Luft’s Locker Room

Archive for November, 2008

I though that I’d have a buddy over to talk Bears-Vikings football before the game.

There is a Chicago Bears fan of some character that I have grown to enjoy reading.  He is a fair-minded and knowledgeable football fan and his conversations are quite entertaining.  Now, that may sound funny coming from longboat sailing, village razing Minnesota Vikings fan, but it is true.  I thought it would be interesting to talk about some items of interest especially with the Bears making the trek to the loudest dome on earth.  My friend goes by the alias of Amishbear and like my dad is a man of sound mind except when it comes to his love of football.

Now imagine the barbecue radiating heat, brats and other goodies slowly cooking, and there you stand with your tall cold one in one hand just to wet the pallet as stories of past games and tall tales bounce between friends.  That is where we are, one wearing purple and gold and the other midnight blue and orange.  Oh, the history, the great players, the rivalries, that have been played between the two storied franchises from the Old Met and the “Roller Dome” to the old and new Soldiers Field.  What a perfect day for some football!

My earliest memory of this match up was my dad taking me to my first game back in 1969.  He was a Bears fan and I’m sure wanted me to grow up the same.  I don’t remember much, especially when it comes to on field action back then, but I remember the crowds and cheering the players in Purple and it stuck ever since.  What were your first memories Amishbear and why the Bears?

My God, I don’t think I could trace it back to a first/earliest memory even if I HAD to, but I can certainly pick out a few highlights. My father, a native Chicagoan, was diehard, too. He had 5 brothers, and 3 of them were truckers. Every time they’d come out east, they’d stop at our house in Pa, and they ALWAYS had Bears-paraphernalia/gifts for my brother and I. At the height of this-1985-I was ten years old. Our house was full of SO MUCH BEARS stuff: posters (one I remember: The “Black & blues brothers”-the defensive line in Blues Brothers clothing, another, “The Junkyard Dogs”, D-line again), there were buttons of Ditka that played the fight song, hats, t-shirts, toys and knick-knacks, Payton shirts and jerseys, Fridge magnets (haha)…you get the idea. I had a poster hanging above my head that showed Walter busting through the Dallas Cowboys defense, blood on his thigh pads. Obviously, he was my childhood hero. I would run across our neighborhood, and our neighbors had this honeysuckle bush that I would always DIVE over/into, a la Payton leaping a pile to get into the end zone. During that ‘85 season, I remember taking all the teddy bears we had in the house (between my brother, little sister and I, quite a few), and outfitting them all with Bears gear, then setting them up around in the living room, so they could watch the Bears too. I remember my Dad going around the house singing the fight song at top volume (“Bear Down, Chicago Bears, as we fight with a might so fearlessly…” etc).  In hindsight, his enthusiasm was probably as much fueled by alcohol as it was plain fanhood. Anyway, those are some of my earliest memories…

I know we can agree that whatever unfortunate calamity befalls our mutual friends in Cheddarville is a good thing.  Did you enjoy the Brett Favre saga as much as I and most other Vikings fans did?  How about them Jets?

I love ANY dysfunction in Packerland. I love egging the two warring sides on in the countless TSN articles that bring the issue up. It’s funny, they always try to force you to take one side or another, and I insist: I have NO stake whatsoever in the drama, except to say that I hope it continues. As usual, my universe is Bears-centric. I’m no Favre-ophile, to be sure, but I’m glad he’s doing well outside Packland. Of course, we don’t want him to do TOO well, because ultimately it could translate into draft picks for the Pack.

Have you noticed that the cheese the Packers’ fans wear on their heads has holes in it?  Isn’t that from some brain wasting disease like mad cow or something?  They are playing AFC South leading Panthers this weekend meaning that our game will most likely position the winner as sole occupier of the NFC North division.

Stupid Been Gay Fudge Packers. If the Panthers win this one, we can stick a fork in them, I’d say. Go Panthers! (Sidenote: Bears should have NEVER got rid of Chris Harris, Pro Bowl talent that he is…)

Do you remember last years game in Chi-town?  Something about Adrian Peterson having a breakout game and running “All Day” making your vaunted defense look silly?  It didn’t quite repeat this year, but I know I was surprised at the offensive output by both teams.  Do you think that will happen again on Sunday?

Of course…I still wake up screaming, cold sweats and all. A big part of that game I blame on Adam Archulet-down, the soft white underbelly in that defense last year. I was actually watching the re-play last night. As to your question, do I think it will happen again on Sunday? What, Peterson running wild on us, or the scoring explosion?

