Daily Norseman: FanPosts

The Ultimate Power Ranking - Part 3, Special Teams

2013-06-19T17:28:45Z

I have been trudging along through all the stats on Football Outsiders and Pro Football Focus and finally found enough free time to finish Part 3 covering Special Teams and I just published it to my blog. If you've been following along, I ranked all the offenses already in Part 1 here, and the defenses in Part 2 here. Very shortly, I'll be putting all the pieces together in Part 4 for the final overall "Ultimate Power Ranking". But until then, I thought I'd share the results of the Special Teams ranking with you all. Once again, as I'm sure you are only interested in the Vikings, here are the results:

5t. Minnesota Vikings 381

The Vikings have completely remade their Special Teams unit in recent years by replacing Ryan Longwell with Blair Walsh, replacing Chris Kluwe with Jeff Locke and trading Percy Harvin. And so far, those have all been good moves. Walsh took the NFL by storm his rookie year ranked as the #1 placekicker overall. Marcus Sherels sits atop the depth chart at returner, and he’s an underrated player ranked as the #5 punt returner and #13 kick returner. Mike Priefer has completely turned around what used to be a weakness and now the Vikings have above average coverage units too with a kicking coverage unit ranked #11 and a punt coverage unit ranked #12. The only question mark is rookie punter and 5th round draft choice Jeff Locke. If he can perform as an above average punter, then the Vikings could easily shoot to the top of the Special Teams ranking. As a side note, if they had kept Chris Kluwe, they would have moved up only 1 spot. Locke likely has more upside than Kluwe, but until he can prove his worth, the Vikings sit tied for 5th with the Bengals.

I think the Vikings have dramatically improved their Special Teams over the last few years, and I remember not so long ago when we had a place kicker who couldn't put it in the end zone, a punter who frequently out kicked his coverage units, and coverage units that were abysmal. But Mike Preifer did an incredible job during his first season with the Vikings last year, and I expect similar results in 2013. We'll see what Jeff Locke can bring to the table, and if he can live up to the hype of being a 5th round draft pick, the Vikings could have the best Special Teams unit in the NFL going forward. Yes, I think they're that good.

As for the rest of the NFC North, the Bears are better than the Vikings ranked #2, while the Packers are in a three-way tie for 10th place and the Lions sit dead last in 32nd place. The Ravens claim the #1 spot. For more details on the rest of the rankings, check out the link above to the original article.

5t. Minnesota Vikings 381

The Vikings have completely remade their Special Teams unit in recent years by replacing Ryan Longwell with Blair Walsh, replacing Chris Kluwe with Jeff Locke and trading Percy Harvin. And so far, those have all been good moves. Walsh took the NFL by storm his rookie year ranked as the #1 placekicker overall. Marcus Sherels sits atop the depth chart at returner, and he’s an underrated player ranked as the #5 punt returner and #13 kick returner. Mike Priefer has completely turned around what used to be a weakness and now the Vikings have above average coverage units too with a kicking coverage unit ranked #11 and a punt coverage unit ranked #12. The only question mark is rookie punter and 5th round draft choice Jeff Locke. If he can perform as an above average punter, then the Vikings could easily shoot to the top of the Special Teams ranking. As a side note, if they had kept Chris Kluwe, they would have moved up only 1 spot. Locke likely has more upside than Kluwe, but until he can prove his worth, the Vikings sit tied for 5th with the Bengals.

Authentic jerseys vs. wholesale

2013-06-19T15:19:22Z

Just curious what everyone's thoughts are on the wholesale jerseys that cost around $21 as opposed to the authentics that cost around $110. I know a couple years ago the wholesale jerseys were more of a blue and it was comical going to the dome to see the difference in the color but I think last years versions were pretty close. Anyways, was always curious how many people on here shop the wholesale sites instead of the official sites.

Are Any Of The 3 1st Round Picks Signed??

2013-06-19T12:18:32Z

Granted I have not been keeping up with news on the Vikings as much as I should, I have not seen any news on Facebook since most of my Vikings news are on my news feed since I "Like" the Vikings mostly regarding the signing of any of the 3 first round draft picks. Has the Vikings signed any of the 3 first round picks yet?? I'm pretty sure all 3 will be signed before the regular season starts but just curious.

Ponder didn't look sharp in yesterday's minicamp (and OTA's before that)

2013-06-19T10:25:29Z

Yes, it's minicamp and they are still installing the offense/defense. And no, the season is not lost. But according to Tom and Judd, Ponder didn't look too hot at yesterday's workout.

One would hope coming into his third season he would rock the minicamp in terms of accuracy and footwork, both of which were apparently lacking yesterday. Let's hope this is a poor predictor of what's to come.

Wouldn't you love to hear that our QB's performance during the offseason is off the charts? No guarantee of great play during the season but at least reassuring.

Yes, it's minicamp and they are still installing the offense/defense. And no, the season is not lost. But according to Tom and Judd, Ponder didn't look too hot at yesterday's workout.

Wouldn't you love to hear that our QB's performance during the offseason is off the charts? No guarantee of great play during the season but at least reassuring.

Longshot Vikings: Undrafted Rookie Spotlight, Week 4

2013-06-18T03:30:42Z

Continuing the Longshot Vikings series, the next two undrafted rookies to spotlight are defensive tackle Anthony McCloud and running back Bradley Randle. McCloud comes from Florida State, ranked as the #23 defensive tackle in the draft by CBS (#285 overall) and Randle comes from UNLV ranked as the #59 running back in the draft by CBS. As I did in the first article of this series, you'll get a statistical breakdown, scouting report summary and video highlights on each player. Also, as I mentioned before, be sure to check out Arif's Undrafted Free Agent Summary, as that's a great place to start to learn more about these undrafted rookies, although Bradley Randle is not included since he was signed after the first wave. So, hopefully this will allow you to get to know these players just a little bit better!

