According to Adam Schefter on Twitter, "Boston PD has located red SUV it was looking for as identified in July 2012 homicide. Aaron Hernandez rented it."
I'm going to call Hernandez preeeetty much screwed out of ever seeing outside prison walls again, let alone playing any football.
Frankly, I'm disgusted. Now it's coming out that Hernandez was not only a member of "The Latin Kings" (apparently they're pretty notorious in South Florida), but was doing "all sorts of shady stuff" while at Florida that the staff covered up or suppressed. I've had enough of coaching staffs letting crap slide because a guy is talented. Florida coaches, do you WANT us to be the next Penn State? Is one of the Latin Kings' victims buried in the endzone at Ben Hill Griffin?
This "thug life" in organized sports has gone too far. Time for background checks, fingerprints, and it's beyond time to start suspending and expelling guys who pull "shady" tricks. As a football fan, I've had more than enough of my idols revealing themselves as corrupt bastards. And I don't want my programs - and the good guys playing on my teams - to be punished for what previous players did because the staff was too lenient to take a stand.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Desmond Bishop is Officially a Viking
Well boys and girls, it's signed, sealed and delivered - and we've made our cut to keep the roster at 90. Stanford Keglar (LB) has been released to make room for the ex-Packers MLB, which isn't particularly surprising.
He was drafted by the Titans in 2008, making 12 tackles in 13 games his rookie year. He went on to the Texans, then to the "Las Vegas Locomotives" until we signed him, and goodness knows where he'll go next. Anyway, it's good that Bishop is official, and we have plenty of LBs still.
SKOL!
He was drafted by the Titans in 2008, making 12 tackles in 13 games his rookie year. He went on to the Texans, then to the "Las Vegas Locomotives" until we signed him, and goodness knows where he'll go next. Anyway, it's good that Bishop is official, and we have plenty of LBs still.
SKOL!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
NFL Off-Topic
Also a quick note to say how terribly disappointed I am in Aaron Hernandez. I fully believe that one is innocent until proven guilty, but it is not looking good for his innocence right now. As a Florida Gator, and a football fan in general I'm devastated. It's bad for the Gator Nation, and really bad for all the kids out there who idolized Hernandez. Murder is not okay, and if he did do it, and gets away with it, it's a terrible message to America's youth.
On one of the sports boards I'm a member of, a troll posted "Is it time to shut the NFL down?" I know you're not supposed to feed the trolls, but I simply couldn't resist, especially after he said the NBA wasn't a bad example the way the NFL "is".
I replied:
NFL:
32 teams - final 53 man roster with an 8 man practice squad
total # of players: 1952
NBA:
30 teams - final 15 man roster with occasional exemptions when 3 or more players are injured
total # of players: 450
If [another board member who posted earlier] is correct and 1.7% of NFL players (let's say 2,000 per annum) get arrested yearly, and 5.1% of NBA players (let's say 500 per annum) get arrested yearly, that's 34 NFL arrests and 25.5 NBA arrests when the NFL is FOUR TIMES LARGER than the NBA...I'd say we have a problem with the NBA.
The troll later replied out most of the NBA crimes are driving without a license and marijuana which "aren't as bad" as murder and therefore it was all okay. I don't believe that for a second (plenty of football convictions for drugs, sadly), especially when you remember Chris "Birdman" Andersen being arrested for possession of child pornography.
I'm not arguing for a second that we should get rid of the NFL OR the NBA. What I do think is that there should be a stricter policy for athletes' off the field behavior. Too many arrests, or one bad conviction (I'd let certain traffic offenses slide), and you're out. Let's face it, if you're working for a trucking company and get a DUI you lose your job and never get hired again.
Considering all the nasty things that have been happening around NFL players, this is definitely something the league should consider.
On one of the sports boards I'm a member of, a troll posted "Is it time to shut the NFL down?" I know you're not supposed to feed the trolls, but I simply couldn't resist, especially after he said the NBA wasn't a bad example the way the NFL "is".
I replied:
NFL:
32 teams - final 53 man roster with an 8 man practice squad
total # of players: 1952
NBA:
30 teams - final 15 man roster with occasional exemptions when 3 or more players are injured
total # of players: 450
If [another board member who posted earlier] is correct and 1.7% of NFL players (let's say 2,000 per annum) get arrested yearly, and 5.1% of NBA players (let's say 500 per annum) get arrested yearly, that's 34 NFL arrests and 25.5 NBA arrests when the NFL is FOUR TIMES LARGER than the NBA...I'd say we have a problem with the NBA.
The troll later replied out most of the NBA crimes are driving without a license and marijuana which "aren't as bad" as murder and therefore it was all okay. I don't believe that for a second (plenty of football convictions for drugs, sadly), especially when you remember Chris "Birdman" Andersen being arrested for possession of child pornography.
I'm not arguing for a second that we should get rid of the NFL OR the NBA. What I do think is that there should be a stricter policy for athletes' off the field behavior. Too many arrests, or one bad conviction (I'd let certain traffic offenses slide), and you're out. Let's face it, if you're working for a trucking company and get a DUI you lose your job and never get hired again.
Considering all the nasty things that have been happening around NFL players, this is definitely something the league should consider.
Desmond Bishop is a Viking
Hey all, sorry for my absence. Life got in the way, but in the meantime we got some fantastic news!
We've officially signed Desmond Bishop (MLB) to a one year contract, beating out the Chiefs, Giants, and 49ers. (Hey, maybe we'll beat them during the season too! Ha!)
Of course, we need to see whether or not he's fully recovered from that torn hamstring, although I don't think the Giants or the 49ers would've offered him if they didn't think he was because they both have injured players taking up their IR spots this season. And, also, the Packers run a 3-4 defense and we run a 4-3, so that will definitely be a challenge for him. The good news is that Bishop can also play outside. Imagine a line with Greenway, Henderson, and Bishop all in a row! (Are you salivating yet?)
Personally, I'm super happy with this signing. It's a one-year contract so if he doesn't work out for some reason, we're not taking too big a hit. It's a one-year contract, so he's going to bust some ass to prove he deserves another, longer contract.
Most importantly of all, Erin Henderson has been aggressively defending his job as starting MLB, and now that the Vikings have picked up Bishop, he's going to do so harder, and go into this season with a massive chip on his shoulder. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I LOVE internal competition for starting spots! It improves play and morale all around, as long as it doesn't get personal. Henderson is a good guy and has his head screwed on right. Bishop I don't know anything about, other than his stats, but I imagine the Winter Park staff won't let anything nasty go on, and it'll be good friendly competition with a couple of occasional, harder-than-necessary shoves.
SKOL!
We've officially signed Desmond Bishop (MLB) to a one year contract, beating out the Chiefs, Giants, and 49ers. (Hey, maybe we'll beat them during the season too! Ha!)
Of course, we need to see whether or not he's fully recovered from that torn hamstring, although I don't think the Giants or the 49ers would've offered him if they didn't think he was because they both have injured players taking up their IR spots this season. And, also, the Packers run a 3-4 defense and we run a 4-3, so that will definitely be a challenge for him. The good news is that Bishop can also play outside. Imagine a line with Greenway, Henderson, and Bishop all in a row! (Are you salivating yet?)
Personally, I'm super happy with this signing. It's a one-year contract so if he doesn't work out for some reason, we're not taking too big a hit. It's a one-year contract, so he's going to bust some ass to prove he deserves another, longer contract.
Most importantly of all, Erin Henderson has been aggressively defending his job as starting MLB, and now that the Vikings have picked up Bishop, he's going to do so harder, and go into this season with a massive chip on his shoulder. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I LOVE internal competition for starting spots! It improves play and morale all around, as long as it doesn't get personal. Henderson is a good guy and has his head screwed on right. Bishop I don't know anything about, other than his stats, but I imagine the Winter Park staff won't let anything nasty go on, and it'll be good friendly competition with a couple of occasional, harder-than-necessary shoves.
SKOL!
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Minithought of the day
I saw a picture today of Sharrif Floyd making a catch at minicamp. A DT making an interception? Sounds like there's some good coaching on defense!
Unless, of course, Floyd was just tossing a ball around with some buddies. I'm not sure, but I am sure I'm super-excited for camp and PRESEASON where I actually get to watch and make my own judgements!
Unless, of course, Floyd was just tossing a ball around with some buddies. I'm not sure, but I am sure I'm super-excited for camp and PRESEASON where I actually get to watch and make my own judgements!
Friday, June 21, 2013
Vikings Minicamp Roundup
Just a few thoughts on this week's minicamp!
Paul Allen of KFAN says the Vikings will go 11-5 this regular season, and Paul Charchian says we'll be undefeated at home. The latter, I love, the former...I'm praying we get that many wins! I'm torn between expecting 10 and hoping for 12.
People need to stop flapping like injured chickens over Sharrif Floyd "versus" Kevin Williams and the depth chart. We're putting Floyd in at nickel. Williams, not so much for nickel. We play nickel what, half the time? Both of them are going to get to play, and considering Williams only played 70% of snaps last season, this is such a nonissue. Sharrif Floyd is going to be paired up a lot with Letroy Guion (who has been getting first team reps) at nickel (Fred Evans...I have heard significantly less about, and might be worried about), even though he is not likely to be starting and will probably just get off-the-bench reps his rookie year.
