We’re only three games into the season, but after Harvin’s kickoff return last week, I wanted to see how he stacks up with other first-round receivers.  Here they are in draft order:

Darius Heyward-Bey:               1 touch, 18 yards, 0 tds

Michael Crabtree:                     absolutely nothing

Jeremy Maclin:                          5 touches, 48 yards, 0 tds

Percy Harvin:                             27 touches, 514 yards, 3 tds

Hakeem Nicks:                         2 touches, 18 yards, 0 tds

Kenny Britt:                                10 touches, 166 yards, 0 tds

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For those of us who have been waiting and hoping to see Sidney Rice develop into a starting-caliber receiver, the following story is nice to see:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jim_trotter/07/16/wrs/index.html?eref=T1

It's nice to know he's getting feedback from the likes of Jerry Rice, Chris Carter, and Larry Fitzgerald.  I don't think there's any question that he's putting forth the effort.  Here's hoping he can put it all together this year.

Matt Birk did a nice job filling in for Peter King on SI's Monday Morning Quarterback column this morning:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/matt_birk/07/03/birk/index.html?eref=sihp

We always knew he was a smart guy.  Turns out he's a good writer and has a good sense of humor too.  I liked his tongue-in-cheek take on the Farve story.  And he obviously wasn't a big fan of playing on the Metrodome's turf...

Wow - I have to admit, Pat White is the last player I thought the Vikes would be interested in.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9483198/Source:-Vikes-targeting-%27slash%27-QB-after-workout

Personally, I think White would be a wonderful pick-up.  But with his tweener status (is he a receiver, quarterback?), it will take a creative coaching staff to use him.  Historically, not Chilly's strong point...  Take into account our complete disinterest in the Wildcat, and White didn't seem like a logical pickup.  But hey, maybe Chilly will surprise us al

It looks like the Eagles are likely to get Peters from Buffalo:

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation/0-7-257/Source--Bills-receive-three-draft-picks-for-Peters.html

While I don't particularly like to see the Eagles pick up a good player (that playoff game still stings) this could indirectly be good news for the Vikes.  Assuming that we are planning on drafting a OT (far from a sure thing, but possible), this likely eliminates another team drafting ahead of us from drafting the same position.  I would have been pissed of Oher was availabe at #21 and the Eagles took him just before our pick.  It looks like the Eagles are giving the Bills #28 instead of #21, but at least they won't be looking to draft a tackle anymore. 

On the flip side, if you're of the opinion that we should go the WR route, this is probably bad news.  Now the Eagles are probably locked into drafting one (not too likely they'll try to trade for Boldin now)...

Another first-time poster.  And for the record, I’d just like to say that this site is fantastic.  Good writing, good insight, and good people who are all rabid about the same thing. 

As for the 2009 season, the reality is that no one has a clue how it will play out.  And that goes for every team out there.  Some Vikes fans are feeling a little left out of the action this year with so little movement in the FA market (especially after last year’s signings).  Bears fans are feeling a little high on life with the Cutler and Pace signings yesterday.  But good lord, it’s still April and all of this is pure speculation.  I have no frickin’ idea if we’ll end up in the Super Bowl or if we’ll finish 4-12. 

Here’s what we do know – those of you with season tickets are in for one hell of a treat in 2009.  Look at the home games:  Chicago, Green Bay, Detroit, Seattle, Baltimore, Giants, San Fran, Cinci. 

Chicago:  Cutler & Pace vs. Winfield & Allen

Detroit:  Welcome back Dante

Green Bay:  Nothing specific, but hell, it’s Green Bay

Seattle:  The Poison Pill rivalry just got better.  I can’t wait to see E.J. meet T.J. during his first crossing route underneath…

Baltimore:  I don’t fault Birk for leaving.  If we wanted to keep him, we should have started the process a long time ago.  But Birk vs. the Williams Wall (assuming it’s not during the first four weeks) will be fun.

Giants:  I just hope it’s not right before the playoffs if one of the teams is going to rest some players.  I’m tired of hearing that damn excuse.  You lost the game.  Accept it. 

San Fran and Cinci:  No great stories, but both games should give us a good chance at picking up a win.

Honestly, if home games don’t sell out this year, I’ll be pissed.  We don’t know how good we’ll be, but at the very least we should have some good, emotional games to watch.  It’s going to be a good year…