1. Anthony McCloud, DT Florida State

Measurables

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 322
Age: 23
Arm Length: 32 3/4"
Hand Length: 11"
40-yard Dash: 5.23
Bench Press: 24
Vertical Jump: 28.5
Broad Jump: 8'5"
Short Shuttle: 4.70
Three-Cone: 8.19
Grade: 7th/Free Agency
Contract: 3 years, $1,493,000

College Stats	Tackles	Tackles for Loss	Sacks
2008 - JuCo	24	5.5	4
2009 - Redshirt	n/a	n/a	n/a
2010 - FSU	35	3	2
2011 - FSU	25	5	2
2012 - FSU	24	1	1

Here are what some scouting reports were saying about McCloud before the draft:

Positives

From NFL.com:
Squat widebody who sees snaps at three technique and nose tackle. Strong upper body. Does well to recognize screens after free releases and peels back to chase down with effectiveness. Flashes getting the leverage advantage. If initial push does for opponent to move backwards, that momentum can be sustained. Consistently tries to get backfield vision, moves side to side.

From Draft Insider:
Gap-occupying lineman who plays with terrific pad level. Bends his knees, gets leverage on opponents, and works his hands throughout the action. Keeps his feet moving on contact, explosive, and easily holds his ground.

Negatives

From NFL.com:
Waits and absorbs on first contact. Initial step is not powerful. Anchor is entirely upper body strength, lacks the base to absorb and redirect. Burst off the snap is almost nonexistent. Lower body looks thin while upper body looks sloppy. Waist bender at the line of scrimmage. Hand use is too close to chest, fails to press. Struggles to work over top of blocks. Known to go down if leverage is lost while moving laterally. Very little short area quickness, base gets too skinny when forced to move.

From Draft Insider:
Struggles getting off blocks once engaged at the point of attack. Possesses just a small burst of speed. Marginally productive and better off occupying blockers versus making plays on the ball.

Analysis

"Amp" as he is better known by his teammates at FSU, joins teammate and 7th round pick Everett Dawkins for a shot at the 53-man roster. McCloud is a big run-stuffing, 1-tech tackle ala Pat Williams. After spending a year at junior college where he was very productive, he redshirted at Florida State and then came in as the starter for the next three years. He is compared to Shaun Smith and could also be well suited for a 3-4 Defense on the nose in 3-man fronts. But, he'll get his shot with the Vikings competing with the likes of Fred Evans and Letroy Guion. Seeing as how Guion was rated by Pro Football Focus as the worst defensive tackle in the entire NFL last year (that's every defensive tackle regardless of scheme...in the entire NFL...even those players that only played a single snap), and his only other competition at the 1-technique spot on the roster is practice squad holdover Chase Baker, this Longshot Viking might have a legitimate shot to make the roster. He sure seems like a shoe-in for the practice squad at the very least. McCloud may not be the most athletic specimen on the roster, but with his ability to take up space and gain leverage in the run game, he could find a role on the team.

For more on Anthony "Amp" McCloud, check out this good scouting report from Bleacher Report. There is also this player profile from Florida State's website. Here are a few highlight videos as well:

Anthony McCloud v North Carolina St 2012 (via Baggabonez)

FSU Football Amp'd Up: Anthony McCloud on Media Day (via flstateseminoles)

2. Bradley Randle, RB UNLV

Measurables

Height: 5'7"
Weight: 190
Age: 22
40-yard Dash: 4.48
Bench Press: 15
Vertical Jump: 36"
Broad Jump: 9'07"
Three-Cone: 7.08
Grade: Free Agency
Contract: 3 years, $1,492,500

UNLV Stats	ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	REC	YDS	TD
2009 - red shirt	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
2010	25	110	4.4	1	1	11	0
2011	112	489	4.4	2	5	60	0
2012	138	635	4.6	8	8	80	1

There were virtually no pre-draft scouting reports that I could find with anything meaningful about Bradley Randle. But, here is what one source had to say about Randle after the draft:

Positive

From UNLV Rebel Yell:
Made his mark early on kickoff returns with 38 combined returns his first two years. If Randle can somehow prove himself to anywhere near as versatile as the freshly departed Percy Harvin - and without any of the headaches - then, and only then, will Randle's decision to leave school early seem like a good decision.

Negative

From UNLV Rebel Yell:
A one-dimensional running back, accumulating just 14 career receptions for 151 yards and 1 TD. Randle has just one career game with over 100 yards rushing...another year of seasoning for Randle would've certainly boosted his draft stock. It seems unlikely that Randle will suddenly transform to a versatile tool against the most prestigious, toughest level of competition.

Analysis

There's not much out there about Bradley Randle, mainly because he was a backup his entire UNLV career, behind starting running back Tim Cornett. Randle's father played professional baseball and had an 8-year career in the MLB, including 5 years with the Texas Rangers, so he does have a professional athlete pedigree. Despite having one year of eligibility remaining at UNLV, Randle decided to forego his "senior" year and enter the draft early, although it's worth pointing out that he officially graduated and earned his degree. His size limited his opportunities at UNLV, though as you can see from the stats above, he was plenty effective with the ball when given a chance. He's more of a short, speedster type of player, or scat-back, and has some limited experience as a kick returner. His best shot to make the Vikings is as a 3rd down, change of pace option, and potentially on special teams as a returner. But with the depth at running back with Adrian Peterson, Toby Gerhart and Matt Asiata, his competition will be tough, especially against fellow undrafted rookie Zach Line and Jerodis Williams, as well as practice squad holdover from last year Joe Banyard. It looks like an uphill battle for what might be a true longshot to make the roster.

For more on Bradley Randle, check out this little write-up on SB Nation's MW Connection and this article about him declaring for the draft. Here are some nifty little highlight videos:

Bradley Randle Top NFL Running Backs In 2013 Draft (via positivegreatness)

Bradley Randle RB Vikings Trained By Az Hakim (via positivegreatness)

1. Anthony McCloud, DT Florida State

Measurables

College Stats	Tackles	Tackles for Loss	Sacks
2008 - JuCo	24	5.5	4
2009 - Redshirt	n/a	n/a	n/a
2010 - FSU	35	3	2
2011 - FSU	25	5	2
2012 - FSU	24	1	1

Here are what some scouting reports were saying about McCloud before the draft:

Positives

From NFL.com:
Squat widebody who sees snaps at three technique and nose tackle. Strong upper body. Does well to recognize screens after free releases and peels back to chase down with effectiveness. Flashes getting the leverage advantage. If initial push does for opponent to move backwards, that momentum can be sustained. Consistently tries to get backfield vision, moves side to side.

