Wednesday Open Thread: August 22, 2018

Merry Wednesday, y’all!

I hope you’re all enjoying the work week, and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to Friday when our beloved purple and gold will be at home to take on the Seahawks. In the preseason, game three is the preseason game where the starters are normally on the field for the longest, and we won’t see them playing at all in game four, so Friday’s game will be a closely watched contest. Like most of you, I’ll be keeping an eye on the O line (though I’m not as concerned as some). I’m hopeful that the team can continue the overhaul they started last year, and continue to make improvements. If the O line can perform adequately, this team could be very tough.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Dan Persons has news and notes from the training camps of our division foes.

J-Dog has some insight on what to do when attending Vikings games if you don’t have a smartphone. I tend to be simple in many ways, so this suggestion may be considered ignorant, but......couldn’t you........I dunno.........watch the game? It’s right down there on the field. You can always watch the big screen if you’re averse to looking at actual people. Just a thought.

The Vikings signed center Jacob Judd. I’m not sure how good the man is at playing center, but he’s got a cool name. The Vikings also claimed Luke McNitt on waivers, per Chris.

Chris shared the Football Outsiders piece where they wonder if the Vikings can overcome their O-line issues.

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

FoxSports thinks that Dalvin Cook is primed for a big year coming off of his injury. I think they’re right, I’m rooting hard for the kid.

Vikings.com has a piece on Chad Beebe, and they mention ‘grit’ right there in the headline.

Richie Incognito made the news again for more of the unusual behavior which is usual behavior for him, the story is from ESPN. I have a feeling there is some usage/addiction lying under the surface. Maybe I’m wrong & he’s just bat**** crazy. I dunno, I wouldn’t sign him, though.

Also from ESPN, Ravens CB Jimmy Smith has been suspended for four games by the NFL. Smith was accused of domestic violence by an ex-girlfriend who is the mother of his child, and the NFL cited evidence of “threatening and emotionally abusive behaviors” in handing down the suspension.

We come to today’s media selection:

I haven’t played this one in a while, one of my son’s favorite videos. “Dad, play that crazy guy again”. Here you go, 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 it’s sarcasm

With that, the beer light is on and the bar is open. Belly up and tie one on. Don’t forget to tip your waitress, and try the blood sausage