News and Posts from BleedPurple.Com

Week Two: The Only Constant Is Change

noreply@blogger.com (bleedpurpleguy) — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 13:58:35 +0000

Per CBS Sports, The Vikings are the first team in NFL history to win four straight games with four different starting quarterbacks:

Week 17 2025 (DET): Brosmer
Week 18 2025 (GB): McCarthy
Week 1 (GB): Murray
Week 2 (CHI): Wentz

Pretty interesting stat, but the impressive part is how JJETS and A. Jones keep finding different ways to stay productive and get satisfaction from the team win, even when the individual (“fantasy”) stats change from week to week.

Pleasantly surprised with DeeJay Dallas filling in a few times for Jones in the running game. I might need a Halloween mask with the 👀 from that publicity photo!

Turn The Page

The growth of Dallas Turner continues to accelerate. Every once in a while, you see a player fit a gap on the team really well. But far less often, you see that player begin to dominate and make life easier for their teammates, resulting in big plays. We think of Randle, AP and Randy Moss who are now all owners of coveted gold jackets.

Keep an eye out because we might also see this flash coming from Isaiah “Zay” Rodgers.

Something Special

You don’t normally put much thought into special teams since most of the big plays have been whittled away from this phase of the game. But you hear about rookie punter Brett Thorson quickly learning how to hold for field goal attempts. Then you watch him do so in the worst conditions - rainy weather *and* several inches deep of mud. This is when you realize the importance of every player on the field where the significance of every mistake is magnified.

Some jobs don’t require a record-breaking performance to be successful. Like a surgeon, their best day is defined only by not making any mistakes.

The Whole Package

We have proudly watched our team’s offense score the league’s record for number of points in a season (556) in 1998. We have witnessed the ease of stacking wins week in and week out with a top-3 defense during the Zimmer era.

In just two weeks, this Vikings season has already demonstrated the importance of each phase of the game required during the matchups and conditions you see in an NFL season.

Week One: One and Whoa!

noreply@blogger.com (bleedpurpleguy) — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:24:00 +0000

It would be easy to bask in the glory of the week one victory over the Rams. How sweet it would be, to look back and re-live the excitement of the Cordarrelle Patterson rushing touchdown, the Harrison Smith interception returned for a touchdown, the Josh Robinson interception to put the nail in the coffin.

Instead, I think I will reflect on the good decisions made in the last year to get us to where we are. Players that have moved on are being replaced with younger players who have the ability and athleticism to take us to another level. Coaches and coordinators have been put in situations where they can be successful with players who can support the system they are building.

Way to go, Vikes! Let's see what happens in our new home field next week!

SKOL!

Jim

After The Bye

noreply@blogger.com (bleedpurpleguy) — Sun, 13 Oct 2013 13:52:00 +0000

Our last game was 14 days ago and was played over 4000 miles from Minnesota. It seems so distant, but we've sure had plenty of stories. The team acquired a benched quarterback. It released a developmental quarterback. It benched a starting quarterback. And our franchise star running back began to deal with some terrible news.

In some circles, Adrian Peterson is referred to as "Purple Jesus". I believe this name reflects his otherworldly ability to come in, take the load on his back and save a situation. We don't often see a human side to Mr. Peterson, since the focus is normally what happens on the field. But this week, we've heard about a very real story that involves him. When this happens, it's hard for us - as fans - to deal with. We know how we would support a friend or family member in this situation. But when the people involved include one of the players we watch and root for, the story draws us in but doesn't really give us a way to provide help or comfort. I believe one way to do so is to embrace and protect the people around you.

Our thoughts and prayers are with AP, the folks affected and their families.

Skol Vikes!

Jim

Must Be Headed To England - Because It's Cassel Time!

noreply@blogger.com (bleedpurpleguy) — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 14:03:00 +0000

The team announced that Matt Cassel will be starting for the Purple on Sunday. Based on the recent news about Ponder's rib injury, I'm sure the Steelers are not being by caught by surprise. This is decent news for the Purple, because it will give us a look at the current status of Cassel, as a starter, playing with the first team offense.

I think the biggest different this week will be due to the return of Adrian Peterson's BFF, Jerome Felton. The rookie, Zach Line, played very well in Felton's absence. But Felton is a Pro Bowl-caliber fullback and was a significant factor in AP's success last year.

Finally, a wager has been placed with good buddy at work who happens to be a die-hard Steelers fan. Based on the outcome of Sunday's game, the "loser" will be wearing a jersey of the winner's choice. Now... where did I put that pink "special edition" Vikings jersey???