From Draft Insider:
Gap-occupying lineman who plays with terrific pad level. Bends his knees, gets leverage on opponents, and works his hands throughout the action. Keeps his feet moving on contact, explosive, and easily holds his ground.

Negatives

From NFL.com:
Waits and absorbs on first contact. Initial step is not powerful. Anchor is entirely upper body strength, lacks the base to absorb and redirect. Burst off the snap is almost nonexistent. Lower body looks thin while upper body looks sloppy. Waist bender at the line of scrimmage. Hand use is too close to chest, fails to press. Struggles to work over top of blocks. Known to go down if leverage is lost while moving laterally. Very little short area quickness, base gets too skinny when forced to move.

From Draft Insider:
Struggles getting off blocks once engaged at the point of attack. Possesses just a small burst of speed. Marginally productive and better off occupying blockers versus making plays on the ball.

Analysis

For more on Anthony "Amp" McCloud, check out this good scouting report from Bleacher Report. There is also this player profile from Florida State's website. Here are a few highlight videos as well:

Anthony McCloud v North Carolina St 2012 (via Baggabonez)

FSU Football Amp'd Up: Anthony McCloud on Media Day (via flstateseminoles)

2. Bradley Randle, RB UNLV

Measurables

Height: 5'7"
Weight: 190
Age: 22
40-yard Dash: 4.48
Bench Press: 15
Vertical Jump: 36"
Broad Jump: 9'07"
Three-Cone: 7.08
Grade: Free Agency
Contract: 3 years, $1,492,500

UNLV Stats	ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	REC	YDS	TD
2009 - red shirt	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
2010	25	110	4.4	1	1	11	0
2011	112	489	4.4	2	5	60	0
2012	138	635	4.6	8	8	80	1

There were virtually no pre-draft scouting reports that I could find with anything meaningful about Bradley Randle. But, here is what one source had to say about Randle after the draft:

Positive

From UNLV Rebel Yell:
Made his mark early on kickoff returns with 38 combined returns his first two years. If Randle can somehow prove himself to anywhere near as versatile as the freshly departed Percy Harvin - and without any of the headaches - then, and only then, will Randle's decision to leave school early seem like a good decision.

Negative

From UNLV Rebel Yell:
A one-dimensional running back, accumulating just 14 career receptions for 151 yards and 1 TD. Randle has just one career game with over 100 yards rushing...another year of seasoning for Randle would've certainly boosted his draft stock. It seems unlikely that Randle will suddenly transform to a versatile tool against the most prestigious, toughest level of competition.

Analysis

For more on Bradley Randle, check out this little write-up on SB Nation's MW Connection and this article about him declaring for the draft. Here are some nifty little highlight videos:

Bradley Randle Top NFL Running Backs In 2013 Draft (via positivegreatness)

Bradley Randle RB Vikings Trained By Az Hakim (via positivegreatness)

Poll

If you had to pick one of these two undrafted rookies to make the 53-man roster for the Minnesota Vikings in 2013, which one would you pick?

Bishop to E6

2013-06-17T21:21:28Z

Actually, this has nothing to do with chess other than the fact that Bishop and the chess piece share part of their names. Maybe the capital letter "e" means Eden Prairie.... Hang with me guys... I'm grasping at straws. Anyway, it appears that the Packers have parted ways with ILB Desmond Bishop. Desmond was hampered by a hamstring injury last season, which may have been the cause of his release, but he did play well in 2011. He racked up 115 tackles (25 assisted) and 5 sacks, good enough to earn a 4 year, $19 million dollar contract. Not bad for a sixth round pick. Anyway, Bishop still has to clear waivers. If he does, then should the Vikings take a look at him? This is a moot point because they could sign him whether we like it or not, and the update on the story says the Vikings are the first team his will visit, but leave your opinions in the comments below. Check out the original story on NFL.com here.

I guess I'll plug some highlights as well if you need to see how he plays. (Unfortunately, I could not find a video of Bishop on his own. This one also features AJ Hawk.)

Why America Needs Greg Childs To Catch A Touchdown

2013-06-16T16:30:19Z

We all face adversity.

Sometimes it's small, and sometimes it's the size of a mountain. Every day, we all face adversity.

In the face of adversity, we experience a moment of truth. Fight or flight. Go big or go home. Win or lose.

In that moment of truth, in a split second of frozen forever, we draw on our experience to guide us. Have I been in a similar situation before? Have I witnessed someone else in a similar situation? What are my options? What are my chances of success? What do I have to give up to have that chance? Am I brave enough, strong enough, smart enough?

Am I good enough to get this done?

In a society of second chances and coddling friends and family, it's so easy to look adversity in the eye, give it the Chuck Norris squint, clench our fists, and say, "Next time, adversity. This time, I'll pass." And walk away.

It's so damn easy to fly. To go home. To lose. To accept that I am not good enough.

America needs experiences, you and I need experiences, of overcoming adversity.

When Greg Childs catches his first NFL touchdown, and conquers his adversity, he's going to cause a spark. The spark might affect 1 person, or it might affect a million. Make no mistake about it though, he's going to cause a spark.

If you don't know Greg's story, let's reflect for a moment.

Greg Childs started playing football at a very young age. Today, he and his childhood friend, Jarius Wright, are wide receivers for the Minnesota vikings. They played in high school together, they played in college together, and now they are in the NFL together. They are living a dream that millions of children in America have dreamt, are dreaming, and will dream. They want to do what they love with the people they love.

We all need to understand, firstly, that he earned it. His dedication and perseverance was a much stronger influence than luck as he worked towards his dream.

