Daily Norseman: FanPosts

R.I.P Steve McNair

2009-07-04T20:43:31Z

Never played for the Vikings..but this is a true tragedy..RIP!

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Former Titans quarterback Steve McNair has been killed. Police said McNair suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head in downtown Nashville.

The incident happened near 2nd South & Lea Ave. Police said it looked like a double homicide. A female victim was also found dead.

Stay with NewsChannel5.com for more information as it becomes available.

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=10643962

Viking's WRs

2009-07-04T19:36:32Z

First off I want to apologize for accidently erasing my fanpost on this subject, because with that also was erased the comments from my fellow Viking fans. I had forgotten to write about Darius Raynuad and when I went to edit to enter him in, I instead erased the whole thing. So if you'll forgive me I would like to atleast summarize what I had posted.

Back in the late 90's and early this decade our Minnesota Vikings had the best receiving core in the NFL ( sorry "greatest show on turf" you were a close second), but age, attitudes, contracts expiring, off the field troubles and Coach Childress new standard of accountability depleted that core. By Chilly's 2nd season the cupboard was now empty and the rebuilding process had begun.

The Vikings started off by signing free agent Bobby Wade, and then selecting 3 WRs in the draft: Sidney Rice (2nd rd.), Andre Allison (5th rd.), and Charlie williams (7th rd., who would not make the team).The Vikings also brought in free agent TE Vishante Shancoe from the Giants. The following year the Vikings signed away Bernard Berrian from our hated rivals dabears, and then select Jarmar Johnson (6th rd.) in the draft. Undrafted Darius Raynuad made the practice squad and would later be signed to the active roster. This years offseason would see the Vikings bring in free agent Glen Holt, and to much a surprise the first round pick of Percy Harvin.

As we look ahead to this upcoming season, we have a lot forward to in our passing offense and the KOA finally coming to life; here's why...

After giving Randy Moss away a few years ago, our passing game finally has a #1 WR in Bernard Berrian. To be honest, he surprised me with his route running skills and elusiveness in the open field. Berrian led the league in yards per catch (20+) and made many big plays for us last season. With a year of experiance in this offense under his belt; we should expect even bigger things from him this year, even with defenses aware of him now, they will be reluctant to double him with AD in the backfield and the added talent lining up across from him.

Bobby Wade: What more can you say about this guy? He's undersized, not fast, but yet all he has done is lead the Vikings in receptions since he has suited up in Purple and Gold. What he lacks athletically, he makes up for in hustle and heart. He is an excellent blocker and a consumate team player, and a great role model for the younger receivers.

Sidney Rice: After teasing us his rookie year with some amazing catches, his progress was hampered last year with a knee injury in week two and he never fully recovered. Now with time to heal and working hard this offseason, we expect Rice to take that next step to be the player he was drafted to be.

Now our Wildcard: Percy Harvin. I was a little shocked when I heard his name called on draft day, because he was considered a risk, but I was also elated because this young man has some skills on the football field. He is explosive and brings playmaking ability that defenses are going to have to account for him every time he is on the field. He may take playing time away from Wade but because of his speed he will spread defenses out when he is on the field or they will pay.

The follwing WRs are fighting for the last active roster spot and this is a good thing, the Vikings had not had legitimate competition at WR in sometime and this is a welcomed "problem".

Glen Holt is the most experienced of the bunch but he was bruoght in solely for STs purposes, mainly kick and punt return duties.

Andre Allison had a great rookie year on STs and follow up with a great training camp last year but none of that translated onto the field and he saw hi playing time reduced significately. He has potential and can be a real good player for our Vikings but can he step up and do it on a consistant basis?

My Darkhorse of the group is Jarmar Johnson. After being drafted last year, he spent the whole year on the practice squad. He has been a man on a mission ever since gaining 18 lbs of muscle to his the thin frame. He came into the league as one of the fastest players and he now has explosiveness with that added strength. He is not only fast but he can catch and from early reports it looks like he may win the punt return job.

Darius Raynaud: After going undrafted, he made the practice squad and eventually beat out free agent Maurice Hicks for kick return duties and replaced him on the active roster. He is shifty and has moves to make people miss but is there room for him to make the team?