According to the guys with the eyes, the defense won minicamp hands down. On the last day, the camp ended with three straight pass breakups by defense in fourth and goal drill. Chris Cook intercepted James Vandenburg yesterday and has "had a strong camp." Xavier Rhodes was mentioned multiple times and had his hands on a lot of balls...shush, ignore the double entendre!
Bobby Felder picked up a particularly impressive diving interception in a 7-on-7 drill on Greg Jennings when the latter let the ball loose on the sideline.
Mistral Raymond is still injured, and was doing rehab during minicamp, which is not a great sign considering how hard he's struggled with injury throughout his career.
Robinson intercepted Ponder at least once, but from what was said, it was more a bad decision by Ponder than brilliant move by Robinson, which frankly, makes me pretty itchy.
Someone named Larry Dean is staying at linebacker while Greenway heals up, and the d-roster is much in place from last year. I didn't really expect drastic moves in the early part of the offseason - it's the preseason games where I'm going to look out for those.
I did hear the D was making a few stupid penalties which burns me up. If we make stupid penalties this year, we will lose. There will be no Superbowl, and no glittery trophy. NO STUPID MISTAKES! NO BONEHEADED PENALTIES! YOU CANNOT WIN PLAYING SLOPPY!
On to offense, Brandon Fusco (OG) continues to take reps at center while John Sullivan (C) is recovering from his microfacture surgery, which I approve of. Considering the hole teams can get into with short rosters and lack of depth on line, the more experience the better.
Matt Kalil spent his offseason getting fit, and is now apparently one of the more jacked guys on the team. Pretty impressive considering his age and the fact we have beasts like Peterson to set an almost impossibly high standard for fitness.
Rookie RB Bradley Randle caught some attention with his jukes and outside burst. Of course, they're not in pads yet, so I'm reserving judgement.
Cassel seemed to do quite well, although apparently there was one stretch of three straight incompletions (one dropped) and then a sack. Guess he's not HOF material just yet...
The team ran some 2-minute drills, so the staff at least got a good look at the offense coming together. (Yes, I'm bitter I can't watch.)
The final passing stats on day 1 were as follows: Ponder 14-of-20 with INT, Cassel 10-of-21, MBT 8-9, Vandenberg 1-2.
Rhett Ellison is mysteriously absent but perhaps he has some "family issues" he has to take care of. As long as his rental car isn't parked in some woods next to a body with a bullet in its brain.
Adrian Peterson was present, doing some light jogging and rehab, but no practice, unfortunately.
Joe Webb got quite a lot of attention, although he did miss some route adjustments and drop some balls. In my opinion, you only get good at that through lots and lots of practice, so I'll let him get some time at WR before I start fussing.
First team: Ponder "came out firing" and completed multiple passes to multiple players, even making six in a row at one point before throwing away one and then narrowly missing Carlson (TE). He connected with Simpson (WR) twice on deep balls, one time hitting him in stride 40 yards down the field. Maybe Simpson and Jennings are going to duke it out for Ponder's #1?
Second team: Cassel hit a notable 33 yard strike to Carlson that was apparently more due to Carlson being clutch than Cassel being sharp. I need to see with my own eyes, because man, it's rough relying on other people for observations like that.
Third team: McLeod Bethel-Thompson drove for a 41 yard Walsh field goal in their drill, with the key completion to Adam Thielen.
My question: did I just miss all the tweets about Burton, or did something happen?
WR depth chart:
1. Jennings-Simpson-Wright. 2. Patterson-Burton-Brown. 3. Webb-Summers-Thielen
For special teams, Patterson, Sherels, Robinson, Jefferson, and Webb have all been returning kicks. Simpson, Wright, Patterson have been taking punts, while the former puntman Sherels was working as a gunner.
Walsh looking pretty consistent - in a "game situation" he made a 46 yard field goal that would've been good from a good 10-20 yards more.
Jeff Locke looked consistent and "impressive" in his punting practice. Produced nine punts that all had a hangtime around 4.5 seconds, and all but one landed inside the 10 yard line.
Minicamp nonparticipants: Sullivan (C), Allen (DE), Greenway (LB), Childs (WR), Mauti (LB), Nathan Williams (LB), Lacey, Keglar (LB), McCoy (CB).
*It should be noted that Michael Mauti did some individual drills, and says he's still on track, but he's leaving the timelines to the coaching staff.
**Keglar also participated in the practice but sat out the early drills. No hint as to why.
Interesting News: the Vikings owners, including Zygi, Mark and Lenny Wilf, were at minicamp, watching the drills and talking to the guys. Zygi also spent a lot of time with Leslie Frazier, which I'm hoping is a good, encouraging sign of confidence.
Really Good News: We're $7.132 million under the salary cap, and will still be $4 million under after we sign our last three draft picks. MLB time, I think.
SKOL!
Paul Allen of KFAN says the Vikings will go 11-5 this regular season, and Paul Charchian says we'll be undefeated at home. The latter, I love, the former...I'm praying we get that many wins! I'm torn between expecting 10 and hoping for 12.
People need to stop flapping like injured chickens over Sharrif Floyd "versus" Kevin Williams and the depth chart. We're putting Floyd in at nickel. Williams, not so much for nickel. We play nickel what, half the time? Both of them are going to get to play, and considering Williams only played 70% of snaps last season, this is such a nonissue. Sharrif Floyd is going to be paired up a lot with Letroy Guion (who has been getting first team reps) at nickel (Fred Evans...I have heard significantly less about, and might be worried about), even though he is not likely to be starting and will probably just get off-the-bench reps his rookie year.
According to the guys with the eyes, the defense won minicamp hands down. On the last day, the camp ended with three straight pass breakups by defense in fourth and goal drill. Chris Cook intercepted James Vandenburg yesterday and has "had a strong camp." Xavier Rhodes was mentioned multiple times and had his hands on a lot of balls...shush, ignore the double entendre!
Bobby Felder picked up a particularly impressive diving interception in a 7-on-7 drill on Greg Jennings when the latter let the ball loose on the sideline.
Mistral Raymond is still injured, and was doing rehab during minicamp, which is not a great sign considering how hard he's struggled with injury throughout his career.
Robinson intercepted Ponder at least once, but from what was said, it was more a bad decision by Ponder than brilliant move by Robinson, which frankly, makes me pretty itchy.
Someone named Larry Dean is staying at linebacker while Greenway heals up, and the d-roster is much in place from last year. I didn't really expect drastic moves in the early part of the offseason - it's the preseason games where I'm going to look out for those.
I did hear the D was making a few stupid penalties which burns me up. If we make stupid penalties this year, we will lose. There will be no Superbowl, and no glittery trophy. NO STUPID MISTAKES! NO BONEHEADED PENALTIES! YOU CANNOT WIN PLAYING SLOPPY!
On to offense, Brandon Fusco (OG) continues to take reps at center while John Sullivan (C) is recovering from his microfacture surgery, which I approve of. Considering the hole teams can get into with short rosters and lack of depth on line, the more experience the better.
Matt Kalil spent his offseason getting fit, and is now apparently one of the more jacked guys on the team. Pretty impressive considering his age and the fact we have beasts like Peterson to set an almost impossibly high standard for fitness.
Rookie RB Bradley Randle caught some attention with his jukes and outside burst. Of course, they're not in pads yet, so I'm reserving judgement.
Cassel seemed to do quite well, although apparently there was one stretch of three straight incompletions (one dropped) and then a sack. Guess he's not HOF material just yet...
The team ran some 2-minute drills, so the staff at least got a good look at the offense coming together. (Yes, I'm bitter I can't watch.)
The final passing stats on day 1 were as follows: Ponder 14-of-20 with INT, Cassel 10-of-21, MBT 8-9, Vandenberg 1-2.
Rhett Ellison is mysteriously absent but perhaps he has some "family issues" he has to take care of. As long as his rental car isn't parked in some woods next to a body with a bullet in its brain.
Adrian Peterson was present, doing some light jogging and rehab, but no practice, unfortunately.
Joe Webb got quite a lot of attention, although he did miss some route adjustments and drop some balls. In my opinion, you only get good at that through lots and lots of practice, so I'll let him get some time at WR before I start fussing.
First team: Ponder "came out firing" and completed multiple passes to multiple players, even making six in a row at one point before throwing away one and then narrowly missing Carlson (TE). He connected with Simpson (WR) twice on deep balls, one time hitting him in stride 40 yards down the field. Maybe Simpson and Jennings are going to duke it out for Ponder's #1?
Second team: Cassel hit a notable 33 yard strike to Carlson that was apparently more due to Carlson being clutch than Cassel being sharp. I need to see with my own eyes, because man, it's rough relying on other people for observations like that.
Third team: McLeod Bethel-Thompson drove for a 41 yard Walsh field goal in their drill, with the key completion to Adam Thielen.
My question: did I just miss all the tweets about Burton, or did something happen?
WR depth chart:
1. Jennings-Simpson-Wright. 2. Patterson-Burton-Brown. 3. Webb-Summers-Thielen
For special teams, Patterson, Sherels, Robinson, Jefferson, and Webb have all been returning kicks. Simpson, Wright, Patterson have been taking punts, while the former puntman Sherels was working as a gunner.
Walsh looking pretty consistent - in a "game situation" he made a 46 yard field goal that would've been good from a good 10-20 yards more.
