Archive for October, 2008

I had posted a poll here on whether you would rather barely get into the playoffs with a 9-7 or 10-6 record or have the Brad Childress era of Minnesota Vikings football come to an end?  Thanks to everyone that gave their opinion and poll choice.

We all want good football and rooting for the team to win is what a fan does. Every Sunday, or every day we bleed for our team. Then to think that the best way to get better is to lose makes us shake our heads in disbelief. That is where the battle rages.

I want Minnesota Vikings head coach Childress gone yesterday (actually before the bye week), but that has yet to happen. I am tired of the bad and ultra conservative play calling, plus the myriad of mistakes that go towards “finding a new way to lose a game”.  Maybe like children taking foul tasting medicine, we need the losses to generate the firing so we can get better. Zygi and the rest of the Wilf clan must get over their infatuation with the man and let him go. The only way that will happen is via embarrassing losses, lots of them.

Winning is the “Catch 22″. The way I figure it, the Vikes will need to win at minimum 6 of the last 9 games, and more like 7 of 9 (10-6 record). By doing that they will have been playing some pretty good ball and it will be that argument that will keep Chili on the sidelines. But the argument and truth of playing good winning football will also bolster the fan’s notion that maybe the Vikings could go on a long run in the playoffs hoping for what has eluded the team since its inception.

It is a win on both ends of the spectrum. It is the middle we have to worry about. Lose a lot more games, Childress gets fired and we take that as a win, a foul tasting win but a win. Win a lot more games and make the playoffs hopefully going deep, we win. Landing somewhere in between those two points, no playoffs or 1 and out playoff performance and Childress coaches into the 2009 season means that we lose and the frustration continues.

We are probably stuck with Brad Childress the rest of the ’08 season for better or worse.  We Vikings fans bleed Purple so give us a win and stay away from the unacceptable middle.
(Stepping of the soap box now.)

Grandpa Sports and the art of brown nosing

Sid Hartman, affectionately known as Grandpa Sports in the Twin Cities has put out another sugary sweet column on how the Wilf’s are standing by their man. (Sounds like a country song I heard once.)

One of the Wilf family, owners of the Vikings, asked not to be quoted. But he said the family is very happy with the job Childress is doing, predicted the Vikings will win the NFC North Division and again repeated what other members of the ownership have said: It takes time to build a solid, winning team.

“One of the Wilf family…” Who, the dog, because Chili brings him treats. Childress’ approval rating is sitting at 13% today, a two point raise from last week. An increase for doing nothing, but well within the margin of error.

Well to win the NFC North, Childress needs to keep that offense as productive as they were against Chicago, cut the special teams mistakes dramatically and hope the Wall wins their appeal.

He will need to beat the Texans this week to get back to .500 and mute the “Fire Childress!” chants. Then the Vikings will have to raze the remaining games against their division rivals. Those 4 victories would give the Vikings 7 total, not enough to win the division but making it easier. The team will still need to pick off 2 or 3 more additional wins to win the division. That means at minimum 6 wins with beating everybody in the division or being swept by the Bears or Packers will dictate 7 wins in the final 9 games.

That will be one heck of a late season roll, surpassing the 5-3 run last year.

The first win starts Sunday. Go Vikings!

Pill situation different

Minnesota Viking Pat Williams says his banned-substance situation is different, but won’t elaborate

This is an interesting piece by Sean Jensen. Pat is worried about what the kids he influences will think. From what I can get from this is that by no means it was intentional. Other reports I’ve read also elude to maybe that the players were taking approved supplements they may have somehow been spiked. We will see as these appeals play out.

What surprised me even more though was when these tests were taken.

Indications are that all the positive tests came during training camp. According to the 2008 NFL Policy on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances, “all players will be tested for prohibited substances at least once per league year. Such testing will occur at training camp or whenever the player reports thereafter.”

Training camp! They report at the end of July and now it is almost November. That I find incredulous. Those test results should have been back by the start of the season.

When asked about all of this being leaked and now very public [think of those kids], Williams responded.

