Monday Open Thread: June 28, 2021

Happy Monday, everyone!

Hey, it’s great to be back. I’m extremely excited about the upcoming season, and MUCH more optimistic than I was when the 2020 season came to an end. I think that the Vikings front office has done more than anyone expected them to be able to do with what they had during this offseason, and the team is sitting in a position where they have a legitimate shot to make some noise in 2021 (and I mean more than making a fart noise). I can’t wait to see what Zim can do with the defense. With all the new pieces they’ve added, I think it will take a little time for them to “click”, but once they get firing on all eight, I think we could be looking at a VERY stout defense once again. Time will tell. SKOL!

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Shared by Chris, PFF’s list of the NFL’s best contracts features four Vikings.

Other Vikings/NFL news and random oddities and annoyances:

I’m sure you’ve all discussed this, but I can’t find anything else news-worthy. The Steelers have released guard David DeCastro with a non-football injury designation, per ESPN. The six-time Pro Bowl guard will undergo ankle surgery, and then decide whether to continue his NFL career. If he does decide to come back and is fully healthy, he would be a solid addition to any O-line.

Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:

-No discussion of politics or religion
-No feeding of the trolls
-Take the gender hatred elsewhere, it won’t be tolerated
-Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)|
-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 the cows, and settle in and join the party.