The Vikings are ALMOST guaranteed to be the second seed in the NFC play-offs.
The only way that they don't get a bye next week?
They lose to the Bears today.
AND Carolina wins.
AND New Orleans loses.
AND the Rams lose.
Odds in Vegas? The Vikings have a 99.6% chance of being the second seed.
Of course, a win today over the Bears makes it easy. I don't think the Vikings ever do "easy", so we'll have to wait and see.
Skol Vikings!
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Vikings
The Vikings are going to be missing their rookie center tomorrow. He's got a banged up shoulder. Winning tomorrow and gaining a first round bye would allow the O-Line a chance to do some healing.
Sam Bradford says his knee is finally healed and he expects to be added to the roster next week. Personally, I'd prefer a healthy Bradford as the play-off back-up QB over any other choice.
Teddy is not ready, no matter what the coaching staff says...
Sam Bradford says his knee is finally healed and he expects to be added to the roster next week. Personally, I'd prefer a healthy Bradford as the play-off back-up QB over any other choice.
Teddy is not ready, no matter what the coaching staff says...
Friday, December 29, 2017
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Monday, December 25, 2017
Vikings Defense
Number ONE in the NFL for fewest points given up per game: 16.1
Number ONE in the NFL for fewest yards given up per game: 280.9
Number ONE in the NFL for fewest yards given up per game: 280.9
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Vikings!
Not much offense (about 250 yards).
Not much scoring (only 16 points).
The Packers threatened twice, but had two INTs and a dropped TD catch.
BUT, the Vikes won (in a shutout!).
One more win guarantees them a bye week. The twelve wins we have now? The most since 2009.
IF Philly loses their last two and we win our last? Home-field advantage for as long as they're alive in the playoffs. Okay, that's unlikely, but it's still on the table...
Skol Vikings!
Not much scoring (only 16 points).
The Packers threatened twice, but had two INTs and a dropped TD catch.
BUT, the Vikes won (in a shutout!).
One more win guarantees them a bye week. The twelve wins we have now? The most since 2009.
IF Philly loses their last two and we win our last? Home-field advantage for as long as they're alive in the playoffs. Okay, that's unlikely, but it's still on the table...
Skol Vikings!
Saturday, December 23, 2017
The Vikings
Normally I'd like it that the Vikings are heavy favorites going into Green Bay, but not the way it is now.
It will be cold. It will be dark. And Green Bay (its fans and the team) will be out for blood because it was OUR guy who put THEIR guy out for the season and cost them THEIR season.
First, the cold.
Cold has always been the great equalizer, especially for a home team that is more used to playing in it. Minnesota might be the coldest state south of the arctic circle, but the team plays in the most advanced technological climate controlled stadium in the world. It's what we now call the new Minnesota nice as it's downright comfortable to play in Minnesota now.
Green Bay? What a dump. The only reason you can put 50,000 people in their stadium is because they have to sit on each other's laps. And they need to huddle up like that to stay warm. I make fun of the conditions but I certainly don't look forward to them.
Cold is cold.
The body does not respond properly in it. You throw the ball differently. You drop the ball more often because its harder and the fingers can't feel it right. The body moves and responds slower in cold. And you find yourself with more holding calls because of it.
AND, most importantly, your body simply does not want to be out in it. That's a survival response. You'd rather be sitting on the bench in a warm parka with space heaters.
And the kickers? Let's just say nobody's going to set any distance records in this game.
The night?
The Vikings historically play terribly under the lights. The only time in our entire history where we played well in primetime was when Randy Moss was there. Otherwise we stink with nothing but fake lighting in an outdoor stadium.
Revenge factor:
Green Bay will want to hurt Case Keenum. Somebody (maybe more than one somebody), before the night is over, will try their best to hit Keenum more than they are allowed. It doesn't matter that game footage of our guy hitting their guy was legit from every angle. Their guy whined "foul" and now everyone in Green Bay has sworn a secret blood oath to get back at the team that destroyed their season.
Because of all of these factors, I fully expect not to enjoy the game tonight.
At least their guy is done for the season.
snicker
It will be cold. It will be dark. And Green Bay (its fans and the team) will be out for blood because it was OUR guy who put THEIR guy out for the season and cost them THEIR season.
