Progress Update

With a fourth of the 2007 season in the books, and the Viking's sitting in last place in the NFC North at 1-3, it's time to review. (Thanks go to Nick & Nick for the idea)

Passing - Offense

Kelly Holcomb
35-67, 427 yards, 52.2% CMP %, 1 TD, 1 INT, 70.9 Rating

Tarvaris Jackson
30-56, 329 yards, 53.6% CMP %, 1 TD, 5 INT, 40.0 Rating

I realize that some people are backing Holcomb in the fight for the starting job, but my vote goes with Jackson. As I said in my last post, I've given up on this season. With my sights set towards 2008, I think that the best thing for the Viking's would be to let Jackson have as much experience as possible. In '08, he needs to see more teams and just see more action in general.

Now to the actual progress on our offensive passing game. Jackson gets a D, mostly because of his 5 picks, but also because of his pathetic rating, 40.0. Mewelde Moore has a quarterback rating of 39.6, for throwing one incomplete pass. Kelly Holcomb gets a C, his rating is not pretty, 70.9, but his completion rate is decent, 52.2%. Holcomb could be better, but he's not the one screwing up the statistics...however he has been throwing key interceptions at crucial times. This has been what gives the low grade. Our quarterbacks need help, and I was very surprised in the fact that the Viking's didn't land Leftwich. Oh well, it's all about '08 after all...(that's what I said last year, but I'm no ledger keeper...)

Rushing - Offense

Adrian Peterson
76 Att., 383 yards, 5.0 avg., 1 TD, 1 Fumble

Mewelde Moore
10 Att., 71 yards, 7.1 avg.

Chester Taylor
11 Att., 58 yards, 5.3 avg.

When Taylor got injured in week one I could feel the weight dropped on Peterson's shoulders. I didn't think he could deliver, but boy was I surprised. Peterson, I give him an A, has accounted for about 50% of the Viking's total offense. He has scored 12 of the Viking's 67 total points, and has 65 more caries than the next most, 11 with Taylor, who I'm giving a C, only because I haven't seen him all that much, but that long run against the Pack was impressive. I'm not sure if Peterson will be able to continue to carry half the offensive load, but Taylor is back and ready to help. Moore, who probably would be a starter on other teams, gets an A, because he's only ran the ball 10 times it's hard to really judge him, but he's averaging 7.1 ypc. Amazing.

Receiving - Offense

Bobby Wade
15 rec, 173 yards, 11.5 avg, 1 fumble

Adrian Peterson
9 rec, 166 yards, 18.4 avg, 1 TD

Visanthe Shiancoe
9 rec, 107 yards, 11.9 avg

Sidney Rice
10 rec, 106 yards, 10.6 avg, 1 TD

Troy Williamson
6 rec, 65 yards, 10.8 avg

Once again, Peterson, A, is shouldering the load here, with the help of a surprise; Bobby Wade. I'll give Wade an A, only because both of our QB's seem a little 'out of it' sometimes. Wade not only has been our punt return man, but our 'stud' receiver. Shaincoe, B, who I'd thought wouldn't be given much of a chance has 9 catches. High for a team who relies on the run as much as we do. For Wade to have 15 in pretty darn impressive. Sidney Rice, C, hasn't really lived up to the hype I've heard about him, but I'm sure he'll improve. Williamson, C, seems to have improved his slippery hands habit and is doing not a great job, but an okay job. The thing is, he and everyone else needs to step up big time if the Viking's want a shot at...well, anything. (Except a good draft pick in '08)


Defense

Antoine Winfield
28 tak, 1 tloss, 1 inc, 1 TD

E.J. Henderson
21 tak, 1.5 sacks, 5 tloss, 1 ff

Chad Greenway
21 tak, 1 ff

All-in-all our defense is doing splendid. Winfield, Sharper, Smith, and K. Williams, A, are leading the way with picks, with 5 total. Our run stopping Supermen in the Williams', A+, are doing a great job, holding opponents to 62.2 rushing yards a game. The only fault with the defense, if any, is the pass rushing. We are averaging only 3 sacks a game, which seems low (and is) after the Giants-Eagles Sunday night game. Henderson and Udeze, B, need to step it up and become play makers.

However, our pass defense has been pathetic. That's all that needs to be said. The main reason we're losing games is because of our passing defense, it's just that simple. Instead of ranking every individual player, I'll just give the pass defense unit a team score of a D. It's becoming a cliche, but they need to step it up if we want to contend.

