Season is Finished

It was a fitting finish for the 2010 Minnesota Vikings to lose of the Lions 20-13-one of the worse teams in the NFL for quite a while. A 6-10 record was the Lions best finish since 1995, I just cannot believe that stat.

I for one am thrilled that the regular season FINALLY came to a close. This season was troublesome from the start--when the posse went to BEG Brett Favre back for another run for the Super Bow. The run failed terribly in 2010.

I do must say, i am kind of glad that my word has been running 7 days a week that I did not have to suffer though some of the performances that the Vikes put forth some weeks. I would be shocked if the Vikes even get a primetime games in the 2011 season.

After 2 years of Brett Favre, the Vikings are where they started out. No Super Bowls in the trophy case, and the Viking will be searching for a QB this offseason. Do not get me wrong Favre had an incredible year last season that nobody would have ever envisioned. This season is what I expected last season, a quarterback playing that should have quite a couple of seasons ago.

With Leslie Frazier as the Viking official Head Coach now. It will be something if he keeps the coaching staff that they currently employ. Only time will tell to see what changes that he does make in coordinators and player personal. I just hope that the Vikes can fill the gaps was some key free agents this offseaon and hope that the Vikes do not lose to many key players this season either. We all just hope that there will be some NFL to watch in September 2011.

So it i offical the Vikings are now in the offseason. I know the season was not what we at all envisioned. I just hope the Packers get smoked next Sunday...PLEASE!!

No Workout For Pitts

It seems that Chester Pitts, an offensive guard and was the second round draft pick by the Houston Texans. He has since become the only player in Houston Texans history to play every game for the franchise since it began.He suffered a right knee injury that required microfracture surgery.

Chester Pitts is currently a free agent.Pitts was suppose to hold a workout for teams that are interested on July15, but it is reported that it is not going to be happen. He is still recovering from the surgery. The Vikings were among the teams that have expressed interest in the guard due to some of the trouble the Vikes had last season with the inside blocking game.

It looks like the rehab on Pitts knee is not going as well as he had planned to show off. We shall see how long it will be til he does show off his new restructured knee.

Til then...SKOL VIKINGS !!

Edwards and Seattle Possibility

This post is coming a day after Patrick Kerney announced that he will be retiring from the NFL. Now with this departure, the Seahawks have a hole at the DE spot.Ray Edwards is probably one of top DE's on the market this season.This would be a logical thought by the Seahawks.  So will the Seahawks be interested in Ray Edward, who has yet to sign a tender with the Vikes. He has until Thursday to sign a tender offer from another team.

Is Edwards worth 1st round pick in the draft. This what a team would have to give up if another team signs Edwards and if the Vikes DO NOT match the offer. The Seahawks have the number 6 in this years draft. Edwards does not get very much attention from other teams. The teams are usually more worried about Mullet Man and the Williams Wall in game preparations. This might be a reason why he had a great last quarter of the season and a superb game in Dallas.In 2009, he had career high in sacks 8.5 and in tackles with 43. Is this enough to merit the 'Hawk to acquire Edwards?

The gamble with draft are much of the time hit or miss. If the Seahawks go after Edwards for give up one of their 1st round picks, at least they will know what they are getting in return. If anything like this were to happen this would take place in the next couple of days. My guts says that Edwards will stay put with the Vikes, but who knows with the Vikes.Look at some of the crazy trades they have done in recent years(Moss and Pepper).

Viking Quick Hits

The new OT rule change is only in the playoffs, I am still not that sure about it. I still think that both teams should have the opportunity to have at least one possession in the overtime period. With the new rule will give the team that loses the coin toss in overtime an opportunity to get a possession if the club that wins the toss kicks a field goal on its first drive. A touchdown by the team with the first possession would still end the game. I do not think that this situation will be resolved in anytime soon. I say play a 7-10 minute period and judge the winner by this and not just by one deep pass to end the game.

I also liked that the NFL is also considering scheduling intra-divisional games in the last 2 weeks of the season. This would make for some good watching because then some of the teams would not be able to rest some of the regulars depending on how much of a lead they have in the division in the last 2 weeks.

