Monday Open Thread: October 16, 2017

Happy Monday, everyone!

Well, well, well; I guess the game went just a wee bit differently than most folks expected it to. It was a blowout, don’t let the score fool you. The Vikings dominated that game from start to finish, it wasn’t even close.

The offense did a decent job (other than the turnovers). Keenum had a pretty good game (again, minus the turnover), Thielen had a nice night, as did Rudolph and Treadwell (that catch showed us a glimpse of the ability he has, I hope to see more of that), and and the McKinnon/Murray combo is doing the job. McKinnon ran the ball with authority and had a couple of big runs, and although he needs to do better at protecting the ball, he’s going to make defenses respect our running game. The O line, once again, did their job and looked nothing like the dumpster fire we’ve had out there the past 3 years. I really like what Shurmur’s done with this offense, even with a backup QB.

The defense......I can’t say enough good things about them. They’re the heart and soul of this team, and opponents will dread playing against them. They get pressure, close off running lanes, cover well, and keep offenses guessing. I LOVE watching that unit out on the field.

If you watched yesterday’s broadcast, you know that for the first time in the history of the NFL, a quarterback was injured in a game and had to come out. The Packers even had injuries to players at other positions, and Erin Andrews had camp set up on their sideline to keep us all VERY aware of that fact. The eulogy carried on throughout the game, and I assume throughout the day. I didn’t have the stomach to watch/listen anymore after I finished enjoying the Vikings win, but I can only imagine. I assume society will grind to a halt for a couple days, flags will be flown at half staff, flights will be grounded, and childbirths will be postponed today. I’m glad that the Vikings have never lost a starting QB to injury, I can’t imagine what that must feel like.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Arif posted Norse Code Podcast Episode 202: The Same Hat.

Chris has the post-game wrap-up.

Ted evaluates the team’s investments in the Stock Market Report: Packers.

Vikings news from other sources:

At Vikings.com, a full highlight reel from yesterday’s game, Coach Zimmer’s post-game locker room speech, Zimmer’s chat with the media after the game, and a whole lot more in the media vault.

From NFL.com, Bridgewater’s physical results will dictate the direction of his career and the Vikings’ future path, and Sam Bradford is seeking a new treatment.

News from around the rest of the league:

From ESPN, despite rumors that he is washed up, Adrian Peterson showed what he can still do when he’s actually, you know, on the field.

From the Sporting News, the rumor is that Steelers WR Martavius Bryant recently asked to be traded.

NFL.com has a roundup of all the week six scores, stats, and highlights.

We come to our media selection.

I love honoring the tradition of playing the Vikings fight song the morning after a win, so much more so the morning after a win against the Packers. Hey five, you got my cigars ready to ship?

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

-No discussion of politics or religion
-No feeding of the trolls
-This isn't a male version of The View, so leave the gender hatred at the door
-Keep vulgar language to a minimum, using spoiler tags if you must
-No pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employer
-If you can't disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away
-While navigating the open thread, just assume it's sarcasm

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 chitlins.