After a 36-10 dominating performance over the Bears, the Vikings now have a 10-1 record. Here is what I took away from the game:
* Do the Vikings not carry a third running back on our active game day roster? Chester Taylor got banged up on a play in the 4th quarter during mop up time. The Vikings bring in Adrian Peterson to replace him. We've been fortunate with the lack of injuries to our team thus far this season. We shouldn't push our luck in that department.
* I'm getting vibes about this team like I did with the Vikes in 1998. Fun to watch, but it's as if some of the games are too boring because the contest is so one-sided in our favor that you start questioning how bad the opponents really are. The next couple of weeks should help to see where this team stands amongst the best.
* I really hate the expression on Adrian Peterson's face after he loses a fumble. It's the grimace/smile with his teeth clenched down look. However, I'd rather see that 7-10 times a year than have to look at Jay Cutler's face the whole year.
* Brett Favre's pinpoint accuracy on some of these throws is ridiculous. On some of the throws over the middle, I can't even believe he throws it there based on the tiny window he has of completing that pass. And let's not be confused either...he's not throwing jump balls to Randy Moss like Randall Cunningham did in 1998. He's delivering the ball to the receiver on time and in stride...it's unreal.
* Vikings should flaunt their throwback jersey in more games during the year. I'd also like to see the old school purple pants along with their throwback jersey for home games.
SBG
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Week 11 Recap: Seahawks @ Vikings
Vikings improve to 9-1 and as always...here are some random observations:
* The Metrodome...err, I mean the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome needs an upgrade on their playing surface. The field resembles the fashion phase of the patches sewn all over the jeans (but, mostly the knee area).
* Do you think the Vikings defense was worried about the "Seneca Package"? I don't think so...my reasons...Seneca Wallce is not even a top twenty threat...passing or running the ball. Second, you know Matt Hasselbeck is not going to be involved in the play...he's injury prone and has had a hard time staying on the field the last couple of years. I don't think they'll be playing razzle, dazzle with him anytime soon. So, you're basically going 10 players versus 11 players on defense. And the main ball carrier (Seneca Wallace) is not even that explosive. Penalty on Seattle...overcoaching by the Seattle staff.
* Chester Taylor looked really solid carrying and catching the ball today. It might be the competition he went against. It might be that he actually got to touch the ball more than twice. It might just be a fluke for some other reason...but a playoff team needs depth...and I like what I saw.
* I know I'm looking way ahead...but, I don't want to face the Packers in the playoffs. Just imagine if the Packers somehow beat the Vikings and Brett Favre, especially at the dome...the suicide rate in the state of Minnesota would spike dramatically.
* It's cool that we pulled Favre out when we had a comfortable lead. But, can we do that with Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin and others as well. These guys were still taking snaps well after Favre was pulled and these are the guys taking the hits on every play.
* I really didn't like the timing of the Childress extension...but, with that said...it was still a nice, sound win to silence the critics...for now at least.
SBG
* The Metrodome...err, I mean the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome needs an upgrade on their playing surface. The field resembles the fashion phase of the patches sewn all over the jeans (but, mostly the knee area).
* Do you think the Vikings defense was worried about the "Seneca Package"? I don't think so...my reasons...Seneca Wallce is not even a top twenty threat...passing or running the ball. Second, you know Matt Hasselbeck is not going to be involved in the play...he's injury prone and has had a hard time staying on the field the last couple of years. I don't think they'll be playing razzle, dazzle with him anytime soon. So, you're basically going 10 players versus 11 players on defense. And the main ball carrier (Seneca Wallace) is not even that explosive. Penalty on Seattle...overcoaching by the Seattle staff.
* Chester Taylor looked really solid carrying and catching the ball today. It might be the competition he went against. It might be that he actually got to touch the ball more than twice. It might just be a fluke for some other reason...but a playoff team needs depth...and I like what I saw.
* I know I'm looking way ahead...but, I don't want to face the Packers in the playoffs. Just imagine if the Packers somehow beat the Vikings and Brett Favre, especially at the dome...the suicide rate in the state of Minnesota would spike dramatically.
* It's cool that we pulled Favre out when we had a comfortable lead. But, can we do that with Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin and others as well. These guys were still taking snaps well after Favre was pulled and these are the guys taking the hits on every play.
