The last 2 years have been a whirlwind as a Viking fan, going from dominating the NFC Championship game yet losing due to undisciplined play/coaching, to being a laughing stock with the same core group a year later. The never ending Williams wall Star Cap saga, to Favre-Gate 2010, to the clueless trade of a 3rd round draft pick for Randy Moss only to release him mere weeks later for no apparent reason other than a Tinuccis meltdown. Then the downward slide of former coach Childress and his eventual mid season departure.
Stability appeared to finally arrive after the interim Head Coach tag was removed from Leslie Frazier and he was made the permanent coach prior to the end of the 2010 season. Then the CBA situation deteriorated and we are now in a holding pattern. Despite the CBA remaining unresolved the NFL draft will go on as planned in April. There are many interpretations and mock drafts trying to anticipate what needs the Vikings might target.
One thing almost everyone agrees on is the Vikings need for a franchise QB. Brett Favre will not be back even if he unretires as Leslie Frazier has said we will not be going down that road. Tarvaris Jackson who is a free agent was not tendered and is not expected back (thankfully). Joe Webb who appears to be very athletic and better suited to being an NFL QB at some point than Jackson is still raw, needing a lot of coaching/mentoring. Late season addition Patrick Ramsey is not expected back and the other late addition Rhett Bomar plucked off the NY Giants practice squad & signed to a 2 yr deal is an unknown & unproven commodity.
That brings us to options available through free agency, trades and the draft. First because his name keeps popping up Vince Young formerly of the Titans, no, oh please god no!! He is at best an overpaid slightly more polished Tarvaris Jackson. Other names reportedly available are Kyle Boller (ick), Carson Palmer, Marc Bulger, & Matt Hasslebeck. A couple of these might be serviceable options to manage the team for a couple years and mentor a young franchise QB so that he can learn and grow. As long as we get away from the Denny Green/Brad Childress era mentality of raiding AARP service lines for a QB every year to prop us up and lead us.
Ok so if we do or don't go for a mentor QB there is still one inevitability, if we want to change the Vikings culture and fortunes we need to draft a franchise QB in 2011 and there are many options this year. The question is which option suits the Vikings style, which is still somewhat unknown except to the Vikings. Although Coach Musgrave came from the Atlanta system so that might be looked at as a potential model or a hybrid version of that system.
Most of the names being tossed around for the Vikings who draft at #12 in the 1st round are:
- Blaine Gabbert (Mizzou) Expected to go first overall if not shortly thereafter but gone before the Vikings pick. Vikings Note: Had Gabbert in town for dinner Thursday 3/17/11. Were at pro day, no private workout.
-Cam Newton (Auburn) Very athletic. Accurate but arm strength a question.Big ego. NCAA issues. May have problems reading NFL defenses. Stock dropped a little at combine. Vikings Note: Like athleticism.
-Ryan Mallet (Arkansas) Strong Arm, accurate. Has off field issues. Arrogant and cavalier. Intelligent. Stock dropped because of attitude not talent. Vikings Note: Seems like an xcellent fit.
- Jake Locker (Washington) Strong Arm but accuracy concerns. Tends to be erratic. Vikings Note: Private workout.
These are the top QB's on the board. Gabbert is likely to be gone and one mock draft or another has the Vikings taking any one of the remaining three. The other available options are more likely go in rounds two or later such as Colin Kaepernick (Nevada) who is athletic with a strong arm but many feel will have more of an adjustment to make than the top 4. This is my pick for the Vikings early in the 2nd round after dropping in the 1st round to pick up an additional 3rd round pick. First rounder would then be used on OL more than likely Mike Pouncey (Florida) (C/G) or Tryon Smith (USC) (OT). If no QB selected by this time there is still Christian Ponder (Florida), Andy Dalton (TCU) (had a private workout)or Pat Devlin (Delaware)(home of Rich Gannon). These other QB's are projects more likely to need more developmental time.
The Vikings are on the clock........
VOYAGEUR COUNTRY-RED ZONE: Fans perspective and analysis of the Minnesota Vikings, other favorite NFL teams on occassion including Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders. Additional opinions on traditional rivals the Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears as well as other hated teams the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Business Community Support of New MN Stadium
With a stadium bill apparently imminent at the legislature as the 2011 session winds down, one thing puzzles me and that is the absence of business community support for the Vikings. Espescially those businesses that benefit directly like restaurants and bars. The hospitality industry as a whole gets a huge boost during the football season and absent a local NFL team would stand to lose a substantial amount of business and jobs. People can argue that the money will still be spent but that is an assumption and even if true there would be no guarantee it would be spent in Minnesota. People spend there discretionary money on things they enjoy and having fun, not going out just for the sake of going out (generally). With a team there is a sense of community pride, people bond, they interact and enjoy each other. There is a sense of oneness & a shared sense of purpose.
