Where Do We Live?

I may go on a bit of a rant this morning, but seriously where do we live? Do we live in Green Bay or even Wisconsin? NO, we live in Minnesota! 

I am so sick of our media here in Minnesota these days. What I mean by this is two things.

First, I read the local sports section in our  newspapers every morning and everyday I see stories related to the Packers. Whether it is stories talking about Randall Cobb's, Bryan Bulaga's and Jordy Nelson's injury updates or Dujuan Harris being slotted as the number one Running back. Who cares? I know it's a business and I am sure it drives traffic to these struggling newspapers, but the business also is you are a local aka Minnesota newspaper company. So, write about Minnesota sports. Do you think the Milwaukee Journal writes stories about our Vikings players? How about the Chicago Tribune, do they have stories about Packer players? No! So why do we? All these so called sports writers here in Minnesota who write these dumb stories about other teams and other teams players need to go work for those other teams newspapers. Does anyone else get as bothered as I do? We even have Packer radio shows like on K-Fan called Packer Preview on Sunday mornings! Why? Do you think I want to listen to that? If Packer fans live here then they should tune into Packers talk out of Green Bay. What is wrong with this state? Or maybe I should say why do Vikings fans allow this? 

The second thing that drives me nuts is why is every so called Vikings sports writer and so called Vikings fan calling for Christian Ponders head? Do people not want him to be successful? It's his third NFL season and yes this is a big year for Ponder to prove he is an NFL starting Quarterback. But lay off him people! How would you feel going to work everyday and hearing people/media say you suck and can't make it with your company? Does that motivate you? Maybe for some of you it does, but some people aren't formed that way either. If you are a "true" Vikings fan stand behind your players! Cheer for them when they make plays and pick them up and cheer when they do make mistakes! No one is perfect, not even the Brady's, Manning's, Rodgers of the world. Media/so called fans back off the guy! Plus Matt Cassell is a backup for a reason, I don't see any of the other 31 teams in the NFL taking a chance with him as their starter. 

Long story short! Owwwwwwww! Skol Vikings!!!!

p.s. can you tell I had 3 cups of coffee this morning?

Vikings Game Changers!

The Minnesota Vikings need game changers and here are a few that are and could be.

Current Game Changers

#1 Adrian Peterson- Most explosive guy in the NFL, defenses fear this hard workhorse. Here is a guy who can make negative yards into 4 yard gains, 20 yard gains and 50 plus yard runs. He is so talented and can light up linebackers and the secondary. Adrian runs with a chip on his shoulder and wants to find the end zone every time he touches the ball.

#2 Jared Allen- This is a guy even at age 31 is still the most exciting player on the defense of side for this team. Coming off a 12 sack season look for Jared to get back to the high teens in sacks again this year. He plays with emotion and can create havoc for offensive coordinators.

#3 Harrison Smith- This hard hitting safety doesn't just make plays on the ball, he is a pounding hitting machine. Last season Smith had 3 interceptions and will only get better turning the ball over. He is a young leader in the secondary and will keep making big plays.

#4 Kyle Rudolph- Pro Bowl MVP last season should the league he could be the next best Tight End in this league. He is such a threat down the middle of the field with his big frame and hands. Look for Kyle to get more catches this season.

#5 Everson Griffen- Here is a part-time guy who is a freak! He had 8 sacks last season and only started one game. Griffen is all over the field and will continue to see more playing time on the defensive line. 

#6 Blair Walsh- Yes, he is a kicker! Blair is a true game changer who is consistent even with Field Goals over 50 plus yards. He made 10 Field Goals over 50 yards last season, tell me that doesn't count for a game changer?

#7 Chad Greenway- 96 tackles in 2012, 3 sacks, 1 int and 2 forced fumbles. Chad is a well rounded game changer and is big part to this defense.

#8 Matt Kalil- After a great rookie season, Matt is a big part to Adrian's and Ponder's success in 2013. He is so good at run blocking and creating massive holes for AP. 

#9 John Sullivan- One of the top Centers in this league manages the game so well. He can help Ponder succeed and give him great reads. He is so important to this team.

#10 Jerome Felton- Having a punishing Fullback who can create holes for a talented running back is huge. Adrian Peterson won't be as successful without Felton. 

Should Be Game Changers

#1 Christian Ponder- This is Ponder's third season and is a make or break year. I have faith that Christian Ponder will make promising strides forward. He needs to improve his footwork in the pocket when pressure arises and hit players downfield. Look for Ponder to make big plays in 2013.

