 yards (11.7 avg.) and 4 TDs. He ranks among the top 10 at Oregon in 19 career, season, and single-game statistical categories. Howry was a teammate of Vikings rookie RB Onterrio Smith with the Ducks.

I have to respect any team that drafts two Ducks. Go Vikings!!!

[Durango53]

Originally posted by duckboy
I have to respect any team that drafts two Ducks. Go Vikings!!!
I think if Smith can step and and back up his talk he has been talking I think the Vikings will be a very strong team. There Defense is upgraded and they are thinking they have the WR's to backup Moss. I think the Vikes are the watch out team this year.

Welcome to the Vikes tread.

We have PP onboard to!!!! (I hope she is!!!!)

[Durango53]

The Minnesota Vikings announced today that the team has signed 3rd-round draft choice WR Nate Burleson. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Burleson was selected by Minnesota with the 71st overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft out of the University of Nevada, where he finished with 248 catches for 3,293 yards and 22 TDs during his 3-year career. He had 138 catches in 2002, which is the second-best single-season reception mark in NCAA history. Burleson finished the season with 1,629 yards receiving and 12 TDs and led the nation in receptions per game (11.5) and receiving yards per game (135.8). He was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver, and was an All-WAC selection and a 2nd-team All-America choice by The Sporting News and CNN/SI.

Burleson is the third Vikings’ draft choice to sign with the team, joining LB Mike Nattiel and WR Keenan Howry.

[Durango53]

Howard released


Convinced that he will never return to full strength from the catastrophic injury he suffered in 2001, the Vikings have released defensive lineman Willie Howard, a former second-round draft choice. Howard, 25, sustained severe knee injuries and a fractured leg halfway through the 2001 season, missed all of the 2002 campaign, and struggled in offseason workouts during the spring and summer this year. The former Stanford star had been apprised by coach Mike Tice last month that he would be released before camp began, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reported on July 22. Blessed with size and quickness, Howard could have been a valuable performer for the Vikings, because of his ability to play both end and tackle. But he appeared in just eight games, notching 15 tackles, before suffering the injury.

[PissedPrincess]

Funny story. I was so disgusted with the Pats 2000 season, I told TC I was gonna root for the Vikes in 2001.:D I did. The Pats won the SB.

[Durango53]

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Randy Moss believes his work ethic is just fine.
The Minnesota Vikings receiver appeared at an annual autograph session Saturday in Charleston, near his hometown of Rand.

Moss said he started his offseason workouts in March, switching from Minnesota to his training site in Florida.

Moss has yet to miss an NFL game. He set league records for a player's first five seasons for receptions (414) and yards (6,743).

He had 106 receptions for 1,347 yards and seven touchdowns last season.


Yet Moss, who said twice previously that he only plays hard when he wants to, still battles the perception that he is a loafer.

"I might have lifted more than I have since I've been in the league. I'm ready to go," Moss said.

[Durango53]

No snafu in contract negotiations

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By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


For the second year in a row, the Minnesota Vikings suffered an embarrassing first-round snafu, botching their initial selection when the 15-minute time limit lapsed and the team was then forced to exercise a rare "pass" on its choice.

But give Vikings management credit for this: At least this time around, Minnesota didn't compound its faux pas by butchering the subsequent contract negotiations.

ESPN.com has learned that the Vikings reached contract agreement Thursday evening with first-round defensive tackle Kevin Williams, the ninth player selected overall, and avoided the kind of acrimony and holdout that marked their 2002 negotiations. Last year, first-round pick Bryant McKinnie held out for nearly 100 days, and the former University of Miami offensive tackle missed virtually half his rookie campaign.

Minnesota officials were determined such an impasse would not occur again and ensured that by making a very aggressive proposal to Williams and agents Ken Kremer and Tom Condon, and then agreeing with the onetime Oklahoma State star on an impressive deal.

Williams will sign a seven-year contract that will void to five years simply if he reaches minimum playing time benchmarks. He will receive an initial signing bonus of $4 million and a second-tier option bonus of $4 million. The $8 million total represents a gaudy 21.4 percent increase over the bonuses awarded to Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle John Henderson, the ninth player chosen in the 2002 draft.

In a year when the rookie allocation pool is "flat," and increases have been modest, that is a dramatic jump.

The five-year value of the contract is worth up to approximately $12.5 million.

The Vikings had been seeking a defensive tackle to pair with standout three-year veteran Chris Hovan and Williams, a very active interior player whose stock rose greatly during his postseason workouts, probably will fill that role. Minnesota coaches certainly expect him to start as a rookie and to bolster a young defensive front.

A four-year starter in college, Williams totaled 160 tackles, 18 ½ sacks, eight pressures and four fumble recoveries. Williams had career bests in tackles (61) and sacks (seven) in 2002 and his natural strength and rare quickness allow him to move occasionally outside to end. He is strong enough at the point of attack, but pursues the ball very well, and is not easily knocked off his feet.

On draft day, the Vikings owned the seventh overall choice in the first round, but were involved in trade talks with two teams for that pick. Because the trade talks went so long, the Vikings missed the 15-minute deadline. Instead of choosing seventh, they wound up with the ninth pick instead, but noted that Williams was the player they wanted all along.

The botched pick was reminiscent of the '02 draft, in which the Vikings also missed the clock on a first-round deal, and failed to land defensive tackle Ryan Sims, the player they most wanted.

[Durango53]

Smith ends 2 day hold out
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Fourth-round pick Smith ends two-day holdout from Vikings
Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune

Published July 28, 2003 VIKE0728

MANKATO -- A sleepy crowd arose with a start Sunday morning at Vikings training camp, producing its loudest ovation so far this summer at 10:50 a.m. The roar was not for Daunte Culpepper nor Randy Moss nor Chris Hovan, but a fourth-round draft pick whose acclaim was secured when a staffer chauffeured him onto the practice field in a makeshift Rolls-Royce.

Running back Onterrio Smith ended one of the more bizarre episodes in recent draft history by signing a three-year contract Sunday morning, ending a short but essentially unprecedented holdout for a fourth-round selection.

Smith, 22, arrived in time to watch the final 45 minutes of practice and then participated for the first time in the afternoon, taking part in a special teams session.

Vikings officials had been aghast by Smith's decision, and coach Mike Tice had lamented his absence Saturday. Tice welcomed Smith with a bear hug Sunday, however, and players received him in kind as well.


Coach and player

Carlos Gonzalez
"That holdout was interesting," center Matt Birk said. "But the important thing is he's here now. It's a good thing it didn't last longer than it did.

"Me personally, I never hold it against a rookie. A rookie hasn't been through this before. He doesn't know how important it is to be here. The only advice he's listening to is his agent. There are a lot of good agents out there, but there are a lot of bad ones, too."

Smith, a top candidate to start in place of the injured Michael Bennett, acknowledged his holdout was "real unusual" and said he hoped the decision will not further tarnish his reputation.


Onterrio Smith

Carlos Gonzalez
"This is a business, and I was doing what I was advised to do by my agent [Tom Condon]," Smith said. "Everyone knows that the agent takes care of this part of it. All I could do is sit and wait. I could have told him to just go ahead and get me signed. But we didn't want to settle for anything. So that's what the deal was.

"Hopefully it doesn't add to any of the negativity that people have already put on me. Hopefully I gained from it. I know that when I came out here today, everybody was chanting my name. That made me feel real special."


Vikings at practice

Carlos Gonzalez
Vikings officials were unable to recall another fourth-round holdout in NFL history, but Smith, who rushed for 1,141 yards on 244 carries last season at Oregon, has been an atypical fourth-rounder since draft day. Projected by many as the second-or third-best runner available, Smith fell to the 105th selection overall because of character and health issues.

Smith immediately tagged himself the "SOD" -- Steal of the Draft -- and his presence seemed particularly valuable to the Vikings when Bennett suffered a setback earlier this month while rehabilitating a stress fracture in his left foot. Condon sought to take advantage of the Vikings' sudden need for backfield depth, proposing escalators and incentives that would pay Smith like a first-round pick should he win the starting job.

The Vikings refused those overtures, and both sides acknowledged the looming holdout Friday night. One of Condon's assistants phoned Smith in the Twin Cities late that evening, waking him to report that he had been unable to reach an agreement.

But Smith, still groggy, misunderstood the message and believed the contract was complete. He drove to Mankato early Saturday morning, surprising Vikings officials as he prepared for practice. After another round of phone calls, Smith returned to the Twin Cities.

"Inside, I was feeling, 'OK, let's get this thing done because I've got a great opportunity in front of me right now,' " Smith said. "I wanted to get it done so I could hurry up and get out here and contribute."

Late Saturday night, however, Condon reversed positions and accepted the Vikings' original offer -- a standard deal for fourth-round picks that includes the NFL's minimum salaries for each year. Smith, the Vikings' final draft pick to sign, arrived in Mankato midway through morning practice, and in a surreal scene, he rode a modified silver golf cart from the locker room, across Stadium Road and onto the field.

Smith, who had not stretched or warmed up, watched seven-on-seven and team drills. Players poked fun at him about making NFL history. "The first fourth-rounder to ever sit out," Smith said.

"I believe [the players] will understand what I did," he added. "They have a sense of what's going on. It's basically out of our control as players. You let the agents deal with it, and hopefully they get it done in a timely manner. Mine didn't take place like that. It is what it is, and now I'm just ready to get to work."

That work will entail extra sessions with running backs coach Dean Dalton, who will help Smith overcome his two-day absence from training camp as well as the 14 days of development camp he missed this spring. Dalton termed Smith's chances at winning the starting job "an uphill battle," but Smith remains confident.

Asked what his best strength is as a running back, Smith said: "I would say everything. I can make people miss. I can run through you. I can run away from you. All aspects of my game are complete."

[Durango53]

Viking cheerleader of the week is.

Laura
http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Laura2003_6.jpg
Education/Profession:
Pursuing a Communications degree at the University of Minnesota.

Profession/Future Goals:
Go to graduate school.
http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Laura2003_2.jpg
Accomplishments:
Keeping strong family ties while starting my own life in Minnesota.
Hobbies:
Scrap booking, visiting family in Iowa and reading.

Her experience as a Vikings Cheerleader:
This is Laura's second year on the team. She has 17 years of experience in dance and cheer.

