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
Monday, January 25, 2010
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
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