Sigh.
It's probably not popular to say, but I am not a huge fan of the Childress firing. Then again, when your players decide they aren't going to play for you anymore - like on Sunday - there really isn't much choice.
But it wasn't Childress who threw 17 interceptions this season, it was Favre.
It wasn't Childress playing half ass on the D line, that was Jared Allen.
And on, and on.
Childress brought the Vikings from 6-10 to the NFC championship game in three years. He brought in a ton of great talent, from AP to Percy Harvin, Hutch, Jared Allen, the Williamses, and more. He turned the Love Boat into a respectable franchise. Sure he's made mistakes, but nothing that deserves firing.
C'est la vie. What's done is done.
What's really disappointing is Frazier's announcement today that Favre is his guy. This season's over, it's time to start working on next season. We need to know what we have so we know what we need. Favre ain't it. He's over the hill, done, out of gas, with barely enough left in his arm to hold his phone/camera for a close up of his johnson.
It's time to sit him down. If Childress has to lose his job, its only fair that the player most responsible for the disaster this season be put on the bench or forced into retirement.
I had hoped Frazier would get off to a better start; have something to offer than more of the same.
Again: sigh.
Showing posts with label Purple and Gold. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Purple and Gold. Show all posts
Monday, November 22, 2010
Friday, December 11, 2009
Rest in Peace Foge
A little Vikings tidbit: Foge Fazio, defensive coordinator for the Vikings (1996-1998) has died of leukemia. The most significant thing I remember about coach Fazio was his unusual name, which is why the story caught my eye. It turns out he had a long, successful career in the thankless world of assistant coaching:
Fazio was Minnesota's defensive coordinator from 1996 to 1998, and was also the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 2001 and 2002. Prior to that, he held numerous other coaching jobs, including the head coaching position at the University of Pittsburgh from 1982 to 1984. He also served as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame under Lou Holtz, and was also an assistant coach for the Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, and New York Jets.
I read a story once about being an assistant coach in the NFL; it was almost exclusively downside. Unbelievably long hours, no job security, and first to take the blame for everything. To me, the more significant career is the one that never resulted in a head coaching position in the NFL. More significant because you would have to be really dedicated to continue in it knowing your prospects for a head coach job are non-existent.
Foge, passed on, is likely getting the much-deserved rest he hadn't had since the '70s. And hats off to him.
Fazio was Minnesota's defensive coordinator from 1996 to 1998, and was also the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 2001 and 2002. Prior to that, he held numerous other coaching jobs, including the head coaching position at the University of Pittsburgh from 1982 to 1984. He also served as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame under Lou Holtz, and was also an assistant coach for the Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, and New York Jets.
I read a story once about being an assistant coach in the NFL; it was almost exclusively downside. Unbelievably long hours, no job security, and first to take the blame for everything. To me, the more significant career is the one that never resulted in a head coaching position in the NFL. More significant because you would have to be really dedicated to continue in it knowing your prospects for a head coach job are non-existent.
Foge, passed on, is likely getting the much-deserved rest he hadn't had since the '70s. And hats off to him.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Eating Crow on Favre
Eight games into the 2009 football season, let's revisit my reaction to the signing of Brett Favre back in August:
I think it's a bad deal.
An excellent illustration why my professional football coaching career never really got off the ground.
Contrary to my stellar instincts, Favre has not only played very well for the Vikings, he is having one of the best seasons of his career. He has turned Sidney Rice into a superstar, utilized Percy Harvin beautifully, taken a lot of pressure off of Adrian Peterson (leaving him fresh for the home stretch while other premier backs - like the Bengals Cedric Benson for instance - are breaking down), and generally infected the team with a joy for football and a hunger for victory.
If I harbored any lingering fantasy that the Vikings would be anywhere near where they are without him, they flew high and wide with T-Jack's passes late in the Detroit game.