On his journey, Greg faced adversity. Just like everyone else. In his Junior year in college, he ruptured his right patellar tendon. This tendon is required for your leg to work. He fought back. He worked hard. He committed to himself that he would overcome adversity. He was drafted into the NFL by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2012 draft, the same round his childhood friend and college roommate, Jarius, was drafted. A dream come true.

Only months later, with 2 plays left in a summer scrimmage in Mankato, MN, Greg went down again. He screamed, and Jarius heard him from across the field, undoubtedly tangibly feeling his best friend's physical and emotional pain. Untouched on the play, Childs had leapt into the air to catch a pass, this time injuring the patellar tendon on each of his knees. Greg reminisced, "You go into shock, but first it’s a terrible pain. And then you can’t move your legs because there’s nothing connecting them together anymore." His dream was again at stake. Adversity threatened to rob him of what he wanted and deserved.

For the last year, Greg has faced the gauntlet once again. He's been working hard, rehabbing, busting his ass from dawn til dusk 7 days a week.

He again faced adversity, just like you and me. Every day, we all face adversity.

Greg chose to fight. To go big. To win. Greg chose to be good enough.

He has provided valuable experience to America, to you and I, that we can draw from in our moments of truth each and every day.

When Greg Childs catches his first NFL touchdown, he's going to cause a spark. You'll feel it, and I'll feel it. This world is going to change ever so slightly, subtly. It will change. His story of overcoming adversity will resonate. And maybe, just maybe, that spark will change a life.

We all face adversity.

Sometimes it's small, and sometimes it's the size of a mountain. Every day, we all face adversity.

In the face of adversity, we experience a moment of truth. Fight or flight. Go big or go home. Win or lose.

Am I good enough to get this done?

It's so damn easy to fly. To go home. To lose. To accept that I am not good enough.

America needs experiences, you and I need experiences, of overcoming adversity.

If you don't know Greg's story, let's reflect for a moment.

We all need to understand, firstly, that he earned it. His dedication and perseverance was a much stronger influence than luck as he worked towards his dream.

For the last year, Greg has faced the gauntlet once again. He's been working hard, rehabbing, busting his ass from dawn til dusk 7 days a week.

He again faced adversity, just like you and me. Every day, we all face adversity.

Greg chose to fight. To go big. To win. Greg chose to be good enough.

He has provided valuable experience to America, to you and I, that we can draw from in our moments of truth each and every day.

What does Daily Norseman think of Leslie Frazier?

2013-06-16T03:12:34Z

You guys are a great fanbase, and I loved talking with you. I appreciate any comments you can make.

Hello. I am ak4niner, a die-hard 49er fan. I am going to be posting this over all 32 SBN NFL sites to try to answer a question that I have had for the past year or so.

How do coaches rank among fans?

I’m going to do a little twist on this though. I am not going to set up a ranking system (like I think Harbaugh is #1, blah blah blah), or have you discuss any coaches other than your own. I want to know what the fans of your team think of your coach. After a week or two (timing based off of when I can sneak away to work on this) I am going to look over all 32 fanposts I have made and use the comments to make an “expert” analysis of what fans think of their coach. (Expert meaning I use my 3 synapses to write it, and the monkeys do the editing.)

There are only two things I ask.

One, be honest. I don’t care what direction the posts take us down, but be honest. If you think your coach is the greatest of all time, say so! If you think he doesn’t even deserve to be a dog catcher, then let us know. I am going to try to not let any personal bias creep in when doing the final document.

Two, please only fans of this team comment here. I want to do this ranking based off of each team’s opinion of their own coach. I only ask this so I can save myself time generating the final document. I will filter the comments as necessary.

Thank you for your help in this.

You guys are a great fanbase, and I loved talking with you. I appreciate any comments you can make.

Hello. I am ak4niner, a die-hard 49er fan. I am going to be posting this over all 32 SBN NFL sites to try to answer a question that I have had for the past year or so.

How do coaches rank among fans?

There are only two things I ask.

Thank you for your help in this.

Elite Ponder Season vs. Last years season?

2013-06-15T21:33:30Z

Since you guys always bomb me with crap whenever I try to say good stuff about Ponder, I wont this time. :D

OK so lets rewind all the way back to the beginning of this season. Almost everyone expected nothing of the Vikings. People thought AP would never be the elite RB he once was. Our secondary was probably still going to stink. We were dreaming of a 7-9 record at the very best. We now all know how last year ACTUALLY went. But what if Ponder broke out last year... to be one of the NFL's best QB?!?! Lets compare last years season and a scenario season I just made up off the top of my head!

SCENARIO 1: LAST YEARS SEASON

Adrian Peterson runs for 2097 yards...Blah blah blah...Percy Harvin trade...Greg Jennings...Three 1st rounds picks...Blah blah blah. Yea we already know how that went.

SCENARIO 2: ELITE PONDER

Christian Ponder miraculously has his break out season in 2012. He throws for 3900 yards, 31 TD's, only 11 INTs, and is praised by all Vikings fans everywhere by being the G.O.A.T of the Vikings! We keep Percy Harvin and he grabs 120 passes, 17 TD's, and 1500 yards! But it all comes at a cost. The Vikings D becomes WAY too reliant on the offenses success. Our D becomes even worse than the Saints! In fact it allows 11000 yards IN A SINGLE SEASON!!! It becomes obvious to teams that our D stinks. So they can keep pace with our offense and win games 35-31.

All of AP's offseason work goes to waste because we don't need him anymore with the emergence of Christian Ponder. He only gets 450 yards rushing and 4 TD's overall (3 from the passing game)! He becomes disgruntled with the Vikings and demands a trade. And because of his lack of production teams think he can never recover from his blown-out knee. So the Vikings trade him to the Steelers, for a 3rd rounder! So the Vikings are then satisfied with Toby Gerhart as lead HB.

The Vikings only end with a 10-6 record, because the ATROUCIOUS D keeps giving away games. So we then proceed to the wildcard round of the playoffs against the Packers, only to lose 45-35 because of you-know-what.

