Archive for the VIKINGS Category
Posted on January 18, 2010 by Bretts_BFF
Comfortably leading 27-3 with less than two minutes to play, the Vikings opted to go for it on fourth down from the Cowboys’ 11-yard line.
They could have kicked the field goal. The game was effectively over.
By keeping their offensive unit on the field, it seemed to imply they were content to run the ball, either to pick up the game’s final first down or turn the ball over to Dallas in poor field position.
Instead, Brett Favre executed a play-action pass to perfection, hooking up with a diving Visanthe Shiancoe in the end zone to extend the lead to 30 points. A jubilant Favre jumped for joy and the Minnesota faithful went crazy.
But Dallas Cowboys crybaby/linebacker Keith Brooking took umbrage, racing over to Favre and the Vikings sideline to share his opinion of what he thought of his perceived lack of sportsmanship (when it’s against his team … unlike the ‘Boys stomping the Eagles two weeks in a row. Whine a little more please).
“I thought it was totally classless and disrespectful,” Brooking said. “This is the NFL, that’s not what this is about. I don’t think there’s a place for that … I was looking for [Vikings coach Brad] Childress. I didn’t think it was right, but they’ve got to see us next year. They’ve got to see us. You better believe I’ll have that one circled on the calendar, but I say that, we get paid to stop them. I don’t care what’s called, but sometimes I don’t think there was much class in that decision to do what he did.”
Does Brooking have a point here? Should Minnesota kept it on the ground or does he need to be mad at his own unit for not making the play?
As we’ve said before here at BFMV.com — you’re professional athletes, you get paid to play a game. Stop crying and do your job. This isn’t youth or high school sports where coaches are told to be wary of running up the score.
P.S. The Cowboys blitzed on that play … so if they’re still coming full speed at our quarterback … why shouldn’t the Vikes go full speed back at them?
We’ll leave you with this from Shiancoe after hearing Brooking’s comments. “OK, we apologize. I’m sorry. Better?”
Posted on January 15, 2010 by Bretts_BFF
Deuce McAllister is back with the New Orleans Saints for the the team’s playoff run, according to coach Sean Payton.
The 31-year-old running back practiced at the team’s headquarters and could be activated for tomorrow’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
McAllister was waived by the Saints after last season, but has been working out and rehabbing a knee injury.
His 55 total touchdowns make him the franchise’s all-time leader … although we don’t see him having ANY impact in the game versus the Cardinals for obvious reasons. There are three dynamic backs that sit in front of him named Thomas, Bush and Bell …
Posted on January 15, 2010 by Bretts_BFF
We totally agree with Adam Warwas at Vikingsgab.com abotu THIS WEEK DRAGGING ON. — and he’s got some fun and valid points in his preview of the Viking/Cowboy match-up here, including the importance the run game, controlling the clock and the Adrian Peterson factor — which is huge — and how Benny Sapp will play into the defensive game plan.
Thanks VikingsGab guys!
Posted on January 15, 2010 by Bretts_BFF
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco was named to the AFC Pro Bowl team today as a replacement for injured Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker.
The honor comes after the often-verbose pass-catching and Twitter enthusiast was shut down by Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis two straight weeks.
Ochocinco hauled in 72 catches for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns this season.
Immediately after being named to the team, Ochocinco challenged Titans running back Chris Johnson to a footrace. 
“Bruh im going to the pro bowl with you, you want to race for game checks, loser gives the money to those n HAITI n need,” Ochocinco said.
Johnson, as of now, has yet to agree to this idea. He is, however, pointing out he’s a lot faster than his challenger.
Still, that hasn’t stopped the Twitter train from Ochocinco’s mobile device. He told ESPN analyst Adam Schefter that the race was on, for what that’s worth.