My main argument in August was that Favre was a one-season answer to a decade problem. Perhaps, but what a season. A quality quarterback truly was the missing link. Plus, and frankly, if Favre finishes the season healthy and successful (with or without a Super Bowl) I am not convinced he won't be back next year. Why wouldn't he play again? He's at the top of his game, is surrounded by extraordinary talent, has a great defense, and a system designed for his success.
As for the Vikings in general, I think they are still getting better from week to week, and are poised to peak in December. Will it be enough? Don't know, don't care. At this point what would a prediction serve anyway? My track record doesn't exactly inspire confidence.
Best of all has been the deepening agony of Packers fans with every Favre success. Their hope Favre would "break down" in the second half of the season now has a distinct odor of desperation which, to me, smells like a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.
Mmmm.
I think it's a bad deal.
An excellent illustration why my professional football coaching career never really got off the ground.
Contrary to my stellar instincts, Favre has not only played very well for the Vikings, he is having one of the best seasons of his career. He has turned Sidney Rice into a superstar, utilized Percy Harvin beautifully, taken a lot of pressure off of Adrian Peterson (leaving him fresh for the home stretch while other premier backs - like the Bengals Cedric Benson for instance - are breaking down), and generally infected the team with a joy for football and a hunger for victory.
If I harbored any lingering fantasy that the Vikings would be anywhere near where they are without him, they flew high and wide with T-Jack's passes late in the Detroit game.
My main argument in August was that Favre was a one-season answer to a decade problem. Perhaps, but what a season. A quality quarterback truly was the missing link. Plus, and frankly, if Favre finishes the season healthy and successful (with or without a Super Bowl) I am not convinced he won't be back next year. Why wouldn't he play again? He's at the top of his game, is surrounded by extraordinary talent, has a great defense, and a system designed for his success.
As for the Vikings in general, I think they are still getting better from week to week, and are poised to peak in December. Will it be enough? Don't know, don't care. At this point what would a prediction serve anyway? My track record doesn't exactly inspire confidence.
Best of all has been the deepening agony of Packers fans with every Favre success. Their hope Favre would "break down" in the second half of the season now has a distinct odor of desperation which, to me, smells like a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.
Mmmm.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Best Yet
This becomes the greatest run yet by Adrian Peterson:
It's amazing how fast he gets from the 40 to the 50 yard line. He covers ten yards in six steps and that's with a juke. Six guys had their hands on him in the first 20 yards, and none even forced him to alter course. I don't know who 24 is for Cleveland, but it won't be a fun week for him in the film room. That was embarrassing.
Watching Adrian break loose is just as exciting as any part of the vertical game during the Moss years. It's breathtaking.
Here's four minutes of highlights from rookie season, set to perfect music, that highlights not only his explosiveness, but how severely he punishes tacklers. Included are a number of runs from the Chargers game, in which he set the single game rushing record (296 yards) and which I attended with GD3, an experience we will cherish forever. Does anyone remember which other record was set that game?
This is going to be a fun year.
UPDATE: Well, I must stand corrected and amend my title to read "The Best Yet...as a Viking." This is the best run I have even seen.
It's amazing how fast he gets from the 40 to the 50 yard line. He covers ten yards in six steps and that's with a juke. Six guys had their hands on him in the first 20 yards, and none even forced him to alter course. I don't know who 24 is for Cleveland, but it won't be a fun week for him in the film room. That was embarrassing.
Watching Adrian break loose is just as exciting as any part of the vertical game during the Moss years. It's breathtaking.
Here's four minutes of highlights from rookie season, set to perfect music, that highlights not only his explosiveness, but how severely he punishes tacklers. Included are a number of runs from the Chargers game, in which he set the single game rushing record (296 yards) and which I attended with GD3, an experience we will cherish forever. Does anyone remember which other record was set that game?
This is going to be a fun year.
UPDATE: Well, I must stand corrected and amend my title to read "The Best Yet...as a Viking." This is the best run I have even seen.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Love Me Do
It's reality. My opinion?
I think it's a bad deal. We might win a few more games this season, but I don't think we'll win a Super Bowl despite assurances from Tom "This time I know we won't be disappointed" D.
