Of Pat Williams and Potential First-Round Byes

by Gonzo on Dec 15, 2008 8:24 PM CST in Vikings Comment 42 comments

Well, by now I'm sure we've all heard the news that Phat Pat Williams, the best run stopped in the National Football League, is going to be on the shelf for the next 2-4 weeks with a broken scapula.

Surely this news caused Roger Goodell to change his free-time activity for today from kicking puppies to dancing some form of jig.

So this is obviously a bit of a buzzkill after the butt-whomping that the Vikings laid upon the Arizona Cardinals yesterday afternoon, particularly with two outstanding rush defenses coming to the Metrodome over the next two weeks in the Atlanta Falcons and New York Football Giants. It's kind of a shame after the way he and Kevin Williams have stood up to the idiocy of Roger Goodell that Phat Pat's regular season needs to end this way. . .and I emphasize regular season, because there's a chance he could be back for the post-season. . .but that's just the way that football goes sometimes, I guess.

And make no mistake, this injury doesn't mean that the big man is going to be dropping his appeal of his suspension, and there's no reason that he should. He's in the process of making Roger Goodell and his Napoleon complex look foolish.

Now, as has already been pointed out in the FanPosts, Phat Pat might. . .just might. . .get a chance to rest that injury for an extra week before he has to play a post-season game for the Beloved Purple. That's because if the Vikings beat the Falcons this coming Sunday, not only will they wrap up the NFC North regardless of the Monday Night game between Chicago and Team Irrelevant, but they'll automatically be playing for a first-round bye in Week 17. Allow me to explain.

The featured NFC matchup for this week. . .aside from the Falcons/Vikings match-up. . .is the battle that will be going on at Giants Stadium this weekend between the aforementioned Giants and the Carolina Panthers. Both of those teams own records of 11-3, two games better than the Vikings' current mark of 9-5. A win by Minnesota on Sunday will raise their mark to 10-5, and one of the teams in the Giants/Panthers matchup will fall to 11-4. The winner will go to 12-3 and be locked into the #1 seed in the NFC.

Should the Panthers be victorious in that matchup, the game between the Vikings and Giants in Week 17 will be for the NFC's #2 seed. If the Vikings won that game, they and the Giants would both be 11-5, but Minnesota would get the higher seeding due to that head-to-head victory.

If the Giants win next week, it would get a little more complicated. In that scenario, not only would the Vikings have to beat New York in the season finale. . .and they might be resting players, given that they'd be locked into home field throughout the NFC playoffs. . .but we'd also have to hope that the New Orleans Saints would be able to muster up a victory over the Panthers that afternoon, too. In that scenario, both the Vikings and Panthers would be 11-5, and Minnesota's 20-10 victory back in Week 3 would give them the advantage.

Oh, and a victory over the Giants would give the Vikings a victory over the three other NFC division champions this season. So that would be a nice little thing to hang our collective hats on, too.

Getting that first-round bye would be even more huge in light of the injury to big #94. Can the Vikings pull it off? Well, they have to wrap up the North, first, but hopefully that part of the equation will be solved by supper time next Sunday.

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Here is to buying Fred Evans jerseys

Have faith fellow Purple…can’t you feel something great building? We are the volcanoe ready to erupt upon our hapless foes. Move aside, for a new power is rising.

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 15, 2008 8:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I HOPE THE G-MEN WIN!!!

If the G-Men lock up #1 It would be easy for us into the playoffs and through the playoffs! Cuz we’d pray to god the saints would be the panthers but we’d be the 2 and we would most likely play the winner of the panthers and either the Bucs or cowboys, and we would be at home. We’ll kill the bucs at home and we’ve already beat the panthers at home. It would be a clear path to the NFC championship!!! =D

…. just got goose bumps…

….not even lying lol….