He also lamented that the system is “flawed” and questioned the leaking of what is supposed to be highly confidential information. Any team or team employee publicly divulging “information concerning positive tests or other violations” is subject to a fine of up to $500,000 by Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Whomever is responsible for the disclosure of the player’s confidential information needs this and termination. It is unconscionable in this blogger’s opinion.

I’m still hoping that the appeals go through and that both Pat and Kevin miss no game time. …But I’m biased of course.

Tarvaris running the scout team

What a fall from grace. Started the last 7 games of 2007 to be benched after the first two this year.

Charlie Walters gets a chance to talk to the almost invisible quarterback.

Wanting to get snaps that all now go to Gus Frerotte, T-Jack has volunteered to run the scout team. (Which means John David Booty gets nothing.) He is running the other teams plays and emulating their tendencies. Hopefully that will add to his QB development even though it is not the same scheme that he would have to step back into if Gus goes down.

“It’s a lot different going from the starter back to the scout team,” Jackson said. “But you’ve got to take it for what it’s worth and try to get better.”

Jackson hasn’t given up on returning,

“Hopefully,” he said. “I’m just taking it one day at a time right now, and however things pan out. . . . I really can’t control it if I’m on the field or not. So I’m just doing what I can.”

Learn the most you can, when you can and be ready to step in when called. Take mental notes how Gus Frerotte stays cool and confidently throws the ball during games. Do that, and when that time comes, you could very well earn that starting spot back.

Rough and stormy seas have beset the Vikings coming out of the bye week.  Jay Glazer announced on national TV that Pro Bowlers Pat and Kevin Williams have failed the banned substance test, both for use of water pills.

He later writes on the web,

“The Vikings’ suspension appeal was slated for this past week, the team’s bye week, but it was pushed back.

Many of the players who have taken the product have long used water pills in order to make weight as they show up to camp or in order to make certain weight on a weekly basis. Guys like the Williams duo, Grady Jackson, Charles Grant appear on the surface to clearly fall under this reasoning.

It’s a shame that players who use such pills, which are readily available at drug stores and health food stores, are swept in the same category as those who try test positive for juicing.”

Precedence was already set in August when the New York Jets running back Jesse Chatman was suspended for four games for violating the league’s drug policy. He said he tested for a diuretic – called Bumetanide.  Now, was he doing to mask steroid use or lose weight?  I don’t know.  Saints offensive guard Jamar Nesbit already served a four-game suspension from the use of the pills.

According to FOX’s Josina Anderson.

“There are about six to ten [players] overall positive tests. Three to four of them are from the Saints organization alone including McAllister and Smith,” the source told her.

“Most of them tested positive for Bumetanide. The last few tested positive for another substance that works similarly,” said Anderson’s source.

We have yet to know if Kevin and Pat tested bad for Bumetanide or the other similar substance, but with the precedent set with Chatman and Nesbit, and it looks like no leniency for the big boys just trying to make their weight.  I hope that I am wrong.

Confidentiality until the appeals process is complete is required.  It is appalling that it has been disregarded.  We now know the names of Will Smith, Charles Grant and Deuce McAllister of the Saints along with Falcon DT Grady Jackson and now Pat and Kevin Williams.  The NFL has a problem in its front office, because it is clear that the source had to come from there.  (There is a slight chance it came from the testing lab, but they probably don’t know whose sample is who’s by using a nondescript ID number or code to keep prejudice from affecting results.)  There needs to be strong disciplinary actions taken when the leak is found at the minimum.

Looking ahead at the last 4 games of November, Green Bay, @ Tampa Bay, @ Jacksonville, and Chicago, the earliest we could see the Wall suspended, can you see wins without them especially considering that EJ Henderson is gone too.  I hope Napoleon Harris, Fed Evans, Letroy Guion and maybe Ellis Wyms sliding over can pull the load.  Plus, Jared will be facing double teams the whole time making running up the middle a definite option to go along with taking shots at the secondary.  All this after facing a hot Houston Texans that put the Vikings on what could be a 6 game losing streak, and then to think that Brad Childress will try to spin that as an excuse not to be fired, just galls me to no end.