Favre will eat time in the pre-season which means we won't be able to properly evaluate the quarterbacks that will be here past this season. So, we'll be right back here next year.
A surprisingly Un-Chili move. Until now he's been so good about bringing in long-term talent - Allen, Peterson, Greenway, Hutchinson, and many more - Favre has always seemed like an Achilles heel for Childress. And, he brings with him more negatives than positives.
I hope Favre has a great season, but that's all it will ever be. It's not the start of the "Brett Favre era" like the drooling news rubes are suggesting. Suggesting? What am I saying? I can't remember the last time the local media was so far in the tank. Apparently we are all beside ourselves on a level commensurate with New Yorkers when the Beatles landed. Chubby, purple-clad Miller Lite drinkers are fainting in the streets.
I know, I know. I'll probably eat these words when the Minnesota Vikings stomp the crap out of the entire league this year and take it all the way to The Show!
Super Bowl baby!
Ya!
2010 World Champs!
You know it!
Eat it Cheeselosers!
Whatever. I ain't drinking Miller Light.
I think it's a bad deal. We might win a few more games this season, but I don't think we'll win a Super Bowl despite assurances from Tom "This time I know we won't be disappointed" D.
Favre will eat time in the pre-season which means we won't be able to properly evaluate the quarterbacks that will be here past this season. So, we'll be right back here next year.
A surprisingly Un-Chili move. Until now he's been so good about bringing in long-term talent - Allen, Peterson, Greenway, Hutchinson, and many more - Favre has always seemed like an Achilles heel for Childress. And, he brings with him more negatives than positives.
I hope Favre has a great season, but that's all it will ever be. It's not the start of the "Brett Favre era" like the drooling news rubes are suggesting. Suggesting? What am I saying? I can't remember the last time the local media was so far in the tank. Apparently we are all beside ourselves on a level commensurate with New Yorkers when the Beatles landed. Chubby, purple-clad Miller Lite drinkers are fainting in the streets.
I know, I know. I'll probably eat these words when the Minnesota Vikings stomp the crap out of the entire league this year and take it all the way to The Show!
Super Bowl baby!
Ya!
2010 World Champs!
You know it!
Eat it Cheeselosers!
Whatever. I ain't drinking Miller Light.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Monday, January 05, 2009
The Vikings: A Postmortem
Listening to talk radio today the general consensus was "the Vikings choked again." They blew it, screwed the pooch, proved the coach can't coach, the team can't succeed, what a bunch of losers.
I beg to differ.
What was interesting about listening to all the Vikings whiners today is they were the same folks telling us all year that they weren't that great to begin with. All of a sudden in the post-season they are a failure if they don't go to the Super Bowl?
Personally, I thought they had a great season. 2008 was "the return of the defense." I had more fun watching Jared Allen perform than any Viking I can remember since...maybe...Millard and Doleman. And, we've never had a running game like this. Pray the Vikings can find a way to hold onto Chestaaah! Taylor for one more season, and any announcer who refers to him as a "backup running back" should be thrashed publicly. He was so much more this year.
If there is a glaring weakness on the squad it is, unfortunately, at the quarterback position. At the end of last year I was excited to give T-Jack a shot. At the end of this year I am not confident. He had an opportunity yesterday to make a double statement: That he could come from behind and therefore he could be the QB of the future. With his career hanging in the balance he underperformed.
I like the kid and he may very well have a career in this league someday. But the Vikings need a steady, pressure passer now, not three years from now. The rest of this team is prime to make deep post-season runs in the next two years but for the lack of a solid passing game. And with so many possibilities coming available in the off-season, the Vikings owe it to the team to get one in here and provide the missing link.
All that said, the Vikings went farther than I thought they would this year. And only rubes would be disappointed with the team. But that's how it is when you expect a Super Bowl every year. I'm happy to be in the thick of it and this team looks like it can be for awhile. If they can win the big one...great. If not, well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
In the meantime, all the morons who are blasting this team are free to move to Cincinnati or Detroit, where there will never be any question if the team is good enough to win the Super Bowl.