First, the cold.
Cold has always been the great equalizer, especially for a home team that is more used to playing in it. Minnesota might be the coldest state south of the arctic circle, but the team plays in the most advanced technological climate controlled stadium in the world. It's what we now call the new Minnesota nice as it's downright comfortable to play in Minnesota now.
Green Bay? What a dump. The only reason you can put 50,000 people in their stadium is because they have to sit on each other's laps. And they need to huddle up like that to stay warm. I make fun of the conditions but I certainly don't look forward to them.
Cold is cold.
The body does not respond properly in it. You throw the ball differently. You drop the ball more often because its harder and the fingers can't feel it right. The body moves and responds slower in cold. And you find yourself with more holding calls because of it.
AND, most importantly, your body simply does not want to be out in it. That's a survival response. You'd rather be sitting on the bench in a warm parka with space heaters.
And the kickers? Let's just say nobody's going to set any distance records in this game.
The night?
The Vikings historically play terribly under the lights. The only time in our entire history where we played well in primetime was when Randy Moss was there. Otherwise we stink with nothing but fake lighting in an outdoor stadium.
Revenge factor:
Green Bay will want to hurt Case Keenum. Somebody (maybe more than one somebody), before the night is over, will try their best to hit Keenum more than they are allowed. It doesn't matter that game footage of our guy hitting their guy was legit from every angle. Their guy whined "foul" and now everyone in Green Bay has sworn a secret blood oath to get back at the team that destroyed their season.
Because of all of these factors, I fully expect not to enjoy the game tonight.
At least their guy is done for the season.
snicker
Friday, December 22, 2017
Vince McMahon
Vince sold $100 million of his WWE stock to invest in other sports properties. Most think he's eying another run at pro football. Some think he's ready to resurrect the XFL.
I still think the XFL WAS a good idea, but one man should not (and could not) own a whole league.
My plan? And it's the same plan I had years ago when the XFL was starting, make sure you have a team in every NFL city. AND each team should have their own owner or investment groups. That way you have investors investing for the long run.
Set up a five-year plan and get several networks on board, not just one or two, maybe even showing some games Saturday afternoon on the WWE's own network.
AND invest in some of the big name stars that college and the NFL have right now.
Make it big. Don't settle for small.
The NFL is ripe for picking. It's time to harvest.
I would welcome 12 more weeks of football at the end of the NFL season. Just before baseball heats up. I figure if people get interested in 20-25 major college football teams and the NFL, there should be enough players to stock another league.
Be creative. And make it fun instead of banning fun.
Go Vince!
I still think the XFL WAS a good idea, but one man should not (and could not) own a whole league.
My plan? And it's the same plan I had years ago when the XFL was starting, make sure you have a team in every NFL city. AND each team should have their own owner or investment groups. That way you have investors investing for the long run.
Set up a five-year plan and get several networks on board, not just one or two, maybe even showing some games Saturday afternoon on the WWE's own network.
AND invest in some of the big name stars that college and the NFL have right now.
Make it big. Don't settle for small.
The NFL is ripe for picking. It's time to harvest.
I would welcome 12 more weeks of football at the end of the NFL season. Just before baseball heats up. I figure if people get interested in 20-25 major college football teams and the NFL, there should be enough players to stock another league.
Be creative. And make it fun instead of banning fun.
Go Vince!
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Rodgers
Since the Pack is eliminated from the playoffs, Green Bay has decided to place Aaron Rodgers on IR.
He is done for the season.
The Vikings schedule just got better the rest of the way.
IF the Vikings win out and the Eagles lose both, the Vikings will have home field advantage through the Super Bowl.
There are other scenarios as well, but until the Vikings actually win this Saturday, they aren't worth getting into.
Skol Vikings!
He is done for the season.
The Vikings schedule just got better the rest of the way.
IF the Vikings win out and the Eagles lose both, the Vikings will have home field advantage through the Super Bowl.
There are other scenarios as well, but until the Vikings actually win this Saturday, they aren't worth getting into.
Skol Vikings!
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Wolves Wins By ONE!
Against a good Portland team. Like I've been saying all year, a one-game losing streak is better than a 5-game losing streak.
But really good teams (Golden State, Cleveland, Boston) put together long winning streaks.
