Minnesota Vikings News and Links: December 26th and 27th, 2020

Good Morning, It’s Saturday!

I’ll be going back to the off season format for the weekend open thread as the Vikings have exited the competitive portion of their season beginning with that 1-5 start; then improved, then stubbed their toes, then forgot how to tackle in New Orleans. I speak for myself only when I say I’m disappointed in how the season turned out, but looking back I probably shouldn’t have been surprised. All the turnover on the defense plus injuries equaled a historically bad defense, plus for all the time I’ve been a member of the Daily Norseman we can again continue to rightly complain about the status of the offensive line because they really aren’t very good. I read online that someone commented that the status of the Spielman-Zimmer regime can be summed up in one word: inconsistent. Meanwhile we’ll carry on with our news and links open thread full of crockpot recipes, nap strategies and beer recommendations; drop by for some fan wisdom, snark and it’s the weekend, time to start the smoker and return those gifts you didn’t want.

Around the DN since our last open thread:

New Orleans Saints 52, Minnesota Vikings 33: Vikings officially eliminated from playoffs. Not a great showing by the defense notes Chris.

Vikings news from other sources:

From Vikings.com: Head Coach Mike Zimmer addressed the media after Friday’s loss to the Saints. This Is A Bad Defense, The Worst One I’ve Ever Had.

Action Reaction: Big Plays Allowed Costs Vikings Against Saints.

League News:

NFL Week 16 game picks: Dolphins over Raiders; Packers top Titans.

Logan Ryan, Giants agree to three-year, $31 million contract.

We come to today’s media selection: Bruce Cockburn -The Coldest Night Of The Year
(by request)

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 wash your hands, and Welcome Aboard!