I personally am excited about this coming year because of the improvement of talent in our passing offense, which had been lacking and with the new wrinkles from the Loki being thrown in there it finally looks like the KOA is going to be in high gear! Now if we can get a certain someone to put away his farm tools to toss the pigskin for us...

Note to the NFL: The Vikings are coming! Que viva los Vikings!!!

NFL Network discusses the 2009 Vikings.

2009-07-04T00:35:29Z

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d81120a09/32-in-32-Minnesota-Vikings

Watch Longwell try to show McKinnie how to kick a field goal. It is pretty funny.

Go Vikings! All the way to a Victory in Super Bowl XLIV!

Important Message To Those Who Care

2009-07-03T18:31:50Z

This Is Vikingholic, from Vikingholics.co.cc, and I'm delighted by members signing up and supporting my site. However lately, I have discovered that running a site alone is quite difficult. Im currently is looking for a staff, so if you are interested in any of the openings below, please write back ASAP!

Openings
______________

Site Designer(2 openings)
Forum Editor(1 opening)
Main Page Blogger(3 openings)
Site Manager(2 openings)
Blog Inspector(1 opening)
Developer (2 openings)
Links Assistance (2 openings)(Updates Links around the Web on Vikings news)
Photoshopper(1 opening)
_______________

Or
_______________

If you can help me think on anything else that can contribute to the site that needs attention by a worker, please inform me.
I plan to have the Vikingholics.co.cc fully working by next week, so please help me by applying for one of the above openings so this site can run very professionally.
And if you can't do the job, please recommend, or inform a friend of the openings, if they may be interested.

Let’s create one big family of Vikingholics, and become a blog well-known around the web. Thanks for your time, and please consider the openings.

Sincerely,

Justin "Vikingholic" Fells

P.S. I will give the openings on the first come first serve bases, unless someone with more experience, and more time of access to the internet comes available. And I will pay the staff if the site becomes known, or well-known. (Paypal required to receive pay)

Will it be this weekend?

2009-07-03T15:14:32Z

Hello to all die hard Vikings fan.. I guess this is when the predictions start coming in of the official signing of Brett Favre... Like i replied to the norseman, i think it will be over this holiday weekend, when the media is at a low and that is what Favre wants..we will see.. I just really want to know who my QB will be this season already.

Anyway have a happy and safe 4th of July, I drove up to my house in Delhi, NY with the whole family and my beautiful girlfriend.. We will eat, a little time on the quad and maybe some target practice with the rifles, and just have a great time while standing by for any breaking news on Favre...ENJOY!!!

The Up Side of Favre Goes Beyond the Throwing of Footballs

2009-07-02T06:19:51Z

Dave Myers has written the following article on Favre for the LaCrosse Tribune, which discusses Favre's legacy and the things he brings to the table which go well beyond his future Hall of Fame resume. The author brings up some points that I haven't seen outlined elsewhere with as much clarity.

Here is the link to it: http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/07/02/sports/00myers.txt

While Myers main audience is in Wisconsin readers, his words have a much broader context and interest. His main points are that Favre wants to play for Minnesota, the Vikings want him to sign him if healthy, Favre's legacy belongs to Favre, since he's the one risking his body in continuing his career, and that Favre brings with him the opportunity for increasing revenues for the Vikings and the NFL in terms of ticket and jersey sales and publicity, which reminds us that it is called "professional football" because the NFL is a commercial enterprise and not only has to bring a sport to the fans which they will enjoy, but must also make a profit in doing so, in order to continue the operations of all its franchises.

Whatever Favre can and cannot still do between a kickoff and the end of the game, Favre is important as a means of making money.

Without income, there are no future Minnesota Vikings.

Special teams

2009-07-02T01:53:42Z

What's teh deal with special teams

i thought i remember that we fired whoever the coach was but dont remember who we replaced him with

i guess we can only go up from last year, so im hoping this year the special teams wont lose us games

Who has the inside track to starting this year on special teams, Brinkley, Asher Allen, others?

Also, does Kluwe have any competition cause i know he can boot it, but he always outkicks the coverage which is a reason we give big plays

MSN ranks QB's 30th out of 32

2009-07-01T15:51:04Z

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9735822/Positional-Power-Rankings:-QB-packages?gt1=39002

Any ideas of where we would rank if Favre ends up as a viking?? I am sorry wrote that wrong WHEN Favre becomes a viking. Obviously the addition of Favre will move us up the list but how much? If I had to guess I would say it would put us somewhere in the 13-20 range. Let me know what you guys think.