I'm still waiting for one of those...
But really good teams (Golden State, Cleveland, Boston) put together long winning streaks.
I'm still waiting for one of those...
Monday, December 18, 2017
Vikings!
Everything was great for the Vikings yesterday until Teddy Bridgewater made his return early in the fourth quarter. He looked very uncomfortable out there and cost the Vikings a shutout.
Hopefully that won't bother them as they prepare for next week's Packer game.
On defense and offense the Vikings were overwhelming and smooth. Their only downfall? Way more penalties than usual.
The Giants came close to upsetting the Eagles yesterday. The Steelers gave the Patriots a scare.
I'm just glad the Vikings have Case Keenum. IF he stays healthy I think the Vikings have real chance this season.
OH, And they should offer him a big money deal before it's too late!!
Hopefully that won't bother them as they prepare for next week's Packer game.
On defense and offense the Vikings were overwhelming and smooth. Their only downfall? Way more penalties than usual.
The Giants came close to upsetting the Eagles yesterday. The Steelers gave the Patriots a scare.
I'm just glad the Vikings have Case Keenum. IF he stays healthy I think the Vikings have real chance this season.
OH, And they should offer him a big money deal before it's too late!!
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Wolves Lose At Home
To a rotten Phoenix team.
By TWO!
That's why I never get too excited about the Wolves.
Deep down inside, they are still the Wolves.
By TWO!
That's why I never get too excited about the Wolves.
Deep down inside, they are still the Wolves.
Football
A Saturday afternoon and the NFL games are on the NFL Network?
sigh
That's one channel that NEEDS to die a quick death...
I don't take the Bengals lightly. ESPN has the Steelers number one in their rankings and it looked like the Bengals should have beaten them last week.
There are no easy teams in the NFL.
Okay, Cleveland, but that's it...
sigh
That's one channel that NEEDS to die a quick death...
I don't take the Bengals lightly. ESPN has the Steelers number one in their rankings and it looked like the Bengals should have beaten them last week.
There are no easy teams in the NFL.
Okay, Cleveland, but that's it...
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Kyle Rudolph
Minnesota has said they will not let Rudolph play in any Vikings games.
This week. Sprained ankle.
This week. Sprained ankle.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Twins Have New Closer
Fernando Rodney, 39 saves last year for Arizona, signed a 1-year, $6 million deal yesterday.
They wanted Kinzler back, but he signed a 2-year deal with the Nationals a few hours earlier.
All of our closers the last few years have been excellent. Rodney, hopefully, should be no different.
I'm dreaming of a Super Bowl Championship, an NBA Championship, and World Series champions as a Minnesota fan.
I'm sure to be disappointed, but sports have been a lot more fun these last few months...
They wanted Kinzler back, but he signed a 2-year deal with the Nationals a few hours earlier.
All of our closers the last few years have been excellent. Rodney, hopefully, should be no different.
I'm dreaming of a Super Bowl Championship, an NBA Championship, and World Series champions as a Minnesota fan.
I'm sure to be disappointed, but sports have been a lot more fun these last few months...
Wolves Coast To Easy Win
They beat a bad team easily.
That's what good teams are suppose to do.
I'm starting to think of the Wolves as a good team.
It's funny how things work that way...
That's what good teams are suppose to do.
I'm starting to think of the Wolves as a good team.
It's funny how things work that way...
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Sports
Not much happening from a Minnesota perspective. Adrian Peterson is still out with a neck injury for the Cardinals. He had one good game with them after being traded from the Saints. Did anybody else notice that the Saints became the best rushing team in football AFTER getting rid of him?
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Aaron Rodgers
He's been cleared to play.
Their season isn't over yet.
I just wish the Vikes could have played the Packers once without Rodgers...
Well, we sort of did that first game...
Their season isn't over yet.
I just wish the Vikes could have played the Packers once without Rodgers...
Well, we sort of did that first game...
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Stanton and the Yankees
Miami couldn't win with Stanton and his contract.
New York couldn't win the World Series with the best hitting home run producers in baseball.
The solution? Get the BEST home run hitter to join your team for even more ammo.
The Yankees and their payroll. There are entire countries in the world that don't have their budget.
The Yankees, buying World Series titles, a billion dollars at a time.
