SBNation.com User Blog: Alittlemore_cowbell

Justified: Percy Harvin Edition

Alittlemore_cowbell — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 18:06:55 -0000

In the 2009 NFL draft we drafted William Percival Harvin with our first round pick, and with that pick, gave him a chance even though he had a bit of a history with the law and supposed character issues. From the day Percy Harvin was drafted, he was a star. He came into the NFL and made an instant impact on our favorite team every time he stepped foot on the field. Not only has he been a threat in the short passing game, he's been just as deadly a threat coming out of the backfield too. Add these things to him being one of the ~~beast~~ best returners in the NFL, and you truly have a franchise player that you can build your team around.Recently, Harvin has come out saying he wants a new contract, and rightfully so. His worth to this team is WAY more than what we're currently paying him and it's borderline abuse the way we trot him on the field and use him so much for how much we're paying him. Here's some very telling stats about Percy Harvin's on field production:

**NOTE: Everything was calculated by me. Feel free to double check my math, but I'm pretty confident in my stats.

In 8 games played this year (not counting the Seattle game he was injured in), he amassed 773 total yards of offense, a very chill 96.6 yards/game. Good for 3rd in the league amongst WR's, 11th in the league if you only count recieving yards.
To look further: Percy accounted for 28.4% of our offense's total yards in the eight games he played this year, and that number jumps up to 38.8% of our total recieving yards in those eight games.

Pretty amazing stuff there.

So essentially, Harvin accounted for a little bit more than 1/4 of our offense's total production, yet will only make 1.55 million next year. For reference to how little money that is, here are the players on the Vikings roster who made more money undeservingly (or will make more money next year) then Harvin did this year:

**May be a few more also

And I'm sure Harvin knows all these numbers too. If I were him I would be just as frustrated knowing that he is doing all these things for this team yet is being paid less than John Carlson and Jerome Simpson... Not only has Harvin earned a new contract, he has earned the right to be a top ten paid WR in the league IMO. I don't think he would, or should, come back to the Vikings of they won't extend him prior to the season starting. He will get a new contract with someone this year, and when he does I will be very happy for him. Let's just hope it's with the Minnesota Vikings.

Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed looking up and calculating the information. Let me know if I was wrong with any of my calculations and your opinions on the Percy Harvin situation in the comments below.

**NOTE: Everything was calculated by me. Feel free to double check my math, but I'm pretty confident in my stats.

In 8 games played this year (not counting the Seattle game he was injured in), he amassed 773 total yards of offense, a very chill 96.6 yards/game. Good for 3rd in the league amongst WR's, 11th in the league if you only count recieving yards.
To look further: Percy accounted for 28.4% of our offense's total yards in the eight games he played this year, and that number jumps up to 38.8% of our total recieving yards in those eight games.

Pretty amazing stuff there.

**May be a few more also

Poll

If Training camp comes around and Harvin still has no extension, do you think Harvin will be justified if he doesn't show up?

Yes

95 votes

No

53 votes

No/Trade Percy Harvin

25 votes

173 votes | Poll has closed

Vikings Are Suddenly Less Cool

Alittlemore_cowbell — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 20:56:23 -0000

I woke up this fine Tuesday morning looking forward to the sunny Florida day, left over potato soup (delicious, potato soup) and some good reads from the Daily Norseman. All was going well until I went over YouTube to be entertained and had my entire world turned upside down. Everything I know..... everything I thought I knew, it was all a lie. The first 40 seconds of this video is all you need to hear.

5 Historical Misconceptions Rundown (via CGPGrey)

Seriously though, it's kind of interesting how an immensely popular organization can have horns painted on the side of their helmets and no Norse descendants have made a big deal about it.

5 Historical Misconceptions Rundown (via CGPGrey)

Seriously though, it's kind of interesting how an immensely popular organization can have horns painted on the side of their helmets and no Norse descendants have made a big deal about it.

Premature Infatuation

Alittlemore_cowbell — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 06:29:07 -0000

REWIND THE CLOCK SIX OR SO MONTHS:

I am sick and tired of this coaching staff. The amount of close games we've lost this year is ridiculous, and it really shows lack of proper execution and preparation when we're up double digits at halftime in three straight games and lose every...single...one. We chose the wrong head coach, hell, did we even go out looking for anyone else?? Leslie Frazier is a lifeless, emotionless, statue on the sidelines who never pumps up the guys and never complains to the refs when there is a bullshit call. He just absorbs everything like a sponge, much like his defense. I mean what the fuck, this man was a DB coach and we have the worst secondary in the history of the NFL? C'mon man...

