Not a big story at all, but something that got me pretty excited.

 

Madden 2011 is reverting back to the "classics" for it's always popular, in-game soundtrack.

 

The complete in-game soundtrack for Madden NFL 11 includes.

Original Recordings:



- AC/DC – Thunderstruck
- Archie Eversole – We Ready
- Blur – Song 2
- Bush – Machinehead
- Guns N’ Roses – Welcome to the Jungle
- Kevin Rudolf featuring Lil’ Wayne – Let It Rock
- Kiss – Rock and Roll All Nite
- Ozzy Osbourne – Let Me Hear You Scream
- Ozzy Osbourne – Crazy Train
- The Hives – Tick Tick Boom
- Todd Rundgren – Bang the Drum
- Ying Yang Twins featuring Homebwoi – Halftime


Cover Versions:



- Rock N Roll Part 2 – as made famous by Gary Glitter
- We Will Rock You – as made famous by Queen
- Crowd Chant – as made famous by Joe Satriani
- Kernkraft 400 – as made famous by Zombie Nation

 

Madden has become well-known over the years for boosting the music careers of numerous, then unknown, artists.  Bands like, Good Charlotte, Avenged Sevenfold, Seether, Franz Ferdinand, and OK Go have all vaulted to musical prominence after the Madden soundtrack included their first hits, but this year they are looking to give fans of the game a much more realistic, "game experience".

 

“This year, we wanted the music to not only define the game, but also the stadium experience. These are the classics that consistently bring NFL crowds to their feet. It’s an exciting new audio direction for Madden NFL, one that we know all fans will respond to. There is nothing like the experience of live football in a packed stadium, and the Madden NFL 11 soundtrack absolutely brings that excitement home.”

 

Now, for the reason why I say, "Touchdowns Just Became Much More Fun".

 

In bringing this "experience of live football in a packed stadium" to gamers, Madden '11 is also going to include some authentic, team FIGHT SONGS!!  One of my favorite things about the live experience at the Metrodome is the ritualistic singing of "Skol Vikings" after every score, and thanks to the creators of Madden, we will be treated to the best fight song in the NFL, in-game!!!

 

Team Fight Songs:



- Chicago Bears – Bear Down Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions – Gridiron Heroes
- Green Bay Packers – Go Packers Go!
- Miami Dolphins – Miami Dolphins #1
- Minnesota Vikings – Skol Vikings
- Philadelphia Eagles – Fly Eagles Fly
- Washington Redskins – Hail to the Redskins

 

It's a small addition to the game that, at least to me, will make the playing experience that much better.

 

V-I-K-I-N-G-S!!  Skol Vikings, Let's Go!!!!!

 

Source: PR-Inside

According to Mike Kazuba of the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

 

Mike Kazuba of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that a deal to build a new venue "seems to be gathering momentum."  Senate Taxes Chairman Tom Bakk told Kazuba that "most of the pieces" of a proposal have been "pretty much drafted."

 Full article can be read here or if you have trouble getting that page to open (I did a couple times, now it seems to be loading alright for me) you can read a brief PFT writeup of the story here

Continue reading this post »

Via: ProFootballTalk

An excerpt from the article reads:

And though there had been prior indications that the allegation of disparate treatment was correct, the man responsible for implementing and overseeing the league's steroids policy admitted while testifying on Tuesday that, indeed, suspension were not imposed on multiple players.  Specifically, Dr. John Lombardo testified that more than six players who tested positive for diuretics from 2005 to 2007 were not punished, per the Associated Press.

Lombardo really had no choice.  Last month, Judge Gary Larson acknowledged these facts in a 44-page written ruling regarding various claims in the case, a copy of which we obtained at the time.  "The NFL and Dr. Lombardo knew, in 2006, that at least some StarCaps capsules contained Bumetanide," Judge Larson wrote.  "Indeed, when several players tested positive for Bumetanide after taking StarCaps in 2006, Dr. Lombardo and the NFL asked Aegis Sciences Corporation, an independent laboratory, to analyze StarCaps.  These players were placed on reasonable cause testing rather than suspended four games."

Read the full article here

Continue reading this post »

Something that will undoubtedly get lost in all the troll posts, is some pretty awful news regarding the ever-improving Cedric Griffin.  According to this SB Nation post, Griffin will undergo an MRI to determine whether or not the expectations of a torn ACL and MCL are accurate.  If he does indeed have two tears, it could eliminate his availablity for all of offseason and preseason activities, and the shelfing could possibly stretch into the regular season next year.