Fun and Interesting Facts:
Laura describes herself as cheerful, busy and tall. She enjoys working with fellow cheerleaders. Her favorite memory as a Viking cheerleader was their trip to Acapulco. Laura's favorite charities are those that allow her to help children.
http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Laura2003_7.jpg

[Durango53]

This offensve line is going to be great for the Vikes this year. They had the best one in the league the year Culpepper had his great year. Culpepper will be able to run a bit himself so look out the Vikes could have a great year again!!!

Culpepper-to-Moss still works
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Culpepper-to-Moss still works
Mark Craig, Star Tribune

Published July 29, 2003 VNOT0729

MANKATO -- Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss reminded the Vikings' refurbished defense who the big dogs really are on this team.

Yes, the pass coverage is better than it was last season. No question. But when Moss is one-on-one, and Culpepper has time to throw, better isn't quite good enough.

Even on Day 3 of training camp, Culpepper-to-Moss looked crisp. Especially during Monday's highlight play of the day, a 60-yard touchdown pass during the morning team drills.

The first-team defense blitzed, leaving cornerback Denard Walker one-on-one against Moss. Walker was signed as a free agent from Denver to be the team's top cover corner.

But he didn't have a chance on this particular play. Not when the first-team offensive line stuffed the blitz dead in its tracks.

"With the offensive line we have, if a team blitzes and Randy is left alone on the outside, we're going down the field," Culpepper said. "I'm licking my chops."

Beef brigade

The "little" guy on the Vikings' massive offensive line is right tackle Mike Rosenthal, a 6-7, 313-pounder who coach Mike Tice says is "still a little bit light in the rear end."

Not light in the rear end are left guard Chris Liwienski (6-5, 325), right guard David Dixon (6-5, 343) and left tackle Bryant McKinnie (6-8, 346). Center Matt Birk is listed at 6-4, 300 pounds, but is heavier.

"When I drop back, sometimes it's hard for me to see around those guys," said Culpepper, who is 6-4 and says he weighs about 255. "They all look like trees, especially [McKinnie]. I call him 'Eclipse.' He's so big, he's the eclipse."

Culpepper's extra time in the pocket enabled Moss to gain a step on Walker on a post pattern. Culpepper hit Moss in stride at about the 10-yard line for their first long TD of the summer.

"My timing with Randy is very good right now," Culpepper said.

Welcome to the NFL, kid

Fourth-round draft pick Onterrio Smith, who ended his holdout Sunday, practiced with the offense for the first time Monday morning. He got a few snaps at running back with the first team because starter Doug Chapman sat out to rest a sprained foot.

"Once I stood next to big McKinnie, I said to myself, 'Yeah, this is the league,' " Smith said.

The reviews of his first practice with the offense were mixed.

Said Tice: "He had a couple of nice runs today. A couple of mental errors, going the wrong way on pass protection. One glaring one right down in the red zone, but we expected that. He's not up to speed. He can tell you he is, but he's not."

Said running backs coach Dean Dalton: "He went the wrong direction once on pass protection, but he also did some dual reads and some challenging things very well. Overall, he did an excellent job."

Said Smith: "A few mental errors, but nothing I can't clean up. Actually, I did good on my pass protections. It was just on some running plays that I made some mental errors."

Etc.

• Chapman said he stepped in a hole on the practice field during a drill Saturday and rolled his ankle. He practiced Sunday but sat out Monday morning before returning in the afternoon. "Nothing major," Chapman said. "It's something a couple of days of ice bags will take care of."

• After three fights Sunday, the Vikings had none Monday.

• Tice kept 34-year-old linebacker Greg Biekert out of Monday's afternoon practice. It's part of Tice's plan to keep Biekert fresh for later in the season.

• Tice said the linebacker corps has "gone from being a problem area last year to one of the strengths of our team." He also said second-round pick E.J. Henderson "shows already in two days he's the real deal."

[I Are Baboon]

I think I'll need to keep checking this thread for the cheerleader of the week. :naughty:

[Durango53]

Originally posted by I Are Baboon
I think I'll need to keep checking this thread for the cheerleader of the week. :naughty:
Hey what I need to do to get people to check out the

Official Vinkings Thread

[Durango53]

Moss and Vikings have high expectations

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By John Clayton
ESPN.com


MANKATO, Minn. -- For months, Randy Moss worked with a personal trainer on Florida beaches, dragging a 90-pound sled and building up strength in his upper body. His weight went from 197 to 207 and his shoulders added more muscle. He built a weight room in his home.

Good thing. Moss's shoulders need to be as broad as possible because he carries the Vikings offense on his shoulders. No, the Vikings aren't going back to the Randy Ratio, that misguided formula in which Moss got 40 percent of the passing attempts. As he did for the first four years of his career, Moss is going deep.

For two days in River Falls, Wis., Moss exploded downfield against the Kansas City Chiefs and blistered past cornerbacks for long touchdowns. Daunte Culpepper rifled the football as far as he could throw and Moss caught it in full stride. Unlike a year ago, defenders didn't touch the ball. Culpepper is having a no-interception training camp, and, as a team, the Vikings don't believe anything or anybody will "pick off" their bid to return to the playoffs after a two-year absence.

"Playoffs is not really the question," Moss said. "Super Bowl around here is the question. We've been hanging around the last three years and it hasn't really happened. So we've put things together in the offseason and made some key acquisitions. For what it's worth, I think we can go to the Super Bowl."

Second-year coach Mike Tice gulped when he heard the bold prediction of his star receiver. A couple of Moss's teammates have been hinting at similar thoughts. After 5-11 and 6-10 seasons, Tice is just trying to turn the Vikings back into a winner. Playoffs? Possible. Super Bowl? Well, let's just try to get off to a fast start in the first three regular season games and become a more physical, explosive team, he thought.

The good news for Tice is that Moss is going for the end zone and defying anyone to stop the Vikings. Offensively, the Vikings finished second in the league and the unit should be more effective because of the changes made on defense. What changes? Well, let's just say that the Vikings can start to say that they have a defense.

Over his first two seasons, Tice has turned over the personnel of one of the league's most porous units. Defensive tackles Chris Hovan and Fred Robbins are the only Viking defenders who remain from the 2000 season and the 1990s. A defensive line that was once a weakness is now strength. There is speed at the linebacker position. The secondary has been rebuilt. George O'Leary has installed a sounder, more aggressive scheme as the Vikings new defensive coordinator.

Practicing for two days against the Chiefs was a good barometer, and everyone knows a lot of work is still needed. The defensive front seven stuffed the run better but was still vulnerable to Trent Green's passing touch. Of course, that's not an indictment because the Chiefs put almost 30 points per game on opponents last season and have an offense that can be unstoppable. What pleased Tice is the Vikings, as a team, are developing a personality. A swagger is coming back.

"One thing I told the team in the offseason is that if we can run the ball and stop the run, we will develop a toughness as a football team," Tice said. "That's the personality we want to set. We want to be known as a tough football team."

"The big thing we've got to do is tighten up coverage," O'Leary said. "We had too much open space in our coverage last year, so we've got to tighten that up. We will try to get more aggressive. We've set a lot of goals. We want to improve our three-and-outs from 32 to percent to 39 percent. The reason we want to do that is to get the ball in the hands of the offense. We have a very good offense."

Tice signed cornerbacks Denard Walker and Ken Irvin to improve the pass defense. He brought in Lions former first rounder Chris Claiborne to add a playmaker at linebacker. He drafted defensive lineman Kevin Williams to add another play-maker along the defensive line.

"I'm happy," Claiborne said. "As much as they needed me, I needed the Vikings. I needed a change. I needed a chance to get to the playoffs. We made a lot of changes on defense but it would be harder for it to come together if we had a lot of young players. We have a lot of veterans. Our scheme gets the defensive line to force a lot of plays to the linebackers."


Randy Moss caught 106 passes for 1,347 yards last season.
As good as Moss looks in burning cornerbacks on long passes, Culpepper might be the bigger story of Vikings camp. He's had one of the game's best arms since getting the starting job in 2000, but his turnover numbers have increased over the past two years. He threw 23 interceptions last year and had nine fumbles.

Culpepper is working on an interception-free camp. For more than a week, Culpepper has avoided throwing a pick even though he's trying more long passes. An $82 million contract extension that has escalators into the $100 million range made him more relaxed and not worried about the future.

He has all the looks of a quarterback set to have a big year.

"I'm a year older, and a little bit more mature," Culpepper said. "My job is to throw the ball, keep mistakes to a minimum and have fun. Last year, I tried to force the ball deep and I threw maybe six different picks from trying to throw the ball deep. We'll go deep if we get single coverage, but I'm not going to force it. I'm checking down more and taking what defenses give us. I'm not trying to make plays when they aren't there."

Tice is pleased watching Culpepper throw the ball away when little is open. Better offensive line protection is helping. Bryant McKinnie, a holdout into the regular season last year, is hard to get around and shows excellent technique. Mike Rosenthal came from the New York Giants via free agency to settle the right tackle job.

"The tackles help and they hurt," Tice said. "The offensive line gives the quarterback more confidence he can step up in the pocket and look downfield. Sometimes it hurts because Daunte can't see because the linemen are so tall. Maybe I'll have to get Daunte a phone book."

McKinnie is 6-foot-8. Rosenthal is 6-7. Center Matt Birk is 6-4. To Culpepper, the problem is a good one because his linemen should buy an extra second to go deep.

D'Wayne Bates and Kelly Campbell have the speed to take a little coverage pressure off Moss by running long routes on the other side of the field. Bates caught 50 passes in his first season with the Vikings but he figures to get more action this year.

One concern is the backfield. Starter Michael Bennett is out until November because of complications following foot surgery and the job is wide open. Doug Chapman is currently running first team, and the sleeper is Larry Ned. Fourth-round choice Onterrio Smith doesn't appear to be ready to take over the starting job when the regular season starts unless he has a big exhibition season.

"I wouldn't say I would be comfortable starting a rookie, but I don't have a problem playing a rookie a lot," Tice said.

The Vikings may be adventurous in thinking Super Bowl, but their mentality is go deep. Moss has been to two NFC championship games and he feels good about this team.

That can't be a bad thing.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

This is what I have been saying about the Vikes. They are looking good this year and Culpepper is looking freaking great!!!

