Luft’s Locker Room

Posts Tagged ‘Chicago Bears’

The Minnesota Vikings have lost two of their last three games and even though they’ve clinched the NFC North division, a sinking feeling is settling in amongst the fans.  Debate rages over Brett Favre’s rebuke of coach Childress’ “stream of consciousness” and all is not well in the land of Norseman.  Two games are left in the regular season; first against the clawless Chicago Bears and then annual seasonal nemesis of the New York Giants (fighting for their playoff lives), and the good folks cheering for the purple wonder if this dream season is starting to fall apart?

Last weekend's sideline skirmish between Brad Childress and Brett Favre is just the latest episode between the two. - Brett Davis/US Presswire

Offensive line play and the coach’s authority

First off, the offense line play has been horrible of late. Rather than dominate, or even most of the time win the battles, the linemen are getting beat in pass blocking and stood up in a rush blocking. Watch the next two games when we run the football. Look to see where the offense of linemen end up after their first few steps. It is usually the line of scrimmage, give or take a yard, instead of 4 or 5 yards downfield. That cannot all be blamed on Sullivan either. the ability to rush block greatly affects Adrian Peterson’s or Chester Taylor’s yard per carry stat. Going over to football outsiders, about the only place I know that tracks offensive line stats, it shows the offensive line ranked 24th in rushing.

Brett Favre, and the Vikings have been audibling out of runs. Brad Childress has been open with his philosophy about wanting to run first and run often. He believes that is the way to win ballgames consistently and for a long time. But yet the Vikings seem to be throwing more and more. That is not such a big deal if your offense is geared around it, or if you do not have the running backs to sustain that type of power offense, but that is not the case here. Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor are two of the best backs in the league. When have the Vikings consistently had hundred plus yard rushers week to week? Are you going to tell me it is because Matt Birk is now in Baltimore or that Ryan Cook is a better rush blocker than Phil Loadholt? Everybody else on that line is the same. The difference is the person who elects to audible out of the run play.

You will counter that it is Brad Childress that gave him the authority to do such.  How true you are.  The whole idea is to give Brett the ability to take advantage of what the defense will give him.  An example would be if there are 10 guys stacked in the box, then Sidney Rice or Bernard Berrian will be covered one-on-one streaking down the sidelines or running a post.  That is the idea, but is Brett Favre taking what the defense is giving him, or is he audibling out to something he is a whole lot more comfortable with? He likes the spotlight and he even admitted that he didn’t come to Minnesota just to hand the ball off to Adrian Peterson.

Adam Warwas over at Vikings Gab Road wrote a great blog today comparing the run versus the pass.  We have all heard how each team desires a balanced offense, where we run 50% of the time and throw the other 50% of the time.  That’s why the Vikings were said to be that one good quarterback away from making it to the Super Bowl, one that could throw and achieve that balanced attack that seems to be the golden key for success.  Adam goes on to break down the stats of run versus pass for each and every game the Vikings played this season.  There are some surprising results.  Of the three games lost, the running percentage has been under 35%.  Every other game, all the wins, it was well above that mark.

If you set that percentage at 40% or greater there is an interesting result.

Games with the least 40% rushing the Vikings record is 10-0 with an average point difference of 16.6.

Games with less than 40% rushing the Vikings record is 1-3 with an average point difference of -9.75.

As we have learned, Brad Childress has tried to remove Brett Favre from the game at least twice (Six ‘events’ between Childress and Favre) before the Carolina game, and obviously during the third quarter of the Carolina game caught by an NBC cameraman in all its glory, what do the other players think? Coach Childress has allowed a player to undermine his authority. How will the other players react? Will they take this as an example of an acceptable behavior in the future when they don’t get what they want? Will they just keep on playing and refused to be benched? I will argue that that is more damaging for the Vikings in the long term, much less in the short term. This does bother me and Erin McLaughlin at Bleacher Report.  Doesn’t this bother anybody else?