Right now, I am still unsure what direction the Vikes should go in the 1st 2days of drafting(3 rounds)

!st round(CB)
2nd Round (RB)
3rd round(QB)
I will have a mock draft for the Vikes soon. Have a good day everyone.

Oh Well

Word came out on Sunday night that the Vikes lose FA LT to the Jets. The Jets can go ahead and keep the 31 year old running back. LT when to the Jets to get more than 9 carries a game I guess.

With the Vikes losing out in their 1st FA competition for LT. Now the Vikes still have not filled the 3rd down back that CT left open. Will the Vikes let Albert Young or Ian Johnson to battle for that position. Will the Vikes draft a back in the 2-3 round this years upcoming draft(McKnight)?

Maybe this is just another blessing is disguise. Look at last season, the Vikes "lost out" to Seattle for TJ Houshmandzadeh(glad I did not have to write that name all season). Then in the draft the Vikes acquired Percy Harvin.

LT leaves with no contract

With Viking fans following the happening for most of the day in Winter Park. Why? The Vikes brass was meeting with LT(LaDainian Tomlinson) for most of the bay on Thursday. He was at winter park to see if the Vikes will be the team that he could fit in with.

After spending much of Thursday listening to the Vikings make their pitch at Winter Park, Tomlinson decided he wanted to hear what at least one other team had to say. Just after 5 p.m., Tomlinson, holding a purple Vikings jersey that might end up being nothing more than a souvenir of his trip, got into a waiting limousine outside the team's Eden Prairie facility and departed.

If it means anything at all that LT was holding a purple jersey. As of right now LT left Winter Park with no contract. He is off to visit with the Jets.

He would be a great replacement for Chester Taylor.I will leave those dreams where they belong not in real life just yet.

Breaking News

The Vikes have signed their first player in the free agency period, K Rhys Lloyd. Many people may say we have a kicker, Ryan Longwell. Lloyd is expected to be used as the kick off man. Lloyd and the VIkes agreed on a 2 year contract. This would be 1st time that the Vikes would have a kickoff specialist in the Chilly era.In Lloyds' career, he has averaged 67 yards per kickoff 53 touchbacks on 171 total kickoffs. This is not that bad for a kicker.He will keeps the pressure off the whole unit and defense with his booming kicks. Do you know what is sad, we Vike fan are thrilled with a signing of a kicker.

According to the Star Tribune: Vikings appear to have a genuine interest in running back LaDainian Tomlinson. He would be a possible replacement for Chester Taylor, who left the Vikings after four seasons to sign with Chicago. He would be a great addition to the Vikes, he has had his best years behind him and it looks like he will be a backup from now on in the NFL.He would be a good replacement for CT.

That is all from Cheddar Land
SKOL VIKES

Edwards and T-Jack Tendered

With the flood gates of the uncapped free agency period set to open at 12:01 Friday. The experts do not expect it to a sizzlin free agency this year as it was last season.With all the restricted free agents this year means that teams trying to acquired to player would have to give up something in return.
The Vikes have tendered:
DE Ray Edwards: Received a first-round tender of $2.5 million.
DT Fred Evans: Received a second-round tender of $1.8 million
QB Tarvaris Jackson: Received a third-round tender of $1.2 million
FB Naufahu Tahi(the 12th man): The Vikes get nothing back in return if the Vikes do not match an other from another team.

I think that Edwards is top priority to sign from this list. With the way that he progressed throughout the season is all that needs to be said.He is the invisible man on the front 4 of the Vikes.I think that T-Jack will be in the purple next season as well. I am not that sure who would even want him, but we are stuck with him at the point.

This all from the land of the Cheddar heads.

Is it true??

With the free agency period set to begin on Friday, there are one soon to be free agent that Vike fans are worried about. He is Chester Taylor, he has been a great compliment to Adrian Peterson since essentially losing his job to AD in 2007. He did not bitch about being a backup to a back that cannot fumble the ball.

There has been news about Taylor going to da Bears. Good god NO!!! Why the Bears? Taylor is going from being a backup of one of the best RBs in the NFL to being a backup to Matt Forte are you kidding me.If Taylor goes to the Bears I am done with him. Just like all Viking fans have been done with Matt Birk, Darren Sharper the past couple of years.