SKOL VIKES!

Jim

VIKING SEASON HOME OPENER AGAINST THE DOGHOUSE

noreply@blogger.com (Viking Meshell) — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 16:25:00 +0000

Today the Vikings (0-2) may see an unmotivated team show up to play. Some say the Browns are a team that could go away if the Vikings jump on them early. I am not in that camp. The front seven from Cleveland will be here to play. This is the last week that the Vikings will be playing without fullback Jerome Felton, who is serving his final week of his suspension. Zach Line will once again take the spot to lead Peterson through tough wall of defenders, which may be the toughest he has yet to see. It will be important for the Vikings to start quickly and score first. However, we also need to be careful and learn from our history of last week. Play to the end of the game. Never feel comfortable with the score being what it is, play the four quarters and come up with a victory!

This past week Coach Frazier was asked what he thinks of when he hears about a “Norv Turner offense.” Frazier’s response was: “A lot of deep routes, a lot of screens, a lot of play-action, taking shots downfield and a lot of screens in situations where we faced them in the past.” In case you are a fan that has not heard the news, starting quarterback Brandon Weeden was injured and will not play. The Browns also traded away their star running back, Trent Richardson, to the Indianapolis Colts for a first round draft pick. With those two changes, Norv’s passing game seems like the best option for offense. In order to overcome the offensive passing potential, we will need to get pressure on the third string starting quarterback Brian Hoyer, and stop backup running back Bobby Rainey and the newly-signed from off the street Willis McGahee. The purple has struggled with stopping the run in the past two games against division rivals. There was a noticeable improvement having Kevin Williams back on the d-line last week. The Vikings organization will acknowledge before the game an impressive and important milestone will be set by Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams He will start his 158th career game, passing Alan Page for most career starts by a Vikings defensive tackle and trailing only Jim Marshall (270) and Carl Eller (201) for starts by a defensive lineman.
The Vikings and Browns will meet for the 15th time in the history of the franchises today and for the 8th time in Minnesota. The Vikings hold a 11-3 all-time series advantage and have won all 4 previous meetings in Minnesota. We are looking to add a “W” today and hopefully have a few amazing plays for the record book!

SKOL VIKES!

THE RECORDBOOK VS THE CLEVELAND BROWNS

The last time the Vikings met the Browns was the 2009 season opener at Cleveland. Adrian Peterson set the Vikings opening-day record with 180 yards and 3 TDs in the game.

In 1980 at Met Stadium, Tommy Kramer became the 1st Vikings QB to pass for 450 yards, going for 456 and 4 TDs, a team yardage record that stood until Kramer broke his own mark in 1986 at Washington with 490. The Washington game did go to overtime though, so the 456 yards still stands as the record for games played in regulation time.

In the series history, 14 games, only 3 Vikings RBs have rushed for 100 yards:

Adrian Peterson: 180 (2009)
Bill Brown: 138 (1965)
Darrin Nelson: 118 (1986)

In the inaugural game of the series in 1965 in Cleveland, Fran Tarkenton connected with Tommy Mason for the longest pass play by the Vikings in the series, a 72-yard score en route to a 27-17 Vikings win.

It's Just The Browns

noreply@blogger.com (bleedpurpleguy) — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 15:27:00 +0000

Oh, man. These are the weeks I dread.

There are games I expect the Vikings come out and play hard. The outcome of those games normally comes down to a handful of plays (or calls) and can go either way.

There are games I expect the Vikings to try their best, but are unable to achieve victory. The outcome of these games seems easy to foresee, because we are out-coached or the players are out-matched.

And then there are the games I expect the Vikings to destroy the opponent. It shouldn't be this way, since the 1696 players on active rosters in the NFL are all professional football players. You'd assume the sum of the talent from any two of these rosters would be nearly identical. For the Vikings, something that has existed in our organization for the last couple of decades makes me fear these games more than any others.

I can only hope the players and the coaching staff keep our eyes on the road ahead of us, stay focused and avoid the trap.

SKOL VIKES!

Jim

It's Not Weird To Me

noreply@blogger.com (bleedpurpleguy) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 15:55:00 +0000

Sunday evening, after the Vikings loss to the Bears, I spent some time wondering what it would be like to be a normal person. I'm pretty sure a normal person could watch a football game and acknowledge the outcome of the game, just like the ending of a movie, was going to be what it was. The normal person probably wouldn't even wonder if something they could have done would might have influenced the ending. The normal person definitely wouldn't believe that traditions, rituals or superstitions would have any impact on an event taking place a thousand miles away.