Looking at the schedule I wanted to take gander at predicting the outcome, especially in the light of the core of the Vikings defense gone.  Now if the Vikings offense continues to put up 41 points a game (thanks Chicago), we’ll do just fine.  However, there are two phases of the game, special teams and defense.  The strongest aspect of the Vikings game this year had been the D, the weakest and basically the teams Achilles heel has been the special teams.  They and the offense will have to play their best ball of the season because the defense that was ranked 2^nd against the run and 20^th against the pass just had its run stopping pass pressuring core put on notice of a 4 game suspension.

Texans (Nov 2/noon/CBS) – The Wall should be still playing as the Vikes welcome a hot Houston team with a good special teams and 5^th ranked passing offense to go along with their 11^th ranked rush.  The Vikings will have to play at their best with Madieu Williams back for his first game and Napoleon Harris starting his.  I question in light of the allegations, is there enough coaching and leadership to make this happen?  No, and the boo birds start yelling loud enough for coach Childress to hear.  The team is coming out of the bye and should win, but doesn’t due to more bad play calling.

Packers (Nov 9/noon/FOX) – Brad Childress’ worst nightmare.  In his tenure as coach he has faced the Packers 5 times and lost every single one of them.  I figure that this will be the first game the Williams Wall will be at home watching.  Make this game Childress’ 6^th and final loss.  The Vikings will be 3-6 virtually eliminated from any playoff hopes, plus Zygi Wilf wanting revenge on Green Bay for their fictitious tampering charges, takes it out on Childress instead.  There is a press conference after the game and Leslie Frazier is named interim head coach.  No Rooney rule needed there.  (Sorry St Louis.)

@ Buccaneers (Nov 16/noon/FOX) – Now led by a Tony Dungy disciple, the team treks down out of the cold to visit a team battling to stay in the race for the NFC South.  But like first outing for new coaches this year, the Vikings take away at least a turning point victory like Mike Singletary had in San Francisco, or an upset and a real one like with the Rams and the Raiders.

@ Jaguars (Nov 23/noon/FOX) – A visit to Jack Del Rio’s team along with a private apology from Zygi to Mike Tice turns in a good hard fought effort, but the Jags trying to get another wildcard birth defeat the Vikes on the second road game in a row.  At least it is warm.

Bears (Nov 30/7:30pm/NBC) – After the 48-41 defeat in Chicago, the Vikes are looking to return the favor.  The only problem is that the Williams Wall is desperately needed and Forte runs all day, and Kyle Orton finishes the rest.  Looks like the Bears will be winning the division.  The count is now 4-8.

@ Lions (Dec 7/non/FOX) – Over to Ford Field to play St Mary’s School for the Blind.  The offense scores over 50 points and Adrian Peterson screams past the 1,000 yard mark.  The Wall is back and takes it out on the boys in Honolulu blue.  This is the Vikings feel good game and start of some well deserved momentum.

@ Cardinals (Dec 14/noon/FOX) – The defense has found it’s soul again and even though Kurt Warner throws for over 300 yards, the 3 interceptions (2 by Darren Sharper) and the fumble do the red birds in for the upset.

Falcons (Dec 21/noon/FOX) – Matt Ryan has hit his rookie wall, and though the Falcons are on the way to a better future, today is not the day.  Both the Offense and defense dominate and more importantly, the special teams play well too.

Giants (Dec 28/noon/FOX) – The Giants have already sewn up the NFC East and home field advantage.  The Vikings defense tears apart Eli’s backup just like if Eli was there playing catch with Darren Sharper and Antoine Winfield.  The loss is meaningless to the G-men but turns out to be the Vikings 4^th win in a row.  The team finishes 8-8 and the Leslie Frazier era continues into 2009.

I’m no swami, but that looks to be about as realistic as it gets. Tell me what you think, but first I  want to give a shout out to one the best writers in the Vikings’ blogosphere, Pacifist Viking.  PV has wrote on what is his final straw with Brad Childress and his unwillingness to learn and expand from his system with the goal of playing better football.  That to me is the point of a coach, not only does he teach, he thrives on learning and hopes to advance his craft to an art form.  He then goes on to introduce the possibility of one such coach and former Viking: Mike Mularkey.

