Fire Chilly

Although this kid looks like a total donkey, I agree with the message. Brad Childress has to go.

Since the season is OVER for Vikings fans, we will have a new feature at Skol Vikes. On the right hand side we will now start keeping track of the race for the number one pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

It’s going to be hard to catch the Dolphins and Rams, but I have faith we can do it!

The Vikes are Pathetic

The Minnesota Vikings can be summed up in one word, pathetic. Pitiful, horrible, embarrassing, unwatchable, boring, and LOSERS are other words that come to mind when thinking about the Vikes.

Once again in a game they should have won, they LOST. Eagles quarterback, Donovan McNabb threw all over the Vikes and the Vikes offense was again TERRIBLE.

McNabb ended up throwing for 333 yards and one touchdown. The Vikes started Kelly Holcomb who threw for 88 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game with a neck injury. He was pile driven into the turf by his facemask by some Eagle player.

With Holcomb out, Brooks Bollinger took over. The third stringer showed some spark, but only threw for 94 yards. Neither quarterback had a turnover.

As usual, the Vikes lone touchdown was on their first drive. Tight end, Visanthe Shiancoe caught a nine yard touchdown pass from Holcomb. Honestly, what is up with the Vikes scoring on the first drive and then not being able to get a first down, let alone another touchdown? I seriously don’t get it.

The Vikes kicked an onside kick and recovered it (Heath Farwell). However, where most teams would at least get a field goal, the Vikes drive was: sack, incomplete pass, intentional grounding and punt. WOW.

That was pretty much how the day went. Even Adrian Peterson had a tough day. He carried the ball 20 times and only had 70 yards. AD looked okay, but as a kickoff returner he made a HUGE blunder. When receiving the kickoff to start the second half, AD caught the ball and stepped out at the ONE yard line. That was a bad mistake.

The Eagles Brian Westbrook scored two touchdowns. One rushing and one on a shovel pass.

GAME NOTES
Once again, Erasmus James was inactive. He’s turning out to be a total bust. Also inactive were Dwight Smith and Aundrae Allison. Tank Williams started again for Smith.

Apparently the refs don’t call blocks in the back on special teams anymore.

Something named Trent Cole SCHOOLED Bryant “Lazy Piece of Crap” McKinnie all day. I don’t know who is worse, the Vikes quarterbacks or their offensive tackles. Ryan Cook is not an NFL player. He actually makes McKinnie look decent and that’s tough to do!

Kenechi Udeze and Ben Leber had sacks for the Vikes.

Kicker, Ryan Longwell made all three of his attempts (39, 32 and 48). Both Longwell and punter, Chris Kluwe get a lot of playing time with this joke of an offense.

NEWT'S GAME BALLS
Offense – Adrian Peterson
Defense – Pat Williams
Special Teams – Ryan Longwell

WHAT NOW?
Although it isn’t entirely Brad “Chilly” Childress’ fault, he has to go. I would honestly fire him tonight and let Defensive Coordinator, Les Frazier interim as the Head Coach for the rest of the year.

After firing Chilly, I would cut Ryan Cook, Jim Kleinsasser and Troy Williamson. I’d bench McKinnie; start Holcomb or Bollinger at quarterback for the rest of the year and START Sidney Rice. I have no clue why this kid does not play.

At 2-5, honestly the best thing for the Vikes would be to LOSE the remaining nine games. They might not have to try to hard to do that. Besides Peterson and Rice, the rest of the team I would consider trading, cutting or whatever this offseason.

Bottom line is, the 2008 Vikings blow. Their coach is an idiot, their defense can’t stop the pass and their offensive passing game is nonexistent.

Here’s hoping for 2-14. With the first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select...

Third Time is a Charm

KLUWE EXTENSION
What goes along great with a terrible offense? A good punter. Vikes punter, Chris Kluwe signed a six-year extension yesterday. He is under contract with the Vikes until 2013. Kluwe is now among the ten highest paid punters in the league.

HOLCOMB TO START
It appears that Vikes backup quarterback, Kelly Holcomb will get the start Sunday at the dome. Holcomb is 0-2 as a Vikes starter, but has completed more then six passes in each game. Below are his stats so far in 2007.

At Kansas City: 14 of 28 for 169 yards with 0 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Loss, 13-10.

Vs Green Bay: 21 of 39 for 258 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Loss, 23-16.