[Durango53]

The Minnesota Vikings wrapped up their first week of training camp with an intra-squad scrimmage this morning.

The team looked sharp on both sides of the ball, but it was the offense that walked away with the victory in the point scoring system. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper and wide receiver Randy Moss connected on a number of passes through-out the scrimmage. Culpepper continued his successful training camp making good decision in the pocket and showed his mobility when flushed out.

First round draft pick Kevin Williams shined on the defensive side of the ball. Williams made back to back plays in the red zone stuffing the run and also forced Culpepper out of the pocket a few times with his pass rush. Second round pick E.J. Henderson made a nice interception off a tipped pass and safety Corey Chavous recorded an interception that was returned 47-yards.

Running back Doug Chapman had a nice morning showing good strength around the goal line and running back Larry Ned continues to impress. Ned was hitting the holes hard all day and shows a great burst of speed in the open field.

“Larry Ned has been impressive the entire camp, and he showed today why we really like him,” said Tice


Note:

During the punt period Matt Birk showed his versatility catching a punt that sailed to the sideline. Birk threw up his hands, took his cheers in from the crowd and spiked the ball. Is he another option to return punts for the Vikings? Time will tell.

[Durango53]

Time of the week for the Official Vikings Tread!!! You know what it is!!!


http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Brandi2003_2.jpg
<b>Brandi</b>
Education/Profession:
Studying broadcasting.

Profession/Future Goals:
To graduate from college and start a family.
http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Brandi2003_6.jpg
Accomplishments:
Most charity appearances in 2002.
Hobbies:
Reading magazines, walking, and watching reality TV.

Her experience as a Vikings Cheerleader:
This is Brandi's third year on the team. She has 19 years of experience in dance/cheer.

Fun and Interesting Facts:
Brandi describes herself as entertaining, sassy, and outgoing. She enjoys making new friends through cheerleading. Her favorite memory as a Viking cheerleader is recieving the phone call for making the team. Brandi's favorite charity is Relay for Life and the Viking Children's Fund.
http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Brandi2003_7.jpg

[Durango53]

Epstein on top so far

Hayden Epstein has been mentioned as the favorite to win placekicker duties for the Vikings this season. But Epstein, who's competing against Todd France and Aaron Elling for the job, isn't approaching the situation – one of the team's most unsettled – that way. Epstein has a slight edge in experience, but he says the experience factor is a little overrated because France was in camp with the Vikings last summer and played in the NFL Europe this spring, and Elling has been to camp with Seattle and Miami. "I don't look at this (as a competition)," Epstein said. "I just worry about myself."

[prior22]

I used to like the Vikesand Packers until '99 when they broke my god damn heart. Now I'm a full Packer fan and all I have to say is:


VIKINGS SUCK!!!

[prior22]

It's a very nice thread though I like the Cheerleaders :naughty:! So no offence to you :D

[Durango53]

Originally posted by prior22
I used to like the Vikesand Packers until '99 when they broke my god damn heart. Now I'm a full Packer fan and all I have to say is:


VIKINGS SUCK!!!
Well to be a Viking fan you have to put up with their post season blunders. It is something that has and will happen much more I feel. But no matter how much the Vikes lose in the post season or how much they have to rebuild and how much they break my heart I could never be a cheese head!!!

[Durango53]

CLAYTON: FIRST AND 10

QB Daunte Culpepper is on a mission to not throw many interceptions this year even though he's throwing longer, lower percentage passes. But it can be argued that the Vikings now have the best defensive line in the division. With Kenny Mixon and Kevin Williams at ends, Chris Hovan and Fred Robbins at tackle and Lance Johnstone coming off the bench as a pass-rusher, the Vikings have the nice balance of playmaking ability that could be a little better than the Packers, Bears and Lions along the defensive line.

[Durango53]

SCHEDULE/RESULTS
Date Opponent Time/Results
Sep. 7 @Green Bay 1:00 PM ET
Sep. 14 Chicago 8:30 PM ET
Sep. 21 @Detroit 1:00 PM ET
Sep. 28 San Francisco 1:00 PM ET
Oct. 5 @Atlanta 1:00 PM ET
BYE WEEK
Oct. 19 Denver 1:00 PM ET
Oct. 26 NY Giants 1:00 PM ET
Nov. 2 Green Bay 8:30 PM ET
Nov. 9 @San Diego 4:05 PM ET
Nov. 16 @Oakland 4:15 PM ET
Nov. 23 Detroit 1:00 PM ET
Nov. 30 @St. Louis 1:00 PM ET
Dec. 7 Seattle 1:00 PM ET
Dec. 14 @Chicago 1:00 PM ET
Dec. 20 Kansas City 5:00 PM ET
Dec. 28 @Arizona 4:05 PM ET

[Durango53]

Rookie Nate Burleson is proving to be the answer to a difficult trivia question. "Even the guys on the team, they say, 'How many catches did you have last year? 138? Whoa. I didn't know that,'" said Burleson, whose total his senior season at Nevada was the second-most in NCAA history. "I just keep it to myself. I don't want to go out there and boast, because at this point it really doesn't matter." The Vikings will do the bragging instead. "You wouldn't believe he's a rookie," said coach Mike Tice, who this week moved Burleson into the No. 3 receiver spot ahead of Kelly Campbell – who is being bothered by tendinitis in his knee.

[Durango53]

Vikings Team Report
Aug. 22, 2003 Print it


Reasons for hope

Ultimately, the key to coach Mike Tice's second full season will be the play of QB Daunte Culpepper. If Culpepper can rebound from two shaky seasons, the team will move forward and could be in the playoff picture. Last year, the offense ranked second in the NFL despite Culpepper's poor start. With fewer mistakes from Culpepper, the offense should soar. In the preseason, he has been making better decisions, looking for his second and third options and throwing the ball away when in trouble instead of forcing it. The team wants to go deep more this season, which should please WR Randy Moss. He has gained almost 10 pounds, making him more durable without sacrificing any of his speed. But Moss is sure to face a lot of double-teams because D'Wayne Bates won't scare defenses on the other side. On defense, there is improved leadership and experience. MLB Greg Biekert and new WLB Chris Claiborne are teaching the young players that they are accountable and need to step up. Claiborne, Biekert and SLB Henri Crockett give the Vikings their best linebackers unit in years. Claiborne has dropped almost 20 pounds from his days with the Lions and seems to have renewed vigor for the game. He is a smart, instinctive player with playmaking ability.

Reasons for worry

The defensive talent has been upgraded with Claiborne, CB Denard Walker and rookie LE Kevin Williams, but the unit has to prove it can come together under new coordinator George O'Leary. In the preseason, there have been breakdowns, particularly in the pass defense. The special teams also need to improve dramatically, but indications during the preseason were that it may take a while for new special teams coach Rusty Tillman to produce results. Of particular concern is that the team apparently will rely on unproven commodities at kicker (second-year man Hayden Epstein) and punter (rookie Eddie Johnson). With RB Michael Bennett out at least the first two months with a broken left foot, the Vikings need to find a capable replacement to keep defenses honest. Doug Chapman may open as the starter, but fourth-round pick Onterrio Smith likely will take over early in the season. Smith has the ability to make quick cuts in the hole and has great vision, but he lacks Bennett's big-play speed. Chapman runs hard but doesn't stand out.

Williamson's bottom line

This team could sneak into the playoffs and might even put some heat on the Packers in the NFC Central. Culpepper should rebound nicely, and Smith could develop into an adequate fill-in for Bennett. But the team needs several young defensive players—Williams, CB Brian Williams and FS Willie Offord—to come through a year earlier than what realistically should be expected. If O'Leary can keep the defense from giving up huge plays and can hold opponents to the 20-point range, a 9-7 season is possible, but six or seven wins are more likely.

[Durango53]

Ok I am back so here is the Cheerleader of the Week for opening week!!!
Maren
http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Maren2003_6.jpg
Education/Profession:
Graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in European History.

Profession/Future Goals:
Administrative Assistant/To have a family and always be happy in my career.
http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Maren2003_2.jpg
Accomplishments:
Graduating from college and marrying my best friend.
Hobbies:
Baking, reading and running.

Her experience as a Vikings Cheerleader:
This is Maren's 3rd year on the team. She has 20 years of experience in dance and cheer.

Fun and Interesting Facts:
Maren describes herself as thoughtful, witty and genuine. Her favorite position is linebacker. Her favorite memory as a Viking cheerleader was running out of the runnel for the first time. Maren's favorite charity to work with is the Special Olympics.
http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Maren2003_7.jpg

[Durango53]

Clayton: First and 10
Defensive tackle Chris Hovan has a picture of Packers' quarterback Brett Favre in his locker for motivation. Coach Mike Tice painted his house in Packers colors to remind him how important this series is. The Vikings head to Green Bay believing they have a chance. They know their defensive line has improved significantly. Hovan is ready for stardom. They are good at ends with Kevin Williams and Kenny Mixon. New linebacker Chris Claiborne is the playmaker and had an excellent preseason. Both secondaries are question marks, so expect a high-scoring, entertaining game.

[Durango53]

Vikings Team Report
Aug. 31, 2003

The three-receiver formation will be used more often than originally planned, mainly because of the progress made by rookie WR Nate Burleson. He is a similar player to No. 2 WR D'Wayne Bates but with more upside. Burleson isn't a burner but is polished and already is a solid possession receiver.

Another rookie receiver, Keenan Howry, is the punt returner and one of the kickoff returners. Howry (5-10, 178) is hard-nosed player who runs solid routes and has a good burst.

The emphasis on ball security seems to be paying off. The first-team offense didn't have a turnover in preseason.

The defensive line clearly is improved. First-round pick Kevin Williams has been strong at left end, and Kenny Mixon has adjusted well in his move from left end to right end. The inside is anchored by standout Chris Hovan. This unit is aggressive and fast and is showing improved pass-rush ability.

The Vikings believe they have made a dramatic upgrade at cornerback, but it might now look that way early in the season. Their top three corners—Denard Walker, Brian Williams and Ken Irvin—have missed significant time because of injuries and need time to round into form.