PV’s pointing out Mike Mularkey might be a good option too if my prognostications fail to pan out exactly the way they were typed.  But if Childress manages to limp to the end of the season with an 8-8 record or so, the Wilf’s will probably look for a big name guy instead.  The shocker would be if old Gus Frerotte and the KAO score 40 points a game and the Wall isn’t missed.  The Vikings win the division and Brad the Man is saying, “See!”   Either way is good, and it is always a good (and somewhat masochistic) time to be a Vikings fan.

This was written to the AP story, Goodell says expanded NFL season good for quality over at The Sporting News.  It has caused quite a stir.  Here is my opinion:

Yes, the 17th game at a neutral or semi neutral sight [like Toronto for the Bills]. The NFL is a multi-billion dollar game that is looking for expanded markets. Here in the good old US of A they own the market, so why not get some of the pounds, euros, yen, etc. coming this way? We import oil, why not export football and get money flowing back?

“Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr. had petitioned the league to play one home game in Toronto to strengthen its Canadian fan base.”

I read that and wondered if the Vikings might go north of the border for their 17th game of the season for the same reason? Say roll up to Winnipeg and play in the Blue Bombers stadium and strengthen our Canadian fan base. It sounds like a good plan plus would provide more opportunity for the fans up in North Dakota and northern Minnesota to see a game.

And just to keep things fair, the Seachickens could head up to Vancouver to play in the BC Lions’ stadium. That would give three NFL teams international homes away from home and would build up there Canadian fan bases.

You can have Dallas with a game in Mexico City, San Francisco can play in China or Japan. East coast teams can go to Europe, etc…

The talk is of expanding the season to 17 regular season games for each team, with one of them being played overseas, outside the US (Canada and Mexico). For those teams not going overseas, use some neutral site like a 100,000 seat college stadium halfway between two arch rivals. The idea is to spread the love of the game and subsequently increase the fan base, resulting in a growth in the sport and in revenues.

In my opinion this is a great idea! The only drawback is that as of the thinking now, the 17 game will replace one preseason game, cutting the preseason schedule to 3 games. Many people complain that the preseason is too long anyway.

The only game lost would be that one home preseason contest every other year. The season ticket holders buy 10 games now will complain that they only get 9 in the off years. They complain already about paying full price for preseason games where the starters may not even play and definitely mean nothing in the standings. Simple, for the cost of expanding, the clubs only charge for 9 games on the 9 home game season. They can also sweeten the pot by giving preference if the fan want to go to the “overseas” location or discounts on merchandise, complimentary Sunday Ticket or something. They can gift their season ticket holders with something special that could make the fan happy, yet still get the revenue increase from full 80 to 110 thousand seated stadiums and the increased merchandise sales from those new fans will more than make up for that once every other year loss of a preseason game.

This is the greatest sport ever invented, so why not make it even greater?

Did I open my big mouth with the Bye Week Blues? I talked about that during previous bye weeks, that the Vikings were usually involved in some sort of scandal, a Love Boat cruise, a brawl at bar or a little sex in a stairwell, etc., but that this year it was quiet. Famous last words…

Jay Glazer just announced on FOX pregame show that the Williams Wall, both Kevin and Pat are on the list for using the water pills. They may be up for a 4 game suspension!?!?! They are amongst the ever growing list of players across the NFL that is starting to leak out. The NFL says that these water pills may be used as a masking agent; well they also can be used for big guys to make weight. Some of those big guys have weight clauses in their contracts and Kevin and surely Pat do.

In Mike Florio’s story CORNWELL SLAMS REPORTING OF POSITIVE DRUG TESTS he points out,

In some of our discussions yesterday with league insiders regarding the news of a rash of positive tests triggering violations of the policy regarding anabolic steroids AND RELATED SUBSTANCES, concerns were raised regarding the fact that news of suspensions not yet been resolved via appeal had been disclosed to the media.

Kevin and Pat surely haven’t had their appeals which we know will be coming, resolved yet. Attorney David Cornwell comments,

“The recent reports about pending appeals by players who are alleged to have used weight loss supplements reflect the most egregious violation of the NFL steroid policy,” Cornwell said in a statement obtained by Mortensen. “The foundation of the policy is both a player’s right to appeal and an absolute right to confidentiality.  By leaking this story, the ’source’ is clearly attempting to put their thumb on the scale of justice and harm these men.”