Speaking of shitty coaches, what the hell Musgrave. I actually liked your hire, and I thought our offense would flourish under you. I was wrong. Are you really so arrogant that you think you can get away with Webb under center faking a hand-off to Ponder only to run it (duh) for no gain? When your play calling is good, it's sub par to any other OC's, and when it's bad, its some dumb ass trickery for two yards. We're not Clemson, and this is the NFL. What happened to the New England style 2 TE sets I was looking forward to?

So this is what it's come down to huh? Alan freaking Williams of the Indianapolis Colts, the same team who just went 2-14 and gave up like 53 points a game while having almost as bad secondary play as we did, is coming to Minnesota to be our new DC. This is a terrible, terrible hire, and at this point I think Leslie Frazier is just bringing in his buddies and not even trying for anyone with a knack for, you know, being a good coach and all. We just might have the worst front office in the NFL.

What the hell were they thinking? Christian Ponder? We clearly reached for him at #12 when he would have possibly been there early in the second for us to grab. Not to mention that he was injured every year in college and has a slightly lingering shoulder problem. The guy has never been able to play a full season without his shoulder or elbow being processed like hamburger meat sometime mid season, which is probably why he has such a noodle arm now. Ponder is getting worse, and I'm actually looking forward to Joe Webb when Ponder inevitably goes down halfway through the season. We should have just drafted Andy Dalton in the second round.

LET'S GO BACK TO REALITY, WHOOPS, THERE GOES GRAVITY.

We might have the coach of the year here, folks. I don't know what Leslie Frazier has done to make these guys play at the level they've been playing at, but if he keeps this up, we may be headed to the playoffs and he could be headed for a fat contract extension. Frazier is clearly a players coach, and they really seem to love and respect him. Not only is he calling great games, but he's doing something we haven't seen in three years or so, adjusting to counter our his opponents successes during the game!! Frazier seems to have transformed from the worlds largest organic sponge to a solid oak who never panics, which is exactly what a young, vibrant team needs. This is hardly rebuilding, this is reloading.

Bill Musgrave is a freaking' genius people. His play calling and decision making has done a complete 180 since the debacle that was 2011. Where there was once predictability and trickery, there is now a balance and crispness to his offense that absolutely is one of the best in football, maybe second to Houston in terms of the "O shit, now where are they going to hit us" factor. While we're not throwing up 30 points'game or anything, we've been able to move the ball as much as we've wanted against everyone (sans the first half of the Jacksonville game) and effectively control the game by eating massive amounts of clock when we have the ball. Not to mention he's figured out that Percy Harvin is on our team. He's finding new and innovative ways to get Harvin the ball every game and considering the receivers around him, that's probably a good thing. PAY BOTH MEN!!

Last year with an absolute dominant front 4 and sack leader Jared Allen, we had one of the worst defenses in the NFL due to horrid secondary play. But this year our D-Line is under-performing and we have one of the best defenses in the league. WHAT!?!!? Allan Williams has transformed our lazy, confused cover 2 that gave up big plays every game to a hard hitting and quick closing defense that gets off the field when it needs to and who last week didn't give up a single point until garbage time. He's bringing out the best in his players too, as we've seen Jamarca Sanford go from getting burned in 2011 to being a solid option behind Mistral Raymond. With the new additions of Josh Robinson and Harrison Smith this defense looks like it's gonna be great for years to come, and I'm confident that we got the right guy to lead it.

Christian Ponder is playing phenomenal football this year. He's among the leagues best in rating, has three times the TD's as INT's and is second only to Robert Griffin in completion percentage. Now that Ponder has a little time in the pocket, he's looking like a quarterback that can lead us fearlessly into the bright future of the Minnesota Vikings. Last week, Musgrave opened up the passing game a little bit and Ponder threw two interceptions (both were good decisions, just misplaced balls that were tough throws). Last year, we would have panicked and ran the ball on every first and second down, but they kept faith in Ponder, who responded by going 12-13 and 2 TD's after the picks. Watching him grow has been a pleasure and I look forward to watching him every Sunday for years to come.

The point of this post is to let you guys see how much we as fans overreact to everything. Last year, Cam Newton and Andy Dalton lit up the football world with tons of offense and lots of flare, but this year they've been figured out and both are struggling (Newton more so) while Ponder is out performing them. The Arizona Cardinals are 4-1 with Kevin Kolb as their QB. And our Minnesota Vikings are one very clutch last second drive from being 5-0. In a game filled with many undetermined factors and anomalies, it's essential not to overreact when things go good or when things go bad. The Vikings are sitting pretty now, but I'm sure we will have tougher games and rougher times this season, and when they come, try to remain calm and rational about them.