[Durango53]

Chris Hovan, DT - Since Saturday, Vikings backup quarterback Shaun Hill has worn a No. 4 Brett Favre replica jersey during practice, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. Hovan had bought the jersey during the offseason and has had it sitting in his locker since. "Seeing that No. 4 on the field definitely got me going," said Hovan, who has engaged in spirited shouting matches with Favre. "It's Green Bay week. Seeing that jersey set it off. It's finally time to play Green Bay. I literally have an itch to play this game. I've been thinking of the Packers and Favre for nine months. It's been too long. Now I get to scratch my itch."

[Durango53]

Doug Chapman did not practice Monday, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. If he doesn't practice Wednesday, he will not play Sunday.

[>TC<]

Time to weigh in on the Viking front. As far as the current team, I see the chance for a 9-7/10-6 record and a wild card birth.

No one in the division has a receiver like Randy Moss.

http://www.vikingsmania.com/PhotoGalleries/Players/RandyMoss/moss1hand.jpg


I am a long time Vikes fan and will take a look around my bookmarks for some vintage pics. I ran into Bill 'Boom Boom' Brown the other day and said hello. It's still a thrill. Back when I was a youth, and well before year around training facilities and mini-camps, quite a few of the Vikings players used to work out at the high school I went to before training camp started. I used to see Dave Osborne, Bill Brown, and others getting in their road work and then finishing with a touch football game. Very cool!


TC

[Durango53]

I have posted that I think the Vikes could win there Div. They have inproved there D-line and D-backs and LB's. There O-Line is the best in the league and they will ride them to the end. The D played great ball today and I think the Offense will cut out all of the cute crap because those are the plays that let the Packers back in it.

Great win for the Vikes today and they will keep marching on. They had a strong run at the end of last year and they have keep it going.

[>TC<]

Moss has a monster day, the D forces 5 turnovers, Culpepper is interception free(although he still needs to learn how to put the ball away to eliminate fumbles), and the O-line plays well both on the pass and the running game.

That was a terrible call by the officials when Green Bay called a time out when they had already used all three of theirs. The rules say that calling a time out when you don't have any is a five yard penalty, which would have given the Vikes a first down, and the opportunity to continue to work the clock. Instead the officials tried to say that because the clock was stopped, the Packers trying to call a time out wasn't a penalty. So the Vikings have to run a play on third down, Daunte fumbles(another questionable call, as his knee was down before the ball came out), and Green Bay gets a qucik TD to close the gap to 30-25. It should never have happened.


Next up the Bears


TC

[Durango53]

You are so right >TC< so very right. All the cute plays as the tv guys said was the plays that hurt the Vikes. With that offense they need to just go after teams and say here it is and stop it. They dont need to do the WR reverses and such. Just play wide open in your face football on the Offense side. When is the last time you could say the D won the game? Only a couple break downs with the D-Backs. It looks like the combo of Chavous and Walker is going to make the DB's much better to where teams are going to have to wait a bit more. In turn with the LB's blitzing which looked great and worked great also wont give that time to other QB's because the D-line is a very good line. The Defense baring anyone getting hurt looks like they will keep the Vikes in all the games so they should have the chance to win alot.

You got to think the Vikes last year was in all the game they played. They lost most of the games by a TD or less. With the lions and Bears coming up the Vikes have a golden chance to jump out to a great lead in the Div. And as I picked I said the Vikes was going to win there Div.

[Durango53]

TJ'S TOP 10 W-L TJ SAYS
1. Bucs 0-0 Awaiting title game rematch with Eagles.


2. Bills 1-0 A good Lawyer isn't so hard to find.

3. Steelers 1-0 Impressive overall performance against the Ravens.

<b>4. Vikings 1-0 More impressive than final score indicates.</b>

5. Titans 1-0 League's most resilient team gets revenge vs. Raiders.

6. Giants 1-0 Swarming defense frustrated battered Warner.

7. 49ers 1-0 The usual easy win over the Bears at home.


8. Raiders 0-1 Too many penalties in sloppy loss to Titans

9. Broncos 1-0 Jake Plummer was bad, Bengals were worse.

10. 'Hawks 1-0 Holmgren's team picked up where it left off.


Offensive player of the week:
Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper. Threw for 195 yards and three touchdowns, plus ran for 50 yards, as Mike Tice's team toyed with the Packers.

[>TC<]

Daunte makes a play.
http://www.vegasinsider.com/images/football/nfl/culpepper.jpg


The Vikings take a blow with Corey Chavous doubtful for the game Sunday. He has a second degree sprain of the MCL and will not practice this week. He will receive aggressive treatment and will test it on Friday to see how it is. This injury typically sidelines players two to six weeks but Chavous says that he played with a similar injury earlier in his career, so the Vikings have not ruled him out completely. The team brought aack Ron Isreal, who was among the teams final cuts last week. They released defensive lineman Colin Cole to make rooom.


Go Vikes!


TC

[Durango53]

With the way Chavous played last week that would be a huge blow. He was where the ball was and something we havnt seen the Vikes do in the past few years. I hope all works out with him and if he does play he wont hurt the team. Chavous seems like a gamer to me though and I was very happy when they signed him and when they moved him to SS that was a great move. But also they are playing the bears which is a very bad team. So it could be a good time to let him rest a week or two and bring him back for the Lions game who are a much inproved offense team.
But I think the league has taken notice of the Vikes and there D. It took me by shock how well they played. And they could go deep in the playoffs if the D plays like they did last week. You know the Offense will come around to be better than they were last week and just hope the D keeps going like they did.

[Durango53]

NEWS AND NOTES
The Vikings signed FB Charles Stackhouse on Sept. 9. Stackhouse, a rookie starter for the Giants in 2002, was cut last week by the Giants after losing his job to Jim Finn. He drew the ire of coach Jim Fassel during a practice in August for throwing an errant punch at a teammate during a drill. Rookie James Lynch was released by the Vikings to make room for Stackhouse.
Minnesota made a change on its practice squad Sept. 9, signing CB Rhett Nelson -- a final cut by Arizona -- and releasing CB Horace Willis.

On Sept. 8, the Vikings replaced WR Ben Nelson with CB Jermaine Mays on the practice squad and released DT Colin Cole to make room for S Ron Israel on the active roster.

SS Corey Chavous is doubtful for the Sept. 14 game against Chicago because of a sprained right knee. Chavous was injured in the second quarter Sept. 7, yet stayed in the game and made a key interception in the end zone during the second half of Minnesota's 30-25 victory over Green Bay.

The Metrodome turf has been given the O.K. from the NFL for the Sept. 14 home opener against the Bears, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported on Sept. 9. "We discussed the matter with the Vikings and are satisfied that the turf is fine," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "We feel fine about playing on the surface."

[>TC<]

FYI - Corey Chavous was named NFL Defensive Player of the Week, the first Viking to be named since John Randall


http://news.mpr.org/features/200209/25_williamsb_moss/images/clavous.jpg


http://media.theinsiders.com/Media/NFL/14_chavouscorey0402.GIF



TC

[Durango53]

Originally posted by >TC<
FYI - Corey Chavous was named NFL Defensive Player of the Week.



TC :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

[Durango53]

Alexis is Cheerleader of the Week.
http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Alexis2003_6.jpg
Education/Profession:
Graduated with a B.S. from the University of Minnesota in Leadership, Management and Communications

Profession/Future Goals:
Currently a Mortgage Consultant and Real Estate Agent. She plans to increase awareness about roles the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders play in the community as well as promote the excitement surrounding the 2003 Minnesota Vikings season.

http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Alexis2003_2.jpg

Accomplishments:
Receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in four years, while also selling Real Estate full-time. In addition, participating at Muscular Dystrophy Association's week-long Summer Camp - volunteering as a primary care-taker for a disabled camper.
Hobbies:
Traveling, photography, rollerblading and spending time at the cabin.

Her experience as a Vikings Cheerleader:
This is Alexis' first year on the team. She has 10 years of experience in dance/cheer.

Fun and Interesting Facts:
Alexis describes herself as ambitious, spirited and fun-loving. If she played football she would be a quarterback. Her favorite memory as a Viking cheerleader is running out of the tunnel into the first football game at which she performed. Alexis' favorite charities to work with are the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Minnesota Vikings Children's Fund - encompassing many charity organizations.

http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Alexis2003_7.jpg

[Durango53]

From Chris Mortensen on ESPN
Link (http://msn.espn.go.com/chrismortensen/s/2003/0909/1612395.html)

5a. Minnesota Vikings 30, Green Bay Packers 25 -- The Vikings have always played the Packers tough, even at Lambeau Field. But Mike Tice's group served notice that Green Bay does not have a free pass to the playoffs in the NFC North.

5b. Daunte Culpepper, Vikings: Took care of the football, made the throws when it counted, and beat Brett Favre at Lambeau.

2. Randy Moss, Vikings: The guy I saw on Sunday (9 for 150 yards, two TDs) is the best receiver in football.

4. Chris Claiborne, Vikings OLB: The ex-Lion looked much more athletic and delivered a nine-tackle day against the Packers.

5. Corey Chavous, Vikings S: A two-team domination with the defensive guys, I have to give the nod to Chavous, who looked very comfortable in his new safety spot, picking off Brett Favre twice. He also had seven tackles.

[Durango53]

Vikings Team Report

BY BILL WILLIAMSON

Sep. 9, 2003 2:37 p.m.

The team likely will continue to use multiple tailbacks in the next few games. Though the Vikings would like rookie Onterrio Smith to eventually become the primary back, they are satisfied with using Smith in combination with Moe Williams, Doug Chapman and John Avery. Each back offers something different: Williams is a versatile plugger; Chapman runs hard and gets tough yards; Avery is a jitterbug who can help on third down; Smith has the best all-around ability but needs to improve his pass blocking.

To help with the pass rush, the Vikings occasionally might use DT Chris Hovan at end. Hovan's quickness can create problems for bigger, slower tackles. Hovan started at end as a rookie, so he's familiar with the position.

LG Chris Liwienski is the key to an improved offensive line. Liwienski, who is playing his natural position after starting at right tackle the past two years, has a chance to become an elite player. At guard, he is able to use his size (6-5, 321), strength, leverage, great feet and hand work to dominate smaller tackles. He often pushes opponents several yards back on run plays.

