Despite It All I'm Happy For You A.P.

In case some of my readers are not aware, I was a huge fan of Adrian Peterson.  So much so that I actually got his jersey.  Then came the incident where he physically abused his child.  I thought the NFL punishment ended up being unfair to the whole Vikings organization.  Peterson getting injured last year was a major bummer and the way the season ended was downright pitiful.  How Peterson treated the organization that stood by him through all that was another disappointment to me, but I was still sad to see him go.   The Saints were obviously not the best of landing spots for him.  I am glad that he is now with the Arizona Cardinals where we will get to see just what Adrian has left in the tank if anything.

And as long as I'm blogging about football, I might as well give me thoughts on the Vikings season so far.  It was a real downer losing Dalvin Cook for the season.  Having that kid in the backfield was pure excitement.   Both A.P. and Robert Smith came back from serious knee injuries to have solid careers with the Vikings.  Hopefully he's a quick healer like A.P. . 

And then there is Sam Bradford's knee and psychological state.  That poor guy just can't catch a break. Who knows whether or not he will take another snap for the Vikes. 

Because of both injuries above I am not real high on the Vikings chances this season.  However, I believe the Vikes still have a shot at making the playoffs.  Our Defense is playing well and our O-line play has definitely improved.  If we can somehow beat the Packers this week.  My confidence meter will go way up.   

3 Vikings Paths to the Superbowl This Year

It's now December and the Vikes at 8-3 are very much in the race to the Super Bowl at this point.  These are three paths on how I could see it happening.  Yes, this year.  All that has to happen is for one of them to happen in each of the games needed to get us there.

1. Vikings shut down D.

This Zimmer Defense is for real.  If they keep it dialed up, we could go.

Or

2. AP goes MVP.

He's proven he's still capable of going off.  If he does, we could go.

Or

3.  Teddy and our receiving core step forward.

Teddy and our receivers have played ok to mediocre all season.  We've got the weapons.  If he and our receiving core get hot, we could go.

Last Day of a Lost Season

There are things that I can be positive about this season, namely coach Zim, Defensive improvement, and Teddy.  But all those pail in comparison to the tragedy that was the fall of A.P..

In case you didn't know Adrian Peterson was my favorite player to watch in all of the NFL.  What he did to his kid sucks.  His punishment has sucked just about as much to me as a fan.  I don't think what he did to his kid was right or fair.  I don't think how the NFL handled it was right or fair either.  Two wrongs don't make a right.  Adrian should have been fined for the games he didn't play then been reinstated after the court ruled.  Instead Goodell decided to make an example out of Adrian, just as he did of Ray Rice.  I don't think Ray Rice was treated justly either.  I get it, both men made a mistake.  I think both men owned up to it, and were making amends.  Ray Rice's career as football player maybe over and Adrian's as a Viking maybe over.  Like I said, it's a tragedy.  

Skol Vikes!!!

I applaud them on the decision they have come to:

STATEMENT FROM VIKINGS OWNERSHIP 

REGARDING ADRIAN PETERSON

Eden Prairie, MN (September 17, 2014) – This has been an ongoing and deliberate process since last Friday's news. In conversations with the NFL over the last two days, the Vikings advised the League of the team's decision to revisit the situation regarding Adrian Peterson. In response, the League informed the team of the option to place Adrian on the Exempt/Commissioner's Permission list, which will require that Adrian remain away from all team activities while allowing him to take care of his personal situation until the legal proceedings are resolved. After giving the situation additional thought, we have decided this is the appropriate course of action for the organization and for Adrian.

We are always focused on trying to make the right decision as an organization. We embrace our role - and the responsibilities that go with it – as a leader in the community, as a business partner and as an organization that can build bridges with our fans and positively impact this great region. We appreciate and value the input we have received from our fans, our partners and the community. 

While we were trying to make a balanced decision yesterday, after further reflection we have concluded that this resolution is best for the Vikings and for Adrian. We want to be clear: we have a strong stance regarding the protection and welfare of children, and we want to be sure we get this right. At the same time we want to express our support for Adrian and acknowledge his seven-plus years of outstanding commitment to this organization and this community. Adrian emphasized his desire to avoid further distraction to his teammates and coaches while focusing on his current situation; this resolution accomplishes these objectives as well.