Yes, will AD put a 200 yard-like thumping on your declining D?

The Bears need to NOT over-pursue, and watch the cut back lanes. Peterson favors the weak side, and Bears need to be aware of that. Alex Brown and Corey Graham will both need to step it up, Brown in getting pressure and Graham in run support (filling in for Vasher, now out of the year…of which I’m sort of glad, I must admit, as Graham has played better this season, in both run support AND coverage). I think Peterson will get his yards, probably break the 100 yd mark, but he won’t take the game over. Bears have played with fire and intensity on Sunday nights this year, and I expect the same in this game. On top of that, a little known stat from this year is that the Bears (smaller, quicker) defense has been giving up just under 100 yds. on average LESS when playing in domes this year. That may be as much about the teams they’ve played in those environments-Lions, Rams, but it does favor their speed-based defense. As for the high-scoring, I expect this game to be considerably tougher defensively. But like in last game, I expect a couple huge plays on special teams to make a difference. Which leads me to…

What is up with Devin Hester?  I see that he has been pulled from kick returns and that he hasn’t practiced due to reasons other than football.

I expect Hester to resume his duties, especially because Daniel Manning will be seeing more time on defense, and has had a quirky hamstring this season. Of course, we’ll see BOTH, but Hester should see the bulk. FINALLY, FINALLY, I expect him to do something of consequence in this game, maybe not take one to the house, but damn close.

I haven’t heard about any off-field issues with him, but I haven’t had a chance to read updates over the weekend yet. His problem is that he’s thinking too much, rather than playing off instinct. It becomes paralysis by analysis. He ends up running back and forth instead of just going north & south. He used to go straight up the field, make one cut, and be GONE!! Now he’s dancing. It’s a head thing. Hopefully, like with McNabb recently, yanking him for a game will get his head right.

Lovie might as well put him back there, because Brad Childress will have at least Chris Kluwe kicking out of bounds.

Whatever happens, I expect Kluwe to be Chilly’s scapegoat again…even if the outcome has NOTHING to do with him…J EVERYONE needs a scapegoat, right?

Ryan Longwell also will be under similar orders so I suspect the Bears will be starting with fair field position almost every drive making it up to Kyle Orton and your rookie running back to beat our defense.  I don’t think Matt Forte will have near the success he had in the first game [56 yards rushing].  Then Orton is still recovering from his gimpy foot.  He will face the rush of a full [at least for now] defensive line.  Do you think your offensive line can handle Jared Allen, Kevin Williams, Pat Williams and Ray Edwards effectively or will Kyle “neck-beard” Orton can get rattled?

I do think the line can match your front four. But special attention should be given to Pat (?), the one who has the knack for sacks. Double-teams, chips, etc. Kreutz is the emotional leader of that line, and he needs to not only get them fired up, but make sure assignments are carried out. Our o-line has been the biggest surprise of the season. I expected them to be our Achilles’ heel, and they’ve really been an area of stability and a relative strength. St. Claire has done an amazing job this year, shutting down big name rushers like Peppers, Abraham, Freeney, etc, etc. Your line will get a sack or three, I’m sure. But I wouldn’t count on domination, by any means. Orton/Bears need to use no huddle, use it early and use it often. It helps Kyle get in rhythm, prevents rotations, tires out the defense, keeps them on their heels. Conversely, we also need to sustain drives, and the simple formula that I’ve seen work for the Bears ALL season is Forte + Olsen = first downs. Bears CANNOT abandon the run, even if they find themselves behind by double-digits. Forte has enough speed, power and vision to break through that wall, like your Magenta Vishnu, er, purple messiah, he’s got a knack for the cut back to get into the second level. He may get stuffed initially, but your line should eventually wear enough where he can break off worthwhile chunks. Besides, it keeps the D honest and opens up play action. I expect Forte to get about 80 on the ground, and about 60 through the air.

Also, watch for the Bears’ version of the Wildcat, “Cane” with Hester (nod to Miami) or “Cajun” for Forte. I DEFINITELY expect some trickeration from the Bears in this game, either offensively or on special teams (reverse on the returns?). Garrett Wolfe may make a key appearance, too.

Running against the Vikings is tough, do you view the best shot at victory for your beloved Bears to be through the air, especially over the middle like in the first game [or on special team returns like in the first game]?