#2 Chris Cook- He will step in as the number one Cornerback and must perform against some elite Wide Receivers like Brandon Marshall, Calvin Johnson and Jordy Nelson. We should see Chris make big plays whether its turning the ball over or breaking up passes.

#3 Greg Jennings- Having a veteran who can do so much is so important for Ponder. He can stretch the field, but is known for making big catches 5-10 yards down the field.

#4 Cordarrelle Patterson- Exciting player who can exploit defenses secondary! Fun to watch game changer who just needs time on the field.

#5 Brian Robison- He had 8.5 sacks last season and can get to the Quarterback and stop the run. Smart player with a high motor.

#6 Xavier Rhodes- Big frames rookie Cornerback who can make big plays and gets great position against Receivers.

#7 Erin Henderson- He should win the Middle Linebacker position and has the ability to do so much at that position. Break out season for Erin?

#8 Jarius Wright- Wright takes over the slot after Percy Harvin departure. Jarius has had a great Training Camp and is very talented. Don't expect him to be Percy, but he does have some skills that make him Percy like. 

#9 Jerome Simpson- Yes, I said Simpson! He is a big play athletic receiver who can make game changing plays deep. He needs to stay healthy and show he can compete on this roster.

#10 John Carlson- Having a second Tight End who can make plays in the NFL is deadly. If Carlson can stay healthy, he could create matchup problems for defenses. He needs to have more than 8 receptions this year, he is my wild card for a game changer. If he can stay on the field and contribute like he did in Seattle and get 5-6 touchdowns would be a game changer!

Patterson the next Jones?

The Vikings drafted what I think was the best Wide Receiver in this years draft in Cordarrelle Patterson. Is he the next Julio Jones in the NFL? He has attributes very similar to Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones. He has size, speed and the talent to be the next big play receiver in this league. His talent is more raw than Julio when he entered the league, but look for Cordarrelle to learn under a veteran in Greg Jennings the same way Julio Jones did with Roddy White. 

Cordarrelle Patterson is an athletic freak who can do so much for this offense. He is quick and has big play potential down the field, but he also is a threat in the middle of the field. He will be a lethal weapon for Christian Ponder and the Minnesota Vikings offense. 

Number #84 is back, but it is not Randy Moss. Don't compare him to Randy, he doesn't have the same attitude issues and won't be a fly guy. He can do more than Randy, but isn't as explosive down the field as Randy. Moss was nasty deep because of his speed, size but more importantly his adjustment to the ball. 

Vikings fans should be very excited about this guy and should not be disappointed if Leslie Frazier and Bill Musgrave slowly develop him into the offense. I think 800 yards and 5 touchdowns is a great first season for this rookie and anything more is exciting.

Keep an eye on Patterson when next weeks Pre-season games begin. He is going to be a big asset to this wide receiver corp.

Vikings Training Camp

The Vikings will begin Training Camp in Mankato on Thursday and it should be very exciting. Coming off an impressive 10-6 season, the Vikings will re-group and build off a successful season from last year. We have lost some key players from last season like Percy Harvin and Antoine Winfield. You can't replace those guys, but we did add some key players this offseason in the draft and free agency.

The big question this training camp is how will Christian Ponder excel and at what level? We have added some talented individuals in Greg Jennings and Cordarelle Patterson who will give him more threats down field. We should see Kyle Rudolph hit the ground running after a Pro Bowl season last year, which will help Christian feel more comfortable behind Center.

The other major question is who will take the bull by the horns and secure the MLB position? I think Erin Henderson leads this battle going into camp, but don't be surprised to see Desmond Bishop make a push and steal this role. It should be an interesting competition to watch and it may not be settled by the end of training camp.

The third question is who will step up in the secondary? Chris Cook should show he is ready to be a true #1 corner, but keep an eye on rookie sensation Xavier Rhodes. Both guys are big framed guys who can shutdown big framed receivers. Josh Robinson is another guy who should be in the mix to be a #2 or #3 corner. He is much smaller compared to Cook and Rhodes, but has a relatively high ceiling. A.J. Jefferson and Jacob Lacey are other guys to watch.