See a different game

The throwaway has become an effective tactic for the team. It might frustrate fans, but it's keeping the offense out of turnover trouble. After working hard with coordinator Scott Linehan on reducing his turnovers, QB Daunte Culpepper is smartly throwing the ball to the sideline if a play doesn't develop. Last year, when Culpepper led the league with 23 interceptions, he would force throws into coverage or wait too long and take sacks. This year, if a play doesn't work, Culpepper is recognizing it. It kills a play, but it keeps drives alive.

[>TC<]

Doug Chapman tweaked his leg in practice this week. The team isn't sure whether he'll be able to answer the bell against Chicago. Ontario Smith has been taking all the reps behind Moe Williams the latter part of this week, so look for him to get some action verses the Bears.



TC

[Durango53]

NEWS AND NOTES


Strong safety Corey Chavous (sprained knee) was upgraded Sept. 11 from doubtful to questionable. The Vikings are most concerned about the stability of the joint. Chavous has said he can play through any pain.


WR Cris Carter will have his No. 80 retired during a halftime ceremony at the Metrodome. Carter's 1,004 receptions, 12,383 yards and 110 touchdowns are all career Vikings records.


RB Michael Bennett said he's two or three weeks away from being able to run on his surgically repaired foot. Since he's on the physically unable to perform list, he won't be eligible to play for six more weeks.


RB Moe Williams said he's playing with a chipped bone in his thumb. He sustained the injury in training camp, but it doesn't keep him from doing anything on the field.

[Durango53]

Minnesota Vikings: While he remains weeks away from playing, Vikings tailback Michael Bennett received some positive news this week during a re-examination of his left foot by specialist Dr. Robert Chandler.

Chandler told Bennett and Vikings trainers that the third-year veteran, who led the team's top-rated offense in 2002 and made his first trip to the Pro Bowl, should be able to begin jogging in about three weeks, when his cast is removed. Bennett underwent surgery early in the spring, and then a subsequent procedure aimed at promoting bone growth, after he injured the foot in an offseason training session.

There were some doubts that Bennett, the Vikings' first-round choice in the 2001 draft, would play at all this year. Now there is a chance, it seems, he might be able to return at some point in the second half of the season.

"At least it's more than just a long shot," coach Mike Tice said. "There's a possibility we could get him back (for the stretch run). It would be a huge boost."

Regardless of whether he returns or not during the season, it is likely Bennett will require offseason surgery to address the foot injury in a more aggressive manner.

[>TC<]

The chances of Corey Chavous hplaying Sunday as been upgraded. His leg has responded well to treatment and he says it feels better. The coaches are inclined to let Corey have more input since he's dealt with this type of injury before.

Doug Chapman has been downgraded to very doubtful, although Tice said that he won't make a final decision until game time. Ontario Smith will move into the backup role, although John Avery will also see increased reps.


TC

[Durango53]

2 and 0 and first place in the NFC North your VIKINGS!!!

It was funny this morning coming into work. I had the radio on and this Sports guy here in town (we dont have real sport casters here in town just guys that say they are) was just slamming the Vikings. He said Culpepper looked like the guy he was the worst QB in the NFL, he fumbled all the time the Vikes Defense was the same story as last year and they are a worse team than last year. I was on the floor laughing my butt of when I found out he was from Chicago. This guy is a dope.

The Vikes looked good again last night. They came out red hot and got the scores they needed to win. And then played ball control the rest of the game and let that D rest most of the 3rd quarter. When you can run 212 yards a game with second rate RB's you have a good team and a great O-line. There was one fumble that Culpepper should have not lost but the others was just balls swatted out of his hand getting ready to throw. He faked out the Bears D all night selling that he was going to run and then pull up and make the short pass and keep the clock going and the chains moving. I think Tice has put it together and I think the Vikes are looking very very good.

[Durango53]

WEEK 2 VS. CHICAGO
*Chicago clearly was focused on stopping Randy Moss, who burned Green Bay for 150 yards in Week 1. The Bears held him to a quiet 27 yards on four catches. His longest reception was for 11 yards.
*The Vikings rushed for 202 yards. Said Moe Williams, who rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown: "The game plan was to take whatever they would give us. We thought they weren't going to let Randy have the type of game he had against Green Bay."
*Rookie Onterrio Smith made his debut, carrying nine times for 47 yards. "It felt great,'' Smith said. "The line did a great job. Great job. We didn't get hit until we were 5 or 6 yards downfield."
*Corey Chavous, who sprained his right knee last week against Green Bay, started at strong safety after beginning the week listed as doubtful on the injury report.
*As expected, RB Doug Chapman didn't dress because of a sprained ankle that worsened during the week.
*Rookie punter Eddie Johnson struggled. He kicked a 33-yarder off the side of his foot in the first quarter, and a pooch attempt in the third took a backward bounce and netted him just 7 yards.

[Durango53]

It is time for the Cheerleader of the week. And boy oh boy do they have alot to cheer for!!! Not only have the Vikes started 2-0 they have looked very solid in that start also....

<b>Sara </b>
http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Sara2003_6.jpg
Profession/Future Goals:
To design my own clothing line and start a family.

Accomplishments:
Dancing in the 2000 Olympics in Australia.

http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Sara2003_2.jpg

Hobbies:
Pageants, kick-boxing and wake-boarding.

Her experience as a Vikings Cheerleader:
This is Sara's first year on the team. She has 13 years of experience in dance/cheer.

Fun and Interesting Facts:
Sara was Miss Minnesota Teen All American 2001. She would play quarterback if she were a football player. Her favorite memory as a Viking cheerleader was holding hands with her teammates while making it through the cuts. Sara's favorite charity to work with is the American Cancer Society.

http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Sara2003_7.jpg

[Shadyrock]

I think you mean thread not tread. How's Steve Farmer doing at TE. I met his Mother this summer she is related to my Brother in law, she's a great lady. I'm hoping Steve hooks me up with some tickets when the Vikings come to Ford Field.

[Durango53]

Oh ya thanks. Farmer hasnt played this year. TE is a deep place for the Vikes. But good luck on the tickets

[>TC<]

Farmer was actually placed on Injured Reserve. The Vikings like his potential but this way they can hold on to him for the year without using a roster spot.
http://www.vikings.com/Players/images/SteFar1.jpg


Speaking of TE, Jim Kleinsasser had a huge game against the Bears, catching two TD passes from Clupepper!

http://media.theinsiders.com/Media/NFL/14_kleinsasserjim0900.GIF

http://media.theinsiders.com/Media/NFL/14_kleinsasserjim09022.GIF


Keep It Going!

Go Vikes!

TC

[Shadyrock]

He's a big kid and I think he will be a keeper. The Lions should have went after him. They need TE's in the worst way.
Randy Moss is the man. I have foloowed his career since he was at Marshall. I have family from West Virginia and I have always loved the Football down there.

[pami27]

Strike 2!!!:hmm:

[Durango53]

Jim Kleinsasser is the man!!! HE is huge and can catch and doesnt make to many mistakes. This guy needs to be Culpeppers go to guy when Moss is covered. It will take a truck to bring him down!!! And thanks for the info on Farmer TC that is the stuff I dont hear to much about!!!

In a couple of years I am coming to MN to get a Twins and Vikes game in up there. I have seen them on the road all the time and cant belive the support they Vikes get on the road so I cant wait to see them in person!!!

[Durango53]

Chamberlain could be let go

SEAN JENSEN , Pioneer Press

Byron Chamberlain is set to return to the Vikings in 10 days after serving a four-game suspension for using a banned substance.


But the former Pro Bowl tight end hasn't exactly been missed, and his return could swing on a scale.



"Before we bring him back, we'll bring him in like any free agent," Vikings coach Mike Tice said matter-of-factly. "Because he was on suspension, we don't necessarily have to bring him back. We have options. If he's in good shape, there will be no problem. If he's not in good shape, there will be a problem."


Tice said Chamberlain could be released if he returns to the team overweight, a possibility that Chamberlain and his agent, Jonathan Feinsod, are well aware of.


Reached on his cell phone Thursday, Chamberlain refused to be interviewed. But Feinsod said Chamberlain has been working out with trainer Brett Fischer in Phoenix. Fischer runs a physical therapy and conditioning facility for many athletes, including Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson and former Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis. Fischer is so highly regarded that offensive lineman Leonard Davis gave up workout bonuses from the Arizona Cardinals to work with Fischer a few miles away.


"Byron is working very hard to be in the best possible shape he can, so when he returns to Minnesota, he can help them continue their winning ways," Feinsod said.


But Chamberlain also worked out with Fischer before training camp, and he didn't exactly impress his coaches with his fitness. That was particularly disenchanting for the coaches because Chamberlain had a disappointing 2002 season after the Vikings gave him a five-year, $8 million contract that included a $2 million signing bonus.


Chamberlain was suspended without pay for testing positive for ephedra, costing him $176,470 in lost salary. He has not been in touch with team officials, and they have moved on without him.


"My concern is getting the three guys I got here ready," Vikings tight ends coach John Tice said. "He's not here."


John Tice said veterans Jim Kleinsasser and Hunter Goodwin have played well, and he added that rookie Sean Berton is gaining confidence.


"He's lost some weight," John Tice said of Berton, "and he's fitting into his role."


Added offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, "The guys who are here are the ones helping us be 2-0 and hopefully 3-0 this week."

[>TC<]

You'll have a great time, Durango.

RockiBill came up here this summer and we caught a Twins game. A fun time but, as always, too short.


TC

[Nanner]

Originally posted by Durango53
Well to be a Viking fan you have to put up with their post season blunders. It is something that has and will happen much more I feel. But no matter how much the Vikes lose in the post season or how much they have to rebuild and how much they break my heart I could never be a cheese head!!!

Durango, this is so true!!!

I was born and raised in Minnesota. I've been a Vikes fan ever since they started...... through thick and thin, heartbreak and heartstopping moments....... Tarkenton, Alan Page, Jim Marshall, Bud Grant, Norm Van Brocklin, Cris Carter, Robert Smith...... now Daunte, Randy Moss. They've taken me to the edge and then dropped me off the cliff, and I keep coming back for more. Even though I now live in NYC, they're my team. :D

And this is a great thread of yours!!! Are you originally from Minnesota? Why are you such a Vikings/Twins fan? (Just curious. :D )

[Durango53]

Originally posted by Nanner


And this is a great thread of yours!!! Are you originally from Minnesota? Why are you such a Vikings/Twins fan? (Just curious. :D )

Thank you and I look forward to your posting here in the Vikes thread!!!