* I really didn't like the timing of the Childress extension...but, with that said...it was still a nice, sound win to silence the critics...for now at least.
SBG
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Week 10 Recap: Lions @ Vikings
Vikings improve to 8-1...with no serious injuries to the squad (unlike the Lions)...here are some other random observations:
* Seriously...Sidney Rice gets over 200 yards receiving without any touchdowns. I haven't looked it up, but I'm guessing receivers getting over the 200 yard landmark in a game usually score a touchdown in that game...not Sidney Rice.
* Why does the Vikings' offense have so much success on their first drive of every game? I know they script plays...but, doesn't the defense script plays to stop the offense in general as well on a weekly basis? And, if scripting plays was such an easy thing to do on offense...wouldn't you script plays 'til the duration of the game (or at least until the half...).
* Bernard Berrian is horrible this year. Maybe the hamstring is affecting him this year...but, even if that's the case...it doesn't mean you should be dropping balls on slants and hitches (shorter routes).
* Ray Edwards got some love on the Fox telecast. However, he still sucks in my mind...he faces fullbacks/running backs and tight ends on his pass rush because the WHOLE offensive line is shifting towards Jared Allen.
* Post two more fumbles on Adrian Peterson's stat line this year. Yet, I just don't think any of his fumbles have been that costly this year compared to last year. Winning cures everything...so does a competent quarterback.
SBG
* Seriously...Sidney Rice gets over 200 yards receiving without any touchdowns. I haven't looked it up, but I'm guessing receivers getting over the 200 yard landmark in a game usually score a touchdown in that game...not Sidney Rice.
* Why does the Vikings' offense have so much success on their first drive of every game? I know they script plays...but, doesn't the defense script plays to stop the offense in general as well on a weekly basis? And, if scripting plays was such an easy thing to do on offense...wouldn't you script plays 'til the duration of the game (or at least until the half...).
* Bernard Berrian is horrible this year. Maybe the hamstring is affecting him this year...but, even if that's the case...it doesn't mean you should be dropping balls on slants and hitches (shorter routes).
* Ray Edwards got some love on the Fox telecast. However, he still sucks in my mind...he faces fullbacks/running backs and tight ends on his pass rush because the WHOLE offensive line is shifting towards Jared Allen.
* Post two more fumbles on Adrian Peterson's stat line this year. Yet, I just don't think any of his fumbles have been that costly this year compared to last year. Winning cures everything...so does a competent quarterback.
SBG
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
United We Suck
Here's my couch potato critique on the Minnesota Timberwolves so far in the 2009-10 campaign (keep in mind this is coming off a historic 45 point loss to the mediocre Golden State Warriors):
* Two best players on the squad are Jonny Flynn and Ramon Sessions. They play the same position and are rarely ever on the floor together. I don't think that's a good thing for a team lacking a tremendous amount of talent throughout their roster.
* Let Al Jefferson build up strength in his knee as well as in his game...and then trade his ass. He's a defensive liability that also does his best imitation of the Kevin Garnett disappearing act offensively in the 4th quarter during crunch time.
* Simplify Corey Brewer's offensive game. He needs to run the floor and get easy layups...and in the half court offense he needs to shoot or pass within three seconds. He can't dribble worth a lick and I cringe everytime he tries to create his own shot. He is pretty solid defensively though...which is good to have on the perimeter.
* It's great that Ryan Hollins can jump out of the gym. However, it's frustrating that he turns the ball over half the time on the limited touches he does get in the half court offense. And it's even more frustrating that his defensive position/discipline is absolutely horrible because he's trying to swat everything in his general vincinity. This is not an AAU game...be disciplined in your positioning and you'll get your blocks.
* I like the coaching staff. I like the variety of starting lineups. I like the playing rotations based on matchups and based on how the individuals are playing during that particular game. I just wish they would try to play Sessions and Flynn together more during stretches. With limited scoring on their roster, I think they could bring a spark offensively...even though it creates bad matchups defensively.
* This team will struggle to get fifteen wins this season. There's not consistent scoring on the offensive side, and give up way too many possessions with careless turnovers. They have way too many lapses on the defensive end. Plus, they just don't have any major significant advantage (physically or athletically) over other opponents that will factor in the outcome.
SBG
* Two best players on the squad are Jonny Flynn and Ramon Sessions. They play the same position and are rarely ever on the floor together. I don't think that's a good thing for a team lacking a tremendous amount of talent throughout their roster.
