It's the time of year to lash out...collegiate style...
* Sean (father) and Seantrel (son) Henderson: Way to go on milking all five of your official visits, plus a trip out to New York to "unveil" your college choice. I'm all for going over your options...but going clubbing down in Miami with current NFL football players who probably didn't even graduate from college should not be considered an "official" visit. Plus, Seantrel hasn't even officially qualified academically to even go to any of these schools...yet, he's got more than enough time on his hands to visit all these places. And Sean...you are pathetic...living vicariously through your son must get you a hard on. You showed some class by telling the press that Ohio State's Jim Tressell is boring...he apologizes for not taking you and your son to a local club.
* Tim Brewster: How are you still our coach? You can't keep any coordinators around for any length of time. With the coordinator shuffling game, you change your philosophy every year. The quarterback Adam Weber has been in 4 different systems in five years. You got a brand new spanking stadium that is having trouble filling up due to lackluster perfomances. You haven't recruited well...you lost out on the top rated Minnesota player in the last three years. You haven't won a rivalry game (Iowa or Wisconsin). You haven't won a trophy game. Plus, your players run amok off the field and run up quite the police blotter...and you have no consequences for them. I want Glen Mason back.
* Devoe Joseph: You are not a point guard. However, your brother is...so I will bite my tongue as I watch you force unwarranted shots and turn the ball over to the other team so they can get easy transition baskets...just so I can see your brother in Gophers jersey next year.
* Royce White: You're an idiot. You really think you can play the "victim" in this whole episode that YOU CREATED! You don't feel safe on campus...neither does the student population when you're lurking around. And your mentor is...drumroll...Troy Hudson...the most selfish player on the court when he played, then he tried to parlay his modest basketball career into a music career...this pretty much sums your life up.
* Tubby Smith: Please learn a zone offense and teach it to the kids. It would be nice to defeat the teams we are supposed to beat. Also, cut your ties with Royce White...I know he's young...but, if you haven't influenced him up this point than he's just a lost cause.
SBG
Friday, February 5, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
NFC Championship Recap: Vikings @ Saints
Vikings lose another gut wrenching big game that they could have had if it wasn't for costly turnovers. Not sure how this loss will stack up to the other recent NFC Championship collapses...but, it burns...and kept me up all night. Here's some other random thoughts while observing the final game of the season:
* Kudos to Leslie Frazier and the Vikings defense. The scoreboard reflects 31 points...but, the Saints really only had two significant scoring drives (both in the first half). The Vikings defense wasn't spectacular, but made enough adjustments to slow down the Saints when our own offense was sputtering. The 17 second half points were a result of our offense giving the ball away to the Saints with a short field to go. It would've been nice to turn some of those touchdowns to field goals...but, overall they played a real solid game in a tough environment against a team that thought they could possibly get 500 yards receiving (according to Pam Oliver's reports before the game).
* How about Adrian Peterson recovering his own fumble ten yards up the field after he was already tackled. Yes...I was yelling at my television at how much of an idiot he his for coughing it up for the third time, but that was just an amazing showcase of athleticism to get tackled...lose the ball...fall to the ground...get up and sprint 10 yards and beat two other Saints to the ball that were just watching the play.
* Bernard Berrian played out his mind. Even in a strong statistical year as he had last year...he didn't really impress me other than his speed. He really made some nice plays where he got some much needed extra yards after the catch that were crucial in extending drives. The buzzkill was obviously the fumble around the Saints 10 yard line...but, other than that I thought he really stepped up...especially with the Saints keying on Rice.
* At least Darren Sharper didn't get one of the five turnovers. When you're playing football over a certain age (let's just say 34, for arguments sake)...there should be a limitation on the type of celebrating you can engage in...specifically, dancing should be a no-no.
* All the turnovers killed us...but, in my mind the biggest one was the first one on the handoff exchange between Favre and Peterson. We could of potentially went into halftime with a seven point lead after receiving a gift fumble from Reggie Bush misplaying the punt. My other gripe with that play was the formation. I hate the split back formation unless you utilize both Adrian and Chester/Harvin at the same time. Why are we running the split back formation with tight ends lined up even with Peterson in the backfield? I just feel we are overcomplicating a play with a lack of personnel. It was a run heavy set with limited "weapons" on the field. The formation isn't what caused the fumble, but I just feel it's a goofy set to run out of because the lack of space/time the quarterback has to hand the ball off to the running back...and every one pretty much knows Peterson is going to get it.
