Thorsday Open Thread: May 31, 2018

Merry Thorsday, everyone!

Rob is away for a short break, so you have to put up with me for the rest of the week. With any luck, I’ll get some free time and be able to comment. By comment, I mean I’ll use horrible dad jokes.......and probably win a bet with fivefingers. Anyhow, not much new in Vikings land, Anthony Barr explained his absence from OTAs, which will only increase the rumor mill activity. I wish he would have told the press he was abducted by aliens. I would have, would have kept a straight face, too. They’re lucky I’m not a celebrity.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Chris shared Anthony Barr’s explanation for why he was absent from OTAs. Be prepared for multiple reports on what he REALLY said in the three-sentence statement, as well as an ESPN mini-series on how Barr’s absence makes the Packers the favorites to win Super Bowl 53.

Right guard is a bit of a question mark for the Vikes (the O-line position, not the deodorant), but Mike Remmers is holding that position thus far in OTAs.

Vikings news from other sources and news from around the rest of the league:

From CBS Minnesota, Kirk Cousins said that in order to lead, you have to ‘let your voice be heard’. I would have asked him what he would do if one of his teammates was deaf. I mean, he could use sign language, but that technically isn’t letting your voice be heard. I guess we can’t draft any deaf offensive players while Cousins is here.

Over at Vikings.com, watch Coach Zimmer as he addresses the media, Kirk Cousins also spoke with reporters, and there’s lots more interviews and other videos to sift through in the media vault.

From the Strib, the offense is focusing on executing in the red zone.

Damarious Randall said his jersey offer on Twitter was just a joke, per NFL.com. He didn’t completely waste his time in Green Bay, he obviously studied under Aaron Rogers., quite possibly the top bet-welcher in NFL history.

Teddy Bridgewater is lighting it up in OTAs, per NFL.com. I’ll root for this kid as long as he plays, I still think some stroke of fate is going to bring him back to Minnesota, where he can play out his HOF career and win multiple championships with Coach Zimmer.

Over at the Sporting News, Cowboys VP Stephen Jones is unsure why Dez Bryant is unsigned. Uhhhhh, it’s because a team hasn’t signed him yet. Sheesh, this guy is a VP?

We come to today’s media selection.

Hey, how ‘bout some bluegrass? Here’s one from Allison Krauss, who possesses one of the most amazing voices you will ever hear.

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 anything you read is 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.