Monday, December 31, 2012
Wow
Where to start?
Ponder was not awful. In fact, for the third straight game he was competent, his one long pass, a completion, was the difference in the game. So MUCH went RIGHT for the Vikings yesterday that it was almost uncanny.
Even the things that went horribly bad did not hurt us. I won't begrudge the Packers getting a touchdown on a play in which the refs originally ruled a fumble. It really was a touchdown. The only problem is that the refs manipulated a league rule to make it happen. The penalty for that red flag being thrown on a play (that is to be reviewed automatically) is that it can no longer be reviewed. It doesn't matter if they started reviewing it or not. YES, the rule is hideously stupid, and they will change it AFTER the season, but the refs deliberately decided not to follow it by adding their own interpretation to it.
That was wrong. The same exact stupid play happened twice this year and as stupid as the rule is, the refs decided NOT to enforce it this time.
That ruling did not effect the outcome of the game, but it sure made for an incredible fourth quarter.
Peterson was ON yesterday. He fell nine yards short of the all-time record, but even that makes him look like a sympathetic underdog at this point. He came out as a humble hero who won the game instead. It's got to be personally disappointing for Adrian the player, but his reputation grows by leaps and bounds with the gracious way he missed that goal.
Both defenses were full of holes, but our line sacked Rodgers more than Green Bay sacked Ponder. The one turnover of the game came from one of those sacks. It ultimately stopped Green Bay's momentum AND resulted in another score for us.
Ponder hit on several key passes in the game and ended with no INTs. I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. Yesterday he showed a little of both. His last TD pass looked like it was intercepted. How we came up with it bordered on the miraculous. He was throwing the ball wide and high most of the game even on the simplest passes, but our receivers did a great job of hauling in 2/3 of them. Ponder's rating for the game was 120. We'll all take that any day.
I'm already worried about NEXT week. We barely won a game in which Ponder was practically perfect AND Adrian ran for 200 yards. How tough is it going to be to repeat that kind of performance in Wisconsin?
Let's put it this way. If I were a big Green Bay fan, I sure wouldn't be losing any sleep over the outcome of next week's game.
Lightening rarely strikes twice, especially in the very cold winter.
Ponder was not awful. In fact, for the third straight game he was competent, his one long pass, a completion, was the difference in the game. So MUCH went RIGHT for the Vikings yesterday that it was almost uncanny.
Even the things that went horribly bad did not hurt us. I won't begrudge the Packers getting a touchdown on a play in which the refs originally ruled a fumble. It really was a touchdown. The only problem is that the refs manipulated a league rule to make it happen. The penalty for that red flag being thrown on a play (that is to be reviewed automatically) is that it can no longer be reviewed. It doesn't matter if they started reviewing it or not. YES, the rule is hideously stupid, and they will change it AFTER the season, but the refs deliberately decided not to follow it by adding their own interpretation to it.
That was wrong. The same exact stupid play happened twice this year and as stupid as the rule is, the refs decided NOT to enforce it this time.
That ruling did not effect the outcome of the game, but it sure made for an incredible fourth quarter.
Peterson was ON yesterday. He fell nine yards short of the all-time record, but even that makes him look like a sympathetic underdog at this point. He came out as a humble hero who won the game instead. It's got to be personally disappointing for Adrian the player, but his reputation grows by leaps and bounds with the gracious way he missed that goal.
Both defenses were full of holes, but our line sacked Rodgers more than Green Bay sacked Ponder. The one turnover of the game came from one of those sacks. It ultimately stopped Green Bay's momentum AND resulted in another score for us.
Ponder hit on several key passes in the game and ended with no INTs. I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. Yesterday he showed a little of both. His last TD pass looked like it was intercepted. How we came up with it bordered on the miraculous. He was throwing the ball wide and high most of the game even on the simplest passes, but our receivers did a great job of hauling in 2/3 of them. Ponder's rating for the game was 120. We'll all take that any day.
I'm already worried about NEXT week. We barely won a game in which Ponder was practically perfect AND Adrian ran for 200 yards. How tough is it going to be to repeat that kind of performance in Wisconsin?
Let's put it this way. If I were a big Green Bay fan, I sure wouldn't be losing any sleep over the outcome of next week's game.
Lightening rarely strikes twice, especially in the very cold winter.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
The Game
I know a lot of Green Bay and Chicago fans think that Chicago is the main rivalry for the Packers, and though they do have the longest rivalry in football, today's game is the one that fans nationwide will be watching.
I know going in that it will take a massive effort and a lot of luck for the Vikings to win today, especially if rumors of Packer fans filling the Dome proves to be true, but knowing this is the last game of the season and that the game matters to BOTH teams makes this game pretty special for everybody involved.
No predictions. No accusations. Just excitement. Hoping Ponder can keep his streak of not-awful games alive. Hoping for a BIG first half by Peterson with NO turnovers as he goes for those extra couple of yards on every carry. Hoping for an absolutely huge day by the defense.
Also hoping for Chicago, Dallas, and Giants losses no matter what. Our odds of making the playoffs this week are better than last week but we still have to beat Green Bay to guarantee it.
I'm not proud. I don't mind backing into the playoffs if we have to. Getting there is way more important than not getting there. I'll take it anyway I can.
Go Vikings!
(And Washington, and Detroit, and Philly as well.)
I know going in that it will take a massive effort and a lot of luck for the Vikings to win today, especially if rumors of Packer fans filling the Dome proves to be true, but knowing this is the last game of the season and that the game matters to BOTH teams makes this game pretty special for everybody involved.
No predictions. No accusations. Just excitement. Hoping Ponder can keep his streak of not-awful games alive. Hoping for a BIG first half by Peterson with NO turnovers as he goes for those extra couple of yards on every carry. Hoping for an absolutely huge day by the defense.
Also hoping for Chicago, Dallas, and Giants losses no matter what. Our odds of making the playoffs this week are better than last week but we still have to beat Green Bay to guarantee it.
I'm not proud. I don't mind backing into the playoffs if we have to. Getting there is way more important than not getting there. I'll take it anyway I can.
Go Vikings!
(And Washington, and Detroit, and Philly as well.)
Wolves Win
I figure if I type this over half the time the time this season I'll be pretty satisfied.
Pekoic and Love were the stars, and I like the idea that Pekovic gets listed first on many of these reports. he looks weird, he shoots weird, he looks uncoordinated most of the time BUT he scores and he gets his rebounds.
The defense couldn't stop Phoenix last night so they did the next best thing. They outscored them.
A solid game. A solid win. Keep it going Wolves. Keep it going.
The fans are responding now, too. The Wolves had their second straight sellout last night and their third of the season. Winning has always been the key.
Pekoic and Love were the stars, and I like the idea that Pekovic gets listed first on many of these reports. he looks weird, he shoots weird, he looks uncoordinated most of the time BUT he scores and he gets his rebounds.
The defense couldn't stop Phoenix last night so they did the next best thing. They outscored them.
A solid game. A solid win. Keep it going Wolves. Keep it going.
The fans are responding now, too. The Wolves had their second straight sellout last night and their third of the season. Winning has always been the key.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Gopher Football
They were doing great with the three man backfield, then they changed that and couldn't score the rest of the game.
Odd coaching.
The Gophers finish 6-7 on the season so this really wasn't that big a deal with a loss or a win.
Odd coaching.
The Gophers finish 6-7 on the season so this really wasn't that big a deal with a loss or a win.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Adrian Peterson Quote Of the Day
The only thing vaguely human about Adrian Peterson is the layer of skin hiding his robot parts.
Ryan Doumit
I just came across this tidbit this morning. In early September, in a game against the White Sox in which the Twins won 18-9, Ryan Doumit did something that NO player had ever done before.
He made TWO outs while batting in the second inning during one of the Twins rally innings and had TWO hits in the fifth inning during another of the Twins big innings.
No other player has ever gotten two hits in an inning in a game in which they also made two outs in an inning. EVER.
Okay, I'll admit this isn't as cool as hitting 6 home runs in a game or pitching back-to back perfect games, but knowing that only one player has ever done this is still pretty cool.
He made TWO outs while batting in the second inning during one of the Twins rally innings and had TWO hits in the fifth inning during another of the Twins big innings.
No other player has ever gotten two hits in an inning in a game in which they also made two outs in an inning. EVER.
Okay, I'll admit this isn't as cool as hitting 6 home runs in a game or pitching back-to back perfect games, but knowing that only one player has ever done this is still pretty cool.
The Difference
You know what the difference is for the Minnesota /Green Bay game this weekend?
The Packers want to win so that they don't have to play next weekend.
The Vikings want to win so that they CAN play next weekend.
I think that the proper motivation can be the difference in the game.
Of course, the Packers have Aaron Rodgers and are relatively healthy. Personally, I'd take that over motivation if given a choice.
The Packers want to win so that they don't have to play next weekend.
The Vikings want to win so that they CAN play next weekend.
I think that the proper motivation can be the difference in the game.
Of course, the Packers have Aaron Rodgers and are relatively healthy. Personally, I'd take that over motivation if given a choice.
Meineke Car Care Bowl Of Texas
I'm really glad the Gophers have finally made another bowl game, but the NAMING of these things has really gotten out of hand.
I'll try watching part of it since it starts at 8 p.m. our time on ESPN, but I won't bother staying up for the ending. Nothing with that name could possibly be a big enough deal for me to lose any beauty sleep over.
Texas Tech, their opponent, has always had one of the biggest offenses in college. They had an average season this year and are relegated to this insignificant game. They know it and they want to CLUB Minnesota to prove that they are way, way better than their 7-5 record.
The better they clobber us, the easier it will be for me to get to bed early!
Win. Win.
I'll try watching part of it since it starts at 8 p.m. our time on ESPN, but I won't bother staying up for the ending. Nothing with that name could possibly be a big enough deal for me to lose any beauty sleep over.
Texas Tech, their opponent, has always had one of the biggest offenses in college. They had an average season this year and are relegated to this insignificant game. They know it and they want to CLUB Minnesota to prove that they are way, way better than their 7-5 record.
The better they clobber us, the easier it will be for me to get to bed early!
Win. Win.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Adrian Peterson
Adrian left the Texans game early on Sunday due to an abdominal muscle strain.
It's still bothering him. Though both the team and Adrian are saying he'll still play on Sunday, it's more than likely he will not play as much as he's done lately.
His quest for 2,000 yards or Eric Dickerson's record may be over. I still think the Vikes can run the ball, both Spencer and Gerhart can carry the ball just fine, maybe even in a way different enough than Peterson to still have a nice impact.
As always, I'm more concerned about the play of Ponder and the game plan he'll be asked to carry out. The Vikings could win this game. As odd as that sounds, they really could.
The weird thing? I KNOW I am a Vikings bandwagon fan, but what some Vikings season ticket holders are doing right now is downright disgusting. The tickets for this game are going for all SORTS of big money. As a result the season ticket holders are actually re-selling THEIR tickets to Packer fans who have the dough to spend on these things. Yes, they could makes hundred of dollars selling these things but they are also packing the DOME with Packer fans. In other words, so-called Vikings fans are SELLING our homefield advantage away.
I may be a bandwagon fan, but if I had those tickets I would never in a million years sell them to the enemy. That's treason. In effect you are actually HELPING the Packers chances of winning the game.
I LIKE the Packers a lot. I don't mind saying that, but there is no way I'd help them beat the Vikings.
I guess I'm not the worst Viking fan out there. Not by a large margin.
Expect a sea of green and yellow at this Sunday's game courtesy of the Benedict Arnolds who call themselves Viking fans.
May they drown in their own cheese dip made from farm fresh Wisconsin Cheese.
It's still bothering him. Though both the team and Adrian are saying he'll still play on Sunday, it's more than likely he will not play as much as he's done lately.
His quest for 2,000 yards or Eric Dickerson's record may be over. I still think the Vikes can run the ball, both Spencer and Gerhart can carry the ball just fine, maybe even in a way different enough than Peterson to still have a nice impact.
As always, I'm more concerned about the play of Ponder and the game plan he'll be asked to carry out. The Vikings could win this game. As odd as that sounds, they really could.
The weird thing? I KNOW I am a Vikings bandwagon fan, but what some Vikings season ticket holders are doing right now is downright disgusting. The tickets for this game are going for all SORTS of big money. As a result the season ticket holders are actually re-selling THEIR tickets to Packer fans who have the dough to spend on these things. Yes, they could makes hundred of dollars selling these things but they are also packing the DOME with Packer fans. In other words, so-called Vikings fans are SELLING our homefield advantage away.
I may be a bandwagon fan, but if I had those tickets I would never in a million years sell them to the enemy. That's treason. In effect you are actually HELPING the Packers chances of winning the game.
I LIKE the Packers a lot. I don't mind saying that, but there is no way I'd help them beat the Vikings.
I guess I'm not the worst Viking fan out there. Not by a large margin.
Expect a sea of green and yellow at this Sunday's game courtesy of the Benedict Arnolds who call themselves Viking fans.
May they drown in their own cheese dip made from farm fresh Wisconsin Cheese.
Love Can't Shoot Again, Wolves Lose
Despite having a horrible shooting night from Kevin Love, the Wolves were still up by 5 (with 5 minutes to go) last night. James Harden took control of the game at that point and Houston ended up beating the Wolves anyway,
Considering Houston is hot and had absolutely CRUSHED the Bulls the day before I don't feel too bad, but I'm still waiting for Kevin Love's hand to heal so that he can be Mr. Consistent again.
Its his consistency that drives the team, and barely getting beat by really, really good teams is hard to watch when you KNOW they are now good enough to win some of these.
At the same time, knowing we played this well with Pekovic leaving the game early due to illness, also means we can play WELL even when two of our top performers aren't having top performer type nights. That says a lot about the team as a whole.
Considering Houston is hot and had absolutely CRUSHED the Bulls the day before I don't feel too bad, but I'm still waiting for Kevin Love's hand to heal so that he can be Mr. Consistent again.
Its his consistency that drives the team, and barely getting beat by really, really good teams is hard to watch when you KNOW they are now good enough to win some of these.
At the same time, knowing we played this well with Pekovic leaving the game early due to illness, also means we can play WELL even when two of our top performers aren't having top performer type nights. That says a lot about the team as a whole.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
NBA Christmas
The NBA featured FIVE national games yesterday to get people interested in their product.
I've come to the conclusion that I am not a fan of the NBA. I tried watching four of the games at various points throughout the day and found out I have no interest in their product whatsover.
Except, of course, when MY Timberwolves play. I'm a fan of the Wolves, not the NBA. That didn't surprise me, but I had to at least check out the product.
College basketball: I also should note that the Gophers BB team has only played ONCE in the last couple of weeks. They beat a rotten team and have now moved up to number 11 in the national rankings. That's the highest a Tubby Smith coached Gopher team has ever been ranked. The Big Ten season starts soon and that will give us a better picture of the strength of this year's squad.
I've come to the conclusion that I am not a fan of the NBA. I tried watching four of the games at various points throughout the day and found out I have no interest in their product whatsover.
Except, of course, when MY Timberwolves play. I'm a fan of the Wolves, not the NBA. That didn't surprise me, but I had to at least check out the product.
College basketball: I also should note that the Gophers BB team has only played ONCE in the last couple of weeks. They beat a rotten team and have now moved up to number 11 in the national rankings. That's the highest a Tubby Smith coached Gopher team has ever been ranked. The Big Ten season starts soon and that will give us a better picture of the strength of this year's squad.
NFL Rookie of the Year
Matt Kalil leads ALL NFC tackles in this year's Pro Bowl balloting. You would be hard pressed to find any tackle in the league who has had a greater impact on his team this year.
Harrison Smith is the Vikings third leading tackler this season. He's had three INTs and has run two back for TDs. He's also shored up a Vikings porous secondary this season. In Sunday's game against the Texans he had a forced fumble, a sack, and made the key stop on the Vikes goal line stand that made the Texans settle for a field goal. He has revitalized the Vikings defense in ways prognosticators never saw coming. We gave up our second round draft pick last year just to get him him six spots earlier in the first round. His play has been unbelievable.
Blair Walsh has made 32 of 35 field goals for the Vikings this season including an all-time NFL record nine for nine from beyond 50 yards. He may very well be the best place kicker in the league right now and he's just a rookie. He's also set the all-time Vikings rookie scoring record passing Randy Moss in that category.
Normally the Vikings have a guy who MAY be considered good enough to be nominated the NFL rookie of the year. This year we have THREE guys who all DESERVE to be NFL rookie of the year. I mentioned a few weeks back how good our draft was this season. These guys are the primary reason that this season still matters with one game to go.
I couldn't pick one of these players right now as "best." But one of them IS and one of them should get the highest rookie honor. I'm hoping national sports writers who vote for these things notice their incredible play as well.