* The Vikings had ample opportunities to secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs...but, instead we choked and took some bad losses @ Carolina and @ Chicago while the Saints were scuffling. So, we ended up not taking any advantage of that situation...much like we didn't capitalize on anything during the NFC Championship game when we had our fair share of opportunities to control the game.
* This was a very memorable year regardless how it ended. Having Favre on the squad made for some interesting times throughout the year...I'm not quite sure we'll be able to duplicate our success this year into next year (tougher schedule)...but, either way I would see if he's willing to come back...at least we can still stick it to the Packers twice a year.
SBG
* Kudos to Leslie Frazier and the Vikings defense. The scoreboard reflects 31 points...but, the Saints really only had two significant scoring drives (both in the first half). The Vikings defense wasn't spectacular, but made enough adjustments to slow down the Saints when our own offense was sputtering. The 17 second half points were a result of our offense giving the ball away to the Saints with a short field to go. It would've been nice to turn some of those touchdowns to field goals...but, overall they played a real solid game in a tough environment against a team that thought they could possibly get 500 yards receiving (according to Pam Oliver's reports before the game).
* How about Adrian Peterson recovering his own fumble ten yards up the field after he was already tackled. Yes...I was yelling at my television at how much of an idiot he his for coughing it up for the third time, but that was just an amazing showcase of athleticism to get tackled...lose the ball...fall to the ground...get up and sprint 10 yards and beat two other Saints to the ball that were just watching the play.
* Bernard Berrian played out his mind. Even in a strong statistical year as he had last year...he didn't really impress me other than his speed. He really made some nice plays where he got some much needed extra yards after the catch that were crucial in extending drives. The buzzkill was obviously the fumble around the Saints 10 yard line...but, other than that I thought he really stepped up...especially with the Saints keying on Rice.
* At least Darren Sharper didn't get one of the five turnovers. When you're playing football over a certain age (let's just say 34, for arguments sake)...there should be a limitation on the type of celebrating you can engage in...specifically, dancing should be a no-no.
* All the turnovers killed us...but, in my mind the biggest one was the first one on the handoff exchange between Favre and Peterson. We could of potentially went into halftime with a seven point lead after receiving a gift fumble from Reggie Bush misplaying the punt. My other gripe with that play was the formation. I hate the split back formation unless you utilize both Adrian and Chester/Harvin at the same time. Why are we running the split back formation with tight ends lined up even with Peterson in the backfield? I just feel we are overcomplicating a play with a lack of personnel. It was a run heavy set with limited "weapons" on the field. The formation isn't what caused the fumble, but I just feel it's a goofy set to run out of because the lack of space/time the quarterback has to hand the ball off to the running back...and every one pretty much knows Peterson is going to get it.
* The Vikings had ample opportunities to secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs...but, instead we choked and took some bad losses @ Carolina and @ Chicago while the Saints were scuffling. So, we ended up not taking any advantage of that situation...much like we didn't capitalize on anything during the NFC Championship game when we had our fair share of opportunities to control the game.
* This was a very memorable year regardless how it ended. Having Favre on the squad made for some interesting times throughout the year...I'm not quite sure we'll be able to duplicate our success this year into next year (tougher schedule)...but, either way I would see if he's willing to come back...at least we can still stick it to the Packers twice a year.
SBG
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
"U"NIT"Why"
Golden Gophers basketball team takes another sucker punch to their resume with a loss at Indiana. I still have faith in Tubby to turn it around, but they are going to have rattle off some major wins (Michigan State, Purdue, Wisconsin, @ Ohio State), along with winning all the gimmes left on their schedule to even be considered as an at-large bid for the Big Dance. Here's my formula for success the rest of the year:
* Full court press. The offense gets stagnant for too many stretches during the course of the game. Need to create some easy opportunties to get some points on the board. Tubby plays ten guys...might as well use that "depth" to your advantage. Plus, we're just not as physical as some of the teams...use our length to create possible turnovers, but even if we can't get that...the opponent is out of rhythm when trying to set up their half court offense.