Jeff Locke looked consistent and "impressive" in his punting practice. Produced nine punts that all had a hangtime around 4.5 seconds, and all but one landed inside the 10 yard line.
Minicamp nonparticipants: Sullivan (C), Allen (DE), Greenway (LB), Childs (WR), Mauti (LB), Nathan Williams (LB), Lacey, Keglar (LB), McCoy (CB).
*It should be noted that Michael Mauti did some individual drills, and says he's still on track, but he's leaving the timelines to the coaching staff.
**Keglar also participated in the practice but sat out the early drills. No hint as to why.
Interesting News: the Vikings owners, including Zygi, Mark and Lenny Wilf, were at minicamp, watching the drills and talking to the guys. Zygi also spent a lot of time with Leslie Frazier, which I'm hoping is a good, encouraging sign of confidence.
Really Good News: We're $7.132 million under the salary cap, and will still be $4 million under after we sign our last three draft picks. MLB time, I think.
SKOL!
NFL Gossip
Quick post on the noise around the NFL this week:
Biggest story of course, is Aaron Hernandez. I'm so ticked off at him! He's a fantastic player, I don't remember him getting in trouble as a Gator (although this story of him shooting some idiot in a Floridian nightclub has come up awfully conveniently, no?) and all he had to do was keep his nose clean and NOT get involved with thuggish idiots, and now look what's happened.
Smashing your phone and home security system are pretty stupid (although, to be fair, when people accuse me of crap I didn't do, I feel like smashing stuff myself) and now it's earned him an arrest warrant. Dumbass. Just a few months away from the new season and getting to work with Tebow again...oy.
Tyrann Matthieu, the Honeybadger, tweeted earlier today that although no one has seen him play for a year he's definitely back. I want to laugh, but as a Gator, I saw more than I wanted to of Matthieu and that's no joke.
Brandon Burton is in Cancun of all places. Broseph had better be careful what he eats, because we don't want him losing conditioning due to food poisoning!
Finally, in other sporting news:
I don't care how many Gators love them, I HATE the Heat. And now I'm mad at the Spurs for losing.
Bah, humbug!
Biggest story of course, is Aaron Hernandez. I'm so ticked off at him! He's a fantastic player, I don't remember him getting in trouble as a Gator (although this story of him shooting some idiot in a Floridian nightclub has come up awfully conveniently, no?) and all he had to do was keep his nose clean and NOT get involved with thuggish idiots, and now look what's happened.
Smashing your phone and home security system are pretty stupid (although, to be fair, when people accuse me of crap I didn't do, I feel like smashing stuff myself) and now it's earned him an arrest warrant. Dumbass. Just a few months away from the new season and getting to work with Tebow again...oy.
Tyrann Matthieu, the Honeybadger, tweeted earlier today that although no one has seen him play for a year he's definitely back. I want to laugh, but as a Gator, I saw more than I wanted to of Matthieu and that's no joke.
Brandon Burton is in Cancun of all places. Broseph had better be careful what he eats, because we don't want him losing conditioning due to food poisoning!
Finally, in other sporting news:
I don't care how many Gators love them, I HATE the Heat. And now I'm mad at the Spurs for losing.
Bah, humbug!
Vikings' Minicamp Player Notes
Hey all, computer issues are finally sorted (I hope) and it's time to look at what happened at minicamp this week. It's going to be pretty slow until Mankato in July, so enjoy the info-fest while it lasts!
Note - NFL preseason starts in 44 days!!! AHH, so close!! 76 days til the actual season starts!!
- We're after Desmond Bishop (MLB), but we've got competition as the Jaguars, 49ers and Chiefs are also battling for his services. He did have hamstring surgery last year, although word is he's back to 100%. Apparently we made an offer that he's not satisfied with, but I don't want to break the bank for a dissatisfied MLB. Let's have Erin Henderson (MLB) show us what he's made of instead.
- McLeod Bethel-Thompson (QB) - I wonder how many times it'll take typing his name before I can do it without spelling it incorrectly and having to fix it. Anyway, apparently his arm strength has improved greatly since last year, and he's put a lot of effort towards correcting his footwork. I see him sticking around as #3 on the QB roster, but next year...I wonder if Cassel will still be here? Will McLeod?
- Christian Ponder (QB) - everyone has been gushing about his "improvement" even as they mention blips and blops and bad throws. Still, if he really gets rid of the rust at Mankato, and develops a bond with someone :coughGregJenningscough: he might get some polish and be the kind of guy we can rely on down the stretch of stressful NFC North games. He's been called "sharp early, and responding to adversity" throughout this offseason. Sounds a lot like the beginning of last year, and I'd like to go on record saying that beginning well isn't good enough, not if you want to make a run into the playoffs. We don't know how much longer we'll have Peterson as the beast he is, and it's time to really get down and serious.
He says himself in an interview that he's getting more comfortable and he isn't undervaluing the importance of being uncomfortable on the field. He's focusing on his decision-making and accuracy, to which weary Vikings' fans say "SKOL!"
- Matt Cassel (QB) - has been a pretty damn good leader in the locker room, which really surprised me. I can only hope Ponder is taking notes and will manage to be a leader at least on the field during the season. Cassel's arm strength seems to have improved too, which makes me take my hat off to our strength training staff.
- Stephen Burton (WR) - apparently is one of the most improved over the last year and definitely poised to challenge for a roster spot. What this means to Webb, I'm not sure, but I am super excited to see how it pans out!
- Joe Webb (WR) - has picked up his new playbook very quickly and is deft and accurate in his new positions. According to the reporters, he doesn't look like a newb out on the field, which is good news for him, and probably for the rest of the team too!
- Andrew Sendejo (S) - he's been pretty quiet, but apparently has made one or two stellar plays in minicamp. This is his third year (right? I think?) so if he can suddenly break out and become much-needed depth at safety, I'm all for it.
- Greg Jennings (WR) - big, fast, and a strong leader. Not only that, but he's smart in the classroom and more than willing to mentor the young guys. I say, epic pickup, Front Office.
- Jarius Wright (WR) - looks likely to not only make team, but to be a difference-maker down the stretch, improving on last year's success. Why don't you and Ponder have a nice broseph session to cement your QB-to-WR mental transmissions?
- Jerome Simpson (WR) - Healthy again! I'm psyched to see him on the field, fighting fit and ready to take his "great offseason" and go play with something to prove to the world.
- Cordarrelle Patterson (WR)- big, freakish athlete that made a good transition from junior college to the SEC, and hopefully can make a similar jump to the NFL, once he's refined his skills.
- Greg Childs (WR)- working his ass off to get back on the field, positive attitude and a lot of potential.
- Sharrif Floyd (DT) - apparently the Vikings have been putting him through his paces on the pass rush, and the team says he can rock it, but other NFL insiders are saying it's why he dropped. I say, go look at some old Gators' footage and come back with some actual insight, bro.
Nor are the Vikings expecting to start Floyd (please excuse me while I go dance with joy) this season, which is just incredible news to me. It'll give him time to learn the game (and the speed!!), pick up what he needs both for his role at nickle and for when he'll have to go in for Williams' spot, and still do it at a decent pace, without the pressure of the whole game (and system) riding on him as a "weak" spot newbie.
- Kevin Williams (DT) - played about 70% of snaps last season, and is expected to play fewer this season. I don't like it, but line rotations have worked for teams before, like the Gators, and having (relatively) fresh bodies on the bench isn't a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination.
- Xavier Rhodes (CB) - now I do expect him to start. The reports from him have been fabulous, and frankly, we're pretty thin at corner and safety.
- Adrian Peterson (RB) - getting back on track after his sports hernia surgery, and is finally feeling "normal" again. I'm pleased he's feeling better, and that he's discovered he's allergic to lobsters and shrimp (I mean, that sucks, because lobsters and shrimp are awesome, but we know now so he and the training staff keep epi-pens on them at all times now, which is a relief since we depend on him so much!), and really performing as a leader and mentor to the rest of the team. Also, he finally practiced at minicamp after being held out several days. I won't lie, all that R&R the coaches were insisting on was starting to worry me.
- Harrison Smith (FS) - dude is entering his sophomore year and they call it the sophomore slump for a reason. Still, Frazier says he's got his head on right and won't succumb to the sort of on-the-field recklessness that can lead to botched plays and 6 for the other team. Cook and Robinson are probably going to be the starting cornerbacks, unless Rhodes bumps off Robinson or some sort of three or four man rotation is established. Jamarca Sanford will be back at safety, but I'm putting my money on Smith growing into the leader of this unit. He's got the instinct, and the ambition. Now we just need to get him the experience and attitude (I think he's got the attitude to be honest) to turn him into a true skill player, hopefully one that will retire in purple and gold, and head straight for the HOF! Some really good news is that Smith is now so comfortable with the Vikings' playbook he's practically an extra assistant coach. Now that is the most encouraging thing I've heard this entire offseason!
- Christian Ballard (DT) - he's going to have to fight pretty hard, being behind both Kevin Williams and Sharrif Floyd, but but Ballard is a versatile guy and it's been rumored he might switch back to the outside. Last year he played DE a couple of times, which is another option for us, or he could become our spare battery, willing and able to step in anywhere in the line to give a tired Viking a chance to catch his breath. Whatever his role ends up being, Ballard is a valuable player and I want him here in Minnesota!
