Wednesday Open Thread: August 23, 2017

Merry Wednesday, everyone!

Hey, we're at the peak of the week, it's a downhill slide into the weekend and into the Vikings game against the 49ers. The Vikings play their first home preaseason game of the 2017 season on Sunday. Now that I think about it, it'll also be the first Sunday game of the season, too.........not that it really matters, I guess.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Saxyprince posted Climbing the Podcast: Episode 30 [Useful Humans].

Chris is down to number 16 in Minnesota Vikings by the Numbers.

Ted looks at some ways the Vikings season could play out, and why.

The Vikings look to go into the season with 3 quarterbacks on their roster, and they appear to want competition to fight for that third spot, per Skelly10.

Vikings news from other sources:

Reggie Ragland is on the trading block, according to the Buffalo news. Thanks to Chief Sawyer for the heads-up on this.

Over at NFL.com, Tom Pelissoro gives us six reasons to be optimistic about our 2017 Vikings.

From the Pioneer Press, after last year’s Vikings rookie class failed to take off, this year’s rookies look to be the polar opposite. They’ve been very impressive so far this preseason, I hope to see them keep getting better and better.

Over at Vikings.com in the media vault, Wobby opened the Pick 6 Mailbag, get an inside look at the TCO Performance Center, see yesterday’s practice highlights, and much more.

Around the rest of the league:

Des Bryant has been released. Yes, you heard that right. The Browns have released veteran DT Desmond Bryant, per NFL.com.

Also from NFL.com, Le’Veon Bell tweeted that he’ll return to the team on September 1. As you likely know, Bell the team placed the franchise tag on Bell instead of inking him to a long-term deal, and Bell has not signed the tender yet. I don’t hold it against players when they seek long-term security, teams will treat a player like a baby treats a diaper.

DeMaurice Smith will have some competition for his position as Executive Director of the NFLPA. Cyrus Mehri, a civil rights attorney, plans to challenge Smith, per Fox Sports. Smith has, according to me, been a poor representative for the players.

ESPN wonders if the Lions should back up the Brinks truck to Matthew Stafford’s front door.

We come to our media selection.

I never know what to put up here, so I thought I’d think back to some of my favorite games from when I was a youngen. This one really stands out in my mind, the 1987 playoff game against the 49ers where the Vikings weren’t supposed to stand a chance. Anthony Carter went nuts on the 9ers’ defense. My best friend at the time was a 49ers fan, so that made it that much better. Enjoy! (if it lets me embed it)

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 chitlins.