“Everybody involved knows the confidentiality rules,” Cornwell said.  “The right to confidentiality overrides a reporter’s desire to break a story.  There is no public interest or public right to know.  The confidentiality rule presumes that nobody has right to know while the process moves forward.  Confidentiality is the cornerstone of every workplace testing program. It must be protected against any perceived competing interest — especially an unrelated party’s interest.”

If K-Will and P-Will did violate the steroid policy for taking steroids, then they should be punished, but if they take water pills to keep their weight down (a problem for most of the nation, me included) then they shouldn’t be suspended. It will be a case by case decision, but also should generate further investigation as to who on the Vikings staff knew or instructed them to take these water pills.

If the two of these Pro Bowl players end up having to serve a 4 game suspension for this, it is this blogger’s opinion that any hope of making the playoffs will be lost. But some weirder things have happened and there will be players all over the league taking an unexpected month off right in the middle of the season.

I believe both men have weight clauses and were probably using these water pills to make weight. This is obviously a shocking development for the Pro Bowlers and the team, or more importantly to us fans.

Can you imagine 4 games without the two. Oy!

This will be a story we will be watching closely. Tell us what you think.

I wanted to start this tradition a while back, to show some good Viking related art.  Tonight while browsing Deviant Art, I came across Guillermo E. Angle.  He posted this long boat experiencing a pretty tough time.

It is entitled:

Drakkar needs halp

It reminds me, even in tough times, the Vikings are a hearty lot and will prevail.

This sounds like a country ballad or a George Thorogood blues rift.  In previous Vikings administrations we’d have some sort of scandal to talk about by now. A boat trip, a brawl at bar or a little sex in a stairwell type of story. Not this year.

We can talk about Visanthe Shiancoe taking about 20 games to get over the dropsies, but that he has finally.

There is Gus, who’s steady production has been nice even though the interceptions haven’t.

There is always my newest favorite topic of Frog Stew.

Then there is the second half of the schedule. The Vikings need to look at it one game at a time, but we fans don’t. Figuring that we will need a 10 wins to make the playoffs, that will mean that we have to win the next 7 of 9 games. (I just may have to break them down like my friend Amishbear did with his Bears.)

We can also speculate on how well the Napster [Harris] will settle in at MLB and will he get the radio and the calls or will continue to stay with Ben Leber?

And I almost forgot, Madieu Williams should be back from his neck injury, as mysterious as it was. The whole time, I think the most I had read on it was that it was nerve related. He will probably split time with Tyrell Johnson, who did a respectable job especially considering he’s a rookie. Then will take over to the glee of Darren Sharper who hopes they will throw his way then every once in a while. He can’t get interceptions without it.

Once back in the starting lineup for good, I am anxious to see if the pass defense improves even more, hopefully by shrinking the windows that the opposing QBs have to throw to. By doing that also means that the QBs will hold the ball a little longer which results in sacks and sack sandwiches.

It is always good to be a Vikings fan. Skol!

Brad Childress in hot water.

You sometimes wonder if Brad Childress, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, is like the frog is the stew pot that doesn’t realize that the water is getting hotter.

You never put a live frog into hot water to cook. It will sense the scalding temperature of the liquid and hops out. Putting that same frog in water at room temperature then slowly bring up the heat, it will just swim around oblivious to its impending doom. Once the frog starts to figure out the water is too hot, it is too late and he is already cooked enough that he can no longer escape and his demise is imminent.

Brad Childress is swimming around on the sidelines just like the frog in the pot, not sensing the impending doom. The heat has been turned up and it is only a matter of time.

The death of a head coach’s stint at the helm of an NFL franchise usually follows a similar pattern. A new head coach is hired, there is optimism and an understanding standing honeymoon period to follow. The coach is given time to make the team in his image and to play under his philosophy. This usually takes a couple of seasons to bear fruit and the fans understand that. That was where Childress was last year, and after a slow start followed with a strong finish and just barely missing the playoffs, hopes were high.

