Favre says that the ankle injury that he suffered against the Saints in the NFC Championship game continues to be swollen and painful. (Cue the superhero music) Dr. James Andrews has been consulted, and upon seeing Favre’s x-rays, MRIs, CTs, ABC123’s, etc., has said that purple #4 will need surgery should he want to play any more football….ever.
“We have spoken,” Favre said in an e-mail. “To play again, I would need the surgery, as I suspected. This decision would be easy if not for my teammates and the fans and the entire Vikings staff. One year truly felt like 10 — much like Green Bay for many years. That’s what I was missing in my heart I suppose, a sense of belonging.”
That statement makes me laugh because of the not-so-veiled shot at the Green Bay Packers organization and their fans. I concur with #4….Suck it, Packers!
All joking aside, this has to move up the timeframe for a decision coming from Favre on playing football in 2010. Its surgery and he will need recovery time to get healthy for training camp,preseason, week 1, after the bye week!?!?! My feeling is that Brett Favre still wants to play football, but does that desire to play outweigh his desire for no surgery? Time will tell….
If you asked me yesterday if I thought Favre would be coming back for the 2010 season, I would have bet at least $10 that he would be coming back to play. Just kidding, I would have bet $20. Seriously though, I was very confident that Favre would be back and would have put it at about 90% (and that was even with me thinking conservatively) that Favre would be back in 2010. Now? I think its 50/50…or less….and I don’t like those odds.
Posted on April 21, 2010 by Purple_PrideComments Off
Never one to shy away from the spotlight, the NFL delayed its announcement of the 2010 season until the days leading up to the 2010 NFL Draft! The Vikings 2010 schedule can be found here. My initial reaction is “Hmmm….15th toughest schedule, that’s not so bad…” My reaction after looking over the schedule is “Daaaammmnnnnn….” You’ll see why below.
A few tidbits about the schedule:
-The Vikes have the 15th toughest schedule based on opponents records in the 2009 season.
-The Vikings will kickoff the NFL season in a rematch of the NFC Championship game in New Orleans on Thursday, September 9. In addition to the 6 games against NFC North foes, the Vikes also face the NFC East (Dallas, @Washington, NYG, @Philly), the AFC East (Miami, @ NYJ, @NE, Buffalo) and the Arizona Cardinals visit the Dome to round out the 16 game season.
-I think the Vikings schedule looks considerably tougher than the 15th ranking indicates. Facing the Lions twice (2-14 in 2009) will do that to a schedule. But the Vikes still face all 3 division winners in the NFC(New Orleans, Dallas, Arizona) AFC East Division winner New England and playoff teams Green Bay, Philadelphia & NY Jets. In short, the Vikes play every other NFC playoff team and 2 playoff teams from the AFC. 8 games total against 2009 playoff teams. Yikes.
-The Vikings bye is in week 4(!)…what is the point of having the bye week after you have played 3 games? I’m sure the NFL wants to minimize the number of teams on bye each week to maximize the number of games played on each weekend, but byes really shouldn’t start until later in the season. Counter that with the Packers having their bye in week 10, which is about right where I would want it.
-If there is a “lull” in the Vikes schedule, I would say it would have to be some kind of combo of games in the later portion on the season starting with the week 12 @Washington (4-12) game, though they have added McNabb at QB and Mike Shanahan as head coach followed by Buffalo (6-10), NY Giants (8-8) & Bears (7-9) coming to the Dome. I’m not saying any of these games will be easy, but compared to the rest of the schedule – this has to be labeled the “easier” portion of the 2010 season.
Key 2010 Matchups:
As always, divisional games are of the utmost importance, especially with the Packers nipping at our heels at 11-5 last year. Obviously, every game in a 16 game season is very important and here are a few that look to be highlights of the season:
Week 1: Vikings @ Saints – Thursday, September 9th: Ho-hum game to start off the season, right? I’m sure that the NFL is hoping that Favre decides to come back for the 2010 season or this game does not have nearly the feel with T-Jack in at QB. Still, this is a rematch of the NFC Championship game in what I’m sure will be a rocking Superdome as they celebrate their Super Bowl Championship. Game is on primetime on NBC and the entire NFL nation will be watching. Let’s set the right tone for the season!