Harrison Smith is the Vikings third leading tackler this season. He's had three INTs and has run two back for TDs. He's also shored up a Vikings porous secondary this season. In Sunday's game against the Texans he had a forced fumble, a sack, and made the key stop on the Vikes goal line stand that made the Texans settle for a field goal. He has revitalized the Vikings defense in ways prognosticators never saw coming. We gave up our second round draft pick last year just to get him him six spots earlier in the first round. His play has been unbelievable.
Blair Walsh has made 32 of 35 field goals for the Vikings this season including an all-time NFL record nine for nine from beyond 50 yards. He may very well be the best place kicker in the league right now and he's just a rookie. He's also set the all-time Vikings rookie scoring record passing Randy Moss in that category.
Normally the Vikings have a guy who MAY be considered good enough to be nominated the NFL rookie of the year. This year we have THREE guys who all DESERVE to be NFL rookie of the year. I mentioned a few weeks back how good our draft was this season. These guys are the primary reason that this season still matters with one game to go.
I couldn't pick one of these players right now as "best." But one of them IS and one of them should get the highest rookie honor. I'm hoping national sports writers who vote for these things notice their incredible play as well.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Comeback Player of the Year
In my mind, I always thought that the Comeback Player of the Year was a player who had a bad year or two and then came back to have a fantastic season. Many players have lousy years because devastating injuries forced them not to play at all some seasons.
Peyton Manning missed an entire season with a horrible neck injury, an injury so bad that his team decided to release him and go with a rookie quarterback. Many experts thought his career was probably over just because of the strength he'd probably lose in his shoulders even AFTER the neck was repaired.
Manning came back and has now led Denver to a tie with the best record in the AFC while winning his division going away. He's also having another career year in stats establishing himself once more as one of the best quarterbacks in the league while all the while learning a new team's offense.
Should he win the Comeback Player of the year Award? Of course, no one else even remotely qualifies.
What surprises me is that people are talking about Adrian Peterson in the same breath. Adrian only missed ONE game last year. He had 975 yards rushing when the injury happened and would have easily had 1,000 yards rushing if he hadn't got hurt. But he never had a bad year last year. He had great stats, cut down on his turnovers, and missed one game because of the devastating injury.
He came back to play very well after surgery, but he was playing well BEFORE the surgery and he never missed any significant time. In other words, he can't be Comeback Player of the Year because he never LEFT in the first place and he never had a bad year BEFORE coming back.
Adrian is having an MVP-type season, but he simply doesn't qualify for the comeback award.
He's more like a kid coming home from his FIRST weekend at college and going around town and asking all of his friends if they missed him. They never knew he was gone. We never noticed Adrian was gone either.
Because he wasn't.
Manning for MVP.
Peyton Manning missed an entire season with a horrible neck injury, an injury so bad that his team decided to release him and go with a rookie quarterback. Many experts thought his career was probably over just because of the strength he'd probably lose in his shoulders even AFTER the neck was repaired.
Manning came back and has now led Denver to a tie with the best record in the AFC while winning his division going away. He's also having another career year in stats establishing himself once more as one of the best quarterbacks in the league while all the while learning a new team's offense.
Should he win the Comeback Player of the year Award? Of course, no one else even remotely qualifies.
What surprises me is that people are talking about Adrian Peterson in the same breath. Adrian only missed ONE game last year. He had 975 yards rushing when the injury happened and would have easily had 1,000 yards rushing if he hadn't got hurt. But he never had a bad year last year. He had great stats, cut down on his turnovers, and missed one game because of the devastating injury.
He came back to play very well after surgery, but he was playing well BEFORE the surgery and he never missed any significant time. In other words, he can't be Comeback Player of the Year because he never LEFT in the first place and he never had a bad year BEFORE coming back.
Adrian is having an MVP-type season, but he simply doesn't qualify for the comeback award.
He's more like a kid coming home from his FIRST weekend at college and going around town and asking all of his friends if they missed him. They never knew he was gone. We never noticed Adrian was gone either.
Because he wasn't.
Manning for MVP.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Loveless Wolves Lose Late
And the refs missed a huge call late that was probably the difference in the game.
Refs decide more close games than players ever have. No one mentions this because the fans would just stop watching. Stupid refs and their New York bias. NOW I remember why I hate the NBA.
Refs decide more close games than players ever have. No one mentions this because the fans would just stop watching. Stupid refs and their New York bias. NOW I remember why I hate the NBA.
Green Bay and Seattle
It's hard to pick a "best" team in the league right now, but it's easier and easier to say that it's NOT an AFC team. New England was killed by the Niners last weekend and the Texans were Texas Man-Handled by the lowly Vikings yesterday.
But the way that two teams are playing right now, it's hard not picking Green Bay and Seattle as the NFC Super Bowl favorites, especially since Seattle just killed the hot Niners yesterday while Green Bay was busy scoring 55 points.
IF the Vikes BEAT the Packers next weekend, we are in the playoffs. THAT's the scenerio. The Packers are still playing for a first round bye. Most were hoping the Packers would rest their starters next week, but yesterday's outcomes changed all of that. There are other scenerios that will let the Vikings make the playoffs, but actually winning will be the best one.
The game has been changed to a late afternoon game to get a big TV audience. The last game of the season and it still matters. WHO would have thunk it?!
But the way that two teams are playing right now, it's hard not picking Green Bay and Seattle as the NFC Super Bowl favorites, especially since Seattle just killed the hot Niners yesterday while Green Bay was busy scoring 55 points.
IF the Vikes BEAT the Packers next weekend, we are in the playoffs. THAT's the scenerio. The Packers are still playing for a first round bye. Most were hoping the Packers would rest their starters next week, but yesterday's outcomes changed all of that. There are other scenerios that will let the Vikings make the playoffs, but actually winning will be the best one.
The game has been changed to a late afternoon game to get a big TV audience. The last game of the season and it still matters. WHO would have thunk it?!
It's the Most Ponderful Time of the Year
Ponder still can't throw long and I still do not care.
Bill Musgrave is calling a lot more bootlegs and roll outs (something I've been saying they should be doing ALL season) and Ponder is responding beautifully. EVERY SINGLE VIKING COACH AND OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR always wants our QB to be a pocket passer. They even had Favre taking snaps under center and told him to stay in the pocket when we first got him.
THEN, suddenly, each year they finally decide to let the QB move away from the pocket pressure on a regular basis and BOOM, the whole game changes as the QB can LOOK for quick open receivers as he's rolling out.
The Vikings finally have a ball control offense. Even when Peterson reverts to his normal self and mostly slowly stumbles to the line of scrimmage on play after play, we finally had an offensive scheme in place that allows us to get some yardage with little risk or pressure. FINALLY. FINALLY. FINALLY!
Yes, the Vikings defense did its job yesterday. It was probablty the best game we've played defensively since midway through our first season with Brett. But there was a very good reason for that other than just playing well. The Vikes DOMINATED the time of possesion yesterday. IF the defense isn't on the field all day long they WILL look much better.
That "first and goal from inside the one" stand by the defense was the greatest thing they've done in a couple of seasons.
That all of this happened against the team with the best record in the AFC was phenomenal.
And I'm not going to forget about that record breaking field goal either.
Brian Walsh booted a 56 yarder to get us started on the "right foot." (Puns are essential in this blog.)
That was the first time in the history of the game that a place kicker has kicked at least NINE 50 yarders in one season. Walsh is 9-9 from that distance. Peterson may not be setting any records this year, but what Walsh did was truly amazing.
And using Toby Gerhart at the end was genius. For the first time all day the Vikes were able to run the ball up the middle for three or four yards a pop, even when Houston KNEW it was coming. The Vikes ended taking all remaining time off the clock and the Texans could do nothing to get back on the field.
One last defensive note: That's the first time the Texans have failed to get a touchdown in a game since 2006.
One last offensive note: Ponder had more yards rushing than the entire Texans team. (48 to 34)
It's amazing how much different a team can look when you don't force a QB to stand in the pocket on every play.
Sure hope the coaches remember some of the things they learned yesterday.
One last note: The refs. WE we're flagged for a high hit on the QB when Smith clubbed him late in the game LEGALLY. THEY nailed our guy in the the hardest helmet to helmet hit I've seen all year just a few plays earlier and they didn't even throw a flag. I hate refs and their stupidity. REFS should get fined, too. And we should hear about it. They don't have to name names but they should at least let the fans know that officials have to be as responsible for their missed calls as players are for their bad hits.
And these WEREN'T the replacement refs. I still haven't seen where these guys are actually better than the subs.
Bill Musgrave is calling a lot more bootlegs and roll outs (something I've been saying they should be doing ALL season) and Ponder is responding beautifully. EVERY SINGLE VIKING COACH AND OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR always wants our QB to be a pocket passer. They even had Favre taking snaps under center and told him to stay in the pocket when we first got him.
THEN, suddenly, each year they finally decide to let the QB move away from the pocket pressure on a regular basis and BOOM, the whole game changes as the QB can LOOK for quick open receivers as he's rolling out.
The Vikings finally have a ball control offense. Even when Peterson reverts to his normal self and mostly slowly stumbles to the line of scrimmage on play after play, we finally had an offensive scheme in place that allows us to get some yardage with little risk or pressure. FINALLY. FINALLY. FINALLY!
Yes, the Vikings defense did its job yesterday. It was probablty the best game we've played defensively since midway through our first season with Brett. But there was a very good reason for that other than just playing well. The Vikes DOMINATED the time of possesion yesterday. IF the defense isn't on the field all day long they WILL look much better.
That "first and goal from inside the one" stand by the defense was the greatest thing they've done in a couple of seasons.
That all of this happened against the team with the best record in the AFC was phenomenal.
And I'm not going to forget about that record breaking field goal either.
Brian Walsh booted a 56 yarder to get us started on the "right foot." (Puns are essential in this blog.)
That was the first time in the history of the game that a place kicker has kicked at least NINE 50 yarders in one season. Walsh is 9-9 from that distance. Peterson may not be setting any records this year, but what Walsh did was truly amazing.
And using Toby Gerhart at the end was genius. For the first time all day the Vikes were able to run the ball up the middle for three or four yards a pop, even when Houston KNEW it was coming. The Vikes ended taking all remaining time off the clock and the Texans could do nothing to get back on the field.
One last defensive note: That's the first time the Texans have failed to get a touchdown in a game since 2006.
One last offensive note: Ponder had more yards rushing than the entire Texans team. (48 to 34)
It's amazing how much different a team can look when you don't force a QB to stand in the pocket on every play.
Sure hope the coaches remember some of the things they learned yesterday.
One last note: The refs. WE we're flagged for a high hit on the QB when Smith clubbed him late in the game LEGALLY. THEY nailed our guy in the the hardest helmet to helmet hit I've seen all year just a few plays earlier and they didn't even throw a flag. I hate refs and their stupidity. REFS should get fined, too. And we should hear about it. They don't have to name names but they should at least let the fans know that officials have to be as responsible for their missed calls as players are for their bad hits.
And these WEREN'T the replacement refs. I still haven't seen where these guys are actually better than the subs.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Love Out
Kevin Love got an eye injury against OKC Thursday night, as a result he will miss tonight's Knick's game.
Here's hoping the eye gets better. It looked like he got it scraped pretty good at the the end of that OKC game. As often as injuries like that happen, I'm kind of surprised more NBA players don't where goggles like Kareem used to wear.
More stylish, and lighter of course, but it would be a good trend to see develop. Superstatrs could each have their own "look" like goalie masks in hockey. They could then sell these things to kids who could wear them in their games. Win, win, for everybody.
I wear sunglasses in the summertime when I play and discovered that they aren't as uncomfortable as I thought they'd be. If players can wear those odd full-face masks for nose injuries, goggles should be a snap.
Here's hoping the eye gets better. It looked like he got it scraped pretty good at the the end of that OKC game. As often as injuries like that happen, I'm kind of surprised more NBA players don't where goggles like Kareem used to wear.
More stylish, and lighter of course, but it would be a good trend to see develop. Superstatrs could each have their own "look" like goalie masks in hockey. They could then sell these things to kids who could wear them in their games. Win, win, for everybody.
I wear sunglasses in the summertime when I play and discovered that they aren't as uncomfortable as I thought they'd be. If players can wear those odd full-face masks for nose injuries, goggles should be a snap.
Records
Calvin Johnson set a number of records in last night's game. He now has at least 10 receptions in 4 straight games. He also has 100 yards receiving in 8 straight games and he broke Jerry Rice's record of 1,848 yards in a season (he now has 1,892 with a game to go.)
The one thing I keep thinking about with these records is that the season is so much longer than it used to be.
Adrian Peterson has a legitimate shot at the all-time rushing yards title IF he gets around 300 more yards in the next two weeks. Of course, I'm hoping he does that, but at the same time, when O.J. got his 2,003 yards, he did it in only 14 games, which was the length of the season at the time. Comparing apples to apples, Adrian has only 1812 yards after 14 games. Jim Brown had 1,863 yards back in 1963 and that was a 14 game season as well.
IF Adrian gets the most rushing yards in a season, it WILL be the most yards anyone has run in an NFL season, the problem is that those two extra games make the record less impressive when compared to what those who have come before have accomplished.
Still rooting for both a Vikings win and a Peterson record, but realizing until someone gets about 2,500 yards in a season, the current rushing record is just something cool and not an indication of the best ever. Maybe Adrian can do that NEXT season and remove all doubt.
How many backs have passed 2,000 yards rushing?
O.J. (2003) in 1973
Eric Dickerson (2,105) in 1984
Barry Sanders (2,053) in 1997
Terrell Davis (2,008) in 1998
Jamal Lewis (2,066) in 2003
Either way, Adrian still has along way to go.
The one thing I keep thinking about with these records is that the season is so much longer than it used to be.
Adrian Peterson has a legitimate shot at the all-time rushing yards title IF he gets around 300 more yards in the next two weeks. Of course, I'm hoping he does that, but at the same time, when O.J. got his 2,003 yards, he did it in only 14 games, which was the length of the season at the time. Comparing apples to apples, Adrian has only 1812 yards after 14 games. Jim Brown had 1,863 yards back in 1963 and that was a 14 game season as well.
IF Adrian gets the most rushing yards in a season, it WILL be the most yards anyone has run in an NFL season, the problem is that those two extra games make the record less impressive when compared to what those who have come before have accomplished.
Still rooting for both a Vikings win and a Peterson record, but realizing until someone gets about 2,500 yards in a season, the current rushing record is just something cool and not an indication of the best ever. Maybe Adrian can do that NEXT season and remove all doubt.
How many backs have passed 2,000 yards rushing?
O.J. (2003) in 1973
Eric Dickerson (2,105) in 1984
Barry Sanders (2,053) in 1997
Terrell Davis (2,008) in 1998
Jamal Lewis (2,066) in 2003
Either way, Adrian still has along way to go.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Twins Sign Rich Hardin
This would have been a big deal 5 years ago. Hardin has been one of the best strikeout pitchers in baseball over the years. He's also been the ace of the A's staff.
So what's different? He's coming back from rotator cuff surgery and he hasn't pitched very well since he hurt his shoulder 4 years ago.
IF he fully recovers (there's a 50/50 chance, this surgery has WORSE odds than Tommy John surgery) he could be a Cy Young Award winner. At 31, he's young enough to still have a brilliant career.
The Twins are just busy collecting arms at this point. Of all the acquisitions we've made this offseason, I like this better than all except Vance Worley. IF both come back strong, Diamaond will be our THIRD starter, and that's actually a very good thing.
Healthy, Worley, Hardin, and Diamond, would be a pretty formidable trio of starters.
Like everyone else, we'll just have to see if any of these new guys pay off.
So what's different? He's coming back from rotator cuff surgery and he hasn't pitched very well since he hurt his shoulder 4 years ago.
IF he fully recovers (there's a 50/50 chance, this surgery has WORSE odds than Tommy John surgery) he could be a Cy Young Award winner. At 31, he's young enough to still have a brilliant career.
The Twins are just busy collecting arms at this point. Of all the acquisitions we've made this offseason, I like this better than all except Vance Worley. IF both come back strong, Diamaond will be our THIRD starter, and that's actually a very good thing.
Healthy, Worley, Hardin, and Diamond, would be a pretty formidable trio of starters.
Like everyone else, we'll just have to see if any of these new guys pay off.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Wolves KO OKC!
I'd LIKE to say that the Wolves played a GREAT game last night, but the best part was that they merely played a good game. (In the first half, Pekovic literally missed half a dozen lay-ups all by himself.)
But in the process of playing a GOOD game they were still more than good enough to knock off division leader OKC (I still love typing that- OKC, OKC, OKC) and end their 12 game winning streak.
This team can compete with some of the big boys now. That in itself was the most pleasing part of watching the game.
