Saturday, August 25, 2007

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.

Tuesday, August 21, 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...

Monday, August 20, 2007

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

Saturday, August 18, 2007

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.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

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.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

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!
 
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