The Offensive Line

2009-07-01T06:13:44Z

Hey fellow Vikings Fans, here is something we haven't really talked about lately. I was wondering if anyone has any opinions or comments on how the offense line is coming together. I am most interseted to hear everyone's opinoin on Sullivan taking over at center for Birk. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill, and I have not heard to much about the big guys up front so far.

Thanks for any info you can provide and GO VIKES!!!!

Who will go? Jackson or Booty?

2009-06-30T16:08:52Z

When it is made offical that Brett Favre is a Viking, Who will go? I think they should keep Booty and trade Jackson. T.Jack has more trade value. I really think Booty will be a good fit for the Vikings sometime down the line.

T.Jack is not the answer, It has been 3 years and so far has not proven anything. The only thing he does well is get called for intentional grounding.. Maybe its just me, I dont know..

In a Quarterbacks mind it suppose to be pass first.. then run..and at last resort throw the ball out of bounce. In T.Jacks mind his first thing is to run the ball then pass, which will never work.

What do you guys think?

A message to REVENGE4FAVRE

2009-06-30T06:56:00Z

You do relise that you are one of the biggest fools anyone has ever had the unpriveledge of having to read right? I just want to know why you think that #4 is the greatest thing since sliced bread? You do realize that Favre has only won 1 superbowl in his career don't you and only been to the big dance twice in his career, and in neither of those years was it due to his play, the year that he did get his ring it really had nothing to do with him it was Desmond Howard and a Great D-fence led by Reggie White that won the Superbowl and the very next year he was beat by the great John Elway and Terrel Davis. I just want to know why you are such an idiot to be all over his nutz? If you go by SB wins then you had better be all over Kurt Warners; Tom Brady's, Big Ben's, Terry Bradshaw's, Joe Montana's, Troy aikmen's,John Elway's nutz as well cause all of them have more rings than Farve. If you are that in love with him please write him and let him know that you are willing to have his next child that is if your overies are developed enough to have children. I have not ever been so ticked off by an ignorant fool in my life as I am with you for some reason and you have not even made 1 comment about me our my Lions. We have all gotten the picture: You WERE a packer fan and then you WERE a jets fan and now you ARE a viking's fan. The fact of the matter is is that Brett Favre is not all that great, he's been more durable than most QB's in the league and thats it PERIOD as you like to say! So let it go and start backing up your statements if you want to be name calling and all cause it's sad to have to read your beyond sad posts about Favre YOU are tarnishing his records more than he is by not retiring!

Fan Posts

2009-06-30T03:36:38Z

Why are there so many new posts from non viking fans. Over the past couple weeks i have read numerous posts from people, who although may be expressing their opinions, are stupid and they have no idea what they are talking about. Personally i do not care what other fans think about our situation because if i did i would be on profootballtalk.com all day instead of this site. This is where i find my facts. How would you like it if i write a bunch of pointless ish all over your favorite teams site. Shut up and leave us alone.

Percy is sick again...

2009-06-30T01:27:34Z

Hopefully it's not a big deal but I'm a little concerned since these random bouts of illness would be disappointing if they show up in the fall.

75 words.... I hope the that the rumor that the Vikes will announce Favre's contract this weekend will indeed be true. I'm growing antsy. Also, has anyone else notice how ESPN is staying away from the Favre topic ever since Werder messed up?

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcnorth/0-12-123/Harvin-falls-ill----again.html

Vikings Fans You Don't Want Farve

2009-06-29T21:32:32Z

Being a life long Jets fan and season ticket holder I want to let all the Vikings fans out there know that you don't want this guy on your team. I was all for it last year when he came to the Jets. We updated a horrific offensive line and signed some big men upfront on the defense. The veteran Farve looked to be the final piece to compete for the division until he arrived.....

It sooned became apparent the Farve had some strange obsession with the Packers, it was all he talked about. He never wanted to be a Jet and the fans and team knew it. First of all he wasn't smart enough to learn the offense which of course led to the coaches dumbing it down for the first 6 weeks of the season. Once the team got going we did have success but it was more because of having the leading rusher in the AFC, Thomas Jones and the NFL all purpose yards leader in Leon Washington both Pro-Bowlers.