And in the crunch, in the fourth quarter, the time when basically all previous T-Wolve games since the beginning of time fall apart, they looked and acted like winners.
Barea got 14 of his 18 points in the fourth, at one point scoring 12 straight points while leaving the stunned Thunder in the dust.
WE BEAT THE TEAM WITH THE BEST RECORD IN THE LEAGUE and we did it going away.
How cool was that? Pretty cool. I have now watched more total minutes of T-Wolve's game this season than all other years combined. AND it's fun!
My favorite quote of the night came from coach Adelman, "I'd like to get to the point where doing this is not a big deal."
That's a coach who has the right perspective. Let's get to the point where playing good games and beating great teams is simply a matter of course.
That this game was NATIONALLY televised last night made the win even sweeter. The pregame was ALL about arguing if OKC (OKC OKC OKC) was the best team in the league right now. The Wolves weren't even mentioned.
Right NOW, the Wolves are best. To paraphrase Ric Flair, "To be the BEST, you have to beat the BEST."
WE BEAT THE BEST.
But in the process of playing a GOOD game they were still more than good enough to knock off division leader OKC (I still love typing that- OKC, OKC, OKC) and end their 12 game winning streak.
This team can compete with some of the big boys now. That in itself was the most pleasing part of watching the game.
And in the crunch, in the fourth quarter, the time when basically all previous T-Wolve games since the beginning of time fall apart, they looked and acted like winners.
Barea got 14 of his 18 points in the fourth, at one point scoring 12 straight points while leaving the stunned Thunder in the dust.
WE BEAT THE TEAM WITH THE BEST RECORD IN THE LEAGUE and we did it going away.
How cool was that? Pretty cool. I have now watched more total minutes of T-Wolve's game this season than all other years combined. AND it's fun!
My favorite quote of the night came from coach Adelman, "I'd like to get to the point where doing this is not a big deal."
That's a coach who has the right perspective. Let's get to the point where playing good games and beating great teams is simply a matter of course.
That this game was NATIONALLY televised last night made the win even sweeter. The pregame was ALL about arguing if OKC (OKC OKC OKC) was the best team in the league right now. The Wolves weren't even mentioned.
Right NOW, the Wolves are best. To paraphrase Ric Flair, "To be the BEST, you have to beat the BEST."
WE BEAT THE BEST.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Playoff Picture
How frustrating is it as a Vikings fan, to HOPE the Vikings still finish 10-6 and KNOWING that record may not be good enough to get them in the playoffs?
We all pretty much KNOW that we will NOT win those last two games, but deep down inside we're thinking that it's somehow possible.
But if it happens, because of current tie-breaker rules, we will most likely NOT be in the playoffs.
Here are just some of the scenarios. Few of them are good.
Vikings 10-6, Redskins 10-6, Giants 10-6, Cowboys 9-7 or 8-8:
Washington makes playoffs as #4 seed (NFC East Champ), New York makes playoffs as #6 seed (wild card), Minnesota out, Dallas out
Vikings 10-6, Cowboys 10-6, Giants 10-6, Redskins 9-7 or 8-8:
Dallas makes playoffs as #4 seed (NFC East Champ), New York makes playoffs as #6 seed (wild card), Minnesota out, Washington out
Vikings 10-6, Redskins 10-6, Giants 9-7 or 8-8, Cowboys 9-7 or 8-8
Washington makes playoffs as #4 seed (NFC East Champ), Minnesota makes playoffs as #6 seed (wild card), New York out, Dallas out
Vikings 10-6, Giants 10-6, Redskins 9-7 or 8-8, Cowboys 9-7 or 8-8
New York makes playoffs as #4 seed (NFC East Champ), Minnesota makes playoffs as #6 seed (wild card), Washington out, Dallas out
Vikings 10-6, Cowboys 10-6, Redskins 9-7 or 8-8, Giants 9-7 or 8-8
Dallas makes playoffs as #4 seed (NFC East Champ), Minnesota makes playoffs as #6 seed (wild card), Redskins out, Giants out
Basically. . .the Vikings need to get to 10-6, and hope that only one of the three NFC East teams (rather than two) gets to 10-6. In a three-way tie at 10-6 with the Giants and either the Redskins or the Cowboys, the Vikings find themselves on the outside looking in. Remember, the best the NFC East can do is two 10-6 teams, as the Week 17 match-up between Dallas and Washington could potentially serve as an elimination game if both teams enter at 9-6.
The Vikings could get in at 9-7 if the following happens:
-Chicago splits their final two games to finish 9-7, in which case Minnesota would still win the tiebreaker against them (I believe through the "common opponents" tie breaker)
-Washington finishes 10-6 and wins the NFC East and New York and Dallas both finish the year at 9-7
Or
-Washington, New York, and Dallas all finish 9-7 along with Minnesota
In either of those scenarios, the Redskins would remain the NFC East Champions and the #4 seed, while Minnesota would get in as the #6 seed.
And, if you can believe it, the Vikings could even back themselves into the playoffs at 8-8 if. . .and this is probably expecting a lot. . .if Chicago, New York, and Dallas all lose their final two games of the year and also finish at 8-8. That's a long shot at best, however.
We all pretty much KNOW that we will NOT win those last two games, but deep down inside we're thinking that it's somehow possible.
But if it happens, because of current tie-breaker rules, we will most likely NOT be in the playoffs.
Here are just some of the scenarios. Few of them are good.
Vikings 10-6, Redskins 10-6, Giants 10-6, Cowboys 9-7 or 8-8:
Washington makes playoffs as #4 seed (NFC East Champ), New York makes playoffs as #6 seed (wild card), Minnesota out, Dallas out
Vikings 10-6, Cowboys 10-6, Giants 10-6, Redskins 9-7 or 8-8:
Dallas makes playoffs as #4 seed (NFC East Champ), New York makes playoffs as #6 seed (wild card), Minnesota out, Washington out
Vikings 10-6, Redskins 10-6, Giants 9-7 or 8-8, Cowboys 9-7 or 8-8
Washington makes playoffs as #4 seed (NFC East Champ), Minnesota makes playoffs as #6 seed (wild card), New York out, Dallas out
Vikings 10-6, Giants 10-6, Redskins 9-7 or 8-8, Cowboys 9-7 or 8-8
New York makes playoffs as #4 seed (NFC East Champ), Minnesota makes playoffs as #6 seed (wild card), Washington out, Dallas out
Vikings 10-6, Cowboys 10-6, Redskins 9-7 or 8-8, Giants 9-7 or 8-8
Dallas makes playoffs as #4 seed (NFC East Champ), Minnesota makes playoffs as #6 seed (wild card), Redskins out, Giants out
Basically. . .the Vikings need to get to 10-6, and hope that only one of the three NFC East teams (rather than two) gets to 10-6. In a three-way tie at 10-6 with the Giants and either the Redskins or the Cowboys, the Vikings find themselves on the outside looking in. Remember, the best the NFC East can do is two 10-6 teams, as the Week 17 match-up between Dallas and Washington could potentially serve as an elimination game if both teams enter at 9-6.
The Vikings could get in at 9-7 if the following happens:
-Chicago splits their final two games to finish 9-7, in which case Minnesota would still win the tiebreaker against them (I believe through the "common opponents" tie breaker)
-Washington finishes 10-6 and wins the NFC East and New York and Dallas both finish the year at 9-7
Or
-Washington, New York, and Dallas all finish 9-7 along with Minnesota
In either of those scenarios, the Redskins would remain the NFC East Champions and the #4 seed, while Minnesota would get in as the #6 seed.
And, if you can believe it, the Vikings could even back themselves into the playoffs at 8-8 if. . .and this is probably expecting a lot. . .if Chicago, New York, and Dallas all lose their final two games of the year and also finish at 8-8. That's a long shot at best, however.
NBA Streaks
A team in LA has won 11 straight games and it's NOT the Lakers. Go Clippers! Show those lousy Lakers what real teamwork is like.
OKC ( I love typing OKC) has a twelve game win streak going of their own.
The power in the NBA is shifting and that's a great thing.
Especially if you hate Kobe and the Lakers.
OKC ( I love typing OKC) has a twelve game win streak going of their own.
The power in the NBA is shifting and that's a great thing.
Especially if you hate Kobe and the Lakers.
Ponder Married
This has got to be one of the weirdest relationships of all time. They met in October, got engaged a couple of weeks ago, and then got "secretly" married on Monday without any friends or teammates around because it was "his day off."
Weirder? When asked how his wedding day compared to the day he was drafted in the first round, he said he couldn't pick which day was better.
I'm sure his bride has never felt more loved.
The Ponder Experience continues. As Vikings fans, I just wish we didn't have to live it with him.
Coach Frazier is the only one who can end this nightmare for us.
I guess that means the nightmare will continue.
Weirder? When asked how his wedding day compared to the day he was drafted in the first round, he said he couldn't pick which day was better.
I'm sure his bride has never felt more loved.
The Ponder Experience continues. As Vikings fans, I just wish we didn't have to live it with him.
Coach Frazier is the only one who can end this nightmare for us.
I guess that means the nightmare will continue.
McElroy, Sanchez, and Tebow
The Jets have given up on Mark Sanchez even though his contract runs through 2016.
They skipped backup QB Tim Tebow in naming Greg McElroy their next starter.
Tebow's contract runs through 2014.
While most are not surprised that Sanchez and his lousy quarterback play are no longer wanted or needed in New York, most are wondering how a head coach can be so stubborn when it comes to sticking with a horrible QB for so long BEFORE dumping him.
Coach Ryan has already proven he can't judge QB talent at all, so that he skipped Tim Tebow in the selection process doesn't surprise anyone who has been paying attention.
The question remains though, IS Tim Tebow capable of being a good NFL quarterback?
Forget all the FUD that regularly gets shoved down our throats by NFL commentators who make a living out of criticizing how Tebow throws.
Let's look at his college stats instead. His completion percentage was OVER 66% and he only threw 16 INTs in 661 passes. That's one INT for every 40 passes. That's not a great stat, but it would translate to about 12 INTs a season if he played a full year in the NFL. By MOST NFL standards, that's still more than good enough for your starter.
But even though he had 16 INTs in four years of college he also had 88 TD passes. That ratio is absolutely outstanding. That means he threw 22 TDs for every 4 INTs. There isn't a QB on the planet who wouldn't love to have those stats.
How would all of that translate to NFL ball if he was given a real chance to play QB?
Well, at Denver last year he managed to turn an already sunken ship into a play-off team that won it's first round game. I think that says more about Tebow than any commentator or stat can.
Tebow WILL be available to another team next season. There's no way the Jets are going to pay him that much to be their backup if they've already decided not to use him as their starter. The question asked yesterday, by thousands of Vikings fans (including my brother Myron) is SHOULD the Vikings try signing him?
My answer has always been the same. YES!
I don't even care if he never plays quarterback for the Vikings. You sign great athletes who can play football and you figure out how to use them later. Much like Joe Webb, another underutilized asset that Vikings don't know what to do with, Tim Tebow could help this team. He's strong. He's fast. He's big. He knows the game AND he's a winner.
I think he and Joe Webb could steal the show next year as regular contributers to this team. I'd still like to try BOTH at QB, but if that's not in the cards then use Tebow as a blocking back for Peterson. Or as the guy that comes in to give him a break. We've got two really good guys in those positions right now, but Tebow could be the guy that's better than both. Tebow has all the skills and size to be a linebacker as well. Again, you sign great athletes and figure out where to use them later. Don't limit gifted athletes by pigeon-holing them.
With Webb replacing the most likely departing Harvin at wide receiver and kick-returner next season and Tebow in our backfield, either blocking for Peterson or at QB we'd have a totally different exciting team.
We could have Webb, Tebow, and Peterson all in the same backfield at the same time with all sorts of great combinations and play-calls coming from that. The traditional "run it up the middle game plan" could finally be gone for good making the actual runs up the middle so much more effective and less predictable.
Having said all of that, I don't think there is any way in the world that Coach Frazier would ever sign Tim Tebow. Frazier does not think outside of the box. He's more like Rex Ryan of the Jets. He'll stick with a bad QB for too long and he will not look outside the norm for help. He's had Webb and Harvin for two seasons and he still hasn't used them effectively together. He doesn't think that way.
So neither will the Vikings.
The day the Vikes sign Tebow, will be the day that Frazier finally sees the light. I'm not holding my breath waiting for that day.
They skipped backup QB Tim Tebow in naming Greg McElroy their next starter.
Tebow's contract runs through 2014.
While most are not surprised that Sanchez and his lousy quarterback play are no longer wanted or needed in New York, most are wondering how a head coach can be so stubborn when it comes to sticking with a horrible QB for so long BEFORE dumping him.
Coach Ryan has already proven he can't judge QB talent at all, so that he skipped Tim Tebow in the selection process doesn't surprise anyone who has been paying attention.
The question remains though, IS Tim Tebow capable of being a good NFL quarterback?
Forget all the FUD that regularly gets shoved down our throats by NFL commentators who make a living out of criticizing how Tebow throws.
Let's look at his college stats instead. His completion percentage was OVER 66% and he only threw 16 INTs in 661 passes. That's one INT for every 40 passes. That's not a great stat, but it would translate to about 12 INTs a season if he played a full year in the NFL. By MOST NFL standards, that's still more than good enough for your starter.
But even though he had 16 INTs in four years of college he also had 88 TD passes. That ratio is absolutely outstanding. That means he threw 22 TDs for every 4 INTs. There isn't a QB on the planet who wouldn't love to have those stats.
How would all of that translate to NFL ball if he was given a real chance to play QB?
Well, at Denver last year he managed to turn an already sunken ship into a play-off team that won it's first round game. I think that says more about Tebow than any commentator or stat can.
Tebow WILL be available to another team next season. There's no way the Jets are going to pay him that much to be their backup if they've already decided not to use him as their starter. The question asked yesterday, by thousands of Vikings fans (including my brother Myron) is SHOULD the Vikings try signing him?
My answer has always been the same. YES!
I don't even care if he never plays quarterback for the Vikings. You sign great athletes who can play football and you figure out how to use them later. Much like Joe Webb, another underutilized asset that Vikings don't know what to do with, Tim Tebow could help this team. He's strong. He's fast. He's big. He knows the game AND he's a winner.
I think he and Joe Webb could steal the show next year as regular contributers to this team. I'd still like to try BOTH at QB, but if that's not in the cards then use Tebow as a blocking back for Peterson. Or as the guy that comes in to give him a break. We've got two really good guys in those positions right now, but Tebow could be the guy that's better than both. Tebow has all the skills and size to be a linebacker as well. Again, you sign great athletes and figure out where to use them later. Don't limit gifted athletes by pigeon-holing them.
With Webb replacing the most likely departing Harvin at wide receiver and kick-returner next season and Tebow in our backfield, either blocking for Peterson or at QB we'd have a totally different exciting team.
We could have Webb, Tebow, and Peterson all in the same backfield at the same time with all sorts of great combinations and play-calls coming from that. The traditional "run it up the middle game plan" could finally be gone for good making the actual runs up the middle so much more effective and less predictable.
Having said all of that, I don't think there is any way in the world that Coach Frazier would ever sign Tim Tebow. Frazier does not think outside of the box. He's more like Rex Ryan of the Jets. He'll stick with a bad QB for too long and he will not look outside the norm for help. He's had Webb and Harvin for two seasons and he still hasn't used them effectively together. He doesn't think that way.
So neither will the Vikings.
The day the Vikes sign Tebow, will be the day that Frazier finally sees the light. I'm not holding my breath waiting for that day.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Wolves Lose
I didn't expect much last night, It was the Heat after all and it was in Miami. The first half was good, but much like Monday night, the second half was not. Wade is really, really good. LeBron came through as well.
There was no shame in that loss. The Wolves are better than last season, but they are not at the level of the defending champs. We knew that going in.
There was no shame in that loss. The Wolves are better than last season, but they are not at the level of the defending champs. We knew that going in.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Vonn Out
Lindsey Vonn has an intestinal problem which will keep her from competing in the foreseeable future. I would post a picture, but I usually do that when she wins something.
Oh well, maybe next time.
Oh well, maybe next time.
Wolves Lose
They had no defense in the transition game last night and that absolutely killed them. Good first half. Lousy second half.
Cy Young Award Winner Dickey
The Blue Jays are going to get him for two years and $25 million. What a deal.
The Twins are stockpiling awful pitchers instead. I don't get it.
The Twins are stockpiling awful pitchers instead. I don't get it.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Twins Sign Tommy John Surgery Pitcher
Mike Pelfrey will earn a guaranteed $4 million with the Twins this year. He could gain another $1.5 million with incentives. He had Tommy John surgery last year so the Twins are willing to take a chance on him.
What I DON'T get is that they could have signed our OWN Tommy John surgery pitcher for the same amount of money a month ago but we let HIM go because we din't want to take a chnace on guy who recently had Tommy John surgery.