It is now obvious to the Vikings that the ONLY thing they can do in the offseason is improve the horrible D. They keep Percy Harvin because he likes Christian Ponder as QB. That gets rid of a 1st rounder. And they just can't afford to improve anything on offense because the D is SO BAD. So that means they can't keep Phil Loadholt or Jerome Felton. They also can't afford to get Greg Jennings or Cordarrelle Patterson. So they have to keep the very shaky WR corps for the now good QB Christian Ponder. Almost all the draft picks are used on D. And it is obvious it is going to take years to build a SB contending team. But hey, at least we have a good QB. Right?

SO. Now that I have told you the two VERY realistic scenarios, (one is actually real!) which do you prefer would have happened to the Vikings last season? Please leave your own thoughts in the comments below!

Since you guys always bomb me with crap whenever I try to say good stuff about Ponder, I wont this time. :D

SCENARIO 1: LAST YEARS SEASON

Adrian Peterson runs for 2097 yards...Blah blah blah...Percy Harvin trade...Greg Jennings...Three 1st rounds picks...Blah blah blah. Yea we already know how that went.

SCENARIO 2: ELITE PONDER

Poll

Which season scenario would you have preferred last season?

Bored last night so watched 2012 game highlights...Josh Robinson is the bomb in a bad way.

2013-06-15T16:52:05Z

A few observations:

1) God Harvin made some impressive catches as did Ponder make the corresponding throws. Seems like they had timing routes planned in case of blitzes.

2) Never truly noticed how often Josh Robinson got completely smoked, whether it was Alshon Jeffrey or another #2. Not a speed problem..from what I can tell he just doesn't stay close enough to his man and seems to have no feel for where the receivers - or ball - will end up. It's night and day comparing him with say Rhodes (based on OTA's) who stays in front of his man. Robinson, I notice, always plays behind his man. Wonder if this is some Tampa 2 thing they are telling him to do.

You have to wonder if this guy will be a complete bust. He does catch the ball when it's thrown right at him (rare for Vikes CB's) and has great speed on interceptions. But he is far from starting material..I see why Frazier benched him. Hopefully he is better in the nickel D..if not it will be a long season.

Whereas AJ Jefferson, to his credit, was always right on his man but just doesn't get his arms up high enough. I could see this guy becoming a decent backup with another year under this belt.

A few observations:

1) God Harvin made some impressive catches as did Ponder make the corresponding throws. Seems like they had timing routes planned in case of blitzes.

Whereas AJ Jefferson, to his credit, was always right on his man but just doesn't get his arms up high enough. I could see this guy becoming a decent backup with another year under this belt.

Your Favorite Team in the Big Ten?

2013-06-15T15:30:57Z

The Big Ten Conference is the top college football conference based on my DN poll from last week with 40% of the votes. The Big Ten won by more than a 2-to-1 margin over the next conference. Now DNer's will vote for their favorite team within the Big Ten. So vote for your favorite team on the poll. Conference Rankings:

Big Ten 40%

SEC 18%

PAC 12 18%

Big 12 12%

ACC 6%

Others 4%

Big Ten 40%

SEC 18%

PAC 12 18%

Big 12 12%

ACC 6%

Others 4%

"The Ponder Project" will it succeed or will it fail, stay tuned to your local DN network

2013-06-14T19:47:03Z

The "Ponder Project" is heading into its 3rd year and we have seen flashes of excellent quarterback play and some not so good. This leaves us at a serious crossroad, do we try and continue to develop or do we look at adding a top QB in the 2014 draft or hope Cassel will step up.

Matt Cassel was brought in for some insurance because as we found out Joe Webb is not NFL QB material, this brings in some big questions. Is there a QB competition going on even though all of the staff is saying no? Even through the terrible run Ponder was producing last year, the coaching staff still stuck with Ponder, because of Webb, but how far will that go this year if he falters?

The clock is ticking and the timeline for QBs is short, with that if Ponder struggles and Cassel is a decent fill in how long do we keep Cassel in and Ponder holding the clip board? Now comes the draft do we look at David Fales, Aaron Murry or A.J. McCarron as another project to try and fast track.

So much is riding on this season for the Vikings offense, the result will interesting, where will we go in the different circumstances. Stay tuned to your local Dailey Norseman network for urgent updates, this is bleedpurple60 reporting, back to you guys in the studio.

Vikings FO/Coaches . . . Savants? . . Idiots? . . . or Both?

2013-06-14T05:52:16Z

This post has been a while percolating for me, and a couple times I thought about kicking it off, and felt I should get it out there. And then I would come to my senses and figure, no its not about piling on or venting frustration . . . or some catharsis that I need. And seriously, I don't want to be that guy, you know the one who's moping in the corner mumbling to himself like Dustin Hoffman in "Rainman". And seeing as how a number of things I am wondering about came during our "free agency" period and run up, maybe this is a bit late. On the other hand I also didn't want to pop off a post without thinking it through, and giving it time for the "big picture" to appear and make me realize I was flying off the handle and looking more foolish than I will be once this is done. But WTH are they doing up there? I know there is a plan, or is this another "Ron D. F___G Moore" style dartboard (reference Battlestar Gallactica on how someone parodied his design on who in the cast was a Cylon - cast list on dartboard . . . toss dart - BOOM write them as next cylon and ignore all that 'continuity' crap no-one will notice or care) on our roster and cap?

Let's start with one that still has me puzzled, even after all this time to let it sink in:

Antoine Winfield.

IDIOT - Lets cut one of our best players, who played out of his mind good in his last year, and is massively respected in the locker room. Lets cut him while he's working out in the building getting ready for next year. Let's not really allow him to know the hammer is coming by asking him to take a pay cut. Lets keep a guy who is making a metric A$$load more money, who is also in the final contract year without asking him to restructure either. Lets not allow his agent to go out into the "free tampering" period.

SAVANT - Lets make some CAP space relief so we can actually make a play in free agency. Lets get younger across the board with some of the up and coming younger players who need to get on the field to improve. Lets make sure he has the ability to hit free agency early so those that are below him in ability (okay yeah that is almost everyone) don't keep him from hooking up with a team for the year. Lets then try to bring him back.