This is the beginning of the bad Brett and the explosion within the organization. It is taking place in slow motion and I am seeing the fireball expand and shrapnel fly in all directions. Knowing that there will be blood and carnage shattering through what were moments before, thoughts of blissful Super Bowl victory parties. Dissension, mistrust, lack of faith and anarchy are all seeded on television for all to see.  It was if we saw him riding his tractor with the seed attachment in back working its magic to produce a much promised reward.

Could this just be an aberration, a blip, or stupid thinking by a hapless coach?  The argument can be made that way, but this is the same guy that pushed all in to get Brett Favre.  Brad Childress is also the coach that gave Brett far the ability to change plays at the line of scrimmage as he saw fit, even if that means changing to a Favre centered offensive game plan instead of an Adrian Peterson featured attack.

I am so Purple pumped, I can hardly contain it. The season is about to start and I can’t wait. The long preparation from the 2008 campaign to opening kickoff is almost over.

Boom, boom.

Can you feel it? It is a palpable, ever intensifying drum beat of of battle. They can hear it Green Bay, Chicago and even Detroit. It is getting louder.

Brett Favre ’s arrival only solidifies the Vikings as the crème of the crop in the NFC North. – Detroit News

Boom, boom.

There has been the good word that the Williams Wall will start game one and the rest of the season. If you are a Brownies fan, you might think otherwise. How many sacks and interceptions will this top 5 defense rack up in week one? Who will be at the receiving end, Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson [does it really matter], of Jared Allen’s fury, EJ Henderson’s sinus clearing hits, or Antoine Winfield’s pick 6?

Boom, boom.

How about that primed for battle offense with the best back in the league? 2000 yards is heard whispering on the winds. Chester Taylor is probably the best 3rd down back in the business and the #2 punch that is deadly. Speedsters that can catch, Bernard Berrian, Percy “Rookie of the Year” Harvin and his “WOW!” factor, Visanthe Shaincoe who has developed into one of the best pass catching tight ends around, and the rest of the stable of more than capable point producers.

Boom, boom.

They are lead by the ageless ironman, Brett Favre. He has more experience in this offense than most of his coaches. He knows the correct read within milliseconds, and still can plant a football through the Vikings indoor practice facility’s wall. But his throwing is only secondary to making the right decisions and handing the ball of to Adrian Peterson. This is AD’s offense, and Brett will just help to open it up even more.

Boom, boom.

So man your oars, the longboat is ready and provisioned. The quest starts Sunday, one with a goal of raping, pillaging and burning up the NFC North and the rest of the league. The journey will culminate in Vikings glory in Miami.

Boom, boom.

Hear the battle axes and swords banging against the mighty Vikings shields. Can you feel it?

BOOM, BOOM!

I was asked by a reader why this season’s Vikings free agency has been so silent.  I agree is has been nothing more than a whimper than roar [not that the Bears have been doing much of that either].  It has come in like a lamb but will hopefully conclude like a lion [not to be confused with the 0-16 Detroit Lions].  The remainder of the NFC North has been just as frozen and smelling of old Limburger cheese.  Why?

I cannot give you any sane reasons why the Vikes seem almost silent during this free agent period.  I don’t think it has to do with the economy, because any big name like TJ Houshmandzadeh couldn’t hurt ticket sales, but TJ almost seemed an afterthought.  I can only surmise that most available free agents this year don’t fit the “coming off of their first contract with plenty of potential” mode that the Vikings like so much.

To date, The Vikings signed Sage Rosenfels after two years of courting and no visits to back up pay.  Yes, he will compete with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting job (as of now), but a 3 year $9 million contract is only good back up money.

Speaking of 3 years and $9 mil, one of the first things the Vikings have done right so far was to re-sign Jimmy Kleinsasser, one of the very best blocking tight ends in the league.  Jimmy has been with the team since being drafted in 1999 and now that Matt Birk is a new Raven, makes him the longest tenured Viking.  His power and blocking abilities come in handy when lined up next to Ryan Cook and even Bryant McKinnie.  He has been part of the blocking scheme for 4 of the 5 highest rushing seasons by Minnesota backs.  Matt Birk can’t even claim that due to the season he was out with his sports hernia operation.