Down the stretch, be it injury or not, he was terrible. He changed plays on the line that lead to interceptions, threw the ball up for grabs, lost the respect of his teammates and refused to be taken out of the games eventually leading to the firing of the coaching staff.

Looking back I regret my team picking up this 40 year old broken down QB with a Green Bay obsession. He was nothing but a disaster and there is no doubt we would have been much better with Chad Pennington. Hopefully you will have more success than we did with him but be prepared for his diva attitude, what Farve wants Farve gets. He basically runs the offense and it seems as the front office and coaching staff bends to his ever whim. I would stay far away from this guy.

Favre's effect on your 2009 season (if he comes)

2009-06-29T21:11:06Z

I’m kind of hesitant to ask this but I’m going to anyways. A lot of people have questioned whether or not the Bears getting Cutler really will help them because of their wr play. I think it’s fair to ask the same question to you guys if you get Favre. I think the Bears wr core and your teams wr core are kind of similar.

Berrian is a good deep threat but that’s about all he is at this point. Wade is at best a #3 wr in this league. Rice could be good, but he seems to always be injured. I think in 2-3 years Harvin will be good, but at this point he is too raw. Shiancoe is good too, though he has had problems with catching in the past.
I think Hester is virtually the same wr that Berrian is. I don’t think he was as good as him last year, but I believe he will be this year. Rashied Davis is ok. He is a good route runner, but he is kind of slow and old. Earl Bennett is a young guy with potential but he has yet to prove himself. Iglesias seems to be the perfect fit for a slot guy but we will have to wait and see. Greg Olsen is very good young tight end. I think the addition of Cutler will help him a ton and consequently I think he will have a breakout this year. Desmond Clark is a solid tight end as well.

I’m interested to get your take on what Favre’s arrival will do for your receiving core, please share your thoughts!

Three-and-outs

2009-06-29T16:20:39Z

With all the talk about who will be the best option at QB for the Vikings this year and how team stats from last year compare to each other, I wondered if I could find stats showing the number of “true” three-and-outs given up by offenses and forced by defenses.

First, what is a “true” three-and out? I define this as when the offense takes the field and four plays later they punt. These stats should not include turnovers, penalties, or safeties, as these are tracked separately. A three-and out can be one of the most deflating moments in a game, not only to the team, but also to the crowd. There is no worse feeling than to watch the defense make a great stance only to have the offense come on the field and go three-and-out.

I searched, but could not find anyplace that tracked three-and-outs, so I decided to compile a few teams on my own. Of course the Vikings were my first choice. Then I thought I should choose the Super Bowl participants and a couple of the worst teams for comparison. I also chose the two best offenses. Surprisingly, neither made it to the “big show”. Finally, I chose the Jets for obvious reasons.

So without further adieu, here are the stats for “true” three and outs including how the offenses and defenses ranked at the end of the year in total yards.

Offense 3 & Outs Rank Defense 3 & Outs Rank

Denver 26 2 Pittsburg 56 1

New Orleans 28 1 Minnesota 43 6

NY Jets 32 16 New Orleans 40 23

Arizona 34 4 Oakland 37 27

Minnesota 38 17 Arizona 35 19

Pittsburg 40 22 Detroit 33 32

Oakland 55 29 NY Jets 32 16

Detroit 55 30 Denver 30 29

Take these stats for what they are, but it does seem interesting, although maybe not surprising that the best teams rank highest in three-and-outs. I think it’s also plain to see why the Steelers won the Super Bowl. Wow, 56 times the defense forced a three-and out. That averages out to 3.5 per game. Pretty impressive.

Wildcat with Jackson

2009-06-29T15:57:06Z

So, lots to look forward to this year. With the eventual arrival of Favre, the question of Jackson as a starter is moot (barring injury to Favre). But, I wonder, nevertheless, whether he might not function in an untapped, creative dimension once our offense begins to employ the Wildcat/Loki scheme. With Favre as our quarterback, I wouldn't argue for bringing in TJack to execute the Wildcat. The risk/benefit equation is not in our favor. But, "if" he were the starter, I think it could be quite a threat to throw a couple of Wildcat plays into the mix with him lined up in the shotgun. Anthony21's most recent post about quarterback stat predictions, and the replies to it said nothing about the yardage on the ground TJack, Rosencopter, and Favre were expected to accumulate. I think that with the arrival of the Wildcat, it would only make us more unpredictable to have Jackson as a threat in that capacity.