Whatever happens happens I guess. We will see this comping weekend if Taylor comes to his senses and stays with the beloved purple or is just a turncoats and go over to da Bear where our defense will be pummeling his 2 times a year(whenever Forte comes out).

With Taylor Heading Out

With the likely hood that the Vikings will be losing their third down back Chester Taylor this upcoming free agency period. Taylor came to the Vikings to be the feature running back, he was that back for one season, then the Vikes drafted Adrian Peterson. The one season was a decent one for the average RB running over 1400 yards. It was a pretty good change up for the Vikes struggling to find a back since Robert Smith. If the Vikes do lose Taylor to FA? Then who can the Vikes find this offseason?

Right now, I like Brian Westbrook for the new Vikes 3rd down back.Westbrook was released by the Eagles earlier this week. Westbrook is the all time leader for the Eagles for total yards from scrimmage. He has over 3700 yards receiving and nearly 6000 yards rushing and 66 TDs in his Eagles career. He would be a great screen back.Another pro on Westbrook is that he does not fumble much either 8 times in his 9 years with 1734 touches.
The issue with Westbrook is his ability to stay healthy. He has been plagued with concussions throughout his career.He knows to find a team that he is going to be a backup and not the feature back in the offense. I think he would be a great replacement if and when Taylor living from more playing time.

Cannot Believe It

Do you know what just drives me crazy from the outcome of the Super Bowl this season. It was the fact if the Vikes would have manhandled the Colts in this game. It was not meant to be in this season. I could go on how the Vikes defense was far more superior than the Saints defense.Not one but TWO goal line fumbles kept us(the Vikes) from going and winning the Super Bowl. All what ifs...can not do anything in this case.Now with offseason, the Vikes have to look forward and see who they want to keep and who they want to chop out of their roster.

Now with Favre debating his future to come back as the Vikes QB from season 20.

Winfield and Vikes Talks...

During the offseason, the Vikings and CB Antonio Winfield have been trying to agree on a contract extension.Winfield is entering the last year on his contract. As of right now, both sides are in a stalemate. Winfield would like to end his career as a Viking.
Who knows? The sides might be able to agree on the contract by training camp or he also might become a free agent next season. Only time will tell.

All In The Numbers

I know that it SLOW right now on the NFL side of things, but the draft is in a couple of weeks finally and OTA are starting up. Sage Rosenfels is continuing talks with wide receiver Sidney Rice in order to get the rights to the No. 18. That has been Rosenfels’ jersey number and he would like to keep it that way. WHo knows what type of a deal that they may work out.
Sage does not think it is a good number for a WR. It may be sooner that everyone thinks that Rice or Sage will be known for a different number.

to be continued.....

TJ Who's Your Momma

With T.J. Houshmandzadeh expressing interest with the Minnesota Viking next season. Here is a quote from his interview early this morning:

“I’m looking at teams I think have good coaches and good offensive lines and good running games. I have no idea if those teams are interested in me. If I can play with Adrian Peterson, can you imagine what I would do getting one-on-one coverage with Adrian Peterson? I am going to win 98.6 percent of the time with one-on-one coverage with him in the backfield.”

It is being said that TJ is looking for a contract that would give him 10 million a year. The Vikes will be battling about 8 other teams that will be looking to ink a deal with Houshmandzadeh. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is one of the most viable after FA(free agent) receivers this offseason. It would interesting to see only if the Vikes would be about to land him.

Gordon Signs

Vikings Cornerback Charles Gordon signed a 1 year deal yesterday. He was to become a free agent on Thurday at 11 PM. As many of people remeber the way that his 2008 season ended was in the Vikings' 28-27 victory over Green Bay on Nov. 9 when he suffered a gruesome injury to his left ankle on a punt return at the Metrodome. Gordon was the Vikings nickel back for the Vikes last season.
The Vikings organization are hoping for Gordon be be back full strength by the time the mini camps are starting for the position players as long rehab goes well. Gordon is expected to receive a base salary of about $530,000, with a chance to earn another $500,000 in incentives.