The owner, Zygi Wilf, committed to excellence and went out and bought even more of the best available talent at coach Childress’ request to make the team even better in the push towards football success and glory. Pundits everywhere were saying that the Vikings were an NFC and Super Bowl contender. The ticket and merchandise buying fans and a football loving owner couldn’t be happier to have their expectations set so high. Only thing left was to live up to those deserving expectations.

Here is where we have the frog in the pot of water wondering why spices and bits of food are starting to be added. It started in the preseason when a confident and extremely well executing Tarvaris Jackson went down with a knee sprain in game 2. He did not play again until the opener. Young guys especially need the reps, but everything was going to be just fine Childress would tell us. Then came the opener against our arch rival Packers and a sluggish offensive effort full of mistakes lets a “should be” win slip away. Oh, how the fans wanted that one, especially after the Favre soap opera and the allegations of tampering.

Next was the come from ahead loss to the mighty Indianapolis Colts. With a lead well in hand, stupid and undisciplined mistakes led to another Peyton Manning fourth quarter comeback. Doubts are starting to manifest themselves, particularly in the fans’ minds and coach Childress dominates the coach’s approval rating voting on ESPN and plummets to a 6% low. Childress throws his poor performing young quarterback under the bus. We all hear the ca-thunk of TJack under the wheels as old Gus Frerotte is named the starter for the rest of the season. The knob on the stove is turned on.

Game 3, the defense that Vikings fans love showed themselves and behind outstanding play from Antoine Winfield and EJ Henderson, they rocked the Panthers. Childress’ rating goes up to 29%. The cook is wondering whether to turn the heat off and fix something else.

Game 4, the Vikes head south to Tennessee to meet their mirror image of a team. Vikings fans, just think, today the Titans are still undefeated. Yes, the Vikes got beat but mostly by themselves with more stupid mistakes and self inflicted penalties. Childress’ coaching rating plummets down to 6%, the lowest of all coaches in the league. Stock is added to the pot but we learn other cooks have already had their recipes bowl over. The Oakland Raiders fired head coach Lane Kiffin soon to be followed by the St Louis Rams calling Scott Linehan’s tenure done.

Game 5, down in bayou country where they really know how to cook up some frog. Facing the most dominant passing game in the league this year, the Vikings hold there own and open a lead against the Saints. Fans are happy, but not for long as we witness the game being given away. Two punts are returned by Reggie Bush and the special teams give up 354 total yards. How classic this is starting to become. Fortunately, with the help of some questionable calls, the Vikes come out with a win. Childress’ response was throw his punter, Chris Kluwe, under the bus. Ca-thunk! A win, no matter how ugly, garnishes Brad a bump to 13% (his season average). A “W” is a “W” right? Vegetables are being added to the stew and the heat bumped up again.

Game 6, the hapless Lions come to town and this should be easy. Yeah, right. Bumblin’, fumblin’ and stumblin’ the lethargic play of the Vikings and more fortunate bad officiating and the Vikes barely, and I mean barely, eek out a win. Downward goes the coach’s approval rating to a generous 10%. (I didn’t know the Childress clan was so big.) The Vikes are back to .500 and the frog seems to be quite pleased with himself.

Off to the big city of Chicago, where coach Childress was gifted with Adrian Peterson’s breakout game last season. Two good defensive teams with weak offenses were to meet in what surely would be a tradition black and blue slug fest.

Nope, ain’t going to happen. More stupid coaching decisions, especially with the special teams leads to the Vikings giving away free points and great field position. The offense had its best game and play calling even had a surprise or two. The Vikes still throw too much on short downs and stupidly announce it by lining up in the shotgun. Why? We have the best running tandem in the league and it is consistently misused and neglected.

The slug fest became a shootout but with questionable aim on the Vikings part, self-inflicted wounds in the way of coaching decisions for squib kicks, flooky ball bounces, bad throws by old Gus and a rash of penalties like false starts and encroachments led to a loss after scoring 41 points. Fan frustration is already boiling, but because of the offensive output, Childress garners an extra point and now sits at 11%. (Below that of congress as pointed out by John McMullen over on Real Football 365 today.) A little salt and pepper added to our stew and soon it will be simmering. Elsewhere in the league another pot boils over and the 49’ers relieve Mike Nolan.

