Wednesday Open Thread: July 12, 2017

Happy Wednesday everyone!

It’s the peak of the week, and it’s also getting ever so closer to when we can talk about real football stuff again. Training camp will be here before we know it, I’m stoked for football but sad that summer is leaving us.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

We’re down to number 58 in Minnesota Vikings by the Numbers.

Chris shared ESPN’s future power rankings, and the Vikings’ less-than-stellar position. I’m not shocked about their prediction since most of these places know very little about a team outside their record, and I’m not worried because it’s just ESPN. If it was a credible sports outlet, I’d think about having a tiny bit of concern.

Vikings news from other sources:

ESPN shared their predictions through 2020, and they see Sam Bradford putting on yet another jersey.

From Vikings.com, Kyle Rudolph wants last season to be his benchmark for success, and ESPN tabs Danielle Hunter as one of the division’s top rising stars.

The Sporting News took a look at the battle for the Vikings starting running back spot.

Around the rest of the league:

From NFL.com, A-a-ron Rodgers says he’s starting the back nine of his career. I hope he hits every water hazard and 4-putts every hole. You know, kinda like Tiger did on the back nine of his career.

Adrian Peterson says the doubt from his critics motivates him, per NFL.com.

Calvin Johnson says that he retired because he was ‘stuck in Detroit’, per The Sporting News.

We come to our media selection.

Here’s one of the great bands from a truly great era in music, the eighties. Hair metal rocks.

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 pickled pigs feet.