REWIND THE CLOCK SIX OR SO MONTHS:

LET'S GO BACK TO REALITY, WHOOPS, THERE GOES GRAVITY.

An Absolutely Ridiculous Stadium Idea That You Will Love

Alittlemore_cowbell — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 06:02:35 -0000

While researching the many different types of stadiums that have been built over the past 20 years, I came across a lot of very interesting concepts that were structurally beautiful and effecient. But through all of my searching, I found nothing more pleasing to my eye than Anaheim Ice Arena:

Built mostly out of Glulam the arena is really something to marvel at. Being a carpenter in my other life outside of the Daily Norseman, it makes me absolutely revel in it's beauty. Imagine the inside of our shiny new stadium lined with Glulam (which has higher compression resistance than a steel I beam of the same weight I might add to the skeptics that think this would be structurally impossible) to give it a classic look, fitting our beloved vikings perfectly.

Here's some more examples:

The Richmond Olympic Oval in Vancouver

Some anonymous building

I know this is very, VERY hard to conceive and unequivocally the most unrealistic stadium idea floating out there, but my god it would be awesome...

Here's some more examples:

The Richmond Olympic Oval in Vancouver

Some anonymous building

I know this is very, VERY hard to conceive and unequivocally the most unrealistic stadium idea floating out there, but my god it would be awesome...

"I was just being a college student," he said. "I'm pretty sure there were more guys than me that...

Alittlemore_cowbell — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:44:44 -0000

"I was just being a college student," he said. "I'm pretty sure there were more guys than me that smoked. I just got caught."

Jason Lieser of the The Palm Beach Post Catching Up With Janoris Jenkins

God I hope we don't draft this guy

Video: Tom Pelissero Talks Vikings Depth Chart

Alittlemore_cowbell — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:57:16 -0000

Some answers on Vikings depth chart at NFL meetings (via 1500ESPNTwinCities)

Here's a link for you mobile users who can't see the video on the screen.

This is a fantastic job by Pelissero, as usual. In the video, he tells us who Leslie Frasier told him are the starting gaurds at this point in time and what he and Frasier expects from Letroy Guion at nose tackle. Pellisero also talks about the hints Frasier gave about the draft, and while none of it's suprising, it's comforting. A few more interesting bits in there, but I'll leave it to Pellisero to fill you in on everything Vikings you need to know.

Shoutout to REVENGE4WEBB (doesn't make sense, by the way) for supplying the link.

Some answers on Vikings depth chart at NFL meetings (via 1500ESPNTwinCities)

Here's a link for you mobile users who can't see the video on the screen.

Shoutout to REVENGE4WEBB (doesn't make sense, by the way) for supplying the link.

Off Topic/ "Delocated" Edition

Alittlemore_cowbell — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:11:36 -0000

For the past couple of weeks or so, I haven't been all that active around these parts. Partly because of my new job, partly because of my favorite uncle status among my countless neices and nephews, but mostly because of the disgusting and horrid advertisement of Adult Swim's series "Delocated" located in the above header and to the right side of the main page.While I'm sure the show is some-what funny and that the picture is somehow related to one of the episodes, it is extremely vulgar, tastless, and has no business being on the main page of a site that prides it'self in being a "family" one.

Not only is it just plain unpleasant to look at, but I have to look over my shoulder every time I feel like opening up the Daily Norseman to keep any coworkers from seeing the ad. While I completely understand that SBNation has to make a little money from advertising, there has got to be plenty of other advertising partners that could take the place of the current one. So this is me, a humble and noble pawn, asking a knight to tell the king to please do something about this ad.

Poll

What do you think about the ad?

I almost lost my lunch, take it down

52 votes

I don't like the ad, but i'm fine with it

17 votes

I like it

7 votes

76 votes | Poll has closed

The Beginner's Guide To College Football Recruiting

Alittlemore_cowbell — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:34:08 -0000

The Beginner's Guide To College Football Recruiting

By the Godfather,

Spencer Hall.

Who's The Viking's Worst Corner? Well, let's go down the list of the worst corners of the 2011-12...

Alittlemore_cowbell — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:21:23 -0000

Who's The Viking's Worst Corner? Well, let's go down the list of the worst corners of the 2011-12 NFL season and find out.

Shouldn't have to look to far down...