 

This is just awful news and I hope for the best for Ced in his recovery.

Continue reading this post »

Via ESPN's Kevin Seifert:

A quick update from Minnesota's Thursday practice: Receiver Percy Harvin was not on the field during the portion of practice open to the media. Harvin was not listed on the injury report Wednesday, so we don't have an immediate explanation as to what happened.

 As Seifert points out, Harvin was not on the injury report yesterday and up until now, I have not heard anything regarding Harvin this week.  If the migraines are back all I can hope is that they hold off long enough on Sunday for Percy to get some time on the field.  While the news of K. Williams and Edwards missing practice is not totally surprising, this news about Harvin is.

via ProFootballTalk

OFFENSE
 
Quarterback:  Peyton Manning, Indianapolis.
 
Running Backs: Chris Johnson, Tennessee; Adrian Peterson, Minnesota.

Fullback: Leonard Weaver, Philadelphia.

Tight End: Dallas Clark, Indianapolis.
 
Wide Receivers: Andre Johnson, Houston; Wes Welker, New England.

Tackles: Ryan Clady, Denver; Joe Thomas, Cleveland.

Guards: Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota; Jahri Evans, New Orleans.

Center: Nick Mangold, New York Jets.

Placekicker: Nate Kaeding, San Diego.

Kick Returner: Joshua Cribbs, Cleveland.

 Click the link to view the full roster, including the second team.

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For those that participated this year, you know that it was a close race all season long.  Ultimately, however, congratulations go out to NobleSavage who stood near the top all season long until the final few weeks when he jumped up to the #1 spot and never let it go.  Not only did NobleSavage win the pool by having the most points, he also edged out Manimal in the final two weeks to lock up the best overall record as well.

 

I was happy to sit atop the leaderboard for much of the season but a late-season collapse plummeted me down the standings (Just look at that TERRIBLE overall record, haha!!)

 

Congratulations again to NobleSavage and I hope next year we get a lot more people interested in playing.  I've played the past two years and the setup of this pool is really fun (the bigger the spread is, the more points you get for correctly picking the underdog).  So everyone come out and challenge us all in 2010 when NobleSavage will be defending his Pick 'Em Pool title!!

 

(Overall standings after the jump)

Continue reading this post »

story via Gregg Rosenthal at PFT

 

With the second half of the season officially underway, the coaching carousel is less two months away from spinning wildly again.

Vikings coach Brad Childress is one coach that doesn't have to worry about his job status anymore.  A long-anticipated contract extension is reportedly coming "soon" according to Clark Judge of CBS Sports.  Sources tell judge there are no major obstacles left and an announcement is expected.

Childress is expected to double his current $2 million salary after extension talks that lost some momentum around the team's bye week, but has reportedly picked up lately.

We can't help but think of Jon Gruden's comments on Monday Night Football when he said that Brett Favre creates jobs for coaches that work for him.

In Childress' case, Favre is allowing Childress to get a big second contract to keep his job.

Continue reading this post »

story via PFT

 

The biggest Monday Night Football game since, at a minimum, Bears-Dolphins in 1985 also has generated the biggest rating for a Monday Night Football game since the franchise made the switch to cable in 2006.

Per SportsBusiness Daily, the Packers-Vikings Don't-Call-It-A-Grudge-Match grudge match generated a metered-market rating of 14.2, which likely will make it the highest-rating program in cable television history.

It's a 65-percent increase from last year's overnight rating for the Week Four game between the Ravens and the Steelers.

In Minneapolis, the game garnered a staggering rating of 58.3.  In Green Bay, the rating was 49.7.

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The NFL isn't changing their selection process for the Hall of Fame, but this year they have teamed up with Van Heusen to make a website dedicated to fan opinion on the 2010 HoF class.

Tapping into the passion and knowledge of pro football fans, Pro Football Hall of Fame Enterprises, Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation [NYSE:PVH] and J. C. Penney Company, Inc. [NYSE: JCP] have teamed up to provide the first-ever dedicated forum for fans to debate, discuss, and voice their choice by voting for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee Class of 2010. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors will have final say, but the collective Fan's Choice for the 2010 Hall of Fame Inductee Class will be revealed live on the NFL Network in Miami on February 6, 2010, just prior to the official announcement from the Board.