Week 5: Vikings @ Jets – Monday, October 11th: Coming off of a bye week, the Vikes 1st MNF football game of the year is in the bright lights of New York, and the 1st time the Vikes will get a look at the NYJ/NYG brand new, shared Meadowlands Stadium. The Jets, a surprise team last year, won’t sneak up on anyone this year…but will be a clear contender. An already stout defense has added CB Antonio Cromartie and veteran Jason Taylor, along with RB LaDainian Tomlinson, will be a very tough test for the purple.
Week 7: Vikings @ Packers – Sunday, October 24th: The Vikes first Sunday night game on NBC. No surprise there as anytime Favre (hopefully) playing against the Packers is involved, the entire world will go on pause for 3 hours. Even without Favre involved, this is one of the most heated rivalries in the NFL. This game will be an important win as one of these teams take a step close to the division crown.
Week 11: Packers @ Vikings – Sunday, November 21st: The Dome will be rockin’ as the Pack come to Minneapolis for the rematch of week 7. This game will be of the utmost importance to both teams, but even moreso to the team who lost in week 7. Could be an early indicator of who will take the NFC North.
Week 17: Vikings @ Lions – Sunday, January 2nd: If the last game of the year is an important one, I guess I would want it to be against the Lions. 0-16 in 2008 and 2-14 last year, the Lions are not one of the most feared opponents the NFL has to offer…though the Vikes always seem to let them hang around games in recent years. Who knows? Maybe the Vikes will be able to rest some starters in this game as the 2010 regular season comes to a close.
Overall, the Vikes face a very tough road to another NFC North crown & the playoffs. Every team in the Vikes division has improved by leaps and bounds, though the Vikes have also worked (they’d better work harder – Rhys Lloyd & Mike Montgomery are your only FA signings thus far?!?!?) to improve areas on the team as well. Obviously, the biggest factor to the success of the Vikings season is the QB situation. We feel very confident that Brett Favre will be back for the 2010 (2011?!?!?!) season and will be that much more comfortable with his Vikings teammates, coaches and the offense. The loss of Chester Taylor hurts, as well as versatile O-lineman Artis Hicks departure to Washington.
Early predictions: With Brett Favre: 11-5 Sans Brett Favre: 9-7
Posted on April 14, 2010 by Bretts_BFFComments Off
The Denver Broncos will trade wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a second-round pick in next week’s draft and a second-round selection in 2011, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The only obstacles standing in the way of the deal are the NFL’s processing of the paperwork and Marshall passing his physical. Neither of these are expected to be deal-breakers.
The highly-talented, but controversy-prone Marshall caught 101 passes for 1,120 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, including a 21-reception game against Indianapolis. Over his four seasons in Denver, he’s racked up 327 career receptions for 4,019 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Posted on March 8, 2010 by Purple_PrideComments Off
YYYEEEESSSSSSSSS!!! Hots dogs....I am for sure re-signing now!
Wow!!! What a news day! The Minnesota Twins have announced the new hot dog to be served at Target Field will be local weiners, Schwiegert Hot Dogs! Sorry, no more Hormel dogs. Thankful college students everywhere are happy to hear $1 Dog night will be retained in the move to Target Field. And a new and expanded hot dog menu will welcome fans on the Twins home opener!
(From StarTribune.com)
Minnesota-made Schweigert hot dogs, a fan favorite when the Twins last played home games outside, has been chosen for the soon-to-be-inaugurated Target Field.
The team also said that Dollar-A Dog Days will continue, moving from Wednesdays to Mondays (except for Opening Day).
Twins officials said that four different Schweigert dogs are filling the void left after the Twins announced late last month that Dome Dogs, made by Austin-based Hormel, were going the way of the Metrodome:
Original Twins Dog: A traditional pork and beef hot dog, it will be made from the same recipe as the ones served in the team’s first ballpark – Metropolitan Stadium – and will be available at many of the park’s concession stands.
Twins Big Dog: The quarter-pound all-beef dog will officially replace the Dome Dog and will be served at portable grills and select concessions stands. As with the Dome Dog, chips are included.