I beg to differ.
What was interesting about listening to all the Vikings whiners today is they were the same folks telling us all year that they weren't that great to begin with. All of a sudden in the post-season they are a failure if they don't go to the Super Bowl?
Personally, I thought they had a great season. 2008 was "the return of the defense." I had more fun watching Jared Allen perform than any Viking I can remember since...maybe...Millard and Doleman. And, we've never had a running game like this. Pray the Vikings can find a way to hold onto Chestaaah! Taylor for one more season, and any announcer who refers to him as a "backup running back" should be thrashed publicly. He was so much more this year.
If there is a glaring weakness on the squad it is, unfortunately, at the quarterback position. At the end of last year I was excited to give T-Jack a shot. At the end of this year I am not confident. He had an opportunity yesterday to make a double statement: That he could come from behind and therefore he could be the QB of the future. With his career hanging in the balance he underperformed.
I like the kid and he may very well have a career in this league someday. But the Vikings need a steady, pressure passer now, not three years from now. The rest of this team is prime to make deep post-season runs in the next two years but for the lack of a solid passing game. And with so many possibilities coming available in the off-season, the Vikings owe it to the team to get one in here and provide the missing link.
All that said, the Vikings went farther than I thought they would this year. And only rubes would be disappointed with the team. But that's how it is when you expect a Super Bowl every year. I'm happy to be in the thick of it and this team looks like it can be for awhile. If they can win the big one...great. If not, well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
In the meantime, all the morons who are blasting this team are free to move to Cincinnati or Detroit, where there will never be any question if the team is good enough to win the Super Bowl.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tale as Old as Time
Obnoxious Packer Guy bids a tearful goodbye to blogging.
KAR wishes OPG a fruitful retirement, but promises to "move forward as an organization."
OPG quells all rumors he is planning a return to blogging, and calls such speculation "absolutely absurd."
OPG returns to blogging as though nothing has happened.
This story has a faint ring of familiarity.
KAR wishes OPG a fruitful retirement, but promises to "move forward as an organization."
OPG quells all rumors he is planning a return to blogging, and calls such speculation "absolutely absurd."
OPG returns to blogging as though nothing has happened.
This story has a faint ring of familiarity.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Upset Sunday
If anything, Sunday's NFL upsets - San Diego over Indy and New York over Dallas - bolsters my original Super Bowl prediction. In fact, despite my less than stellar .500 performance pick-wise thus far, I'm more confident than ever that my ultimate result will indeed come to fruition.
On a related note: Despite the greatness, despite the record, and despite the talent, not even a Super Bowl win could affect my view that the New England Patriots are the most boring football team to watch, ever. Excitement is generated by humanity and the Patriots simply aren't human.
On a related note: Despite the greatness, despite the record, and despite the talent, not even a Super Bowl win could affect my view that the New England Patriots are the most boring football team to watch, ever. Excitement is generated by humanity and the Patriots simply aren't human.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Some Minor Adjustments
As per my NFL playoff predictions, interestingly enough I went 2-0 in the AFC, but a dismal 0-2 in the NFC. That will force a couple of new predictions. My week two in the AFC stays the same:
Week two
Indianapolis over San Diego
New England over Jacksonville
But here are new predictions for the NFC:
Green Bay over Seattle
Dallas over New York
Green Bay will still beat Dallas before getting trounced by the Patriots on their way to a 19-0 season. Sucks to be the 1972 Dolphins.
Week two
Indianapolis over San Diego
New England over Jacksonville
But here are new predictions for the NFC:
Green Bay over Seattle
Dallas over New York
Green Bay will still beat Dallas before getting trounced by the Patriots on their way to a 19-0 season. Sucks to be the 1972 Dolphins.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Playoff Predictions
I had a message from Patriots Guy Sunday morning that said only, "Sixteen and oh. Ha, ha."