I am not a normal person. Thankfully, neither is my wife.

I am not a big fan of Bud Light, but those commercials pointing out "It’s only weird if it doesn't work" are spot on. And hilarious. I just wish it would work more often.

Skol Vikes!

Jim

What It Might Take

noreply@blogger.com (bleedpurpleguy) — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 15:00:00 +0000

As time goes by and things continue to evolve in the NFL, week one of the regular season has turned into last-minute dress rehearsal. The assumed starters for a team rarely see the field during a game in the preseason. When they do get on the field for a meaningless scrimmage, it's played with less intensity and at a slower pace. The more seasoned the veteran is, the less exposure it seems they receive before the season.

And then the season starts. The curtain is raised and we expect everybody to be prepared for a solid performance. That didn't happen last week.

I am hoping our first outing was a wake-up call for our team. The coaches and the players should be back up to full speed. Kevin Williams will be back on the field and our defense can play a solid 60 minutes. Adrian Peterson should get the amount of carries we need for him to be effective - especially towards the end of the game.

It's time to tame the Bears, gentlemen.

SKOL VIKES!

Jim

Pondering My Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Viking Meshell) — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 02:33:00 +0000

As I ponder the opening weekend of the NFL season, I find more questions than answers for our beloved Vikings. We enter the 2013 season, I have high expectations for our team. This will be the final season in the Hubert H Humphrey Metrodome and I am hoping for some good reel for NFL films!

Working in our favor is a healthier Adrian Peterson, our reigning NFL MVP, has set his eyes on a goal of 2,500 yards. I was a believer after the first offensive play of the game! 78 yard touchdown run with the pull away speed leaving only the dust behind. Sunday's game showed that "All Day" brought the heart and skill to the game, but the supporting cast and offensive calls were not falling in line with his plan. To quote a former Viking player, Cris Carter, "Come On Man!" Musgrave...Who put that game plan together?!?! We should abandon the run for half of the game, make it a bigger challenge for Peterson to get his yards? "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

Can you believe that Jerome Simpson was the number one target for Christian Ponder and had 100+ yards receiving? His over the back shoulder catch was so reminiscent of our wide receiver friend, Randy Moss, simply amazing! While I am not saying that he will get 140 yards every game, his athleticism will be a contributing factor and make defenses take notice.

http://www.vikings.com/media-vault/videos/On-Field-Highlight-Simpson-Lays-Out/7b0d1992-7977-4d63-b88f-6f8b9bbf85ee

This is also an important season for our third year quarterback Christian Ponder. I am hoping that the roller coaster ride of his performances comes to an end. I know that many Viking fans were as disappointed as I was to hear that Ponder was out and not going to be our QB in the first round of the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers. Our first game of the new season, Ponder threw three interceptions against a defense that was just trying to stop the run. Too many mistakes, but how many of them can we lay at the feet of Ponder? I think that there has not been enough credit given to Kevin Williams and how his skills contribute to defending against the run. He is one of the best interior lineman in the NFL. I am not saying that he would have won the game for the Vikings, but he would have made a difference.

I cannot complete my rant without addressing the defense or special teams. When was the last time fans could say that a strength of our team was the special teams? Amazing that there were only a couple actual kickoff returns in this game. One of them should not have been returned, just a poor choice. Kudos to Locke, good job rookie! I would have loved to see Blair Walsh have a shot a long kick to win the game. Walsh makes me feel as sure in him making the long kick, as I used to be in Brett Favre making the last 4 seconds feel like an eternity when trying to pull out a win against the Ole Packers.

Defense should be tough on themselves! Perhaps we need to employ Winfield to assist our D with some film work. The first film reviewed needs to be "TACKLING 101"! How did we miss so many? Harrison Smith wins the defensive MVP award. Too many times Jared found himself being double covered on downs, which will likely be the case this season. He still showed he has what it takes to get the sack. There are times that I have to look twice, mistaking Robison for Allen. 69 or 96? I know the hair should be a dead give away, but nonetheless, I am confident Robison's sack stats will be higher this season than last and he will give Allen a run for his money. This defensive group will get stronger as the season continues with more time to work as a unit.