* Let Al Jefferson build up strength in his knee as well as in his game...and then trade his ass. He's a defensive liability that also does his best imitation of the Kevin Garnett disappearing act offensively in the 4th quarter during crunch time.
* Simplify Corey Brewer's offensive game. He needs to run the floor and get easy layups...and in the half court offense he needs to shoot or pass within three seconds. He can't dribble worth a lick and I cringe everytime he tries to create his own shot. He is pretty solid defensively though...which is good to have on the perimeter.
* It's great that Ryan Hollins can jump out of the gym. However, it's frustrating that he turns the ball over half the time on the limited touches he does get in the half court offense. And it's even more frustrating that his defensive position/discipline is absolutely horrible because he's trying to swat everything in his general vincinity. This is not an AAU game...be disciplined in your positioning and you'll get your blocks.
* I like the coaching staff. I like the variety of starting lineups. I like the playing rotations based on matchups and based on how the individuals are playing during that particular game. I just wish they would try to play Sessions and Flynn together more during stretches. With limited scoring on their roster, I think they could bring a spark offensively...even though it creates bad matchups defensively.
* This team will struggle to get fifteen wins this season. There's not consistent scoring on the offensive side, and give up way too many possessions with careless turnovers. They have way too many lapses on the defensive end. Plus, they just don't have any major significant advantage (physically or athletically) over other opponents that will factor in the outcome.
SBG
Monday, November 2, 2009
Profiling Tubby's 2009-10 Roster
Now that it's official that Trevor Mbakwe is indeed suspended from game action until his issue off the court is "resolved"...I want to quickly break down the roster for our nationally ranked #18 team for this upcoming season...on a side note: should our national ranking be in jeopardy, or at least changed to reflect the loss of contribution from Mbakwe...??
0 Al Nolen - Point guards are supposed to get better with more talent around them. I thought Nolen was horrible last year (excluding the Louisville game) even though the roster was significantly better than his freshman year. I like his defense, but cringe when watching him play offense.
1 Paul Carter - I just like his overall game. And I like him even better because I just found out he's only a junior. Since he came from a juco I just assumed he was there for two years. This means he will not just rot on the bench because of all the influx of talent on the roster coming in at his position, he would just assume Damian Johnson's role next year.
3 Justin Cobbs - Freshman point guard from California. His playing time, if any will be contingent on what position Tubby plays Devoe Joseph. If Tubby slides Joseph to the two spot, I can see Cobbs getting some meaningful time behind Nolen. Other than that, I don't know much about him.
4 Dominique Dawson - A freshman (Southwest Minneapolis) project that will probably be red-shirted this year. Tubby's son is an assistant coach at Southwest High School. Not too surprised by this given the connection of the family genes.
5 Devoe Joseph - I think he's solid. I don't believe he's a prototypical point guard (lacks some quickness and I don't think his handling of the ball is the strongest), but I think he's savvy enough to play it on occasion. I wasn't impressed with his outside shot, but he did have a breakout game at Penn State.
20 Lawrence Westbrook - He's the x factor on the perimeter for us. Not sure how 20 less pounds on his frame will affect his game, but if he doesn't produce offensively for us (without getting too out of control and jacking unnecessary shots up) it could be another frustrating year in terms of lack of offense. The ironic part is that the success of this year for this team will be contingent on Dan Monson's recruits in the backcourt (Nolen and Westbrook).
22 Devron Bostick - I think he'll be buried in the bench throughout much of the season. He has offensive capabilities, but if he's a liability defensively like last year...I don't believe Tubby will play him in his regular rotation.
24 Blake Hoffarber - With more legitimate options behind Nolen at point guard, I see Blake's playing time to decrease even more this year. Obviously, his shooting is an asset and if we see zones thrown at us on a regular basis...he will get more minutes, but he's still more of a situational player than anything.
30 Royce White - Word is that he's already penciled in the starting lineup and the offense seems to be going through him in practice. I don't really care if the offense runs through him, but usually when they say "an offense runs through them" about a 1. Hopkins High School kid...2. Power Forward...3. that continues their basketball career at the University of Minnesota...that means the offense stops at them (compliments of Kris Humpheries and Dan Coleman).