We will support Adrian during this legal and personal process, but we firmly believe and realize this is the right decision. We hope that all of our fans can respect the process that we have gone through to reach this final decision. – Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf

AP, I'm Disappointed!

Disappointment:  That is how I feel about how Adrian Peterson chose to discipline his 4 year old child.  He apparently was totally oblivious to the fact that he crossed a line into what is clearly unacceptable corporal discipline, especially for a child that young.  However, I am not appalled by his actions precisely because I don't believe he knew what he was doing was in fact abusive.  I think Adrian is now in the process of discovering that what he did was wrong.  I have little doubt that Adrian will "Get It."

Update: When I wrote this blog I was unsure of what the Vikings would choose to do with Adrian.  I was really hoping the rumors that he might be released were not true.  I was of the opinion that whatever the team chose to do in this situation I would just have to be OK with that.  I was frankly a little surprised/stunned that they chose to let him play this week.  After thinking about it for a day, I have grudgingly come to the opinion that the Vikings have made a mistake.  I really really want to give Adrian the benefit of the doubt, but in this case there isn't much there for anyone to doubt.  He clearly did abuse his kid.  That is not acceptable and making him sit only 1 game at this point isn't enough. I believe the right thing to do would have been to deactivate him for the next 3 games, which was within the teams power to do .  I say this with with great sadness.

As far as how the team did this week vs the Pats:  In light of how things went down I'm not that surprised at the result.  I do think the D played OK, well enough to give us a shot.  It was obviously the Special Teams and O that let us down this week.   Unfortunately I don't see us winning next week in New Orleans regardless of whether or not Adrian is back.



   

SKOL Vikings 2014!!!

Last year in my Skol Vikings post I listed 3 questions that needed to be answered for us to have a good season.  Needless to say they were all answered in a negative fashion.

1. AP didn't stay healthy.
2. Ponder wasn't the answer.
3. Our secondary was really really bad

At the end of last season I thought Frazier should have been given another year just like AP did. The way things have worked out with us getting Zimmer and Turner I am glad now that we didn't. I am really hopeful that Zimmer is going to turn things around.

Here are my 3 questions for this year for the Vikings to have a good year.

1.  Can Zimmer bring the defense back to respectability?  With the way our season starts with games against New England, Saints, Packers, and Atlanta we our going to need it and need it fast.  If we can force turnovers like we did this preseason then our D should be good to go.

2.  Can our O Line keep Cassel upright and give AP room to roam?  Last year O Line play was highly inconsistent.  We need Kalil to return to Pro Bowl form.

3. Can AP stay healthy and win another rushing title?  I know Norv wants to spread the ball around and get AP involved in the passing game, so maybe a rushing title is asking for a bit much;  But you can't put anything past what AP can do if he's healthy.   Whatever happens as long as AP is getting the rock a lot, I'm OK with it.

Prediction for the year:  I think we win at least 7 games minimum and possibly 11 if everything falls our way. If we can start 2-0 then everybody in our division better be on notice.

He's Loose!!!

AP's 82 Yard Touchdown vs. the Rams (Facebook)

I'll be giving my thoughts on the Vikes this season on Sunday.

Vikings Season Over- My Thoughts

I believe, like my brother Todd, that Coach Frazier deserves another season as head coach. However, unlike Todd I believe Offensive Coordinator Bill Musgrave deserves to stay as well.  D Coordinator needs to be gone.  Will I get my wish on this? Probably not, but I put it out there.  If Frazier is gone then Brian Billick is my first choice.

As far as how the season played out.  I am most disappointed with the way Peterson was used in the 3 game stretch from Carolina to Green Bay.  Seriously, what was our play calling about in those 3 games.  It's to bad he got injured at Baltimore, otherwise he would have been in the race for another rushing title this year.

I am equally disappointed that Ponder proved he was not up to the task. To me, the play out of Cassel was only marginally better and I believe the statistics back me up on that.  And like everyone else I have no clue what the deal with Freeman was all about.  I don't know what we should do about QB for next year.  I would prefer we go for a defensive player with our #1 draft pick rather than reaching for a QB..  It was clear to me this year that our #1 problem was our defense, not our QB play.  It will be interesting to see what our off season moves will be.

The biggest positive from the season has to be the play of Cordarrelle Patterson.  We got a bigger, stronger Percy Harvin.