Both. (Is that cop-out answer?) They MUST run, as I mentioned. And they MUST use Olsen. Unfortunately for us, Dez Clark may not play, and that will screw up many of our two TE sets. If Dez doesn’t play, that definitely hampers our offense/attack.

What is your prediction on the game?  I believe even with Brad Childress on our sideline (and you can have him by the way) that AD returns to his place that he got his first national spotlight and tries to repeat it.  That, and B2 wanting to prove something to his old team and hooking up with Gus Frerotte for a couple more TD’s.  The Bears defense has struggled and not been the force that they once were as demonstrated against the Packers a couple of weeks ago [that's snickering you are hearing] and I believe won’t step it up this week.  I see a final score on the conservative side of Vikings 24 – Bears 14.  How about you?

I generally try to avoid predictions, because they’ve seemed to be a jinx (last one I made was our GB game…). Is that another cop-out? How about this, for spits and giggles: Bears win. Hester, Rashied Davis, and Forte score. Gould gets at least one FG. Defense/special teams gets a TD. For Vikes: Peterson will get a TD. And so will Visanthe. Longwell will get 2-3 FGs.

However, I think you neglected to mention couple important factors: First, the Bears have cast themselves in the underdog role for this game, and when they do that, they play with a high level of intensity (see Colts/Eagles games). That, above all else, has caused the inconsistency from this team this year, lack of fire and intensity. I still think they’ve got a chip from that whipping they took in GB, and this being repeat circumstances (division rival, on the road), I expect them to have learned from their mistake. I DO NOT see them coming out flat. Yes, you’re right in that our once mighty D has disappointed this year, but that talent’s STILL there. If those guys can tap into their inner-Bear, they can beat ANY team in the NFL. Yep, I just said that. I had a fear that after the GB loss, the Bears would squander their rejuvenated passion and intensity against the lowly Rams, an otherwise easily-spankable team. But I don’t think that’s going to happen. I think that win helped them get a little proverbial swagger back, Ulracher and Briggs playing at a high level in tandem, Alex Brown and Tommie Harris actually getting a pass rush and getting SACKS!! I hope/expect that game to provide them with the momentum-ous spark they’ve needed. Obviously, the Vikes are in a bit more of a corner than the Bears (having lost the first game), and I expect them to come out swinging, too. If the Bears can quiet/stifle that initial assault, and keep the crowd out of it, the Bears should be able grind the game out to the end. If it’s still close by the 4^th quarter, I think that favors the Bears. If the worst happens, and the Bears lose outright, it’s not half as devastating for them as it would be for the Vikes. Why? Because besides the fact that we have the one head-to-head game already, as I’ve mentioned before, the schedule really favors the Bears for the remaining games this season. (at least on paper).

Aslo, I think Gus is feeling his age a bit, at this point in the season. IF (and it’s a big if, I know) the Bears are able to contain Peterson (if not shut him down outright J), and force Gus to throw throw throw, another 4 picks and a Vikes’ loss is probable. I think that traitorous prick Berrian may grab a long one, but he won’t be a constant factor. Remember, last game we didn’t have Tillman, but this one we will. Expect Tillman to play him tough, bumping him at the line, etc.

Another thing to consider is that the Bears have played their BEST games on Sunday nights this year…I expect nothing less this Sunday night.

Regardless of the outcome, I’d like to put this out there as consolation to EITHER team, when facing the loss (no matter how drastic it may be). It was about this time last year, wasn’t it, when YOUR Vikes whooped the ever-loving snot out the NY Giants IN THE MEADOWLANDS!! Multiple picks, a couple returned for TDs, lopsided score. At that time, everyone counted the Giants out. Well, we all know how their season ended last year, don’t we? I don’t think that Giants team had any more inherent talent than any of the 3 contending teams in the North right now. With health, a little momentum, a few lucky bounces, etc. etc.-you never know, right? Hope springs eternal!

Here’s another cold one and what do you want on your brat?

So, I offer that as consolation after your loss…J Beer-wise, give me a good hearty Imperial Stout, or a strongly-hopped Ale. On the Brat, I’ll take mustard and pickles.

Thanks for hearing my two cents. Sorry I don’t have time for more…I’d say “good luck” but I wouldn’t mean it. Still, you know you’re my favorite Vikes fan.

Here’s to the Black & Blue!!  (and orange!) J

Bear Down!

This game can’t come quick enough!  Let’s go enjoy the game.  Skol to you Amishbear!