The website is actually pretty cool, and it's a neat little place for us to show our support for Viking legends who deserve to have their place in Canton!!  The site is:

 

www.fanschoice.com

 

We all know that Cris Carter has been royally screwed for a couple of years now, so go vote for him!!  John Randle and Cris Doleman were two of the defining players of post-70's Vikings teams.  Go vote for them!!  You are allowed to choose 7 men out of the over 130 names on the list, and you can vote once a day.

"This is a historic moment for the Hall and for football fans, as it marks the first time we are endorsing this type of fan voting forum," said George Veras, President Pro Football Hall Of Fame Enterprises. "Although the fan's vote will not count towards the official selection process, one thing is certain, the Hall will hear the fans loud and clear."

Of course, the balloting process remains the same, with a number of prominent sports' writers from across the country on the panel of HoF voters, but in the past the NFL has seemed to shun public opinion on this matter, and this year they are at least embracing it a bit.  So go vote for our guys and make our voices heard!!

 

Source: News Blaze

linkity link link

 

Brett Favre insists he won't let his durability streak hurt the Vikings.

Favre will make his 270th straight start when Minnesota plays at Cleveland on Sunday. That will match what the NFL considers the longest streak in history, held by former Vikings defensive lineman Jim Marshall from 1961-79.

Favre said Wednesday he "absolutely" would sit out this season if he's not healthy enough to suit up as Minnesota's quarterback. The 39-year-old also said he "may not" be able to play in all 16 regular-season games.

Favre said he was willing to sit last year with the New York Jets, and that he shared his concerns at the time with his coaches. His poor performance in December was due in part to his injured right arm.

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As we all read (here) a few weeks ago, our buddy Citrus made the long trip to Mankato for training camp.  He got to have a pretty incredible experience, meeting and getting to chat with a number of Vikings.  Well, he also got to snap a few pics with some of our favorite players and I said that I'd help him get them posted up here on DN so you all could see them.

 

I've only got one word for ya buddy... JEALOUS!!  Glad you had a great time!

 

citrus1 (via TheViking83)

citrus2 (via TheViking83)

citrus3 (via TheViking83)

citrus4 (via TheViking83)

citrus5 (via TheViking83)

The rumors started flying again, and now they are getting pretty intense.

 

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/18/report-favre-is-on-a-plane-to-minnesota/

 

The folks at WISN-TV in Milwaukee report that Brett and Deanna Favre have boarded in Hattiesburg a plane bearing a Vikings logo, within the past hour.

The plane reportedly is bound for Minneapolis.

Wow.

The administrative office at Hattiesburg Laurel Regional Airport report that Favre is on the plane.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/05/t-jack-is-back-at-practice/

 

Tarvaris Jackson said Tuesday he didn't know when he'd return to practice, but it turns out he didn't have to wait much longer.

T-Jack was back behind center for the Vikings at practice Wednesday.

According to the beat writers of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, who have Vikings fans very well covered on Twitter, Jackson was "moving well" and participated in a portion of the team drills, although he was "eased into" practice by sitting out some portions.

Players often say that training camp plays tricks on their mind.  Two days can feel like two weeks, and they lose track of when the weekend arrives.

Apparently, that can happen for lowly bloggers as well.  It sure feels like Jackson's injury occurred a lot longer ago than Saturday.

Jackson's four days off may put him behind in his battle with Sage Rosenfels, but he has time to catch up, especially during the preseason.

That's assuming coach Brad Childress hasn't already made up his mind who he prefers. 

Continue reading this post »

Sad news.  I wish him the best in the future.

 

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcnorth/0-12-241/Vikings--Udeze-retires.html

 

MANKATO, Minn. -- Some sad news to report from Minnesota's training camp. Defensive end Kenechi Udeze, who was attempting a comeback after recovering from an acute form of leukemia, has retired.

Coach Brad Childress confirmed the decision to Sid Hartman of the Star Tribune. Udeze's reasons were not immediately clear, and Childress did not mention Udeze during an interview session with Wednesday afternoon with a group of reporters.

Udeze, the Vikings' No. 1 pick in 2004, missed last season after undergoing a bone marrow transplant. He participated in most of the Vikings' offseason practices but acknowledged in May that he needed to improve his conditioning. He was also dealing with a side effect of chemotherapy, known as neuropathy, that made it difficult to run at times.

Udeze handled his illness pride, bravery and class. We wish him the best.