Special Teams

Ryan Longwell
6/7 FG, 7/7 PAT, 25 points

Chris Kluwe
20 punts, 889 yards, 44.5 average, 70 yd avg, 2 TB, 12 inside 20

Longwell, A, has been lights-out, almost. He missed one FG in overtime in Detroit. One that would've put the Viking's at 2-1, not 1-2. It was over 50 yards, and Longwell isn't getting any younger, so I'll give him that one. He has 25 points on the year, 37% of our total; 67. Kluwe, C, hasn't been lights-out. The only reason he has 12 punts inside the 20 yard line is because so often the Viking's get going on a drive to about the opponents 45 yard line, then give it to Kluwe to punt it away. 44.5 avg yards/punt isn't bad, but it certainly isn't good, either. The Viking's rank 11th in average punt length in the NFL right now. The good spot is the touch backs, or lack of. With him punting the ball at about mid-field, I'd rather have him get it inside the 20 than inside the end zone.


Most NFL Power Rankings have the Viking's on the bottom of their lists. At 1-3, I can't argue. I'll accept that the refs lost the Green Bay game, but we didn't play as good as they played, and they deserved the win. If Longwell could've made that FG in overtime in Detroit as well, needless to say we'd be 3-1 on the year, and people would pay us more attention. But, being the pessimist that I am, I'll just start saying now, "There's always next year."

2008 Draft Here We Come!

Sorry I haven't been around in a while, something personal came up. But now I'm back!

Another day, another Viking loss. Anyone else see a trend here? I don't expect anything different from the Purple People in two weeks in Chicago.

Seriously, though, I really can't see how we can win a game with the way we've been playing. Holcomb overthrowing Williamson on a sure-fire TD, Peterson getting banged up in the middle, Holcomb attempting to stand in the pocket for as long as possible before he has to shuffle pass to no one in particular. I just don 't see us winning under Childress or Holcomb. Wolf will have to seriously look at the management of this team and consider his options this off-season (when he's not contemplating who to draft with his top 5 draft pick).

On a good note, though, is the fact that we're almost given a good player next year, no matter who we draft. There are still lots of teams worse than us record-wise, but none with more problems than the Purple People Eaters.

About next years draft; people are saying Brian Brohm will be the way to go for us, now that our Tarvaris experiment failed. Well, it hasn't, yet, so we can get somebody else. Not McFadden, or any other RB or QB. Other than that, we have needs at every other position. The Viking's will get much needed help from the college world.

I don't know about you, but I've already discounted this season, and am looking forward to the next when we have new rookies, hopefully new management, and a clean slate.

Jackson will probably start our next game at Chicago, which is after our Week 5 bye. This is a great thing, it'll let Jackson get more accustomed to massive blitzes (though maybe not in Chicago), something he will need to get a handle on if he even wants to dream about starting in the NFL.

So, for now, go Viking's, but don't screw our prime chance at a good draft pick!

Offense Needs to Step Up Against Lions

Well, the Viking's are in Detroit and ready to rumble. The Lions looked awesome offensively last week, as did the Viking's defense. However, the Lion's defense was shaky, as was the Minnesota offense.

What a match-up this should be!

The Viking's should be able to contain the Lion's to three scores, and maybe produce one or two of their own. This leaves the game in the air for the Minnesota offense. The game is up in the air for them to win or lose. If they can muster up even two touchdowns they should be able to come back home with a win. What do we need for that to happen, though?

Firstly, we need Peterson to follow up the great performance he had last week. He had over 100 yards, (including that fumble recovery, which I think was the highlight of the night for him.) Also, we need someone else to step up and make some plays. My preference would be Williamson, but Wade or Rice would do nicely. This shouldn't be all that hard to do, as the Lion's gave up over 300 passing yards to the Raider's last week, proving that their secondary is in shambles.

Our defense should be able to contain the mighty Lion offense. Tatum Bell averaged 5.8 yards per carry last week, which may force the Viking's to put more people in the box, thus leaving us more vulnerable to the long ball. With both DT'sWilliams basically taking on the run game themselves, this leaves DE's Udezi and Edwards free to make Kitna's life miserable, (and to force outside runners back inside to the black hole. Greenway needs to inprove this week, and I hope he lost all of his jitters in week 1. He needs to live up to the hype that is real NFL football. Look for Sharper, Griffith, and Winfield to play their hearts out.

Once again, this game is up in the air. It's all up to the Viking's, as this game could go either way. If the offense shows up, we should bag Detroit often and early. If the offense struggles, so struggle the Vikings.

Looking ahead to '08

Not discounting this season at all, (we still got a shot at 16-0, baby!), yet, but with the recent extension of Williams, I started looking to the future. Obviously our needs lie almost entirely in offensive line, wide receivers, and defensive backs. Let's start with the offensive line.

Max Starks, OL, Steelers
A top tackle with great size. He's listed at 6'7'' and 337, and he's only 25 years old. He'll be at the very top of the free agent class, and many teams will be interested, but if the Viking's could sign him to a long contract he could anchor the Viking's line for many years to come.