   

My Thought On The Vikings Going Into The Bye

Well the 1st quarter of the season is in the books and the Vikes are lucky to not be 0-4 and unlucky to not be 3-1.  I will say this: the Browns were NOT who we thought they were.  Unfortunately we can't say the same thing about Ponder and our pass defense.  They are the two biggest reason's we are not 3-1.  Ponder has improved a little bit, but his turnovers have just killed us.   However, our porous Defense is the biggest reason we are not 3-1.  There is no way in heck we should have given up 31 points to the Browns at home.  There is little doubt at this point that we finish last in the North unless the Defense improves markedly.  I see no reason to be optimistic about that happening.

As far as Ponder versus Cassel, I think Ponder should ride the bench for a while.  Let him learn from Cassel.  I don't know that the Vikes have to give up on Ponder totally at this point.  He wasn't the only reason our Offense was struggled at times the first 3 weeks of the season.  There are times when Ponder flashes, but he is just too inconsistent. Our Offensive line really struggled against the Lions, Bears, and Browns.  Having Jerome Felton back makes a big difference in Peterson's play and no doubt the whole O line's play as well.  To me Felton's presence was as the big a factor in the win as Cassel.  I think had Felton been able to play the first three games we might have won both the Bears and Browns game.

I say let Cassel play and see where it takes us.  With our D, I don't think it will be very far.  If he can't take us beyond a .500 record over the next two quarters of the season then they should re-insert Ponder for the last 4 games of the season and see if he cleaned up his game.  If not it's time for a new QB plan next year.

SKOL Vikings!!!

Today is start of Vikings season and just like last year I don't know what to expect out of this team.  I can see us starting out at  4-0 or 1-3 in the first quarter of the season.

Here are the big three questions in my mind that will have to be answered this year for us to have a good season:

1. Can AP stay healthy and play at the same level as last year?

If he can, than it's going to be a fun team to watch no matter what happens.

2.  Is Ponder going to improve from last year or is he not the answer?

Ponder could improve from last season and we could still start out 1-3 and have a losing season if AP were to get hurt or if our defense doesn't hold up. If Ponder proves not to be the answer then we will almost certainly have a losing record this season.  If so we can hopefully get a franchise quarterback in next years draft.  

3.  Will our pass rush and young secondary hold up?

If our secondary sucks than we will almost certainly finish last in our Division this year.

Post Game Thoughts:  What a hot mess that game turned into.  Ponder as erratic and mistake filled as ever.  The O-Line not giving Ponder or AP much help.  Musgrave's questionable play calling not helping matters either. The Defense had as many or more issues than the Offense today.  Giving up 34 points in a game isn't acceptable.  This game reminded me a bit of the total team meltdown we had in Chicago last year.  Also I have to give credit to the Lions.  They could be a scary good team if they don't shoot themselves in the foot.

On the plus side AP, the receivers, and Walsh looked good for the most part..  I'm not optimistic about next weeks game in Chicago, but I think we have a shot at going into the bye 2-2.

Vikings Started Camp Today!

C.C.& A.P.M.V.P.

A great day for the Vikings franchise!!!

All Day also won Offensive Player of the Year and Top Fantasy Player of the Year.

That it took C.C. six try's to make the Hall is a scandal in my mind.  He was 2nd All-Time in TD catches when he retired.  He should have been 1st ballot, 2nd ballot max.

Either Birk or The Freak gets "The Ring", so it's a no lose Super Bowl from my perspective.

AP Just Short, But We WIN!!!

Kare 11 Facebook

Adrian rushed for 199 versus the Pack falling just 9 yards short of the all time NFL record for yards rushed in a season.  That does it, I'm getting a jersey.

Give AP The Rock! It's About Time

(Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn, USA TODAY Sports)

"68% Pass 32% rush on a day they were not shutting down Peterson. Peterson 18 carries for 106 yards. That was just absurd. He should of had 10 more carries, easily. Well there is always next week."

I wrote this two weeks ago when the Vikes played the Bears in Chicago.  Then last week Peterson had 210 on 21 carries versus Green Bay.  Once again I thought that was about 5-10 carries less than he should of had.

Finally this week we gave Peterson the Rock 31 times.  He went for 154 and 2 TD's and we beat the bears 21-14.  IT IS ABOUT TIME!!!