Dugout Dog: An old-fashion pork and beef hot dog in a natural casing, it will be sold in the stands by retro-attired vendors. The dogs will be steamed in vending boxes and placed in a bun when ordered, not pre-wrapped.
Dinger Dog: This extra-long pork and beef dog will also be available at select Hennepin Grille locations at Target Field…..
Posted on February 18, 2010 by Purple_PrideComments Off
I really hope that I at least get a chair in Minnesota while I'm on the bench. I hear that Glen Taylor really treats his players right!
That David Kahn has done it again! Another blockbuster, roster changing move in his quest to mold the Wolves into a championship caliber team,championship contender,playoff juggernaut, playoff contender, above .500 team, above 20 wins…..can we please just win the draft lottery, pick John Wall and trade Ricky Rubio’s rights to the Knicks & have them drastically overpay for Rubio? Is there ever going to be a day where something goes ridiculously in our favor?
Anyway, David Kahn (KKAAAAAHHHHHHNNNNNNNN!!!) has traded defensive stalwart and inside presence Brian Cardinal for the versatile, oft-traveled Darko Milicic!!! Anyone else dreaming of a Rubio-to-Darko combo for the next 13-15 years!! Better than Starbury-to-KG!!
Posted on February 10, 2010 by Purple_PrideComments Off
Just had a reader of BFMV.com write us to let us know that they were exploring the new stadium and even under a blanket of snow, it still looks “Amazing!”
Our reader watched as some testing of the scoreboard was going on, which revealed this possible lineup:
1) Span 2) Hudson 3) Mauer 4) Morneau 5) Kubel 6) Cuddyer 7) Hardy 8 ) Young 9) Punto
Is that our opening day lineup? Time will tell. Thanks for the info, Matt!!
Since we’re talking baseball, this is just a little something to get you in the mood for the season:
Posted on February 3, 2010 by Bretts_BFFComments Off
Don’t know the whole scoop … but come on, the man is at an MMA fight. Naughty things happen there. Guys are pounding each other senseless … big brother might be coming to the NFL. Maybe they should focus more on Pro Bowler McKinnie and his lameness/disrespect for the fans that voted for him (after constant lobbying on Twitter — seriously, I actually “unfollowed” him because of the desperation)
Anyway — see here for the Rex Ryan bit. We here at BFMV.com actually like the brevity that he brings to the game. Good work and MORE PLEASE. Not everything has to be politically correct (See Childress: Stream of Consciousness)
Today we’ll start our off season review of the Vikings position-by-positions needs (one of our readers tells us there is a little game still to be played on Sunday, but we refuse to recognize it). We’ll leave the big question (aka to be Favre or not to be) for a later date and start with the second most influential position on the offense – running backs. Since the arrival of Chester Taylor from Baltimore, the Vikings have had a solid backfield if not a cup-overfloweth backfield with the addition of AP. So it can be said that it has been a while since the Vikings have had any real questions as to who would be their running backs (post Robert Smith, pre Chester Taylor?). This off season, things are primed to be a little different however with the pending free agency of Taylor and no real proven back after Adrian “Butter Hands” Peterson. Let’s take a look …
2009 SEASON
We loved this season. Even with the last game letdown, the season was full of fun, exceeded expectations and national attention. It truly was a wild ride as the bus driver of the Vikings Bandwagon. The RBs played an integral role in that – remember AP’s stiff arm “get out of my way” vs. Cleveland? How about when (almost every time) Taylor came in to spell Peterson and Mr. Twinkletoes himself sliced and diced through the defense for run after run of seven yards (and we asked ourselves “why can’t AP do that?”) And the knock on AP not being a versatile, pass catching player out of the backfield was put to rest as he had a career high 43 catches for 436 yards to go with an All-Pro running game cranking our nearly 1,400 yards and a whopping 18 touchdowns (hello Fantasy Owners!)
On the flip side, fumbles have become a concern with the RB’s (or one RB in particular). But we don’t expect that to be an issue next year as he’ll make that a huge priority in the off season (we have no clue how you make it a priority in the off season other than taking notes from Darnell Jefferson’s tutor in The Program. But he’ll take care of it.