RULING - um yeah even after all this time I really don't know which they are, and maybe I won't until next year. It took a while to know we did right with Sidney Rice after all, but even then it might still turn out okay for them long term. The biggest problem I have is that the Coaches and FO seem to be trying to instill a new culture at our beloved franchise, one the recognizes good play and good intangibles (leadership, character, off field presentation) which by all rights 'Toine had by the bucketful (if not actually measured in truckloads). While Allen certainly deserves to play out the year, so did Winfield. Why pick on Winfield? If you are going to push for restructures you would think that treating all the best players and leaders the same way would be your best approach. KWill was pushed for a restructure, but Allen is not and 'Toine gets cut. By the same token we KNOW that KWill and Allen are starters this next year, while the hope is Winfield is playing fewer snaps (and therefore overpaid), or moved to a new position (and again overpaid), or both (and heavily overpaid). Then again look at our Draft for the year with Floyd, maybe KWill is starter, maybe he's splitting time.

Okay moving on to:

DRAFTING

IDIOT - Yeah . . . I got nothing except a QB at 12 and a Punter which have their own topics

SAVANT - Do I really have to list the genius that our drafts have been recently?

RULING - SAVANT and that's before I see all our players for this year actually play. I will note that we do have some odd pickups over a couple of positions, but those will be detailed later. But even in the late rounds I like some of the choices so far. Still while the SAVANT tag is present it really gets based on last years draft and how they performed, rather than being locked up for a couple years. I mean even PuntF__er was there to pick up AD2KMVP, which is proof that a dumb blind lame squirrel can locate an orange peanut by accident on occasion. Still we took a Punter, and then we took some players further on that almost look like camp bodies. Which in some ways is expected, but I have always expected that you draft players that can contribute, or at least get a couple years worth out of them. I am not sure all this years choices fit that mold.

And now for another Fun one:

Chris Kluwe - Punter / Social Activist

IDIOT - Lets draft a Punter. . . Seriously, drafting a punter. And while we're at it let's not take the one that has all the awards and better stats. Lets talk about our guy in the media, and bring what seem to be personal issues out . . . . in public.

SAVANT - As long as our Special Teams guy says he is better, you bet you take him. CAP space is not blown on special teams.

RULING - Well I am leaning towards IDIOT here, but not for the presupposed ideas that might be out there. I'm leaning IDIOT because of what I mentioned above, the new culture of making things right with the fan base, the community, and making sure it's above board. Coaches are human, and they will get just as upset as anyone else, but if our new culture is we don't air things in the media, then saying your guy does not listen to you, when it certainly looks like he's been doing EXACTLY what you want, is ridiculous. You want him to kick directionally, and he's doing that, as well as not out kicking his coverage, and he's having one of his best years in purple. And you put him down because you don't like answering questions? Priefer is one of the best coaches for Special Teams out there, and he saw a better kicker in Walsh and that's working great. Could it be that Kluwe, who has ALWAYS spoken his mind, maybe pissed you off because he refers to his job as a kids game? Which it absolutely is. And the players that really get the fan base going? Are the ones that play and look like they are having as much fun as when they were 12. Wonder why I have not mentioned his stance on the social issues? Because they don't matter. That is a social issue, not a football one, and I don't think he got fired for his stance. SAYING he has one was obviously a sore spot, be it on on social issues, HOF voting, or the state of the NFL via Goodell's Rulings. I personally will miss some of the white board fun, because they were just that, FUN! But then you go and draft a punter. While the writing is on the wall, then toss out there will be a competition. REALLY? And you expect us to buy that one? You just DRAFTED a PUNTER, and you expect that a competition will really take place? What do you think we are smoking that would make us believe that? Then you cut Kluwe before having both of them work out. It's great that you saved CAP space, but I think if you asked Kluwe to take a pay cut, he probably would have. He was saying that he got paid a tremendous amount of money to play a kids game, so he might have wanted to play longer. That's supposing of course that it was not the personality conflict going on between Preifer and Kluwe, which is what I think it was.

Hmm so what do we have next?

Percy Harvin

IDIOT - Toss him the ball behind the line of scrimmage and hope he breaks it for 10 yards . . . every play. Allow him onto the field after being injured. Don't bother to work on his contract that he has enormously outplayed. Trade quite possibly the second best player in the league away.

SAVANT - Trading him for GREAT value which helped in our SAVANT level genius draft. Get a clean locker room before any possible DIVA mentality really appears and creates the dreaded "schism". Getting an unhappy player out.

RULING - I'm going with BOTH here. I loved watching Percy play and hated losing him, but the front office did a fantastic job getting something for him before the contract was done. But some of the things tossed out into the media once again smacked of a personal grudge being aired. It was patently obvious something broke once his ankle tweaked, cause he was not with the team after that. But still one of the most electrifying players in the league and you decide to pop him on IR, then trade him, and make sure the media gets leaks so bad press goes his way. Knowing that he is not commenting, which by the way seemed to be exceptionally mature to me. You just don't take someone that high and dump them when they actually play well. You do that to a Ryan Leaf, sure, but not a possible MVP candidate as Percy was looking before the injury. But spinning the whole mess into a win-win for both sides was a master stroke.

Which of course leads into his 'nemesis':

Ponder and the state of Quarterbacking

IDIOT - at 12? After 2 seasons in the league, he should be able to look past hist first option AND HIS SECOND. He should also be able to look at more than just one side of the field. In OTA's he should not be making too many mistakes or mis-reads. During the season when you make someone pine for the good ole days of . . . Spergon Wynn . . . maybe he should SIT for a bit. And this year, just in case let's get a better backup - CASSEL? SERIOUSLY?!?!? And we'll draft someone new.

SAVANT - . . . . . . . . . Seriously? CASSEL? . . . . Well we did win 10 game last year and made the playoffs, and he played the last 4 games better showing improvement.