Hicks Now Right and Cook Can Only Look

In an effort to shake things up a little, Brad Childress notified this year’s under-performer of the week, Ryan Cook, that he has been demoted to the bench. After starting at right tackle in 29 consecutive games, Cook was relieved of his starting duties and Artis Hicks was named the new starting right tackle.

Artis played left tackle for the suspended Bryant McKinnie and did a respectable job against four outstanding defensive ends. Did that had a lot to do with Hicks getting the nod?

“It sure doesn’t hurt the decision at all,” Childress said. “I mentioned before he’s a natural left-handed guy, but he’s got the ability to swing all the way along that line.”

Being left-handed means that his usual or natural position on the line is on the left side. That is the side he is most comfortable with and moves naturally. If you remember last year, he was replaced at right guard by Anthony Herrera for poor performance himself. Let us all hope that tackle has much better results.

Cook and Hicks were each asked about the move.

“I kind of saw it (coming),” he said. “Obviously, I’m not very happy with the decision, but that’s the decision they made. I’m here to support Artis in all his endeavors and the team, as well.”

“It’s all for the betterment of the offense. Cook’s a great player,” Hicks replied. “Don’t take nothing away from Cook. We all go through times where we’re not playing as good as we like. I had kind of known from my own personal opinion of how I played (in the Green Bay and Tampa Bay) games. I made technical mistakes that I shouldn’t be making.”

As being one of the few Ryan Cook fans in the Vikings blogosphere because he’s a hometown boy, I have taken a lot a grief over his play and given some. For all of those I may have come on a little strong or over the top, my apologies. I did my analysis last year and he was just barely below average compared to other starting right tackles , but this year, and especially the last two games has played worse than that. Demotion is deserved.

All we need now is Cedric Griffin benched (which was a possibility prior to Gordon’s gruesome injury), and the whole 2006 second round of Ryan Cook, Cedric Griffin and Tarvaris Jackson could be standing behind Brad Childress and cheering the team together. Some advice, “Watch your back Cedric.”

Artis Hicks needs to view this as his chance to cement a starting position and we all hope play on the right side of the line improves. First test is the Jags and rookie Quenton Groves. A nice start and help with a win will be a step in the right, and first place direction.

Brad Childress is obviously feeling the criticism and not liking it.  He is focusing his anger on writers and bloggers.  Usually most of those can be synonymous with fans like you and me, that care to peck out a word or two in discuss of the team we love.

There are pieces written in multiple spots this morning that highlight this.

Access Vikings / Vikings War Cry / Pro Football Talk

Arrogance in feeling that because we are not there with him, fighting the battles to be a head coach, we cannot judge.

Childress said, “I read a great quote the other day.  It was author unknown.  It read like this:  That editorialists and columnists are like men that come down from the mountains after the battle and shoot the wounded.  I thought there is a certain something to that.  I didn’t just make that up.  I didn’t just dream that up.  I’m not that deep.”

That was probably a time when gun technology was decades or centuries ahead of medical technology and it was thought of as a mercy killing, but I doubt Brad bothered to see what time period it originated from.

As Phil Mackey over at KFAN wrote,

OK, fair enough. But many of the “wounded” in this case are being paid seven figures to patch the bleeding, roll to their sides, and answer softball questions about the battle — the head coach included.

If Minnesota media members shoot the wounded, imagine what New York and Chicago reporters do to them.

Brad, If only I could talk with you, but you probably wouldn’t listen because I’m one of those men on your mountain…

People are asking why the best runningback in the league, who took the team to victory the week before was on the sidelines for most of the 4th quarter.  Chester Taylor is a good back, but Adrian Peterson is your star.  He wants the ball so that he can do what is necessary to win and the only carry he gets is on a kick return.  Fans are absolutely incredulous over the fact.  Do you want to win ball games or not?

In the Tennessee game you opted to punt hoping the defense would get the ball back when all the Titans had to do was kneel downs.  You throw your punter under the bus for failures on your coverage teams, along with a lot of other questionable calls on your part That could fill this blog for days, make us question your ability.  And you believe we shouldn’t criticize?  We are tied for first place in the NFC North for heaven’s sake, you say.  A mediocre 5-5.  With the talent on this team, you should be ashamed that the Vikings aren’t at least 8-2 at this point.  You promised Zygi Wilf a winning ball club and after time and his sweat and dollars to give you the opportunity, you want us to think 5-5 is good?  You have the same road winning percentage that Mike Tice was fired for (.333%) and you can do is attack your critics…

You are staring at the possibility that your three Pro Bowl defensive linemen will be suspended at the same time.  You are trying how to win the division (though that is starting to look questionable as your motive) and you blame us, the fan for caring.

