Training Camps Opens

Yes it is that time of the year that every team believes they have a shot at the Lombardi Trophy. The Vikes must be more psyched, with the team returned most the team with every starter minus, Chester Taylor and Lito and the rookies.

There will be no Favre sighting this weekend, unless you travel to Mississippi to go see him. Favre has not attended a training camp in 10 years.

It will something with some of the position battles that will be taking place in camp this season.Most of them will battle to the end.

Throughout camp, I will be highlighting some of the battles and what the status is on them. Have a great weekend everyone and enjoy training camp.

2010 Edition: 3 Thoughts Of The WR-TE

Coming into last season it was obvious that they had a good group the start of last year. With the coming of Favre made this group even better. Face it this group would not have been as productive if T-Jack would have been the signal caller last season.

It will be interesting to see which receiver in this deep corps will step up this season. The Big 3 in Harvin, Rice and Berrian can strike at any time. It is hard for defenses to prepare the stop the entire group this is something that defenses did not have to worry about a couple of season back.

The Vikes receivers have improved under the Chilly "regime".He had a bunch of player that could run, but could not play the receiver at the NFL level. Look at the corps that Chilly's top 3 receivers in 2006: Troy Williamson, Travis Taylor, and Marcus Robinson. I sure do not miss the days to Williamson, now talk about a nightmare.

Here are my 3 thoughts of the group:

Will Rice Have Another Moss-Like Season?

Last season, Sidney Rice had his breakout season have 1312 yards and 8 TD during the season. In the playoff continued on that pace as well with 4 scoring catches as well. It was obvious early that he and Favre were on the same page early in the season and it was that way til the end.

All the Viking hopeful would like to see another season like this from Rice. It reminds them of the good days of Randy Moss without the off the field headaches. I think that Rice will continue on the pace as long as Favre is back this season. If it is T-Jack, I am not that sure about how good of a season he will have.

For my sake, Rice will have better season this year than last, because I have him on the fantasy team this year again.

Will Berrian or Harvin be the #2 receiver?

With the season that Harvin had last season pretty much sums it up. Harvin can be used so many different ways, he is an immediate threat when he is on the field. If he is running back or receiver, the DBs are looking at the tail lights. He earned ROY last season with 60 catches and 6 TDs.

Berrain was hamstrung to start the season last year, but he came on strong late in the season. Can he come back have a strong year like he did in 2008? If he does the defenses will not know where to try to stop the Vikes passing attack.

If both are healthy this will be an interesting battle, but I think Harvin will win-out with the tools that he offers while he in on the field.

Will Visanthe Shiancoe Continue To Improve This Season?

With the steady improvement that Shanks has had since signing as a free agent in 2007. He had career high in catches and TDs, he was a Favre's dump pass target. With all the smack he and Sharper were talking last season. It will be a sight to see in the NFL opener between the Vikes and the Saints.

Shanks had a Pro Bowl season last season. What is next for him, an All-Pro season, now that would be something to talk about.

At times last season, this group seemed unstoppable. Will he be like this if every one can stay healthy, I truly hope so.

Why Kelley Washington

Yes there is news out there that does not pertain to Brett Favre. I know it is kind of strange..:) The Vikes have gained some interest in WR Kelley Washington.

Washington never seems to break the #3 or 4 WR spot. Now he is in his 30s, which is getting up there in the years when talking about a receiver. He has been a reliable receiver in his past years and a good special teams player.

Why would he work for the Vikings?
Here is another question for you, can you name a receiver on the roster after Rice, Berrian and Harvin.I did not think so. This would a good fit for the Vikes at the #4 spot. Washington is coming off his best NFL season with the Ravens: 34 catches, 431 yards, and 2 touchdowns. 


Now we shall see if the Vikes even do anything with the interest they have in Washington.I think the Vikes will at least give Washington a tryout. Why not with training camp start tomorrow.

Favre Watch 2010: Update Peterson Plea

With training camp FAST approaching, Adrian Peterson said" he's willing to beg Favre to come back if that's what it takes." Peterson also expects for him and Favre to be on the same field again this coming season.

The fact that the Vikes were SO CLOSE to the Super Bowl last season they could taste it. This just gives the team so much more motivation this season and know what needs to done this season.

AD also said" reaching the Super Bowl would carry extra weight for him this season because the game is in Texas, where he was born and raised." This would be perfect for both parties, then Favre can go out like Elway a Champion. AD can win a championship like Bettis did close to home.

This is news Favre loves to hear. The way his teammates would love for him to join them on a Super bowl run. The way that Peterson talked about him just makes it seem more and more that there will be no word from Favre til Week 2 into preseason games.