Why am I such a Twins and Vikes fan you ask... Well I have always lived in states that never had sports. I was born and raised in South Dakota and they dont have nothing for sports but high school. So if you live in SD you are a Husker fan and a Twins and Vikes fan. So from South Dakota I moved to Wyoming and still followed the Vikes and Twins and Huskers. I could never be a Broncos fan and never will be until they disown John Elway!!! (what he did showed what kind of punk he is) So then I joined the Air Force and went to Fairbanks AK and alot of people living there are from Minn also!!! That was great so I got most of the Vikes game!!! Well I moved back to Wyoming after I got out and still though thick and thin I go for the Vikes and the Twins!!!

[Nanner]

Cool! Now that I know you're from South Dakota, I totally get it! :D You're right. Not much in the way of professional sports going on there.

GO VIKES!! :thumbsup:

[Durango53]

Also to I said when they signed Mike Rosenthal, Clayborn and Walker I knew they will win there div. It is funny that with all there signings they were still so low in all the ratings. How can you sign 3 guys that are this good and still be said that your team sucks!!! The Vikes did a ton of stuff to get better and I think if Bennett can come back and play at the end of the season the Vikes could be the most feared team in the NFC. With this Offense and a De now that can stop people!!! I think the D is very underrated this year.

Funny at the start of the season Michael Irvin said watch out for the Vikings and everyone laughed at him and said he was picking the darkest horse he could find!!! Who is laughing now after the Vikings are looking very good now!!!

[Nanner]

Also they mentioned on the ESPN broadcast Sunday night that Mike Tice has now gotten his rookie season under his belt, and it's no more Mr. Nice Guy. He's gonna coach tough..... just the way he played.

I loved the way they mixed up the plays on Sunday. It was such fun to get a chance to watch them play!

I also sort of like this approach they're taking with Chamberlain and whether or not he's going to return. Kleinsasser looks outstanding!

[>TC<]

FYI - Bates is questionable for Sunday. Kelly Campbell took most of the reps at WR this week. Kenny Clark will be activated off the practice squad if Bates can't go.


The Vikes are looking impressive. A Vikings win over the Lions would be huge, especially with the 49ers coming up in week 4.


Go Vikes!

TC

[>TC<]

Vikings beat Detroit, 23-13

Nice job!

Especially considering that Daunte Culpepper went out just before the half and did not return. He was kneed in the back when he was on the ground after his second TD run. The preliminary report said a back contusion. Could have gotten him right behind the kidney, hard to tell. He was in street clothes for the second half, though.

Three interceptions for the D. After a shakey first quarter, they looked decent.


TC

[Nanner]

YAAAAY!!!!!! :thumbsup: :clap2: :hail:


Originally posted by >TC<
.............Especially considering that Daunte Culpepper went out just before the half and did not return. He was kneed in the back when he was on the ground after his second TD run. The preliminary report said a back contusion. Could have gotten him right behind the kidney, hard to tell. He was in street clothes for the second half, though.



Hope Daunte will be okay. :( Maybe a few days' rest.

Info, please, on his backup, Frerotte. :D

Okay. Just saw the highlights on ESPN...... and Daunte says he'll be back next Sunday. :hail:

[>TC<]

Ferrotte looked pretty decent. Definately throws a nice ball and has plenty of arm strength.

Mike Tice said on his TV show tonight that Daunte has a bruised lower back and he said something about the "transverse process".

He also mentioned that Randy Moss has been bothered by back spasms the last four or five days. It sounds like both he and Daunte will have a light week to try and get healthy.


TC

[Durango53]

Yes that was a great game for the Vikes. The Offense had some tough times but the D keep them in the game and won it for them. Funny how guys that said the Vikes are a bad team and was saying they would be lucky to be .500 at the end of the season are now talking about the game at the end of the year :shh:. I think people are seeing that this D can play with teams and it all starts at the D-Line. They are stoping the run and getting pressure on the QB which makes it so much easyer for the D-Backs.

And how about Kelly Campbell !!! What a game he had. He took some shots and got back up and made some more catches. This kid can play and with that speed playing beside Moss he could have a huge year!!! Pick your poison and how bad do you think Bennett wants to come back? Moe is a solid back up but if that was Bennett running yesterday he would have broke some big runs!!!

Now with a solid lead in the NFC North the Vikes have to keep it up and they are headed to the playoffs to break hearts once again!!! I just hope it is the other teams this year!!! :(

[Durango53]

WEEK 3 VS. LIONS
*Gus Frerotte had one thought when he replaced the injured Daunte Culpepper as Minnesota's quarterback. "I just tried not to screw up,'' the 32-year-old veteran said. Frerotte threw for 184 yards and a touchdown in relief of Culpepper as the Vikings beat the Lions.

*Culpepper left late in the second quarter with a bruised back after his second rushing TD gave the Vikings the lead for good. He was scheduled to have his back examined Sunday night in Minneapolis. He expects to play in Week 4 against the 49ers.

*The Vikings are off to their best start since winning seven games to start the 2000 season. The last two years, the Vikings were a combined 11-21.

*The Vikings outscored Detroit 23-3 after trailing 10-0 late in the first quarter.

*DB Corey Chavous intercepted a poorly thrown pass from QB Joey Harrington in the end zone with 4:52 left. With just under two minutes left, the Lions were unable to score on two plays from Minnesota's 1 and two plays from its 2.

[Durango53]

Associated Press
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Daunte Culpepper will be listed as doubtful for this weekend with three cracked bones in his back, but the Minnesota Vikings' star quarterback still expects to play.

"I'm all right, man," he said. "It's just a little sore."

The official diagnosis is multiple transverse process fractures, coach Mike Tice said.

"It's a very painful injury, but it's certainly one you can play with," Tice said.

Culpepper was hurt late in the second quarter on Sunday at Detroit. He was hit by linebacker Wali Rainer in the end zone after his second rushing touchdown of the game.

The Vikings (3-0) host San Francisco this Sunday.

Gus Frerotte, a veteran of five teams and 10 seasons who signed with Minnesota this year, passed for 184 yards and a touchdown in relief Sunday.

"We'll see how he comes out of it," Frerotte said. "Either way, I'll be ready to go."

Culpepper, who became a starter in 2000, missed the final five games of 2001 with a sprained knee.

This year, his 108.0 passer rating leads the NFL. He has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 514 yards for five touchdowns and no interceptions -- after leading the league with 23 last season.

Listed at 6-foot-4 and 264 pounds, Culpepper is durable and considers himself a fast healer. He won't practice this week until Friday at the earliest.

"I'll be here pretty much 24 hours a day, getting treatment," Culpepper said as he left the team's Winter Park facility.

Minnesota's other superstar, wide receiver Randy Moss, is having trouble with back spasms. Moss aggravated an injury in the first week against Green Bay, and he played through pain Sunday -- managing 85 yards on three receptions.

Moss won't practice, either, until Friday -- if at all this week.

"Oh, he'll play," Tice said. "Are you kidding me? I'm not going to be without two of my best players. I might already be without one of them."

[Durango53]

Here it is. The cheers are coming from all around for the Vikes. So it is that time of the week for the NFC North Leaders Cheerleader of the week.

http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Kara2003_6.jpg
<b>Kara</b>
Education/Profession:
Pursuing a degree in communications at the University of Minnesota

Profession/Future Goals:
Wants to work in sports media, with aspirations to work for ESPN!

http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Kara2003_2.jpg

Accomplishments:
Going to school and graduating with a degree in communications in December 2003.
Hobbies:
Dancing, traveling, and spending time outdoors.

Her experience as a Vikings Cheerleader:
This is Kara's fourth year on the team. She has 19 years of experience in dance and cheer.

Fun and Interesting Facts:
Kara describes herself as enthusiastic, charismatic, and outgoing. She enjoys being able to perform for 65,000 fans. She lives by "Everything happens for a reason." Her favorite memory as a Viking cheerleader is visiting the troops at Fort Hood in Texas. Kara's favorite charity to work with is Northwest Airlines/Hennepin County Kids.


http://www.vikings.com/Cheerleaders/images/Kara2003_7.jpg

[Durango53]

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The tenacity that coach Mike Tice has worked to instill in the Vikings this year is certainly one part of the team's 3-0 start.


Minnesota's moxie might be in for its stiffest test this week, since star quarterback Daunte Culpepper will be listed as doubtful with three broken bones -- and another one that's cracked -- in his left lower back.

The small bones, each called a transverse process, come off the side of the spine. Culpepper was hurt late in the second quarter of the Vikings' 23-13 victory over Detroit Sunday when Lions linebacker Wali Rainer hit him in the end zone. That was Culpepper's second rushing touchdown of the game.


Culpepper, who questioned the necessity of Rainer's hit, was in too much pain to return and watched the second half from the sideline. The 6-foot-4, 264-pounder, however, considers himself a fast healer and expects to play this Sunday against San Francisco.


"I'm all right, man," he said Monday. "It's just a little sore."


Culpepper won't practice until Friday at the earliest.


"If he can take any work Friday and we feel comfortable with him, we'll go with it," Tice said. "If not, then we'll rest him."


Culpepper walked without much of a limp on Monday, and he proudly showed reporters how he could lift his left leg up toward his chest -- something that was too painful to do on Sunday.


"It's a very painful injury, but it's certainly one you can play with," Tice said.


Gus Frerotte -- a veteran of five teams and 10 seasons who signed with Minnesota in March -- will work with the first-team offense in the meantime. Frerotte was 8-for-19 for 184 yards, a touchdown and an interception in relief on Sunday.


"We'll see how he comes out of it," said Frerotte, who began last season as Cincinnati's starter. "Either way, I'll be ready to go."


Minnesota's other star, wide receiver Randy Moss, is having trouble with back spasms. Moss aggravated the injury in the first week against Green Bay, and he played through pain Sunday -- managing 85 yards on three receptions.


Moss won't practice, either, until Friday -- if at all this week.


"Oh, he'll play," Tice said. "Are you kidding me? I'm not going to be without two of my best players. I might already be without one of them."


The Vikings have played drastically better this September than last, when they dropped their first four games and wound up 6-10 in Tice's first year.