Brian Robison & Jared Allen (Jamie Squire/Getty)

Next week.. the Chicago Bears. Our Vikings have not fared well against them over the past four seasons. Our win at the good ole dome last season broke a six game losing streak. However, can we end another? ...five straight loses at Soldier Field. The purple and gold have only won twice in Chicago since 2000.

I have high hopes for Vikings this coming week. No question that the Vikings are hungry for a win.

"Dawgs gotta eat!"- John Randle

SKOL VIKES!!!

Viking Meshell

QB or Not QB - Pondering the Present & the Future (2013 Week 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 02:24:00 +0000

A Packers friend is jokingly reporting the Vikings have signed Tim Tebow. I hashtag that #MaybeTheyShould. When the Packer fan told a Viking fan that Tebow was signed. He says, "Are you kidding me?" She answered, "Yes." Classic. But this isn't funny, is it? It's far too soon to know anything, but on Sunday the fears were temporarily confirmed. The Vikings looked good in multiple areas. QB was not one of them. But there's always hope. Adrian Peterson was solid, as expected, but he wasn't the only good thing Sunday. All the talk about the offseason focused on the worry about Ponder and the acquisition of Greg Jennings. Greg wasn't a major factor, but we're 1 game in. Since Greg can still become that impact, I was excited about last year's acquisition and hoping a second year in the offense would show results. As a fan of Jerome Simpson, I was very excited to see him produce well in Game 1. 140 yards is impressive, but consider that 140 is out of a total of 236 thrown by Ponder. One game is not a season. Half the league lost this weekend. The real question is, what did the Vikings staff and Ponder gain Sunday? I heard Jerry Glanville say that NFL stands for "Not For Long." After seeing Sunday, that might apply to Ponder's status unless the Vikings coaching staff can adjust and recover. It also might apply to Tim Tebow's unemployed status. Bleed on, Don

A Sad Song In Motown

noreply@blogger.com (bleedpurpleguy) — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 22:59:00 +0000

This is my first post in a while. So despite yesterday's outcome, it feels good to think about a meaningful football game and put something in writing.

Ponder deserves a bit of criticism for having jitters during the first game of the team, and for at least a couple of the three consecutive incomplete passes on our second-to-last drive. But dude was having to work in a constant sea of Honolulu blue.

What I have a hard time with is this: AP had 18 carries in the game. But in the three fourth quarter possessions, our star player had only three touches.

AP Rushes By Quarter

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
+---+---+---+--
| 3 | 5 | 7 | 3

Why?

The end of this game had an all-too-familiar outcome, but normally the team is being carried on Peterson's shoulders and the time runs out. This one just didn't feel right and I'm shifting my attention to the play-calling.

Skol Vikes.

Jim "BleedPurpleGuy" Herrick

Do Not Despair - This is a Good Year

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 19:32:00 +0000

I've heard the grumbles and frankly am a little confused. Besides perhaps Indianapolis, the Vikings are the "Welcome Back" story of the year. I realize the losses at home to Tampa and on the road in Seattle are disappointing, but there's so much hope. 5-4 is not a bad record, especially in the NFC which is shaping up to be a tough Conference. Heck, the NFC North is shaping up to be a tough Division. The Lions are a good team, but with the Purple Pride Power at home, I see a victory, a 6-4 record and a bye. Whatever you do, do not look ahead! The season is going to be brutal, but instead, look back. Look back to last year, when it all fell apart, and the Vikings were in conversations for the worst record. The Viking ship is turning around, and like a giant barge, the turnaround is not instantaneous, but the pieces are falling into place. Professionals always talk about "day by day" or "game by game". If you're reading this, I'd say be a professional fan and do the same thing. Don't look ahead because you lose focus on the present (aka texting & driving) and instead keep your eyes on the road & enjoy that this year is not last year. If you think a player or coach is "the problem", know that they have the 2nd half of the season (half is pre-bye, half post in my eyes) to redeem themselves or be replaced. Do not despair. A winning streak can start now & change everything. Bleed on, Don

2011 Away Game #2 (Carolina)

noreply@blogger.com (bleedpurpleguy) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:33:00 +0000

O & D OD (Overdose of Failure)

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:48:00 +0000

My daughter & I debated the Vikings problems. She started by saying it's time for Ponder. I think it's hard to say that because I don't know if Ponder's ready. Am I ready to throw him to the wolves (or Chiefs, Cardinals, or heaven forbid, the Bears)?
There's 2 sides to the 3 collapses.
Her story. Put in Ponder! The offense stalls, I don't like McNabb, never will, and we need Ponder. 1st half to 2nd half scoring is pathetic: 54 points to 3. 3? Yes, 3 points in the 2nd half. We need a new offense.
My story. The D needs to step it up! In the 2nd half, the defense stalls. 1st half wall to 2nd half sieve: 7 to 64. How is that possible? We don't need a new O, we need the D to keep the pressure.

