NFC North strength-of-schedule, so far

by kagey on Oct 18, 2010 11:25 AM CDT

Just got through totaling the W/L totals for the NFC North. From the totals it appears the Vikes are the toughest team in the North. Their opponents' combined reords total 15W/13L. For the "mighty" Bears, it's 12/20. And for the Pukes, it's 15/19. I'd say WE have had the tougher battles so far, based on strength of schedule. Things are looking up!

Now, if we can just get some better COACHING

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Yes, this is what I was saying all spring and summer, that we start with a tougher schedule than Pack, and should expect to trail them in the standings going into our first meeting. I expected each of us to have at least one more win at this point, but otherwise, the standings are exactly as I expected them to be at this point, as a result of schedules …

by puddnhead on Oct 18, 2010 11:29 AM CDT reply actions

p.s. well all except Bears. I confess they were kinda off my radar when I was thinking about SoS over summer.

by puddnhead on Oct 18, 2010 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Why are so many frustrated fans not seeing this obvious point .

by gothicpurple on Oct 18, 2010 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions

which is?

It's a lot easier to love the Vikings when they win...

by Grime on Oct 19, 2010 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions

I think it was the "coaching" point from the original fanpost...

but it is tough to tell.

by Bjorno on Oct 19, 2010 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions

No, I think he meant that he always believed we were the best team with the toughest schedule.

But it is hard to tell.

"Is it normal to wake up in the morning in a sweat because you can't wait to beat another human's guts out?"
Joe Kapp

by lifelongvike on Oct 22, 2010 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions

The hardest part is yet to come

NE, NYG, PHI, WAS plus the division games. That’s probably 4-5 more losses right there.

by KC Viking on Oct 18, 2010 12:32 PM CDT reply actions

Nah, we're on a roll now. (One ugly win = roll)

Favre will beat Packers, Moss will beat Patriots and when we get Rice back, we’ll be unstopable.

Unless that damn investigation gets in the way.

Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. - John Lennon

by JethroBoViking on Oct 18, 2010 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions

The investigation could really be a blow.

I am not counting on Sidney Rice to be anything close to Sidney ’09 until ’11.

But I would be delighted to be proven wrong, and that’s why they play the games.

by KC Viking on Oct 18, 2010 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions

That part of the schedule is not particularly scary anymore.

New England severely lacks defense, and is not as scary as they used to be.

We always confuse the hell out of Eli Manning, I think he has something like 2 TD’s and 10 interceptions against our defense.

Philly doesn’t know who will start at QB from week to week, that could be an issue for us.

The Redskins… They are kind of a wild card. Donovan makes them relevant, but if they can’t keep their weapons healthy they are not as formidable as they could be.

Even Rice at 80% is better than not having him at all. He should get some pressure off our other guys.

by Bjorno on Oct 18, 2010 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Good points, but that doesn’t change much for me. The Vikes will absolutely need to beat at least 2 of those teams in order to have a real shot at contending. I also assumed victory over the remainders on the schedule like ARI..remember how that went last year in CAR? For every loss like that, they must win another of the 5 I had listed earlier.

I hope Rice can come back in a few weeks at 80%, but I’d rather not play him until he’s 100% or very close to it.

by KC Viking on Oct 18, 2010 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions

In any other year...

Yes, we would have to win at minimum two of those games.

But this year it seems like everyone in the NFC North has been having issues. I think that will play to our advantage later in the year, but I could be wrong.

There will definitely be some trap games, heck the Detroit game in January could end up being the deciding factor and they might have figured it out by then.

Rice, even at 80%, will still dominate most CB’s in the league. I would be more comfortable waiting until he is 100% as well, but that all depends on our record when the time comes.

If we can afford to sit him, great. But I think he is gonna need a few games to get back in the groove before playoffs.

by Bjorno on Oct 18, 2010 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions

I think I was very generous to only count one loss in the remaining divisional games. Yes, the other 3 teams have issues, but they could address them by the time they face the Vikes.