Alan Faneca, OL, Steelers
Another Steeler leaving Pittsburgh, Faneca is very unhappy about his contract. If he doesn't sign an extention soon, he may be the most coveted player in the free agent pool.

Reuben Brown, OL, Bears
Another great option, Brown has experience, but is rather old.

Defensive Backs

Domonique Foxworth, DB, Broncos
With the recent signing of corner back Bly, the Broncos really have no need for Foxworth except in the occational nickel formation. He's very skilled, fast, and young. He's only 24, so if the Viking's could pick him up, it would greatly boost a devastatingly average pass defense.

Mike Doss, DB, Vikings
Depending on how he does, the Viking's should try to resign him.

Wide Receivers

L.J. Smith, TE, Eagles
Very young with great skill, Smith will be deeply pursued this offseason, but with no real reliable

Viking's D beats out Falcons 14-3

Final score; 14-3, Vikings. (Oh, yeah, the Vike's offense added another 10 points to make it 24-3, but who's looking at that?)

Well, it happened. Joey Harrington was just plain old Joey Harrington. The Viking's sacked him six times, and got two interceptions returned for touchdowns. This game was a battle of field position, and for the five times Atlanta got the ball they had to start behind their 20-yard line. Once, they started at the three, but got to field goal range. (Their rookie kicker missed a 44 yarder - his first NFL kick) Atlanta got their only score on an easy field goal in the fourth quarter.

On the Viking side of the ball, things weren't as bright. Jackson had a decent fantasy day (if anyone actually drafted him) - going 13-23 with 163 yards and one touchdown, a gift from AD on a simple screen pass turned 60 yard TD run. Most of Jackson's completions were on basic flat outs, and the like. (Even though he sometimes threw the ball at some wideouts feet) When he did throw the ball down field he usually overthrew by 2 or 3 yards. Jackson will improve, and so will Chad Greenway.

When I attended the game I was wearing a Greenway jersey. I almost got booed...he was that rusty. He got frozen when decided whether to rush on a run play, or hang back on a pass play. He didn't read plays very well, and missed a few key tackles. I don't blame him (or my new jersery), as it's his first NFL regular season game. Look for him to improve.

Chester Taylor left the game in the first quarter with a bruised hip, now a strained oblique, but is expected to return in Detroit next Sunday.

I'll be back later this week with another update regarding the Lions game. Stay tuned!

Vikings Ready to Start Season Against Falcons

It's finally here. Thursday marks the beginning of the 2007-'08 season. The game between the Colts and the Saints should be a great game to watch not only because of the great teams, but also because of the fantasy inpact it has on basically everybody. But the game I'm more worried about is between the Minnesota Vikings and the Atlanta Falcons.

Both of these teams have serious QB issues. The Falcons, as you know, lost the face of their team when Vick was suspended for the season by Goodell. He will be replaced by Joey Harrington, a career backup. The Vikings, however, have a different scenario entirely. After Culpepper left for Miami, we put our trust and hope in the 'ol vet, Brad Johnson. Now that he's gone, we put our trust and hope in the rookie with good college stats, Tarvaris Jackson.

The Viking's QB situation is in pretty good shape because Jackson is strong and athletic, but just doesn't know how to play at the NFL to the best of his ability yet. The Viking's will try to hide it with their double-wammy backfield. In Taylor and Peterson the Vike's should succeed in that department fairly well...but you can't just run the ball the whole game. Jackson will be faced with third and long situations where his team is counting on him to deliver.

When the Falcon's have possession of the pigskin, seriously look for a Viking score. The Vike's had the number one rush defense last year with a blitz-tenative defensive coordinator in Mike Tomlin. Well, Tomlin's gone, and Leslie Frazier is ready to unleash his powerful defense. This should put tons of pressure on Joey Harrington to pass the ball, something he might not be all that comfortable doing yet. However, when he does throw, look for Atlanta's veteran recevers to make some highlight plays on Minnesota's average secondary.

When the Viking's have possession of the football, look for Bevell, (who is taking over playcalling this year), to attempt to establish the run game early. With both Taylor and Peterson and Minnesota's stacked offensive line, both RB's should have no problem running between tackles or making the turn upfield on the perimeter. However, Atlanta defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer knows of Minnesota's QB struggles and will throw all kinds of blitzs and pressure on Tarvaris, forcing him to throw the ball. Viking recievers are young but fast, so look for them to stretch the field and look for Jackson to make some deep throws early in the game. If there's nothing downfield for Jackson look for him to dump something to Taylor or Peterson underneath.

This game should be electrifying. It will receive national attention, as this is the 'Vickless' Falcons first regular season game. I will be attending this game, and can't wait. Go Vike's!

Bobby Wade, the mentor...?