Skol Vikes

*Mac45*

by Macdaddy4508 on Dec 16, 2008 12:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dont just pray

Bet on it. In the NFC south no team has lost against a division rival at home this year.

by 80l on Dec 16, 2008 2:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Idolize those cheaters

Sorry to hear Pat Williams was hurt….pump a few steroids and Starcaps in him and let him play. All you cheatin’ sob’s breath a sigh of relief. For players, their bodies are their livelyhood. It is their responsiblitiy what they put into their bodies. Honest players would check with their physicians and even have them check whether or not it is safe to put into their bodies and have it analyzied to see if it is good to be used per NFL rules. Pro football is their profession and they make a handsom living at it. Besides, how many times have you heard diet pills are bad for you? Only diet and excersize are the best and healthiest way to lose weight. At least one starcaps player accepted blame and took the four weeks off. His acceptance sheds more light that these players knew what they were doing. This shows the Viking Organization are not a class act especially the coach who must win at any cost.and as well as the fans breathing a sigh of relief that the Williams boys can play. If the the Vikings do anything the playoffs, put an asterisk in the record books for using suspious athletes. It will be a tainted victory by any win they get. Childress is a second rate coach and is their organization.

by shazam23 on Dec 15, 2008 8:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Funny...

I have a feeling you’ve been having a few headache’s lately. And as you’re surely a bitter Packers-Bears-Lion’s fan, who can blame you? Why don’t you pop a few Tylenol to help the Headache go away…

OOPS- I guess Tylenol forgot to tell you they recently put Bumentide in their pills. After all it’s not on the label. Maybe you should learn your lesson and run Chemical tests yourself on anything you put in your body. After all- it’s YOUR responsibility.

Please, stop the ridiculous and use the Reason and Intellect God gave you. As for the “coach who must win at any cost”… you must not have watched Vikings’ games all season long, or have our Coach confused with some Wonderful Gift from God of a coach. It’d be wonderful to have such a man with Intensity, drive and desire to Win wearing the mic on the sidelines.

by DelawareBerserker on Dec 15, 2008 9:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow what slime

Go play in traffic asshole. Infact, drink Draino while you are at it.

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 15, 2008 9:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh and as Shaq would say

Tell me how my ass tastes. And by that I mean NFC NORTH CHAMP first place ass. Jealousy is an ugly ugly thing.

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 15, 2008 9:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Stop fucking whining

What a gutless, pathetic little spaz you are.

“One guy from the StarCaps case accepted his punishment,” huh? Which one would that be?

Are you talking about Texans’ long snapper Bryan Pittman? Oh, never mind, it turns out that Pittman tested positive for something not related to StarCaps.

Sources told ESPN senior analyst Chris Mortensen that Pittman did not use StarCaps but tested positive for another banned diuretic.

“I want the people and the fans to understand that I was not trying to mask steroids or any banned substances,” Pittman said according to Houston television station KRIV.

The other five guys are all fighting their suspensions, so that has to be who you’re referring to. . .which shows that you have not a damn clue what you’re talking about.

Do you have any actual proof that either Pat or Kevin Williams did anything wrong? If so, spit it out. If not, quit crying.

You’re one of the few people in the 2 1/2 year history of this site I’ve felt compelled to actually swear at, but seriously. . .quit fucking whining already. Either add something constructive or intelligent, or feel free to shut your piehole.

The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!

by Gonzo on Dec 15, 2008 9:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

oh yea

no one in the nfl uses steroids ;)

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Dec 15, 2008 11:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Typical Illiterate Detractor...

Hey shazam23, since you seem to be all knowing, what the hell is a “suspious athlete”? Don’t know? I didn’t think so…Next time stick to one or two syllable words. Anything more than that seems to tax your intellect….

by purplegrey on Dec 15, 2008 11:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You moron

You idiotic piece of shit. Why can’t you Bears fans just lose the jealousy and begin to accept the fact that we are clearly the better team? I can’t stand you people. You are a complete idiot, sir. Kevin and Pat used StarCaps but they clearly didn’t intentionally break any rules. You shouldn’t even be a fan of the NFL. Childress is NOT 2nd rate. Lovie Smith got out coached by Chilly in both of the Chicago games. Go to damn hell you freaking piece of shit.