Posted on January 15, 2010 by Purple_Pride
This from an email from a reader. Really puts a whole new spin on the Vikes game, rather than all of America (i.e. ESPN) basically giving the Cowboys a free pass to the NFC Championship. Don’t they actually have to play this game before a winner can be declared? Don’t the Cowboys actually have to come to Minnesota to play – where the Vikes are 8-0 this year?!?! Enjoy this email, I don’t think it can be laid out much clearer:
…..I’m tired of hearing about the Vikings second half collapse, and about the Cowboys being the hottest team in the NFL right now.
OK…let’s assume the Vikings were better in the first half than they were in the second half.
We all know the Vikings played totally different at home compared to on the road during that second half…..but does anyone really have a feel for how much different?
Taking ONLY the 2nd half games that were played at home…here are some numbers to let you know just how dominant the Vikings have been on their home turf over this stretch.
The Vikings played 5 games at home during the last 8 games of the season: They won all 5 games (indeed they are undefeated in all 8 home games this year….but since the official story line is about the Vikings falling apart the 2nd half I am concentrating only on those games)
In those 5 home games the Vikings scored an average of 34.4 points per game.
The fewest points they scored in any of those 5 games is 27. (T. Jackson and the 2nd stringers got playing time in the 2nd half of all 5 games….so I think it’s safe to assume more points could have been had.)
In those same 5 home games the Vikings gave up an average of 9.2 points per game. The most points they gave up to anyone in any of those 5 games is 10. (Again….many of those points, including the 7 scored by the Giants were against our scrubs)
That means during the second half of the season at home…the Vikings outscored their opponents by an average of 25.2 points per game.
The SMALLEST margin of victory in any of those games was 17 points. (27-10 against the Lions – and that is while giving their 2nd and 3rd stringers significant playing time in all 5 games)
Now let’s look at the other side of this….because not only are the Vikings playing at home…but the Cowboys are playing on the road.
During the last 8 games of the season, the Cowboys had 4 road games. Their win/loss record in those 4 games is 2-2 (50%)
In those 4 games they scored an average of 18 points per game. The most points they scored in any one of those games is 24 points (3 full points less than the fewest points the Vikings scored in any of those home games during the same stretch)
In those same 4 road games they gave up an average of 16.25 points per game. Meaning they have an average margin of Victory of 1.75 points per game while playing on the road over the second half of the season.
So…let’s put these stats side by side and see which team given the current situation (Vikings @ home….Cowboys on the road) looks better.
Average Points scored:
Vikings: 34.4 points/game
Cowboys: 18 points/game
Advantage Vikings by 16.4 points/game.
(Don’t forget…the MOST POINTS scored by the Cowboys in any of those games is 3 full points less than the LEAST POINTS scored by the Vikings in any of those games.)
Average Points given up:
Vikings: 9.2 points/game
Cowboys: 16.25 points/game
Advantage Vikings by 7.05 points/game.
Average Margin of Victory (aka Net points)
Vikings: 25.2 points/game
Cowboys: 1.75 points/game
Advantage Vikings by 23.45 points/game
Again…I can’t stress enough…that during this stretch the Vikings 2nd and 3rd stringers got significant playing time…so one could infer that their dominance could have been even more pronounced…..while Dallas never rested their 1st stringers in any of those games.
Home field advantage is very real folks. Until those last two home games against their hated division rivals NOBODY considered the Cowboys to be a play-off contender….now their suddenly the hottest team in the NFL???!!!!
If we were playing in Dallas, I could understand some of the angst…but this is in OUR house. Given the way the Cowboys have played on the road to end the season, compared to how the Vikings have played at home to end the season I honestly don’t understand how anyone could pick the Cowboys to win this game!!!
(Letter courtesy of PA showpage on KFAN.com)
I LIKE IT!!!!!! GO VIKES!!!!
A nice message to to Cowboys...
