Monday Open Thread: August 9, 2021

Merry Monday, everyone!

Alright, only a few more days until the start of the NFL preseason. I’m REALLY looking forward to this season. I think the Vikings are poised to put together an amazing year. After the absymal season put up by the defense last year, I think Zimmer is going to have something to prove, and I think he’s going to coach with a bit of an edge. The offense remains stacked, there are multiple weapons on that offense who can score on any given play. The wild card, in my opinion, is the plexi-glass man, Cousins. Can he elevate his game and begin to play well against good teams? Can he carry the team on the occasion that the team needs him to? At the very least, can he keep from stepping on his d***?

Now look, I don’t dlslike Cousins. I don’t care about the choices he makes about his health, either, so don’t gripe at me. Since the talk first started to bring him here, I’ve maintained my stance that I have no problem with him, but that I have a huge problem with him at the price he commands. He’s a league-average to slightly above-average QB who commands top 5 salary, and that makes it hard to build a team necessary in order to overcome his weaknesses. He’s the main concern I have, but if he can at least guide the ship, this could be a magical year. SKOLLLLLLLLLL!

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Wludford reviews the O line from Vikings training camp.

Steve Hutchinson was FINALLY enshrined into the Hall of Fame yesterday, Chris has the details. Now if they could just get Jim Marshall in there.

Other Vikings/NFL news and random oddities and annoyances:

Here’s the full NFL preseason schedule, courtesy of NFL.com.

Heyyyyyyyyyy, Twins fans. I know it’s been a tough season, but you know, the Braves still have room for a few more fans if you want to hop aboard on our wagon and enjoy the ride this year. C’mon, it’ll be fun. The Braves beat the Nationals 5-3 yesterday.

From PFT, the Bills have signed Josh Allen to a 6-year extension reportedly worth $258 million and $150 million guaranteed.

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 the cows, and keep in mind that our special on sloth soup begins at 200 comments. Welcome Aboard!