Go whack off your small dick to your picture of Roger Goodell screwing Kyle Orton.

One more thing…
Who the hell is 1st place in the NFC North?

-Gonzo2

Gonzo2

by Gonzo2 on Dec 16, 2008 12:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bear fans final wimper

Seriously, an asterisk? Then lets put a HUGE asterisk on the 1985 Bears, you can’t tell me that they were all walking the straight and narrow. There is a difference between a team full of coke heads and a guy taking a dietary supplement that was not labeled properly. Furthermore, there is a very big reason why a Federal judge is taking a very close look at the NFL’s policy concerning strict liability and arbitration grievance procedures . . . mainly that they are unjust.

Mr. Weatherstone

by Mr. Weatherstone on Dec 15, 2008 9:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Question Your Logic

I’m so glad you’re brave enough to come in here and pick a fight with a 6’3 317lb. athlete after he’s broken his scapula. What courage my man, kickin’ him while he’s down, for taking a pill to control his weight. which must be controlled as stated in his contract and he took the pills in training camp! You are so correct in your judgement and I’m sure you wouldn’t want him on your team to help it actually play some defense! Please post again and man-up by actually saying that you’re jealous of the Vikings TEAM success!

by solafide on Dec 15, 2008 9:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Shazam's Life

Shazam- “Hey Mom make me some pancakes while i watch the Bears lose!”

His mom- “Why don’t you, your 35 years old and you live in our basement without a job.”

Shazam- “But Mom I can’t get a job because I can’t fit through the door at the top of the stairs.”

His mom- “Thats why you don’t need any pancakes, you have already eaten 5 meals today.”

Shazam (Crying)- “I wish I could get my hands on some Starcaps so I could lose some weight, but I cant because of Kevin and Pat Williams. I hate them now!!”

by adammoney on Dec 15, 2008 9:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I laughed, I cried

Wait, that’s a lie. . .I just laughed.

The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!

by Gonzo on Dec 15, 2008 9:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Can't you just boot his ass?

I’d love not to have to listen to the same type of person who humps dead bodies on video games.

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 15, 2008 9:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Wow this smug butthole

really knows how to get on Vikings’ fans nerves. Let me rephrase that please.

Shazam23, are you really thinking your going to ruin this for anybody on here?

After this Sunday Vikings own North and we’ll do it without our Phat man. But let me tell you when he’s back we’re going to kick hell out of anyone who doubts us on the field and in the court house. Your really going to have something to whine about when we are sitting pretty with the best RB in the league in the playoffs.

Don’t forget that this is the greatest Viking site on the net and your not getting to any of us on here. We live and die with this team and we’ve been through rougher times than this. So unless your twelve and know nothing about the struggles being a Minnesota fan, you should also know your not hurting anyone on here. We’ve been through worse times and you can’t top any of it, bitch. This fan base is bigger than the Williams wall and not matter how much Goodell, you or any other tries ripping it down, it just ain’t happening.

by vikingfiend on Dec 15, 2008 9:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

TSK,tsk

Though on their blogs,name calling is acceptable,I thought we here at the Norseman was a step up.I seen a few posts at blogs(Windycity jeez got it rite)doesnt mean we have to sink to their level.Detroit has nothing to gain or lose in any of this.Greenbay will always be what it is,and now they got rid of their 1 redeeming player,should be tied next year with Detroit.Bears,just figure out what year it is,odd/even they always play good then bad.
1 note I have to say Detroit Lions players have played hard all season,aint no quit in that TEAM.I dont think they will go 0-16 as I believe that final game will get a win.They have been in a lot of their games,just doesnt show it in the win/lose section.In fact the GB/Detroit game is there SB and Detroit should win it hands down.