With Percy Harvin out for the season there is no reason why Peterson should't carry the ball on the order of the number snaps he did today.  The first game Percy was out versus the Lions Peterson carried the ball 27 times for 171 yards with 1TD and we won that game as well. Peterson is looking better than he ever has in his carrier and that's saying something.  The last seven games he has run well over 100 yards per game.  If Peterson can run at 5 yards or more per carry we've got to keep feeding him the ball. It makes no sense not to do it.

If it means that Ponder only attempts to throw the ball 21 times like he did in yesterday's game so be it.



 

I'm at a Loss!

How can Christian Ponder suck so bad?

I have been on Ponder's side up until now.  The game today in Green Bay was brutal. It was our game to win but 2 foolish 3rd Quarter interceptions while in fieldgoal range just killed us.  For the first time today I thought Ponder should have been benched.  The first interception was yet another terrible roll out throw against the grain that was off the mark right to a defender  who was waiting in the end zone.  Talk about a buzzkill to start the 2nd half.   At a minimum we should have been up 17-10.  Instead the Packers got a fieldgoal to cut our lead to 1 at 14-13.  Then we went 3 and out twice and the Packers scored   to go up 20 to 14.

So Peterson gets us going on another drive,  when Bam another INT. That second interception was it for me.  The play should have been a run as Peterson clearly had yet another huge whole to go through. But instead it was play action pass into disaster.  The ball should have never been thrown and it totally took the wind out of our sails.  The Pack went on a very long drive, kicked a fieldgoal and it was pretty much game over at 23 to 14.

23-14, Seriously!!!  No second half points, Seriously!!!  Peterson rushes for 210 in three quarters and we get 14 points, Seriously!!!  Aggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

I hope the team takes this loss better than I have.  I'm totally deflated.

Vikes Disappoint Tonight

I wish tonight's game would have been in Tampa Bay because the Vikings didn't show up ready to play.  We started out down 13 to nothing and it never got closer than 6 points for a brief time in the 2nd quarter.  The Vikings have to have the Defense play better than they did for us to have a chance.  They were probably still a bit winded from Sunday when the Cardinals easily owned the time of possession. Plain and simply it looked like The Bucs wanted this one more.

Ponder seems to be getting pounded on Facebook by a lot of the fans, but his numbers tonight weren't that much different than Freeman's.  He was sacked 3 times and was knocked down several more.  The fact is he was put in poor down and distance far to many times.  I wish the naysayers would just shut up for a while and see what happens with Ponder.  It's way to early to call him a failure.  The interception at the end was unfortunate and meaningless.

The fumbles by Peterson and Simpson were just killers in the first half and the touchdown at the start of the 2nd half was the final nail in the coffin.  The Vikings were not going to come back from being down 17 points.  The game at best would have been 36 to 33 with scores on our last two possessions where we got into the red zone.

Hopefully we can bounce back and give Seattle a game.

Some Viking Blogging: Pondering Ponder

This is my first Vikings blog of 2012 and what a start to the season it has been.  Who would have thought the Vikes would have a 5-2 record at this point.  I know I sure didn't.  The Vikes got lucky to win their first game in overtime verses a poor Jacksonville team after giving up the lead on a late touchdown.  Then we lost to the Colts in Week 2 and it didn't look good.  But then we soundly beat the 49ers when a light went on in our Defense and since then our only loss was to Washington last week.  Ponder had a terrible game today but we won 21-14 thanks to a pick 6 by our Rookie Safety, some solid running by Adrian Peterson, and of coarse the play of Percy Harvin.

This season Ponder has really only had two games that were stinkers.  This game with only 58 yards passing with 2 INT's and at Detroit where he had just over 100 yards passing.  Sure he made a bad throw in Washington that went for 6, but as far as I'm concerned his second Int in Washington was on tight end Kyle Rudolph for jumping the gun on a play in which Peterson would have scored the touchdown that would have put us within a field goal of winning provided we got an on-side kick.

Ponder is going to have uneven performances just like every other young quarterback.  Personally I don't think he was getting that much time to throw in today's game especially in the 2nd Half.   Hopefully Ponder will bounce back verses Tampa on Thursday.

Adrian Peterson Ice Fishing Contest@ Lake Waconia

(Click to Enlarge)

This event looks like a lot of fun.

More Info at: In Towne Marina News Feed blog

Adrian Peterson All Day Blizzard Blitz For Better Hearing