Minnesota Vikings News and Links: December 5th, 2019

Good Morning!

Has the Hitman fallen off this year? I can’t decide if it’s because he’s not making as many splash plays at the line of scrimmage because he’s playing deeper or has in fact started a slow decline. Meanwhile, let’s carry on with our news and links open thread full of beer recommendations, nap strategies, crock pot and smoker recipes. Drop by for some fan wisdom, snark and it’s Thorsday, have a long lunch, I’m off for seven days, and we have the Vikings game to look forward to on Sunday.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Chris has your Minnesota Vikings Power Rankings Roundup: Week 14.

Vikings Wednesday injury report: Adam Thielen sits out, Dalvin Cook limited.

Unbelievable! - Down But Not Out - BJ Reidell and Drew Mahowald break down the Vikings’ disappointing loss to the Seahawks.

DN News and Links Regular and Lord Bacon™ Admiral BigGun is raising money for Minnesota Special Olympics. Linky to Fanpost. If you have the means to help someone less fortunate please do so.

Vikings news from other sources:

From Vikings.com Head Coach Mike Zimmer addressed the media from the TCO Performance Center on Wednesday and discussed Xavier Rhodes apology, Dalvin Cook’s injury and status for Sunday, challenges facing Detroit and more.

QB Kirk Cousins addressed the media from the TCO Performance Center on Wednesday.

RB Dalvin Cook addressed the media from the TCO Performance Center on Wednesday, “Cook: I’ll Be Out There on Sunday ... Actually, I Feel Better Than Expected.”

Xavier Rhodes Apologizes for Sideline Actions, Believes He’ll Bounce Back.

Matthew Coller at SkorNorth ponders: Mike Zimmer, Xavier Rhodes and the challenge of loyalty in the NFL.

League News:

Giants likely to start Eli Manning Monday vs. Eagles.

Bucs HC Bruce Arians mum on question about Jameis Winston’s future.

49ers suspend broadcaster over Lamar Jackson comments.

Niners-Saints, Bills-Steelers among most important games left.

From SB Nation: The 5 most fireable NFL coaches heading into Week 13.

We come to today’s media selection: Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train

Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:
-No discussion of politics or religion
-No feeding of the trolls
-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 & tie one on. Don’t forget to tip your waiter and Welcome Aboard!