Rank Name Team QB Rating Against
1 Quentin Jammer SD 129.9
2 Captain Munnerlyn CAR 126.9
3 E.J. Biggers TB 119.2
4 Cedric Griffin MIN 114.1
5 Justin King SL 113.1
6 Kareem Jackson HST 110.9
7 Aqib Talib TB 109.8
8 Devin McCourty NE 106.2
9 Drayton Florence BUF 103.3
10 Aaron Ross NYG 102.8

Pro Football Focus

Part II : Projecting Christian Ponder's 2012 Campaign

Alittlemore_cowbell — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:10:41 -0000

Part II : Projecting Christian Ponder's 2012 Campaign

This was too fantastic not to share. This article takes 20 second year QB's since 1998 (who met certain criteria), calculates the percent of change between the first year and second year stats, then projects them on Ponders 2011 stats.

Hope you enjoy

Christian Ponder's Rookie Year

Alittlemore_cowbell — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:50:11 -0000

Christian Ponder's Rookie Year

Over at the DN. Look at some of his stats compared to the greatest.

"If you buy the premise of this projection, and you compare that projection to other rookies this year that started and played all 16 games, he stacks up pretty well. Cam Newton had a record breaking year for a rookie QB, so it’s hard to compare Ponder to Newton, but when you compare Ponder’s projection to a couple other great QBs during their first full seasons as a starter, his stats look pretty comparable again. His stats are pretty similar to Andy Dalton, who most would agree had a great year as a rookie, making it to the playoffs. In fact, Ponder's average stat line in the previous paragraph from his adjusted season total also looks respectable."

Drafting First Rounders, And Christian Ponder

Alittlemore_cowbell — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:04:17 -0000

I decided to write this for the people who think we should trade Christian Ponder for another first rounder so we can get Robert Griffin III and a stud LT. This sounds absolutely fantastic in theory, after all, Robert Griffin just got done lighting up all of college football and winning the Heisman trophy, but I hope the following will clear some things up about the situation and MAYBE, we can stop this once and for all,unlike the whole BRAINS incident shivers. But I doubt it ; )

Explanation and poll after the jump.

Teams invest alot into first round draft picks, enough that most have pretty much earned two years on the 53 man roster by simply signing the dotted line on their contracts. While some of the rookies might have a hard time transitioning to the NFL pace and physicality, there is no doubt that they have the talent to succeed in the NFL if they get the proper coaching, they stay committed, and they and their coaches have patience. Christian Ponder has done all of these things, showing resilience when under fire and a never quit attitude.Trading Ponder for a first rounder (which is never gonna happen, as I've stated multiple times elsewhere) would be giving up on him before he's reached his ceiling and it'd be a completely wasted year for the Vikings.

I think that the people who believe we should trade Ponder are quick fix kind of guys, but not the "bring in a veteran and we'll win it all" kind. Some of them are giving up on Ponder because of his struggles toward the end of the season, but for the most part they are giving up on Ponder because of the sexy option of Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck even though they will most likely go through the same struggles (his, and the cast's around him) in their first, and maybe second year.

The Vikings are a homeless man who put their last quarter in a slot machine, pulled the lever, and got a gamblers $200 dollars in Ponder. Let's invest that 200$ in what seems to be a great stock instead of going to the blackjack table and betting it again like the drunken fool we are.

Poll

What do you think?

Dig a hole somewhere, and fall in it. Ponder is garbage and we should trade for Sexy Rexy.

10 votes

Please... RGIII totally pwns, dude.

17 votes

Andrew Luck is Tim Tebow's God.

17 votes

Christian Ponder all the way.

123 votes

167 votes | Poll has closed

For Those... Unsure Minds Among Us

Alittlemore_cowbell — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 02:02:24 -0000

via www.chron.com

The Vikings got thrashed today by the Saints, 42-20. And while I expected a mild to bad loss and a lot of things to bitch about (like kicking a 51 yard field goal when you're up by 19 very late, seriously, WTF Saints), I did not expect this pathetic display of what seemed to be an offense. We weren't able to do anything offensively the entire game (until garbage time) due to our f**king horrid offensive line, which made every drop-back by Ponder look like the end of the "Running of the Bulls" where all of the bulls and the fast Spaniards file into a stadium. Except in this situation, the only one in the stadium was Ponder, and he had 11 angry bulls charging at him unblocked.

God, I feel sorry for Ponder. I've watched him play football since his sophomore year at Florida State. I've watched him almost single handedly turn around the better part of a decade of mediocrity for Florida State. And I've watched him do great things with the Vikings this horrible, horrible year; and I know all the great things he can do for this organization down the line. But without a solid front five, his career will slowly spiral down the shit pipe, just like this season and last season has.

