Luft’s Locker Room

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.

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