I never feel satiated or terribly impressed at Sidney’s highlight reels. There are always lots of balls thrown into coverage with him emerging from a cloud of DBs with the ball. Dramatic, sure, but those throws could not have been off even a little bit without becoming INTs…and that was his best work! I’d prefer to see more separation, not 80% of what he got last year.

by KC Viking on Oct 18, 2010 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions

yes some

will address the problems they have now but it seems likely some will have other problems. NYG are playing pretty good ball now, but between now an then who knows. Philly seems to play real well in Dec. but falters a lot in Nov. so on and so on. We need to win at least two I agree, and a few brakes would not hurt.

it is better to be thought of as dumb then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Ben Franklin

by montana vikes fan on Oct 19, 2010 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

The investigation will go something like this:

NFL – Brett, we actually have no complaint and Jenn Sterger won’t return our calls. So, you really think you’ll retire after this year?

Brett – Definitely. Well, maybe definitely… probably for sure.

NFL – Well whenever you do, you know 10 years later you’ll walk into the hall on the first ballot.

Brett – Can I wear my Wranglers?

NFL- You can wear whatever you want, but we do insist on the yellow jacket.

Brett – Alright well I guess I’ll see you there.

NFL – Ok sounds great, good luck this week in Green Bay.

Seriously, this entire tabloid fabrication will blow away like a fart at Lambeau.

by Jshore on Oct 18, 2010 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions

lol funny but true

by izziefans on Oct 19, 2010 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions

lol funny, but regretably there's no way this is a tabloid fabrication

by kcskol on Oct 19, 2010 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions

My take:

Brett – Can I wear my Wranglers?

NFL- You can wear whatever you want as long as you don’t take pictures without it.

by izziefans on Oct 19, 2010 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions

partial fabrication.

I BELIEVE...

by ArizonaVikingsFan on Oct 19, 2010 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions

Eagles without D-Jax are like

Vikings without Percy. Kolb is good but probably Vick will play by then. Vick will not be the same though. He will be cautious. If he tries the same running/passing combo, he will get hit again and he will be hit hard..probably not by us but someone will make him pay.

You are counting Giants and Skins as hard games? I think they will be harder for them more than us.

by izziefans on Oct 18, 2010 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions

At this point, Vick is the only qualified QB in the NFL with zero INTs. 6 passing TDs; 0 INTs. Also 1 fewer fumble and 1 fewer fumble lost than Kolb, who ranks among the best passers in the NFL among qualifiers. Neither will be easy for the Vikes.

The Vikings and Giants have faced each other in week 17 the last 2 years when it didn’t matter. The Skins are tough as long as McNabb is the QB and Shanahan has anything to do with the offense.

by KC Viking on Oct 18, 2010 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Harder than at New Orleans and at the Jets . I don't think so . But keep the warrior mentality . We can use it .

by gothicpurple on Oct 18, 2010 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions

How about we simply win them "One game at a time"

It is easier for the players, coaches, and fans if you don’t look ahead.
Go Vikes,
Beat GB, with a club
Beat GB, in a tub,
Bang em, kick em, whop their Arse,
Show Mr. Rodgers that he’s a farce.

Brought to you by Dr. Suess’s wicked cousin

"Is it normal to wake up in the morning in a sweat because you can't wait to beat another human's guts out?"
Joe Kapp

by lifelongvike on Oct 22, 2010 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Packers

Will be hungry for a win.

If Clay Mathews returns, Favre may eat some turf.

If I recall, last year when Favre went up against the Packers, he never received a sack.

Packers are a pretty explosive offense, but their defense is pretty weak. I believe the Vikings should have no problem scoring if we can keep Favre up-right.

If we win, I’ll feel pretty comfortable about our season. Division games on the road are never easy.

Thankfully, Favre’s playing at his old home.
And also, it’s at least going to be earlier in the season rather than when the ground is frozen.

Only team I really fear at the moment is the Pats…
They’re pretty good offensively as well…

by Deek on Oct 18, 2010 1:20 PM CDT reply actions

I never counted the Lambeau game as a win

and I have seen nothing to this point that changes my mind. If we do take away a win (even and ugly win) then we have to feel real, real good about things next week.