Overall, the Vikings had a very productive season out of the backfield but for some reason everything they did seemed to lack the dominance that fans had come to expect – especially given the best (overrated) offensive lines in the league.
Looking to 2010 Season
AP is a fixture, we know that. And a BEAST. Who will site behind him is the big question. Chester Taylor becomes one of five Vikings to be unrestricted free agents in March. He’s getting up there in age (in running back years) at age 31. So some teams might question his value on the free agent market as a true #1 back. None-the-less expect more than a handful of teams to being vying for his services in the offseason. He’s a proven running who protects the ball. And will still be a better-than-average feature back, especially in an offense that runs a lot of screens. Losing Taylor will be a hit, but not as big of a hit as I would have said one year ago today.
Percy Harvin has solidified his role as the slot receiver for the Vikings. However, he does bring a change of pace to the running game when the coaches opt to use him there. We really liked his explosiveness and speed to the line during the NFC Championship game. He didn’t get a lot of carries last year, but look for his “play making” ability to dictate more touches out of the backfield.
We like Albert Young. He’s been impressive when he gets a chance. He’s a hard runner with a bit of elusiveness. Kind of Mewelde Moore with more muscle. Behind him is perhaps the most famous (or is it most romantic?) practice squad player ever: Ian Johnson.
So, who will Favre be handing the ball off to next year? We’re going out on a limb here and say that Adrian Peterson is the starting back in 2010. I’m going to go out on a less obvious limb and say Chester Taylor will be playing with another team in 2010. The presence of Percy “bowling ball” Harvin would also help to ease the transition.
The running back position – although in transition – is low on the totem poles of “needs” for the Vikings in the off season.
Next Up: Defensive Backs – what to do with our safety’s and without Cedric Griffin
$220 million!!! That could buy like all of Denny Hecker's old dealerships!
With our ears on the ground listening for news coming via the footsteps of the pony express, your loyal writers at BFMV.com have heard from an inside source with the team that the Twins have an agreement to sign your hometown hero Joe Mauer (a.k.a. Baby Jesus) to a 10 year contract worth in the area of $220 million!
If our source ends up correct (our fingers are crossed) an announcement is expected today or tomorrow … you heard it here first folks. Happy day during this snow and we’re welcoming Spring Training with what hopes to be a newly signed Joe Mauer in the near future.
FYI – we’ll also have our ears open to be the first to report news of #4 coming back in 2010!!
FYI part II - I feel like Jay Glazer (if I’m right on this … If I end of being wrong, I’ll feel like Ed Werder, Adam Schefter, Chris Mortensen, Sid Hartman, Sal Paolantonio, etc …).
The Watch is officially on. Brett Favre is doing his now annual retirement song and dance.
Favre, who spent the NFC Championship game getting pounded into the turf courtesy of the Super Bowl-bound New Orleans Saints, tells ESPN’s Ed Werder he’s leaning toward ending his career. Again. For now.
In fact, the 40-year-old, who said after his valiant, but losing effort in the Louisiana Superdome Sunday night that he felt more like 49, said he’s “highly unlikely” to come back. If true – and until the middle of training camp, nothing is certain – Favre will end a brilliant career on an interception at the end of regulation.
Of course, the man’s probably too beat up to get into his Wranglers by himself, so this declaration may end up meaning very little, as Favre retirement announcements often do. So Vikings owner Zygi Wilf would be well-advised to keep the corporate jet available and coach Brad Childress should have his Escalade gassed up for the trip to the airport.
And all NFL fans need to come to grips with the beginning of the Favre Watch season, which runs through mid-summer. Maybe we can make a drinking game out of it or something.
Posted on January 22, 2010 by Purple_PrideComments Off
Enjoyed this video from last night’s game. Marian Gaborik – yes, that Marian Gaborik … got into a fight last night. An no, it wasn’t a fight for the last dollop of salve to rub on his tender groin. It was a hockey fight. Ok, not so much a fight as it was a beat-down – don’t blink or you might miss it. Gabby goes down pretty quick – no wonder we had to keep Boogard on the Wild this year … have to have at least one enforcer after Rocky Gabby left.