Will people go out on Sundays on a cold Minnesota November afternoon with nothing to look foward to, nothing to talk about or will Sundays become empty eventless days to stay home and do nothing? Of course there is always the possibility of catering your business to Packer fans? The Vikings have provided many good memories for our community and many of these establishments have a theme that revolves around the Vikings. Why? Because you know it appeals to people, it will draw them in to watch a game, to talk with like minded people and spend money. The Vikings are our team, they are part of our community and our identity. They belong here and we need to find a solution to ensure that they stay here, a solution that works for all of us. People and businesses need to rally, have events drawing support, to get the word out and educate people. We need business to stand up and show their support, letting their legislators know how important the Vikings are to local business with regards to both revenue and jobs. Get their customers to follow suit.
We need to have Save The Vikings Rallies with sign ups to show support, let people know how to contact legislators, have rally specials, wear Vikings colors and do what it takes to build some momentum. Let our legislators know that while the Wilf family may own the Vikings that they are our team, the Minnesota Vikings. I have yet to see anyone doing this, if you got the word out and had specials promoting the event espescially with all the negative football news lately, I bet it would be good for business, the Vikings always are.
There are now only 67 days remaining in this legislative session, one that will in all likelihood be our last chance to keep the Vikings in Minnesota. Once they are gone, what do we do hope to get someone elses team or get an expansion team? Either way we end up paying an exponentially higher amount than we would if we do it the right way now. If we don' t how many businesses will be negatively impacted or even forced to close their doors and lay off their employees? We would truly be returning to our roots and become a northern plain state.
Maybe the rally idea is over the top (anyone crazy enough or determined enough to try can contact me) but I would love to see people with Vikings rally caps getting behind this and have some fun doing it! If not you can still sign up to show support, get more information on the issue & help contacting your legislators and urge them to support a solution that works for Minny and keeps the Vikings here. Just visit and/or contact the organizations listed below:
www.savethevikes.org & on Twitter: @savethevikesorg
www.minnesotamomentum.com & on Twitter: @mnmomentum
www.vikings.com & on Twitter: @vikingsfootball
Will people go out on Sundays on a cold Minnesota November afternoon with nothing to look foward to, nothing to talk about or will Sundays become empty eventless days to stay home and do nothing? Of course there is always the possibility of catering your business to Packer fans? The Vikings have provided many good memories for our community and many of these establishments have a theme that revolves around the Vikings. Why? Because you know it appeals to people, it will draw them in to watch a game, to talk with like minded people and spend money. The Vikings are our team, they are part of our community and our identity. They belong here and we need to find a solution to ensure that they stay here, a solution that works for all of us. People and businesses need to rally, have events drawing support, to get the word out and educate people. We need business to stand up and show their support, letting their legislators know how important the Vikings are to local business with regards to both revenue and jobs. Get their customers to follow suit.
We need to have Save The Vikings Rallies with sign ups to show support, let people know how to contact legislators, have rally specials, wear Vikings colors and do what it takes to build some momentum. Let our legislators know that while the Wilf family may own the Vikings that they are our team, the Minnesota Vikings. I have yet to see anyone doing this, if you got the word out and had specials promoting the event espescially with all the negative football news lately, I bet it would be good for business, the Vikings always are.
There are now only 67 days remaining in this legislative session, one that will in all likelihood be our last chance to keep the Vikings in Minnesota. Once they are gone, what do we do hope to get someone elses team or get an expansion team? Either way we end up paying an exponentially higher amount than we would if we do it the right way now. If we don' t how many businesses will be negatively impacted or even forced to close their doors and lay off their employees? We would truly be returning to our roots and become a northern plain state.
Maybe the rally idea is over the top (anyone crazy enough or determined enough to try can contact me) but I would love to see people with Vikings rally caps getting behind this and have some fun doing it! If not you can still sign up to show support, get more information on the issue & help contacting your legislators and urge them to support a solution that works for Minny and keeps the Vikings here. Just visit and/or contact the organizations listed below:
www.savethevikes.org & on Twitter: @savethevikesorg
www.minnesotamomentum.com & on Twitter: @mnmomentum
www.vikings.com & on Twitter: @vikingsfootball
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Metrodome Repairs Underway...New Mn Stadium On Horizon
Birdair the company tasked with repairing the deflated roof of the Metrodome, reportedly has begun work on the project today. The Metrodome roof was torn and deflated in a severe winter storm that dumped 17" of snow on Minneapolis in December. It has sat unused since that storm and resulted in the relocation of 2 Vikings games during the 2010 season as well as lost revenue for the team and community. Numerous other events scheduled to be held at the dome were also either relocated or cancelled, including Twinsfest which was held in January and was relocated to the National Sports Center in Blaine resulting in the team being forced to scale back its size and number of people allowed to attend. The cost of the repairs is believed to be $18 million with some estimates as high as $25 million with the cost covered by insurance on the facility.