33 Rodney Williams - Rodney Williams is already a youtube legend because of his high-flying dunks. Speaking of youtube legends...I got wrapped up in this UFC reality show that had Kimbo Slice on (who is also a youtube legend in his own right). Guess what...Kimbo lost to some fat slob in his first fight on the show. I'm not saying, I'm just saying.
34 Damian Johnson - One of the more underrated players in the Big Ten. He doesn't do anything flashy...but, just a solid player that plays excellent defense every time out on the floor. Out of the three seniors this year, I'll miss him the most...and I think that will hold true with the program as well...even though they are stacked at the position, he does all the little things that are not exactly in the boxscore.
45 Colton Iverson - Not a lot of post moves down low, but I thought he really asserted himself as the year went on...even though Ralph started stealing most of his minutes towards the end of the year. You need big bodies in the Big Ten, and for the most part I think he held his own last year defensively. My only complaint is his acne problem on his face. My wife wanted to name our youngest after his name...all I could think about was Colton's acne infested face.
50 Ralph Sampson III - Isn't he a typical big man in a nutshell. Kind of out there in his own world, shows flashes of excellence here and there but for the most part just basically plays ok. Tubby seemed to favor him over Colton towards the end of the year. I like both of them, but with the logjam of power forwards this year...maybe one, or possibly both will see even more limited time due to shifting to more athletic lineups depending on our matchups. I just hope I don't have to see 15-18 foot jumpers from him on a regular basis this year. Stay on the block and go to work.
SBG
0 Al Nolen - Point guards are supposed to get better with more talent around them. I thought Nolen was horrible last year (excluding the Louisville game) even though the roster was significantly better than his freshman year. I like his defense, but cringe when watching him play offense.
1 Paul Carter - I just like his overall game. And I like him even better because I just found out he's only a junior. Since he came from a juco I just assumed he was there for two years. This means he will not just rot on the bench because of all the influx of talent on the roster coming in at his position, he would just assume Damian Johnson's role next year.
3 Justin Cobbs - Freshman point guard from California. His playing time, if any will be contingent on what position Tubby plays Devoe Joseph. If Tubby slides Joseph to the two spot, I can see Cobbs getting some meaningful time behind Nolen. Other than that, I don't know much about him.
4 Dominique Dawson - A freshman (Southwest Minneapolis) project that will probably be red-shirted this year. Tubby's son is an assistant coach at Southwest High School. Not too surprised by this given the connection of the family genes.
5 Devoe Joseph - I think he's solid. I don't believe he's a prototypical point guard (lacks some quickness and I don't think his handling of the ball is the strongest), but I think he's savvy enough to play it on occasion. I wasn't impressed with his outside shot, but he did have a breakout game at Penn State.
20 Lawrence Westbrook - He's the x factor on the perimeter for us. Not sure how 20 less pounds on his frame will affect his game, but if he doesn't produce offensively for us (without getting too out of control and jacking unnecessary shots up) it could be another frustrating year in terms of lack of offense. The ironic part is that the success of this year for this team will be contingent on Dan Monson's recruits in the backcourt (Nolen and Westbrook).
22 Devron Bostick - I think he'll be buried in the bench throughout much of the season. He has offensive capabilities, but if he's a liability defensively like last year...I don't believe Tubby will play him in his regular rotation.
24 Blake Hoffarber - With more legitimate options behind Nolen at point guard, I see Blake's playing time to decrease even more this year. Obviously, his shooting is an asset and if we see zones thrown at us on a regular basis...he will get more minutes, but he's still more of a situational player than anything.
30 Royce White - Word is that he's already penciled in the starting lineup and the offense seems to be going through him in practice. I don't really care if the offense runs through him, but usually when they say "an offense runs through them" about a 1. Hopkins High School kid...2. Power Forward...3. that continues their basketball career at the University of Minnesota...that means the offense stops at them (compliments of Kris Humpheries and Dan Coleman).
33 Rodney Williams - Rodney Williams is already a youtube legend because of his high-flying dunks. Speaking of youtube legends...I got wrapped up in this UFC reality show that had Kimbo Slice on (who is also a youtube legend in his own right). Guess what...Kimbo lost to some fat slob in his first fight on the show. I'm not saying, I'm just saying.