Other Viking News

June 15 is the date the Williams Wall will be going to trial for the use of a banned diuretic that resulted in four-game suspensions by the NFL. One way or another this situation will be settled...FINALLY.

Frazier's Return

It looks like that the Vikes have a good chance in loosing their defensive coordinator. He is in the top tier on several head coaching positions.The Rams have skipped the 1st interview and put him in their finalist list and the Lions and the Jets have shown interest in him as a head coach as well. If that happens in which will be a VERY good possibility. Who would the candidates for the the DC be make a person wonder, what direction on defense would the Vikes take if this goes as planned.

Did the Vikes Address??

With the Vikes in need of 4 postions coming into the offseason. I looks like to me at least they have done a pretty good job in doing so.
Wide Reciever-signed Bernard Berrian, drafted Jaymar Johnson
Saftey-signed Madieu Williams, signed Michael Boulware, drafted Tyrell Johnson
Quarterback-signed Gus Frerotte, drafted John David Booty
Defenseive End-The Jared Allen trade.

With the recievers that the Vikes have now. I hope that the Vikes can run a more balanced offenive attack. So that teams are not putting 9 guys in the box to stop our running game.I just hope that in T-Jacks second year as the starting QB he can show us that he is our leader of the future. I glad that they drafted a pretty good QB in Booty. I was impressed in his place while he was at USC.
They have fulfilled my thoughts of saftey HOLES he had out their last season. I am not worried about those two areas that were a comsern coming into the offseason.I hope that we are singing a different tune on Week 17.
Offseason Grade: B+

Jared Allen is a Viking

The Vikes owner has done what he set out to do. Bring the best players that he can afford to Minnesota. The Wilf family is committed in bring a championships to Minnesota. On Wednesday, the Vikes acquired Jared Allen from Kansas City. The Chiefs gets Minnesota's first-round pick, No. 17 overall, and both of the Vikings' third-round selections. The teams also swapped sixth-rounders in the deal announced Wednesday. Allen lead the league is sacks last season. Now he is the defensive most paid player. The deal is six-year deal that includes $31 million in guaranteed money and could be worth more than $74 million if he reaches certain incentives. "It's just starting to sink in. As a player it's cool because it shows appreciation for what you have done. But at the same time, personally, I look at it as a new challenge."Allen says

I hope that he works out and stays out of trouble with the league. He has some issues that come alsong with him. Three drunken driving arrests since 2002.I am happy to see this guy for the good 'ole Purple and Gold.

One great weekend for me

On Friday, I got married on leap day so that is all good. I am mving as well. That is a reason why I have not been able to blog as much as usual sorry to all my readers.

We acquired Bernard Berrian(B2) in FA. I was like shit. The vikes landed one of the most sought after recievers in this years' FA period. I am just not that sure about the contract that they gave him. His contract for six years included $16 million in guaranteed money and was worth $42 million overall, which makes him the fourth highest paid receiver in the NFL.I just am not that sure if he is worth that much.I hope that he is able to prove me wrong. I have seen his tapes and he a good quality receiver, I hope he fits into the Vikes system well. I guess we will see where we are next season when it comes to the recieving corps. I just connot see us being in a much worse situation than we were entering into this seasons' FA period.
I must say this that thee owner was right that the Vikes were not going to be shy from spending a little bit of dough and going after some pretty good players this year.

Butterfingers to the Jags

To is correct it sounds like that Troy Williamson is going to be a Jaguar this coming season. The Vikes are in the final stages in sending Williamson to Jacksonville in exchange for a sixth round pick in the 2008 draft. He was part of the Randy Moss trade it is now official that the Moss trade was a bust. Williamson has hamstringed the Vikes with is inability to catch the ball especially when he is wide open.He made many Viking fans pull out their with his frequent drops.Now the Jag fans can have him and suffer with his play. Even after he saw an eye specialist and that was no help whatsoever. But nothing is official until Thursday at 11p.m. that is the start of the free agency period. The Vikings are expected to make the receiver position one of their primary targets in the free-agent period. Chicago's Bernard Berrian could be their top choice.