The only free agent that was brought in so far was TJ Houshmandzadeh, and even though the Vikings offered the veteran receiver the best chance at winning, he sided with the money.  He had proclaimed earlier that he would, so that, and being closer to his LA home shouldn’t have surprised us that he chose the Seahawks.  Do you really want a player that doesn’t want to be there?  You can say the same about Matt Birk and wish him well as he moves on to the Ravens.

Then today, we hear the good news that the Vikings re-signed their special team ace and #4 linebacker Heath Farwell.  Heath, like Jim, was allowed to test the free agent waters and visited the Pats and the Browns but felt like his place was in Minnesota.  He, like Jimmy wants to be here.  The Vikings ended up signing him to the richest special teams player contract in their history, a 3 year, $7.75 million that calls for $3.25 mil in guarantees.  With the release of Vinny Ciurciu, who wasn’t as good as Heath anyway, the need to have the special teams ace was all the more important.  Vikings fans everywhere don’t want to see a repeat performance of the horrible coverage teams from last year.

Karl Paymah is scheduled to come visit this coming up week.  He is a cornerback from the Broncos who started a couple of games last year.  He is a second tier free agent that fits that “coming off of their first contract with plenty of potential” mold.  We need depth in the secondary with not only Antoine Winfield getting older, but also with Darren Sharper not being re-signed.  Paymah, if signed, will fit that depth role and could hope to earn more though improved play combined with an unfortunate injury to Winfield or Griffin.  He will only be the second free agent to visit if he makes it past his meeting with the Buccaneers and Browns first, and definitely nothing to get excited about.

Hoping for excitement, that roar of the warrior right before battle may manifest itself in a blockbuster trade like last year’s to get Jared Allen.  The only hint of that may be in the rumors of the Vikings being interested in disgruntled Jay Cutler from Denver, but the theories on how to pull that off are not real plausible.  It will take a huge leap on the Broncos’ part to give up their Pro Bowl quarterback with no real alternative waiting in the wings.  Here’s hoping to their stupidity.

The other big name quarterback situation that the Vikings are watching is of Donovan McNabb in Philly.  If that relationship sours again, you might see a move by the Vikes to trade for Brad Childress’ claim to fame.

Another option may be the discarded Terrell Owens, but word from Vikings personnel guy Rick Spielman said the Vikings have no interest.  “We would never say never, but you can put the pieces together and the history with Coach Childress [in Philadelphia].”  Word had it that Chilly and T.O. had buried the hatchet and were getting along, plus with George Stewart being T.O.’s father figure and old receiving coach from his 49ers days, you have to wonder if a deal could actually work.  T.O. does make quarterbacks into legitimate stars (at least for the first year) as pointed out by my good friend Pacifist Viking.  But he is getting older, his production is dropping off and he doesn’t fit the free agent mold the Vikings like, but then again neither did TJ Who…

Like the rest of the NFC North, free agency has been eerily quiet.  Hopefully the draft will stir more excitement, but the Vikings having the #22 pick won’t net the team any blue chippers.  Let’s just hope we can get some quality starters at need positions and depth where it is needed.  Our favorite coach, Brad Childress will be on the hot seat after finishing the season with a 21% approval rating, so you hope he tries to make some move to ensure that the Vikes win the division again and make a long drive into the playoffs.

I think the overall answer to your question is that there weren’t the players available to make the noise with so far, or at least ones that the Vikings and Brad Childress were interested in.  Let’s hope something changes for the better.   Here’s to a roar sometime this offseason and hoping that your spring will be a little more exciting.

The Magic Number of ONE!

The Minnesota went down for their second road game in a row, and demolished the Arizona Cardinals in their house 35-14.  That means the Vikings magic number is one game; either one win or one loss by the Chicago Bears and the Vikings will clinch their first NFC North division title (the last time that they won it was the NFC Central).

Let the excuses fly for Arizona, like they had nothing to play for, but it won’t wash.  They were embarrassed by dominant play on both sides of the ball and on both lines of scrimmage.  It was the most complete game that the Vikings had played in the Brad Childress era.