The situation with the dome and the fact the Vikings lease runs out there after the 2011 season has added to the urgency to find a solution for a new Vikings stadium and a permanent home. A new stadium is estimated to cost around $700 million with an additional cost of $200 million with a roof. Over $300 million of the cost to build a stadium would be paid in wages as a result of over 13,000 jobs that would be supported during the construction phase. With the Vikings currently paying or responsible for over $20 million in taxes being paid annually into the general fund, a number expected to jump to over $26 million, and an additional $145 million of spending by Viking fans within the state a new stadium would be a huge boost to our local economy.
Efforts to help find a solution and support for a new Vikings stadium are being spearheaded by Minnesota Momentum & Save The Vikes.Org in cooperation with the Minnesota Vikings. For more information regarding the current stadium situation, to sign up and show your support, as well as information & help with how to contact your local legislators and the governor to encourage their support of this issue please visit:
www.savethevikes.org
www.minnesotamomentum.com
www.vikings.com
You can also follow all of the above on facebook and twitter. To contact and follow on twitter:
@savethevikesorg
@mnmomentum
@vikingsfootball
The situation with the dome and the fact the Vikings lease runs out there after the 2011 season has added to the urgency to find a solution for a new Vikings stadium and a permanent home. A new stadium is estimated to cost around $700 million with an additional cost of $200 million with a roof. Over $300 million of the cost to build a stadium would be paid in wages as a result of over 13,000 jobs that would be supported during the construction phase. With the Vikings currently paying or responsible for over $20 million in taxes being paid annually into the general fund, a number expected to jump to over $26 million, and an additional $145 million of spending by Viking fans within the state a new stadium would be a huge boost to our local economy.
Efforts to help find a solution and support for a new Vikings stadium are being spearheaded by Minnesota Momentum & Save The Vikes.Org in cooperation with the Minnesota Vikings. For more information regarding the current stadium situation, to sign up and show your support, as well as information & help with how to contact your local legislators and the governor to encourage their support of this issue please visit:
www.savethevikes.org
www.minnesotamomentum.com
www.vikings.com
You can also follow all of the above on facebook and twitter. To contact and follow on twitter:
@savethevikesorg
@mnmomentum
@vikingsfootball
Minnesota Vikings? It Starts With You..
Yesterday was a huge day for the state of Minnesota and the Vikings. There was a meeting led by Save The Vikes, Minnesota Momentum & Vikings Officials. The purpose to begin a grassroots effort to keep the Vikings in Minnesota and find a solution to the stadium situation. There is definitely a sense of urgency right now as the Vikings lease at the Metrodome expires at the end of the 2011 season, meaning that potentially there are only 10 games left for the Vikings as we know them. The Vikings have not threatened to leave Minnesota although there is a lot of speculation and they will not renew there Metrodome lease without the stadium situation being addressed. In fact I got the sense nobody wants the Vikings to remain in Minnesota more than the Vikings.
First of all I just wanted to thank Save The Vikes, Minnesota Momentum & the Minnesota Vikings for inviting me and allowing me to be a part of this effort. It is an honor and a privilege. Growing up in the 1970's watching the Vikings go to 4 Super Bowls was one of the most exciting experiences ever and brought so much recognition to this community. I can still see Sir Francis running around in the pocket trying to evade defenders like Jim or Jack Youngblood, Jack Ham and others. Watching the Purple People Eaters wreaking havoc on opposing offenses like few defenses on any team have done sense. Growing up as a child and having those role models to look up to and the dream of maybe one day being able to play for my favorite team is one I will always cherish. OK so I had no football skills to speak of and lived vicariously through them but I was a kid, give me a break, it was fun.
Having memories and dreams like that is something every Minnesota child should have if they are interested in football. It is one of many things the Vikings provide to the people of Minnesota while adding to our quality of life and options of things to do, espescially during those lean winter months.
There is currently only 68 days remaining in the 2011 legislative session so there must be a sense of urgency to find common ground and a resolution. The Vikings have been trying for over a decade to resolve this issue and have been rebuffed every year due to the existence of other issues. They even graciously stepped aside in 2006 so that a resolution of the Twins & Gophers situations could be obtained, otherwise we might still be looking at 3 unresolved stadium issues. The Vikings have definitely been a team player and recognize the value of other assets to Minnesota and our quality of life. They are a great partner and asset to our community. While there are indeed priorities that need to be addressed espescially in these difficult times, the time really is now. The lease is up, the dome is down, the economy and jobs are down and a Vikings Stadium Solution can help address all these issues.