- John Sullivan (C) - his knee is recovering on schedule and he should be ready to start for camp in Mankato. Mistral Raymond (S) should be over his hamstring and ready for camp as well, along with Rhett Ellison (TE)'s calf.
That's all for now folks, but I'll be back with more later. SKOL!
P.S. Happy first day of summer!
Note - NFL preseason starts in 44 days!!! AHH, so close!! 76 days til the actual season starts!!
- We're after Desmond Bishop (MLB), but we've got competition as the Jaguars, 49ers and Chiefs are also battling for his services. He did have hamstring surgery last year, although word is he's back to 100%. Apparently we made an offer that he's not satisfied with, but I don't want to break the bank for a dissatisfied MLB. Let's have Erin Henderson (MLB) show us what he's made of instead.
- McLeod Bethel-Thompson (QB) - I wonder how many times it'll take typing his name before I can do it without spelling it incorrectly and having to fix it. Anyway, apparently his arm strength has improved greatly since last year, and he's put a lot of effort towards correcting his footwork. I see him sticking around as #3 on the QB roster, but next year...I wonder if Cassel will still be here? Will McLeod?
- Christian Ponder (QB) - everyone has been gushing about his "improvement" even as they mention blips and blops and bad throws. Still, if he really gets rid of the rust at Mankato, and develops a bond with someone :coughGregJenningscough: he might get some polish and be the kind of guy we can rely on down the stretch of stressful NFC North games. He's been called "sharp early, and responding to adversity" throughout this offseason. Sounds a lot like the beginning of last year, and I'd like to go on record saying that beginning well isn't good enough, not if you want to make a run into the playoffs. We don't know how much longer we'll have Peterson as the beast he is, and it's time to really get down and serious.
He says himself in an interview that he's getting more comfortable and he isn't undervaluing the importance of being uncomfortable on the field. He's focusing on his decision-making and accuracy, to which weary Vikings' fans say "SKOL!"
- Matt Cassel (QB) - has been a pretty damn good leader in the locker room, which really surprised me. I can only hope Ponder is taking notes and will manage to be a leader at least on the field during the season. Cassel's arm strength seems to have improved too, which makes me take my hat off to our strength training staff.
- Stephen Burton (WR) - apparently is one of the most improved over the last year and definitely poised to challenge for a roster spot. What this means to Webb, I'm not sure, but I am super excited to see how it pans out!
- Joe Webb (WR) - has picked up his new playbook very quickly and is deft and accurate in his new positions. According to the reporters, he doesn't look like a newb out on the field, which is good news for him, and probably for the rest of the team too!
- Andrew Sendejo (S) - he's been pretty quiet, but apparently has made one or two stellar plays in minicamp. This is his third year (right? I think?) so if he can suddenly break out and become much-needed depth at safety, I'm all for it.
- Greg Jennings (WR) - big, fast, and a strong leader. Not only that, but he's smart in the classroom and more than willing to mentor the young guys. I say, epic pickup, Front Office.
- Jarius Wright (WR) - looks likely to not only make team, but to be a difference-maker down the stretch, improving on last year's success. Why don't you and Ponder have a nice broseph session to cement your QB-to-WR mental transmissions?
- Jerome Simpson (WR) - Healthy again! I'm psyched to see him on the field, fighting fit and ready to take his "great offseason" and go play with something to prove to the world.
- Cordarrelle Patterson (WR)- big, freakish athlete that made a good transition from junior college to the SEC, and hopefully can make a similar jump to the NFL, once he's refined his skills.
- Greg Childs (WR)- working his ass off to get back on the field, positive attitude and a lot of potential.
- Sharrif Floyd (DT) - apparently the Vikings have been putting him through his paces on the pass rush, and the team says he can rock it, but other NFL insiders are saying it's why he dropped. I say, go look at some old Gators' footage and come back with some actual insight, bro.
Nor are the Vikings expecting to start Floyd (please excuse me while I go dance with joy) this season, which is just incredible news to me. It'll give him time to learn the game (and the speed!!), pick up what he needs both for his role at nickle and for when he'll have to go in for Williams' spot, and still do it at a decent pace, without the pressure of the whole game (and system) riding on him as a "weak" spot newbie.
- Kevin Williams (DT) - played about 70% of snaps last season, and is expected to play fewer this season. I don't like it, but line rotations have worked for teams before, like the Gators, and having (relatively) fresh bodies on the bench isn't a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination.
- Xavier Rhodes (CB) - now I do expect him to start. The reports from him have been fabulous, and frankly, we're pretty thin at corner and safety.
- Adrian Peterson (RB) - getting back on track after his sports hernia surgery, and is finally feeling "normal" again. I'm pleased he's feeling better, and that he's discovered he's allergic to lobsters and shrimp (I mean, that sucks, because lobsters and shrimp are awesome, but we know now so he and the training staff keep epi-pens on them at all times now, which is a relief since we depend on him so much!), and really performing as a leader and mentor to the rest of the team. Also, he finally practiced at minicamp after being held out several days. I won't lie, all that R&R the coaches were insisting on was starting to worry me.
- Harrison Smith (FS) - dude is entering his sophomore year and they call it the sophomore slump for a reason. Still, Frazier says he's got his head on right and won't succumb to the sort of on-the-field recklessness that can lead to botched plays and 6 for the other team. Cook and Robinson are probably going to be the starting cornerbacks, unless Rhodes bumps off Robinson or some sort of three or four man rotation is established. Jamarca Sanford will be back at safety, but I'm putting my money on Smith growing into the leader of this unit. He's got the instinct, and the ambition. Now we just need to get him the experience and attitude (I think he's got the attitude to be honest) to turn him into a true skill player, hopefully one that will retire in purple and gold, and head straight for the HOF! Some really good news is that Smith is now so comfortable with the Vikings' playbook he's practically an extra assistant coach. Now that is the most encouraging thing I've heard this entire offseason!
- Christian Ballard (DT) - he's going to have to fight pretty hard, being behind both Kevin Williams and Sharrif Floyd, but but Ballard is a versatile guy and it's been rumored he might switch back to the outside. Last year he played DE a couple of times, which is another option for us, or he could become our spare battery, willing and able to step in anywhere in the line to give a tired Viking a chance to catch his breath. Whatever his role ends up being, Ballard is a valuable player and I want him here in Minnesota!
- John Sullivan (C) - his knee is recovering on schedule and he should be ready to start for camp in Mankato. Mistral Raymond (S) should be over his hamstring and ready for camp as well, along with Rhett Ellison (TE)'s calf.
That's all for now folks, but I'll be back with more later. SKOL!
P.S. Happy first day of summer!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Computer Issues
Hey all, been having some computer issues and am in the process of backing up and cleaning everything, so updates on the first day of Vikings' minicamp may be a little late.
Just one or two quick things for now:
- Jared Allen was working with blocking shields today, so the staff must be happy with his shoulder surgery's recovery at least.
- Greg Childs tweeted, "Great day today" - and was apparently taped up on sideline like he was ready to go. Will he indeed be ready for Mankato?
- Erin Henderson isn't giving up his position without a fight, no matter how good Desmond Bishop looks when we work him out on Wednesday Good for you Erin, show the world what you're made of!
- Looks like Sullivan is a go for training camp.
Other news - I'm absolutely flabbergasted that Aaron Hernandez (TE), Patriots, is being questioned by the police in connection with the murder of one of his "associates" and apparently a car he rented is somehow involved too...all I have to say is, I can't believe it and I don't want any of these allegations to be true. It's a sad day for the Gator Nation.
Just one or two quick things for now:
- Jared Allen was working with blocking shields today, so the staff must be happy with his shoulder surgery's recovery at least.
- Greg Childs tweeted, "Great day today" - and was apparently taped up on sideline like he was ready to go. Will he indeed be ready for Mankato?
- Erin Henderson isn't giving up his position without a fight, no matter how good Desmond Bishop looks when we work him out on Wednesday Good for you Erin, show the world what you're made of!
- Looks like Sullivan is a go for training camp.
Other news - I'm absolutely flabbergasted that Aaron Hernandez (TE), Patriots, is being questioned by the police in connection with the murder of one of his "associates" and apparently a car he rented is somehow involved too...all I have to say is, I can't believe it and I don't want any of these allegations to be true. It's a sad day for the Gator Nation.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Questions going into Vikings' Minicamp
Vikings start their mandatory minicamp this week, and here are my top five team questionmarks:
5. Injuries - who will be watched and rehabbed, and who will be actually getting some reps before July, and Mankato?
Players to watch include Chad Greenway (knee), Jacob Lacey (thumb), John Sullivan (knee), Greg Childs (knees), Michael Mauti (knee), Chris Summers (hamstring).
4. Full recovery? Which Vikings have really made the turnaround from last season to this offseason? Will their surgically repaired ligaments and joints hold up a full season? Or will we be calling their backups for just-in-case reps?
Players to watch include Greg Jennings (ankle), Adrian Peterson (sports hernia), Brian Robison (uh...everything above the waist...), Jared Allen (shoulder), John Carlson.