 

This got buried underneath the 400 different Favre opinions/maturity lessons you all feel need to be separate fanposts.  I feel its more relevant to the DN community than most of those other posts, so I deleted the old one and am reposting it.  I really hope to get feedback to gauge what the DN community presence will be at TC.  I hope anybody who has previously been will share their experience here.

 

So, I know a few of us have quipped about possibly going to training camp over the past month or so, (And I think there may have even been a fanpost about it a while back, but i couldn't find it in a search) but now that it is just days away, I'd like to know... Who's going?

 

Here's the schedule

And here's a map of the camp

 

I'm thinking about making the multi-hour drive to Mankato from Illinois for a day, probably later in the camp schedule.  Who else is going?  What day(s) are you planning on attending?  For people who have been before, what days/events are the best?  What else is there to do in Mankato?  Any cheap places to stay?

 

 Not being from Minnesota, I have never been to training camp, but I would like to add it to my "Vikings experiences" list.  How are the autograph sessions?  I don't really care so much about a 'graph, but I'd like to maybe get a few snapshots with some players... are they keen to that?

 

 Post any and all Training Camp plans or information here!!

Vikings have re-signed Jimmy Kennedy.  Whoopdie freakin' doo.

 

The Minnesota Vikings announced today that they have re-signed defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy.

Terms were not disclosed.

Kennedy was signed by the Vikings on December 3 and appeared in the final two regular-season games against the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Giants as well as playing in a playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Kennedy has 164 tackles and five sacks in 64 career games.

An All-American selection at Penn State, Kennedy was drafted in the first round by the St. Louis Rams in the 2003 draft.

With the Rams, he started 30 games in four years prior to stints with the Chicago Bears and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

 

I say whoopdie doo, but this does help shore up our DT depth in the event of the still-looming Willams Wall suspension.  However, I'm fairly certain anybody could come in here and provide as much help to the defense as Kennedy.

Terrell Owens.

 

Don't even say it.

 

He was just released from Dallas according to ESPN's Michael Smith.  I know we've all had our fun throwing receiver talk around, but we DO NOT want TO infecting our locker room.  He's too selfish and childish to be a teammate.  And imagine the blowup he'd have with Sage Rosenfels or Tavaris Jackson throwing (or trying to throw) the ball to him.

 

So don't even say it.

I theorize.

 

often.

 

I like to concoct random theories in my head... sometimes wild theories... sometimes not so wild.

 

And don't we all love a good "ESPN hates the Vikings" theory??

 

As we all know, and discussed ad nauseum last offseason, ESPN, who likes to claim theat their news is very credible, started a whole negative campaign on Minnesota about the "tampering" case.  And it was completely untrue.  As proven.  Yet, it seems everytime there is a good story about Minnesota... ESPN just will not cover it the same way.  Don't you think TJ would be a little more excited to sign here if the media was abuzz about it??  Tonight on Sportscenter, TJ was discussed for about 30 seconds, and the Vikings were not even MENTIONED.  They said Cincy is waiting to hear from him and he had a good visit in Seattle.  He spent two frickin' days here?!?!  I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.

 

Where's the damn media coverage??

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier will interview with the Detroit Lions on Friday for their head coaching job.

Minnesota coach Brad Childress confirmed Thursday that Frazier will visit the Lions, who fired coach Rod Marinelli after becoming the first team to finish 0-16.

Frazier met with the Denver Broncos on Wednesday about replacing longtime coach Mike Shanahan, and was passed over last year after interviewing with the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons.

Frazier just finished his second season leading a defense that has allowed the fewest yards rushing in the NFL for three straight years.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3819514

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/12/07/allen-will-be-fine/

 

Multiple sources with knowledge of the situation tell us that Vikings defensive end Jared Allen will be fine after taking a low hit on Sunday from tackle Gosder Cherilus of the Lions.

As we hear it, Allen suffered a hyperextension of his left knee, and he possibly has a mild MCL sprain.

There’s a strong chance Allen will be available to play next weekend, when the Vikings travel to Arizona.

Per one source, however, Allen believed after the hit that he was out for the year, and he insisted on playing so that he could go out in a blaze of glory.

He was back on the field the very next drive, and he continued to be a force even with the injury.

On the day, Allen had five tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble.

 

He thought he had blown out his knee, so he wanted to keep playing so that he could "go out in a blaze of glory".  What a badass.  Seriously.  He is a true throwback to the legends of the 70's, and I couldn't be happier to have him suited up in Purple every week.

 

No, John Madden... THAT is a FOOTBALL PLAYER.