In the last decade Minnesota has recognized the value, after losing the North Stars in 1993, of its sports teams as important pieces of our quality of life. The Minnesota Wild an expansion team awarded to Minnesota in 1997 after a long fight and a lot of money spent began play in 2000 at the newly constructed Xcel Energy Center. There was over $300 million spent to get this facility built and a team back in Minnesota after the Met Center was demolished which could have been renovated for $20 million in 1993. The Wild and the Xcel Energy Center has helped to rejuvenate Saint Paul and have helped draw many other events due to the quality of the venue bringing in additional revenue to the community. There were numerous jobs created during the construction and many permanent jobs as a result of the Wild and the Xcel Energy Center with all the events it draws.
While we were never in danger of losing the Gophers as they are part of the U of M, a public institution, the addition of TCF Bank Stadium, in addition to all the jobs and the rejuvenation of that area, has helped create huge revenue streams for Minnesota and the U of M. This is important because it helps sustain other sports which are non revenue producing and allows students to pursue their dreams which otherwise could be cut due to difficult economic choices.
Then of course there is the Twins & Target Field which took a decade to resolve and is built on the former site of a parking lot. This was a contentious debate that took a decade to resolve and looking back nobody can dispute the benefit it has provided to the community and will continue to provide for decades to come. It is one of the best facilities in the nation, has been warmly embraced by fans and the community, rejuvenated that area of Minneapolis and is creating larger than expected revenue streams for the state and local community directly and indirectly.
All of this leads us back to the Vikings and their dire situation. The team is currently subsidized to the tune of $15-20 million dollars per year by other NFL owners just to be able to compete. This is one issue NFL owners want addressed in the current state of the NFL as they do not want to be sending their money to other communities unwilling to help themselves. There has been 28 of the 32 NFL teams and communities that have in recent times resolved their stadium situations through new construction or renovation. The Vikings are currently in the smallest, the oldest unrenovated stadium and the lowest revenue producing stadium in the country putting them at the bottom in terms of competitiveness. A new stadium would put them in the middle of the pack, able to compete with the HATED Packers, Bears and Lions.
This issue can be resolved without using state general fund money or statewide taxes. There are numerous funding options on the table, we just have to get there, sit down and find a solution that works for everyone. The Vikings are not looking to be a burden to the community, & recognize the importance of all the other issues. They are looking to be part of the solution to the problems facing us today by helping create new jobs and new stronger revenue streams.
To help accomplish this we need every Viking fan to get on board, recognize the importance of the Vikings to our state quality of life and our identity. Information is available for you to contact your legislator to urge them to support this issue and help find a resolution. We need them to sit down and work something out that benefits Minnesota and keeps our team here where they belong. Two of our teams have already won championships and brought in huge amounts of money into other local economies on the backs of our efforts and money we spent, lets not make it a third. Please help us find a reasonable solution to fund a peoples stadium that works for all and keeps the Vikings in Minnesota. To do this please visit the websites below and sign up to stay up to date on the issues, you can find legislators contact information as well as a letter you can fill in and send to legislators and the governor. You can also follow and contact these sources on twitter and facebook for up to date information and answers to your questions.
Please sign up as a supporter, to contact your legislator, and/or to stay informed and up to date on the issues:
Save The Vikes Org.: www.savethevikes.org or on twitter @savethevikesorg
Minnesota Momentum: www.minnesotamomentum or on twitter @mnmomentum
Minnesota Vikings: www.vikings.com or on twitter @vikingsfootball
THANK YOU in advance for any and all your support to keep the Vikings here in Minnesota in a home deserving of Minnesotas most popular team.
SKOL VIKES!
First of all I just wanted to thank Save The Vikes, Minnesota Momentum & the Minnesota Vikings for inviting me and allowing me to be a part of this effort. It is an honor and a privilege. Growing up in the 1970's watching the Vikings go to 4 Super Bowls was one of the most exciting experiences ever and brought so much recognition to this community. I can still see Sir Francis running around in the pocket trying to evade defenders like Jim or Jack Youngblood, Jack Ham and others. Watching the Purple People Eaters wreaking havoc on opposing offenses like few defenses on any team have done sense. Growing up as a child and having those role models to look up to and the dream of maybe one day being able to play for my favorite team is one I will always cherish. OK so I had no football skills to speak of and lived vicariously through them but I was a kid, give me a break, it was fun.
Having memories and dreams like that is something every Minnesota child should have if they are interested in football. It is one of many things the Vikings provide to the people of Minnesota while adding to our quality of life and options of things to do, espescially during those lean winter months.