Running Backs with and without Favre.

2009-06-29T14:17:25Z

A LOT has been said about the differences between the Quarterbacks. Stats have been hashed up, injuries have been scrutinized, and recently Defensive Indifferance made an in-depth post about it, as was pointed out on Gonzo's Viking Vegur. So, remembering how well Thomas Jones ended up doing last year, I decided to do a side by side comparison. And not to be incomplete, I figured I'd check Ryan Grant's stats as well from Green Bay.

Here are Thomas Jones' stats from the 2007 season.

G	Att	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	FUM	Lost
16	310	1119	3.6	36	1	28	217	7.8	25	1	2	0

And here are his stats from the 2008 season.

G	Att	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	FUM	Lost
16	290	1312	4.5	59T	13	36	207	5.8	19	2	2	1

Ryan Grant in the 2007 season.

G	Att	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	FUM	Lost
15	188	956	5.1	66T	8	30	145	4.8	21	0	1	1

And finally, Ryan Grant in the 2008 season.

G	Att	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	FUM	Lost
16	312	1203	3.9	57	4	18	116	6.4	17T	1	4	3

Is there a noticable difference? I would certainly say that, yes, there is. In rooughly ten percent less attempts, Thomas Jones ended up with a nearly one yard increase in his average and an additional 12 touchdowns over the course of the season. His reception average went down however getting less yards on more receptions.. As he is a Running Back however, I consider the first part more important.

Meanwhile, Ryan Grant's rushing dropped significantly. In nearly 140 more attempts in 2008, Ryan managed another 250 yards, and his average run dropped 1.2 yards in length. Additionally, in nearly twice the carries, he got half as many touchdowns as he did in the 2007 season.And without Favre, his average receptions went up as well, by nearly two points. On under twenty receptions. Another stat to be thrown out.

I would like to do some follow-up analysis on this as well, by getting the average YAC for Green Bay and the Jets in 2007 and 2008. If my guess is correct, the Green Bay average increased in 2008, while the Jets would decrease. If that is the case, I believe this will show that opposing defenses did consider Favre in their game plans, allowing for a noticable increase in the running game at the expense of the passing game. If someone would know where to look those stats up, I would greatly appreciate it.

Non-Related: Billy Mays Dead At 50

2009-06-28T17:26:09Z

Another sad moment for the world. Billy Mays has been found dead by his wife at his home. Another tragedy. When will this madness end?

I have always been a huge Billy Mays fan. To see him go at the age of 50 puts me in severe shock. I have used his products for as long as I can remember. Rest In Peace, Billy Mays.

First Heath Ledger, Bernie Mac, James Brown, Farah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Ed Thomas, Ed McMahon, and now this. =(

Please hold these people in your prayers tonight.

Here is a tribute video I found on YouTube.

Billy Mays Tribute Video

Here's the news story.

STORY

10/25 @ Heinze field, Super Bowl preview?

2009-06-28T16:37:19Z

As a Steelers fan and a Vikes fan, I personally can't wait for this game. I have alot of friends who love footy-footy-football, and they aren't all Steeler or Vikes fans, but for the most part, they agree, SB preview for this game. I, however, have VERY mixed feelings about a Purple/Black'n'Gold Super Bowl. On one hand, I would love to see the Steelers get another Ring, and put the record out of reach. On the other, I want to remember when the Vikes won a playoff game.

Now, with Brett "I don't wanna retire" Favre, I think the chance will be higher than ever for me to finally say "yeah, Vikings are in the Super Bowl". Don't get me wrong, I think Gus Frerotte is quite possibly the #1 most underrated QB ever. Not even the RAMS gave him a real shot, but I'm sorry Gus, with the choice, I would still go with favre.

Sorry for rambling, this is my very first fanpost, not too familiar with the formating of this stuff. I just wanted to get my thoughts out here. After all, isn't that what blogs are for? I welcome all thoughts, comments, hatemail. hehe