The countdown is ON!!!!
SKOL VIKINGS

Cook Getting Sick Of Brett

A recent report that Brett Fave's agent Bus Cook has had enough of his offseason drama. So it looks like the only one that is enjoying the spot light is of course Brett Favre. We the fans have been dealing Favre's retirement considerations since 2006. Man it does seem longer than 2006.

Here are some quotes from Cook off Mens Journal:

“Brett talked to goddamned Ed Werder at ESPN, says he needs ankle surgery. Now why did he do that?” Cook asked.   “I’ve got Childress calling. I’ve got reporters calling all damn morning. Goddammit, why does he have to be such a goddamned drama queen? Play, don’t play, goddamn, people are getting sick of it. I’m getting sick of it!
“Why does he have to talk to these people? What good does it do? Ed Werder at ESPN! What’s he ever done for anybody other than say, ‘Look, look, Mommy, I got this first, ain’t I special?’ You got problems with surgery, talk to your wife. Why talk to goddamned Ed Werder?”

I think now with these quote being released so many more people will be swarming to get their hands on this issue. This does not shock me that Fave's agent finally had his melt down.

So now after this new Cook better be watching his back. He has spoken out against the family. Will Bus Cook have to pay for his words. Or is this just anything ploy to Favre add to his need for attention.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Brad Childress of Minnesota Vikings visits with Brett Favre in Mississippi (sports.espn.go.com)
• Brett Favre: Surgery On Ankle Needed To Play In 2010 (huffingtonpost.com)

2010 Edition:3 Thoughts Of the QB

With the continuation of the breakdown of the positional series that I plan to do during the offseason and training camp. the next will be the QBs. I will not be going to hash out out about Favre retiring or staying a Viking during the 2010 season. There will be three interesting questions again for the QB breakdown.

Can the Vikes Survive if Favre Retires?

This has been the question of the century over the past offseason. Is he or won't he? I do think that if Favre does decide to hang up his cleats after playing for 19 years, it would be a blow to the Vikes as a team. T-Jack would be leading the way and it would be a tough road. I think that it would be a tougher road with Tarvaris Jackson taking the snaps compared to Favre.

Favre brings something that you cannot teach in the game room instincts. Over the year, watching Favre play and some of the actios he took, there was a reason why Mike Holmgren lost so much hair. He plays and breathes football and loves the thrill of winning.

So right now, I am just imagining that if Chilly does not already know if Favre is coming back. He is praying before he goes to bed every night.

The race For number 2?

I am banking on Favre coming back this season. I think that it will be a QB race between Tarvaris Jackson and Joe Webb. Jackson has more experience than Webb and SHOULD win the number 2 job. T-Jack played well last preseason and when Favre was pulled and the Vikes had a controlling lead. There was not much pressure on him in those situations.

I know that it is not the same, but take a look at his 2007 campaign. If it would not have been for Peterson breakout season a rookie. I so not want to even think how bad the season would have been in the end. In 2008, he was playing ok. He was not doing well enough with the cast that he had around him.

Joe Webb had good mini camps, throughout the spring\summer. There has been no official word, but he has moved past Sage Rosenfels.Age is on the outside looking in right now. Webb is a very athletic player a reason why he fell to the Vikes. He is fast on his feet and an accurate passer, something that T-Jack has struggled with in his career. Will this race be the QB of the future?

Is Webb Overhyped like T-Jack was coming into the NFL?

With all the hype huddling around Webb to be the QB of the future for the Vikes. I do remember, much of the same being said about T-Jack. Since drafting T-Jack, there has been nothing more than problem at the QB position in the LONG term.

Right now it is just way to early to say anything about anyone at the moment in time. He might has all the tools to be a good QB in this league. He might not have the mentality, which is a big part in playing in the NFL.

Right now, do not count your chickens before they are hatched. It will be interesting to see if Webb can impress as much as he has already in minicamp.

With these question coming into training camp will soon be answered soon enough. With the Favre situation and the situation at the number 2 spot as well. The Viking faithful will be finding out soon enough.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Vikings Weigh Their Quarterback Options: Sage Rosenfels or Joe Webb? (bleacherreport.com)
• Vikings rookie Webb playing QB, for now (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

Favre Watch 2010: Update

In the continuation of Favre Watch 2010. Everyone knows that Favre will be making a decision SOON...please. With so many people thinking that they know what he Favre is going to do.

There is a problem in this theory, nobody really knows. So many people just guess. It is Favre's plan to give out enough info to get his name out there. In the same event, to not give out to much info so people cannot assume anything.

The Hillbilly hurler has made another announcement in Men's Journal. Here is an excerpt from the upcoming magazine:

Favre talked about the fun he had last season, which was arguably the best of his career. He threw 33 touchdown passes and only seven interceptions. "I’ve had games when I almost threw seven picks,” Favre told Rodrick, laughing. “It was unreal. Before last year, I’d reached a point where I was sitting in meetings with guys 15 years younger than me thinking, What the hell am I doing here? Football became work. But last year it went back to being a game.”