VIKES VS EAGLES
With absolutely no reason to believe this, I think the Vikes beat Philly at home on Sunday. Holcomb is eager to prove he can lead this team and Adrian Peterson will want redemption for last week’s performance. Even though the Vikes are a slight underdog, for some reason I have a good feeling about this game.

NFL Draft Changes

Vikings fans may already be thinking about next year’s NFL Draft. Well, so are the league offices.

It was announced today that the NFL Draft will shorten the first round from fifteen minutes per pick to ten. Also the starting time will be moved from 11 am to 2 pm Central.

The second round will now be seven minutes instead of ten. Only rounds 1-2 will be on Saturday.

Rounds 3 thru 7 will be on Sunday starting at 9 am Central. The last five rounds will remain at five minutes per pick.

Round 1: Saturday, 10 minutes
Round 2: Saturday, 7 minutes
Rounds 3-7: Sunday, 5 minutes

I like that the league shortened the time limits in Rounds 1 & 2. This was much needed. I liked the early start on Saturday and enjoyed having three rounds the first day.

Early favorites for the Vikes to draft in Round 1 include Kentucky quarterback, Andre Woodson.

T-Jack Hurt Again

JACKSON HURT
Good news Vikings fans, quarterback, Tarvaris Jackson is hurt again. Late in the game yesterday, T-Jack fractured a bone in his index finger on his right hand. It was nice of him to tell the team today and not yesterday.

Did you know that Pats quarterback, Tom Brady threw SIX TOUCHDOWNS yesterday? Side note – two were to Randy Moss.

T-Jack threw SIX COMPLETIONS all game! That is unbelievable.

I must say, I bought the Jackson Kool Aid. Young guy with a cannon and a great work ethic. Too bad he’s terrible. Vikes coach, Brad “Chilly” Childress is banking his entire career on T-Jack. What an idiot. Sadly (for Chilly), it’s almost too late now.

In is unknown if Jackson or Kelly Holcomb will start on Sunday versus the Eagles. No matter who starts, they have to throw for more then SIX completions in the game.

One school of thought is, if healthy, play T-Jack for the rest of the year to find out or prove that he is NOT ready to be an NFL quarterback. Once proven, the Vikes could look elsewhere in 2008.

The other school of thought is, screw T-Jack, he blows. Even though Holcomb is bad, he is better then Jackson. Maybe with six home games left, the Vikes can turn things around.

I used to say let T-Jack play, but I’ve had it with him. Holcomb should get another shot. If he proves hopeless, then just flip a coin and start whoever.

VIKES CLAIM SAFETY
As if you care, the Vikes signed rookie safety, Eric Frampton off waivers from the Lions. The Vikes cut guard, Brian Daniels.

What an earth shattering signing. The Vikes are sure to win now!

The Honeymoon is Over

Today the Vikes confirmed what everyone already knew, they stink. Even the franchise, Adrian Peterson proved he has some weaknesses. AD fumbled on the Vikes 22 and dropped a very catchable ball. The fumble lead to a Dallas field goal.

Peterson ended the day with 63 yards rushing and one touchdown. The Vikes lone offensive touchdown was on their first possession.

The Cowboys started the game by driving 80 yards and ended with Tony Romo throwing a five yard touchdown to TO.

Thanks to a Cedric Griffin returning a fumble for a touchdown, the Vikes were up 14-7 at half. Griffin had the ball pitched to him by Ben Leber, who recovered the fumble. Antoine Winfield forced it.

Late in the third quarter, Ryan Longwell had a 49 yard field goal blocked. It was returned for a touchdown. That pretty much sealed the deal as the Vikes lost 24-14 at Dallas.

GAME NOTES
Not only was the game bad, but so was watching it. The High Def feed from Midco and/or FOX was messed up.

Also, former Cowboy quarterback, Troy Aikman was one of the announcers for FOX. Not that I didn’t already, but I hate that Cowboy homer.

Tarvaris Jackson was terrible today. I’m starting to think he is terrible period. TJack was 6 of 19 for 72 yards. Yes, ONLY SIX completions all day. The Vikes badly need a real quarterback.

Kenchi Udeze forced a fumble that Kevin Williams recovered and scored on, but Ray Edwards was called for holding. In addition to Udeze, Williams and Brian Robison had sacks for Minnesota.

