Wednesday Open Thread: December 20, 2017

Merry Wednesday, everyone!

It’s the peak of the week, we can ride downhill the rest of the way into the weekend where football awaits. Not only football, but a game against our bitter rivals on their home field. I hope to see the Vikes put an exclamation point on the division title with a solid win. It won’t be easy, it never is in Lambeau, even if the bad guys are starting their backup QB (I’ll let you in on a little secret though, our starting QB(s) isn’t playing either. Don’t tell anyone, we’re trying to keep in on the down-low. It’s actually been that way almost the whole year......and all of last year).

Hey, on a bit of a personal note, are any of you folks who are from Billings (cough...MT_Viking....cough), or are going to be in Billings this weekend, going to go watch the game anywhere in town? I get a little excited for games, and my wife’s family.......doesn’t. I’m thinking it’ll be best for me to go watch the game somewhere where a sudden tourettes-like outburst won’t create so much tension. I’m not sure where........I’m thinking maybe somewhere where they have cold beverages or something (you know, to help keep the voicebox cooled off.....& stuff) and a place where being a tad loud is acceptable. I dunno, I can’t think of any establishment like that, but I’ll keep the noggin working and come up with something. Seriously though, I’m going to go watch the game somewhere in Billings, if anyone else is planning to, let me know & maybe we could meet up & badmouth the Packers.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Four Vikings were named to the Pro Bowl, per Wludford. I think Harrison and Linval Joseph not getting selected is ridiculous, but congrats to Thielen, Griffen, Rhodes, and Anthony Barr.

Chris has your week 16 Minnesota Vikings Power Rankings Roundup.

Ted & Di posted Roughing the Podcast Episode 42: King in the North.

Wludford shared the news that A-a-ron Rodgers has been sent back to IR where he belongs.

Arif posted Norse Code Podcast 217: Eric Kendricks is Good at Football. I still remember when Green Bay surprised me at the end of the first round in 2015, when they passed on Kendricks and chose Damarious Randall instead. As soon as they passed on him, I knew that we were going to get him since there were no other LB needy teams between that pick & our next one, and I was stoked.

Ted ponders (sorry ‘bout using that word) whether the Vikings are ready to take over as the new kings of the division.

Ted is back, and he brings Zim-Tzu, who is not sentimental, in case you hadn’t noticed that before.

Saxyprince posted Climbing the Podcast Episode 58: [Bengals Beatdown].

Wludford shares his Minnesota Vikings Christmas List.

Vikings news from other sources:

From the Pioneer Press, Anthony Barr used the “coasting” statement Coach Zimmer made at the end of last year as motivation. I’d say he’s certainly put any concerns to rest with his play this year, he’s been an absolute beast.

From Vikings.com, see Adam Thielen talk about being selected to his first Pro Bowl, see a highlight reel of the four Pro Bowl selectees, see the NFL Network look ahead to a potential February match of Vikings-Patriots, and lots more to sift through in the media vault.

News from around the rest of the league:

NFL.com looks at the biggest Pro-Bowl snubs. I found this little nugget buried in there:

“Remained in contention”. I didn’t think anyone other than the fiction writers at ESPN actually thought they were still in contention. I mean, sure, in a Lloyd Christmas sort of way, I suppose, but whatever.

ESPN thinks that the Packers might have some areas of weakness on their roster. This surprises me since the Packers are also the team with one of the NFL’s most complete rosters. I’m just not smart enough to understand, I suppose. That’s okay, that’s why we have places like ESPN to think for us.

We come to today’s media selection.

I tried finding a highlight video of the 2017 season, and I found this one. If anyone has a link to one that’s better, please share it. I’d make one, but I’m fresh out of blank VHS tapes.

Again, 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 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 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 tiger meat.