* Get the ball inside. Ralph Sampson and Colton Iverson need touches on the block. They don't have the most polished low post moves...but, you force the action to the defense and you may be able pick up some valuable fouls on the other team. Ralph and Colton need to be strong and go to the basket...no fadeaways...is that clear Ralph?
* Get the ball inside...part two. Guards need to penetrate when lanes are available. If we can get Westbrook or Nolen to beat their man off the dribble, even if they can't score themselves...it will help free up Hoffarber or another teammate getting an open look at the basket.
* We need a concerted effort on the defensive rebounding every game. How do we go toe to toe with Michigan State on their home floor, but almost get doubled up on rebounds by a far less physical team in Indiana? That's unacceptable...they need to bring it every game...otherwise our flaws get exposed, even if we are playing bad teams.
* Pass the ball. We have to be one of the worst passing teams in the Big Ten. Nobody makes a pass to a teammate cutting to the basket...we hardly ever do any more high-low post passes where we'd catch the defense out of position for an easy two points. All we do is lazily move the ball around the perimeter and maybe feed the post once in a blue moon...this used to be our zone offense, now it's just evolved as our offense in general no matter what type of defense the opponent is playing.
* Good/Great guard play. If we don't get good to great performances out of our backcourt (Nolen, Westbrook, Hoffarber) we're in for a nailbiter against crappy teams and blowouts against good teams. College basketball success has always been predicated by good guard play. We can stay in games with other gimmicks (press), intangibles (hustle), etc...but, you ultimately win games by having good solid guard play.
*Update 1/21/10: Nolen is ruled academically ineligible. It will be tough sledding for the Gophers for the remainder of the year.
SBG
* Full court press. The offense gets stagnant for too many stretches during the course of the game. Need to create some easy opportunties to get some points on the board. Tubby plays ten guys...might as well use that "depth" to your advantage. Plus, we're just not as physical as some of the teams...use our length to create possible turnovers, but even if we can't get that...the opponent is out of rhythm when trying to set up their half court offense.
* Get the ball inside. Ralph Sampson and Colton Iverson need touches on the block. They don't have the most polished low post moves...but, you force the action to the defense and you may be able pick up some valuable fouls on the other team. Ralph and Colton need to be strong and go to the basket...no fadeaways...is that clear Ralph?
* Get the ball inside...part two. Guards need to penetrate when lanes are available. If we can get Westbrook or Nolen to beat their man off the dribble, even if they can't score themselves...it will help free up Hoffarber or another teammate getting an open look at the basket.
* We need a concerted effort on the defensive rebounding every game. How do we go toe to toe with Michigan State on their home floor, but almost get doubled up on rebounds by a far less physical team in Indiana? That's unacceptable...they need to bring it every game...otherwise our flaws get exposed, even if we are playing bad teams.
* Pass the ball. We have to be one of the worst passing teams in the Big Ten. Nobody makes a pass to a teammate cutting to the basket...we hardly ever do any more high-low post passes where we'd catch the defense out of position for an easy two points. All we do is lazily move the ball around the perimeter and maybe feed the post once in a blue moon...this used to be our zone offense, now it's just evolved as our offense in general no matter what type of defense the opponent is playing.
* Good/Great guard play. If we don't get good to great performances out of our backcourt (Nolen, Westbrook, Hoffarber) we're in for a nailbiter against crappy teams and blowouts against good teams. College basketball success has always been predicated by good guard play. We can stay in games with other gimmicks (press), intangibles (hustle), etc...but, you ultimately win games by having good solid guard play.
*Update 1/21/10: Nolen is ruled academically ineligible. It will be tough sledding for the Gophers for the remainder of the year.
SBG
Monday, January 18, 2010
Divisional Round Recap: Cowboys @ Vikings
Vikings pummel the Cowboys 34-3 for a decisive win over the media darlings...here are my rants and thoughts while watching the game:
* The Cowboys seemed to dominate the first quarter...however they kept shooting themselves in the foot with Daute Culpepper'esque' turnovers that absolutely killed drives, but most importantly...momentum.