A tough-talking, 6-foot-8 native of Long Island who played 14 NFL seasons as a tight end, Tice made it a priority in training camp to make the Vikings more aggressive -- believing that a fast start would build some confidence in his young team.


After a 30-25 win over Green Bay, Tice subjected players to some grueling practices to avoid a letdown against lowly Chicago. Last week brought more of the same in preparation for Detroit.


With the rest of their division rivals struggling, the Vikings can already boast a two-game lead in the NFC North.


"I think we are a tough football team," Tice said. "I'd be anxious to see other teams' injury reports after we play them. I would have to guess they're pretty extensive, not that we're going out to hurt anybody. We never want to do that, but I think we are a physical football team, and I think it plays pretty damn good."


The Vikings still have a long way to go -- even with an improved defense and an offensive line that's one of the league's best. Their remaining schedule includes the 49ers, Denver, the New York Giants, Oakland, St. Louis, Seattle and Kansas City.


Of course, most people didn't expect to see the Vikings among the dwindling group of undefeated teams after three weeks.


"You set your sights and your goals high," free safety Brian Russell said.

[Durango53]

Sep 23 2003 - Vikings re-signed wide receiver Robert Baker. With Randy Moss and D'Wayne Bates banged up, the Vikings wanted another receiver. Baker probably will be inactive this week.



Sep 23 2003 - Doug Chapman will be listed as probable for Sunday's game with a sprained ankle. Chapman is behind both Moe Williams and Onterrio Smith right now, so even though he should be ready to play this week, he won't see much time on offense.



Sep 23 2003 - D'Wayne Bates will be listed as probable this week after missing Sunday's game with a bruised foot. If Bates returns to the starting lineup, Kelly Campbell will be the Vikings' No. 4 receiver.

[Durango53]

ESPN's Take

How do the 49ers get their offense back on track?

One thing I noticed while watching the 49ers play the Browns last week is that the Niners struggled on first down. So, against the Vikings, they need to be more productive on first down -- they can't have a one-dimensional day. The 49ers need to keep themselves in manageable situations because they're heading into a hostile, loud environment. Jeff Garcia also needs to play better. He was a little erratic in the pocket against the Browns; he left plays earlier than I've seen him do in the past. Garcia needs to be more patient and disciplined in the pocket and allow things to develop. If they can manage those things, they'll be alright.

Baxter's Bits
• The 49ers have totaled three or more sacks in five straight games dating back to 2002.
• The Vikings have limited the opposition to fewer than 100 yards rushing in six straight games and 13 of 19 games dating back to '02.

• The 49ers have limited the opposition to fewer than 100 yards rushing in four straight games dating back to '02.


Culpepper doubtful vs. Niners
MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The surprising Minnesota Vikings could be without quarterback Daunte Culpepper on Sunday when they host the San Francisco 49ers.
Culpepper suffered multiple transverse process fractures in his lower back in last Sunday's 23-13 victory over Detroit and is doubtful for this contest.

"This is a very painful injury," coach Mike Tice said. "Daunte is the type of guy who is going to do what he can to play, but we'll see how he's doing on Friday before making a determination on whether we'll play him or sit him out."

"We'll take it day-by-day, but I'll be here every day, pretty much 24 hours around the clock getting treatment," Culpepper said.

Gus Frerotte replaced Culpepper in the win at Detroit and connected on two long passes -- a 72-yard touchdown to Kelly Campbell and a 72-yarder to Randy Moss.

Tice also said that Moss has been bothered by back problems and is questionable for this week's contest.

Signed as a free agent in the offseason, Frerotte has started 62 games in his 11-year NFL career. He spent last season with the Cincinnati Bengals, starting the first three games before losing his job to Jon Kitna.

Minnesota is one of five teams to win its first three games. The Vikings have won six straight overall, dating to last season.

If Moss plays, the contest will feature two of the NFL's premier receivers in Moss and the Niners' Terrell Owens.

San Francisco squandered a 12-point fourth-quarter lead in last Sunday's disappointing 13-12 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The contest seemed to bring out the worst in the volatile Owens.

Owens threw his helmet on the sideline in the third quarter to express his frustration and broke his media boycott after the game to voice his displeasure.

"I don't know how many times we've been in the red zone and my number hasn't been called," Owens said. "I feel bad because we're letting the defense down.

In three games, Owens has 20 catches for 244 yards and a touchdown. He likely be matched against Denard Walker in this contest.

San Francisco leads the series, 21-18-1.

[Durango53]

San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings:

Terrell Owens sounded off for his first time in the Dennis Erickson era, complaining about not getting the passing game going in the red zone. The 49ers settled for four field goals last week and lost in a fourth-quarter comeback by the Browns. Owens, quarterback Jeff Garcia and Erickson have to come together or things could get real ugly in this trip to Minnesota. The Vikings are 3-0, and understated is how well they are playing on defense. No one predicted the Vikings would rank 11th. Their front seven is good, but their secondary was expected to have problems. Defensive coordinator George O'Leary has done a great job of scheming to get the most out of this unit. Erickson will probably be aggressive attacking the Vikings downfield. That was Erickson's game plan this season, and it wouldn't hurt to keep Owens happy before he becomes a distraction. The Vikings probably won't play quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who has three fractured bones in his back. Culpepper may make a late-week bid for the starting job, but odds are favoring Gus Frerotte getting the start. Randy Moss has been bothered by a sore back for more than a week, but he will play.

From John Clayton on ESPN

[Durango53]

ESPN.com news services
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable for Sunday's game vs. San Francisco.

Culpepper didn't practice Thursday, but he had a good treatment day, and he is expected to practice Friday.

He received treatment Wednesday for the three small bones on the left side of his spine that are broken and the fourth that is cracked.

Culpepper was hurt late in the second quarter of the Vikings' 23-13 victory over Detroit Sunday when Lions linebacker Wali Rainer hit him in the end zone. The score was Culpepper's second rushing touchdown of the game.

[Shadyrock]

I didn't think that hit in the End zone was that bad. it must have caught him in a vulnerable spot. At least you have Ferrotte, that dude isn't scared to air it out. Who's the 3rd string QB?
Whats up with your former QB thats on espn as a host I know the name but it's not sounding right Salisbery? That dude acts like he was good in his days when he couldn't beat out anyone for the starting job, I hate announcers like that.:freak:

[>TC<]

Sean Salsbury(sp?)was actually an okay guy when he was here. He started a few games, but was more of a backup type, like Ferrotte. I agree that he's gotten kind of self important on commentary. Too bad because he does know football.

I didn't think the hit was that bad. He just got caught where theer really isn't any padding. With the way the NFL reviews plays every week and fines players, it must not have seemed like a late hit to them.

Ferrotte has a good arm. I expect the Vikings to keep throwing like always, but the line will need to adjust to a pocket passer vs. Culpepper who could help them out.


TC

[Durango53]

Originally posted by Shadyrock

Whats up with your former QB thats on espn as a host I know the name but it's not sounding right Salisbery? That dude acts like he was good in his days when he couldn't beat out anyone for the starting job, I hate announcers like that.:freak: :rolling

How right you are. But also >TC< is right to. Salisbery was a ok back up. He came in and in fact had some people saying he should be a starter. But he was a good back up.

I dont think the Vikes will lose anything with Gus starting.
One he will look around the whole field and hit the WR that he needs to. It was nice to see him air it out to Kelly and show him off for a bit. The only thing I think they will lose with Gus is the running of the QB.

The offensive line is what makes this team. At the end of the year people will be talking about this line being the best ever. A great one and the Vikes will ride it all the way!!!

[Durango53]

What do the Vikes have to do to get some respect? I remeber the year the Vikes started 7-0 and went to the NFC Champ. When they were 3-0 Hank Goldberg said in the preweek guessing who wins games said about the Vikes "A team that isnt good enough to go 4-0 wont, The Vikes are a bad football team". And that ticked me off I was wondering how can people that say they have all this Football know not know a thing. (now I can admit if one of my teams suck and wont do anything) But the Vikes added a ton of very good players this offseason. Well here we go again. Everyone this week is now saying "The Vikes are playing a good team and will get showen what kind of team they are, Niners win Big"

WHAT NINERS WIN BIG!!!! They couldnt beat the Rams, they are 1-2 and have a WR throwing bigger fits than anyone right now!!! And they are playing in the Dome!!!

QUICK SOMEONE TELL ME WHERE TO GET ONE OF THESE JOBS!!!

[>TC<]

Don't get me started. :rant:

Rush Limbaugh is horrible on ESPN. This is a worse fiasco than when Dennis Miller first started on Monday night Football.:eviltongu

Lisa Guerrerro was quoted as saying that she thinks she is doing a pretty good job on Monday nights. She said that other than her Ramsey/ Coles mistake, everything has been fine. :nut:

Does anyone watch HBO and Inside the NFL? Am I the only one who thinks that the infusion of comics, George Lopez and Wanda ? just makes the show seem rinky-dink and tacky??:thumbdown


Oh well, enough of that.


Go Vikings !!


TC

[Durango53]

A letter from Viking fans to the Minnesota Vikings.

Let me start out that as a Viking fan I know that we have to deal with the past of losing the big games. I know that we share the NFL record for most Super Bowl losses. I know that come the big game that the Vikings stand a great chance of losing even if it is to a team that is far less talented.

We fans have seen the greatness on both sides of the ball. We have seen the great Defense of the Purple People Eaters, along with the great defense of the Jack Del Rio years. We have also seen great offense by the great Fran, and the year of 98. Along with all those great years coaches, office personnel, and we fans along with you players have dealt with the great disappointment of the big game loss. But every year we hold out hope, every year with mistakes happening we stand behind the team. No matter how broke your heart is we still stand behind the purple and gold.

This is every year we live with this. After the great 98-year we lost so much as a Viking team. Robert Smith retiring, Chris Carter, the great offensive line that was the anchor of this team was all but gone, Jeff Christy, Todd Steussie, and the tragic loss of Cory Stringer. The draft day for the past two years has made the Vikes the laughing stock of the league on draft day. But we still stuck by the team. An owner that pulls with the heartstrings and the pocket book of the team.

Then Denny Green left and on that Monday night game we saw Mike Tice say “I hope my team plays for me and they look at me for the head coaching job.” The team played with heart the team got Mike Tice the job. He ruled with an iron fist and got control of an out of control team.

