Monday Open Thread: February 6, 2017

Happy Monday, everyone!

Wow, what a choke job by Atlanta letting NE back in that one, huh? Pass when you’re in field goal range? Really?

I’m sure we’ll have plenty of discussion about the game this week. Now, we can look forward to our off-season. I think the most important move that will happen soon will be the decision on Adrian Peterson. I really don’t know what to expect with this, as there have been no credible sources with any information. We will find out by March 9th, at the latest.

Here’s a quick recap of the important dates in this NFL off season (info from NFL.com).

February 15: First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

February 28-March 6: Combine Timing and Testing, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana.

March 1: Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 7-9: During the period beginning at 12 noon, New York time, on March 7th and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 9th, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2016 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 9. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 9.

During the above two-day negotiating period, no direct contact is permitted between a prospective unrestricted free agent and any employee or representative of a club, other than the player's current club.

March 9: The 2017 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.

The first day of the 2017 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 9. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the League office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 9.

March 9: Trading period for 2017 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2016 contracts.

March 26-29: Annual League Meeting, Phoenix, Arizona.

April 3: Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2016 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.

April 17: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.

April 21: Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign Offer Sheets.

April 26: Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to Restricted Free Agents.

April 27-29: NFL Draft.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Mike Vick retired, and the Vikings may have helped with that decision.

Vikings news from other sources:

The Strib looks at the formula New England uses to win.

This is from ESPN, and I honestly see nothing to it, but thought I’d share it anyway. “Sources” say that Adrian Peterson could land in Dallas if he doesn’t stay here.

From Vikings.com:

Mark Wilf was on the radio talking about Super Bowl preparations for next year.

Kevin Warren was presented with the inaugural Pioneer Award.

If Chad Greenway returns, it’ll be to ‘Minnesota and nowhere else’.

Stefon Diggs talks about Adrian Peterson’s future, Teddy, and Bradford.

Around the rest of the NFL:

The Falcons defeated themselves last night, as they completed the most massive choke job in Super Bowl history and lost a 25 point lead to the Patriots. Final score was 34-28 (Atlanta was up 28-3 at one point).

Minnesota Wild update:

On Saturday, behind a hat trick by Ganlund, the Wild knocked off the Canucks, 6-3.

We come to today’s media selection.

Well, the season is all over, folks.

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 chitlins.