As for earlier,this blog should be fans of all Football teams,not just the Vikes.Who really cares what shamwoo thinks,we have got the best BLOG around.And we havent hit our Peak yet,dont spoil it by dumbing down.Keep this a place that Vike fans World Wide can be proud of.Let them call names,let them rant and rave.
Let this be a place of reason, win or lose.

by speedlod on Dec 15, 2008 10:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Like I said

I haven’t gotten terribly angry and/or cursed at a lot of opposing fans over the last 2 1/2 years.

But this guy. . .good lord. . .after feeling that his comment was so intelligent and so insightful that he needed to copy and paste it into 2 other threads besides this one? (I deleted it from those other threads.)

The guy says he’s not a Vikings fan. . .but he’s made 20 comments since he made his SBNation account on 30 November. 17 of them have been here, and they’ve all consisted of whining and crying about the same thing.

The guy’s an idiot, and he deserves to be told that he’s an idiot. Like vikingfiend said in the above comment, he’s not ruining anything here.

That sort of thing doesn’t happen often around here. . .but every once in a while, it will happen.

The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!

by Gonzo on Dec 15, 2008 10:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

WHY

Do you let him get to you,I seen the same post and gave it the same thought as walking the dog.Yea,he is an IDIOT and he prolly has been jacking off everytime he gets a reply.We just came off of a great win,enjoy it,I know I did.In fact I still got a smile on my face from Action Jackson.Next Sunday might bring a loss,but that aint going to spoil my week.Its like 22 below here,and still the smile is on,this jerk aint going ruin my week.

Keep this a great site,dont go to their level.

by speedlod on Dec 15, 2008 10:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gonzo

Even though our comments might be what this MORON wants don’t let anyone tell you not to reply. Your defending your home like any person would do if a person comes in and starts degrading fans and players. You’ve worked too hard to let someone shit on this site. So, yeah, give hell if you wish. We should all have your back on this one.

by vikingfiend on Dec 15, 2008 10:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Is It Just Me Or...

do all of these idiot detractors that wander on here here family trees with no limbs?

by purplegrey on Dec 15, 2008 11:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Idiots must be vigorously put down

If he had a logical thought as to why the Williams should be suspended instead of flagrantly insulting two role models for the NFL who do amazing things with their good fortune that is one thing. But coming in here slinging lies and trying to ruin character will get you smacked squarely in the mouth. I don’t think we need to address this guy any more. SKOL PURPLE!

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 15, 2008 10:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

What a douche.

Seriously… do check his post history. He subscribes to Windy City Gridiron but contributes nothing to it… just comes here and votes pro-Bears in the polls and writes mindless comments to get a reaction.

Shazam, your team is bad and you should feel bad.

I agree with speedlod… Shazam’s hardly worthy of recognition let alone paragraphs of refutation.

by steezah on Dec 15, 2008 10:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Guys please

How winnable is this ATL/MIN match up?? You guys are my Eagles only hope of opening up the wild card spot. Anyone confident here? Someone help me sleep easier at night here.

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Dec 15, 2008 10:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Oh, the Vikings will win, have no fear.

In AP I trust

by FarvaForTheVikings on Dec 15, 2008 11:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We Are Beasts In The Dome....

This team will be ready to play. SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!

by purplegrey on Dec 15, 2008 11:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Vikings are hitting their stride at the perfect time right now, and Atlanta will be the next victim to fall. I respect the Falcons a ton for what they’ve done this year, but the Vikings are gonna move the ball up and down the field with Peterson, and counter a pretty decent game Turner will have. Frazier has let the LB’s off their chains the past few games and it is working. We’re getting pressure on the quarterback, and Matt Ryan will make a couple rookie mistakes with guys on his back all day. Jared Allen will get two more sacks this week.