3. What is going to happen to our o-line? Not sure if I've mentioned it, but the Vikes are returning all five starters from our o-line last year, which is unusual to say the least. I know we're giving Fusco a shot at center in case Sullivan doesn't recover in time, which is going to give rookies like Jeff Baca a chance to make a case for reps at guard.
2. Which rookies are going to take the cake? I'm looking at you, Sharrif Floyd, Xavier Rhodes, Cordarelle Patterson. Are you three going to be the foundations of future Vikings glory? Or will Michael Mauti, Jeff Baca, and Everett Dawkins come from the mist and teach you all a lesson about transitioning from NCAA to NFL?
1. CHEMISTRY. Will our team start growing together and performing as a unit? I know Frazier is mixing up first and second team players to change up the reps, and I'd guess he's doing the same with second and third teams too. Will Ponder choose a favorite receiver?
5. Injuries - who will be watched and rehabbed, and who will be actually getting some reps before July, and Mankato?
Players to watch include Chad Greenway (knee), Jacob Lacey (thumb), John Sullivan (knee), Greg Childs (knees), Michael Mauti (knee), Chris Summers (hamstring).
4. Full recovery? Which Vikings have really made the turnaround from last season to this offseason? Will their surgically repaired ligaments and joints hold up a full season? Or will we be calling their backups for just-in-case reps?
Players to watch include Greg Jennings (ankle), Adrian Peterson (sports hernia), Brian Robison (uh...everything above the waist...), Jared Allen (shoulder), John Carlson.
3. What is going to happen to our o-line? Not sure if I've mentioned it, but the Vikes are returning all five starters from our o-line last year, which is unusual to say the least. I know we're giving Fusco a shot at center in case Sullivan doesn't recover in time, which is going to give rookies like Jeff Baca a chance to make a case for reps at guard.
2. Which rookies are going to take the cake? I'm looking at you, Sharrif Floyd, Xavier Rhodes, Cordarelle Patterson. Are you three going to be the foundations of future Vikings glory? Or will Michael Mauti, Jeff Baca, and Everett Dawkins come from the mist and teach you all a lesson about transitioning from NCAA to NFL?
1. CHEMISTRY. Will our team start growing together and performing as a unit? I know Frazier is mixing up first and second team players to change up the reps, and I'd guess he's doing the same with second and third teams too. Will Ponder choose a favorite receiver?
Saturday, June 15, 2013
No News is Good News
Hey there Vikings fans. Winter Park and the purple and gold masses have been almost abnormally quiet since Thursday, and considering the point in the offseason, I'm down with that. Doesn't give me a whole lot to blog about but let's face it - if ever there was a time in the season that no news is good news, it's the here and now.
I mean, just look at Gronkowski - splashed all over the headlines for the past two days with his fifth surgery in the past few years, this one on his back, not his forearm. No boys and girls, I think we can be thankful the only purple in the headlines is the purple drank JaMarcus Russell claims to have given up in his quest to return to the NFL, sans a whopping twelve pounds from his heaviest offseason weight.
I mean, just look at Gronkowski - splashed all over the headlines for the past two days with his fifth surgery in the past few years, this one on his back, not his forearm. No boys and girls, I think we can be thankful the only purple in the headlines is the purple drank JaMarcus Russell claims to have given up in his quest to return to the NFL, sans a whopping twelve pounds from his heaviest offseason weight.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Twitter Talk 6/12/13
Hey all, back to business after a busy day of being excited over Kenechi Udezi!
First, just wanted to mention the Minnesota Vikings and the Vikings Children's Fund hit the golf course today for another charity fundraiser. Christian Ponder was quoted as saying it's easy for the players to turn up and play golf, and that it's really the people who paid to be there who deserve the credit, to which I say, well said Christian! Still, I imagine people wouldn't be quite as eager to pay to play if the Vikings didn't turn up (and over 30 did), so I take off my hat to the Vikings who went out to ensure a good turnout for the fans and a good payout for the kids.
As for the rumors that TO will be joining us, please give me a minute to laugh hysterically! Anyone with even a single eye can see that what Spielman is gunning for is youth, and his sole nod to experience is fully fleshed out in Greg Jennings, who I might add, is doing an excellent job mentoring Cordarrelle Patterson already.
Chad Greenway has a little knee "thing". I'm not fussed. From what I can tell, he'd been experiencing some twinges in his knee, the team took a look, and he'll need scoping and "cleaning out". Once that's done he'll be back in time for camp. Leslie Frazier isn't worried, and that's good enough for me.
One thing that did catch my eye was Adrian Peterson being held out of practice yesterday. Frazier glossed over it, but I'll take his word that it was nothing serious, until it happens again. Peterson is a tough, healing machine, and right now I'm inclined to think Frazier wants to see how the newbies do without him around to distract the defense. Which is pretty sensible if you ask me, we're going to have to rest the man every so often come football season!
Jacob Lacey (thumb) and John Sullivan (knee) are still being held out, but are expected to be ready for Mankato and the preseason. I hope their backups are taking this opportunity to catch the coaching staff's eye seriously. Greg Childs is more iffy, I hear, but I'd rather the coaching staff insist he take his time and heal up right the first time rather than rushing him and having to deal with surgery/rehab all over again.
FA linebacker Nate Williams has had "minor ankle surgery" and will be out of the picture until Mankato opens as well.
Brandon Fusco (OG) has been taking some snaps under center in case Sullivan (C) doesn't return in time, which I think is a great idea, especially since he played center at Slippery Rock (where is this college by the way? With a name like that, I'm dying to check it out!), and it'll give our other right guards an opportunity to butt heads...hopefully not literally, considering the new tackling guidelines.
Greg Jennings was absent yesterday, but Frazier said he's, "just absent" with a "personal issue" so I'm hoping that means he just needed a day off (family stuff maybe?) and there are absolutely no injuries involved. I'm pretty sure he played golf today, so if that is the case, then we don't need to worry about his ankles, or the rest of his anatomy. Frazier also praised his work ethic which just about made me dance around the room - JUST what we needed, a veteran WR who is happy to mentor and sets a good example by doing what he does naturally! If it weren't a weekday, I'd totally crack open a beer to celebrate!
Frazier also mentioned Chris Cook is doing well on the field and has grown as a person (hallelujah!), and he seems quite optimistic about his future as a leader and role model for our young guys. Let's hope Cook can escape nasty injuries this year!
Other teams/Off Topic:
The Redskins have signed WR Donte Stallworth. Of course!
Apparently Tim Tebow will wear #5 for the Patriots. I didn't really think Mallet would give up #15, lets see if Tebow can make 5 work for him.
Tomorrow (Thursday) will be the Vikings' 10th and last OTA before a 3 day minicamp starts next week, so here's to hoping we get some more good news to take us through the weekend!
SKOL!
First, just wanted to mention the Minnesota Vikings and the Vikings Children's Fund hit the golf course today for another charity fundraiser. Christian Ponder was quoted as saying it's easy for the players to turn up and play golf, and that it's really the people who paid to be there who deserve the credit, to which I say, well said Christian! Still, I imagine people wouldn't be quite as eager to pay to play if the Vikings didn't turn up (and over 30 did), so I take off my hat to the Vikings who went out to ensure a good turnout for the fans and a good payout for the kids.
As for the rumors that TO will be joining us, please give me a minute to laugh hysterically! Anyone with even a single eye can see that what Spielman is gunning for is youth, and his sole nod to experience is fully fleshed out in Greg Jennings, who I might add, is doing an excellent job mentoring Cordarrelle Patterson already.
Chad Greenway has a little knee "thing". I'm not fussed. From what I can tell, he'd been experiencing some twinges in his knee, the team took a look, and he'll need scoping and "cleaning out". Once that's done he'll be back in time for camp. Leslie Frazier isn't worried, and that's good enough for me.
One thing that did catch my eye was Adrian Peterson being held out of practice yesterday. Frazier glossed over it, but I'll take his word that it was nothing serious, until it happens again. Peterson is a tough, healing machine, and right now I'm inclined to think Frazier wants to see how the newbies do without him around to distract the defense. Which is pretty sensible if you ask me, we're going to have to rest the man every so often come football season!
Jacob Lacey (thumb) and John Sullivan (knee) are still being held out, but are expected to be ready for Mankato and the preseason. I hope their backups are taking this opportunity to catch the coaching staff's eye seriously. Greg Childs is more iffy, I hear, but I'd rather the coaching staff insist he take his time and heal up right the first time rather than rushing him and having to deal with surgery/rehab all over again.
FA linebacker Nate Williams has had "minor ankle surgery" and will be out of the picture until Mankato opens as well.
Brandon Fusco (OG) has been taking some snaps under center in case Sullivan (C) doesn't return in time, which I think is a great idea, especially since he played center at Slippery Rock (where is this college by the way? With a name like that, I'm dying to check it out!), and it'll give our other right guards an opportunity to butt heads...hopefully not literally, considering the new tackling guidelines.
Greg Jennings was absent yesterday, but Frazier said he's, "just absent" with a "personal issue" so I'm hoping that means he just needed a day off (family stuff maybe?) and there are absolutely no injuries involved. I'm pretty sure he played golf today, so if that is the case, then we don't need to worry about his ankles, or the rest of his anatomy. Frazier also praised his work ethic which just about made me dance around the room - JUST what we needed, a veteran WR who is happy to mentor and sets a good example by doing what he does naturally! If it weren't a weekday, I'd totally crack open a beer to celebrate!
