Monday Open Thread: July 25, 2016

Merry Monday everyone! A beautiful week ahead as the Braves invade Minneapolis to squash the hopes and dreams of fans like fivefingers, who think the Twins are going to make the playoffs.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Arif posted Podcast #139: A Season Filled With Opportunity.

Ted announced the sad news that Dennis Green passed away. He was way too young, only 67.

Ted also took a look back at Dennis Green's history in Minnesota.

Chris  takes a look at the Dallas Cowboys in his latest Vikings Schedule Preview.

An idiot vandalized U.S. Bank Stadium, per Chris. Whoever did this is indeed, an idiot, & I hope they get caught.

Pete Prisco says Kyle Rudolph is the Vikings' most overrated player, and Anthony Barr is their most underrated player.

John Saunders remembers Dennis Green.

Laquone Treadwell 'wasn't healthy at all' in 2015. Can't wait to see this kid on the field, I think he's going to impress.

Chris shared a report that suggests Phil Loadholt will announce his retirement.

Vikings news from elsewhere:

Here's a look from Forbes.com at the opening of the new stadium.

From Vikings.com, the Vikings honored Dennis Green at the stadium opening, Eric Smith says Mike Zimmer is seeking to establish a home-field advantage, and Lindsey Young shared the story about how Anthony Barr was named the Vikings most underrated player. Vikings PR also said that you can watch the Vikings preseason games live online.

Some good stories about Dennis Green from around the internet:

From ESPN:

Tony Dungy is thankful for the opportunities Dennis Green provided, Jack Del Rio said he was privileged to be coached by Dennis Green, Ben Goessling said the owe a debt to Dennis Green, and took a look back at his Stanford tenure, and Kevin Seifert talks of Green's fierce loyalty and memorable quotes.

At the Strib, Sid Hartman tells how Dennis Green's greatness went well beyond his coaching.

Around the NFL:

DeAndre Hopkins says he wants to be treated for what he's worth when it comes to a new contract. The Bengals cut their veteran safety, Taylor Mays, per NFL.com. You know what I say....

Twins update:

The Twins, trying to build some momentum before the juggernaut Braves come to town, rode the arm of Kyle Gibson in a close one on Friday, and beat the Red Sox 2-1. The rallied late on Saturday, and Sano, Rosario, and Nunez were hot at the plate, as they beat the Red Sox again, 11-9. Centeno had a nice night at the plate, Sano had a not-so-nice in the field, and the Twins fell to the Red Sox, 7-8.

They get a much deserved night off tonight. They'll need it, as the powerhouse Atlanta Braves team comes to town on Tuesday. I'll be there, & I'm giddy. If you watch the game, I'll be the guy in the Maddux jersey. GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We come to today's media selection. I remember watching this, I"m pretty sure the Braves were down 7-0 or 7-1 in this game, and Chipper ended it with a walk-off in the 9th.

Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:

-No discussion of politics or religion
-No feeding of the trolls
-Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)
-Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tags 
-No pictures that could potentially get someone fired or in serious trouble at their place of employment
-If you can't disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away
-While navigating the open thread, just assume it's sarcasm
-This isn't a male version of The View, so leave the gender hatred at the door

With that, the beer light is on and the bar is open. Belly up & tie one on. Don't forget to tip your waitress, & try the pickled pigs feet.