Didn’t they teach you Brad, that being a coach opens you up to public criticism?  I don’t care if you are coaching Pop Warner or in the NFL, at every level there are folks that will dissect and analyze what you do.  You are on display for those that care about the game.  (If they didn’t care it wouldn’t matter.)  You learn to take valid criticism as lessons to be learned and grow from.  All other you let slide off your back, but when you think that none are valid, your ego has placed you on a pedestal that soon will have the legs blown out from under it.  Then, should the media poke at your wounds, get under your skin and fester like gang green?  You just might just want the man to come off the mountain to put you out of your misery.

At that time, you might be willing to learn but hopefully that will be long after Mr. Wilf notifies you that your services have been terminated.

In the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the armistice was signed to end the War to End All Wars.  We all know that the wars did not end and in every generation since, Americans have fought on foreign soil to preserve the freedoms that we enjoy today.  There are continuing threats today to the American way of life, the American dream and more importantly to our liberties.  Today we honor those that have and currently serve in our defense.  We hold special spot in our hearts for all, but give up an extra prayer for those that have given the ultimate price in this endeavor.  God bless these Americans and their families, be with them and give them strength.

As a vet myself, I wanted to let you know that those thoughts of encouragement, prayers, and well wishes during deployments meant the world to me and the great folks I served with.  Special thanks goes to the extended family back home that helped looking after my loved ones while I was gone.  It was greatly appreciated.

When I deployed to the Gulf for the first war, I remember well another tie that bound us to Americans back home.  As we prepared to defend Saudi Arabia and liberate Kuwait, we tracked and when we were lucky, watched NFL football.  It was tie to life and friends back home.  It was an emotional release for fans that cheered from the other side of the world, no matter who won.  It was also a way to show our colors and talk a little smack, but mostly it was a welcome break and a bit of home.

I still remember getting a Vikings t-shirt from my dad, and still have picture of the little 9” Christmas tree decorated with a Norseman and horns.  It was probably then that my Vikings fandom matured to point full commitment it is today.  I’m not alone and many service members feel the same way about football and their teams.

Most NFL teams that I saw this weekend had a special tribute to the military and vets everywhere.  You got to see folks in uniform near the sidelines in special areas.  The NFL has had a long history of supporting the troops every weekend at games and trips by players, coaches and flightline operations slowing cheerleaders, to the front lines for morale.  Only in America can a game children play come to mean so much more than wins and losses, but teamwork, power and home.

If you know or see a serviceman, veteran or a member of their family today, tell them thanks.

Now to some football and a little celebration of the Vikings beating the Packers for the first time since 2005.  In the 28-27 win, the Vikings running game seems to be getting stronger and stronger and will be the key to success in the last 7 games as the Vikings, Bears and Packers all battle to win the NFC North.

Adrian Peterson ran for 192 yards alone yesterday, more than the Packer’s offensive effort combined.  Most people think that the success should likely come running left behind the best guard in the league, Steve Hutchinson, but it wasn’t.  Running to the right and right over Pro Bowl DE Kampman, the Vikes had their biggest success Sunday.

Kevin Seifert of ESPN was nice enough to provide us with the numbers.

My boy (for those of you that don’t know, he went to the same high school and university I did so there’s a little ownership there) Ryan Cook, led the way. However, he reverted to form though a traditional false start and a face mask call (instead of holding), but other than that was a blocking machine.

Those numbers above are very similar to last year’s numbers and will have to continue for the Vikes to make the playoffs.

Part of running right also goes to Adrian Peterson himself. He seams adept at running in that direction. AD is demonstrating that he is getting stronger and stronger after every play and every game. This will bode well for the Vikings in the second half of the season, and there should be no rookie wall this time around.  The Vikings can only afford to lose two, maximum three games in the next seven, and Peterson and the push by the offensive line will be key.

Vikings fans enjoy the victory.  Americans, remember those that fought so that we football fans can enjoy all the victories and God bless America.

Adrian Peterson has been named the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week.  Peterson rushed for 139 yards (103 in the second half) and a touchdown on 25 carries against Houston last week and was nominated and voted by the fans for the honor.

Access Vikings / Vikings Now

Congrats to Adrian on his award. Hopefully last week’s performance gets dwarfed by this week against the Packers.