Frazier also mentioned Chris Cook is doing well on the field and has grown as a person (hallelujah!), and he seems quite optimistic about his future as a leader and role model for our young guys. Let's hope Cook can escape nasty injuries this year!
Other teams/Off Topic:
The Redskins have signed WR Donte Stallworth. Of course!
Apparently Tim Tebow will wear #5 for the Patriots. I didn't really think Mallet would give up #15, lets see if Tebow can make 5 work for him.
Tomorrow (Thursday) will be the Vikings' 10th and last OTA before a 3 day minicamp starts next week, so here's to hoping we get some more good news to take us through the weekend!
SKOL!
Kenechi Udezi is BACK!
How many of you remember Udezi?? We picked him up #20 overall in 2004, and lost him as a player when he was diagnosed with leukemia in 2008. I hoped against hope for two years that he'd recover quickly and come back and play, but sadly that didn't happen.
However, he seems to have beaten the odds because we - the Vikings - have picked him up as a "coaching intern". I'm stunned by how awesome this is! Udezi got a bone-marrow transplant from his brother (go brother!) nearly five years ago, and the leukemia is still in remission (let's hope/pray it stays that way!), and has been interning as a coach ever since. How wonderful would it be if he got a permanent position as a defensive coach?
Whatever happens, Kenechi Udezi, here is one Viking who is THRILLED to see you back in purple and gold! SKOL!
However, he seems to have beaten the odds because we - the Vikings - have picked him up as a "coaching intern". I'm stunned by how awesome this is! Udezi got a bone-marrow transplant from his brother (go brother!) nearly five years ago, and the leukemia is still in remission (let's hope/pray it stays that way!), and has been interning as a coach ever since. How wonderful would it be if he got a permanent position as a defensive coach?
Whatever happens, Kenechi Udezi, here is one Viking who is THRILLED to see you back in purple and gold! SKOL!
Monday, June 10, 2013
Ex-Viking News
The Buffalo Bills have cut veteran Tavaris Jackson, the day before they open their mandatory minicamp. Looking good for their rookie QB EJ Manuel, isn't it?
I feel a little bad for TJack...but then I remember the losses...and I only feel a little bad. He might get a backup job somewhere, maybe even the Rams. They ought to be playoff contenders this year if they don't get decimated by injuries again.
Anyway, good luck to TJack in his future endeavors.
I feel a little bad for TJack...but then I remember the losses...and I only feel a little bad. He might get a backup job somewhere, maybe even the Rams. They ought to be playoff contenders this year if they don't get decimated by injuries again.
Anyway, good luck to TJack in his future endeavors.
Off Topic: Tim Tebow to the Patriots
Well folks, it's official. I waited a few hours - I was so sure it was a Twitter hoax! But it's not. Gospel truth, Timmy will be suiting up in red, white and blue come September.
As a Gator alumna, I always admired Tim on the field, and cheered him wholeheartedly as he made some amazing performances that won us two crystal footballs. I even met him once, and he seemed very pleasant and down-to-earth - and he actually looked me in the eye instead of down my shirt, which I found more impressive than any feat he's pulled on the field.
When he transitioned to the NFL I was pleasantly surprised with his performance with the Broncos, and admired his fantastic overtime win vs the Steelers...and then was SHOCKED when the Broncos shuffled him off rather than letting him learn from Peyton Manning, who could arguably be the best pocket passer of this generation.
I thought the Jets were going to run a traditional two-QB offense: one set of plays (and personnel) for Tim, and another for Sanchez, switching them off by drive; or, alternatively using him as a short-distance playmaker, particularly in the redzone.
Nope.
Instead, they let what I like to call Gotham's Media Syndicate turn him into a rallying symbol for mockery, completely derailing public support and making their season a highly embarrassing three-ring circus. Seriously? I don't know what it is about NYC, but their media seem more outrageous and ridiculous every year - and I spent three years living in LA, where paparazzi relentlessly hunt down celebrities who are getting a slushy from the local gas station!!
To be honest, I was never sure Tim would make it in the NFL. Not because he "can't throw" - that's a load of crap crappy enough to manure all of Ohio's wheat fields. He broke the Florida high school passing records after only spending 3 years at QB, not even that long, now that I think about it. He went to UF and while it's true he ran all over the SEC defenses he had dozens of highly impressive throwing performances (please see LSU-2008 if you want an example), and I still can't figure out why people piss and moan about his arm. So he's not a pretty pretty ballerina, and doesn't throw the way Manning does. Big whoop, he got it into the hands of every Gator wideout and most of the RBs caught a look now and then too. And despite Percy Harvin's prowess, it was NOT all the receivers' skill.
No, what worried me about Tim was the fact he needs a certain type of offense, and despite the success of the Wildcat, it's not what is regularly used in the NFL. When he was in Denver I thought he was adjusting well and five years would see him a strong contender every year. But watching him be utterly routed by the Jets and their abysmal coaching has me wondering - can he overcome what happened on that field? I've seen enough of the world to know that once the Gotham Media Syndicate is in your head, you're going to have one hell of a time trying to perform over the noise.
Tom Brady has done the media circus though. He'd have to, with living in New England and having a gorgeous model for his wife, doing charity and publicity every time he steps out his front door. If anyone can push the clowns out of Tebow's head, it might conceivably be Brady.
I'm excited to see what the Patriots do. (Yes, I'll go back to calling them the Cheatriots after this post. I supported them until the spygate story broke and that was the end of that for me.) But, I don't know what use they'll have for Tebow unless he learns a whole new offense. Brady was last stopped on a 3rd-and-1 or 4th-and-1 rush in 2005, which equals 49 STRAIGHT conversions over the past eight years. They do not need Tim to pull a repeat of 2006 Neyland Stadium.
Is it true? Will Tim Tebow be the most famous clipboard holder of all time? Or will Bellicheck and Brady change him - or his game - into someone who can step under the bright lights of the future and win?
As a Gator alumna, I always admired Tim on the field, and cheered him wholeheartedly as he made some amazing performances that won us two crystal footballs. I even met him once, and he seemed very pleasant and down-to-earth - and he actually looked me in the eye instead of down my shirt, which I found more impressive than any feat he's pulled on the field.
When he transitioned to the NFL I was pleasantly surprised with his performance with the Broncos, and admired his fantastic overtime win vs the Steelers...and then was SHOCKED when the Broncos shuffled him off rather than letting him learn from Peyton Manning, who could arguably be the best pocket passer of this generation.
I thought the Jets were going to run a traditional two-QB offense: one set of plays (and personnel) for Tim, and another for Sanchez, switching them off by drive; or, alternatively using him as a short-distance playmaker, particularly in the redzone.
Nope.
Instead, they let what I like to call Gotham's Media Syndicate turn him into a rallying symbol for mockery, completely derailing public support and making their season a highly embarrassing three-ring circus. Seriously? I don't know what it is about NYC, but their media seem more outrageous and ridiculous every year - and I spent three years living in LA, where paparazzi relentlessly hunt down celebrities who are getting a slushy from the local gas station!!
To be honest, I was never sure Tim would make it in the NFL. Not because he "can't throw" - that's a load of crap crappy enough to manure all of Ohio's wheat fields. He broke the Florida high school passing records after only spending 3 years at QB, not even that long, now that I think about it. He went to UF and while it's true he ran all over the SEC defenses he had dozens of highly impressive throwing performances (please see LSU-2008 if you want an example), and I still can't figure out why people piss and moan about his arm. So he's not a pretty pretty ballerina, and doesn't throw the way Manning does. Big whoop, he got it into the hands of every Gator wideout and most of the RBs caught a look now and then too. And despite Percy Harvin's prowess, it was NOT all the receivers' skill.
No, what worried me about Tim was the fact he needs a certain type of offense, and despite the success of the Wildcat, it's not what is regularly used in the NFL. When he was in Denver I thought he was adjusting well and five years would see him a strong contender every year. But watching him be utterly routed by the Jets and their abysmal coaching has me wondering - can he overcome what happened on that field? I've seen enough of the world to know that once the Gotham Media Syndicate is in your head, you're going to have one hell of a time trying to perform over the noise.
Tom Brady has done the media circus though. He'd have to, with living in New England and having a gorgeous model for his wife, doing charity and publicity every time he steps out his front door. If anyone can push the clowns out of Tebow's head, it might conceivably be Brady.
I'm excited to see what the Patriots do. (Yes, I'll go back to calling them the Cheatriots after this post. I supported them until the spygate story broke and that was the end of that for me.) But, I don't know what use they'll have for Tebow unless he learns a whole new offense. Brady was last stopped on a 3rd-and-1 or 4th-and-1 rush in 2005, which equals 49 STRAIGHT conversions over the past eight years. They do not need Tim to pull a repeat of 2006 Neyland Stadium.
Is it true? Will Tim Tebow be the most famous clipboard holder of all time? Or will Bellicheck and Brady change him - or his game - into someone who can step under the bright lights of the future and win?
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Hats off to John Sullivan & the Vikings
Found out today that John Sullivan (C) donated $150,000
towards a new University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital
playground. I’m touched and
impressed. Great skill on the field is
wonderful and all, but character and heart…they’re pretty damn important too.