My prediction: Vikings 27 / Falcons 17

V-I-K-I-N-G-S! Skol Vikings, Let's Go!!

by TheViking83 on Dec 15, 2008 11:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

While I hope the Eags make the playoffs

I’m always nervous about what team we’re going to see take the field. Jackson (and it WILL be Jackson. Sending out Frerotte with a fractured lower back would be chock-full of stupid.) will face an actual defense and a pass rush in the Atlanta Falcons, instead of going up against the Arizona Cardinals JV powder puff D.

Okay, it’s not powder puff, but it IS a simple D.

Meanwhile one of our backup lineman will get picked on by Michael Turner. I expect to see Greenway cheating up on the line to try to keep their running game honest. Hopefully we can get off to an early lead and force them to focus on the pass.

However, in a playoff atmosphere, the Dome gets RIDICULOUSLY loud. Louder than the loudest concert you’ve ever been to. Breaking 120 decibles easy. Sixty five thousand screaming fans, determined to disrupt the play. And with the Dome, there is nowhere for all that sound to go. And when a team cannot communicate, they can’t work. Matt Ryan’s played in tough situations before, but this will be his toughest test yet.

More importantly, this time next week, I will be enjoying an honest Philly Cheesesteak, and interrogating every damn cook I can find. The Cheesesteaks in Minnesota are shit. When the closest you can get is fast food versions with cardboard for bread and frozen beef, and they ask if you want lettuce and tomatoes on afterwards…

shakes his head

I’ve gone to making my own Cheesesteaks now. Filling it with overflowing NY American cheese, cut-up rib-eye, fried onions and hots. I gotta make up for the shoddy job I get out here.

by Robert Rence on Dec 16, 2008 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, if that was a simple D, and he threw 4 TDs, I’m sure we can expect at least a TD or two against the Falcons then. The playaction should get some lovin’ this game, since I’m sure they’re expecting us to force Peterson down their throat.

I wouldn’t discount Fred Evans though. I mean, yeah, he’s no Pat Williams, but he’s in the NFL so he has some talent. Our run D will miss a little punch, but I’m thinking it’ll be enough to get the job done. Frazier’s probably got something cooking already.

by Frost on Dec 17, 2008 5:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

PLease don't be too hard on shazam the packer fan.

Years and years of banging close relatives produces off spring like him. It’s not his fault his parents were brother and sister and decided to get married have kids and wear rubber hats that look like a wedge of cheddar!

Geeez, have some compassion people.

VikeGuru is a doofus!!

by Unclebillybonz on Dec 16, 2008 12:23 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Well put Billy.

Gonzo2

by Gonzo2 on Dec 16, 2008 12:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Im not a Vikings fan either,

but unlike this shazam idiot im just here to say Go Vikings! Knock Atlanta out of the wildcard race and then take the bye from the giants. The way they’ve been playing lately a win against Carolina is improbably, so I think the game in week 17 will end up deciding the number 2 seed

by aussie_cowboy on Dec 16, 2008 6:07 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Only thing to do now....

…is beat Atlanta.

We HAVE to get the bye.

by TimQMills on Dec 16, 2008 8:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

ATL will go down!

Oh how a complete dominance in a game one week can raise the level of ones optimism for the next. The Vikes can win, and will win this game. The Falcons rely on their run game, much as the Vikings do. The defense will use Pat’s absence to create motivation. We will come out of the gates on offense with a full head of steam. We will take them out of their game. We will score early and often, forcing them into a Matt Ryan show, and right into the mitts of our pass rush. The Falcons will attempt to get their running game going, but will not have enough time. We will win the turnover game and dominate on special teams. We WILL win this game! AhhhOooooo!! OK, now let me sit down…..I’m out of breath.