Damn, I look good in purple...and you could too! Hey You! Yeah, I'm pointing at you - be my friend on Facebook!!!
Announcing the BFMV.com Refer-a-friend and win bonanza! To all you BFMV.com loyal readers and avid Vikings fans, it’s time to fill up the bandwagon with all of the fans who are now coming out of the woodwork leading up to the NFC Championship game against the Saints. For every friend that you refer that becomes a fan of BMFV.com on Facebook, you will be entered in a drawing for a brand new Brett Favre #4 Vikings Jersey to wear on Super Bowl Sunday!!! Let’s get 1,000 fans before the game on Sunday. So start now and refer all of your friends. And remember, WHO DAT? WE DAT!!! SKOL Vikings.
Posted on January 19, 2010 by Bretts_BFFComments Off
From Access Vikings: Cornerback Antoine Winfield was named to the NFC Pro Bowl roster on Tuesday, according to the team’s website. That will give the Vikings 10 players in the Pro Bowl.
Winfield was an alternate when the final Pro Bowl voting was announced near the end of the season but he will take the place of an injured player. The Cardinals’ Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie hurt his left leg in Arizona’s playoff loss at New Orleans on Saturday. This will be Winfield’s second consecutive Pro Bowl.
Winfield missed six games this season because of an injury to his right foot and has struggled at times since his return. Winfield, however, was effective in the regular-season finale playing exclusively inside in the nickel defense.
Despite missing time, Winfield still tied for the team lead with nine passes broken up. He also had 58 tackles. Winfield becomes the first Vikings cornerback to earn consecutive Pro Bowl berths since Carl Lee in 1989-90.
The 10 Vikings on the Pro Bowl roster are the most the team has had since 1998. If the Vikings beat the Saints on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game, however, none of the Vikings elected will play in the game because it will be held a week before the Super Bowl. The players on the Super Bowl teams will not participate in the all-star game.
Posted on January 19, 2010 by Bretts_BFFComments Off
We have conflicting emotions regarding this news. On the positive side it looks like out Vikings will retain Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier for a while longer as he’s been passed over for another head coaching position. Be we also feel for the man — he’s certainly a top the “tier 2″ of coaching candidates (Tier 1 being Cowher, Dungey, Gruden aka “chucky”, etc). He’s interviewed for numerous positions over the last three years only to be passed up each season — especially the questionable “Rooney Rule” interview for Seattle even though reports surfaced that Pete Carroll was already awarded the position. It’s a discussion for another time, but we think that rule is becoming counterproductive to the goal set by the NFL …
Anyway, reports are out that Chan Gailey will be the Bill head coach. Buffalo Bills loyalists (aren’t you glad you’re a Vikings fan?) hoping the team would bring in a big-name coach to help the team break a decade-long playoff drought may be disappointed to hear that the hiring of Chan Gailey seems imminent.
The former Dallas Cowboys and Georgia Tech coach will reportedly be named as the new guy in Buffalo, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Gailey led the Cowboys to the playoffs in both 1998 and 1999, but failed to win a game. He comes with a high recommendation from former Steelers coach Bill Cowher, who planned to name Gailey his assistant head coach if he had returned.
Welcome to Buffalo, Chan. Talk to Denny Green about weather forecasts …
Posted on January 18, 2010 by Bretts_BFFComments Off
Big day for Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings. Biiiiiiiiig day.
First, they dismantled the Dallas Cowboys 34-3 to advance to the NFC Championship. Then, and perhaps more importantly, they got to sing the song that’s sweeping the nation.
That’s right, we’re talking about “Pants on the Ground.”
Received my #twins post season invoice. $12k spent on season tix isn't enough to get more playoff tix; MLB controls inventory for postseason10:17:46 AM August 30, 2010from web
Amazing restraint by #Twins: We fork over $350 million to help build TField, they wait 0 seasons to raise tix prices. #greedy10:13:43 AM August 30, 2010from web
Never one to shy away from the spotlight, the NFL delayed its announcement of the 2010 season until the days leading up to the 2010 NFL Draft! The Vikings 2010 schedule can be found 