There is currently only 68 days remaining in the 2011 legislative session so there must be a sense of urgency to find common ground and a resolution. The Vikings have been trying for over a decade to resolve this issue and have been rebuffed every year due to the existence of other issues. They even graciously stepped aside in 2006 so that a resolution of the Twins & Gophers situations could be obtained, otherwise we might still be looking at 3 unresolved stadium issues. The Vikings have definitely been a team player and recognize the value of other assets to Minnesota and our quality of life. They are a great partner and asset to our community. While there are indeed priorities that need to be addressed espescially in these difficult times, the time really is now. The lease is up, the dome is down, the economy and jobs are down and a Vikings Stadium Solution can help address all these issues.
In the last decade Minnesota has recognized the value, after losing the North Stars in 1993, of its sports teams as important pieces of our quality of life. The Minnesota Wild an expansion team awarded to Minnesota in 1997 after a long fight and a lot of money spent began play in 2000 at the newly constructed Xcel Energy Center. There was over $300 million spent to get this facility built and a team back in Minnesota after the Met Center was demolished which could have been renovated for $20 million in 1993. The Wild and the Xcel Energy Center has helped to rejuvenate Saint Paul and have helped draw many other events due to the quality of the venue bringing in additional revenue to the community. There were numerous jobs created during the construction and many permanent jobs as a result of the Wild and the Xcel Energy Center with all the events it draws.
While we were never in danger of losing the Gophers as they are part of the U of M, a public institution, the addition of TCF Bank Stadium, in addition to all the jobs and the rejuvenation of that area, has helped create huge revenue streams for Minnesota and the U of M. This is important because it helps sustain other sports which are non revenue producing and allows students to pursue their dreams which otherwise could be cut due to difficult economic choices.
Then of course there is the Twins & Target Field which took a decade to resolve and is built on the former site of a parking lot. This was a contentious debate that took a decade to resolve and looking back nobody can dispute the benefit it has provided to the community and will continue to provide for decades to come. It is one of the best facilities in the nation, has been warmly embraced by fans and the community, rejuvenated that area of Minneapolis and is creating larger than expected revenue streams for the state and local community directly and indirectly.
All of this leads us back to the Vikings and their dire situation. The team is currently subsidized to the tune of $15-20 million dollars per year by other NFL owners just to be able to compete. This is one issue NFL owners want addressed in the current state of the NFL as they do not want to be sending their money to other communities unwilling to help themselves. There has been 28 of the 32 NFL teams and communities that have in recent times resolved their stadium situations through new construction or renovation. The Vikings are currently in the smallest, the oldest unrenovated stadium and the lowest revenue producing stadium in the country putting them at the bottom in terms of competitiveness. A new stadium would put them in the middle of the pack, able to compete with the HATED Packers, Bears and Lions.
This issue can be resolved without using state general fund money or statewide taxes. There are numerous funding options on the table, we just have to get there, sit down and find a solution that works for everyone. The Vikings are not looking to be a burden to the community, & recognize the importance of all the other issues. They are looking to be part of the solution to the problems facing us today by helping create new jobs and new stronger revenue streams.
To help accomplish this we need every Viking fan to get on board, recognize the importance of the Vikings to our state quality of life and our identity. Information is available for you to contact your legislator to urge them to support this issue and help find a resolution. We need them to sit down and work something out that benefits Minnesota and keeps our team here where they belong. Two of our teams have already won championships and brought in huge amounts of money into other local economies on the backs of our efforts and money we spent, lets not make it a third. Please help us find a reasonable solution to fund a peoples stadium that works for all and keeps the Vikings in Minnesota. To do this please visit the websites below and sign up to stay up to date on the issues, you can find legislators contact information as well as a letter you can fill in and send to legislators and the governor. You can also follow and contact these sources on twitter and facebook for up to date information and answers to your questions.
Please sign up as a supporter, to contact your legislator, and/or to stay informed and up to date on the issues:
Save The Vikes Org.: www.savethevikes.org or on twitter @savethevikesorg
Minnesota Momentum: www.minnesotamomentum or on twitter @mnmomentum
Minnesota Vikings: www.vikings.com or on twitter @vikingsfootball
THANK YOU in advance for any and all your support to keep the Vikings here in Minnesota in a home deserving of Minnesotas most popular team.
SKOL VIKES!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Randy Moss on KFAN AM1130
Randy Moss made a return to Minnesota this morning. No the Vikings have not re-signed him a 3rd time, he was on the air with Vikings linebacker @erinhenderson50 who was filling in for Paul Allen this morning.