Granted, I don't like the Patriots much, but if there is a football team in history that I like less than the Pats, it is the 1972 Dolphins. With their little champagne celebrations and entitlement mentality towards the undefeated season as a record, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be rid of them forever.
If the Patriots win the Super Bowl, never again will football fans have to be afflicted with the obligatory mid-season story about the '72 squad toasting itself as the last undefeated team falls from the ranks. I envision the Pats as more graceful in victory and certainly less smarmy as historical figures.
My post-season predictions are:
Week one
Jacksonville over Pittsburgh
San Diego over Tennessee
Washington over Seattle
Tampa Bay over New York
Week two
Indianapolis over San Diego
New England over Jacksonville
Green Bay over Tampa Bay
Dallas over Washington
Week three
New England over Indianapolis
Green Bay over Dallas
Super Bowl
New England over Green Bay
Granted, I don't like the Patriots much, but if there is a football team in history that I like less than the Pats, it is the 1972 Dolphins. With their little champagne celebrations and entitlement mentality towards the undefeated season as a record, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be rid of them forever.
If the Patriots win the Super Bowl, never again will football fans have to be afflicted with the obligatory mid-season story about the '72 squad toasting itself as the last undefeated team falls from the ranks. I envision the Pats as more graceful in victory and certainly less smarmy as historical figures.
My post-season predictions are:
Week one
Jacksonville over Pittsburgh
San Diego over Tennessee
Washington over Seattle
Tampa Bay over New York
Week two
Indianapolis over San Diego
New England over Jacksonville
Green Bay over Tampa Bay
Dallas over Washington
Week three
New England over Indianapolis
Green Bay over Dallas
Super Bowl
New England over Green Bay
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Managing Expectations
A week ago T-Jack was unquestionably the Vikings quarterback of the future. The guy has one bad game and the ship jumping begins. Writes Boz:
I had a feeling TJ was going to have a bad nite. Jesus, he looked HORRIBLE. Seriously, Pat i am NOT sold on this kid. I just dont see him getting much better. 2 of those INT's were SO bad. Everyone else on the Offense looked pretty good, the recievers are still making great blocks downfield, the line did as well as can be expected against Da Bears even considering they have lots of injuries. Ap still needs to learn how to block though.
Looking beyond the atrocious grammar, clearly Mr. I-Could-Do-It-So-Much-Better is unsatisfied with the young Vikes QB, who,with all of 12 starts under his belt, was, until Monday night's exposure as a fraud, poised to general the Vikings to a 2007 Super Bowl championship, I guess.
Sure Jackson struggled, but he wasn't getting much help either. Contrary to Boz's "the O-line can do no wrong" groupie devotion, our husky stalwarts did not have a good game. Birk got man-handled all night, and failed to notice a blitzing linebacker twice, despite the fact that Urlacher was all but whispering in his ear.
Aside from the two picks (the third was Ferguson's fault), T-Jack had a career night with 249 yards, produced over 20 first downs despite our running backs barely producing 100 yards, and controlled the ball for 35 minutes.
I had a feeling TJ was going to have a bad nite. Jesus, he looked HORRIBLE. Seriously, Pat i am NOT sold on this kid. I just dont see him getting much better. 2 of those INT's were SO bad. Everyone else on the Offense looked pretty good, the recievers are still making great blocks downfield, the line did as well as can be expected against Da Bears even considering they have lots of injuries. Ap still needs to learn how to block though.
Looking beyond the atrocious grammar, clearly Mr. I-Could-Do-It-So-Much-Better is unsatisfied with the young Vikes QB, who,with all of 12 starts under his belt, was, until Monday night's exposure as a fraud, poised to general the Vikings to a 2007 Super Bowl championship, I guess.
Sure Jackson struggled, but he wasn't getting much help either. Contrary to Boz's "the O-line can do no wrong" groupie devotion, our husky stalwarts did not have a good game. Birk got man-handled all night, and failed to notice a blitzing linebacker twice, despite the fact that Urlacher was all but whispering in his ear.