Ok, so with all of the games wrapped up today and three weeks left, here's a look at how the NFC North could shape up.

There are 256 possible scenarios that could play out over the next three weeks between the Vikings, Bears, and Packers. Of those 256 scenarios:

225 would yield a Vikings division (88% chance of division title)
28 would yield a Bears division (11% chance of division title)
3 would yield a Packers division (1% chance of division title)

The only way Green Bay can win the division is if Minnesota loses out, the Bears lose 2 of 3 (one of those being the Chi v. GB game) or lose out, and Green Bay wins out.

Not gonna happen. Sorry Pack fans.

Bears need to win out and have the Vikings lose two of three, or they need to win 2 of 3 and have the Vikings lose out.

Possible, but not gonna happen. Sorry Bear fans. By the way... trust the math.  I created an excel spreadsheet that filtered in records for all possible tiebreakers and then I ran each scenario for the rest of the year, and the data above is what I got.  If we beat Arizona next week, (regardless of what everybody else does) then there are 4 out of 128 scenarios that could yield a Bears division title.  124 out of the 128 would produce a Vikings title. If we beat Arizona and Chicago loses to New Orleans on Thursday, we lock up the division title.  So, a clinch scenario is possible for week 15!! Let's go New Orleans on Thursday night!!

The NFL has trimmed its long list of Hall of Fame semifinalists down to 25 and 5 of those players are former Vikings; 4 of the 5 being players that spent the majority of their careers with Minensota.

Cris Carter, Roger Craig, Chris Doleman, Randall McDaniel, and John Randle are the Vikes players that are still in the hunt for that illustrious HoF induction.

Personally, I feel that all five of these guys should someday have their busts displayed in Canton, but as we all know, there are always guys that go years of balloting without ever getting the induction.  Carter, Doleman, McDaniel, and Randle are all players that I grew up idolizing and truly deserve this greatest of honors. 

 

Here is the entire list of remaining finalists:

Cris Carter, WR - 1987-89 Philadelphia Eagles, 1990-2001 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Miami Dolphins
» Roger Craig, RB - 1983-1990 San Francisco 49ers, 1991 Los Angeles Raiders, 1992-93 Minnesota Vikings,
» Terrell Davis, RB - 1995-2001 Denver Broncos
» Dermontti Dawson, C - 1988-2000 Pittsburgh Steelers
» Richard Dent, DE - 1983-1993, 1995 Chicago Bears, 1994 San Francisco 49ers, 1996 Indianapolis Colts, 1997 Philadelphia Eagles
» Chris Doleman, DE/LB - 1985-1993, 1999 Minnesota Vikings, 1994-95 Atlanta Falcons, 1996-98 San Francisco 49ers
» Kevin Greene, LB/DE - 1985-1992 Los Angeles Rams, 1993-95 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1996, 1998-99 Carolina Panthers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers
» Russ Grimm, G - 1981-1991 Washington Redskins
» Ray Guy, P - 1973-1986 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders
» Charles Haley, DE/LB - 1986-1991, 1999 San Francisco 49ers, 1992-96 Dallas Cowboys
» Lester Hayes, CB - 1977-1986 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders
» Cortez Kennedy, DT - 1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks
» Bob Kuechenberg, G - 1970-1984 Miami Dolphins
» Randall McDaniel, G - 1988-1999 Minnesota Vikings, 2000-01 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
» Art Modell, Owner - 1961-1995 Cleveland Browns, 1996-2003 Baltimore Ravens
» John Randle, DT - 1990-2000 Minnesota Vikings, 2001-03 Seattle Seahawks
» Andre Reed, WR - 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins
» Shannon Sharpe, TE - 1990-99, 2002-03 Denver Broncos, 2000-01 Baltimore Ravens
» Bruce Smith, DE - 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000-03 Washington Redskins
» Ken Stabler, QB - 1970-79 Oakland Raiders, 1980-81 Houston Oilers, 1982-84 New Orleans Saints
» Paul Tagliabue, Commissioner - 1989-2006 National Football League
» Steve Tasker, Special Teams/WR - 1985-86 Houston Oilers, 1986-1997 Buffalo Bills
» Derrick Thomas, LB - 1989-1999 Kansas City Chiefs
» Ralph Wilson, Owner - 1960-current Buffalo Bills
» Rod Woodson, CB/S - 1987-1996 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers, 1998-2001 Baltimore Ravens, 2002-03 Oakland Raiders