Do you unbelievers now see why we need a stud left tackle with our first pick in the 2012 NFL draft? This was easily the line's worst game of the year and the worst I've seen in years and we completely got banged into submission by the Saints' D-Line. Without at least two and a half seconds in the pocket consistently (which is very mediocre standards, but our current line can't get to) it won't matter if we have 5 Justin Blackmon's running routes, we will fail as an offense, just as we did today.

via www.chron.com

Poll

What should be our first round pick?

The best available LT

95 votes

I'm a dumbass and shouldn't be voting

4 votes

99 votes | Poll has closed

Minneapolis Downtown Council Unveils 15-year Plan

Alittlemore_cowbell — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:15:43 -0000

Minneapolis Downtown Council Unveils 15-year Plan

The Vikings' new stadium would be located on the western edge of downtown, near the Twins' Target Field.

The plan's 10 initiatives include:
1. Double the downtown residential population to 70,000.
2. Transform Nicollet Mall into a "must see" regional and even national destination.
3. Build Gateway Park, a "central park" that would create a "grand connection" between downtown and the Mississippi River.
4. Create a consistently compelling downtown experience of arts and entertainment.
5. Establish a downtown sports district that includes a new Vikings stadium and a renovated Target Center.
6. Lead the nation in entertainment options.
7. Create and sustain a green infrastructure.
8. Forge connections to the University of Minnesota, including a residential district on the Metrodome site.
9. End street homelessness.
10. Launch a festival of ideas, apparently a festival concept that's been used successful in other cities.

No, Adrian Peterson Will Not Accept Your Wife For Fantasy Points

Alittlemore_cowbell — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:59:51 -0000

No, Adrian Peterson Will Not Accept Your Wife For Fantasy Points

I've tried

This was posted over at the DN. Thought it would give you Bronco fans would have a good laugh.

Alittlemore_cowbell — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:58:53 -0000

This was posted over at the DN. Thought it would give you Bronco fans would have a good laugh.

LOL

Alittlemore_cowbell — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:11:55 -0000

LOL

"I don't like going to Detroit," Jared Allen told MLive.com. "I'll be honest. It's gloomy, it...

Alittlemore_cowbell — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:04:36 -0000

"I don't like going to Detroit," Jared Allen told MLive.com. "I'll be honest. It's gloomy, it sucks. Everything is brown, and then there is snow on the ground. There's like brownstones everywhere, and I'm like, 'Awesome.' I don't know, I couldn't do it. If I had to live in Detroit, I think I'd just drown myself in the river that was across the way."

From Yahoo Sports

What Would You Good Fans Prefer?

Alittlemore_cowbell — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:50:14 -0000

By now, you shoud know the different stadium proposals floating around. And if you don't, feel free to read this story real quick and come back with more insight. From the comment selection of that great piece by Skol Girl, sevral of us were discussing wether the everyday fan would enjoy an outdoor stadium over another dome and if it would increase the overall fan experience. Questions were raised about if we'd be able to sell out the stadium due to the cold winter and subpar on field performance. I and others felt that if we can consistently sell out the stadium with the on field performance that we've had over the past two years, we'd be able to sell out an open stadium and that weather has less bearing on selling out than on field performance does. While I know that most of us on this beautiful site aren't the average fan, we are still part of the great fanbase that has sold out the dome for...I'm not even sure...A long ass time, even though the Vikings have been breaking their fan's hearts since their inception in the NFL.

So here we go, what do you think?

EDIT 2, INDECISIVE EDITION : If you are in favor of a retractable roof, you probably want to vote for open air. Thanks, and SKOL!

So here we go, what do you think?

EDIT 2, INDECISIVE EDITION : If you are in favor of a retractable roof, you probably want to vote for open air. Thanks, and SKOL!

Poll

What kind of stadium would you rather have? (For testing purpose, a retractible roof option will not be added)

A dome

30 votes

A open air stadium

57 votes

87 votes | Poll has closed

Bowl Game Rankings, By Spencer Hall

Alittlemore_cowbell — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:14:21 -0000

Bowl Game Rankings, By Spencer Hall

"25. Champs Sports Bowl: Florida State vs. Notre Dame. The two offenses stand at a revolving door. "After you," says the FSU offense, leaning forward and catching its head in the door. "Here, let me help you," the Notre Dame offense says, freeing FSU's head but getting its tie caught in a subway grate. "No sir, permit me to assist you," the FSU offense says as it walks into the street and it hit by a truck. "Egads," says the Notre Dame offense as its suspenders droop and catch the top of an onrushing express train below. Both teams specialize in the latest in offensive implosion techonology, so you'll want to watch. For science's sake, you know."