NEWT’S GAME BALLS
No game balls awarded today per the whole team was terrible. Actually the Vikes defense played okay.

The Vikes need a new quarterback and a new coach. Hopefully after ten more games the Vikes will have both.

AD Highlights

In case you missed the game on Sunday, below is a clip from YouTube. If you are a Vikings fan, you will enjoy. Double click the play arrow to watch Adrian Peterson run wild on the Chicago Bears.

Still Lovin’ AD

AD & MOSS
I still can’t get over how well Adrian Peterson looked yesterday. The kid has talent. AD currently leads the NFL in rushing yards with 607. This year may be a wash, but Peterson gives Vikings fans hope for the future.

In case you were wondering, the guy leading the NFL in receiving yards is Randy Moss. Moss has 610 yards receiving.

Just think if the Vikes had both of them. Life would be good.

FAVRE SETS RECORD
Packers quarterback, Brett Favre set a record on Sunday. A record for the most career interceptions in NFL HISTORY! I’m surprised the media wasn’t all over Favre on that record. Congrats Brett!

Vikes Run Over Bears

Thanks to Adrian Peterson and his three touchdowns, the Vikes beat the Chicago Bears 34-31 on a last second 55 yard field goal by Ryan Longwell.

Peterson set a Vikes franchise record with 224 yards on 20 carries. His touchdowns were 67, 73 and 35 yards.

The Vikes appeared to have iced the game after AD’s third touchdown, but the Vikes defense let Brian Griese throw two touchdowns in the last two minutes and some change.

Devin Hester burned Dwight Smith for a 81 yard touchdown to tie the game with a minute thirty to go.

Vikes STUD running back/kick returner, Peterson ran the kickoff back over 50 yards to help setup Longwell’s game winning kick.

At 2-3, the Vikes are third in the division. Da Bears are 2-4 and in last.

GAME NOTES:
Once again, Mewelde Moore and Aundre Allison were among the Vikes inactives.

Tarvaris Jackson started for the Vikes at quarterback as expected. Although he wasn’t spectacular, he wasn’t horrible. He only had nine completions on 23 attempts, but had a 60 yard touchdown to Troy Williamson. Williamson, Sidney Rice and Bobby Wade all had drops today. TJack had ZERO turnovers.

The Vikes rushed for 311 yards against the Bears. Even Chester Taylor had 83 yards on 22 carries.

Hester returned a punt in the first quarter 89 yards for a touchdown. Dontarrious Thomas was CLEARLY blocked in the back, but it wasn’t called.

Dwight Smith and Ben Leber had interceptions for the Vikes. Leber made a great grab.

Antoine Winfield and Pat Williams recovered fumbles.

It was a tough game for both Winfield and Smith. Winny slipped getting juked and gave up a long touchdown and Smith was burned by Hester late in the game.

NEWT’S GAME BALLS:
Offense – Adrian Peterson
Defense – EJ Henderson
Special Teams – Ryan Longwell

What a win by the Vikes. AD gives you hope as a Vikings fan. This kid will easily be the Offensive Rookie of the Year, a Pro Bowler and dare I say the best back in the NFL? He sure looked the part today.

It feels good to win again.

SKOL VIKES!

Fight Club

The Vikes have two interesting stories.

QUARTERBACK
Brad Childress hasn’t named a starter for the game at Chicago on Sunday, but Tarvaris Jackson has taken the majority of the first team snaps the last two days and likely will get the starting nod.

With TJack recovering from a groin injury and interceptitis, Kelly Holcomb will be his backup.

FIGHT NIGHT
In a way more interesting story, Viking (now backup) running back, Chester Taylor threw a chair at defensive end, Erasmus James Wednesday in the Vikes locker room after practice. Yes, a CHAIR!

It sounds like James punched Taylor and as retaliation he threw a chair. Apparently Holcomb taught Taylor how to throw because the chair missed James and hit the laziest and slowest offensive tackle in the league, Bryant McKinnie.

It is unclear if like chair knocked McKinnie down like most defensive ends do. I’m surprised the chair didn’t go right by him and hit TJack.

So it sounds like all is well in Vikingland. At Chicago will be a tough game. Hopefully the Vikes defense can score.

Scott Breaks Foot

Backup defensive end, Darrion Scott broke his left foot today. He was then put on injured reserve, ending his 2007 season.

