Thursday Open Thread: February 2, 2017

Happy Thirsty Thorsday, everyone!

Around the DN since our last open thread:

From Eric, NFL lip reading is back!

The final vote is up and running for the DN Epic Photo Contest. Cast your vote!

Vikings news from other sources:

Andrew Krammer at the Strib looks at what to make of the Vikings' quiet 2016 rookie class.

From Vikings.com:

The Vikings expand their Black History Month content into a high school course.

Everson Griffen takes his turn behind the mic, and hosts 97 questions.

The Vikings want a Falcons-like bounce back from their 8-8 season, from Lindsey Young.

Eric Smith has 3 defensive stats that the Vikings improved, and 2 to target.

Around the rest of the league:

From NFL.com, they use next-gen stats to list the top 10 pass rushing teams, in terms of average distance to QB.

I shared a report yesterday that said Carson Palmer’s house is for sale and he pulled his kids out of school. That report is not true, per Carson Palmer in this report from ESPN.

Wild update:

On Tuesday, the Wild defeated the Oilers 5-2. They had a rough night last night in Calgary and fell 1-5, ending their record 14-game road point streak.

We come to today’s media selection.

On this day in 1978, Van Halen signed with Warner Brothers Records.

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 pickled pigs feet.