Moss who is currently without an NFL job as he and the Tennessee Titans have recently parted ways, has spent time with 4 NFL teams including 2 stints with the Vikings durig his 12 year career. Moss stated stated it broke his heart to leave Minnesota. He also mentioned that he would be interested in coming back if the opportunity was available. However it does appear that his first choice would be the New England Patriots due to his affection for QB Tom Brady and Head Coach Bill Belichick.
Although the Vikings do have a need at the wide receiver position espescially with the impending release of Bernard Berrian who has been an immense failure during his time as a Viking, it is highly unlikely Moss would be brought back. There is however the uncertainty related to the situation of Sidney Rice due to the expiration of the CBA and nothing new in place. Rice could leave as a free agent depending on the terms of a new CBA. The Vikings made attempts to re-sign him prior to the CBA expiring but those attempts failed. Behind Berrian & Rice the Vikings still have Percy Harvin, Greg Camarillo, Greg Lewis, Jaymar Johnson, and something called Hackett. So while there are bodies there is a substantial gap after Harvin as far as skill level although Camarillo would make a great possession receiver if given the chance. Camarillo was seldom used by former coach Childress for unknown reasons, possibly due to the fact that he was not a former Philadelphia Eagle.
Expect the Vikings after releasing B Nothing to make some moves at the wide receiver position either later in the draft, after addressing the QB position and defensive needs, or through free agency. The free agent market has alot of bodies right now and that is expected to grow once a new CBA is in place, so there should be some quality options.
Moss who is currently without an NFL job as he and the Tennessee Titans have recently parted ways, has spent time with 4 NFL teams including 2 stints with the Vikings durig his 12 year career. Moss stated stated it broke his heart to leave Minnesota. He also mentioned that he would be interested in coming back if the opportunity was available. However it does appear that his first choice would be the New England Patriots due to his affection for QB Tom Brady and Head Coach Bill Belichick.
Although the Vikings do have a need at the wide receiver position espescially with the impending release of Bernard Berrian who has been an immense failure during his time as a Viking, it is highly unlikely Moss would be brought back. There is however the uncertainty related to the situation of Sidney Rice due to the expiration of the CBA and nothing new in place. Rice could leave as a free agent depending on the terms of a new CBA. The Vikings made attempts to re-sign him prior to the CBA expiring but those attempts failed. Behind Berrian & Rice the Vikings still have Percy Harvin, Greg Camarillo, Greg Lewis, Jaymar Johnson, and something called Hackett. So while there are bodies there is a substantial gap after Harvin as far as skill level although Camarillo would make a great possession receiver if given the chance. Camarillo was seldom used by former coach Childress for unknown reasons, possibly due to the fact that he was not a former Philadelphia Eagle.
Expect the Vikings after releasing B Nothing to make some moves at the wide receiver position either later in the draft, after addressing the QB position and defensive needs, or through free agency. The free agent market has alot of bodies right now and that is expected to grow once a new CBA is in place, so there should be some quality options.
NFL Draft Preparation
Well it is that time of year again and the NFL Draft is fast approaching. Everyone and their brother has a mock draft or thinks they know who their favorite team will select. Having said that someone is bound to be right, the next Mel Kiper (god forbid). What is fun about this time of year as a fan though is dreaming and trying to figure out what your team might do.
In 2011 the Minnesota Vikings will be selecting 12th overall in the 1st round. They will have no pick in the 3rd round as they gave that up to satisfy their curiousity of finding out if Randy Moss could still fit into his Vikings uniform. That apparently didn't go well as they quickly shipped him out. The Vikings have a lot of needs after a dissapointing 2010 and a coaching change with a new philosophy. Apparently Coach Frazier is going to look into the phenomenon of winning (not a Charlie Sheen reference).
The Vikings are in desperate need of a franchise QB, in addition probably a veteran QB to mentor him for a couple years. Other needs include solidifying the O-line and maybe a DT, LB, & DB. Depth at other positions could also be improved but Ben Leber is rumored to not be brought back, Pat Williams is having a tizzy and apparently won't be back, Brett Favre not even going there espescially since Coach Frazier made it clear we won't be traveling that road. As for the O-line well that was just a sieve!
Many people have the Vikings dropping down into later in the 1st round to take a DE. While I do see the possibility of dropping down, it is more than likely contingent on how the QB situation plays out and how many teams are in the 1st round market. If it looks like the guy they have targeted could drop, espescially early 2nd round then maybe they drop and take a defensive player later in the first or early 2nd adding a 3rd round pick.
How the CBA plays out between now and then could have a huge impact on the draft as it could alter who is and who is not a free agent. This is definitely a period of uncertainty and while the Vikings have a lot of needs they also appear to have been preparing for this year for awhile based on overall contract situations.
It would be nice to see the Vikings draft a franchise QB early (1st or 2nd). In the 50 year history of the Vikings only 2 QB's have ever been selected in the 1st round, the last Daunte Culpepper in 1999. If it were to happen he could be learning the ropes so he is ready to play in a new Vikings Stadium, assuming a #vikingsstadiumsolution is found and approved by the legislature.
Finally don't forget with the current CBA situation teams have been dumping players and salaries, the market will be flooded like never before. The Vikings are expected to jettison some dead weight as well which will free up even more money. So regardless of how the draft goes, the Vikings figure to be active in free agency.
In 2011 the Minnesota Vikings will be selecting 12th overall in the 1st round. They will have no pick in the 3rd round as they gave that up to satisfy their curiousity of finding out if Randy Moss could still fit into his Vikings uniform. That apparently didn't go well as they quickly shipped him out. The Vikings have a lot of needs after a dissapointing 2010 and a coaching change with a new philosophy. Apparently Coach Frazier is going to look into the phenomenon of winning (not a Charlie Sheen reference).
The Vikings are in desperate need of a franchise QB, in addition probably a veteran QB to mentor him for a couple years. Other needs include solidifying the O-line and maybe a DT, LB, & DB. Depth at other positions could also be improved but Ben Leber is rumored to not be brought back, Pat Williams is having a tizzy and apparently won't be back, Brett Favre not even going there espescially since Coach Frazier made it clear we won't be traveling that road. As for the O-line well that was just a sieve!
Many people have the Vikings dropping down into later in the 1st round to take a DE. While I do see the possibility of dropping down, it is more than likely contingent on how the QB situation plays out and how many teams are in the 1st round market. If it looks like the guy they have targeted could drop, espescially early 2nd round then maybe they drop and take a defensive player later in the first or early 2nd adding a 3rd round pick.
How the CBA plays out between now and then could have a huge impact on the draft as it could alter who is and who is not a free agent. This is definitely a period of uncertainty and while the Vikings have a lot of needs they also appear to have been preparing for this year for awhile based on overall contract situations.
It would be nice to see the Vikings draft a franchise QB early (1st or 2nd). In the 50 year history of the Vikings only 2 QB's have ever been selected in the 1st round, the last Daunte Culpepper in 1999. If it were to happen he could be learning the ropes so he is ready to play in a new Vikings Stadium, assuming a #vikingsstadiumsolution is found and approved by the legislature.
Finally don't forget with the current CBA situation teams have been dumping players and salaries, the market will be flooded like never before. The Vikings are expected to jettison some dead weight as well which will free up even more money. So regardless of how the draft goes, the Vikings figure to be active in free agency.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
MN Vikings Situation A Replay Of MN North Stars Fiasco
The similiarities are many between the current Minnesota Vikings situation and that of the FORMER MN North Stars. In 1991 the North Stars went all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins. They were also seeking state help with renovations for the aging Met Center of $20 mil. The state took a hard ball stance and said no, if you want it pay for it yourself and if you don't like it leave. It didn't help that at that time the North Stars were owned by Norm Green who had legal problems with staff members and had no less than 7 banks if memory serves me correctly pursuing him for money owed. The end result was that in 1993 Norm took the money and ran and oh yeah he took the North Stars with him all the way to Dallas and immediately sold the franchise down there.
It took Minnesota 7 VERY LONG years and rediculous amounts of money, over $20 mil, to convince the NHL we were worthy of another chance and an expansion franchise. So we were forced to start over (not a rip on the Wild they rock) with a new team. All of our previous money, hard work and tradition was lost and in 1999 Dallas won a Stanley Cup with our team. Our new expansion team opened up in 2000 with a bunch of cast offs, albeit hard working ones with a lot of character and grit. The total cost was over $300 mil for expansion fees and a new arena in downtown St. Paul.
Here we are just shy of 20 years later and Minnesota has not learned a thing. We know the damage done and the cost of replacing a team that departs and both are high!
In 2009 the Minnesota Vikings were 1 dropped pass, 1 interception, 1 fumble, 1 too many men on the field penalty, 1 not going for a field goal, or.... oh well you get the picture we were that close to the Super Bowl then lost in OT.
The Vikings have been trying for better part of a decade or more to get the attention of the legislature for a #vikingsstadiumsolution to no avail. In 2006 they graciously stepped aside at the request of the legislature so that bills could be finalized resolving the Twins and Gophers poor stadium situations which the Vikings recognized as also important. They were team players doing what was best for Minnesota as they realized the value of those important assets. The legislature PROMISED the Vikings situation would be addressed. Here we are in 2011, which by the way is the last year of the Vikings lease tying them to Minny, and still no resolutuon of the issue. It just keeps being pushed to the backburner because of other issues. These issues are also important, but the legislature is elected and tasked with handling all the states issues and if necessary multi-tasking, not just handling the politically easy footballs. We need to handle this and keep it as affordable as possible for Minny. Not ignoring the issue and have the costs go up exponentially and lose the team like we did with the North Stars.
The Vikings are a valuable asset for Minnesota and a proven team player in what is best for the state, lets resolve this VERY important issue and keep the Vikings where they belong, here in Minny!!
LA is salivating over our team right now ready to make an offer! Let's treat them like the dogs they are and tell them no prime rib today, go get your ground chuck and pick up a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers or Oakland Raiders!! Two of which already have had LA ties and the other two, well blah....what does NY state need 3 teams for anyway?
The time is now Minnesota!! The #biginflatabletoilet is not a viable option for the Vikings or for us. Look what the Xcel Energy Center has done for St. Paul and what Target Field has done for Minneapolis! Both of which by the way were in the top 5 as named by SI for fan game day experience nationwide in all pro sports, with Target Field #1 and Xcel Energy Center #3. When we do it, we can do it right and cheaper than many other lower quality venues.
Please visit the sites below for more information. Also PLEASE contact Gov. Mark Dayton and your legislators and urge them to support this vital legislation. Additionally you can follow and contact for more info on Twitter as listed below:
Minnesota Momentum - www.minnesotamomentum.com or on Twitter @mnmomentum
Save The Vikes - www.savethevikes.org or on Twitter @savethevikesorg
Minnesota Vikings - www.vikings.com or on Twitter @vikingsfootball
SIGN UP NOW!! SKOL VIKES!!
It took Minnesota 7 VERY LONG years and rediculous amounts of money, over $20 mil, to convince the NHL we were worthy of another chance and an expansion franchise. So we were forced to start over (not a rip on the Wild they rock) with a new team. All of our previous money, hard work and tradition was lost and in 1999 Dallas won a Stanley Cup with our team. Our new expansion team opened up in 2000 with a bunch of cast offs, albeit hard working ones with a lot of character and grit. The total cost was over $300 mil for expansion fees and a new arena in downtown St. Paul.
Here we are just shy of 20 years later and Minnesota has not learned a thing. We know the damage done and the cost of replacing a team that departs and both are high!
In 2009 the Minnesota Vikings were 1 dropped pass, 1 interception, 1 fumble, 1 too many men on the field penalty, 1 not going for a field goal, or.... oh well you get the picture we were that close to the Super Bowl then lost in OT.
The Vikings have been trying for better part of a decade or more to get the attention of the legislature for a #vikingsstadiumsolution to no avail. In 2006 they graciously stepped aside at the request of the legislature so that bills could be finalized resolving the Twins and Gophers poor stadium situations which the Vikings recognized as also important. They were team players doing what was best for Minnesota as they realized the value of those important assets. The legislature PROMISED the Vikings situation would be addressed. Here we are in 2011, which by the way is the last year of the Vikings lease tying them to Minny, and still no resolutuon of the issue. It just keeps being pushed to the backburner because of other issues. These issues are also important, but the legislature is elected and tasked with handling all the states issues and if necessary multi-tasking, not just handling the politically easy footballs. We need to handle this and keep it as affordable as possible for Minny. Not ignoring the issue and have the costs go up exponentially and lose the team like we did with the North Stars.
The Vikings are a valuable asset for Minnesota and a proven team player in what is best for the state, lets resolve this VERY important issue and keep the Vikings where they belong, here in Minny!!
LA is salivating over our team right now ready to make an offer! Let's treat them like the dogs they are and tell them no prime rib today, go get your ground chuck and pick up a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers or Oakland Raiders!! Two of which already have had LA ties and the other two, well blah....what does NY state need 3 teams for anyway?
The time is now Minnesota!! The #biginflatabletoilet is not a viable option for the Vikings or for us. Look what the Xcel Energy Center has done for St. Paul and what Target Field has done for Minneapolis! Both of which by the way were in the top 5 as named by SI for fan game day experience nationwide in all pro sports, with Target Field #1 and Xcel Energy Center #3. When we do it, we can do it right and cheaper than many other lower quality venues.
Please visit the sites below for more information. Also PLEASE contact Gov. Mark Dayton and your legislators and urge them to support this vital legislation. Additionally you can follow and contact for more info on Twitter as listed below:
Minnesota Momentum - www.minnesotamomentum.com or on Twitter @mnmomentum
Save The Vikes - www.savethevikes.org or on Twitter @savethevikesorg
Minnesota Vikings - www.vikings.com or on Twitter @vikingsfootball
SIGN UP NOW!! SKOL VIKES!!
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