If its not a win, its important that we not get carried away and go back to all the crying and “start Joe Webb” crap we got here at DN the first couple weeks (although its a given that trolls like multilakes will come out of the much after every rainy day, just like worms). The are a formidable adversary, even with the injuries (since we have our own critical ones too), and a split is the mostly likely thing to expect. And if a split does happen, the most likely form is each winning their home game.

by puddnhead on Oct 18, 2010 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions

It all depends on the weather.

Granted, Favre did well in the Jets in the second half with all that rain, but the cold would still be an issue.

If it is above 40 degrees… I’ll have to take the Vikes almost every time. Especially considering their injuries and offensive line.

by Bjorno on Oct 18, 2010 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Deek . You are usually on ...but not this time my comrade ???

Clay will play . His hammie will spring at sometime during the game . True . They are confident with him in there . And with out O-line issues it sounds like a no brainer . Farve will get hit . But that means that guys will be open . Again . Where we drastically differ is with your assessment of the current Pack Offense as explosive . Yes we need our Safeties to stay deep . Why not they can’t run . But with Finley on IR . Their offense will hurt much like ours without Rice . And Driver got smacked and will be a question mark . Their OTs are poor at best . Rodgers like Cutler are showing definate signs of their concussions . Both have WR corps that are accustomed to getting accurate passes . And without that do to these symptoms . We are beginning to see more dropped balls . Cutler throws less INTs and gets sacked . As Aaron’s lack of patience with his vision causes him to throw more . Both equalled a loss . The TEs are a big part of their Offense . And a much slower Quarless is not going to be a threat overall . Defensively . B.J. Raji is the only player not replaced on Defense and without a week#1 injury . And he is recovering from injuries stemming back to as late as the spring . Power running will eat them up . Along with the fact that Brandon Marshall had 102 yards on Woodson in the first half of the Miami game this last week . Moss is stronger and faster . All their front seven are out of position or dealing with backups . Did the Pack sacrifice the Miami game to rest their boys for week #7 ? That would be sad . But could be true . Placing Finley on IR when he could have been back as early as week 13 .. Is a sign . Have they began the hunt for a great 2011 draft slot after week#7 ? I think so . We will be rooting for them to win games in December as they will be irrelevant . As Concussion Cutler . If you saw his inability to focus his pupils in Sunday’s interview . He will lose next week . Then get a bye that can make or break their year . All depending on the Vikes desire to be the best in week 8 on the road !
I agree we may have a comfortable season with inner conference success . But our O-line must toughen up to be that deep playoff threat of last year . And yes Brett will have the homefield advantage in Green Bay . As the media will need to switch gears to find a new haters angle for the game . Oh . I forgot . It won’t be on ESPN will it ? I do fear the Pats and also worry about all games played on the road with potential Low pressure systems . As these will effect Brett’s joint issues in the elbow .
What would you rather see ? 8 sacks and a fieldgoal win . Or 3 INTs and a fieldgoal win . Either way it will be a win . And it is sad that APC has convieniently banned all real Vikes fans . As they openly stated that Viking opinions and Brett Farve isn’t allowed to be discussed on their site . After week #7 they will be adding Moss to that list too !

by gothicpurple on Oct 18, 2010 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions

O-line/webb

by PURPLEPUSSYEATER on Oct 21, 2010 5:19 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

O-line/webb

I agree with everything you said Goth, I have 2 questions though ? 1-Why have the Vikings not made an attempt to anchor an offensive Big Boy? We made a run @ Vincent Jackson, why didn’t we(maybe we did) make a run @ Mcneal? We have ZERO chance at moving deep in the post with the current O-line.
2- During the Preseason Farve along with alot of smarter football minds than I said. "No matter the role, The Vikings have got to get that guy(Webb) on the field, he is one of the most explosive guys in this leGue…… Why have we not put him in on a deep route across from Sir Randy……. Nobody can keep up with his speed and his hands were great! We need to use him in any capacity to get his ass the ball? Thoughts

by PURPLEPUSSYEATER on Oct 21, 2010 5:31 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

Simple theory

The guy must not be able to catch…..
Because, with his speed he would make a great receiver.
Anyways, I don’t see many QBs w/ that sort of ability to jump.