Spencer hall is the head of EDSBS. I don't necessarily agree with all of his rankings, but the sheer hilarity of everything he writes makes it worth the read.

Florida State @ Florida Bets

Alittlemore_cowbell — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 23:38:21 -0000

Will you post this on your front page if we win?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgbBP9Em00A

Nice legs. What time do they open?
by Nole Resurrected on Nov 22, 2011 10:02 AM PST reply actions 1 recs ________________________________________________________________________

I personally promise that we will.
There’s my commitment.

SB Nation Archive | @AndyHutchins | Alligator Army | @AlligatorArmy
by Andy Hutchins on Nov 22, 2011 5:45 PM PST up reply actions

Will you post this on your front page if we win? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgbBP9Em00A Nice legs. What time do they open? by Nole Resurrected on Nov 22, 2011 10:02 AM PST reply actions 1 recs ________________________________________________________________________ I personally promise that we will. There’s my commitment. SB Nation Archive | @AndyHutchins | Alligator Army | @AlligatorArmy by Andy Hutchins on Nov 22, 2011 5:45 PM PST up reply actions I've yet to see this on Alligator Army's front page...

I've Changed My Mind Indefinitely

Alittlemore_cowbell — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:34:33 -0000

In case you live under a rock, have no TV, were busy with more important things (yeah right), or a combination of these, the Vikings lost to the Denver Broncos today. Not only did we lose, but we beat ourselves with the worst damn display of tackling and coverage by our corners and safetys that I have ever seen. Two different times, Cedric Griffen released his man to an invisible safety for a TD and a giant gain, Marcus Sherels was nowhere to be found unless a big run just happened, then he could be found on his ass somewhere near the play, and our overall tackling in the secondary was outright pathetic. Just to further my point, Tim Tebow, with his five second release and oyster knife-sharp accuracy, completed 10 passes on us for a ridiculous 202 yards (20.2 yards per completion for you math whizzes). After this pathetic display by our secondary (I know, they've been pretty shitty all year, but today was a special kind of stink), I can now firmly say that I want our second round pick to go to a quality corner or safety (preferably corner) over a wide receiver or Mike LB.

What say you?

Poll

With the 35th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select:

The best available defensive back

143 votes

The best available wide reciever

14 votes

ZOMG!!1!, TRADE ALL OUR PICKS FOR TEEEBOWWW

60 votes

217 votes | Poll has closed

Percy Harvin Voted Best Athlete Recruited By Urban Meyer

Alittlemore_cowbell — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 03:31:02 -0000

Percy Harvin Voted Best Athlete Recruited By Urban Meyer

SB Nation's Florida Gators blog, Alligator Army, posted this story that I found really nice. Glad to have you Percy.

THE BCS LIVES, HUZZAH SCIENCE!!

Alittlemore_cowbell — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:54:50 -0000

THE BCS LIVES, HUZZAH SCIENCE!!

This might be the best story I've ever read. It's a link to EDSBS, you know you're gonna to click it.

Jerry Sandusky Thinks He's Innocent

Alittlemore_cowbell — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:04:09 -0000

Jerry Sandusky Thinks He's Innocent

"I am innocent of those charges. I could say that I have done some of those things. I have horsed around with kids I have showered after workouts. I have hugged them and I have touched their legs without intent of sexual contact."

From a guy who plans to have a house full of kids in the very near future. Fuck you Jerry Sandusky. Satan's picked out a nice corner in the deepest part of hell just for you.

Send The Goodyear Blimp To Florida For Our Matchup vs The Gators

Alittlemore_cowbell — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:41:13 -0000

Send The Goodyear Blimp To Florida For Our Matchup vs The Gators

We're was behind in the poll thus far, but with all the traffic this site and Alligator Army gets, we can pull this upset off (bots will also help..).

Frazier's (Incredibly Short) Quest To Name A Starter

Alittlemore_cowbell — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:14:45 -0000

Leslie Frazier, talking to Ponder and McNabb alone on the practice field sideline: "Alright Ponder, McNabb, we all know what happened Sunday and why I benched you for Ponder, but let's forget about all that for now and just go back to some old fashoned practices and see what happens."

Ponder: "Alright coach!"

McNabb chuckles and walks onto the field.

Frazier, yelling from the sidelines while looking at a notepad: "Alright, we'll start out with some short, easy slants and move our way up to some back shoulder sideline passes. McNabb, you're up!!"