First congratulations go to Adrian Peterson for breaking the Vikings single season rushing record.  The record was 1,521 yards, held by Robert Smith in 2000, Peterson today ran for 165 yards and now has 1,581 yards with two games left to play.

Also, AD set another franchise record for 9 games rushing over 100 yards… and there are still two games left to play.

Jared Allen and the rest of the defense absolutely harassed Kurt Warner all day.  Harassment came in the form of 4 sacks and 11 hurries.  Jared Allen had 2 more sacks bringing his season total to 14.5, just a half sack short of his league leading total from last year… and there are still two games left to play.

The biggest and brightest story of the game will be Tarvaris Jackson’s first start since week 2 and his benching.  He went an efficient 11 of 17 for 163 yards.  He had 4 touchdowns and a QB rating of 135.5.  He was making smart decisions and precise throws all over the field.

In breaking news, the Childress KAO actually was this afternoon.  If the Vikes continue this play next week and into the playoffs, they might just be that hot team on a roll.

I would like to thank Gonzo over at the Daily Norseman for running the best streaming game thread in the world.  Literally, with fans logged in from Kuwait, Sweden and Iceland just a few being able to read reactions of those watching just like we were there with them.  Thanks Buddy.

Skol VIKINGS!

Football means a lot to die hard fans.  It means a lot to the culture and history of family in this country.  You see it on Thanksgiving with the family game of touch football, or like the NFL commercial goes, “you dress like your father”.  You see it at packed football stadiums on Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays, and in the house in front of TV.  You see it on the internet in blogs and chat boards, and if you’re reading this, it is all the more evidence.

Forgive my indulgence; for it was a year ago today, I lost a man very near and dear.  This man was the one that passed on for the third generation the love of the game and knowledge of what it meant to compete.  That man was my dad.

Dad, senior year of high school, circa 1955-56

I open my blogs “about me” sections mentioning that he took me to my very first ball game in the Old Metropolitan Stadium when I was 6.  I’m not positive who the Vikings played that day in 1969, but suspect it was his favorite team, the Chicago Bears.

I had moved a lot as a child after that and due to the circumstances didn’t get to live with my dad again until I was in junior high.   (Yes, for the younger fans reading this, that is what it was called and is 7th, 8th, and 9th grades all in one school, right before they made middle schools.)  It was at this time my love of just watching the game and playing touch on the playgrounds moved into pads and playing organized ball.

I still remember my dad giving me pointers and yelling from the sidelines encouragement.  His playing days had ended as the starting fullback at Boston University in 1960 (when they had football), but I was growing up a lineman.  It didn’t matter because he knew that I loved it.

On a side note, my dad wore the #28 in college.  I didn’t know that until a little over a year ago.  Then after the Vikes drafted Adrian Peterson and he chose to wear the number, every time I see it, I can’t help but think of Dad.  To me, it is one of those things that make it all the more special for both men.

In high school I transitioned over to my two favorite spots of tight end and defensive end.  We were expected to play both ways back then and I couldn’t put on enough weight to play the interior no matter how much I tried.  (Boy, what I would give to have that metabolism back.)

My dad would run with me on occasion in the offseason if I wasn’t participating in another sport.  I have memories of running in the neighborhood, through wooded trails, on the track and even on the golf course, telling me to push harder and to “beat your old man”.  He believed in me and that I could be good at whatever I put my mind to, but it was football that he instilled the knowledge that it took hard work.  Also, that you had to learn to play through the pain, both literally and figuratively, on the field and throughout life and enjoy the successes all the more. Thanks Dad.

Throughout the years we would always be on the phone, back and forth on Sundays, and of course Vikings – Bears games were extra special.  There was a family football pick’em pool that we all enjoyed playing increasing the fun and occasionally winning or losing a small wager.  We would have been even this year.  As a buddy of mine says, “Good times”.

My dad never stopped being proud of me (or my sister), and I of him.  Enjoy the best seat in the house and cheer on your Bears, Dad.   Know that we’re thinking of you and will continue to pass the love of this greatest game on to the fourth generation.

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!

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.

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 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.