RULING - Still no idea, but leaning IDIOT. Cause if Ponder can actually play and see the field this year then it truly is SAVANT. But after what we did last year in not pulling him during an epically bad stretch of play, then not getting our backup truly ready to play at any point during the year, much less in a playoff game, at your most hated rival, is just an epic failure all around for our Quarterbacking state. When you then draft a very low QB and move one to WR, it seems that you are pressing heavily on an all-in approach to a particular player. At least when we did it with Favre his previous year gave us some hope that things would go better than they actually did. Right now Ponder does not look anything like a polished QB, and if the OTA's are any measure, which they really aren't, he's not moving forward from last year, but possibly already capped out. Which means we could get a couple awesome games from him, and still have some SPERGON! games throughout the year. But until we actually get to pre-season we have no true idea on if this is his year to finally "get it".

And since we are on quarterbacks lets just go ahead and get fires and pitchforks out:

Joe Webb

IDIOT - Let's put him out there against a possible playoff team because we have no-one else and see what he can do, then we'll ignore that and draft someone else anyway. But we'll leave him at that position, kind of, while working with him as a WR in some plays for that Wildcat thing that we don't really know. Then let's make sure his focus is on nothing other than this position, and not let him play or throw all year so we can toss him out unprepared in only the biggest game the Vikings have had in years, in the cold, at our most hated rival. Next let's take his bad game and use it to move him back to WR where he has not played in YEARS, and see if he can make the team that way.

SAVANT - Let's move him to WR so he can get on the field.

RULING - Woof, um BOTH? I freely admit I am one of those who has supported Webb, but by any measure Webb has been treated pretty badly. But he also has no-one to blame for his change of scenery other than himself. Still this is part of the QB state that we seem to be living in, which closely resembles one of Dante's levels just not sure which one, or maybe its all of them. We had Webb on the roster, and realistically Ponder should have had time to acclimate. But our coaches decided to bring in McNabb not knowing just how much of a horror story that would be. And since they had reached so far for Ponder, he got pushed in. Webb was shafted with a joke of an off season competition for 2nd string, which was his second shafting at our coaches hands, and now he has the trifecta. I still believe that if our run had been with Webb starting, and Ponder backing him up, or possibly Sage even, that we would have done a lot better. Then again that would mean missing on Kalil, so not sure which is better. So total IDIOT for how they have worked Webb over. And yet SAVANT because he is helping out the WR corps by helping out on the QB reads, he is catching everything according to OTA's and he has the leadership ability already.

Which brings us to our final entry (and a great cheer is heard):

Coaches and Coaching and we have your back

IDIOT - How we handled Webb, Ponder, Schwartz, McNabb, Sage, Kluwe, Playoff game

SAVANT - Kalil, Walsh, Harrison, Wright, Childs

RULING - BOTH. If you have read all the stuff above you probably already know where I am going with this one. I think Frazier is a better coach than PuntF__ker even dreams of being. More than that the players truly love playing for him and just DON'T quit. That is something good, and yet sometimes it seems like he fixates on players and lets them play well after they should be yanked, benched, or cut. Schwartz last year outplayed Fusco just about every time he got on the field. It was noticed by quite a few, and yet we continued to start Fusco, even when it was obvious that we had a better player. Ponder and McNabb were the same thing. As someone mentioned (in one of the comments somewhere on this site) he truly makes a player feel that they are safe from a bad game or two. I take issue when that goes into like four or five. McNabb was truly abhorrent and is so clueless he to this day does not realize the one to blame if himself. And it took 6 games to sit him. Ponder had longer, and in his second year had an epic stretch of craptastic play, yet never once did he get benched. Webb plays well and his reward is to get pushed down the roster, then plays one bad game, and is further rewarded with now having to make the team at a different position. Kluwe, well he seems to have pissed off his coach, and the reward is that they drafted a replacement then called for a competition, which never happened and cut him. Sage was yanked around so many time here, mostly by PuntF__ker, but most recently by Frazier and Co, when he really should have been 2nd string QB with Webb being 3d. I think if we had given Webb as much of a chance as Ponder has had, Webb would be playing much better than Ponder is. Now Ponder might have more upside, but this year is a prove it year, and realistically I think we made him feel safe as Webb could have played with a chip this year to prove last year was an aberration, while Cassell is not a true threat. I like how our line is getting better, but we should still have Schwartz, rather than Fusco, and Charlie needs to improve, even if he is better than Fusco in my opinion. I like how they handled Wright last year, although I think he should have been on the field sooner. And I like how they are handling Childs, who reasonably might have been a complete miss, but he is getting every chance possible to comeback and play.

Well, if you read this far you have my sympathy, it took me forever to type it in. Sometimes I think Spielman and Frazier are doing everything perfect, and other times its more WTF?

But they certainly seem to be putting themselves into the Rainman role: IDIOT-SAVANT . . . . (Both)

Let's start with one that still has me puzzled, even after all this time to let it sink in:

Antoine Winfield.

IDIOT - Lets cut one of our best players, who played out of his mind good in his last year, and is massively respected in the locker room. Lets cut him while he's working out in the building getting ready for next year. Let's not really allow him to know the hammer is coming by asking him to take a pay cut. Lets keep a guy who is making a metric A$$load more money, who is also in the final contract year without asking him to restructure either. Lets not allow his agent to go out into the "free tampering" period.

SAVANT - Lets make some CAP space relief so we can actually make a play in free agency. Lets get younger across the board with some of the up and coming younger players who need to get on the field to improve. Lets make sure he has the ability to hit free agency early so those that are below him in ability (okay yeah that is almost everyone) don't keep him from hooking up with a team for the year. Lets then try to bring him back.

Okay moving on to:

DRAFTING

IDIOT - Yeah . . . I got nothing except a QB at 12 and a Punter which have their own topics

SAVANT - Do I really have to list the genius that our drafts have been recently?

And now for another Fun one:

Chris Kluwe - Punter / Social Activist

IDIOT - Lets draft a Punter. . . Seriously, drafting a punter. And while we're at it let's not take the one that has all the awards and better stats. Lets talk about our guy in the media, and bring what seem to be personal issues out . . . . in public.

SAVANT - As long as our Special Teams guy says he is better, you bet you take him. CAP space is not blown on special teams.