Realistically, we're both right. The O probably cannot run with every team in the NFL, but if the D won't stop anyone, there's no chance (3 games of proof thus far). But without a break, the D tires. So the O needs to put together a nice long drive to give the D a break. If she's right and we need a QB change, I'm not ready for Ponder, but let's see if Webb can hold up...if McNabb's done. Big IF to me!

Here's the game-by-game breakdown:
1st/2nd Scored 1st/2nd Allowed
17 / 0 7 / 17
17 / 3 0 / 24
20 / 0 0 / 23
------- ------
54 / 3 7 / 64

What's your take? O or D? Is it time for Ponder? Maybe Webb?

Vikings Still Control Their Own Destiny

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:22:00 +0000

I've been pondering this all week. The doomsayers seem to only look at 2 losses.

Yep, 0-2 is bad. But, there is some good news in the young season. The Vikings have dominated 2 halves of football, potential is rampant, & The Vikings have not lost in their division.

As halftime approaches today, the Vikings are up again. The defense is stout again and the offense is moving the ball.

If the Vikings beat the Lions, no matter what ANYONE else does, the Vikings can sweep their division and win the NFC North.

I know it's early, but I like finding the golden lining on the purple cloud. Am I delusional? Maybe, but there is plenty of room for hope.

It's a long season. 2 games are nothing!

Bleed on,

Don

Houston, "we" have a problem!

noreply@blogger.com (Viking Meshell) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:42:00 +0000

"GO TEXANS"??!?!? Yes, that is what I had to type in tonight to log into the Internet at this hotel in Humble, TX. Didn't anyone let them know that the Herrick's were off on their yearly Vikings away game adventure?!?!

Getting to the airport only to find out that your bag is over weight by 8 lbs.- $100 if you don't find a plan B for the items.

If it wasn't purple or didn't have horns, we didn't NEED it. We pulled off the relocation. Whew!
Delighting in a "classic box" of goodies on the plane for dinner: crackers, smoozie cheese, sliced salami, pretzels, 100 calorie cookies, and a bag of goldfish for the discounted airline price of $8.

Whatever happened to the free pretzels or peanuts?
Paying $7.99 for DirecTV during your flight to see the pre-game and kickoff of the opening day football Packers vs Saints.

Love the DirecTV, however that you have to pay for it on every leg of your flight just isn't right.
Stay in a hotel because San Diego has a power outage- $58.00 on an airline discount.

Apparently the Chargers lost their charge tonight. Your power's out boys!!

The rest of the story is to be continued.....

Every game experience truly is a "priceless" adventure!

SKOL VIKES!

Viking Meshell

Time for the Annual Wallpaper Update!

noreply@blogger.com (bleedpurpleguy) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:35:00 +0000

I've been a fan of this artwork for a few years. I hope she keeps up the great work! foreverpurple.net

Don't Tell Kluwe - I Scream 4 Ice Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 03:17:00 +0000

The Kluwe-McNabb deal lives on! This is awesome!

Snagged from twitter:

Jcoop50 Jon Cooper

by ChrisWarcraft

Best part of training camp! #donttellkluwedonovangaveittome yfrog.com/ke2eefj

Number 5 McNabbed (Kluwe Talks Contract)

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 19:25:00 +0000

I love to see the fun side of NFL players when the chest thumping and egos are put aside. If you don't know Chris Kluwe, you should! He's perfect for fans. He's "real" and is very fun to watch and follow. Here's a great example of Chris "negotiating" with new Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb for the coveted #5 jersey:
http://www.vikings.com/media-vault/videos/Kluwe-McNabb-Agree-To-Terms-On-No-5/d276a4b4-fdee-47cb-8ea7-d3761ea53e3a

That's a taste of greatness, right there! I hear Chris on 93X in the mornings and he's a trip. He also tweets and is well worth following. If you don't already follow him, check out his Twitter account and sign up at http://twitter.com/#!/CHRISWARCRAFT.

McNabbed - Here We Go Again...aka 1 More Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:57:00 +0000

Wow! Donovan McNabb is going to be a Viking! Bye-bye old man Favre, it's time for new blood. Okay, not so new. ;)

Congrats to the Vikings for snagging the front page on day 1 of free agency!