The final question is the Wide Receiver Corp, who will land where? Greg Jennings was a great veteran addition to this young group and will be locked as our #1. The second spot will be a battle from Rookie playmaker Cordarelle Patterson and Jerome Simpson. In the slot look for Jarius Wright to win that job with his high motor and Percy like ability. Simpson needs to have a good camp or he could be on the chopping block, don't be surprised if the Vikings take a chance with him again this year especially at his inexpensive price tag.

This training camp should be exciting to watch with our new identity and seeing this offense stick to the Adrian Peterson plan! You can't go away from Adrian even though you have more weapons in the passing game. Adding Jennings and Patterson will just frustrate defenses because they will not be able to put 8-9 guys in the box against AP. Stay tuned to updates from training camp, I may even be blogging live from Mankato!!!

Desmond Bishop Signs With The Minnesota Vikings

Sorry for the late response to the signing of Desmond Bishop

The Minnesota Vikings signed ex Green Bay Packer Middle Linebacker Desmond Bishop to a one year deal. Justin Schneider and other Vikings fans might be excited, but I am still a little hesitant on how much Bishop will contribute. Can he stay healthy is the biggest question mark. Desmond has struggled with calf injuries and sat out all of the 2012 NFL season with a torn hamstring injury. I don't hate the signing because if he can stay healthy he adds competition in the middle with Erin Henderson and also adds depth at the linebacker position. The more proven players we add the better and competition is always good. Overall it was a no brainer signing and worse case scenario it doesn't work out.

Desmond Bishop if healthy:
-Provides great run support
-Pressures the quarterback
-Provides leadership
-Can make big plays and provide a spark to this young linebacker core

Desmond Bishop Must:
-Stay Healthy
-Improve his coverage skills both in man and zone defense
-Improve

2013 NFL Power Rankings Before Pre-Season

1. Denver Broncos- This offense is legit with Peyton Manning healthy and with three special Wide Receivers in Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker and newly acquired Wes Welker. Their Defense is pretty good as well. They will stay #1 unless some major injury.

2. San Francisco 49ERS- They will be without Michael Crabtree for most of the season, but did add Anquan Boldin. This Defense is nasty and will carry this team to many victories. If Colin Kaepernick can stay healthy this team has a shot at winning it all. Quinton Patton is a nice addition and could be a solid #2 Wideout.

3. Seattle Seahawks- The addition of Percy Harvin makes this offense even more scary. Russell Wilson is a special quarterback The Defense speaks for themselves.

4. Atlanta Falcons- Matt Ryan with Julio Jones and Roddy White makes this offense one of the best in the league. Don't forget about Tony Gonzales! This Defense must improve.

5. New Orleans Saints- They will bounce back with Sean Payton back. Look for Drew Brees to have a spectacular season. This Defense should improve and give them a shot at making a deep run in the playoffs.

6. New York Giants- The Giants are always risky, but Eli Manning can make this team a contender again.

7. New England Patriots- This has been an interesting offseason with Wes Welker gone and addition of Danny Amendola, Rob Gronkowski injuries and Aaron Hernandez in deep trouble. Can Coach Belicheck overcome all of this?

8. Green Bay Packers- Aaron Rodgers loses one of his favorite wideouts in Greg Jennings and need his young receiving corp and running game to perform. This Defense is still a question mark! Eddie Lacy should be a stud behind Aaron Rodgers.

9.  Houston Texans- J.J. Watt is a stud and is such a dominate Defensive player who can make such huge plays. Will Andre Johnson regain his dominance? Can DeAndre Hopkins create a great #2 weapon for Schaub?

10. Cincinnati Bengals- Andy Dalton and A.J. Green are amazing, but need their Defense to step it up.

11. Minnesota Vikings- This might be a homer pick, but how can you not be excited on the direction they are heading? Christian Ponder needs to prove himself, but has some options in Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson, Kyle Rudolph and Jarius Wright. This Defense is young and is built upfront. Look for the Vikings to surprise critics this year. Can anyone stop Adrian Peterson?

12. Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck is the real deal and will only improve this season. The Defense must get better!

13. Carolina Panthers- Cam Newton is a big time threat and can do so much. Look for Brandon Lafell to step up and be a threat. This Defense must eliminate big plays.

14. Dallas Cowboys- Tony Romo got a new deal and the pressure will still be there, but look for him to take a step forward this season. Dez Bryant is a stud and has such big play ability! The Defense will be better, I promise!