Ponder and McNabb do some quick practice snaps with their centers and then line up on both hashes. McNabb takes the snap and runs around for five seconds before throwing the ball up and falling to the turf. He picks up his head to see if the pass was complete and sees a cheerleader holding an icepack to her ankle on the sidelines. Still smiling, he walks back to Frazier.

Frazier: "What the hell was that? It's just you, a center and a reciever out there!! I just want you to drop back and hit the reciever in stride. Okay?"

McNabb: "I just felt like I needed to make a play when a play needed to be made you know?"

Frazier: "What the hell are you talking about? You know what... nevermind.... Ponder you're up."

Ponder: "Alright coach!"

McNabb chuckles and walks onto the field.

Frazier, yelling from the sidelines while looking at a notepad: "Alright, we'll start out with some short, easy slants and move our way up to some back shoulder sideline passes. McNabb, you're up!!"

Frazier: "What the hell was that? It's just you, a center and a reciever out there!! I just want you to drop back and hit the reciever in stride. Okay?"

McNabb: "I just felt like I needed to make a play when a play needed to be made you know?"

Frazier: "What the hell are you talking about? You know what... nevermind.... Ponder you're up."

Ponder takes the snap, drops back and easily hits the reciever in stride. He hustles back to Frazier on the sideline. "Was that good coach? How was my dropback? And did I throw the ball too early or too late?"

Frazier: "No, fine job out there Ponder. Let's move on and work on some deep routes now. Ponder, you go first this time."

Ponder: "Alright coach!!" He jogs back onto the field and takes the snap from the center. Ponder drops back and throws a 20 yard dart to the reciever's numbers.

Frazier: "Nice pass!!"

Ponder: "Thanks coach, I think I should have put it a little higher on his numbers though"

Fraiser, whispering: "At least you can put it on his numbers." Ponder and Fraiser laugh quietly while McNabb walks back over from the bench where he was telling jokes and acting uninterested in practicing at all.

McNabb: "What's so funny? New joke I haven't heard yet?"

Fraizer: "Uhh nothing... It's your turn McNabb."

McNabb: sighs "Alright..." He walks to the center and takes the snap. McNabb aagin runs around for a while before turning and floating the ball out to his left, like a screen pass. With no reciever in sight, the ball drops harmlessly to the turf and all the cheerleaders can breath easy again. McNabb stands for a second before walking back off the field.

Fraizer: "What the hell are you doing out there? I wanted you to throw it to Jenkins running the crossing pattern, not float it short to a imaginary defender..."

McNabb: "I just felt like I needed to make a play when a play needed to be made you know? I expected someone to make a play on it, but a play wasn't made when it needed to be."

Frazier, dumbstruck, reaches for his neck and blows his whistle. "Shower up!!"

The players jog off the field. Fraizer digs his phone from his pocket and dials Rick Spielman's number. "Hey Rick, it's Ponder time.

Viking Coaches Are Going To Look At McNabb's Mechanics

Alittlemore_cowbell — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:52:13 -0000

Viking Coaches Are Going To Look At McNabb's Mechanics

This is almost laughable, the mans been in the NFL for more than ten years. It's too late for him to change his mechanics, see how that's working out with Tiger Woods?

EDIT
The linked page just got updated and apparently, Leslie Frasier thinks Bernard Berrian needs more passes thrown his way too!!! Click the link for a good laugh (or vomit, it really depends)

Some Very Quick Thoughts

Alittlemore_cowbell — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 20:45:40 -0000

Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off Mcnabb Piss off Mcnabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off Mcnabb Piss off Mcnabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off Mcnabb Piss off Mcnabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off Mcnabb Piss off Mcnabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off Mcnabb Piss off Mcnabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McBabb Piss off Mcnabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off Mcnabb Piss off Mcnabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb Piss off McNabb PISS OFF

Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian Screw you Berrian ScReW YoU BeRrIaN

Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball GIVE ADRIAN PETERSON THE FOTHER MUCKING BALL!!!!!

FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS FOOTBALL.......... GAMES.......... HAVE.......... FOUR.......... QUARTERS..........

Poll

QUESTION?

Piss off McNabb

6 votes

Screw you Berrian

6 votes

Give Adrian Peterson the fother mucking ball

22 votes

FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE FOUR QUARTERS

20 votes

54 votes | Poll has closed

Fear Can Hold You Prisoner, But Hope Can Set You Free.

Alittlemore_cowbell — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 01:49:01 -0000

(I do not claim ownership to this movie, but it's still freakin awesome.) (And yes... I stole that quote from the Shawshank Redemption, it came on after the game, but even a movie that great did nothing to comfort the fall from "ZOMG, WE'RE PWNING THEM" to "WTF!!... TIMEOUT!!... DEFENSE!!, DEFENSE!!")