* Ray Edwards played a good game. That was tough for me to type. However, even with a stellar game...was any one really worried about his "injury" and whether or not he'd come back to play the rest of game/or the rest of the postseason for that matter...? I wasn't...
* The Cowboys have an awfully good collection of talent on their team...but, you're really going to roll into the playoffs with Shaun Suisham as your kicker? He's not even a good regular season kicker (Neil Rackers, Shayne Graham)...and you want him to kick in the pressure cooker situations while in the playoffs?
* It's ironic that we're the "classless" ones while walking out of this matchup...Miles Austin celebrated more than Sidney Rice during this game. Miles Austin, let alone Dallas didn't score a touchdown during the entire game. Sidney Rice scored three touchdowns. Malcolm Jenkins and several other defensive players for the Cowboys are not shy expressing their emotions while making routine plays. The first time Keith Brooking's name was called all day was when he came sprinting over to our sideline to spout off his mouth. Good game Keith! The best though is when your owner is down on the sidelines staring down your head coach as if he's going to fire him on the spot...and then the coach realizing the owner is right there on the field...so...he then starts yelling at his coordinators for their performance on the field, even though the game is all but wrapped up. Stay classy Dallas!
* Fox post game crew (Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson, etc) captured a moment in the Vikings locker room with Brett Favre leading the "Pants on ground..." song for his teammates. They bring it back to the studio with former Dallas Coach Jimmy Johnson taking a jab at Brett and the Vikings doing this cheer for his 4th touchdown pass of the game, that ultimately ran up the score in his (and Dallas' faithful) eyes. This is coming from a guy that routinely ran up the score while coaching at the University of Miami no matter who they were playing. This...from a coach that not only dominated the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl, they had to embarrass them 52-17. Stay classy Jimmy!
SBG
* The Cowboys seemed to dominate the first quarter...however they kept shooting themselves in the foot with Daute Culpepper'esque' turnovers that absolutely killed drives, but most importantly...momentum.
* Ray Edwards played a good game. That was tough for me to type. However, even with a stellar game...was any one really worried about his "injury" and whether or not he'd come back to play the rest of game/or the rest of the postseason for that matter...? I wasn't...
* The Cowboys have an awfully good collection of talent on their team...but, you're really going to roll into the playoffs with Shaun Suisham as your kicker? He's not even a good regular season kicker (Neil Rackers, Shayne Graham)...and you want him to kick in the pressure cooker situations while in the playoffs?
* It's ironic that we're the "classless" ones while walking out of this matchup...Miles Austin celebrated more than Sidney Rice during this game. Miles Austin, let alone Dallas didn't score a touchdown during the entire game. Sidney Rice scored three touchdowns. Malcolm Jenkins and several other defensive players for the Cowboys are not shy expressing their emotions while making routine plays. The first time Keith Brooking's name was called all day was when he came sprinting over to our sideline to spout off his mouth. Good game Keith! The best though is when your owner is down on the sidelines staring down your head coach as if he's going to fire him on the spot...and then the coach realizing the owner is right there on the field...so...he then starts yelling at his coordinators for their performance on the field, even though the game is all but wrapped up. Stay classy Dallas!
* Fox post game crew (Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson, etc) captured a moment in the Vikings locker room with Brett Favre leading the "Pants on ground..." song for his teammates. They bring it back to the studio with former Dallas Coach Jimmy Johnson taking a jab at Brett and the Vikings doing this cheer for his 4th touchdown pass of the game, that ultimately ran up the score in his (and Dallas' faithful) eyes. This is coming from a guy that routinely ran up the score while coaching at the University of Miami no matter who they were playing. This...from a coach that not only dominated the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl, they had to embarrass them 52-17. Stay classy Jimmy!
SBG
Monday, January 4, 2010
Week 17 Recap: Giants @ Vikings
Vikings pummel the Giants 44-7...they also get some help with the Cowboys defeating the Eagles to help the Vikes secure the #2 seed, but more importantly a week off...here are some other items I noticed while watching the game:
* Fox's broadcast team of Moose, Goose and the son of Marv Albert is overrated and tough to stomach. Why is Tony Siragusa talking so much?? You're supposed to be a sideline reporter. Do interviews before the game and during halftime...give us injury updates if there are any...otherwise, you should be mute. I thought the chemistry was awful between the three...
