Awesome. Ragnar responds to Chad Ochocinco's numerous threats to his horn and motorcycle. From the NFC North Blog by Kevin Seifert:

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John David Booty has been released from the Vikings' practice squad.

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When the Vikings visit the Packers in three weeks, the game will be played at 3:15, not the noon kickoff originally scheduled.

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Wow. That's pretty much all that can be said. It has been and will continue to be discussed to death, but how bout old man Favre and Greg "Cut Bobby Wade For Me" Lewis? Pretty insane. However, there's one small facet of the game that would have made the last drive completely moot that I don't think should be looked over.

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I'm not bagging on the guy - in fact, I kinda liked that he did this. I just wonder how Bears' fans perceive it, as well as everyone else around here. Via the NFC North Blog:

During Jay Cutler's first week of practice as the Bears' new quarterback, a rookie wide receiver dared to shag a few of his passes with just one hand. And even though this rookie, third-round pick Juaquin Iglesias, had been lectured a few times by coaches about the importance of proper technique, he was slow to break his annoying little habit. So when it happened again one afternoon, Cutler followed his pass upfield, darted toward Iglesias and screamed into his face mask: "If you ever do that again I will never throw another f--ing pass to you. EVER!"

I suppose during your first week, it's best to establish your domain. To quote Office Space:

He said the trick is: kick someone's ass the first day, or become somebody's bitch. Then everything will be alright.

I guess Cutler went for the, "kick someone's ass" approach. Like I said, I kinda like it, though it does perpetuate the idea that he's kindof a dick. Okay, maybe a major dick. But I've never met the guy, and I'm obviously biased (though I still wouldn't mind him in purple).

Just thought I'd throw this out there. It's not about...well...you know who.

I know most people around these parts aren't big fans of ESPN, but I do like John "The Professor" Clayton. In his mailbag this week, he had some kind things to say about Minnesota, with a small caveat about the NFC East, and a little chatter regarding the NFC North.

In the NFC, the Minnesota Vikings were the best team I saw. You can't run on them, and they are difficult to pass against because of their pass rush. I'm not saying the Vikings are the favorites to win the NFC; I didn't get the pleasure of seeing the four NFC East teams in person.

Figure the NFC North to be a wild battle. The Vikings have the best starting lineup except for the quarterbacks. The Green Bay Packers are better than you might think, thanks to their move to the 3-4 defense. Aaron Rodgers performed like a Pro Bowler with his two touchdown drives against the Cleveland Browns in the preseason opener. And don't worry about Jay Cutler's so-so performance in his Chicago Bears debut. I'm more concerned about the Bears' leaky defense than Cutler and the Bears' passing offense.

Glad to hear some kind words from a guy who knows his football.

Good Gravy Marie, I can't wait for the season to start.

On another note, I get to see the Vikings play the Texans in a few weeks, so that's pretty exciting. Didn't get a chance to see any game last year 'cause of my move to Houston, but this year I can. Hey, preseason is better than nothing, and it's the vaunted third preseason game, so I'm stoked.

Source: ESPN, John Clayton

Fellow Norsemen and Norsewomen!

I have returned from a week vacation whereupon I got some time off work, got to go back to my home state of Iowa, and I got married. It was quite eventful. Of course, during that span, Favre said no, Tarvaris got hurt, and Percy signed. What did I miss among you all?

Of course, when I heard about Favre, my first thought was of Revenge4Favre; what happened with him? I'm pretty happy that this whole situation is behind us, but suffice to say Mr. Favre was a bit of a, ahem, "rooster" tease. Despite my happiness he didn't sign, it was still slighly off putting that he finally decided to not join Minnesota. Strange, but completely like Favre.

What's been up? What's been happening? I was so busy with wedding and family, I didn't have my normal internet time that I'm used to. Please, fill me in! I'd hate to have to read through the hundreds or thousands of comments to see how everyone is.

Thanks in advance for understanding!

Favre is gone, hopefully done with (no November first crap, please), and so I am a happy Manimal.

Boo ya.

By the way, the poll is a joke. I'm totally not that vain.

Antoine Winfield has signed a contract extension. Judd is on the phone with Winfield as I type. He signed a five-year extension (they basically ripped up his final season).

Here’s the contract details from Judd: It’s a five-year contract worth $36 million, including $16.1 in guarantees and a few likely to be earned incentives that will push up the value the first few seasons. He is scheduled to make $6.1 million this season but with likely incentives he should make around $7.5 million.

“It actually happened at the perfect time,” Winfield said. “I was telling [agent] Ashanti Webb, ‘Let’s try and get something done before camp.’ I’m definitely glad to get it done and now will go in and play like I’ve been playing — 100 miles per hour and not have to worry.”

Hooray!

Source: Access Vikings

According to Access Vikings, via the team's official website, Asher Allen has signed a contract with the Vikings.

Vikings rookie cornerback Asher Allen has agreed to a contract, according to the team’s website.

Allen, a third-round pick out of Georgia, is expected to compete for the nickel back job and on special teams. Allen suffered a knee injury in offseason workouts but is expected to be ready for training camp. Terms of his deal were not immediately known.

That's good news. Next will be Loadholt, most likely. Then Harvin. I hope they get these done soon. That's one thing I envy the Bears about; they sign their picks FAST.

Source: Access Vikings

According to the guys at Access Vikings Antoine Winfield's agent, Ashanti Webb, is meeting with Vikings' staff to get the final details of a deal hammered out. They posted an article and then a quick update. Here is the update with a link to follow to the entire article:

NFL.com’s Steve Wyche reported that Winfield and Webb are expected to meet with Vikings officials this afternoon to complete a multiyear deal, according to a source. Wyche said there are still a few issues to iron out but nothing that is a deal-breaker.

 If this is true, that's really, really good news. Everyone would be much happier with Winfield back manning the corner position. It's a nice bit of news not related to a certain subject.

Source: Access Vikings