New York couldn't win the World Series with the best hitting home run producers in baseball.
The solution? Get the BEST home run hitter to join your team for even more ammo.
The Yankees and their payroll. There are entire countries in the world that don't have their budget.
The Yankees, buying World Series titles, a billion dollars at a time.
Football
Philly lost their starting quarterback Sunday, and the Patriots lost their game last night.
Suddenly, the Superbowl picture is wide open.
Cool!
Suddenly, the Superbowl picture is wide open.
Cool!
Monday, December 11, 2017
Disappointing Loss
The best thing I can say about yesterday's loss is this, as bad as the Vikings played, they still could have easily won the game with two minutes to go.
How many teams could play their absolute worst game of the season and say that?
The defense, especially on those two HUGE running plays let us down. And they had two STUPID third and really long penalties that ended up giving Carolina first downs and extended drives leading to points. It hurt. Big time.
The usually sure-handed Viking receivers dropped 4 touchdown passes (to be fair it would have led to two touchdowns since multiple passes were dropped on the same series) and Rudolph dropped an easy pass in open field that would have given the Vikings great field position, instead we were forced to punt and Carolina scored on their next possession. Or how about the dropped pass that was bobbled up in the air and intercepted. Or the incomplete forward pass that traveled 15 yards in the air and was ruled a fumble... or... or...
...you get the idea.
If any ONE of those plays would have went the other way, the Vikings STILL would have won.
How good must a team be to have all of those things go wrong and still just barely lose?
The next three weeks will tell us more.
It's still the best football season we've had since Favre's first year at QB and I'm not going to let that one loss ruin it.
Skol Vikings!!!
How many teams could play their absolute worst game of the season and say that?
The defense, especially on those two HUGE running plays let us down. And they had two STUPID third and really long penalties that ended up giving Carolina first downs and extended drives leading to points. It hurt. Big time.
The usually sure-handed Viking receivers dropped 4 touchdown passes (to be fair it would have led to two touchdowns since multiple passes were dropped on the same series) and Rudolph dropped an easy pass in open field that would have given the Vikings great field position, instead we were forced to punt and Carolina scored on their next possession. Or how about the dropped pass that was bobbled up in the air and intercepted. Or the incomplete forward pass that traveled 15 yards in the air and was ruled a fumble... or... or...
...you get the idea.
If any ONE of those plays would have went the other way, the Vikings STILL would have won.
How good must a team be to have all of those things go wrong and still just barely lose?
The next three weeks will tell us more.
It's still the best football season we've had since Favre's first year at QB and I'm not going to let that one loss ruin it.
Skol Vikings!!!
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Vikings
This is the Vikings third straight road game. And the Panthers need a win to stay competitive in the playoff picture.
It should be a good game. Like always, turnovers, missed kicks, injuries,or questionable officiating will probably determine the outcome.
Looking forward to seeing if the Vikings defense will dominate once more, and if Case and the offense can avoid costly turnovers.
It's absolutely amazing that this team is 10-2 right now. Hoping they can continue to soar.
It should be a good game. Like always, turnovers, missed kicks, injuries,or questionable officiating will probably determine the outcome.
Looking forward to seeing if the Vikings defense will dominate once more, and if Case and the offense can avoid costly turnovers.
It's absolutely amazing that this team is 10-2 right now. Hoping they can continue to soar.
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Twins
Instead of trying hard to get the Japanese star, Shohei Ohtani, the Twins are wisely trading their international bonus allocations (the only money they are allowed to offer international stars) to teams like the Mariners for their other major league prospects.
Yesterday, they bought the rights to a young Seattle catching prospect with a million dollars of that monopoly money that Seattle thinks they need to land Ohtani.
AND they are still in the running for this new Babe Ruth.
Smart.
Yesterday, they bought the rights to a young Seattle catching prospect with a million dollars of that monopoly money that Seattle thinks they need to land Ohtani.
AND they are still in the running for this new Babe Ruth.
Smart.
Wolves
The season is more than 30% over and the Wolves still are holding their own in the standings,
I'm still paying closer attention than I have anytime since Garnett was on the team the first time.
Go Wolves!
I'm still paying closer attention than I have anytime since Garnett was on the team the first time.
Go Wolves!