I'm torn about this move. Sadly enough, on the same day Sidney Rice bolts for Seattle. Seattle is also unsettled on their quarterback (Hasselbeck is a Titan), but Rice will catch some money for his move. I guess I'd take the reported 18.5 Million, too!

So this leaves Minnesota in familiar territory. Oddly enough, it's a new head coach Leslie Frazier that we're reliving what happened with Brad Childress and Brett Favre.

This move is a very good sign. The Vikings are so close to contending and the QB is the final piece to the puzzle.

As long as this is the 1-year bridge to Ponder or whomever is next, I understand.

So here we go again!

Good Weekend - Vikes Rise Because All Others Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:11:00 +0000

After the weak weekend of football, the Vikings are back to controlling their own destiny. With the NFC showing no real favorite, the division is wide open.

It was ugly, but the Vikings had the best ugly game of the weekend in the NFC North because their game ended with a win. The early games all went Minnesota's way. The Lions fell to the Giants, the Packers lost at home to the Dolphins, and the Bears somehow lost the Seattle.

So the Vikings are back. With two of the most explosive players in football in Randy Moss and Adrian Peterson, can you say the Vikings are out of it? No way. Can Minnesota beat Chicago, Green Bay, or Detroit? It's possible. And if somehow the Vikings cannot win the divsion, a wild card might be available to an 8-8 team.

Or do you think they can't win 6 more games? That's what I thought.

Over a Full Decade Of Bleeding Purple

noreply@blogger.com (bleedpurpleguy) — Sat, 01 May 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Time to reminisce and celebrate!

Vikings Now Have National Recognition

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 03:11:00 +0000

The Vikings did more than defeat the Cowboys Sunday. Despite being the #2 seed, the Vikings did not received National Recognition for their amazing 2009-2010 season. Maybe it's because of last year's loss to Philly at home, but many national experts picked Dallas.

With the Cowboys handily dispatched, the next big obstacle is New Orleans, the #1 seed. But back to the Vikings, do you know how big that trouncing of Dallas was? Well, it is big enough that SI.com's Peter King has named 2 Vikings as players of the week:

Sidney Rice, WR, Minnesota
Ray Edwards, DE, Minnesota

That's national recognition and you can read his reasons those picks and a big about #4 at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/peter_king/01/17/mmqb/3.html.

Favre Falling Apart, the Vikings Avoid Overconfidence, and Peter King Thought

noreply@blogger.com (Don) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:28:00 +0000

Fading Favre?
What's going on? The Bears carve up the Vikings? It wasn't that cold, was it? Favre's team last year had a bit of a collapse but speculation as he was hurt. I don't blame Brett for the loss as completing 26 of 40 is pretty good but I have to wonder if the sideline drama from last week is affecting the cohesiveness of the locker room. Where has the drive we saw earlier this year gone?

No Overconfidence
There is one good thing about the Vikings' faltering late in the season: they will not go into the post-season overconfident! The bye may be at risk but the Vikings still control their destiny and need no help to get a week off and a home game. In the league, that's a great situation despite a bad Monday night loss.

Regular Season Exhibitions at Full Price - Peter King
Peter King wrote about the lack of starters in a game like the Indy/Jets game. His great article is here:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/12/27/mmqb/4.html

I had to reply considering the other games without starters:
Hey Peter,I'm glad you point out the games that don't matter as point #2 in "2. I think the NFL is going to have to ask questions to the Competition Committee, and soon, about whether it's smart to ask fans to pay real money if teams are going to treat late-season games like exhibition games.", but the fans with season tickets also pay full price for pre-season games that truly are only exhibitions. With so few games the ratio of 2 full-price scrimmages seems obnoxious. Any chance you can mention that too?
Thanks,
Don

What are your Vikings or NFL thoughts?

Away Game #6 (2009-12-20, Vikes @ Panthers)

noreply@blogger.com (bleedpurpleguy) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:12:00 +0000

Had a great time at the game, despite the loss. Loved the stadium and the location. Great area, easy to drive around, easy to park. Something about an away game that's a night, outdoors and in the cold makes it a great experience... Great fans, in general. Some had difficulty holding their liquor, but nothing more than you'd expect at an outdoor night game during a holiday week. They wished us well (after rubbing in their unexpected victory) and many indicated they would cheer for us in the playoffs...

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