15. Washington Redskins- Will RG3 be ready for week one? I doubt it, but if he is this team will jump up my rankings.

16. Chicago Bears- Brandon Marshall should have another huge season.

17. Baltimore Ravens- Defending Super Bowl Champs will struggle after key losses.

18. St. Louis Rams-Tavon Austin could give this offense the spark they need.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Added Darrelle Revis which should make this defense improve.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers- Le'Veon Bell could be the next rookie running back to shine.

21. Detroit Lions- Adding Reggie Bush could be a nice addition.

22. Miami Dolphins- Adding Mike Wallace will make the Dolphins an interesting team.

23. San Diego Chargers- Phillip Rivers can make this team a top 20 team.

24. Philadelphia Eagles- Chip Kelly will try to provide some trick plays!

25. Cleveland Browns- Trent Richardson should improve and help this bad offense.

26. Kansas City Chiefs- They got the #1 overall NFL Draft pick in Eric Fisher, but still will struggle.

27. Arizona Cardinals- The addition of Ryan Swope should provide more production for Larry Fitzgerald.

28. Buffalo Bills- They took a reach to grab E.J. Manuel, will he step in and provide some support?

29. Tennessee Titans- Quarterback controversy?

30. New York Jets- Rex Ryan is on the hot seat!

31. Oakland Raiders- If Darren McFadden can stay healthy they have a shot at being a top 20 team.

32. Jacksonville Jaguars- Don't be shocked if they stink again.

Excited?

What do the Vikings have to prove this offseason to get Minnesota fans excited? Is the new Vikings stadium enough to do that? How about Cordarrelle Patterson? Adrian Peterson saying he is going to rush for 2,500 yards? 10-6 record last season? 

I will tell you what I am so stinking excited for the Minnesota Vikings to hit the field this season. It's the last season at Mall of America Field and that is something that gets me a bit giddy. Our franchise has a lot of good things going for them and the end of the era of the Hubert H. Metrodome/Mall of America Field is exciting. I have had so many great memories there from tailgating to watching our Vikings beat division rivals Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears. I have also seen my fair share of Playoff games, i remember buying fake scalped tickets for the Vikings vs. Green Bay game back in 2009. Seeing players play like Barry Sanders, Michael Vick with Atlanta, John Lynch, Brian Urlacher, Michael Strahan, Warren Sapp and of course my most hated Packer of all-time Brett Favre. I have seen so many great Vikings players like Adrian Peterson, Randy Moss, Daunte Culpepper, Cris Carter, Jared Allen, Gary Anderson, Matt Birk, Jeff Christy, Randall Cunningham, Ed McDaniel, Warren Moon, John Randle, Jake Reed, Robert Smith, Antoine Winfield, etc. As a Vikings fan I have also gone through a lot of tough times which I will not discuss due to the pain and tough memories. I also remember seeing Korey Stringer play, what a sad story. 

This year I am EXCITED probably just like every previous year, who doesn't love watching football on Sundays and now on Thursday's? Thanksgiving? Playoffs? Super Bowl? I live for every Vikings game and I love seeing everything that comes before the start of the regular season. I have never played football, so I don't know what it is like to step out on that field for practice or a game, but I do know I feel the excitement and emotion from the players. I honestly think about the Vikings probably more than most fans or matter of fact most players. I get nervous (I sweat a bit), excited and probably a little emotional. 

I am excited! This year is a new year and we start out 0-0, I will create new memories, new friends and Vikings fans and even create more enemies of Packer, Bears and Lions fans. Ok, maybe not Lions fans! How can you hate Lions fans? I feel bad for them probably more than anything. We have some great pieces in place with the BEST Runningback to ever play this game and yes I said ever in Adrian Peterson. We get to watch Jared Allen do a little calf roping and could be the last season we get to see him in Purple. We get to see other veterans like Chad Greenway and Kevin Williams. We get to watch Kyle Rudolph and the "Ice Auger" and Brian Robison. We also get to see guys who are rookies and if they will have an immediate impact like Cordarrelle Patterson, Xavier Rhodes, Sharif Floyd, etc. We get to see an old division rival wear Purple in Greg Jennings, "that's pretty neat". We also get to see if Christian Ponder is the answer at QB and can take the next step or not. 

Vikings fans, if you aren't a little excited after reading this you better look into the mirror and determine if you are truly a Vikings fan or not. To all my Vikings fans out there prepare for another fun season and "get your purple on". THE SEASON HAS ALREADY STARTED!!! Skol Vikes, Owwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!