Bobby Wade has four years of experience in the NFL. He was the fifth pick in the fourth round of the 2003 draft, picked up by the Bear's. He played a total of 26 games (starting 15 of them) and had over 600 receiving yards, yet no touchdowns. He was released by the Bears because he was prone to fumbles and muffed punt returns. He was picked up by the Titans primarily to be on the practice squad. He started only three games with the Titans, getting close to 600 receiving yards, and two trips to the paint.

The Viking's entered the 2006 off season in desperate need of any receiver worth anything. They had interest in Kevin Curtis, but lost him to Philadelphia. Coach Childress said that he liked Wade's hands (referring, of course, to the many drops the Viking's had in '06), and his ability to play both the slot and outside positions. He is very agile, and has tons of potential for a 26 year old.

A 26 year old, being a mentor? All most unheard of, except on the young receivers the Viking's have. Despite recently signing the battle-wearied Ferguson Minnesota still has 3 rookies competing for starting positions.

Wade looked good in the first pre season game against the Rams, taking two short passes for 21 yards each. In the game tonight (Aug. 25) he has 91 receiving yards and a touchdown. That's exactly the kind of production Childress wants and the Viking's need to have any kind of success in 2007.

Viking's Sign Ferguson to One Year Deal

Earlier today the Minnesota Viking's signed former Packer wide receiver Robert Ferguson to the already existing, very inexperienced bunch of young receivers the Viking's had previously named.

Before Ferguson signed, the Viking receiver with the best numbers had been Bobby Wade with 101 catches and just two touchdowns in his career.

Ferguson was released by the Packers on Friday the 17th of August. He worked out for the Viking's on Sunday, flew to Houston on Monday, and returned to Minnesota today to sign a one year deal, with possible incentives of up to $1.5 million.

This move is a good move for the Viking's. Any added experience they can get a hold of is a good thing. Our WR list is now looking like this;

1. Ferguson
2. Williamson
3. Wade
4. Rice
5. McMullen

Because Tarvaris Jackson hasn't really had a chance to prove himself this preseason, except him to get quite a few opportunities to throw the ball down the field. Now we can just hope that he isn't going to bomb out this first year...

Madden '08 is here!

As you know Madden '08 came out a few days ago. I am refraining myself from buying it just yet, as I am content with '07...but I had to rent it. It has basically everything '07 has, plus a Fantasy mode, and new 'weapons' given out to the good players. I thought that I'd post a few promo videos here, just to get in to the mood. :D

Official EA Trailer


Madden '08 First Round Picks


Custom Trailer

Any Way They Come

http://www.startribune.com/vikings/story/1369658.html

If only this were the regular season...

The Viking's have scored a total of 44 points in two games this pre-season. They've only reached the endzone one time on offense. Last night they had three defensive touchdowns. One 40 yard interception return by Sharper, one 16 yard interception return by Greenway, and one three yard walk into the endzone after recovering a fumble by Robinson. Wow. The only offensive touchdown we scored was a three yard dive by Peterson (however, he lead the Viking's down the field, at one point breaking a 43 yard run.

Our defense is set. They should be awesome. The defensive line should live up to high expectations with both Williams' included, and last year's lowly pass defense looks good so far with South Dakota boy Chad Greenway and Darell Sharper leading.

The only question remain is with the offense. Our wideouts would both be 2 or 3 recievers anywhere else, but Sidney Rice is stepping up to show off his stuff. Our two-headed rushing attack looks above expectations as well. However, anyone who's been watching the games to see Jackson prove himself have found themselves turning the channel. Due to the 58 seconds of Viking ball control in the first quarter, Jackson played more than planned, but he still was only 2-4 with 12 yards.

Bevell To Be Head Playcaller in '07-'08?

http://www.startribune.com/vikings/story/1360957.html

After receiving his due of play-calling criticism last year, Childress finally turned over the job of calling plays to the one who should have been doing it all along; Darrell Bevel, the offensive coordinator.

The way it worked was Bevell was in the coaches booth. He called the plays down to the quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers. Rogers then called the plays to the quarterback mike implanted in the quarterbacks helmets. It was said that Childress was wired into the connection, but didn't call the plays, only heard them.

The good news here is that the newly-found free time Childress has he now uses to talk with Leslie Frazier, the defensive coordinator. Childress would occasionally suggest blitzes when he thought the other quarterback was struggling.

The bad news is that Childress admits that he needs to work on what he does between plays. He said that he finds himself arguing with the referees more this year. That could be an issue this year.

Viking's Banter

Welcome to Viking's Banter; home to tons of Viking's babble and banter. I will be posting randomly on a variety of topics, also after every game. I hope you enjoy this blog as much as I will writing it! I would also appreciate your feedback and opinions on my posts.

Also, please vote in the poll to the right!