This was a tough loss. Much tougher than the loss in San Diego, because I felt that we were the better team (unlike the game against the Chargers who are being picked by many to make the superbowl this year) and it was our home opener. We came out once again like a bat outta' hell, completely running over them with Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart (I've said it many times, when AD is washed up, we're in good hands) to build a 17-0 lead, only to flop around like chickens with out heads cut off in the second half. But all Hope is not lost, I'll lay out some fears and hopes after the jump. WARNING!!! This is not for the jelly fleshed and will be a long read.

Sidenote: This is not intended to devalue Ted's Stock Market Report, as I have absolutely nothing on his writing. Back to the story now..

Let's start out with some negativity, as I don't like story's with an unhappy ending (so why do I love the Vikes... puzzling)

Fears:

1. Leslie Frasier isn't a future HOF coach, he doesn't manage games well, and he can't adjust defensively.

When your up 17-7 and 17-0 at halftime, there's not much you can (or should) adjust to. But that being said, in basketball, when one team is in the midst of a scoring streak and the other one seems incapable of doing defending, the poorly playing team calls a timeout and it's coach says something uplifting, something inspirational, or just flatout chews their asses out. But this was not the case in Sunday's game. When we were getting ran over by Legarrette Blount and burned by Josh Freeman, we didn't take any timeouts to convey defensive strategy, change any personell, or give our huffing and puffing defense a break. The announcers on the game kept saying that we weren't "sitting on the lead", but when we don't try to stop a nosebleed because we're way ahead, that's called sitting on the damn lead.

But I'm not jumping off the Frasier express just yet. He showed us some great coaching last year, but he's still a rookie head coach. Mistakes will be made, and he'll learn from it and be better for it. You can't expect Christian Ponder to throw for 3000 yards and 25 TD's next year, and you can't expect Leslie Frasier to be Bill Belichick his first year.

2. Our defense isn't properly conditioned, which is why they falter in the second half.

Hogwash. These are professional athletes right? They get paid to stay in shape and put the hurt on their opposing offensive counterparts right?. There are anomalies such as Mount McKinnie, but to suggest that our entire defense was gassed due to improper or insufficient training is ludacris.

3. Our corners can't defend the short pass.

I agree for the most part. But this won't matter if we put a little more pressure on the quarterback. We've been sending five on a consistent basis, but every now and then, I'd like to see another linebacker or a corner blitz to keep the offensive line guessing.

4. Donovan McNabb keeps throwing the ball at lineman's hands.

This is my only big concern. I've never noticed his passes being deflected this much when he was with the Eagles or Washington, but he needs to leard how to step away from slow lineman rather than trying to throw it over them. I never really noticed that he was 6-2, his beefyness makes him look alot taller (and like a linebacker).

Hopes:

1. Donovan McNabb can handle this offense.

Donovan McNabb had a much better showing against Tampa Bay than he did against San Diego. He completed 18 of 30 passes (60%) for 267 yards, no TD's and no INT's. The only thing I can say he could do better is go through his reads quicker and don't stall out in the redzone.

2. Toby Gerhart is a beast and we have a solid backup and eventual replacement in him.

Toby Gerhart has had only four carries so far, but these are how they turned out. 4 yards, 5 yards, 12 yards, 31 yards. He also had a fantastic reception of about two yards that turned into 42 yards by speed and good blocking. I was big on Gerhart when we drafted him, and I'm seeing potential in this kid. He had a great season last year filling in for AD, and giving him a break as a change of pace. I hope we have our next guy, but if he's not, we can trade him to another team for a second or third round pick.

3. Michael Jenkins is an elegible reciever.

I'm starting to love me some Jenkins. He only caught 3 passes for 29 yards against Tampa Bay, but it's hard to get attention when some guy named Percy Harvin is attracting so much attention. Jenkins has soft hands, quick feet, and hopefully he can be the solid #2 reciever that we desperately need.

4. We keep making steady improvements on offense.

We have a new head coach, new offensive coordinator and system to go with it, and numerous new starters and contributors on both sides of the ball. Hoping for 28 points per game is a little out of the question, but if we keep making steady improvements and the duo of Michael Jenkins and Donovan McNabb turn out to be solid, we could be pretty decent on offense this year (surely better than last year).

There's my reflection through a dull mirror. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed typing it.

SKOL VIKES!! BEAT DETROIT NEXT WEEK!!

Poll

Which is there more of thus far?

Hope

27 votes

Fear

15 votes

42 votes | Poll has closed