Monday Open Thread: October 30, 2017

Merry post-win Monday, everyone!

Well, that was fun. Even though I’m not a big fan of having games overseas, I did enjoy grilling some breakfast & watching the game. The first 2+ quarters weren’t the best we’ve seen from the good guys, but they turned it on as the game progressed and came out of it with a solid win. Both sides of the team looked shaky right away, the defense allowed some big plays and gave up some yards, but kept the scoring at bay, for the most part. The offense made some plays, but couldn’t put much together. The Vikings went into the half down by a point.

The second half was a different story, as the defense found its groove, and only allowed another 3 points the entire half. The offense started putting some drives together, and put 21 more on the board (hard to believe that was Thielen’s first TD, isn’t it?) to give the Vikes a win over the Browns, who are obviously struggling. Hey, we’re 6-2 heading into the bye week, and even though no one in the media realizes it, we’ve done that without our starting QB for around 13/16 of the half-season.

The Browns aren’t as bad as their record, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but you can tell by the looks on the faces of the players that it’s been a long year already. I’m guessing we’ll see another coaching change after this season, if it even takes that long. The only good thing about that is they’ll get rid of the dirty, slimy, cheap shot encouraging, all around sorry SOB of a defensive coordinator, Gregggggggggggg Williams. Something has to change in the Browns organization, and it runs much deeper than a coaching or GM problem. Something is seriously wrong there.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

I said I wasn’t going to post any more news about Rodgers’ whining, so I won’t. I will, however, share this skelly10 piece about the AWESOME response Anthony Barr had for Rodgers’ appearance on one of those late night Johnny Carson shows (where Rodgers also told a bald faced lie, but what do you expect from someone who welches on a bet?).

Chris has a piece to address some of the name calling being engaged in by our fellow Vikings fans.

Ha-ha Clinton-Dix liked the aforementioned tweet from Anthony Barr, per Chris. Do you think he thought it was funny and said “ha-ha”?

Chris has your post-game wrap-up.

Everson Griffen was not seriously injured on the final play, thankfully, per Chris.

Chris shared an update from Ian Rapaport about the team’s QB situation. According to Rapaport, there is no timetable for Sam Bradford’s return, but (and this is some wonderful news), Teddy Bridgewater is healthy. I cannot wait to see him lead this offense again, once he’s ready, of course. I’m thankful for Keenum & the admiral way he’s filled in, but I’m ready to have Teddy back under center, it’s been a LONG wait.

Wludford posted some game notes from yesterday’s game.

Ted has your Stock Market Report: Browns.

Vikings news from other sources:

Mike Zimmer hopes to have a QB decision to make after the bye week, from ESPN.

Souhan at the Strib thinks (and I agree) that Shurmur’s play calling is the best thing to happen to the Vikings this season (so far).

From Vikings.com, watch Coach Zimmer’s post-game locker room speech, enjoy Zim’s press conference from yesterday, see the full highlights from yesterday’s game, and a whole lot more in the media vault.

News from around the rest of the league:

NFL.com has your week 8 scores and highlights.

From NFL.com, the Steelers improved the Vikings’ lead in the division (I’m tasting those cigars already, five) as they beat the Lions last night.

The Sporting News looks at five deals that should happen prior to the deadline, but won’t.

ESPN has their mid-season MVP as Carson Wentz (who will never be an NFL QB because....small school & stuff).

We come to our media selection:

I will never get tired of playing this, our tradition for the day after a win. Fire up the band!

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 blood sausage.