"Skol pa fiskande"

by NobleSavage on Dec 16, 2008 10:53 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Tampa would have to lose too if Giants win

as I pointed out in one of the fanposts, for the vikings to get the #2 seed if the giants beat the panthers, the panthers would have to lose to the saints and tampa bay would have to lose one of its last two games also. if tampa, carolina, and minnesota all win out they will have matching 11-5 records. however, tampa would beat carolina for the nfc south title given a better conference record, and then they would be going against us for the 2 seed. given that they beat us head to head, tampa would get the 2 seed over us, we would get the 3, and carolina would get the 5.

by osuvikes on Dec 16, 2008 11:46 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Good point OSU

The tiebreak system can be so confusing at times. The Vikes just need to win out and hope for the best.

"Skol pa fiskande"

by NobleSavage on Dec 16, 2008 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually...

seed goes to the winner of the Panthers/Giants game, period. Simple. Awesome game next week right there.

seed is very tricky. The Bucs own the tiebreaker over the Vikings, but they most likely don’t win their own division, in which case the tiebreaker is nill. I don’t know the tiebreaker for Bucs/Panthers if Bucs win out and Panthers lose out but I think actually the Bucs would have it, in which case the Vikes fall to #3 by winning out. I don’t see the Bucs losing one of their two remaining home games against bunk teams, so the Vikings best chance is if the Panthers beat the Giants next week and the Vikes win out. Then the Vikings are in for sure. If the Panthers lose out, which is unlikely, and the Vikings win out, then the Bucs could easily slip into the #2 seed or fall down to wild card if they lose one of their easy remaining games, giving the Vikes #2

seed is probably where the Vikings land, even if they win out, and especially if they win one game, and quite possibly even if they lose out.

seed the Vikings could get by losing out if Bears lose a game and the Cards win out.

and #6 go almost certainly to some combination of the Bucs, Falcons, and Cowboys. There is a possibility that the Vikings or Bears could gain wildcard if some really crazy stuff happens but I am not sure with tiebreakers and matchups if this is even possible.

Yes, the Vikings play two really good teams and the Bears play two pretty bad, yet semi-respectable ones. Houston is hot at least. But let’s face it, no playoffs is a very real possibility. The setup is more favorable to miss the playoffs than it was even when the Cards knocked them out week 17 the one year, allowing the Wackers to make up two games in two weeks. Nooooooooooooo!!!

by Sand0 on Dec 17, 2008 1:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ugh

I tried to add numbers in but they all show up as 1. Each line I explain number 1,2,3,4,5-6, seeds and not making the playoffs, in that order. Apparently I can’t edit. Pro Tip: starting off a line with the # sign followed by a number apparently posts as 1. Lame.

by Sand0 on Dec 17, 2008 1:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think it would just be a good idea to hope for the best. I don’t see it being a big deal to get to the playoffs and do some damage. The bears blow unwashed monkey balls, and I see them continuing to suck, and not having a chance. I really don’t see the vikings having a big problem with the giants. buncha wanker posers that happen to be in a big market. atlanta will be a tough game, still thinking about the horrible outcome in ’98. have faith!!!!

Green Bay or the Windy City..... There but for the Grace of God go I.

by IABerserker1 on Dec 17, 2008 6:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

From ESPN.com news services Dec. 3 2008

In issuing the suspensions, the league reiterated the section of its policy that reads:

"You and you alone are responsible for what goes into your body. Claiming that you used only legally available nutritional supplements will not help you in an appeal. … Even if they are bought over-the-counter from a known establishment, there is currently no way to be sure that they contain the ingredients listed on the packaging or have not been tainted with prohibited substances …

“If you take these products, you do so AT YOUR OWN RISK! For your own health and success in the league, we strongly encourage you to avoid the use of supplements altogether, or at the very least to be extremely careful about what you choose to take.”

The NFL also said it sent two notifications about StarCaps on Dec. 19, 2006 — one to NFL club presidents, general managers and head athletic trainers and the second to NFLPA executive Stacy Robinson, who oversees the steroid policy for the union. That letter, according to the league, advised that StarCaps had been added to the list of prohibited dietary supplement companies

by shazam23 on Dec 18, 2008 6:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs