HOME OF MINNESOTA VIKINGS FOOTBALL

Brett Favre Saga continues at Vikings Training Camp

2008-07-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

Minnesota Vikings training camp starts on Friday and the Brett Favre saga is continuing all the way to Mankato. The local media (and national) is still focused on the possibility of Brett Favre a Viking…even at training camp. The media is asking other Vikings players what they would think if their old arch enemy showed up in a purple number 4 jersey. Most players are trying to steer clear of the issue, but Antoine Winfield said he would be pleased if Favre was on the Vikings team. I found this poll on the Tribs web site:

Which quarterback would best help the Vikings get to the Super Bowl this year?
Tarvaris Jackson 25.7%
Brett Favre 64.5%
A quarterback to be named later 9.7%
Total Votes: 5813

Apparently, Minnesotans would welcome Brett Favre across the river with open arms. That would not be the case for Vikings Vixen. I think I may give Brett the cold shoulder. He would need to earn my support. At Green Bay, he was kind of a baby and I don’t like babies and I just can’t get the image of him prancing around like a fairy the last time he was at the Dome (when he broke the TD record).

Fact: I wish Brett Favre would retire and go away so we can focus on the current Vikings team at training camp and put the what-ifs behind us.

Brett Favre a Minnesota Viking? No Way.

2008-07-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Brett Favre saga continues to amaze me. When every one was speculating Favre’s NFL return, Vikings fans (NOT VIKINGS VIXEN) immediately began speculating on if/how Brett Favre could become a Minnesota Viking. Vikings Vixen said in her most perfect convincing pink voice, “no way, not going to happen.”

Brad Childress is committed to Tarvaris Jackson (I've never understood why the NFL coach has to marry his quarterback. Everybody else is just a moving part, but it is what it is) and Childress isn’t savvy enough to steal Favre away anyhow, but I forgot about the savvy offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and his previous experience with Brett Favre and now apparently the Pack is claiming inappropriate relations/talks between Bevell and Favre. Hmmm…I guess all those crazy Vikings fans that were dreaming of Favre in the purple jersey weren’t as far off their rockers as I thought. I still say “no way, not going to happen.” Stay Tuned. The Brett Favre saga is not ending any time soon.

Vikings Quarterback vibe positive

2008-07-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

You know it's a good sign when your offensive coordinator likes your quarterback. This Vikings football season has several quarterbacks, don't they all? Darrell Bevell, the Vikings offensive coordinator, is really impressed with this years rookies and veterans. Bevell says the QB's are looking "very competitive." Although Bevell may be right, we have heard that the Minnesota Vikings were looking "competitive" many other times (call me a skeptic). Maybe this year the Vikes competitiveness will drive them further than the first round of the playoffs. Best of luck during training.

Henderson will wear in-helmet radio

2008-07-03T08:52:00.000-07:00

Vikings coaches believe E.J. Henderson will be the member of the Minnesota Vikings defense who wears the in-helmet radio device. The NFL agreed to allow one member of the defense to wear an in-helmet radio device to receive plays from the sidelines after 25 NFL teams voted in favor of it (7 voted no- Raiders, Packers, Seahawks, Eagles, Rams, Bucs and Redskins) Each team will be allowed two players per game to be equipped with helmets with the device, but only one of those helmets is allowed to be on the field at any time. It is rare for the NFL to make changes to help the defense, but this doesn’t seem like a huge deal to me. I am wondering if the average fan will even notice the difference.

As far as Vikings E.J. Henderson being the point man. It makes sense. Henderson normally stays on the field for three downs and calls the defensive plays anyway. He is coming off his best season and has established himself as a clubhouse leader, so why not him?

Will Brett Favre Retire or Not

2008-07-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

I think it is weird that I write a story about ESPN sending in the cavalry to watch Brett Favre’s jersey retire on opening night at Lambeau field and the very next day there are abundant rumors that Brett wants to come back and may not retire. Poor ESPN. The flip flopping of Mr. Favre is probably causing a few ulcers in the ESPN producers. Better break out the maalox – September 8th is a long way off and Brett is sure to change his mind 50 times by then.

ESPN has plans to Blitz Lambeau

2008-07-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

The Green Bay Press-Gazette reported that, in addition to the regular Monday Night Football crew of Mike Tirico, Rob Jaworski, and Tony Kornheiser, the ESPN Monday Night Countdown show will air directly from Lambeau Field, with Chris Berman, Stuart Scott, Tom Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson, Steve Young, Emmitt Smith, and Chris Mortensen in the house. Whoa! ESPN is brining in the entire horse and pony show for the Monday night Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers match-up on September 8th.

ESPN will also broadcast portions of two SportsCenter shows from Lambeau Field, along with their Pardon the Interruption show. ESPN officials are quoted as saying “…with the Packers set to retire Brett Favre’s jersey and this being ESPN’s first visit to Lambeau Field for a ‘MNF‘ game — the decision was a no-brainer.”

Perhaps we should rename Lambeau field to ESPN field for the night! With all eyes on the game, Vikings Vixen hopes the Minnesota Vikings will squash the Green Bay Packers and show the nation that THE PURPLE should be feared.

Minnesota Vikings News

2008-06-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

Things have been pretty quiet this week in Vikings country. Last week the big Vikings news was the release of the Minnesota Vikings training camp schedule. This week the”big” Vikings news is that Darren Sharper is in boot camp for a broadcasting job. Big woopty doo. Don’t get me wrong, I like Darren Sharper, in fact he is one of my favorite Minnesota Vikings players, but I could care less if he is training for a broadcaster position. *sigh* I can’t wait for Training Camp to start.

Vikings mascot competes in NFL mascot competition

2008-06-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

Vote now for our Minnesota Vikings mascot to be named the “Most Fierce NFL Mascot” Voting ends June 24th and after I voted this morning, Viktor is losing 45% vs 55% for the Carolina Panthers mascot. Come on Vikings fans, rock the vote and show the people of Carolina what Viktor is made of!

Vote here: http://www.sportsline.com/spin/story/10868945

Vikings Training Camp

2008-06-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

The Vikings training schedule is out and I see Dr. Phil added a couple of night practices. There are several benefits to that – 1. the weather is usually cooler for the players 2. more fans will have the opportunity to come by after work and see the players

The Vikings reported that 50,000 Vikings fans went to Vikings training camp last year. I am willing to bet that number will be almost double this year – with the added evening practices, Adrian Peterson star power and the addition of Jared Allen. There is definitely Vikings Mania around the Twin Cities and I am willing to bet it will carry over to Mankato for this years Minnesota Vikings training camp.

Players report July 23rd . . . five weeks away!

Vikings spent the dough, let’s hope it pays off

2008-06-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

A lot of Vikings fans are picking the Minnesota Vikings to finish at the top of NFC North and by the sounds of all the Vikings mania in the Twin Cities, some fans have already bought their Super Bowl tickets! Don’t get me wrong, I am excited for the Minnesota Vikings season to start as well mostly because the Vikes took significant steps to improve their roster this year with the addition of Jared Allen, receiver Bernard Berrian and safety Madieu Williams — those three alone have been guaranteed $60 million, but the fact remains that it’s June and the most strenuous activity this team has gone through was the just-completed minicamp. Let’s wait until the regular season starts before we determine if the Minnesota Vikings investment pays off.

Adrian Peterson golf tournament

2008-06-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

I saw an ad the other day for the first annual Adrian Peterson celebrity golf tournament to benefit the All Day foundation. The funds will help support the Boys and Girls club and Special Olympics Minnesota – all good causes! I think it is great that such a young guy is jumping feet first into this community, what a great example for others! Professional athletes have such an opportunity to influence society (both negatively and positively), it is good to see Adrian Peterson putting his fame to good use. The best part of the event? A live auction that includes a chance to win dinner with Adrian Peterson at his house!!! Sign Vikings Vixen up!

Check out the golf tournament here

Rick Spielman Quote on New Talent

2008-05-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

I like this Rick Spielman quote and I thought I should put it on my blog. Some Vikings fans (and radio broadcasters) already have the 2008 Vikings team going to the Super Bowl, but Spielman reminds us all that the reality will hit when the team hits the turf in August.

"Everybody's excited about seeing them run around in shorts and see what type of athletes they are, how they throw the ball, how they catch the ball," Spielman said. "But [when] they get the pads on and go through two-a-days in August and get a chance to see them line up in preseason, that's when you get a pretty good feel for what you have."

What better reason to buy a Minnesota Vikings ticket for a preseason match-up? It will be your first real chance to see the team in action under the Metrodome lights (ya know, as opposed to Friday Night Lights). I am going to be there Friday August 8th when the Vikings take on the Seattle Seahawks. My tickets were really cheap, like less than $20. It’s a preseason game so my ticket may say row 27, but I bet I will be able to move down and sit closer. I don’t want to miss seeing the new Vikings talent take the field for the first time, even if it is just preseason.

NFL Rule Change

2008-05-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

Last month, the NFL changed it’s force-out rule for 2008 stating that a wide receiver must have two feet in bounds in order for the catch to be ruled complete. I saw Bernard Berrian on the news trying to be all PC about the rule, but you could tell that he was irritated. The quote in the paper from Bernard is this:

"A lot of the rules help offense because they want high-scoring games because the fans love to see points," Berrian said. "So the defense obviously is getting a cheer out of this one. It helps them out a little bit to even it up."

But on the news, he said he will be interested to see how it works out and he was wondering how the NFL will deal with issues like a defenseman carrying a wide receiver over his shoulder out of bounds. Boy that is a picture! I am picturing Brian Urlacher carrying Bernard Berrian over his shoulder spanking him! Urlacher has a good 70 pounds on him – I would buy Vikings tickets to see that for sure!

Turnover should have been expected 5-28 vikes blog

2008-05-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

It seems all I am reading about in the local media these days about the Minnesota Vikings is how pathetic the 2005 Vikings draft was. The renewed interest in that particular year came as the Vikings released defensive end Erasmus James (we used our 18th pick in 2005 to get James and Vikings Vixen thought he would be a winner, but he just can’t seem to mesh in with the squad).

But let’s think about this from a business perspective. Vikings owner Zygi Wilf took over in 2005 and just like any other big company acquisition, turnover is to be expected. Rick Spielman, Vikings vice president of football operations, said about 85 percent of the roster has turned over since the end of the Vikings 2005 season.

New owners, just like new CEOS or even just new managers, have their own ideas and want to select their own followers. Vikings Vixen used to have a big shot job at a Fortune 500 company and once I moved into a new manager role with eight acquired employees. Some of those employees worked out and some didn’t, but let me tell you the 4 that I selected myself were 10 times more loyal and worked 10 times harder than the employees I acquired. It’s just natural to want to work hard and please the person that gave you the chance, that hired you. So, I don’t think it is any different when changing owners or even coaches. Turnover (no pun intended) is to be expected and with that turnover comes a slight adjustment period, but then if the leader is any good at recruiting and teaching the end result is a strong and successful team. It starts from the top down.

Erin Henderson Free Agent

2008-05-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

I was amazed that Erin Henderson didn’t get picked up in the NFL Draft. He had a great collegiate career at Maryland and he has the make-up of a true NFL player. Erin was expected to be selected early on the second day of the draft but instead slid through all seven rounds. The Minnesota Vikings signed him as a free agent shortly after the draft ended. The coolest part about that free agent signing? Erin’s big brother is Vikings Linebacker E.J. Henderson! Vikings Vixen thinks it would be awesome to see the two Henderson brothers on the field wearing purple together. I think a brotherly combination could be a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. I hope Erin has the chance to prove himself in training camp!

ESPN Ranks Minnesota Vikings

2008-05-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

ESPN just came out with their NFL power rankings and I have to say they are a bit different than SI’s. First of all, the Vikings are ranked 12th (as opposed to 7th) and ESPN doesn’t even comment on the Jared Allen acquisition. ESPN does say: If they settle on a QB, the Vikes could become a playoff team. RB Adrian Peterson is at the top of the list for MVP candidates.

Duh. I think 12th is reasonable, but I don’t agree with their Green Bay Packers ranking of 10th – the ESPN comment is: This is an unpredictable team in the wake of the retirement of Brett Favre. Who will step up and make the big plays this year?

How can you call a team unpredictable and then rank them in the top ten of the NFL? Looking at the NFC North, I think the Vikings are definitely on top and Vikings Vixen likes it on top.

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp

2008-05-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

Here are a few key dates for 2008 Vikings training camp courtesy of the Vikings’ web site:

July 23: Players report
July 25: First practice
Aug. 8: Preseason opener @ Dome: Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks Tickets <$10
Aug. 15: Camp breaks

The Minnesota Vikings will once again hold training camp at Minnesota State College in Mankato, Minnesota…where they have held training camp since 1966. Vikings Vixen would love to go some day before she dies.

Vikings Ranked in Top 10

2008-05-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

Peter King from SI.com ranked the Minnesota Vikings 7th for the upcoming season – 7th! I think that is fantastic! Go Vikings Go! You can read his reasoning here . . . here is my favorite part:

“And though I don't love the Jared Allen signing for the long haul (too dangerous), I love it for 2008. Allen's quickness on the turf of the Metrodome ... scary. Maybe 20-sack scary.”

Yeah , baby! Sack ‘em! Round ‘em up Cowboy! I am excited for this Vikings season! We are due for a good year!

Vikings do what is right: Pay Udeze Salary for ‘08

2008-05-06T11:30:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota Vikings placed Defensive End Kenechi Udeze on the non-football injury list, officially ruling him out for the 2008 Vikings season. Udeze, who announced his leukemia is in remission, can now spend the next year focusing on recovering from the cancer. Under NFL rules, the Vikings are not responsible for paying his 2008 salary because his “injury” is not football related. However, Brad Childress said today that the Vikings team will continue to pay Udeze his $807,500 salary this year.

“What he can do is focus on getting well,” Childress said. “He’s done a great job with that so far. He’s been positive. He’s been upbeat. What this does is obviously clear his mind of any financial issues, and the organizaton, particularly [owner Zygi Wilf and his family], have taken care of that.”

I am glad to see a wealthy business man do what is right for a change and not just what is right for the pocket book. This is better PR than when the Vikes fined Troy Williamson for going to his grandma’s funeral.

Vikings NFL Draft Grades

2008-05-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

I was listening to the boys over on KFAN talk about the Vikings Draft success and they ranked it at about a B…I might say a B minus since they didn’t trade up to secure a stronger defensive tackle. When looking around on the Internet at other NFL draft comments regarding the Minnesota Vikings draft picks, this one from SI is my favorite.

Minnesota Vikings: Are you counting DE Jared Allen, the big-league pass rusher
who came from the Chiefs for draft choices? You are? Then I love their draft.
But only if they help him beat the drinking problem. One DUI and it's a bad
mistake. Two and it's a problem. QB John David Booty (fifth round) from USC is
an interesting choice since the position is far from locked up.

The Vikings NFL Draft, Jared Allen plus…

2008-04-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota Vikings chose five players in last weekends 2008 NFL Draft. Only five. The fewest in Vikings history. I suppose if you add Jared Allen into the mix then its six players, and I think you should definitely include Jared Allen in the total draftees since we gave up three draft choices to get him. I think the Vikes did OK on their picks. I would have liked John Carlson in a Vikings uniform, but he got scooped up before we got to pick. Sad…Vikings Vixen sheds a tear.

So who did we get? a safety, a quarterback, a defensive tackle, a center and a punt returner. Oh, you want to know their names? Why? They probably won’t be starting any time soon, but I would like to see that QB start if T.J. slips up (and I am certain he will). Newest members of your Minnesota Vikings Roster: Safety Tyrell Johnson (Arkansas State), Quarterback John David Booty (Southern Cal), Defensive Tackle Letroy Guion (Florida State), Center John Sullivan (Notre Dame) and Receiver Jaymar Johnson (Jackson State).

My favorite…you guessed it John Booty – I just love to say his name.

Minnesota Vikings Jersey

2008-04-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

I am willing to bet the number 69 Vikings jersey will be a top seller – I will keep my 28 Adrian Peterson jersey, but I am willing to bet the man in my life will find it essential he own a 69 jersey. Any thoughts Vikings fans?

"I couldn't be happier, and I think it's a great fit," Jared Allen said of his new team (and his new jersey.)

Jared Allen Minnesota Vikings Defensive End

2008-04-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota Vikings made an investment in the present yesterday, a big investment, by securing Jared Allen from the Kansas City Chiefs. The Vikings paid 74 million dollars over six years AND gave up a first and 2 third round draft picks. Yikes! That is a high price for one player, but I think it sends the message to Vikings fans that the Minnesota Vikings want to be competitive this season; the Vikings are investing in the now and not in the future necessarily.

This big move signals that the Vikings organization thinks they are only one player away from being a Championship team. Vikings Vixen is glad to have Jared Allen and I know he will make a difference, but I don’t think the Minnesota Vikings are one player away from being a Super Bowl team. We definitely need help on the offense as well…quarterback, wide receiver….hello? You can’t win games if you don’t score any points and although I think Jared Allen is a key piece to the puzzle, I don’t think he is the center piece that completes the championship picture.

Vikings Schedule

2008-04-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota Vikings Schedule is out! I love football!

Gus Frerotte back on Vikings Roster

2008-04-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

A familiar name will be the back-up to Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson this season (or perhaps Tarvaris will be his back-up), Gus Frerotte. The 36 year old 14-year NFL veteran signed a two-year, $3.75 million contract. I wonder if there are any Vikings fans that have a Vikings Frerotte jersey? Probably not, but he did appear on the Vikings roster in 2003 and 2004 as a back-up to Daunte Culpepper.

Vikings Vixen thinks Gus Frerotte is a solid guy and will be a good mentor to our young team (although he could use a hair cut). I had heard a while back that the Oakland Raiders were looking at him, but I am guessing the Vikings offered more money. It seems like a lot of dough for a back-up which is what leads me to believe if Tarvaris doesn’t look strong coming out of the gate, Frerotte will get a chance to start. Be afraid T.J., be very afraid.