Monday Open Thread: July 16, 2018

Merry Monday, everyone!

Hey, training camp is almost here. Anyone have plans to make it this year? If so, and if you’re interested in meeting up with other members, say something in the comments. I’m guessing we’ll have quite a few members who will be training camp attendees, especially now that camp is a stone’s throw from Minneapolis (a pretty long stone’s throw, Jeff George could get it there, so could Uncle Rico).

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Linval Joseph spoke out against bullying, as he helps kick off a new anti-bullying campaign, per Chris. I’d almost feel sorry for anyone who attempts to bully Linval.

The Vikings are ESPN’s consensus pick to win the NFC North, per Chris. I’m a bit surprised, but not really, the Vikes have built a very solid team, and media outlets are noticing. I’m not sure if I like the media love for the team, though. It makes me feel kinda icky.

Chris takes an in-depth look at the arsenal of weaponry on the Vikings offense.

Some Vikings headed NORTH, TO ALASKA! Oh wait, not that far north, they went to Canada for an NFL Play 60 event, per Chris.

Mike Hughes is one of thirteen unsigned first-round picks. This is a little deviation from the norm for the team, but I doubt it’s anything to be concerned about.

Chris asked you to share your favorite Vikings game that you’ve attended. This one is easy for me, 2015 Vikings-Giants game, when the team was playing at the outdoor TCF Bank Stadium. Wind chills in the negative 20s, hours and hours of tailgating prior to the game (thanks Supa and Hurricane!), lots of.......anti-freeze consumed, and a blowout win by the good guys.

Chris highlights Everson Griffen, and just how awesome a player he is. I remember Griffen being drafted, he dropped because of some off-field question marks, had a bit of a rocky start initially with an off-field incident, then with Gerald’s departure and the entrance of Coach Zimmer, Griffen exploded. It’s been fun to watch.

The Vikings’ front seven is one of the NFL’s deepest position groups, per Chris.

Harrison Smith is being honored by his hometown of Knoxville, as is to be inducted into their Hall of Fame.

You want to see Vikings touchdowns? Chris has a bunch of them for your viewing pleasure.

What would you buy if you were a first round draft pick? Chris asks.

Listen to an audio clip of Anthony Harris as he appeared on SB Nation Radio.

Rashod Hill could still be the answer at right tackle, per Chris. I agree, I think he’s played well when given a shot so far.

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

This will be brief, so don’t shoot me if I miss something. Let me know in the comments & I’ll try to add it up here when I get time.

From Vikings.com, see a training camp preview of the quarterbacks, and another of the defensive line, Wobby opens the Pick 6 Mailbag, and there’s lots more TC previews and other weekend traffic to look through in the media vault.

We come to today’s media selection:

Since I made a reference to a Johnny Horton classic, let’s play it. Here’s North to Alaska, enjoy!

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 tiger meat