Friday, December 8, 2017
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Wolves Win
The Clippers are a bad team this year. The Wolves beat them.
That's the way it is suppose to work.
Go Wolves!
That's the way it is suppose to work.
Go Wolves!
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Vikings Now Third At ESPN
The Vikings are on an 8-game winning streak, something they haven't done since 1998, and even ESPN has to acknowledge the Vikings are a top 3 team after inexplicably dropping them to number 7 last week.
The Eagles loss to Seattle now drops them to number 2. Number one?
My OTHER team, the Patriots.
Skol Vikings!
The Eagles loss to Seattle now drops them to number 2. Number one?
My OTHER team, the Patriots.
Skol Vikings!
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Monday, December 4, 2017
Vikes Look Good
There wasn't a lot of offense in that game yesterday, but the Vikings game plan was short passes, lots of runs, and hold onto the ball while using all the game clock to their advantage.
As a result, Case Keenum was 25-30 with 227 yards passing and two TDs. The running game had 105 yards. AND the Viking defense was smothering (Atlanta was just 1-10 on third down. Matt Ryan's 30 straight games with a touchdown pass fell by the wayside.)
Consistent and methodical are the two best words to describe the Vikings yesterday.
With the Eagles losing, the Vikings are positioning themselves at a real chance for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. I keep waiting for the wheels to fall off this bus, but I'm growing more optimistic by the day.
Carolina lost to the Saints yesterday, so they are going to be desperate for a win next week at home against the Vikings.
I'm hoping that doesn't matter. I'm starting to think the Vikings are the better team.
Skol Vikings!
As a result, Case Keenum was 25-30 with 227 yards passing and two TDs. The running game had 105 yards. AND the Viking defense was smothering (Atlanta was just 1-10 on third down. Matt Ryan's 30 straight games with a touchdown pass fell by the wayside.)
Consistent and methodical are the two best words to describe the Vikings yesterday.
With the Eagles losing, the Vikings are positioning themselves at a real chance for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. I keep waiting for the wheels to fall off this bus, but I'm growing more optimistic by the day.
Carolina lost to the Saints yesterday, so they are going to be desperate for a win next week at home against the Vikings.
I'm hoping that doesn't matter. I'm starting to think the Vikings are the better team.
Skol Vikings!
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Football
I'm anticipating the Vikings game today. The Vikings schedule is not easy the rest of the way, BUT I think they should win more than they lose. This week and next will be tough.
Don't get blown out and don't get hurt.
That's the motto as you get closer to the playoffs!
Skol Vikings!
Last night's college conference championship games were a bit of a bust. Wisconsin needed a convincing win over Ohio State to make college playoff, instead they lost.
Miami picked the absolute worst time to have a two-game losing streak. They looked horrible against number one Clemson.
Alabama and Ohio State both want that last spot. Neither deserves it, but you need four teams for the playoff...
sigh
Don't get blown out and don't get hurt.
That's the motto as you get closer to the playoffs!
Skol Vikings!
Last night's college conference championship games were a bit of a bust. Wisconsin needed a convincing win over Ohio State to make college playoff, instead they lost.
Miami picked the absolute worst time to have a two-game losing streak. They looked horrible against number one Clemson.
Alabama and Ohio State both want that last spot. Neither deserves it, but you need four teams for the playoff...
sigh
Saturday, December 2, 2017
Case Keenum
NFC offensive player of the month, and people are still saying he's one poorly thrown interception away from being benched.
sigh
sigh
Wolves Lose
One win, one loss, one win, one loss...
repeat
I guess it's still better than losing 5 or 6 in a row, it's not like I want to spend much time watching them.
repeat
I guess it's still better than losing 5 or 6 in a row, it's not like I want to spend much time watching them.
Friday, December 1, 2017
Eli and More Football
Eli Manning will not start for the Giants this week. He's healthy, but old and worn out. His consecutive games started streak will end at 210. The Giants told Manning they were okay with starting the rest of the teams games, but they then would play their back-up in the second half.
Manning declined. He's seen the handwriting on the wall. His career is over.
The Cowboys kicked the Skins last night. That keeps their small play-off hope alive.
Manning declined. He's seen the handwriting on the wall. His career is over.
The Cowboys kicked the Skins last night. That keeps their small play-off hope alive.
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