* Vikings should roll in a nickel defense more often than not throughout the playoffs. It gives us our best combination of players on the field...especially, considering the void we have of not having E.J. Henderson. On the line you feature: Jared, Kevin, Pat and reluctantly...Ray Edwards. Leber and Greenway should be your linebackers (get Brinkley off the field). Sapp and Griffin cover the outside receivers. Winfield can cover the slot or tight end, which also puts him in excellent position to help with run. Then throw any two safeties you feel are playing the best...Williams and Johnson/Sanford. Obviously, we'll be rotating players in and out depending on the circumstances...but, I believe this would be a pretty solid unit...even against traditional running formations.
* Why is Darius Reynaud muffing (twice) punts in a dome environment? This isn't anything like baseball, where the ball blends into the roof...if you can't fair catch or catch it clean at all, just let it bounce.
* I'm not sold on the Vikings resorting to a full fledge passing offense during the playoffs...even though that's how they took care of the Giants, and also had success against the Bears in the second half. Maybe I'm an optimist...but, I really think Adrian Peterson will be fully rested and ready to contribute heavily in the playoffs. Brett Favre may check out of some running plays, but I still believe the intention is to run the ball with success to save our defense and other flaws with our team.
* What would you draft in the late first round to improve this team? I personally, would supplement the offensive line with some talent considering our projected draft position. It'll be interesting what holes are left after this year though...both Favre and Chestor Taylor could be gone...
SBG
* Fox's broadcast team of Moose, Goose and the son of Marv Albert is overrated and tough to stomach. Why is Tony Siragusa talking so much?? You're supposed to be a sideline reporter. Do interviews before the game and during halftime...give us injury updates if there are any...otherwise, you should be mute. I thought the chemistry was awful between the three...
* Vikings should roll in a nickel defense more often than not throughout the playoffs. It gives us our best combination of players on the field...especially, considering the void we have of not having E.J. Henderson. On the line you feature: Jared, Kevin, Pat and reluctantly...Ray Edwards. Leber and Greenway should be your linebackers (get Brinkley off the field). Sapp and Griffin cover the outside receivers. Winfield can cover the slot or tight end, which also puts him in excellent position to help with run. Then throw any two safeties you feel are playing the best...Williams and Johnson/Sanford. Obviously, we'll be rotating players in and out depending on the circumstances...but, I believe this would be a pretty solid unit...even against traditional running formations.
* Why is Darius Reynaud muffing (twice) punts in a dome environment? This isn't anything like baseball, where the ball blends into the roof...if you can't fair catch or catch it clean at all, just let it bounce.
* I'm not sold on the Vikings resorting to a full fledge passing offense during the playoffs...even though that's how they took care of the Giants, and also had success against the Bears in the second half. Maybe I'm an optimist...but, I really think Adrian Peterson will be fully rested and ready to contribute heavily in the playoffs. Brett Favre may check out of some running plays, but I still believe the intention is to run the ball with success to save our defense and other flaws with our team.
* What would you draft in the late first round to improve this team? I personally, would supplement the offensive line with some talent considering our projected draft position. It'll be interesting what holes are left after this year though...both Favre and Chestor Taylor could be gone...
SBG
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Week 16 Recap: Vikings @ Bears
Another week...another loss...another post on random thoughts throughout the game:
* There is something wrong with our defense...I can handle a sputtering offense from time to time, but not having a defense playing well going into the playoffs is scary considering the offensive juggernauts we may face down the line: New Orleans, Philadelphia, Dallas, Arizona and Green Bay.
* Adrian Peterson has had fumbling issues his whole career. However, this is the first time it actually directly cost the Vikings the game.
* With virtually all backups in the Bears secondary (actually, pretty much the whole defense were 2nd stringers due to injuries and/or other issues), the Vikings decide to go conservative on the offensive side in the first half. It resulted in 0 points...kick ass offense.
* How do you expect your team to cope and play well in cold weather when our own head coach is in a snow suit roaming the sidelines? I hope Childress gets fined by the NFL for "improper apparel".