We saw Randy Moss start to grow up; we saw them starting to replace the players they lost. We saw draft day mistakes turn to gold. With missing Simms in the draft and getting Mount Mumtbo to start to rebuild what made the Vikes great. An owner opened up a checkbook to start to play players. Bring in other great O-line men, bring in the DB backs and LBs the team needs. Starting to rebuild with players that can make plays and not just hope to stop plays. Dealing with all the disrespect of everyone that says they know football. The team started to come together.

A lot of fans saw the team was coming together. This year fans knew the Vikes where going to be the secret team to watch. We see a balanced attack with running and passing. We see a QB making great moves with the ball. We see Moss taking charge of a team not only with his mouth but also with his actions. We see a defense that has been upgraded from a joke to one of the top D’s in a year.

Now every Vikes fan is talking they are whispering, they are asking, “could this finally be the year?” “We are missing our great RB and still the best running attack in the NFL with backup RB”.

Win or loss a true Viking fan knows the past of the team, we know they could explode for 55 points or they could just explode. We see a team that is doing great, doing everything right and us Viking fans hold out hope, knowing what could happen a broken heart to have all off season long. We will all hope for the best and pray for the best but thank you Vikings for getting back to what Viking fans are used to. And now the question comes up this year.

Do you break your heart this year or do you mend all those broken hearts for all those years with one big win?

[Durango53]

WEEK 4 VS. 49ERS
A 10-year veteran of five NFL teams who signed this year with the Vikings, QB Gus Frerotte turned in a near-flawless performance. He went 16-for-21 without an interception against a speedy 49ers defense that entered the game second in the NFL in yards allowed with a league-high 13 sacks.
The Vikings drove 72 yards on the opening drive that ended when WR Randy Moss jumped over DB Ahmed Plummer to pull in a 15-yard TD pass from Frerotte.
49ers QB Jeff Garcia was picked off by DB Corey Chavous, who set a career-high with his fourth INT this season and ran the ball back to the 49ers' 38. The Vikings kept it on the ground the whole time, finishing with a 5-yard burst up the middle by rookie RB Onterrio Smith -- his first career TD.
Frerotte added touchdown passes of 35 and 22 yards to Moss and Nate Burleson before the half was over, building a 28-0 lead. Frerotte punctuated his performance on the first play of the fourth quarter with a perfectly-thrown 59-yard TD pass to Moss -- who had another score nullified earlier for pass interference.
The 49ers continued to struggle. Garcia was awful: 11-for-23 for 108 yards, throwing several balls over and behind his intended receivers without much time to throw.The 49ers managed only four field goals in a 13-12 home loss to Cleveland last week, and their red-zone struggles were magnified on the opening drive of the second half.
Owens, who criticized the play-calling and pass protection in a post-game rant last week, stormed off the field in frustration _ flinging his helmet on the sideline and continuing to scream.
Backup QB Tim Rattay played the fourth quarter, throwing a 37-yard touchdown pass to Streets to keep the 49ers from their shutout since 1977.

[Durango53]

Vikings 35, 49ers 7
RECAP
IT WAS OVER WHEN... GAME BALL GOES TO...
Gus Frerotte connected with Nate Burleson for a 22-yard TD to put the Vikings up 28-0 before halftime. Frerotte and Moss. Frerotte passed for 267 yards and four TDs, three of them going to Moss, who had 172 yards receiving.

ERIC ALLEN'S ANALYSIS: Today, Randy Moss proved he's the best wide receiver in the game. He single handedly won this game for the Vikings and showed he can be unstoppable when he wants. If Randy can continue to dominate like this, the Vikings will be a scary team this season.
UP NEXT: 49ers (1-3) vs. Lions (1-3) | Vikings (4-0) at Falcons (1-3)

[Nanner]

:clap2: :clap:

YAAAAAAY!!!!

Frerotte! :hail: :hail: :hail:

Randy Moss! :hail: :hail: :hail:

Man. Didn't get to see the game...... only saw the highlights, but this team looks incredible!

:jump:

[Durango53]

Nanner the Defense looked (Do I dare say it) DAMM GOOD!!! There Defense shutdown one of the best WR in the game and they played there butt off and looked like a d that could carry them a long way!!!!

As for the Offense.... What can you say but with a second string RB and one of the best pure running RB in the NFL on the bench and still running wild. Passing at will and using all there WR also. Moss playing his butt off and going and getting the ball. Not waiting for the ball to come to him or not trying to get the ball if it is out of his reach but running his butt off and getting the ball with a bad back in all.

I hope you all dont get sick of me saying this but the best offense line in football and that is why this team is 4-0. Last three years offense, Culpepper would hike the ball and run for his life. No time to look just run to stay alive. Now hike the ball and sit back and have a coke and watch some guys try to get around those mountains that are in front of you laugh at some of them and then finsh off the coke and unload the ball as far as you can throw it down field and walk off the field because you know Moss is going to jump up and get it.

This team will go as far as the offensive line will take them and they are some guys that play every down, and I hear that they have backups that are just as good as the guys that are out there. >TC< could back me up better on that.

[Nanner]

Originally posted by Durango53
...........I hope you all dont get sick of me saying this but the best offense line in football and that is why this team is 4-0. ...................
This team will go as far as the offensive line will take them and they are some guys that play every down, and I hear that they have backups that are just as good as the guys that are out there. >TC< could back me up better on that.

See, Durango, this is the stuff I need to know! :D So I'll never get sick of you talking about the offensive line...... can't underestimate the importance of what they're doing! :clap: And since I rarely get a chance to see these guys play, (when, oh when are they going to play another game that's nationally televised?!?!? :( )........ I'm soaking up all the info I can get! Maybe I should get some sports cable package....... or just spend time in a sports bar on Sundays. :D

Anyhoo........... insights and info are always appreciated!!! :D

[Durango53]

Originally posted by Nanner
Maybe I should get some sports cable package....... or just spend time in a sports bar on Sundays. :D

Anyhoo........... insights and info are always appreciated!!! :D
Thats what I did. I got NFL Ticket on Direct TV and I will never stop getting it now. You have to drop a big chunk of some money that I dont have most of the time but I will put a few more hours of OT now to get it. Seeing every play of every game that you want to see is just great.

Hold on and I will get you the size of the starting mountains that they call a offensive line. I think they are somewhere in the Rocky Mountain size and weight....

[Nanner]

Originally posted by Durango53

Hold on and I will get you the size of the starting mountains that they call a offensive line. I think they are somewhere in the Rocky Mountain size and weight....

:D

I've heard the packages are expensive. Might just have to spend my time at ESPNZone here in NYC. It'll be less expensive. :D

[Durango53]

The starting mountains for the Vikes.....

Left Tackle-<b> Bryant McKinnie Height: 6-8 Weight: 346 lbs.</b> He let no one sack the QB in college.

Left Guard- <b>Chris Liwienski Height: 6-5, Weight: 325 lbs.</b>, Some say at LG he is the best player on the line. And with some of the other guys on the line and someone to say this tells me he is the unsung guy on this line....

Center- <b>Matt Birk Height: 6-4, Weight: 300 lbs.</b> The pro-bowl center is the smallest guy on the line!!!!

Right Guard- <b>David Dixon Height: 6-5, Weight: 343 lbs</b> He weighs more than this for sure but he is the oldest guy on the team and I must say he is the most underrated Guard in the NFL. You dont play this long and this good with out being one of the best.

Right Tackle- <b>Mike Rosenthal Height: 6-7, Weight: 310 lbs.</b> this could have been the second or third best signing for the Vikes this offseason. A nice fit on this line that can move.

Avg height of O-Line 6-5
Avg weight of O-Line 325

Ok after looking at the size and weight of these guys here is the best part. There are very few D-line men and LB's that can get around these guys. The Niners didnt even get close to putting pressure on Gus when they had to yesterday. These guys just aint big slabs of meat they are great players that can play.

What ever the Vikes do this season is what this line does. This team goes as far as the line goes which is looking like it could go along way!!!

[Durango53]

Critics...Meet Mr. Moss
Monday, September 29, 2003


Well, week four has come and gone and my editor here at Vikings.com has invited me back for another round of thoughts, ramblings, and new this week—a mailbag section. Either you, the readers, have done a good job of convincing him that this column is still worth running or he is just in a good mood because the team is 4-0…I prefer to believe the former, although the latter is an equally strong possibility.

Finally, the critics should be silenced. As one of the last six teams with an unblemished record our Vikings appear to be the real deal. Just like most of you, I watch a lot of shows on the NFL each week and leading up to this game I saw them hee-hawing around about whether or not we are as good as the record would indicate. I also heard them (fairly decidedly) note that they would take Terrell Owens over Randy Moss if given the opportunity. They can have their opinions and I will have mine. The best part, though? I’m not the one having to eat crow for breakfast on Monday morning (I prefer double chocolate Pop-Tarts).

I said last week that Moss wants to win as bad as anyone on this team and that he is willing to do whatever it takes to do so. Unbeknownst to me when I scripted the column, he had been suffering from back spasms, yet decided to tough it out and continue to try and help his team beat the Lions. I got lots (and I mean lots) of e-mails from people wanting to weigh in on their feelings about Moss’ effort. <b>The majority agreed and said that something had to be up with Moss as they truly believed that this was the season that Randy was turning over a new leaf in becoming a leader. Some dissented saying that it was all a fa?e and that the “real Randy” was back. How’s that crow taste? Try it with a little butter and pepper…it helps to doctor it up.</b>

Sure, Moss did his usual flexing a few times and played it up for the cameras a bit after his scores, but wouldn’t you? He had gotten dogged all week by much of the national media and was en route to having one of his best games of his career. He showed much class after the first score, simply handing the ball to the ref, and jumping into the stands to some excited fans. The numbers speak for themselves (eight catches, 172 yards, and three scores), but actions speak louder. In a week where one of the NFL’s biggest talkers (Owens) came into town, it was possibly what remained unsaid that came across the most loud and clear when after the game Moss simply told some reporters to “look at the film.”

<b>I don’t know about you all, but I can’t tell you how excited I am right now at this team’s prospects. I usually hate the band-wagoners and fair-weather fans, but bring them on, too. Everyone can jump aboard the Viking ship, including all of the so-called experts who said they woul