Aside from the two picks (the third was Ferguson's fault), T-Jack had a career night with 249 yards, produced over 20 first downs despite our running backs barely producing 100 yards, and controlled the ball for 35 minutes.
So, if not for the bumbling of TJ, we would have smoked Da Bears. Granted a win is a win, but we didnt win, the bears lost. Can you imagine what we could do if we had a QB??!! If we could get Mcnabb next year we would be unstoppable.
McNabb? You have got to be freakin' kidding me. Without his running ability, McNabb is an only slightly improved version of Byron Leftwich. Trade our young, bound to improve quarterback with a great arm for the aging Chunky Soup guy? Boz. Dude. Wonder no longer at the injustice that you are not an NFL head coach.
Personally, I thought the Bears had their best defensive game of the year, and it was probably because it was do or die for them. Even with the Bears backs against the wall, the Vikings offense produced 372 total yards. Not bad against a defense that can make just about anybody inept when it feels like it.
McNabb? You have got to be freakin' kidding me. Without his running ability, McNabb is an only slightly improved version of Byron Leftwich. Trade our young, bound to improve quarterback with a great arm for the aging Chunky Soup guy? Boz. Dude. Wonder no longer at the injustice that you are not an NFL head coach.
Personally, I thought the Bears had their best defensive game of the year, and it was probably because it was do or die for them. Even with the Bears backs against the wall, the Vikings offense produced 372 total yards. Not bad against a defense that can make just about anybody inept when it feels like it.
I would like to give Tj another chance, but I just dont see it. I could be and hope I am wrong because we will NOT go after another QB next year, and TJ will be our starting QB. Anyways, guess we'll have to see how he does next week.
Prediction: Next week T-Jack, with the national stage jitters old news and a week to look at the film, will have a much improved game, and I will get an e-mail from Boz titled "We're going all the way baby!"
Prediction: Next week T-Jack, with the national stage jitters old news and a week to look at the film, will have a much improved game, and I will get an e-mail from Boz titled "We're going all the way baby!"
Monday, November 12, 2007
Give him a long rest
The NFL's most exciting player, Adrian Peterson, suffered only a LCL sprain on Sunday, and will miss from one to three weeks.
If I was Peterson, I would ask to be benched until the Vikings have an offense. After all, why waste all that talent for nothing?
But that's just me.
If I was Peterson, I would ask to be benched until the Vikings have an offense. After all, why waste all that talent for nothing?
But that's just me.
Monday, November 05, 2007
A Game for the Ages
What's better than watching Adrian Peterson set a new single-game rushing record?Seeing it in person and with your daughter to boot.
12-year-old GD3 is not likely to soon forget her first Vikings game.
And to think we chose this game because, worst came to worst, we would get to see LaDainian Tomlinson have a great game.
Then again, who could have known?
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Room On the Limb?
Despite his embarrassing pick to win last year's WCHA title, the Elder's hockey prognostication has been unmatched over the previous couple of years. Now he puts that reputation on the line concerning this Sunday's football game:
For I am now going on record as predicting that this very Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings will shock the world (and the States) by defeating the hated Green and Gold interlopers from the East.
I'd settle for keeping Favre from securing the touchdown record, which would be yet another highlight reel Viking fans would have to suffer through - like Tony Dorsett's 99-yard run, or Jim Marshall running the wrong way - until the end of time.
Then again, I would be lying if I didn't say I'd been getting a similar tickle over the course of the week. Which is, of course, a sure way to insure the opposite happens.
I apologize in advance.
For I am now going on record as predicting that this very Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings will shock the world (and the States) by defeating the hated Green and Gold interlopers from the East.
I'd settle for keeping Favre from securing the touchdown record, which would be yet another highlight reel Viking fans would have to suffer through - like Tony Dorsett's 99-yard run, or Jim Marshall running the wrong way - until the end of time.
Then again, I would be lying if I didn't say I'd been getting a similar tickle over the course of the week. Which is, of course, a sure way to insure the opposite happens.
I apologize in advance.
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