Posted on December 11, 2009 by Bretts_BFF
SNF: Philadelphia at NY Giants (-1)
What once was a punishing game on both sides in this longtime rivalry has become a ho-hum game in our minds. These two longtime foes meet at Giants Stadium for the last time ever — assuming they don’t somehow hook up there in the postseason — with wild card and NFC East ramifications all over the place. We don’t know what to think about the Giants — one day they can’t buy a win and the next they’re beating Tony Romo like his girlfriends do after he dumps them. They still have a chance at the division if they can win out, but Eagles are starting to figure things out without Brian Westbrook in the lineup. It’ll be interesting to see if Michael Vick could be in line for more work coming off his best outing in years — one rush and one pass TD versus the Falcons. Both teams have just one loss within the division, and the Giants already swept Dallas, so the winner will be well positioned to host a playoff game. We pick the Giants because it’s at home … but like the way Philly’s playing better in the long run. Giants 28 Eagles 27
MNF: Arizona (-3.5) At San Francisco
Arizona, coming off their best performance of the year against our Vikings, can clinch a second straight division title and continue its road success (5-1). The key to the game, Kurt Warner, has posted a seriously high passer ratings in his part four or five starts. And, as we saw first hand, they’re playing ferocious on both sides of the ball. And what happened to the 49ers? Was the last second loss to the Vikings too much to handle early in the season? They’re onto backup/former 1st round pick QB Alex Smith, who won a few close games to start, but since then they’ve just been falling apart. Last Sunday’s loss at Seattle was disgusting. But this game is within the division (where they’re 3-1) and they can still sniff a Wild Card birth in the playoffs. Aside from all of that, Kurt Warner and team will be too much to handle for the 49ers, even at home. Cardinals 27 49ers 13
Minneesota Vikings (-6.5) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Okay. Admit it, this game makes you a bit nervous. We’ve got two division leading teams facing off at Mall of America Field. And our Vikings are coming off a decisive loss at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals. Minnesota has had some trouble with overtly physical teams this season, and the Bengals are allegedly street fighter Kimbo Swift this season (ask Pittsburgh and Baltimore).
We’ll see a match-up of strength vs. strength: Cincinnati runs the ball an average of 34 times a game, 2nd most in the NFL. The Vikings have the Wall of America and a very stout run defense. Whomever wins this battle wins the game.
Expect the Vikings to come out much more focused and intense this week and get back to their winning ways. It’ll be a close, low scoring game. Vikings 20 Bengals 16
Posted on December 9, 2009 by Bretts_BFF
1. New Orleans (12-0) -1 The Saints barely beat the Redskins this weekend. To be an unbeaten team luck has to play its part throughout the season. They got lucky (a couple of times) during this game. We can’t penalize them for that, but they’d better play moving forward if they hope to stay unbeaten.
2. Indianapolis (12-0) +1 Ho hum, beat the Titans. Vince Young and Tennessee came in hot the last four or five weeks. Unfortunately for them, for Peyton Manning and team “hot” is the status quo. Still the best team in the AFC, the Colts face a streaky Bronco team next.
3. Minnesota (10-2) -1 Dominated by the Cardinals in Scottsdale, the Vikings looked disorganized and disinterested from the start. Not even the Silver Fox could right the ship. Two scary things for Vikings fans from this game: 1) The loss of starting Middle Linebacker E.J. Henderson and 2) The ineffectiveness of Adrian Peterson the last three+ weeks (19 yards in AZ! Come on.)
4. San Diego Chargers (9-3) even Seven wins in a row nearly guarantees another worthless one and done postseason for the chargers. They’re playing great football right now heading into a match-up against the Cowboys. Is their winning ways trend or mirage heading into the last month of the season?
5. Cincinnati Bengals (9-3) +1 The Bengals continue to impress – and surprise – the BFMV staff. We (hesitantly) welcome the challenge at Mall of America Field this weekend and look forward to the antics of Ochocinco who’s current plan is to take Ragnar’s horn and blow it when he scores a TD. Why stop there? Ride Ragnar’s motorcycle too …
6. Arizona Cardinals (8-4) +2 There is no doubt that Kurt Warner is the team in AZ. With Warner back at QB, the Cardinals looked like the Super Bowl team of last year while destroying our beloved Vikings. Equally as impressive as Warner was the defense’s ability to shut down all aspects of the Vikings offense. Again, AP and 19 yards rushing. Wow.