I for one am convinced he will be back this 2010 season. I had to deal with this close up when he was with the Packers on the daily news for how many straight seasons.  This is just another way Favre can increase his self-ego, so he can now hear his name being talked about. What is a year without a Favre Watch?

Weekly Viking Webspace Voyage

I know that it has been a while with my weekly links. It sure has been a BUZZY one around here as of late. I will try my best to keep on my game and do this once a week.

Here we are:

• Viking Vixen reports on how Sidney Rice is coming along with a hip injury that he sustained last season.
• The Viking Gab showing what he thinks of the drama that is in the Vikes camp this season already.
• The UK Viking is wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July. Yes that is right from the UK.
• The Viking Ship show an interesting perspective ..what if Favre announced his decision when King James was making his team choice.
• Daily Norsemen did 10  question going into training camp.Go over and see that question and the answers.
• Pacifist Viking did an interesting read on the Vikings and a twilight twist.
• Lemke's Lot gave use fantasy football people which sleepers we should consider drafting in the upcoming weeks.

Now that is about all that I have this week reporting from enemy lines. Until next time Viking fans.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!

3 Thoughts Of the Offensive Line

With the opening of training camp coming upon us quickly and will be here as soon as we know it. So I thought I would  interesting facts for each position group for this upcoming season. Instead of what I have done in the past with overview of the group and whom will not be with the team next season.

So anyways here we go, the first group I will be doing is the offensive linemen.

Limiting The QB Hits

The Vikings did have 2 new starters last season in the front 5. It does not matter if there is a 30 year old or 40 year old QB taking the snaps. The hits on the QB disrupts timing with the receiver(s), thus making the QB unable to see the field as a whole. It was not just the Saints game that the Vikes allowed the defense to blast the QB so freely. It seemed like it was happening often in the last quarter of the season.

If Favre does return, I hope that this unit can get more in sync to give the QB the time that he needs back there. The last thing that the Vikes need is to see Favre or Jackson/Webb back there running for their life.

Health Issues

The interior line of the Vikes had injury problems to say the least. 2 out of the 3 starters were dealing with injuries throughout the season. Steve Hutchinson had a shoulder injury that he played with, but it affected his performance.It was not the same Hutch from 2008 season, just not the same that was for sure. Anthony Herrera has injuries as well missing 2 starts last season. With the injuries it hampered the running game at times last season not give AD room to run and allowing defenders to get to Favre quickly.

With the offseason to mend from these injuries, I hope to see an improvements on the inside rushing attack that was not that great last season. With the line healthy it would be nice to see AD and Toby blasting through those hole with ease. We will be seeing more of that this coming season.

Have The Rookies Learned

It is not excuse from last season, but the Vikes had 2 new starters last season. John Sullivan had the fill some HUGE shoes in Matt Birk last season. He had some rough spots in the road  last season. It was to be expected it was his 1st season as the starting center after all. He was accompanied by Phil Loadholt that started at right tackle.

Over the course of the season I thought that these two were steadily improving and earning their keep. I for one think that these 2 year starters are ready for the challenge and continue to open the hole and execute the plays correctly.


After the injuries and learning that took place last season it was visible in some of the games.This line is healthy and much more improved than last year. I do think that the front 5 will be more solid than they were last season.

Nice To Know

I am glad that Brett Favre asked Tarvaris Jackson. I guess it looks like Brett Favre is permitted to miss training camp according the T-Jack. I was so worried that it was not going to be okay that Favre was not going to be there in the first place.


I think that Jackson needs to get all the reps he needs to hold off Joe Webb.Jackson is so focused on being the starter again, but that is not going to be happening barring Favre throwing a slider. I think that it will be Webb vs Jackson in camp will ability prevail over "experience." We shall see that is the coming weeks.

Until then..SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Happy July 4th

I hope that everyone had a great holiday weekend. HAPPY INDEPENDENT DAY!!!!

Not Even In Afghanistan

With the Vikings coach being one of four coaches in Afghanistan. He is part of a USO tour, and is getting the same kind of questions that receives constantly back home. That is as everyone across the country has been pay attention to is:
Is Brett Favre Coming back?

I think that this is kind of funny with what is going on over there. One would tend to think that there would be more on a persons mind than wondering about Brett Favre.

Speaking of Favre, he did what he did last season made his appearance with Oak Grove High School to threw passes and my sources say that everything look great.Favre  made occasional appearances ever since the quarterback underwent ankle surgery in May.

Glad to see that a man to made 13 mil next season is practicing with high schooler again this season. With the talk about him being on the back burner for a couple of moments.So far that is all about Favre, but another month we will be find out the truth about Favre.