Prior to the beginning of this season, Scott signed a one-year deal with the Vikes. Scott likely will be done as a Viking.

With Scott being out, Erasmus James (pictured) will once again be able to battle for a starting spot. Ray Edwards, Brian Robison and Kenechi Udeze are all ahead of him on the depth chart.

James, a first round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Vikes, has shown flashes of potential. James missed most of last season with a knee injury.

The Vikes are badly in need of a pass rush, hopefully James can help contribute.

My New Squad?

VIKES
Not much new in Vikingland. The only good news about the bye week is that the Vikes can’t lose today. I was going to do the old quarter report card, but it is too depressing. Obviously the Vikes need help at quarterback, offensive line and could use a pass rush on defense.

The few bright spots so far are youngsters Adrian Peterson, Sidney Rice and Chad Greenway. Vets, Kevin & Pat Williams and Antoine Winfield have also looked solid.

SUPERFREAK
If you ever read this blog, you know the one man I have love for, Randy Moss. Moss is tearing the league up!

Through four games, he has 31 receptions for 505 yards and SEVEN touchdowns! With Moss’ help, the Patriots are 4-0.

Pre-Moss I was never a Patriots fan, but now I find myself pulling for them. How can you not? They have the best quarterback in the league, my favorite player (Moss) and all they do is win. And win big.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the Vikes through thick and thin, but I think my AFC squad is the New England Patriots. However if Moss wasn’t there, I doubt I’d pull for them.

What a HUGE mistake the Minnesota Viking made when they traded Moss on March 2nd, 2005. In case you forgot, the Vikes got Napoleon Harris (now a Chief), the number seven pick overall (Troy Williamson) and a throw in seventh round pick.

Way to go Red McCombs, Mike Tice and Daunte Culpepper!

Any Vikings fan that thinks the Vikes where or are better off without Randy Moss are total idiots. Moss is the man. With the help of Brady, he will finally win the Super Bowl he deserves.

AD & MeMo

ADRIAN PETERSON
Today Peterson was voted the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Month (September). AD already is fifth in the league with 383 yards rushing. He leads the NFL in all yards from scrimmage with 549.

Assuming he stays healthy, don’t be surprised to see AD be the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He is really the only thing the Vikes offense has going.

MEWELDE MOORE
Speaking of running backs, with the Tampa Bay Bucs losing Cadillac Williams for the year with a torn ACL, rumors are swirling that they have their eye on Mewelde Moore of the Vikes.

Moore, who becomes a free agent after this season, is in his fourth NFL season. He has 1,243 yards rushing including one touchdown.

Moore used to be the Vikes third down back and punt returner, but Brad Childress must not like him much because he usually rides the pine this season.

I like MeMo and thinks he has talent, but with AD and Chester Taylor, the Vikes backfield is very full. Moore is expandable especially since there is no chance he would be re-signed by Minnesota.

It is rumored that the Vikes want a first, second or third round pick, but the Bucs laugh at that. Tampa is offering a sixth. It would be nice to somehow get a fourth or fifth round pick out of Moore.

Regardless, it appears MeMo’s days as a Viking are limited. Lucky guy!

Somehow a rumor started that Tampa wanted Bryant McKinnie and Taylor, but that is totally unrealistic. Don’t get me wrong, I’d bundle them up for a second round pick and keep Moore, but no one wants lazy McKinnie and his fat contract.

The Return of TJack

In Monday’s press conference, Brad Childress basically dodged the “why don’t you play Adrian Peterson in the second half” question and declared that assuming healthy, after the bye, Tarvaris Jackson will be back as the Vikes starting quarterback.

What a great game to come back for, at Chicago. Although the Bears are 1-3 also, their defense is still rather solid.

Not that you care, but I forgot yesterday’s game balls. They go to:
Offense – Adrian Peterson
Defense – Chad Greenway
Special Teams – Ryan Longwell

Isn’t it funny that you hear so much about Brett Favre and his touchdown record, but so little about him being three picks away from the ALL-TIME NFL INTERCEPTION LEADER!

I hope we get to see the pick that puts him over the edge 80 million times like the touchdown pass for 421.

And by the way, FOX analysts Ron Pitts and JC Pearson are both Pack loving donkeys.

Thank God for the bye week. I think the boys should blow a little steam off and rent some boats, get some booze and some girls (preferably strippers) and… NEVERMIND!