Tuesday Open Thread: July 25, 2018

Merry Tuesday, everyone!

Well, we’ve made it. I’m not sure how, but we’ve made it. Rookies report to training camp today, so the team unofficially begins the next season of NFL football. It’s a time to be excited if you’re a Vikings fan, because there is every reason to be optimistic about this team and their chances in the 2018 season. Although last season ended horribly, the team had a very solid year, and they beat almost everyone’s expectations (even mine, I think I picked them to go 12-4). They followed that up by being very aggressive in free agency, which is a deviation from their normal off-season philosophy. I’m excited for this year (I’m excited for every season, but I don’t recall ever being as optimistic as I am this year). Well, let’s get the train rollin’ and see where it takes us, it’s going to be a fun ride.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Eric joined the crew at 740 The Fan to talk about Vikings training camp.

Ted is predicting a few surprises for the 53 man roster.

Chris shared the statement from Paul Allen that we shouldn’t expect a deal for Stefon Diggs or Anthony Barr prior to the season.

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

Over at Vikings.com, the GMFB crew remembers the life and career of Tony Sparano, Wobby and PA preview the Minnesota Vikings on ‘Between the Lines’, also catch the rest of the BTL segments and much more as you sift through the media vault.

The Star-Tribune gives us a detailed look at the Vikings’ new training facility.

From NFL.com, Joe Thomas has dropped 50 pounds since retiring last year.

Josh Gordon will not be at Browns training camp, and will be placed on the non-football injury list, per NFL.com. This time, he’ll be absent because he’s making a good decision, as he will be absent in order to fully participate in his addiction recovery program. Best of luck to him, I hope he maintains his sobriety.

We come to today’s media selection:

Well, we finally made it through the off-season, so let’s let celebrate the occasion with Barry White.

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 pickled northern