* Where would this team be without Favre as our quarterback? It's kind of scary to think about...but, even scarier is that we actually made the stinkin' playoffs last with a combo of T-Jack and Gus as our quarterback...unbelievable.
* Special teams was horrible last night. To sum up the night: we had a blocked extra point, Kluwe had a 15 yard punt on one occasion, and their kickoff return team gashed us on multiple returns. Plus, Percy Harvin was just ordinary at best on our returns. Grade: F
SBG
* There is something wrong with our defense...I can handle a sputtering offense from time to time, but not having a defense playing well going into the playoffs is scary considering the offensive juggernauts we may face down the line: New Orleans, Philadelphia, Dallas, Arizona and Green Bay.
* Adrian Peterson has had fumbling issues his whole career. However, this is the first time it actually directly cost the Vikings the game.
* With virtually all backups in the Bears secondary (actually, pretty much the whole defense were 2nd stringers due to injuries and/or other issues), the Vikings decide to go conservative on the offensive side in the first half. It resulted in 0 points...kick ass offense.
* How do you expect your team to cope and play well in cold weather when our own head coach is in a snow suit roaming the sidelines? I hope Childress gets fined by the NFL for "improper apparel".
* Where would this team be without Favre as our quarterback? It's kind of scary to think about...but, even scarier is that we actually made the stinkin' playoffs last with a combo of T-Jack and Gus as our quarterback...unbelievable.
* Special teams was horrible last night. To sum up the night: we had a blocked extra point, Kluwe had a 15 yard punt on one occasion, and their kickoff return team gashed us on multiple returns. Plus, Percy Harvin was just ordinary at best on our returns. Grade: F
SBG
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Week 15 Recap: Vikings @ Panthers
Another embarrassing loss on national televison...once again here are my random thoughts on the game:
* When the Vikings had 3rd and long situations on offense...the Panthers only rushed three and dropped eight in coverage...however, they still applied ten times the pressure than we could muster against their injury riddled offensive line...and we were rushing 4 or more defenders.
* I praise Antoine Winfield last week...and then our most consistent defender doesn't show up on big pass plays (mostly in the second half) that killed us throughout the game.
* Isn't it common knowledge that a quarterback with little experience...the team's gameplan will look like this: 1. run the ball a lot 2. we will try to screen you to death and 3. we will move him around on the edges/outside the pocket to give our quarterback more space to see the field/receivers.
* It's not depressing that we only scored 7 points in the whole game. It's depressing that we had great field position for the first three quarters (because of their unwillingness to kick to Harvin/and our defense in the first half) and didn't come away with even more points. Even if Longwell makes that field goal...10 points is unacceptable when we got the ball on our 40 on virtually every possession.
* I don't know what to think of the Brad Childress attempt to pull Brett Favre during a 7-6 game in the middle of the third quarter. All I know is we need a bye in the first round of the playoffs, and the way we've been playing lately...I wouldn't mess around trying to play head games with a 40 year old diva as our quarterback during the stretch run.
SBG
* When the Vikings had 3rd and long situations on offense...the Panthers only rushed three and dropped eight in coverage...however, they still applied ten times the pressure than we could muster against their injury riddled offensive line...and we were rushing 4 or more defenders.
* I praise Antoine Winfield last week...and then our most consistent defender doesn't show up on big pass plays (mostly in the second half) that killed us throughout the game.
* Isn't it common knowledge that a quarterback with little experience...the team's gameplan will look like this: 1. run the ball a lot 2. we will try to screen you to death and 3. we will move him around on the edges/outside the pocket to give our quarterback more space to see the field/receivers.
* It's not depressing that we only scored 7 points in the whole game. It's depressing that we had great field position for the first three quarters (because of their unwillingness to kick to Harvin/and our defense in the first half) and didn't come away with even more points. Even if Longwell makes that field goal...10 points is unacceptable when we got the ball on our 40 on virtually every possession.
* I don't know what to think of the Brad Childress attempt to pull Brett Favre during a 7-6 game in the middle of the third quarter. All I know is we need a bye in the first round of the playoffs, and the way we've been playing lately...I wouldn't mess around trying to play head games with a 40 year old diva as our quarterback during the stretch run.
SBG
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