via www.blogcdn.com

I was curious as to how Leslie Frazier and his coaching staff performed last season, especially with some of the tougher coaching decisions, like what to do on 4th down, and replay challenges. When evaluating coaching, it’s helpful to remember what we can hold them responsible for. Generally speaking, the coaches are responsible for the play design, and to a lesser degree, motivating the players. On the flipside, the players are responsible for executing that design and are ultimately responsible for what happens in the field of play. So, with that in mind, read on after the jump, as I break down Leslie Frazier’s 2011 season.

Continue reading this post »

I have been thinking of doing this for some time now. Actually I suggested to Mr. Gates that giving out numbers would be much more interesting but then decided I could do it myself...Since I do similar thing as part of my job!

I wanted to go in more depth but am running somewhat short on time so here are the major stats for DN and some other relevant sites (after the jump) -

Continue reading this post »

This is a Daily Norseman Exclusive...

after the jump... the first non-ARTIST RENDITION of the new Minnesota Vikings stadium on game day in downtown Minneapolis. A stadium simply known as "Valhalla"

No bloody "Field"

No bloody "Dome"

No bloody "Complex"

No bloody "Stadium"

Just "VALHALLA"

In Norse mythology, Valhalla (from Old Norse Valhöll "hall of the slain") is a majestic, enormous hall located in Asgard, ruled over by the god Odin. It is where the Northmen ate roasted boar and drank intoxicating mead and much tales were told. It was a most glorious place celebrate past victories.

Wouldn't it be great to be there in 2016 on opening day? Visiting the Vikings hall of fame.... browsing the statues. I would love to be grilling game day food and drinking frosty beverage in the new improved tailgating areas!

Continue reading this post »

I've been a viking fan since I was a kid but I've never been to a Viking game in Minnesota. Since this may be my last chance to see the Vikings play in the dome I'd like to give it a go. However, having only been to Minnesota once and then only long enough to go from one flight terminal to the other at the airport, I don't know anything about the place and I'd like some input from DN nation to help plan the event. It will be myself, my brother and my two kids ages 11 and 9. We'll be shooting for the chicago game on dec. 9th although the arizona game on oct 21st is also an option. I'd rather see us beat chicago tho! We're going to drive up on saturday before the game and I'd like some information about where to stay and where to eat keeping in mind that we want to make this a very Viking experience and also that we keep the costs down. We'd rather spend our money on Viking stuff than worry about what kind of soap the hotel provides!

Thanks in advance for the info!

Hi Dean,

I happened to notice your name in an article about the Vikings stadium and after a quick check confirmed you were indeed my History/Social Studies teacher at good old NL-S (Class of ’84).

It sounds like you took one on the chin from some in the party. I’d just like to thank you. I have lived away from MN since joining the Navy in ’84 and now that Mom is living full time in Phoenix, I really only have one tie left to the State – the Vikings. I know that this was a complicated vote, combining private and public money and mixing in gambling revenues just to make sure there was something for everyone to hate. I know that you had personally expressed concern over the use of public money to help further enrich millionaires from New Jersey. I get that. I suspect you probably had to hold your nose while you cast the vote.

Whatever the current political pain points may be in Minnesota, they will pass. The economy will improve. Other crisis will appear. A football team may appear frivolous compared to some of the issues you face, but whether it is logical or not – the Vikings are an enduring part of what it means to be Minnesotan. This becomes all the more real for those of us living as ex-pats. I have now lived just as long in West Michigan as I lived in Spicer – 18 years. Yet I am not a Michigander who grew up in Minnesota. I am a Minnesotan who is living in Michigan.

It is hard to explain, but had the Vikings moved to LA or wherever, that almost certainly would have changed. I would have been forced to become a Lions fan and that last defining link would have been severed. I am not alone in this. There are many ex-pat regulars on the various Vikings Fan-Blogs who feel much as I do. We may not be able to vote for you, but we sincerely appreciate it. Whatever heat you may feel from the party, your name will never be associated with having forced the Vikings out of Minnesota. For that Sir, I salute you.

On a side note: If you get a chance to trip Mary Kiffmeyer when she walks past, please do so for me. Calling John Kriesel a coward? Wow…

On a side-side-note: I may have been a lousy student in your classes but I have learned to love history. So what is my point? Well two points I guess. The first is that perhaps something good transpired in your classroom, despite my best attempts to prevent it. The second point is that although I can’t vote for you, I can and will buy your books from Amazon and will encourage other ex-pats on the Vikings Fan-Blogs to do the same. (Yeah, I know you don’t realize much profit per book, but we do what we can)

Thank you again and have a great day.

Doug Kerfoot

The Vikings WR race got one player thinner as they dumped Kris Adams to make room for Guard, Tyler Holmes of Tulsa. The Vikes apparently weren't terribly impressed with Adams. Hopefully this is a sign that the other WRs on the roster are looking good. Not too sure about this guard, but the article, linked below, says he was a Conf. USA honorable mention. Anyways, this has been another Unimportant Roster Update, by Victor-E. Carry on.

Continue reading this post »

If you missed part one, here it is: part 1

After posting my first clone draft, some have indicated that some positions of need were not addressed, particularly in the case of our favorite team. I was aware of this when I wrote my original post but nevertheless, decided that a second round might be a bit difficult to put together. However, after it being requested, I will continue the draft. Clone Roger Goodell sighs, as he realizes that his work is far from complete. Here, again, are the premises:

• Every person on the planet has been cloned (with all the same football IQ and ability), and their respective clones have entered the NFL draft.
• The real NFL draft has already happened.
• The teams draft picks are in the order they would be before trades, and no trades can be made.