7. Green Bay Packers (8-4) NR Have they figured out this new defense? And is the O-line getting settled? They looked pretty good Monday night against the Ravens. Of course the continuous string of penalties is going to hurt them down the stretch if they can’t clean it up, but the Packers seem to be making a move at the right time of year.
8. Denver (8-4) NR We can’t figure out this Bronco team. They’ve been pretty average after coming out of their four game losing streak. They’ve got a big test at Indy this week. A must win to keep pace with the streaking Chargers.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) even Vick is back! Even with two touchdowns, Michael Vick couldn’t move the Eagles up in our power rankings. Until Westbrook comes back healthy, the Eagles offense will be suspect. But they’re always a force in the playoffs — as Vikes fans know from last year.
10. New England Patriots (7-5) -4 Nearly dropping from our Top 10, the Pats are only sticking around after their embarrassing loss to the Dolphins because of their potential (See: Brady, Moss, Belichick). We fully expect them to figure things out, but the JV defense they’re putting on the field each week severely hurts their chances of being a player late into the season.
On the bubble: Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars
Posted on December 4, 2009 by Bretts_BFF
SNF: Minnesota Vikings (-3) at Arizona Cardinals:
We’re listing a bonus game this week because our division-leading Vikings were selected for the Sunday night “flex” game against the Cardinals. The way these two offenses can get at it, this one has the potential to turn into the game of the week. But I think it really relies on whether Kurt Warner plays or not. We know Matt Leinart has some skills, but not necessarily in the football department. I haven’t heard any recent updates on Warner today, but if other player situations this season are any indication, Warner will likely be sitting out with concussion symptoms. For Cardinal fans sake, let’s hope he plays. Matt Leinart is definitely not ready for the prime time attack of the Vikings Wall of America.
This is a huge game for our Vikings — as I guess every one of them the rest of the year will be. For one, the Vikings need to win every week to keep pace with the Saints and hope New Orleans falters (did you see them dismantle Belichick last Monday? I was WAY off on my prediction. I apologize to all faithful BFMV.com followers – but a 13-8 predictions record, we’ve picked more correcet than not, so no complaining!) in the race for home field advantage and a potential NFC title game comes to Mall of America Field. Farther down the list, the Vikings can clinch the NFC North with a win and a Green Bay Packers loss on MNF.
I think the Vikings sit Winfield this week again to make sure he is fully healthy when he does come back, Brett Favre plays three quarters again and Adrian Peterson puts up 109 yards and a touchdown against the Cardinals.
Vikings 27 Cardinals 15
MNF: Baltimore Ravens at Green Bay Packers (-3)
Okay, so were we the only ones who dispatched the Packers after Our Boy Brett destroyed them twice this year? With the division clearly in hand, our focus has been on the Saints and playoff seeding. Slowly, the Packers have stacked together some wins and pulled themselves back into playoff contention — a wild card selection if the playoffs started today. We’ve got to give them credit — they’ve taken a beating, righted themselves and are now in a playoff race.
The Ravens are in the same position — but I think there is an overwhelming feeling like they are underperfoming at 6-5 this year after what the Ravens showed last year. Even with that record, they are in the mix with Denver (oh how the mighty have fallen), Pittsburgh and Jacksonville for the two AFC wild-card berths.
In years past, I would pick the Packers at home in a game like this. But as much as they seem to be putting things together at the right time of year, I just don’t think the weak O-line for the Pack can contain the mighty aging defense of the Ravens. They have just enough skill left and plenty of experience to make Rodgers days a tough one. And I’m not at all committed to the Packer defense — Ray Rice continues to prove to be a dominant force and will lead his team to victory in Lambeau.