We KNOW Baker is good when healthy, so why would we take the same chance for the same money on a guy we DON'T know?
Just another example of the Twins not knowing what they are trying to accomplish, They are starting to look desperate. I don't like desperate.
Let's hope that Pelfrey is a risk that pays off.
What I DON'T get is that they could have signed our OWN Tommy John surgery pitcher for the same amount of money a month ago but we let HIM go because we din't want to take a chnace on guy who recently had Tommy John surgery.
We KNOW Baker is good when healthy, so why would we take the same chance for the same money on a guy we DON'T know?
Just another example of the Twins not knowing what they are trying to accomplish, They are starting to look desperate. I don't like desperate.
Let's hope that Pelfrey is a risk that pays off.
San Fran and New England
Now THAT was a football game. Brady was as good as ever. He was doing all the right things. It was his teammates that kept dropping passes and turning the ball over.
But he kept firing away and they still came back far enough to almost win.
But Kaepernick is very good himself. He made a couple of stupid rookie throws that only experience can take care of, but he matched Brady last night, pass for pass, and he led his team to victory AT Foxboro.
The Niners are playing like a team more than capable of winning the Super Bowl. It was actually fun seeing the New England Patriots play a game as if they are human like everyone else.
Great game with a great ending, that may have been the most impressive win by a team all season.
But he kept firing away and they still came back far enough to almost win.
But Kaepernick is very good himself. He made a couple of stupid rookie throws that only experience can take care of, but he matched Brady last night, pass for pass, and he led his team to victory AT Foxboro.
The Niners are playing like a team more than capable of winning the Super Bowl. It was actually fun seeing the New England Patriots play a game as if they are human like everyone else.
Great game with a great ending, that may have been the most impressive win by a team all season.
Bill Musgrave
It seems weird that on a day where our rookie kicker goes five for five on field goals (including THREE of fifty or more setting a season scoring record by a Viking rookie while tying the NFL record of 8 over fifty in a season) and our world-class running back got himself another 212 yards rushing that I'd put Bill Musgrave, our maligned offensive coordinator, in the headline.
Why did I do this? Because it was Musgrave that finally figured out HOW to use Christian Ponder effectively. He had Ponder throwing a variety of short passes all day long to wide-open, short-range receivers.
It was also Bill Musgrave who started the game with a quick pass to our tight end instead of running it up the middle with Adrian Peterson. The SECOND that happened I had a feeling that yesterday's game was going to be different.
And things like that kept happening. Early and close to the endzone we went for it on fourth and goal and instead of running it up the middle, we had Ponder fake the handoff and roll out and run for the first down himself.
That play only works if NOBODY is waiting for it. It also worked because we know that on fourth and short a quick run up the middle rarely if ever works for us. They FINALLY acknowledged that and tried something different.
After TWO really disappointing runs up the middle on the next two plays, Ponder stepped UP in the pocket to avoid pressure and then scrambled for his most beautiful touchdown as a Viking ever. Instead of rolling into a ball and lying down like a tiny middle school girl and taking the sack and settling for a field goal, he stepped up and saved that impressive first game changing drive.
The whole game, our whole season changed with that one play.
Let's face it, it was not Adrian Peterson who allowed us to get off to a good start in yesterday's game. It was Bill Musgrave and his play calling. It was the guts of Leslie Frazier for finally going for it on fourth down and it was Christian Ponder (dare I say confidently?) leading the charge. Adrian had a total of 8 carries for eight yards in that first quarter. He was stuffed on every run he tried up the middle. No it was Ponder and his effective short passes that got us started on the right foot,
I've never been one of those complainers who say the Vikings don't throw long often enough or that Ponder has no accuracy on the long bomb. Frankly, I think the long pass is over-rated, and I think that's something that comes with time. What I hated about Ponder is that he had no accuracy on the short passes. Without THAT accuracy he will never be on the field long enough for anything else to happen.
Ponder was 17 for 24 with short passes yesterday, his yards weren't impressive but those passes kept drives alive while we waited for Peterson to kick it into a higher gear. those short passes also effectively got us into field goal range FIVE times so that our rookie with the golden leg could kick all of those record setting points. Remember last week that our offense (Ponder) was so horrible that we didn't get into field goal range even ONCE.
I'm not suddenly a Christian Ponder fan. He still throws stinky passes that could easily get intercepted. But yesterday he got his touch back on shorter passes, and Bill Musgrave worked up a game plan that kept him from going outside his comfort zone while still performing efficiently.
The whole team was disciplined yesterday. We had NO turnovers. We only had THREE penalties. If Loadholt hadn't got that stupid unsportmanlike conduct call against himself late we would only have had 15 yards of penalties the WHOLE day.
THAT is a reflection of the head caoch. I've said the same thing when we've had lots of penalties. It's possible that Frazier is finally teaching these guys what it means to have discipline. That this happened on a road game makes it even more impressive.
And it can't end this blog without mentioning Adrian Peterson. On the average running play, Adrian still makes too many cuts that cost himself simple yardage. But his never say die attitude with all the extra cuts is what also produces his most memorable plays. His 82 yard TD and his 50 yard scramble BOTH occurred after the regular play was already over. He just kep churning his feet and cutting until something opened up. He ran out of gas on that 50 yard run. Some were saying if Simpson could have thrown a proper block on the play Adrian MAY have turned that play into yet another 80 yard run, except Adrian more or less collapsed on the play rather than being tackled. He was REALLY TIRED at that point. He needed to stop running because he had nothing left to give.
I'm going to mention Emerson Griffen as well. When Robison left the game with a shoulder injury I cringed a little. Emerson isn't used all the time because he doen't really have the mindset of a defensive lineman. He's more of a middle-linebacker trapped in a defensive lineman's body. YESTERDAY he made the play of the day. His INT TD changed the game completely. Ponder's run set the tone, Griffen's INT was the first nail in the coffin. Peterson kept pounding those nails in the rest of the day.
It was the best game of the season for the Vikings. The San Fran game was good but the Niners dropped TWO potential INTs in that game that made Ponder look better than he really was. The Rams only dropped one potential INT yesterday and that was after the game was over and the Vikings were just waiting for the clock to run out.
I fully expect the Vikings to LOSE the next two weeks. The Texans and Packers both rapped up their divisions yesterday, They are great teams still playing for byes and and homefield advantage. But I don't think the Vikings are going to lose because of Christian Ponder now. They are going to lose because they are not better than the teams they are about to face,
YESTERDAY was MY playoff game. The game I got to celebrate. The game we had a chance to win if we played well. We played well and WE won. I'll take it.
That will last me until next season. IF we mange to somehow WIN the next two games, I'll be as excited as anybody. But I sure won't fault them for losing those next two games.
Our chance to win the division was lost with early season games that we lost and should have won. The games coming up are just chances for Adrian Peterson to shine. Let's hope Musgrave comes up with a way of showcasing Peterson two more games for about 150 yards a game. That record would be nice even for an 8-8 team.
Why did I do this? Because it was Musgrave that finally figured out HOW to use Christian Ponder effectively. He had Ponder throwing a variety of short passes all day long to wide-open, short-range receivers.
It was also Bill Musgrave who started the game with a quick pass to our tight end instead of running it up the middle with Adrian Peterson. The SECOND that happened I had a feeling that yesterday's game was going to be different.
And things like that kept happening. Early and close to the endzone we went for it on fourth and goal and instead of running it up the middle, we had Ponder fake the handoff and roll out and run for the first down himself.
That play only works if NOBODY is waiting for it. It also worked because we know that on fourth and short a quick run up the middle rarely if ever works for us. They FINALLY acknowledged that and tried something different.
After TWO really disappointing runs up the middle on the next two plays, Ponder stepped UP in the pocket to avoid pressure and then scrambled for his most beautiful touchdown as a Viking ever. Instead of rolling into a ball and lying down like a tiny middle school girl and taking the sack and settling for a field goal, he stepped up and saved that impressive first game changing drive.
The whole game, our whole season changed with that one play.
Let's face it, it was not Adrian Peterson who allowed us to get off to a good start in yesterday's game. It was Bill Musgrave and his play calling. It was the guts of Leslie Frazier for finally going for it on fourth down and it was Christian Ponder (dare I say confidently?) leading the charge. Adrian had a total of 8 carries for eight yards in that first quarter. He was stuffed on every run he tried up the middle. No it was Ponder and his effective short passes that got us started on the right foot,
I've never been one of those complainers who say the Vikings don't throw long often enough or that Ponder has no accuracy on the long bomb. Frankly, I think the long pass is over-rated, and I think that's something that comes with time. What I hated about Ponder is that he had no accuracy on the short passes. Without THAT accuracy he will never be on the field long enough for anything else to happen.
Ponder was 17 for 24 with short passes yesterday, his yards weren't impressive but those passes kept drives alive while we waited for Peterson to kick it into a higher gear. those short passes also effectively got us into field goal range FIVE times so that our rookie with the golden leg could kick all of those record setting points. Remember last week that our offense (Ponder) was so horrible that we didn't get into field goal range even ONCE.
I'm not suddenly a Christian Ponder fan. He still throws stinky passes that could easily get intercepted. But yesterday he got his touch back on shorter passes, and Bill Musgrave worked up a game plan that kept him from going outside his comfort zone while still performing efficiently.
The whole team was disciplined yesterday. We had NO turnovers. We only had THREE penalties. If Loadholt hadn't got that stupid unsportmanlike conduct call against himself late we would only have had 15 yards of penalties the WHOLE day.
THAT is a reflection of the head caoch. I've said the same thing when we've had lots of penalties. It's possible that Frazier is finally teaching these guys what it means to have discipline. That this happened on a road game makes it even more impressive.
And it can't end this blog without mentioning Adrian Peterson. On the average running play, Adrian still makes too many cuts that cost himself simple yardage. But his never say die attitude with all the extra cuts is what also produces his most memorable plays. His 82 yard TD and his 50 yard scramble BOTH occurred after the regular play was already over. He just kep churning his feet and cutting until something opened up. He ran out of gas on that 50 yard run. Some were saying if Simpson could have thrown a proper block on the play Adrian MAY have turned that play into yet another 80 yard run, except Adrian more or less collapsed on the play rather than being tackled. He was REALLY TIRED at that point. He needed to stop running because he had nothing left to give.
I'm going to mention Emerson Griffen as well. When Robison left the game with a shoulder injury I cringed a little. Emerson isn't used all the time because he doen't really have the mindset of a defensive lineman. He's more of a middle-linebacker trapped in a defensive lineman's body. YESTERDAY he made the play of the day. His INT TD changed the game completely. Ponder's run set the tone, Griffen's INT was the first nail in the coffin. Peterson kept pounding those nails in the rest of the day.
It was the best game of the season for the Vikings. The San Fran game was good but the Niners dropped TWO potential INTs in that game that made Ponder look better than he really was. The Rams only dropped one potential INT yesterday and that was after the game was over and the Vikings were just waiting for the clock to run out.
I fully expect the Vikings to LOSE the next two weeks. The Texans and Packers both rapped up their divisions yesterday, They are great teams still playing for byes and and homefield advantage. But I don't think the Vikings are going to lose because of Christian Ponder now. They are going to lose because they are not better than the teams they are about to face,
YESTERDAY was MY playoff game. The game I got to celebrate. The game we had a chance to win if we played well. We played well and WE won. I'll take it.
That will last me until next season. IF we mange to somehow WIN the next two games, I'll be as excited as anybody. But I sure won't fault them for losing those next two games.
Our chance to win the division was lost with early season games that we lost and should have won. The games coming up are just chances for Adrian Peterson to shine. Let's hope Musgrave comes up with a way of showcasing Peterson two more games for about 150 yards a game. That record would be nice even for an 8-8 team.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Twins Hope
The Dodgers are looking to trade Nick Punto. The Twins are looking for a reliable glove at third base and someone who can play middle infield.
Let's face it, when Punto left, the Twins completely and totally collapsed. I've pointed out several times in the past why this was not a coincidence. IF they have a chance to bring him back at a reasonable price, why would they not?
A division title is now just around the corner IF they do the right thing.
Anxiously awaiting good news.
Let's face it, when Punto left, the Twins completely and totally collapsed. I've pointed out several times in the past why this was not a coincidence. IF they have a chance to bring him back at a reasonable price, why would they not?
A division title is now just around the corner IF they do the right thing.
Anxiously awaiting good news.
NFL Gameday
Lots of big match-ups today. IF the Vikings plan on an eight game win season, today would seem to be their best chance. The Rams have a good youg QB in Sam Bradford. The Vikings have Adrian Peterson who wants to not just get 2,000 yards rushing this season, but also wants to break Dickerson's all-time record. He needs 133 yards a game for the first goal and over 168 yards a game for the record.
The bigger today's game for Adrian, the better his chances. I don't see a game plan where Ponder is allowed to do much of anything rather than hand the ball off, though that's never stopped Ponder from throwing INTs before. I should get to see most of that game and am hoping that early season Ponder somehow shows up before the game today. He wasn't GREAT in the early season, but he was extremely lucky. Sometimes luck is better than skill.
I'm really looking forward to the Packers and Bears and am SO hoping that the Bears lose. A Bear's loss and a Vikings win today brings us back to tied in the standings with two games to go. KNOWING we STILL have a shot at the playoffs and this is the 14th game of the season is unbelievable. I don't THINK it will happen, but at least it keeps us watching. If Peterson has a monster day today, it'll keep me watching as well.
The other game I can't wait to see? The Patriots and the Niners. IF the Patriots win it all this year, I won't be disappointed.
Denver /Baltimore and Dallas /Pittsburgh are some pretty good games as well. I'm hoping to see parts of them, too.
At the same time IF the Vikes are killed today and Peterson is held to 46 yards rushing, I'll pretty much call it a season. I'm a fan, not a fanactic.
I'm still most afraid that the Vikes will have 5 or 6 turnovers today (mostly from Ponder) and that every reason we might have to still watch the Vikings will die horribly in those turnovers.
Man, I wish we had a better quarterback.
The bigger today's game for Adrian, the better his chances. I don't see a game plan where Ponder is allowed to do much of anything rather than hand the ball off, though that's never stopped Ponder from throwing INTs before. I should get to see most of that game and am hoping that early season Ponder somehow shows up before the game today. He wasn't GREAT in the early season, but he was extremely lucky. Sometimes luck is better than skill.
I'm really looking forward to the Packers and Bears and am SO hoping that the Bears lose. A Bear's loss and a Vikings win today brings us back to tied in the standings with two games to go. KNOWING we STILL have a shot at the playoffs and this is the 14th game of the season is unbelievable. I don't THINK it will happen, but at least it keeps us watching. If Peterson has a monster day today, it'll keep me watching as well.
The other game I can't wait to see? The Patriots and the Niners. IF the Patriots win it all this year, I won't be disappointed.
Denver /Baltimore and Dallas /Pittsburgh are some pretty good games as well. I'm hoping to see parts of them, too.
At the same time IF the Vikes are killed today and Peterson is held to 46 yards rushing, I'll pretty much call it a season. I'm a fan, not a fanactic.
I'm still most afraid that the Vikes will have 5 or 6 turnovers today (mostly from Ponder) and that every reason we might have to still watch the Vikings will die horribly in those turnovers.
Man, I wish we had a better quarterback.
Loveless Wolves Win In Rubio Return
You get the feeling that this Wolves' squad is substantially better than past years.
Ricky Rubio came in last night with the Wolves down 28-18. The instantly became a different team and by night's end they pulled off their fourth straight win.
The fourth quarter was almost a complete collapse, but they scored the first TEN in OT and ended up wih an easy win anyway. Love was actually expecting to play in spite of his recently dislocated thumb, but came down with the flu just before game time.
Rubio's shooting wasn't especially sharp in his return (but let's face it, his shooting has never been especially sharp) but his passing at times was spectacular. I'm still waiting for him NOT to throw low passes across the middle, though as he gets every single one of those picked off.
Overall, they were sloppy last night. Their defense, especially in the fourth quarter was nonexistent. But they beat a struggling Dallas team, and that's how you eventually get a record good enough to qualify for the playoffs. At 12-9 the season is about 1/4 over. I'll take it. I pictured so much worse.
Ricky Rubio came in last night with the Wolves down 28-18. The instantly became a different team and by night's end they pulled off their fourth straight win.
The fourth quarter was almost a complete collapse, but they scored the first TEN in OT and ended up wih an easy win anyway. Love was actually expecting to play in spite of his recently dislocated thumb, but came down with the flu just before game time.
Rubio's shooting wasn't especially sharp in his return (but let's face it, his shooting has never been especially sharp) but his passing at times was spectacular. I'm still waiting for him NOT to throw low passes across the middle, though as he gets every single one of those picked off.