Join me after the jump for the second round of the 2012 NFL clone draft.

Continue reading this post »

Matt Kalil: was rated a first round by everyone

Harrison Smith: was rated a first round pick by almost everyone

Josh Robinson: was rated a first round pick by many or at least with

1st round talent and is only a junior and if one more year of college

a number 1 for sure

Jarius Wrigh: t was rated a 3rd round pick

at Rette Ellison: a forth or 5th round but from all you said maybe a

real steal for what he can bring to the Vikings

Greg Childs: if not hurt an easy 2nd round but potentially a first round.

Robert Blanton: maybe went where predicted but could turn out to be a

very good player.

Blair Walsh: some boards had Him rated as the top kicker and seeing

Longwell let go tells Me the Viking really liked what they see in the

Rookie camp that they held

Audie Cole: was in contact with many teams and told anywhere from 2nd

round to Free agent

Trevor Guyton: was rated the 92 and 95 on Mel Kiper and ESPN boards

that would of made Him a 3rd round pick.

I think you have to give Rick Speilman an A+++ for the draft then

throw in Simpson, Carlson, Carr and the other free agents along with

the undrafted free agents they are still working on and I love how

Speilman has taking complete control and responsibility and I believe

He is building a winning team for the future. One more draft for DL,

LB, and RB should make us a very solid team next year for sure !!!!

First of I have purple blood and see the glass always half full. Maybe because watching the Vikings brings me pleasure. I think the draft and free agents were excellent and here are the reasons. Keep this in mind that it is a 2 to 3 year rebuilding program and it takes longer for the secondary, receivers, OL and QB to be productive and at the top of their game than it does a DL or Linebacker. Next year the Vikings should address LB and DL with some good talent in rounds 1 and 2. One more thing team chemistry and leadership qualities are what the Super bowl teams have. Having 5 ND players along with the 2 Razorbacks and USC players will only added to their comfort levels coming in as rookies.

The tight end/fullback Ellison is what the Viks desperately needed when the need an extra blocker for AP because Ellison has great hands and can keep the other team honest because they must keep an eye on him for the pass.. (I think the fullbacks we have now are not pass catchers) Also that he was a teammate with Matt and played on his side is a big advantage and comfort for both of them coming in as rookies from the same team.

The 2 receivers Wright and Childs from Arkansas I think are a steal with Wright speed and I believe Childs could be the best receiver from this year’s draft with his size, leaping ability and speed (I read he ran a 4.38 somewhere.) The fact those 2 guys grew up together and now play for the Viks is huge. The comfort level for a rookie brings in his best friend can only help the chemistry on the team.

The secondary guys from Notre Dame Smith and Blanton that are safeties might be something special for a long time and again the comfort of playing together for years at collage. The Corner Robinson is only a junior if he had stayed in school another year he maybe would have been a first round pick. Sitting a year and learning from Winfield will not hurt and maybe some nickel and dime action sometime this year. Also with the other players from ND it makes for good chemistry.

The kicker Walsh I think was brilliant when I think about it. Longwell did not have a great year last year and is another year older. Kicking into the end zone I believe he would be less this year and if outdoors maybe imposable for him. So to keep the other team starting from the 20 almost every time is a big deal.

The free agent pickup were kept quiet by most but they got a great tight end, a great wide receiver, a solid Guard and lots of roll players for backup and special teams.

The O line went from old to young in 2 seasons and is possible very good. With Matt and Johnson as a Guard and it sounds like He is going to be very solid there from what I have read. It sounds like Sullivan is very solid at center and Loudholt is in a contract year. It sounds like the other guard position is going to be ok with Fusco or Schwartz.

So all in all I look forward to this year and with 1 more draft and free agency (as long as Ponder is the answer) we could have a really nice team for 2013.

When the 2012 Legislature first started and the Vikings started that process for the umpteenth time of trying to get a new stadium, I thought to myself, "this is the year a new stadium will be realized". Why not?, the Vikings weren't bound by a lease anymore but as the sessions dragged on and day after day of not hearing good news, "Oh oh".

The NFL Commish comes to try and light a fire under the stalled talks, "little ray of hope" that was all but dashed when the House measure was voted down. "goodbye Vikings??" "NOOOOOOOO". But then the ray of hope I was looking for materialized as the last few days unfolded and we know the rest of the story.

I live way out in Honolulu, Hawaii where the 49ers, Rams, Seahawks and Raiders are the fan favs but there are a few diehard Vikings fans here and I have been one for 41 years. I am very Very VERY HAPPY I can call my fav team the "MINNESOTA" Vikings till the day I die and I hope one day to see my fav team play in their new home but it begs one question I am more curious about.

With all the shouts, threats and debates all finished and some people getting what they wanted and some saying we can put our tax dollars to way better use, come November, how many of the politicians who are up for re-election will be voted out mainly because of their "yes" vote?? Do I care?? No. But I am curious.

With my initial review done and under wraps, we can take a look at a position that carries with it a lot more uncertainty - outside linebacker. You all wanted me to do some film review of Erin Henderson's fantastic 2011 campaign, and that sounds like a wonderful idea. It causes a bit of a dilemma, though - there are a couple of games to pick from that could all be called "his best." After taking a look at them, I ultimately narrowed it down to two games - the game he had against Chicago in Week 6, or the game he had against Kansas City in Week 4. Despite sacks against Chicago in Week 17 and against San Diego in Week 1, and despite excellent pass coverage against Carolina in Week 8, these two games stood out because he didn't really make many mistakes.

Continue reading this post »