When we were in a deep hurt to have a WR, it seemed like this guy was never even considered.

by Deek on Oct 21, 2010 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions

He doesn't run good routes and his speed is more of the build up variety.

As a WR in the NFL Webb would mainly be effective as a jump-ball fade route receiver in the Red-zone. Wouldn’t mind seeing him run some wild-cat though : )

by CanadianViking on Oct 21, 2010 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Nobody can keep up with his speed and his hands were great?

We never saw him catch a single ball, and he runs a 4.4 40, hardly someone who will outrun 1st string defenses.

by Bjorno on Oct 21, 2010 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

It doesn't matter how good he is at receiver

We are SCREWED at QB. So instead of hoping he works in his first year as a receiver (when we have options) keep as a hope for QB. Right now other than TJ, and most know my opinion of him, we have no one to work with back there. I personally think Childress beleives that Wilf is not going to pony up another 20 mil for a QB next ear and his job is to make this a winning team without breaking the bank every year.

It's a lot easier to love the Vikings when they win...

by Grime on Oct 22, 2010 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Here we go again

I would think that the Max Hall decision in Arizona can show fans that once in a while a QB does come out of nowhere to play in the NFL. Max Hall was undrafted last year and was chosen to play over highly touted 5th rounder John Skelton. Skelton is the third QB on the Cardinal’s roster.
In my opinion the only reason Webb has been withheld from other positions is because he has really shown the exceptional talent necessary to become an NFL QB. If that is the case then they are absolutely doing the best thing for the team and the player by letting him learn one and only one position.

"Is it normal to wake up in the morning in a sweat because you can't wait to beat another human's guts out?"
Joe Kapp

by lifelongvike on Oct 23, 2010 6:40 AM CDT up reply actions

Grime- How are we screwed?

I know that we will lose Farve but why do you think we are screwed?
We have an experienced bach-up.
We have a developemental project
We have the ability to draft and/or hire someone great if they come along.

It might be a difficult QB transition ( isn’t it always) but I certainly don’t think we are screwed.

"Is it normal to wake up in the morning in a sweat because you can't wait to beat another human's guts out?"
Joe Kapp

by lifelongvike on Oct 23, 2010 6:44 AM CDT up reply actions

This is a good point.

Also, we’ve seen this year that our running game and defense can keep us competitive with a QB who’s completing less than 60% of his passes and a rating in the low 70’s. I’m not saying Favre’s production will stay at that level as I expect our offense to bust out of it’s funk this week, but it does illustrate that we’re a pretty good team without good QB play and a great team when we get good play from our QB’s.

I’m going to steal some of LLV’s optimism and say that the team will be fine next year with Jackson, Webb, or another hired gun at QB next year : )

by CanadianViking on Oct 23, 2010 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions

My My. We haven't agreed in some time.

But I really am optimistic. Especially after watching our run game last night. Terrific run blocking. Terrific play calling. I hated the lost but loved the drama of the game.

"Is it normal to wake up in the morning in a sweat because you can't wait to beat another human's guts out?"
Joe Kapp

by lifelongvike on Oct 25, 2010 6:36 AM CDT up reply actions

I'll agree with you again.

Our offense did show up and the play calling and O-line play was probably the best I’ve seen this year. Don’t know if I loved all the drama though. Favre is going to give me a heart-attack soon and I’m only thirty : )

by CanadianViking on Oct 25, 2010 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions

Better Coaching

Couldn’t agree more. I don’t respect Brad Childress, the referees do not respect him, and I think it’s pretty obvious the players are doing their best to respect him…but they just can’t get there.

by AceBunnee on Oct 23, 2010 8:02 PM CDT reply actions