Overall, they were sloppy last night. Their defense, especially in the fourth quarter was nonexistent. But they beat a struggling Dallas team, and that's how you eventually get a record good enough to qualify for the playoffs. At 12-9 the season is about 1/4 over. I'll take it. I pictured so much worse.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Speilman
As much as we're all pretty disappointed with how Ponder has turned out as our QB this year, I have to admit that Vikings GM Rick Spielman did a great job with the draft THIS season.
Seven of our ten picks are contributing BIG TIME to the Vikings THIS season.
Offensive tackle Matt Kalil is having an all-pro season. Adrian Peterson is having his greatest year EVER and Kalil is the primary reason that is happening.
Harrison Smith is another major contributor. He's currently my favorite defensive player. It's not just his two INTs for TDs either. He's everywhere making tackles and running down opponents. He's playing like a vetearn who knows the game inside out. He's been incredible this season.
Josh Robinson, another defensive back, has been almost as good as Smith. He's a major addition to this ball club. We REALLY needed our defensive backs to perform this season. That they are young and able to be on the field as much as they are because of our poor offense is even more amazing.
Blair Walsh is obviously a a good young kicker. His leg is stronger than the departing Longwell but he still has to prove he's more automatic on the short kicks. He's very good, but there is room for some improvement. As he plays longer, his ability should grow as well.
Defensive back Joe Blanton has not played much on defense, but he has been the backbone of our special teams.
Jarius Wright has looked very good as a receiver, but until Ponder learns how to get receivers his passes, we'll never know just how good this kid will be. He CATCHES passes that are thrown to him, that automatically makes him better in my book than the more well now Simpson.
Rhett Ellison hasn't played much as a tight end, but when it comes to blocking he MAY become our next Jim Kleinsasser. It's not a coincidence that he's wearing Kleinsaser's old number.
Even one of our other draft picks, Greg Childs, may make the team as a wide receiver NEXT year. He's the guy that had the freak accident in training camp this year that resulted in him tearing his petella tendons in BOTH knees. Going into training camp, it was Childs that had the most buzz among receivers.
I have no idea where the Vikings would have been THIS SEASON without this great group of draft picks. I've been focusing so much on the FLOP that is named Ponder that I missed how good the draft was this year. I know WHY were winning, and much of that is a result of a stellar freshman class.
When we lose, it's a particular sophomore that's most of the problem.
But we all know that already, don't we?
Seven of our ten picks are contributing BIG TIME to the Vikings THIS season.
Offensive tackle Matt Kalil is having an all-pro season. Adrian Peterson is having his greatest year EVER and Kalil is the primary reason that is happening.
Harrison Smith is another major contributor. He's currently my favorite defensive player. It's not just his two INTs for TDs either. He's everywhere making tackles and running down opponents. He's playing like a vetearn who knows the game inside out. He's been incredible this season.
Josh Robinson, another defensive back, has been almost as good as Smith. He's a major addition to this ball club. We REALLY needed our defensive backs to perform this season. That they are young and able to be on the field as much as they are because of our poor offense is even more amazing.
Blair Walsh is obviously a a good young kicker. His leg is stronger than the departing Longwell but he still has to prove he's more automatic on the short kicks. He's very good, but there is room for some improvement. As he plays longer, his ability should grow as well.
Defensive back Joe Blanton has not played much on defense, but he has been the backbone of our special teams.
Jarius Wright has looked very good as a receiver, but until Ponder learns how to get receivers his passes, we'll never know just how good this kid will be. He CATCHES passes that are thrown to him, that automatically makes him better in my book than the more well now Simpson.
Rhett Ellison hasn't played much as a tight end, but when it comes to blocking he MAY become our next Jim Kleinsasser. It's not a coincidence that he's wearing Kleinsaser's old number.
Even one of our other draft picks, Greg Childs, may make the team as a wide receiver NEXT year. He's the guy that had the freak accident in training camp this year that resulted in him tearing his petella tendons in BOTH knees. Going into training camp, it was Childs that had the most buzz among receivers.
I have no idea where the Vikings would have been THIS SEASON without this great group of draft picks. I've been focusing so much on the FLOP that is named Ponder that I missed how good the draft was this year. I know WHY were winning, and much of that is a result of a stellar freshman class.
When we lose, it's a particular sophomore that's most of the problem.
But we all know that already, don't we?
Love and Pekovic
These two players seem to be going in opposite directions.
Love was 4 -18 from the floor last night, his hand still givng him problems. Worse? It looked like he dislocated his thumb on his shooting hand just before the game ended, X-rays were negative, but an already bad shooting hand just got worse.
Nikola Pekovic, on the other hand (get it?) was fanatastic last night. He was 14-18 with nine rebounds and 31 points. Their other big-man teammate, Andrei Kirenko added 21 points and 11 rebounds of his own.
In the end, the Wolves had their third straight win and they looked very good doing it.
Rumors are circulating that Rickey Rubio may be returning to the lineup as early as tonight. At one time, that would have been great news for me, but now that we have other guards doing great work out there, I'm afraid he may mess with the incredible chemistry that the team has now.
Ridnour had 15 points and 10 rebounds. Alexey Shved had 13 points and J.J. Barea, running the team like a well oiled machine, ended up with 12 of his own. The passing, the team play, the balance in scoring, and tough defense were amazing to watch.
Here's hoping Rubio fits in well. What they have now is really pretty good.
Love was 4 -18 from the floor last night, his hand still givng him problems. Worse? It looked like he dislocated his thumb on his shooting hand just before the game ended, X-rays were negative, but an already bad shooting hand just got worse.
Nikola Pekovic, on the other hand (get it?) was fanatastic last night. He was 14-18 with nine rebounds and 31 points. Their other big-man teammate, Andrei Kirenko added 21 points and 11 rebounds of his own.
In the end, the Wolves had their third straight win and they looked very good doing it.
Rumors are circulating that Rickey Rubio may be returning to the lineup as early as tonight. At one time, that would have been great news for me, but now that we have other guards doing great work out there, I'm afraid he may mess with the incredible chemistry that the team has now.
Ridnour had 15 points and 10 rebounds. Alexey Shved had 13 points and J.J. Barea, running the team like a well oiled machine, ended up with 12 of his own. The passing, the team play, the balance in scoring, and tough defense were amazing to watch.
Here's hoping Rubio fits in well. What they have now is really pretty good.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Lucky Number Seven
That's the magic number for the Vikings this season. Seven straight wins starting this weekend and we're Super Bowl champs!
This number brought to you by my number one scout, Super Steve.
This number brought to you by my number one scout, Super Steve.
Hamilton
Josh Hamilton, by all reports, agreed to terms with the Angels yesterday. $25 million a year for five years. He joins Albert Pujols who signed a 10 year deal worth $24 million a year last season.
I'm thinking the Angels are going to have one really expensive roster for quite a while. Knowing that the Angels didn't even make the playoffs last year means that the Twins aren't the only team in baseball that throws around money poorly.
I'm really surprised that the Angels didn't try harder to keep Greinke. They need pitching more than homerun hitters. It is kind of cool though knowing that both Hamilton and Pujols could have 40 plus homeruns this season for the same team. In the era of free agency, that much power on one team is pretty rare.
I'm thinking the Angels are going to have one really expensive roster for quite a while. Knowing that the Angels didn't even make the playoffs last year means that the Twins aren't the only team in baseball that throws around money poorly.
I'm really surprised that the Angels didn't try harder to keep Greinke. They need pitching more than homerun hitters. It is kind of cool though knowing that both Hamilton and Pujols could have 40 plus homeruns this season for the same team. In the era of free agency, that much power on one team is pretty rare.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Gardy Not Coming Back
Gardy is on the last year of his contract. The Twins have not even brought up the possibility of an extension.
I'm just connecting the dots.
I'm just connecting the dots.
No Love Lost
Minnesota fans rode Kevin Love pretty hard last night. Love responded with 3-17 shooting.
Oddly, the T-wolves still held on to win the game.
Sure wish Love had kept his mouth shut. A fun season just took an ugly turn.
Oddly, the T-wolves still held on to win the game.
Sure wish Love had kept his mouth shut. A fun season just took an ugly turn.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Discontent
Kevin Love is not feeling the love right now and he's ready to leave the Wolves at the drop of a coin (okay several coins,)
He wants Wolves management to extend his current contract and pay him like the major superstar he is. I can't say I blame him. If you add up all of his points and rebounds the last couple of years you'll find out he leads the entire league in that total.
That means he probably IS better than anybody else in the league. His ability to rebound AND shoot threes has no precedent. He can't be compared to anyone else because no one else can do or has done what he does so well.
The Wolves have always had the lowest payroll in all of the NBA. They could easily afford to make him a top paid performer and still have one of the lowest payrolls in the league.
Basketball is different than other sports. You pay your top stars top dollars in long-term contracts because they are worth it. With only FIVE guys on the floor at a time, the best teams need a couple of major stars to be competitive. And the really good players tend to be really good players for a number of years.
In baseball and football, big stars lose their abilities rather quickly. Long-term deals with big money are less appealing. But basketball is different and players like Love are rare indeed.
Have the Wolves already offended Kevin Love beyond repair? Probably. But it sure wouldn't hurt to start kissing up to him now rather than letting it fester for the rest of the season.
For the first time in years, they are worth watching. Why screw it up now? Give him what he wants. Let's show him some love.
He wants Wolves management to extend his current contract and pay him like the major superstar he is. I can't say I blame him. If you add up all of his points and rebounds the last couple of years you'll find out he leads the entire league in that total.
That means he probably IS better than anybody else in the league. His ability to rebound AND shoot threes has no precedent. He can't be compared to anyone else because no one else can do or has done what he does so well.
The Wolves have always had the lowest payroll in all of the NBA. They could easily afford to make him a top paid performer and still have one of the lowest payrolls in the league.
Basketball is different than other sports. You pay your top stars top dollars in long-term contracts because they are worth it. With only FIVE guys on the floor at a time, the best teams need a couple of major stars to be competitive. And the really good players tend to be really good players for a number of years.
In baseball and football, big stars lose their abilities rather quickly. Long-term deals with big money are less appealing. But basketball is different and players like Love are rare indeed.
Have the Wolves already offended Kevin Love beyond repair? Probably. But it sure wouldn't hurt to start kissing up to him now rather than letting it fester for the rest of the season.
For the first time in years, they are worth watching. Why screw it up now? Give him what he wants. Let's show him some love.
Ponder
What if?
What if Frazier is a real good judge of talent? What if he does see how awful his other quarterback options are by seeing the bad footwork of Webb in practice every single day. What if Ponder is our only real choice because our other choices are just plain worse?
What if we give coach Frazier the benefit of a doubt?
Okay, let's play that game.
So why is Frazier doing what he's doing.?
MAYBE he's hoping like every other Vikings fan that next year he WILL have a better quarterback option. Maybe he's supporting Ponder at all costs because he knows that it is the ONLY way to keep Ponder somewhat competent until the season ends and he has no other real option but to play the poorly performing Ponder. Maybe deep down inside he's just like us. He wants a better QB but quite frankly there really is no one available to us right now that can do better.
He's keeping Webb on the bench as his ONLY insurance in case Ponder gets hurt. It's not the choice he wants, but that too is his only option. He's merely playing the odds. Maybe he'd like to do more with Webb as well, but for the time being Webb will not be a receiver or running back because he can't afford to lose his second best option to injury.
WHAT IF Frazier is hoping that he has a chance at another potential great QB pick next season? In all honesty I can't name ONE good QB who is available for the Vikes RIGHT NOW.
We aren't the only team looking for a good quarterback. As bad as Ponder is, how would you like to be the Arizona Cardinals right now? They have lost NINE straight after starting the season 4-0. Their combined QB rating for those 9 losses is less than 30, and they are trying out LOTS of potential QBs that nobody else wants.
Frazier isn't stupid. (Again let's give him the benefit of a doubt.) He sees what's happening in Arizona and the last thing he wants to do is play QB roulette knowing that Arizona is already trying out all possible available QBs and they aren't having any kind of success at all. They are miserable in Arizona. We are actually having a great season by comparison.
Maybe Frazier thinks his best chance is to keep doing what he's doing. Expect extraordinary play from a few individuals each week KNOWING he really does have some great players and by being their number one cheerleader, he might get some kind of playoff birth by limiting what Ponder is allowed to do.
He's hanging on, just like the rest of us, waiting for this nightmare of a season to end so that he can get someone better at QB next season.
But he's also a realist. And maybe we have to be that way, too. Will a much better QB be available for the Vikings next year? Sadly, maybe not. If nothing else, maybe we will find a better backup, and at that point maybe we can start depending on Joe Webb having extraordinary performances since he will no longer be saddled as backup QB. Just getting him in the game reguarly would give me some hope. Instead of Harvin and Peterson carrying the team, we will have Harvin and Peterson and a properly used Webb carrying the team.
There are a lot of teams worse than the Vikings in the NFL. All want QB help. We just have to get in line and wait our turn. And hope Frazier IS the mastermind I'm portraying here.
What if Frazier is a real good judge of talent? What if he does see how awful his other quarterback options are by seeing the bad footwork of Webb in practice every single day. What if Ponder is our only real choice because our other choices are just plain worse?
What if we give coach Frazier the benefit of a doubt?
Okay, let's play that game.
So why is Frazier doing what he's doing.?
MAYBE he's hoping like every other Vikings fan that next year he WILL have a better quarterback option. Maybe he's supporting Ponder at all costs because he knows that it is the ONLY way to keep Ponder somewhat competent until the season ends and he has no other real option but to play the poorly performing Ponder. Maybe deep down inside he's just like us. He wants a better QB but quite frankly there really is no one available to us right now that can do better.
He's keeping Webb on the bench as his ONLY insurance in case Ponder gets hurt. It's not the choice he wants, but that too is his only option. He's merely playing the odds. Maybe he'd like to do more with Webb as well, but for the time being Webb will not be a receiver or running back because he can't afford to lose his second best option to injury.
WHAT IF Frazier is hoping that he has a chance at another potential great QB pick next season? In all honesty I can't name ONE good QB who is available for the Vikes RIGHT NOW.
We aren't the only team looking for a good quarterback. As bad as Ponder is, how would you like to be the Arizona Cardinals right now? They have lost NINE straight after starting the season 4-0. Their combined QB rating for those 9 losses is less than 30, and they are trying out LOTS of potential QBs that nobody else wants.
Frazier isn't stupid. (Again let's give him the benefit of a doubt.) He sees what's happening in Arizona and the last thing he wants to do is play QB roulette knowing that Arizona is already trying out all possible available QBs and they aren't having any kind of success at all. They are miserable in Arizona. We are actually having a great season by comparison.
Maybe Frazier thinks his best chance is to keep doing what he's doing. Expect extraordinary play from a few individuals each week KNOWING he really does have some great players and by being their number one cheerleader, he might get some kind of playoff birth by limiting what Ponder is allowed to do.
He's hanging on, just like the rest of us, waiting for this nightmare of a season to end so that he can get someone better at QB next season.
But he's also a realist. And maybe we have to be that way, too. Will a much better QB be available for the Vikings next year? Sadly, maybe not. If nothing else, maybe we will find a better backup, and at that point maybe we can start depending on Joe Webb having extraordinary performances since he will no longer be saddled as backup QB. Just getting him in the game reguarly would give me some hope. Instead of Harvin and Peterson carrying the team, we will have Harvin and Peterson and a properly used Webb carrying the team.
There are a lot of teams worse than the Vikings in the NFL. All want QB help. We just have to get in line and wait our turn. And hope Frazier IS the mastermind I'm portraying here.
The Saints
The former NFL commissioner lifted all unserved suspensions on Saints players yesterday. At this point, I really don't care. The Saints had an absolutely horrible season caused by all the drama that went with this discipline hunt. I figure even without all the players getting suspended the point was made effectively. Drew Brees looks like a shell of his former self and the head coach lost all of his mojo while watching the games from his couch this season. The TEAM got its punishment.
But the Vikings will never have justice for what the LEAGUE (refs and NFL officials like Goodell) did to them in that NFC Championship game just a few short years ago. It wasn't just the late hits on Favre (bounty or no bounty) it was the refs refusing to do anything about them.
We lost that game because of horrible full-time officials who did an absolutely awful job of officiating. They missed Farve getting massacred several times and then called US for a phantom holding call that gave the Saints the easy field goal for the overtime win. I've said this before, and I will say it again. IT IS THE LEAGUE THAT LET THIS TYPE OF THUGGERY SUCCEED. Goodell should have been punished instead of handing out the punishment. The league cultivated the environment that let the Saints do whatever they wanted. Plus, since New Orleans had just survived a devastating hurricane, they were willing to look the other way so that the league could have "a feel good story."
I'm glad the league has finally clamped down on late hits, especially late helmet to helmet hits. But they should have been doing their job long before the NFC Championship game which will live on forever in the crazed minds of unforgiving Vikings fans.
We were robbed. There is no justice for that.
But the Vikings will never have justice for what the LEAGUE (refs and NFL officials like Goodell) did to them in that NFC Championship game just a few short years ago. It wasn't just the late hits on Favre (bounty or no bounty) it was the refs refusing to do anything about them.
We lost that game because of horrible full-time officials who did an absolutely awful job of officiating. They missed Farve getting massacred several times and then called US for a phantom holding call that gave the Saints the easy field goal for the overtime win. I've said this before, and I will say it again. IT IS THE LEAGUE THAT LET THIS TYPE OF THUGGERY SUCCEED. Goodell should have been punished instead of handing out the punishment. The league cultivated the environment that let the Saints do whatever they wanted. Plus, since New Orleans had just survived a devastating hurricane, they were willing to look the other way so that the league could have "a feel good story."
I'm glad the league has finally clamped down on late hits, especially late helmet to helmet hits. But they should have been doing their job long before the NFC Championship game which will live on forever in the crazed minds of unforgiving Vikings fans.
We were robbed. There is no justice for that.
Gophers Basketball
I tried watching some of the game at the Barn last night. It was hard to watch with all the flashing lights on the floor changing color all the time. it also made the entire arena look odd. I understand the need for those stupid advertising lights but the more I see those reflections on the floor, the less I want to watch the game.
The T-Wolves games have this same problem. In fact most college and pro games have this problem now. But I really noticed it last night. So much, that I quit watching. Maybe another time.
The Gophers beat an average team last night and didn't look all that good doing it. I know they are ranked in the top twenty in all polls, but they still looked like an average BB team. We'll see how the season plays out once the Big Ten part of the schedule kicks in. I just hope they learn how to light the Barn better.
The T-Wolves games have this same problem. In fact most college and pro games have this problem now. But I really noticed it last night. So much, that I quit watching. Maybe another time.
The Gophers beat an average team last night and didn't look all that good doing it. I know they are ranked in the top twenty in all polls, but they still looked like an average BB team. We'll see how the season plays out once the Big Ten part of the schedule kicks in. I just hope they learn how to light the Barn better.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Dodgers Give Greinke $150 Million for SIX Years
Okay, not QUITE $150 nillion, but close enough. I don't think he's in the same category as other pitchers who have been given deals that large, but if you're going to waste money on a pitcher, he's a better deal at his price than what the Twins wasted on their lousy free agent yesterday.
It's amazing how much money is thrown around by teams this time of year. Rumor has it that the Dodgers signed a local broadcast deal last week that will pay them an average of $250 million a year for the next 25 years. If that's the case, their $225 million roster is already paid for. Live attendance will just be gravy for them from now on. I'm not really sure how the Twins can ever compete with that kind of spending. It's one of the reasons we ended up wasting $10 million on a pitcher that shouldn't even be in the big leagues.
The big boys make the price of baseball higher every year. Eventually that payroll dichotomy will destroy the game.
It's amazing how much money is thrown around by teams this time of year. Rumor has it that the Dodgers signed a local broadcast deal last week that will pay them an average of $250 million a year for the next 25 years. If that's the case, their $225 million roster is already paid for. Live attendance will just be gravy for them from now on. I'm not really sure how the Twins can ever compete with that kind of spending. It's one of the reasons we ended up wasting $10 million on a pitcher that shouldn't even be in the big leagues.
The big boys make the price of baseball higher every year. Eventually that payroll dichotomy will destroy the game.
Patriots
The Houston Texans were shown what a really good team looks like last night. Brady and the Patriots dissected them. Houston had Super Bowl hopes going into last night's game at 11-1. They left knowing they aren't really that good at all. The final was 42-14.
I really shouldn't watch games like this. It just shows me how bad Ponder is by comparison. That's okay, though, once the playoffs start, I'll have a team I can root for in the AFC.
I really shouldn't watch games like this. It just shows me how bad Ponder is by comparison. That's okay, though, once the playoffs start, I'll have a team I can root for in the AFC.
Twins Sign Lousy Pitcher
I'm guessing the Twins wished they had signed Scott Baker now. Yesterday, they ended up paying The Pirates 5th starter $10 million for two years. I'm not even going to bother writing his name. His stats are worse than nearly every other starter we've had in the last five years. Just another example of how bad the Twins and Terry Ryan have begun at this off season acquisition business.
We have a roster full of minor leaguers better than this guy, a guy most thought would sign a ONE year deal worth $2.5 million.
Twins fans are ready to riot. Why SAVE money on guys like Span if you are simply going to turn around and waste it on a guy who probably won't be good enough to make your roster?
I think I'm going to find another baseball team to follow this year. This one has completely lost its way.
We have a roster full of minor leaguers better than this guy, a guy most thought would sign a ONE year deal worth $2.5 million.
Twins fans are ready to riot. Why SAVE money on guys like Span if you are simply going to turn around and waste it on a guy who probably won't be good enough to make your roster?
I think I'm going to find another baseball team to follow this year. This one has completely lost its way.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Football
With the Vikings winning and a blizzard blowing outside, it was pretty easy watching lots and lots of football yesterday. I also watched many of the highlight shows.
Seattle was UNREAL yesterday. They didn't just score 58 points, they shut Arizona out. I cannot recall ever seeing or hearing about an NFL game that was that lob-sided.
As much as I hate the Giants, they killed a team that I hate much worse. Drew Brees and New Orleans were absolutely horrible yesterday. The Giants ate them up and spit them out.
RG3 bent his knee way backwards yesterday and still managed to avoid serious injury. An MRI didn't reveal any major problems. If you get a chance to check out the video of that injury, you'll be amazed that it's "just a sprain."
My favorite upset yesterday? Cam Newton and Carolina stuffed the Falcons. I'm so sick of the Falcons barely pulling out victory after victory every single week that it was great seeing them dominated by a team having a truly awful year. Newton is still learning the game but you sure can't deny his athletic ability.
Neither can you deny the athleticism of San Francisco's QB, Colin Kaepernick. Even though the 49ers were winning regularly, they switched quarterbacks fours weeks back and have now won 3 of 4 games with Kaepernick at the helm. He had another RG3-type touchdown run in yesterday's game.
I wonder if San Fran would consider giving us the starter they are no longer using?
Seattle was UNREAL yesterday. They didn't just score 58 points, they shut Arizona out. I cannot recall ever seeing or hearing about an NFL game that was that lob-sided.
As much as I hate the Giants, they killed a team that I hate much worse. Drew Brees and New Orleans were absolutely horrible yesterday. The Giants ate them up and spit them out.
RG3 bent his knee way backwards yesterday and still managed to avoid serious injury. An MRI didn't reveal any major problems. If you get a chance to check out the video of that injury, you'll be amazed that it's "just a sprain."
My favorite upset yesterday? Cam Newton and Carolina stuffed the Falcons. I'm so sick of the Falcons barely pulling out victory after victory every single week that it was great seeing them dominated by a team having a truly awful year. Newton is still learning the game but you sure can't deny his athletic ability.
Neither can you deny the athleticism of San Francisco's QB, Colin Kaepernick. Even though the 49ers were winning regularly, they switched quarterbacks fours weeks back and have now won 3 of 4 games with Kaepernick at the helm. He had another RG3-type touchdown run in yesterday's game.
I wonder if San Fran would consider giving us the starter they are no longer using?
Vikes and Pack Win
I've never been more torn as a Vikings fan. Peterson had an unbelievably great first quarter. Harrison Smith and Josh Robinson had major interception returns. We won because of THEIR extraordinary play. That's how the Vikings win ALL of their games. We don't win with sound, fundamental football, we win when a couple of individuals do something way outside the norm.
The reason I'm torn? That win signaled the Vikings being stuck with Ponder and Frazier for at least another season.
Ziggy and his brother are not going to fire Frazier if we end up with a 7-9 or 8-8 season. They look at this as a major improvement over last year's THREE win season. While it is, it's NOT because of coach Frazier and Christian Ponder.
Seriously, have you ever seen a quarterback LESS comfortable in the pocket? He had just 11 completions yesterday for less than 100 yards and he still threw an interception. This IS becoming normal play for Ponder. Our offense basically STALLED after the first drive, and Peterson accomplished that on his own.
Ponder was incapable of moving this team AGAIN. Even Peterson pooped out after the first quarter.
We had less than 140 yards of offense after the first quarter and 50 of that was still Peterson with 3 and 4 yard runs up the middle. We only made it past midfield once on offense after that first drive.
Our offense couldn't even get close enough to TRY a field goal during the game.
Chicago didn't try a field goal either, but THEY had an excuse. THEIR place-kicker was HURT!
I really think the Vikings offense and defense are way better than fans are seeing, but as long as Ponder and his inept play are out their NOBODY is going to see it and we are going to continue to struggle to win games.
It looks like we're having a good season, And in some respects we are, but we should be having a GREAT season. I am happy we won yesterday. Really, who wants their team to lose?
But as a result, the curse of Ponder and Frazier will now be with us a season longer. Man, that's tough to stomach.
On a brighter note, my Packers won last night. They are playing almost as horribly as the Vikings, but they are winning the division. It's easier rooting for a team playing poorly when they are winning their division.
Vikings Notes: Peterson is now 400 yards from 2,000. 133.3 yards a game will give him that total. Still hoping for one more monster game from him to make it all possible. We're at the Rams next week and they are having a nearly identical season to the Vikings. The difference? They have a great young QB in Sam Bradford. He's actually helping them WIN games.
The reason I'm torn? That win signaled the Vikings being stuck with Ponder and Frazier for at least another season.
Ziggy and his brother are not going to fire Frazier if we end up with a 7-9 or 8-8 season. They look at this as a major improvement over last year's THREE win season. While it is, it's NOT because of coach Frazier and Christian Ponder.
Seriously, have you ever seen a quarterback LESS comfortable in the pocket? He had just 11 completions yesterday for less than 100 yards and he still threw an interception. This IS becoming normal play for Ponder. Our offense basically STALLED after the first drive, and Peterson accomplished that on his own.
Ponder was incapable of moving this team AGAIN. Even Peterson pooped out after the first quarter.
We had less than 140 yards of offense after the first quarter and 50 of that was still Peterson with 3 and 4 yard runs up the middle. We only made it past midfield once on offense after that first drive.
Our offense couldn't even get close enough to TRY a field goal during the game.
Chicago didn't try a field goal either, but THEY had an excuse. THEIR place-kicker was HURT!
I really think the Vikings offense and defense are way better than fans are seeing, but as long as Ponder and his inept play are out their NOBODY is going to see it and we are going to continue to struggle to win games.
It looks like we're having a good season, And in some respects we are, but we should be having a GREAT season. I am happy we won yesterday. Really, who wants their team to lose?
But as a result, the curse of Ponder and Frazier will now be with us a season longer. Man, that's tough to stomach.
On a brighter note, my Packers won last night. They are playing almost as horribly as the Vikings, but they are winning the division. It's easier rooting for a team playing poorly when they are winning their division.
Vikings Notes: Peterson is now 400 yards from 2,000. 133.3 yards a game will give him that total. Still hoping for one more monster game from him to make it all possible. We're at the Rams next week and they are having a nearly identical season to the Vikings. The difference? They have a great young QB in Sam Bradford. He's actually helping them WIN games.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Vikes
I'm trying to psych to watch the entire Vikings game today. Normally, this is the time of year when I just quit watching, but I really would like to see if Peterson can have another monster day on his way to a 2,000 yard season.
I keep on thinking how much MORE yards he'd have right now if we weren't always having to pass in the fourth quarter the last month. He doesn't even get to touch the ball in the fourth quarter.
Supposedly there is going to be a blizzard in the Twin Cities today so that should make the game at the Dome a little more interesting. As of this writing (about 6:40 a.m.) we really haven't got much of anything here yet. The winds are expected to pick up just before game time. I guess we'll see. Our church has already called off services, so I should be able to watch the whole game today.
As I said, that's not exactly a good thing.
Go Peterson!.
Don't embarrass us again Ponder!
I keep on thinking how much MORE yards he'd have right now if we weren't always having to pass in the fourth quarter the last month. He doesn't even get to touch the ball in the fourth quarter.
Supposedly there is going to be a blizzard in the Twin Cities today so that should make the game at the Dome a little more interesting. As of this writing (about 6:40 a.m.) we really haven't got much of anything here yet. The winds are expected to pick up just before game time. I guess we'll see. Our church has already called off services, so I should be able to watch the whole game today.
As I said, that's not exactly a good thing.
Go Peterson!.
Don't embarrass us again Ponder!
Johnny Football
A&M QB Johnny Manziel had a fantastic season. Last night, that season made him the first FRESHMAN in history to win the Heisman Trophy,
I've actually watched him play twice this year. The big game? He knocked off number one ranked Alabama a little over a month ago.
We liked him so much that night, that even the Mrs. Casual Fan now knows what the guy looks like when they show him on TV.
A great year of college football got better last night. Johnny Football, the nickname he was given shortly after coming to campus this year, did good. A freshman did what was thought impossible last night.
I've actually watched him play twice this year. The big game? He knocked off number one ranked Alabama a little over a month ago.
We liked him so much that night, that even the Mrs. Casual Fan now knows what the guy looks like when they show him on TV.
A great year of college football got better last night. Johnny Football, the nickname he was given shortly after coming to campus this year, did good. A freshman did what was thought impossible last night.
DUI of the Day
Josh Brent of the Dallas Cowboys was driving drunk early Saturday morning. His practice squad teammate Jerry Brown died in the resulting accident. Brent has a history of drunk driving.
I know I harp on this a lot, but I'm so sick of our society not making drunk driving a major crime. People die needlessly when drunk drivers are allowed to keep drinking and driving. It is a big deal an Jerry Brown was just the latest victim.
Pro sports can set the example. You get caught ONCE, you are done for the season. You get caught again? You're DONE. No more stupid deaths. Over 10,000 this year alone. And the number keeps growing. Why don't we take this seriously?
I know I harp on this a lot, but I'm so sick of our society not making drunk driving a major crime. People die needlessly when drunk drivers are allowed to keep drinking and driving. It is a big deal an Jerry Brown was just the latest victim.
Pro sports can set the example. You get caught ONCE, you are done for the season. You get caught again? You're DONE. No more stupid deaths. Over 10,000 this year alone. And the number keeps growing. Why don't we take this seriously?
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Viking Notes
It looks like Harvin will need surgery on his injured ankle. Those who were thinking Harvin was just "sick of the team" and no longer willing to play are probably wrong. His ankle is messed up and not getting better on its own. He MAY be sick of this team wasting his prime years, but that is not the reason he's not playing.
Adrian Peterson needs to average about 140 yards a game to get 2,000 yards for the season. He's been averaging nearly 160 the last 6 games. As bad as the Vikings are this year, Peterson will keep me watching as long as he's in the hunt for that milestone. I'm hoping he has a HUGE game against the Bears tomorrow just to make the 2,000 goal a better possibility. Without Harvin, the Vikes will be relying on Peterson even more these next few weeks. If we don't get blown out early in any game, he will have his chance.
The NFL is thinking about getting rid of kickoffs. They know that kickoff returns are the most electric plays that the league has, but they are also the plays that get the most players seriously hurt.
"Full speed sprinter running head first into other full speed sprinters equals body parts flying everywhere."
The current proposal? After a touchdown, the team that scored would be given the ball on their own 30 yard line in a fourth and 15 situation. The standard play would be to simply punt the ball and the receiving team would end up getting the ball on their own 25-30 yard line after the punt return. Punt returns are more weaving than speeding and as a result they are much safer plays.
BUT the nice thing about this scenario will be that teams, late in the game, might want to go for it on fourth and 15 turning the whole play into more of an "onside kick" type situation. The drama will remain. The field position will be similar and kickoffs will not not be missed that much.
The biggest flaw in this system? Really good teams with really good systems and really good QB's (think New England) might decide to go for first downs all the time KNOWING their chance of picking up a first down are much greater than other teams going for first downs in this situation.
Imagine New England never giving up the ball because they will nearly always get the first down.
Personally, I like the plan. If New England is THAT good, then it's up to other teams to figure out how to stop them.
I'd change the rule for ONE year on a trial basis and see how it works out. It would certainly make that play more exciting than your average kickoff either way.
Adrian Peterson needs to average about 140 yards a game to get 2,000 yards for the season. He's been averaging nearly 160 the last 6 games. As bad as the Vikings are this year, Peterson will keep me watching as long as he's in the hunt for that milestone. I'm hoping he has a HUGE game against the Bears tomorrow just to make the 2,000 goal a better possibility. Without Harvin, the Vikes will be relying on Peterson even more these next few weeks. If we don't get blown out early in any game, he will have his chance.
The NFL is thinking about getting rid of kickoffs. They know that kickoff returns are the most electric plays that the league has, but they are also the plays that get the most players seriously hurt.
"Full speed sprinter running head first into other full speed sprinters equals body parts flying everywhere."
The current proposal? After a touchdown, the team that scored would be given the ball on their own 30 yard line in a fourth and 15 situation. The standard play would be to simply punt the ball and the receiving team would end up getting the ball on their own 25-30 yard line after the punt return. Punt returns are more weaving than speeding and as a result they are much safer plays.
BUT the nice thing about this scenario will be that teams, late in the game, might want to go for it on fourth and 15 turning the whole play into more of an "onside kick" type situation. The drama will remain. The field position will be similar and kickoffs will not not be missed that much.
The biggest flaw in this system? Really good teams with really good systems and really good QB's (think New England) might decide to go for first downs all the time KNOWING their chance of picking up a first down are much greater than other teams going for first downs in this situation.
Imagine New England never giving up the ball because they will nearly always get the first down.
Personally, I like the plan. If New England is THAT good, then it's up to other teams to figure out how to stop them.
I'd change the rule for ONE year on a trial basis and see how it works out. It would certainly make that play more exciting than your average kickoff either way.
R.A. Dickey
Did you know that the Mets are looking to trade their Cy Young award winner and that he could be had for about $10 million a year for 3 years?
Now I know the Twins at this point aren't making any noise about Dickey, but maybe they should. Dickey is scheduled to make $5 million with the Mets THIS season and he is asking for a two-year $13 million a year extension. At 38, he is old. But 38 for a seasoned knuuckleballer usually means he's just hitting his prime. He has no history of injury and he's had great stats since the Twins released him 3 years ago.
He's got the "three C's" and that's as rare as anything in baseball.
He's Consistent, a CURRENT Cy Young award winner and CHEAP. Why would the Twins not arrange one of those "6 minor leaguers with potential" deals that everyone else gives US to get a pitcher who could help us win NOW and in the future?
He certainly could become our ace over night at a cost less than we paid Pavano the last three years.
Getting him would have made way more sense than the OTHER moves we've made the last week or so. I'm not sure why other teams aren't knocking down the door for this guy. Catching knucleballers isn't exactly EASY but surely there must be some catcher in baseball who could help us make this transition smoothly. Dickey had 20 wins last year for the lowly Mets who only had 74 wins TOTAL. Imagine if the Twins got anywhere near that number of wins from him THIS season.
He could be the missing link that we've been so desperately trading for.
Now I know the Twins at this point aren't making any noise about Dickey, but maybe they should. Dickey is scheduled to make $5 million with the Mets THIS season and he is asking for a two-year $13 million a year extension. At 38, he is old. But 38 for a seasoned knuuckleballer usually means he's just hitting his prime. He has no history of injury and he's had great stats since the Twins released him 3 years ago.
He's got the "three C's" and that's as rare as anything in baseball.
He's Consistent, a CURRENT Cy Young award winner and CHEAP. Why would the Twins not arrange one of those "6 minor leaguers with potential" deals that everyone else gives US to get a pitcher who could help us win NOW and in the future?
He certainly could become our ace over night at a cost less than we paid Pavano the last three years.
Getting him would have made way more sense than the OTHER moves we've made the last week or so. I'm not sure why other teams aren't knocking down the door for this guy. Catching knucleballers isn't exactly EASY but surely there must be some catcher in baseball who could help us make this transition smoothly. Dickey had 20 wins last year for the lowly Mets who only had 74 wins TOTAL. Imagine if the Twins got anywhere near that number of wins from him THIS season.
He could be the missing link that we've been so desperately trading for.
Lovin' The Wolves
It's now official, I LIKE watching the Wolves. I have now logged more TV minutes watching the Wolves THIS season already than I have in the last 5 years combined.
And Kevin Love appears to have his touch back. He was much better with free throws again last night, and he even looked good on the three pointers that he missed.
Overall, he didn't miss much though. He had another MONSTER night. 36 points and 13 rebounds. Andrei Kirilenko was back and healthy as well. The Wolves pulled away at the end. That's something we really haven't seen, even when Garnett was around.
Super team play last night with Love as the biggest cog and all other cogs playing well around him.
We all know Cleveland is an awful team, but it was nice to finally beat up on a team the same way we always used to get beat up on. The Wolves are back to .500 and Rubio's return is on the horizon. Honestly, our guard play has been so good this year that I'm a little apprehensive about Rubio's return.
Still NOT a fan of the NBA as a whole, but it is fun watching MY team win games.
I just discovered that the Nets are now the BROOKLYN Nets. I missed the name change on that one. It just shows that I don't follow NBA news very closely.
And Kevin Love appears to have his touch back. He was much better with free throws again last night, and he even looked good on the three pointers that he missed.
Overall, he didn't miss much though. He had another MONSTER night. 36 points and 13 rebounds. Andrei Kirilenko was back and healthy as well. The Wolves pulled away at the end. That's something we really haven't seen, even when Garnett was around.
Super team play last night with Love as the biggest cog and all other cogs playing well around him.
We all know Cleveland is an awful team, but it was nice to finally beat up on a team the same way we always used to get beat up on. The Wolves are back to .500 and Rubio's return is on the horizon. Honestly, our guard play has been so good this year that I'm a little apprehensive about Rubio's return.
Still NOT a fan of the NBA as a whole, but it is fun watching MY team win games.
I just discovered that the Nets are now the BROOKLYN Nets. I missed the name change on that one. It just shows that I don't follow NBA news very closely.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Ponder's Decline Explained
Christian Ponder is twitter-pated. I'm not talking about Twitter, I'm talking about the Bambi movie from childhood.
It seems that Ponder and ESPN college football reporter, Samantha Steele (Erin Andrews' replacement) started dating in early October. They've been totally consumed by one another so much that they've now become engaged after just weeks of dating.
They have it bad, and he, quite simply, is not concentrating on anything else right now.
The whole season went down hill after he met her.
We found the problem and there is no real cure.
But at least we now know.
Orioles Interested in Morneau
The Twins KNOW they aren't going to get anyone of short-term value for Morneau, but they also want to dump his $14 million contract. The Orioles see a recovered Morneau giving them a chance to make the playoffs again this coming year and are willing to pay that salary.
As much as I rag on Morneau, the last half of last season he looked like his old self. I fully expect him to hit .300 and have 30 homers and 100 RBI again this year. The problem is, with those kind of numbers the Twins will lose him to free-agency anyway. They also don't WANT him at first base any more.
The Twins are betting he's not going to be that good and they also know that Joe Mauer (unless he is traded) is slotted be our first baseman for the next 10 years after this season.
I'm starting to wonder if the Twins strategy is to deliberately be a losing team again this year so that we can get Joe Mauer to agree to a trade to a contending team?
If that's the case and we dump both salaries, the Twins will jump back in the game by giving their best pitchers THIS season long-term deals for the future. The more pitchers we sign, the better our chances that at least TWO of them will be our aces in the future.
The Twins are now such a mess that it's hard to predict their next moves. I still think they want to dump all their high salary players and start over. The only problem with that guess is that we are also getting rid of our good young players at the same time.
Either way, what the Twins put on the field the last TWO seasons was not pretty. Even with all of the distasteful moves they've made this off-season, I don't see them being worse this coming season, especially if Hicks has a good year.
So much depends on starting pitching and I don't think anyone is good enough to predict good or bad seasons for the starters we just got. And I'm still not giving up hope on starters like De Vries, Deduno, and Hendriks. Those guys have some real potential. Deduno may be wild, but he can throw. Hendriks has a ton of losses but when you WATCH him pitch you see long stretches of potential greatness. De Vries was fantastic until he took a batted ball to the ribs to end his season last year.
And I still think Pavano will be one of the great free-gent bargains this year. He should be healthy and he should be cheap. He'd be a great re-acquisition for the Twins.
That's a lot of starters. I'll give them the benefit of a doubt that the Twins will be able to use two or three of them successfully this year.
I still can't believe how quickly we trade for mediocre talent though. Worley could be a Cy Young award winner in the near future, but more than likely, he'll just be another guy in our rotation, inter-changable with another half dozen guys in our rotation.
Worley was UNBELIEVABLE his rookie year. I really hope that's the pitcher we got.
As much as I rag on Morneau, the last half of last season he looked like his old self. I fully expect him to hit .300 and have 30 homers and 100 RBI again this year. The problem is, with those kind of numbers the Twins will lose him to free-agency anyway. They also don't WANT him at first base any more.
The Twins are betting he's not going to be that good and they also know that Joe Mauer (unless he is traded) is slotted be our first baseman for the next 10 years after this season.
I'm starting to wonder if the Twins strategy is to deliberately be a losing team again this year so that we can get Joe Mauer to agree to a trade to a contending team?
If that's the case and we dump both salaries, the Twins will jump back in the game by giving their best pitchers THIS season long-term deals for the future. The more pitchers we sign, the better our chances that at least TWO of them will be our aces in the future.
The Twins are now such a mess that it's hard to predict their next moves. I still think they want to dump all their high salary players and start over. The only problem with that guess is that we are also getting rid of our good young players at the same time.
Either way, what the Twins put on the field the last TWO seasons was not pretty. Even with all of the distasteful moves they've made this off-season, I don't see them being worse this coming season, especially if Hicks has a good year.
So much depends on starting pitching and I don't think anyone is good enough to predict good or bad seasons for the starters we just got. And I'm still not giving up hope on starters like De Vries, Deduno, and Hendriks. Those guys have some real potential. Deduno may be wild, but he can throw. Hendriks has a ton of losses but when you WATCH him pitch you see long stretches of potential greatness. De Vries was fantastic until he took a batted ball to the ribs to end his season last year.
And I still think Pavano will be one of the great free-gent bargains this year. He should be healthy and he should be cheap. He'd be a great re-acquisition for the Twins.
That's a lot of starters. I'll give them the benefit of a doubt that the Twins will be able to use two or three of them successfully this year.
I still can't believe how quickly we trade for mediocre talent though. Worley could be a Cy Young award winner in the near future, but more than likely, he'll just be another guy in our rotation, inter-changable with another half dozen guys in our rotation.
Worley was UNBELIEVABLE his rookie year. I really hope that's the pitcher we got.
Revere
On Wednesday I predicted that IF the Twins traded anybody for more pitching help that it would be Ben Revere leaving Minnesota.
Sadly, I'm getting pretty good at this predicting thing, as yesterday the Twins did send Revere packing. That means we got rid of two really, really good center fielders in less than a week, while acquiring pitching "talent" that has a great deal of question marks.
I'm not very happy right now. Vance Worley BETTER be the pitcher he was as a rookie TWO seasons ago and not the injury-ridden loser he became last year. And Trevor May better be a lot better than his record indicates as well.
It feels like the Twins are already punting the 2013 season so that they have a chance of being better in 2014. And, right now, the price they are paying for that chance seems a bit too high.
It seems weird. Twins fans didn't mind losing an established starter like Span, but now that we lost his up and coming replacement, we are up in arms. I understand the sentiment, but I'm more irritated that we traded BOTH of them. We really should have kept at least ONE of the two. Revere has the greater upside and I was hoping he would be OUR star of the future and not somebody else's, but I'm just ticked that we think our best YOUNG inexpensive players are the guys we need to deal in the first place.
The Twins philosophy is now officially changing. Guys like Span and Revere USED to be the guys we invested in. They were the guys we knew would turn it all around for us given time. NOW we are playing the same stupid game all losing teams play. We are signing established stars like Morneau and Mauer to long-term payroll sucking deals when we should be letting THEM go. The money we save by not giving them $40 million a year is the money we would then spend on one or two established free agent pitchers while signing guys like Revere and Span to long-term REASONABLE deals until we could no longer afford their demands.
By doing it this way, we are wasting our minor league system.
On the plus side, Aaron Hicks is SUPPOSED to be the best all-around center fielder in our entire organization. The Twins appear to be handing him that job for next season, and for all I know he will become the Twins next Kirby Puckett. It just seems like such a stretch that we would move out TWO of our best outfielders to make room for one who is only POTENTIALLY going to be good.
And even though we have a lot of outfielders, it's not like we have a lot of really GOOD outfielders.
IF we don't get any (or lose any) more outfielders by the beginning of next season, our outfield next season will be Willingham, Hicks, and Parmalee. Potentially, that's alot more power than we've had there for awhile.
But who are the back-ups? Joe Benson will probably be on the major league roster out of necessity. His stock dropped like a rock last season, but he's kind of the next in line based on who our "next best" philosophy. Just a year ago he was mentioned in the same breath as Revere and Hicks as a sure-fire future star. He's not looked at that way anymore. Next? Oswaldo Arcia. But he was in single A ball most of last season.
The Twins still do not like Plouffe at third base. They LOVE his offense but hate his defense. There's already a lot of discussion about him spending more time in the outfield this coming season if we could find ANYBODY in our organization to play a good third base. I think the Twins consider Plouffe a long-term outfielder who just is keeping third base warm until someone else emerges and takes his place.
Parmalee and Plouffe are actually in similar boats. Both are outfielders playing infield positions because the Twins need their skills there. They aren't great at those positions, but they are adequate.
I'm still wondering about Willingham as well. IF the Twins wanted to get maximum value for him, NOW would be the time to actually trade him. He had a career-year and is known to be injury-prone.
I don't think the Twins are done looking for someone to trade him for. They still need infield help and would probably consider more starting pitching.
Scary as it seems, I fear the Twins are not done surprising their shrinking fan base.
Sadly, I'm getting pretty good at this predicting thing, as yesterday the Twins did send Revere packing. That means we got rid of two really, really good center fielders in less than a week, while acquiring pitching "talent" that has a great deal of question marks.
I'm not very happy right now. Vance Worley BETTER be the pitcher he was as a rookie TWO seasons ago and not the injury-ridden loser he became last year. And Trevor May better be a lot better than his record indicates as well.
It feels like the Twins are already punting the 2013 season so that they have a chance of being better in 2014. And, right now, the price they are paying for that chance seems a bit too high.
It seems weird. Twins fans didn't mind losing an established starter like Span, but now that we lost his up and coming replacement, we are up in arms. I understand the sentiment, but I'm more irritated that we traded BOTH of them. We really should have kept at least ONE of the two. Revere has the greater upside and I was hoping he would be OUR star of the future and not somebody else's, but I'm just ticked that we think our best YOUNG inexpensive players are the guys we need to deal in the first place.
The Twins philosophy is now officially changing. Guys like Span and Revere USED to be the guys we invested in. They were the guys we knew would turn it all around for us given time. NOW we are playing the same stupid game all losing teams play. We are signing established stars like Morneau and Mauer to long-term payroll sucking deals when we should be letting THEM go. The money we save by not giving them $40 million a year is the money we would then spend on one or two established free agent pitchers while signing guys like Revere and Span to long-term REASONABLE deals until we could no longer afford their demands.
By doing it this way, we are wasting our minor league system.
On the plus side, Aaron Hicks is SUPPOSED to be the best all-around center fielder in our entire organization. The Twins appear to be handing him that job for next season, and for all I know he will become the Twins next Kirby Puckett. It just seems like such a stretch that we would move out TWO of our best outfielders to make room for one who is only POTENTIALLY going to be good.
And even though we have a lot of outfielders, it's not like we have a lot of really GOOD outfielders.
IF we don't get any (or lose any) more outfielders by the beginning of next season, our outfield next season will be Willingham, Hicks, and Parmalee. Potentially, that's alot more power than we've had there for awhile.
But who are the back-ups? Joe Benson will probably be on the major league roster out of necessity. His stock dropped like a rock last season, but he's kind of the next in line based on who our "next best" philosophy. Just a year ago he was mentioned in the same breath as Revere and Hicks as a sure-fire future star. He's not looked at that way anymore. Next? Oswaldo Arcia. But he was in single A ball most of last season.
The Twins still do not like Plouffe at third base. They LOVE his offense but hate his defense. There's already a lot of discussion about him spending more time in the outfield this coming season if we could find ANYBODY in our organization to play a good third base. I think the Twins consider Plouffe a long-term outfielder who just is keeping third base warm until someone else emerges and takes his place.
Parmalee and Plouffe are actually in similar boats. Both are outfielders playing infield positions because the Twins need their skills there. They aren't great at those positions, but they are adequate.
I'm still wondering about Willingham as well. IF the Twins wanted to get maximum value for him, NOW would be the time to actually trade him. He had a career-year and is known to be injury-prone.
I don't think the Twins are done looking for someone to trade him for. They still need infield help and would probably consider more starting pitching.
Scary as it seems, I fear the Twins are not done surprising their shrinking fan base.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Harvin's Season Is Over
Go ahead and play Ponder. We're not going to win any more games this year any way.
Wolves Lose
I tried watching some of the game last night, but it was so hard. Aftr watching them nail 13 3s on Tuesday, it was hard watching them miss so many of them last night. Worse? They only made 14 of 30 free throws. Kevin Love is not the same player since the hand injury. Yes, the Celtics are good, but if just a couple of more threes had dropped and the Wolves had made 6 more free throws, it would have been a much better game.
They lost by 10.
They still have not beaten KG and the Celtics since Garnett joined the Celts. That goes all the way back to 2007.
They lost by 10.
They still have not beaten KG and the Celtics since Garnett joined the Celts. That goes all the way back to 2007.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Ben Revere
As much as the Twins would LIKE to keep both Ben Revere and Josh Willingham, teams with extra good pitchers (that the Twins want and need) are asking for either Revere or Willingham in exchange.
Revere is still especially vulnerable to trade because of the low cost needed in keeping him.
IF the Twins do trade for another starter, don't be surprised to find out Revere is part of the deal. The Twins need starters more than outfielders and guys with contracts like Justin Moeneau aren't even in the discussion.
Mauer aand Morneau are both anchors at this point weighing down our entire payroll. No one wants to give up anyone good for salaries that high. IF the Twins trade either, it will primarily be to get rid of their salaries, NOT to get anybody good in return. Boston is said to be making regular inquiries about Mauer, but they are only offering low ranked minor leaguers in exchange.
The winter meetings will produce some results in the near future for the Twins. If you have a particular favorite on the roster, don't be too attached to any of them. Gardy was quoted kind of humorously yesterday that they are willing to trade the whole team. The humor was there, but so was the intent.
This upcoming Twins roster could look very different from last year's squad, especially since the Twins have stated that they see Diamond as their number THREE starter. That means they plan on acquiring TWO more starters who are better. Those two starters won't come cheap.
It's possible that we'll try getting a starter via free agency, but the only guy we might be able to afford that way is 35-year-old Ryan Dempster. He'll be looking for a contract in the 3-year, $40 million range.
There are other mid-range starters available who will come cheap. But guys like Shaun Marcum, Joe Blanton, Brett Myers, and John Lannan aren't ONE and TWO starters or better than Diamond. They wouldn't be much different than the starters who were average last season for the Twins.
I'm glad the winter meetings are finally here. And I'm also glad that the Twins realize that who they have right now aren't exactly setting the world on fire.
My one reservation was that the starting five at the END of last season was way better than the starting five at the beginning of last season. I hope they give a couple of them a real chance, along with the already accepted Diamond. Getting other team's rejects isn't going to make us any better either.
Revere is still especially vulnerable to trade because of the low cost needed in keeping him.
IF the Twins do trade for another starter, don't be surprised to find out Revere is part of the deal. The Twins need starters more than outfielders and guys with contracts like Justin Moeneau aren't even in the discussion.
Mauer aand Morneau are both anchors at this point weighing down our entire payroll. No one wants to give up anyone good for salaries that high. IF the Twins trade either, it will primarily be to get rid of their salaries, NOT to get anybody good in return. Boston is said to be making regular inquiries about Mauer, but they are only offering low ranked minor leaguers in exchange.
The winter meetings will produce some results in the near future for the Twins. If you have a particular favorite on the roster, don't be too attached to any of them. Gardy was quoted kind of humorously yesterday that they are willing to trade the whole team. The humor was there, but so was the intent.
This upcoming Twins roster could look very different from last year's squad, especially since the Twins have stated that they see Diamond as their number THREE starter. That means they plan on acquiring TWO more starters who are better. Those two starters won't come cheap.
It's possible that we'll try getting a starter via free agency, but the only guy we might be able to afford that way is 35-year-old Ryan Dempster. He'll be looking for a contract in the 3-year, $40 million range.
There are other mid-range starters available who will come cheap. But guys like Shaun Marcum, Joe Blanton, Brett Myers, and John Lannan aren't ONE and TWO starters or better than Diamond. They wouldn't be much different than the starters who were average last season for the Twins.
I'm glad the winter meetings are finally here. And I'm also glad that the Twins realize that who they have right now aren't exactly setting the world on fire.
My one reservation was that the starting five at the END of last season was way better than the starting five at the beginning of last season. I hope they give a couple of them a real chance, along with the already accepted Diamond. Getting other team's rejects isn't going to make us any better either.
Robin Yount Shoots Cubs Manager
I don't know what it is about quail hunting, but remind me never to do it.
A few stray BBs from Yount's gun hit Cubs manager, Dale Sveum, in the back and ear as Yount lost track of WHERE his hunting buddy was during the hunt.
The scary part? Sveum was quoted as saying this type of thing happens all the time. He wasn't worried, just bloody.
Again, remind me not to go quail hunting. Or hunting in general for that matter.
A few stray BBs from Yount's gun hit Cubs manager, Dale Sveum, in the back and ear as Yount lost track of WHERE his hunting buddy was during the hunt.
The scary part? Sveum was quoted as saying this type of thing happens all the time. He wasn't worried, just bloody.
Again, remind me not to go quail hunting. Or hunting in general for that matter.
Wolves Win
Kevin Love got to sit on the bench much of the night as it was pretty much a blowout win. With Love on the bench, all the players contributed nicely. A balanced win, this looked like a pre-Love game.
They still have it. Now if they can just figure out how to keep it.
The Wizards won just their second game last night. That they beat LeBron and the Heat made that win pretty sweet.
They still have it. Now if they can just figure out how to keep it.
The Wizards won just their second game last night. That they beat LeBron and the Heat made that win pretty sweet.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
RG3
RG3 was very, very good last night. His QB rating for the year is over 104 and he also went over 700 rushing yards for the season.
It's fun seeing a quarterback who actually looks like he knows what's going on.
Great game. Great win. That it came at the expense of the Giants is just a bonus.
The funny thing is both the Redskins and the Vikings have identical 6-6 records. One team is definitely on a roll though. The other has rolled over and is playing dead.
Washington fans are looking forward to their future. Vikings fans are dreading theirs.
It's fun seeing a quarterback who actually looks like he knows what's going on.
Great game. Great win. That it came at the expense of the Giants is just a bonus.
The funny thing is both the Redskins and the Vikings have identical 6-6 records. One team is definitely on a roll though. The other has rolled over and is playing dead.
Washington fans are looking forward to their future. Vikings fans are dreading theirs.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Head Coach Benches Inept QB
Rex Ryan is also very stubborn, but even he had enough of Mark Sanchez's horrible play and decided that it was finally time to switch quarterbacks in New York. Since Tim Tebow wasn't available because of broken ribs, he went with McElroy who pulled out an ugly 7-6 win.
An ugly win is WAY bettter than a stinky loss.
As the picture shows, Sanchez was not a happy camper sitting on the bench.
An ugly win is WAY bettter than a stinky loss.
As the picture shows, Sanchez was not a happy camper sitting on the bench.
Vikings
36 yards passing. 5 for 11 with TWO interceptions.
Those were Ponder's stats with 3 and a half minutes left in the game and his team trailing by 9 points.
AFTER the game, coach Frazier said he'd like to see more improvement with Ponder in his NEXT start against the Bears.
What else can be said? Nothing is going to change unless Ziggy does it. I watched the post game show on channel 9 yesterday after the game and it was pretty obvious that every Vikings fan is sick of what Frazier is doing to this team.
There's stubborn, and then there's Leslie Frazier STUBBORN. It's not just that Ponder was bad, he also made bad decisions. On second down he FORCED both of his interceptions. Either one of those drives could have/should have been TDs, or at least field goals. And he's been doing this for most of the season.
We don't have 6 wins because of Ponder, we have 6 wins because of absolutely incredible performances by guys like Harvin and Peterson. How is it remotely possible that a back can get 200 yards rushing by the end of the third quarter and his team STILL does not pick up the win?
We're in uncharted territory here. We've never had a QB this bad AND a head coach this bad at the same time before. Nothing WILL change until someone with authority changes it.
I remember when the Vikes were 5-2 and I was a lone voice crying in the wilderness telling everybody who would listen that it was time to get Ponder out of there before the entire season collapses. I even told people HOW we were winning and it was not because of Ponder but in spite of him. I said that HIS type of bad play would eventually catch up with us. We're now 6-6, quite possibly heading for a 6-10 season (maybe 7-10) and I think it's safe to say that Ponder's inept play has caught up with him.
Let me make this perfectly clear. It bears repeating. Ponder was horrible WHEN we were winning, too. It's just that the rest of the team was performing at such a high level, he didn't hurt us enough to lose those games.
Leslie Frazier may be one of the nicest people in the world, but he should not be coaching this football team. Christian Ponder should be cut, or at least demoted to third string as soon as possible. Let's stop saying the reason we're losing is because Ponder doesn't have "anybody to thow to" I counted FIVE wide open receivers yesterday who could have caught Ponders passes if he hadn't thrown them way over their heads or bounced them in front of their feet. I also counted three great catches by Rudolph yesterday where Ponder threw three more horrible passes. AND these were not DIFFICULT passes. He wasn't under pressure and there wasn't much distance involved. He simply throws horribly.
I could rant more, but we're all pretty much sick of the Vikings. Ziggy is lucky we got him a new stadium. Nobody would vote for it now.
Ziggy, PLEASE fire Frazier, and give your team and your fans a morale boost. Give us something to cheer about.
On a brighter note:
My Packers won yesterday and the Bears lost in OT. The Packers actually played pretty poorly against their inept opponents, so as much as I want to root for them, I don't think they'll be doing much this post season. Rogers was as sharp and as elusive as ever, but their defense REALLY misses Clay Matthews. The Pack is tied with the Bears with FOUR games to go, though. Not bad for team that started so badly.
Go Packers!
Those were Ponder's stats with 3 and a half minutes left in the game and his team trailing by 9 points.
AFTER the game, coach Frazier said he'd like to see more improvement with Ponder in his NEXT start against the Bears.
What else can be said? Nothing is going to change unless Ziggy does it. I watched the post game show on channel 9 yesterday after the game and it was pretty obvious that every Vikings fan is sick of what Frazier is doing to this team.
There's stubborn, and then there's Leslie Frazier STUBBORN. It's not just that Ponder was bad, he also made bad decisions. On second down he FORCED both of his interceptions. Either one of those drives could have/should have been TDs, or at least field goals. And he's been doing this for most of the season.
We don't have 6 wins because of Ponder, we have 6 wins because of absolutely incredible performances by guys like Harvin and Peterson. How is it remotely possible that a back can get 200 yards rushing by the end of the third quarter and his team STILL does not pick up the win?
We're in uncharted territory here. We've never had a QB this bad AND a head coach this bad at the same time before. Nothing WILL change until someone with authority changes it.
I remember when the Vikes were 5-2 and I was a lone voice crying in the wilderness telling everybody who would listen that it was time to get Ponder out of there before the entire season collapses. I even told people HOW we were winning and it was not because of Ponder but in spite of him. I said that HIS type of bad play would eventually catch up with us. We're now 6-6, quite possibly heading for a 6-10 season (maybe 7-10) and I think it's safe to say that Ponder's inept play has caught up with him.
Let me make this perfectly clear. It bears repeating. Ponder was horrible WHEN we were winning, too. It's just that the rest of the team was performing at such a high level, he didn't hurt us enough to lose those games.
Leslie Frazier may be one of the nicest people in the world, but he should not be coaching this football team. Christian Ponder should be cut, or at least demoted to third string as soon as possible. Let's stop saying the reason we're losing is because Ponder doesn't have "anybody to thow to" I counted FIVE wide open receivers yesterday who could have caught Ponders passes if he hadn't thrown them way over their heads or bounced them in front of their feet. I also counted three great catches by Rudolph yesterday where Ponder threw three more horrible passes. AND these were not DIFFICULT passes. He wasn't under pressure and there wasn't much distance involved. He simply throws horribly.
I could rant more, but we're all pretty much sick of the Vikings. Ziggy is lucky we got him a new stadium. Nobody would vote for it now.
Ziggy, PLEASE fire Frazier, and give your team and your fans a morale boost. Give us something to cheer about.
On a brighter note:
My Packers won yesterday and the Bears lost in OT. The Packers actually played pretty poorly against their inept opponents, so as much as I want to root for them, I don't think they'll be doing much this post season. Rogers was as sharp and as elusive as ever, but their defense REALLY misses Clay Matthews. The Pack is tied with the Bears with FOUR games to go, though. Not bad for team that started so badly.
Go Packers!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Riddle of the Day
Question: What do you call a team that managed to lose Span as their centerfielder?
Answer: Denarded
Answer: Denarded
Vikings/Packers
Most Vikings fans I talked to this week think that Aaron Rodgers is going to decimate our defense. I'm going along with that.
I'll probably be able to see most of the game today, but most likely will quit watching before halftime.
Harvin still can't play and Adrian is now reaching the point of the season where he always gets tired. We have no passing attack, and Ponder looks as lost and green as any rookie who ever played QB in the NFL.
It's also AT Green Bay.
None of this looks good for the Vikings.
At the same time, as hard as it is to believe, IF the Vikings win today they'll be TIED with Green Bay for second place in the division. The game still matters. That is the most interesting thing of the whole game. It's game TWELVE of the season and the Vikings are still "battling" for a playoff spot.
I probably won't have any comments on the game today unless the Vikings somehow manage to win.
In other words, don't expect any comments from me.
I'll probably be able to see most of the game today, but most likely will quit watching before halftime.
Harvin still can't play and Adrian is now reaching the point of the season where he always gets tired. We have no passing attack, and Ponder looks as lost and green as any rookie who ever played QB in the NFL.
It's also AT Green Bay.
None of this looks good for the Vikings.
At the same time, as hard as it is to believe, IF the Vikings win today they'll be TIED with Green Bay for second place in the division. The game still matters. That is the most interesting thing of the whole game. It's game TWELVE of the season and the Vikings are still "battling" for a playoff spot.
I probably won't have any comments on the game today unless the Vikings somehow manage to win.
In other words, don't expect any comments from me.
College Football
Bama beat Georgia last night in a really, really great game. Georgia needed to go 85 yards in a minute and 18 seconds to get a touchdown and pull off the upset. They made it 81 yards as time ran ran out.
Alabama had over 350 yards rushing and Georgia stayed close with a more balanced attack. In the end number TWO beat number THREE, and number Four (Florida) whose only loss this year was to number three Georgia could only sit home and watch.
Without a "scheduled playoff" college football pulled off perhaps its greatest season ever. And there's still a Natioanl Championship game to look forward to in January between number ONE Notre Dame and number Two Alabama.
Last night's GREAT game would have been meaningless if they had a four game tournament in the post season. Instead we saw them playing for it all LAST night, both teams knowing there was no tomorrow for the loser.
Super game. Super season.
With one more game to go.
Alabama had over 350 yards rushing and Georgia stayed close with a more balanced attack. In the end number TWO beat number THREE, and number Four (Florida) whose only loss this year was to number three Georgia could only sit home and watch.
Without a "scheduled playoff" college football pulled off perhaps its greatest season ever. And there's still a Natioanl Championship game to look forward to in January between number ONE Notre Dame and number Two Alabama.
Last night's GREAT game would have been meaningless if they had a four game tournament in the post season. Instead we saw them playing for it all LAST night, both teams knowing there was no tomorrow for the loser.
Super game. Super season.
With one more game to go.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
NBA
The Wolves won last night despite Kevin Love having the flu. Russian rookie guard Alexy Shved scored 10 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter. Another step in the T-wolves finding someone, ANYONE who can hit the shot late in the game when it matters.
Commissioner Stern fined San Antonio $250,000 for benching their premium players one night earlier in a nationally televised game on TNT against the champion Heat. There's a lot of discussion on sports shows and blogger sites about this fine. MOST think Stern is insane.
As I indicated yesterday, I agree with what most are saying. Eventually this type of "protecting the league at the cost of the team" mentality will become enough of an issue that owners will need to address it. San Antonio has A LOT of aging veterans. To keep them fresh throughout te season, a coach NEEDS to take time to rest them. It's best for the team, and in the long-run the LEAGUE.
The story isn't over and It's just another reason it's so hard to stomach the NBA brand of basketball...
Commissioner Stern fined San Antonio $250,000 for benching their premium players one night earlier in a nationally televised game on TNT against the champion Heat. There's a lot of discussion on sports shows and blogger sites about this fine. MOST think Stern is insane.
As I indicated yesterday, I agree with what most are saying. Eventually this type of "protecting the league at the cost of the team" mentality will become enough of an issue that owners will need to address it. San Antonio has A LOT of aging veterans. To keep them fresh throughout te season, a coach NEEDS to take time to rest them. It's best for the team, and in the long-run the LEAGUE.
The story isn't over and It's just another reason it's so hard to stomach the NBA brand of basketball...
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