34 Damian Johnson - One of the more underrated players in the Big Ten. He doesn't do anything flashy...but, just a solid player that plays excellent defense every time out on the floor. Out of the three seniors this year, I'll miss him the most...and I think that will hold true with the program as well...even though they are stacked at the position, he does all the little things that are not exactly in the boxscore.
45 Colton Iverson - Not a lot of post moves down low, but I thought he really asserted himself as the year went on...even though Ralph started stealing most of his minutes towards the end of the year. You need big bodies in the Big Ten, and for the most part I think he held his own last year defensively. My only complaint is his acne problem on his face. My wife wanted to name our youngest after his name...all I could think about was Colton's acne infested face.
50 Ralph Sampson III - Isn't he a typical big man in a nutshell. Kind of out there in his own world, shows flashes of excellence here and there but for the most part just basically plays ok. Tubby seemed to favor him over Colton towards the end of the year. I like both of them, but with the logjam of power forwards this year...maybe one, or possibly both will see even more limited time due to shifting to more athletic lineups depending on our matchups. I just hope I don't have to see 15-18 foot jumpers from him on a regular basis this year. Stay on the block and go to work.
SBG
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Week 8 Recap: Vikings @ Packers
For the second consecutive week...I'm stuck watching the game live in the hospital with my wife. However, this week we are joined with our newest addition to the family...Carter O'Rourke. Here's some things I came across while watching the game on the 15 inch TV screen in our room:
* Why are teams still kicking to Percy Harvin? Not only should he get Rookie of the Year honors...he probably needs to be put on the NFC Pro Bowl team as a return specialist.
* The tackling was horrendous for the Vikings in the second half. That pretty much happens when your defense is on the field for the whole 2nd half...but, some of the angles were even more frustrating. Benny Sapp on the Rodgers long scramble was flat out ridiculous.
* Aaron Rodgers has great boxscore numbers when it's all said and done...but, he just doesn't do it for me. How many opportunities/points were squandered when the Packers had the ball inside our ten yard line, much less the red zone?
* The offensive line has done a really good job picking up the blitzes against some formidable defenses the last couple of weeks. Especially, the interior lineman (Hutchinson, Sullivan and Herrera)...they have been a big plus when a lot of people (including me) had a lot worries when they were struggling with the Browns and Lions of the league earlier in the year.
* How do you rectify near collapses to opponents (Ravens and Packers) when you've been dominating the majority of the game? I would like to say play-calling and have an easy scapegoat in Childress. But, it's not like Childress got ultra-conservative today...in fact, there was one three and out series after Green Bay cut it to 24-13 (where the momentum was swinging their way) that we passed the ball on all three downs. I was screaming at the TV that we should've ran the ball...but, then all the fans would've been up in arms that Childress was too conservative.
* Favre stuck it to the Packers twice this year already, with two great performances. Hopefully, this isn't all he came back for...because we still have 8 plus games left.
SBG
* Why are teams still kicking to Percy Harvin? Not only should he get Rookie of the Year honors...he probably needs to be put on the NFC Pro Bowl team as a return specialist.
* The tackling was horrendous for the Vikings in the second half. That pretty much happens when your defense is on the field for the whole 2nd half...but, some of the angles were even more frustrating. Benny Sapp on the Rodgers long scramble was flat out ridiculous.
* Aaron Rodgers has great boxscore numbers when it's all said and done...but, he just doesn't do it for me. How many opportunities/points were squandered when the Packers had the ball inside our ten yard line, much less the red zone?
* The offensive line has done a really good job picking up the blitzes against some formidable defenses the last couple of weeks. Especially, the interior lineman (Hutchinson, Sullivan and Herrera)...they have been a big plus when a lot of people (including me) had a lot worries when they were struggling with the Browns and Lions of the league earlier in the year.
* How do you rectify near collapses to opponents (Ravens and Packers) when you've been dominating the majority of the game? I would like to say play-calling and have an easy scapegoat in Childress. But, it's not like Childress got ultra-conservative today...in fact, there was one three and out series after Green Bay cut it to 24-13 (where the momentum was swinging their way) that we passed the ball on all three downs. I was screaming at the TV that we should've ran the ball...but, then all the fans would've been up in arms that Childress was too conservative.
* Favre stuck it to the Packers twice this year already, with two great performances. Hopefully, this isn't all he came back for...because we still have 8 plus games left.
SBG
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