The final steps in the firing of a coach are that the fans start calling for his head. Check. Then the media starts the criticism of everything he does. Check. Then they question, “Should he remain?” Anthony Hall does that well this morning at Vikings War Cry and it will be soon in the mainstream press if the Vikings return from the bye and lose to the Houston Texans. The team has demonstrated a propensity to play to the level of their opponents then through sloppy play and predictable play calling, try to give it away. They are unfortunately succeeding in the later proved out with the 3-4 record.

3-4 doesn’t cut it, and Brad Childress will have to rectify that and have his team start living up to those expectations because if not, the heat will be cranked up one last time and the frog stew will be brought to a boil. Not liking the taste of it, our chef who is know for his love of football and not his cooking, may just throw that frog out.

The moral of this story is for Childress to pull his head out [of the water] and start winning lots of games, otherwise there will be frog stew for supper.

In an act of kindness and demonstrative of his big heart, “Phat” Pat Williams spent some of his extra free time in his auto customization shop to trick up some friend’s wheels.  These special recipients have come upon hard times of late and Pat wanted to do something special for them in hopes of getting them out of their funk.

“You kind of feel sorry for them a little,” said Williams.  “I just thought a little chrome and some new rims might just be the thing to cheer them up.”

In a special ceremony open to the team and this lucky blogger; Pat presented the Vikings Special Teams with their new bus.

Special teams play, and the play calling for them Sunday was atrocious in the 48-41 loss to the Chicago Bears. I think if Chili needs a scapegoat to divert attention from his poor coaching decisions, he should fire the special teams coach. You fellow Vikings fans are all correct, they [especially the coverage units] have been horrible. They directly cost the Vikes 14 points and indirectly a lot more with bad squib kicks starting the Bears near the 50 yard line. Pathetic!

Can we please have a solidly coached game where the offense, defense and special teams play competently in the same stadium, on the same date and time? Is that too much to ask for?

There is no joy in constantly close, gut wrenching games. There is joy in convincing wins where the Vikes close the door early on any comeback.

Special is right, as in need of some special education. Kids here in Illinois have IEPs [Individual Education Plans], where weaknesses are identified and extra help and attention is given in those subjects and areas. That is exactly what the special teams need: extra help and attention.

I don’t think that it is Chris Kluwe out kicking his coverage. He ranks well in the distance and the net rankings compared to the rest of the punters. I think it has to do with lane discipline and tackling skills. (And maybe selection of the proper players to be on the teams.)

I hope Kluwe has thick skin and short memory and doesn’t go into the tank after this.

Cobra312004 wrote:
But in all seriousness, if Childress actually WANTS to keep his job, he’s got to get a new special teams coach. Someone has to be held accountable. If that means firing him and taking over yourself, so be it. But no coach should put up with this kind of consistent incompetence (especially since our team has a history of punting A LOT) from any aspect.

How’s this for an answer Cobra from Access Vikings:

Childress accepts responsibility
October 20th, 2008 – 1:26 PM by Chip Scoggins

Vikings coach Brad Childress was asked about the special teams breakdowns this season and the miscues in a 48-41 loss to the Bears in particular and whether special teams coordinator Paul Ferraro is accountable for those.

“It all comes back to me,” Childress said Monday at his press conference. “I’m not going to pin it on a coach or player. It all comes back to me. That’s what it is. I’m the guy who has wins and losses by my record so it’s not the special teams guy. It will always all come back to me with wins and losses.”

Okay… Can we [Zygi] fire Childress now? Please!

And one last thought… ESPN has given all fans the right and means to vote on how they feel their favorite team’s head coach is doing. Not that we have say in the matter, but Zygi Wilf does know who buys the season tickets, and all the Purple merchandise that makes his owning a professional football team a more enjoyable experience for everyone. A head coach that engenders boos and other displays of disgust, doesn’t work towards those goals. Over in the far right column, just below the schedule at Vikings Valhalla’s own Luft’s Locker Room you can click the link to vote for yourself each week and see how your buddies feel on the subject too.