Should note that the total cost was $200,000, and Chad Greenway (LB) donated $25,000 and the Vikings' Children's Fund donated the remaining $25,000. Very, very proud of my team, my players.
Should note that the total cost was $200,000, and Chad Greenway (LB) donated $25,000 and the Vikings' Children's Fund donated the remaining $25,000. Very, very proud of my team, my players.
Friday, June 7, 2013
TGIF - Twitter Edition
Well, fellow Vikings, it's FRIDAY - means it's time for the team to
take a breather and sportswriters feel a need to think of shocking
headlines that mean nothing at all come September. Hence the fuss about
Matt Birk and the White House. He has his right to his beliefs,
although I'm surprised he sat out the White House ceremony. I guess the
ring's the thing?
Loadholt resigning - I hadn't read much about this before, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the Loadholts live in Minneapolis year round and consider it their home. I hope that means his desire to stick around will lead both to productivity and a willingness to restructure should it be necessary. Still, a $25 million, 4 year extension should enable us to count on him for a while to come.
Robison's injuries/recovery - well, we all remember last year. Robison being strapped and padded from wrist to throat, quick enough off the mark, but not free enough in the arm to do his job by season's end. Thankfully we had Everson Griffen to take over, but losing your first-team DE and his 8.5 sacks isn't a good proposition for any team. He's 30 now and in the last year of his contract, and according to Twitter has healed up well without surgery. If he makes it through the season without a major injury I can see us resigning him for another 3, maybe 4 years and hopefully having him retire in purple and gold. If he gets torn up again, I'm afraid that might not happen. But if he has healed as well as everyone says he has, maybe he'll get the big digits, a renewal, some big bucks...and maybe even something shiny!
Speaking of Everson Griffen, he's also in the last year of his contract, and so is Jared Allen. I predict we'll resign at least one of them, two if they can avoid injury. I can see us dropping one of them, especially if we draft a big prospect in 2014. Look at this year's draft -
Sharrif Floyd - DT
Xavier Rhodes - CB
Cordarrelle Patterson - WR
Gerald Hodges - LB
Jeff Locke - P
Jeff Baca - OG
Michael Mauti - LB
Travis Bond - OG
Everett Dawkins - DT
- we can afford to go big for DE and maybe RB next draft. Depends on free agency and how we end up with respect to our W/L record and draft position.
*Read today that Jared Allen is finally "sleeping through the night" since his shoulder pain has been eliminated by the surgery. Maybe it was exhaustion, as well as pain, that sapped his productivity last season? Let's hope so - and that he stays well rested this year!
John Carlson swears he's healthy now, and is happy with the relationship he's developed with the rest of the offense. I hope that's the case, because I have been begging, praying and swearing for some two-TE sets and five-wides for literally years now, and if Carlson and Rudolph are both healthy, and Ponder's head is screwed on straight, Mr. Frazier, I do believe it's time we see them.
Joe Webb returning punts - that last spot on the WR list is looking tougher to secure after the first two weeks of OTAs, and it sounds like he's straining every nerve to win it. Good for him, I say. I love having competition for slots - improves play and team spirit.
Harrison Smith has made some noise in the OTAs so far - just one INT though, I believe. Will he have a sophomore slump? I sure hope not, but I'll wait for training camp to really make a judgement. He's big, he's solid, and from all accounts he's as dedicated to the mental side of the game as he is the physical. I'm hoping this will push him over the hump, but as I say, I'm waiting for training camp at least, and preseason before I start hyperventilating.
OTA attendance - I've mentioned it before, but we've had practically 100% attendance for these voluntary OTAs and I'm beyond psyched about that. Childress had a tough time making the guys turn up and toe the line, and of course last year there was a lockout that royally screwed all that side of things up. This gives me hope that Frazier is the guy to hold this team together, calmly, strongly, fairly and lead them (and us) to a good run in the postseason.
I don't know if I've mentioned this, but I don't like our new helmets either. This matte crap is for the birds - bring back the old shiny kind! At least we still have the same horns. The Jags' new helmets look horrible!
Apparently McLeod Bethel-Thompson threw a very lovely pass to TE Chase Ford, who hauled it in for a TD at the end of yesterday's practice. I've been watching for his name ever since he beat out Sage Rosenfels last year, and I keep wondering what's going to happen with him. Wish I could get my hands on some footage of him...anyone got a link they can point me to?
The Vikings have all five starters on offensive line back and healthy. How about them apples?
Saw a video of Blair Walsh talking about OTAs and working with our new punter, Jeff Locke. He seemed dedicated and down-to-earth but I was completely distracted by the fact that he desperately needs a haircut.
Fantasy note - apparently Matt Cassel is rated ahead of Christian Ponder by some sites. Anyone who believes that is going to be VERY sorry come December!
Happy Friday everyone - SKOL!
Loadholt resigning - I hadn't read much about this before, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the Loadholts live in Minneapolis year round and consider it their home. I hope that means his desire to stick around will lead both to productivity and a willingness to restructure should it be necessary. Still, a $25 million, 4 year extension should enable us to count on him for a while to come.
Robison's injuries/recovery - well, we all remember last year. Robison being strapped and padded from wrist to throat, quick enough off the mark, but not free enough in the arm to do his job by season's end. Thankfully we had Everson Griffen to take over, but losing your first-team DE and his 8.5 sacks isn't a good proposition for any team. He's 30 now and in the last year of his contract, and according to Twitter has healed up well without surgery. If he makes it through the season without a major injury I can see us resigning him for another 3, maybe 4 years and hopefully having him retire in purple and gold. If he gets torn up again, I'm afraid that might not happen. But if he has healed as well as everyone says he has, maybe he'll get the big digits, a renewal, some big bucks...and maybe even something shiny!
Speaking of Everson Griffen, he's also in the last year of his contract, and so is Jared Allen. I predict we'll resign at least one of them, two if they can avoid injury. I can see us dropping one of them, especially if we draft a big prospect in 2014. Look at this year's draft -
Sharrif Floyd - DT
Xavier Rhodes - CB
Cordarrelle Patterson - WR
Gerald Hodges - LB
Jeff Locke - P
Jeff Baca - OG
Michael Mauti - LB
Travis Bond - OG
Everett Dawkins - DT
- we can afford to go big for DE and maybe RB next draft. Depends on free agency and how we end up with respect to our W/L record and draft position.
*Read today that Jared Allen is finally "sleeping through the night" since his shoulder pain has been eliminated by the surgery. Maybe it was exhaustion, as well as pain, that sapped his productivity last season? Let's hope so - and that he stays well rested this year!
John Carlson swears he's healthy now, and is happy with the relationship he's developed with the rest of the offense. I hope that's the case, because I have been begging, praying and swearing for some two-TE sets and five-wides for literally years now, and if Carlson and Rudolph are both healthy, and Ponder's head is screwed on straight, Mr. Frazier, I do believe it's time we see them.
Joe Webb returning punts - that last spot on the WR list is looking tougher to secure after the first two weeks of OTAs, and it sounds like he's straining every nerve to win it. Good for him, I say. I love having competition for slots - improves play and team spirit.
Harrison Smith has made some noise in the OTAs so far - just one INT though, I believe. Will he have a sophomore slump? I sure hope not, but I'll wait for training camp to really make a judgement. He's big, he's solid, and from all accounts he's as dedicated to the mental side of the game as he is the physical. I'm hoping this will push him over the hump, but as I say, I'm waiting for training camp at least, and preseason before I start hyperventilating.
OTA attendance - I've mentioned it before, but we've had practically 100% attendance for these voluntary OTAs and I'm beyond psyched about that. Childress had a tough time making the guys turn up and toe the line, and of course last year there was a lockout that royally screwed all that side of things up. This gives me hope that Frazier is the guy to hold this team together, calmly, strongly, fairly and lead them (and us) to a good run in the postseason.
I don't know if I've mentioned this, but I don't like our new helmets either. This matte crap is for the birds - bring back the old shiny kind! At least we still have the same horns. The Jags' new helmets look horrible!
Apparently McLeod Bethel-Thompson threw a very lovely pass to TE Chase Ford, who hauled it in for a TD at the end of yesterday's practice. I've been watching for his name ever since he beat out Sage Rosenfels last year, and I keep wondering what's going to happen with him. Wish I could get my hands on some footage of him...anyone got a link they can point me to?
The Vikings have all five starters on offensive line back and healthy. How about them apples?
Saw a video of Blair Walsh talking about OTAs and working with our new punter, Jeff Locke. He seemed dedicated and down-to-earth but I was completely distracted by the fact that he desperately needs a haircut.
Fantasy note - apparently Matt Cassel is rated ahead of Christian Ponder by some sites. Anyone who believes that is going to be VERY sorry come December!
Happy Friday everyone - SKOL!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Talking Twitter
Hey all - been sick again today so just some talking points for now.
- John Carlson (TE) hauled in a seriously sweet touchdown at the OTAs today. You should definitely go to the Vikings.com website and check it out! (Not sure if I should link it here...media laws and all that.)
- Ponder looked moderately comfortable in the "pocket", and it was a long toss, so I'm crossing all my fingers and my toes in hopes that he continues to deliver with accuracy and speed!
- Only occurred to me last night that with Lacey out (hand surgery) Xavier Rhodes is going to get the lion's share of snaps in practice. I never pictured him starting during the first half of this season, although I could see it later on, once our vets are tired and he's more experienced...but if he gets that much work this summer, you never know what could happen!