Hmm so what do we have next?

Percy Harvin

IDIOT - Toss him the ball behind the line of scrimmage and hope he breaks it for 10 yards . . . every play. Allow him onto the field after being injured. Don't bother to work on his contract that he has enormously outplayed. Trade quite possibly the second best player in the league away.

SAVANT - Trading him for GREAT value which helped in our SAVANT level genius draft. Get a clean locker room before any possible DIVA mentality really appears and creates the dreaded "schism". Getting an unhappy player out.

Which of course leads into his 'nemesis':

Ponder and the state of Quarterbacking

IDIOT - at 12? After 2 seasons in the league, he should be able to look past hist first option AND HIS SECOND. He should also be able to look at more than just one side of the field. In OTA's he should not be making too many mistakes or mis-reads. During the season when you make someone pine for the good ole days of . . . Spergon Wynn . . . maybe he should SIT for a bit. And this year, just in case let's get a better backup - CASSEL? SERIOUSLY?!?!? And we'll draft someone new.

SAVANT - . . . . . . . . . Seriously? CASSEL? . . . . Well we did win 10 game last year and made the playoffs, and he played the last 4 games better showing improvement.

And since we are on quarterbacks lets just go ahead and get fires and pitchforks out:

Joe Webb

IDIOT - Let's put him out there against a possible playoff team because we have no-one else and see what he can do, then we'll ignore that and draft someone else anyway. But we'll leave him at that position, kind of, while working with him as a WR in some plays for that Wildcat thing that we don't really know. Then let's make sure his focus is on nothing other than this position, and not let him play or throw all year so we can toss him out unprepared in only the biggest game the Vikings have had in years, in the cold, at our most hated rival. Next let's take his bad game and use it to move him back to WR where he has not played in YEARS, and see if he can make the team that way.

SAVANT - Let's move him to WR so he can get on the field.

Which brings us to our final entry (and a great cheer is heard):

Coaches and Coaching and we have your back

IDIOT - How we handled Webb, Ponder, Schwartz, McNabb, Sage, Kluwe, Playoff game

SAVANT - Kalil, Walsh, Harrison, Wright, Childs

Well, if you read this far you have my sympathy, it took me forever to type it in. Sometimes I think Spielman and Frazier are doing everything perfect, and other times its more WTF?

But they certainly seem to be putting themselves into the Rainman role: IDIOT-SAVANT . . . . (Both)

Why Chistian Ponder is the answer at QB

2013-06-14T00:09:36Z

We have seen many young QB's have record shattering seasons over the past couple years, which has never really happened consistently in NFL history. The #1 reason there are so many Ponder haters right now is because he hasn't done what other young QB's are doing now. I can almost guarantee you right now that all young QB's who were good last season (Luck, RG3, Wilson, Kaepernick) will struggle mightily this next season. Why? Because they ran what they did in college last year. And as they try to master NFL QBing they will find it hard. Just like any other young QB should. This is why Cam Newton struggled and will continue to do so. Christian Ponder on the other hand has run what most NFL QB vets would the past couple of seasons. He is more prepared than ever for this up and coming season. Matthew Stafford stunk until his... 3rd season. I'm not saying Ponder is Stafford but it just seems like NFL QB's get it clicking by their 3rd season. And Ponder is no exception. Mark my words: The only stat that Luck, RG3, and Wilson will have more than Ponder in this next season is INTs and rushing yards. If I am wrong let it haunt me for the rest of my life. But it won't because Ponder will be and is the answer at QB for the Minnesota Vikings.

Jeopardy Poll: Mike Wallace Edition

2013-06-13T15:08:59Z

A new article on NFL.com reports that Mike Wallace may have turned down $76mil from the Vikes, opting for "less" money (relatively speaking...) to play in sunny Miami. This lines up with previous reports that the Vikings brass was willing to offer Wallace upwards of $13mil/yr (a 6-yr contract at that price would be in the ballpark of the reported total). Whether or not these reports are true is anyone's guess, as Darth Spielman keeps his typical 'mum' on these topics -- but if they are to be believed, perhaps it was for the better.

We landed Greg Jennings via FA, and his leadership will most likely be paramount not only to a young WR corps, but to a team who lost another veteran locker room leader in Antoine Winfield. The Vikes then drafted Cordarrelle Patterson to be our future X (which would have been Wallace's position on the field); Patterson will also fill in on return duty, replacing Percy Harvin who, like Winfield, ended up in ~~Vikings West~~ Seattle. While the impact of Patterson won't be immediate, as the addition of Wallace most assuredly would have been, it would appear this scenario is the better option in the long run.

On the other hand, what if we had landed Wallace?? Certainly it would have eaten up a lot of our cap space, but Jerome Simpson likely would not have been brought back. We also would have waited on a WR in the draft, perhaps a possession-type like Aaron Dobson or Keenan Allen or Quinton Patton, and thus would not have given up our 2nd and 3rd round picks to move back up into the 1st round. Lest we forget we also made a play at Anquan Boldin, this may have been the plan all along and we ended up having to adapt (again, hopefully for the better).

Point of discussion: are you happier with how everything turned out, or are you longing for the 'what if' scenario??

For voting: answer with a question, Jeopardy style, however you feel best describes the reports:

Point of discussion: are you happier with how everything turned out, or are you longing for the 'what if' scenario??

For voting: answer with a question, Jeopardy style, however you feel best describes the reports:

Poll

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Vikings FO/Coaches . . . Savants? . . Idiots? . . . or Both?

Antoine Winfield.

DRAFTING

Chris Kluwe - Punter / Social Activist

Percy Harvin

Ponder and the state of Quarterbacking

Joe Webb

Coaches and Coaching and we have your back

Antoine Winfield.

DRAFTING

Chris Kluwe - Punter / Social Activist

Percy Harvin

Ponder and the state of Quarterbacking

Joe Webb

Coaches and Coaching and we have your back

Why Chistian Ponder is the answer at QB

Jeopardy Poll: Mike Wallace Edition

The Vikings offered Mike Wallace a contract worth $76mil.