- From the interviews I've read this week, Frazier is assigning 0 starting positions until he sees the preseason. I'm not saying he won't have his own opinions and have a penciled-in roster...but he is definitely waiting to see our boys in action before he makes his biggest decisions.
- Kyle Rudolph tweeted, "Another week in the books. Gotta keep working to get better!" If Frazier, Greenway and Ponder hadn't been praising him to the stars, that would really worry me. As it is, I'm cautiously optimistic that if he keeps his head on straight, he can challenge Simpson and Jennings for a chunk of Ponder's attention, Peterson notwithstanding.
- Frazier is praising Robison and saying he can be a "double-digit sack guy"...any hopes in anyone else's wildest dreams that Robison and Allen both get double-digit sacks this year?
More later - SKOL!
- John Carlson (TE) hauled in a seriously sweet touchdown at the OTAs today. You should definitely go to the Vikings.com website and check it out! (Not sure if I should link it here...media laws and all that.)
- Ponder looked moderately comfortable in the "pocket", and it was a long toss, so I'm crossing all my fingers and my toes in hopes that he continues to deliver with accuracy and speed!
- Only occurred to me last night that with Lacey out (hand surgery) Xavier Rhodes is going to get the lion's share of snaps in practice. I never pictured him starting during the first half of this season, although I could see it later on, once our vets are tired and he's more experienced...but if he gets that much work this summer, you never know what could happen!
- From the interviews I've read this week, Frazier is assigning 0 starting positions until he sees the preseason. I'm not saying he won't have his own opinions and have a penciled-in roster...but he is definitely waiting to see our boys in action before he makes his biggest decisions.
- Kyle Rudolph tweeted, "Another week in the books. Gotta keep working to get better!" If Frazier, Greenway and Ponder hadn't been praising him to the stars, that would really worry me. As it is, I'm cautiously optimistic that if he keeps his head on straight, he can challenge Simpson and Jennings for a chunk of Ponder's attention, Peterson notwithstanding.
- Frazier is praising Robison and saying he can be a "double-digit sack guy"...any hopes in anyone else's wildest dreams that Robison and Allen both get double-digit sacks this year?
More later - SKOL!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Twitter Tidbits
Just a few notes for now:
- Frazier is very pleased with Kyle Rudolph's confidence, says that his Pro Bowl performance "flipped a switch" and he's improved greatly since.
- Jared Allen won't practice until the official training camp because of his surgeries, and he's regrowing the mullet. Let's call that so-so/good news for now. At the very least, we know he's being watched carefully and won't be at risk of pushing himself into worse injuries. All hail the mullet!
- Brian Robison picked up two INTs today, which is great considering the limited reps we're allowed in voluntary OTAs.
- Ponder managing the hurry-up offense creditably. Goodness knows, our two-minute drill needs some fine-tuning!
- Greg Jennings was on the field and moving just fine. So it was definitely just a tweaked ankle.
- Lots of nickel defense today. As long as Henderson keeps himself together and Greenway paces himself...and Cook stays in good shape, this is good news.
- Adrian Peterson wants more CATCHES. I am torn between being appalled (we need him to stay healthy) and intrigued. God damn, I miss Percy Harvin. I hate the Seahawks...cheering for him while he's wearing those colors will be tough.
- Sherels may not make the team this year...if rumors are true...not sure what I think about that, to be honest.
- Cornerback Jacob Lacey had thumb surgery, can't play until camp. Be interesting to see if he makes the team after this setback.
That's all for now folks. SKOL!
- Frazier is very pleased with Kyle Rudolph's confidence, says that his Pro Bowl performance "flipped a switch" and he's improved greatly since.
- Jared Allen won't practice until the official training camp because of his surgeries, and he's regrowing the mullet. Let's call that so-so/good news for now. At the very least, we know he's being watched carefully and won't be at risk of pushing himself into worse injuries. All hail the mullet!
- Brian Robison picked up two INTs today, which is great considering the limited reps we're allowed in voluntary OTAs.
- Ponder managing the hurry-up offense creditably. Goodness knows, our two-minute drill needs some fine-tuning!
- Greg Jennings was on the field and moving just fine. So it was definitely just a tweaked ankle.
- Lots of nickel defense today. As long as Henderson keeps himself together and Greenway paces himself...and Cook stays in good shape, this is good news.
- Adrian Peterson wants more CATCHES. I am torn between being appalled (we need him to stay healthy) and intrigued. God damn, I miss Percy Harvin. I hate the Seahawks...cheering for him while he's wearing those colors will be tough.
- Sherels may not make the team this year...if rumors are true...not sure what I think about that, to be honest.
- Cornerback Jacob Lacey had thumb surgery, can't play until camp. Be interesting to see if he makes the team after this setback.
That's all for now folks. SKOL!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Rivalries, Offseason, and Tweets
Saw a headline today saying that there are SIX former Seminoles on the Vikings' roster. I was a Vikings fan first, but I'm a loyal Gator too, and I admit it's a little hard to swallow sometimes on draft day and during free agency.
But drafting my college rivals will never, ever cause me as much pain as when we picked up Brett Favre. The night it came out that we HAD NOT taken him, my guy friends took me out and we got drunk in celebration. The night it came out that we HAD signed him, my guy friends took me out and kindly got me plastered.
Per Twitter:
Turns out both John Carlson (TE) and Stephen Burton (WR) had spectacular catches, Burton's going for a TD. It'll be interesting to see if Burton makes our roster instead of Webb, but even if he doesn't, I imagine he'll get work elsewhere.
Williams was quoted as saying he still considers himself as the Vikings' top dog, which absolutely thrilled me. That's the attitude I want in my players, especially one who is going to mentor Sharrif Floyd. I've watched Floyd all through his time at Florida and the man is a hard-nosed go-getter and if he can be imbued with Kevin Williams' skill, toughness and leadership, I'll be ecstatic.
For his part, Floyd seems eager to learn, which I'm happy about, but to be honest, I expected it.
Christian Ponder isn't tweeting much, which I'm hoping is a good thing. I don't expect him to spend all day every day with his nose in his playbook, but a few hours a day at least would be salutary I'm sure.
Michael Mauti does not have a twitter, which I find slightly disappointing. I'm hoping he heals up and can contribute at some time later in the season. In the meantime, I'll just have to follow the news like everyone else.
Finally, my Vikings Thought for the Day:
Offseason sucks. Oh I can read twitter, and look at old video of games, and check out articles and listen to KFAN (and I do), but seeing Cordarrelle Patterson tweet "VEGAS BABY!" is not one billionth as fulfilling as watching an actual game. Only 96 days left!
But drafting my college rivals will never, ever cause me as much pain as when we picked up Brett Favre. The night it came out that we HAD NOT taken him, my guy friends took me out and we got drunk in celebration. The night it came out that we HAD signed him, my guy friends took me out and kindly got me plastered.
Per Twitter:
Turns out both John Carlson (TE) and Stephen Burton (WR) had spectacular catches, Burton's going for a TD. It'll be interesting to see if Burton makes our roster instead of Webb, but even if he doesn't, I imagine he'll get work elsewhere.
Williams was quoted as saying he still considers himself as the Vikings' top dog, which absolutely thrilled me. That's the attitude I want in my players, especially one who is going to mentor Sharrif Floyd. I've watched Floyd all through his time at Florida and the man is a hard-nosed go-getter and if he can be imbued with Kevin Williams' skill, toughness and leadership, I'll be ecstatic.
For his part, Floyd seems eager to learn, which I'm happy about, but to be honest, I expected it.
Christian Ponder isn't tweeting much, which I'm hoping is a good thing. I don't expect him to spend all day every day with his nose in his playbook, but a few hours a day at least would be salutary I'm sure.
Michael Mauti does not have a twitter, which I find slightly disappointing. I'm hoping he heals up and can contribute at some time later in the season. In the meantime, I'll just have to follow the news like everyone else.
Finally, my Vikings Thought for the Day:
Offseason sucks. Oh I can read twitter, and look at old video of games, and check out articles and listen to KFAN (and I do), but seeing Cordarrelle Patterson tweet "VEGAS BABY!" is not one billionth as fulfilling as watching an actual game. Only 96 days left!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Vikings Question of the Day
Two-parter today:
1) Who will have a bigger impact on the offense - our WRs or our RBs? Keep in mind, if our TEs/RBs don't block, our WRs can't get free to score.
2) How much on the WR/RB battle will depend on Christian Ponder?
1) Who will have a bigger impact on the offense - our WRs or our RBs? Keep in mind, if our TEs/RBs don't block, our WRs can't get free to score.
2) How much on the WR/RB battle will depend on Christian Ponder?
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Vikings Question of the Day
This weekend the Raiders fired their PR Director Zak Gilbert, which, may I say is pretty stupid because he's done a great job for them. It got me thinking - what's the stupidest firing the Vikings have ever made?
I literally have no idea. Just know it wasn't Childress! :D
I literally have no idea. Just know it wasn't Childress! :D
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Viking Thought of the Day
If Coach Frazier has a youth football camp (he does) and our players volunteer there (they do), how important is it to draft character vs. talent? And does it get more or less important as the playoffs approach?
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