Ravens 23 Packers 17
Bonus game: New Orleans Saints (-9.5) at Washington Redskins
I would be very afraid if I was a New Orleans Saints fan. Okay, not that afraid after the crazy good performance last Monday. Yeah, they have offense, but their defense is what really impressed me. Even Sharper. Ugh. The Saints have already clinched their division, so they’re playing for the #1 seed and home field in the playoffs.
The Saints in Washington this weekend. This has all of the makings of a trap game. A trap game, you ask? It might be a stretch, but I heard on the radio this morning that the ‘Skins have only given up more than one touchdown pass in a game this year ONCE! (Remember? 70% of the Earth is covered by water….the other 30%? Covered by Fred Smoot) That’s crazy. True, they’ll be put to the test against the WHO DAT SAINTS, but the defense is obviously playing with some attitude and swagger these days. It could be fun. I hope it is.
Similar to the Kurt Warner question for the Sunday night game, the big question for this game is if Albert Haynesworth will play and be a force. Without run stuffing and a great pass rush from Haynesworth, the Redskins will have a long day.
Saints 34 Redskins 13
Record last week 1-2 Overall 13-8
Posted on November 28, 2009 by Purple_Pride
Apologies for getting week 12 Picks and Previews out a little later than usual – we are still feeling the effects of our food coma from Thanksgiving – hope you had a good one. We may also be feeling the effects of a 3-0 week last week. But what have you done for me lately, right?!?! Some very big and very exciting match-ups this week.
SNF: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens (-1.5) (over/under 39) Historically, these have been 2 of the most smashmouth teams in the NFL. Both have been well known for strong defenses and pounding running games, though lately each has evolved a new, explosive offensive attack. The Steelers attack comes through through the air with Ben Roethlisberger targeting talented receivers like Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and Heath Miller, while the Ravens are guided by the young Joe Flacco and do-everything back Ray Rice.
The Ravens, with young & explosive RB Ray Rice, almost assuredly need a win to keep themselves in postseason contention. With their record of 5-5, a lost would not only put them at 5-6, but 2.5 games behind the Steelers, and 3.5 games 3.5 games behind the AFC North leading Bengals, which puts them well behind in the overall AFC Wildcard race. Ray Rice & Joe Flacco lead the Ravens offense, which has been non-existent at times, but can be a little dangerous – see quarters 1-3 & 4 respectively, against the Vikings for examples. Lately though, they have been on the non-existent, as they failed to score an offensive TD in their loss to Indy last week….for the 2 game in a row.
The Steelers come off an embarrassing loss to the 2-7 (now 3-7) Chiefs, losing 27-24 in OT after blowing a 10 point lead…their 2nd loss in a row QB Ben Roethlisberger, though passing post-concussion tests earlier this week, may still feel the effects of a knee to the head near the end of the KC game. He will play. Troy Polamalu, however, will not.
We’ve talked about the success — or lack there of — for the Steelers without their defensive leader Troy Polamalu in the game. He’s been in and out this year. Sounds like the Ravens will have one of their defensive leaders on the sideline as well. As of Friday Ravens starting linebacker Terrell Suggs was listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game because of a right knee injury. Plus linebacker Ray Lewis (foot) and safety Ed Reed (illness, foot) are both questionable. If that trio doesn’t suit up for the game, we see the Steelers getting back to their traditional bread and butter and grinding out the game on the ground winning the ball control game. Mendenhall will have a good game if the Ravens can’t field their traditional 3-4 defense. Steelers over the Ravens 23-15.
UPDATE – Saturday 12:45pm: QB Ben Roethlisberger has been ruled out for this game. Third string QB and second year player Dennis Dixon will get the start. This calls for an extra order of Mendenhall.
MNF: New England Patriots @ New Orleans Saints (-2) (over/under 56) Our team at BFMV.com is most excited about this game during week 12. Not only because it has direct implications on our beloved Vikings squad and its postseason travel schedule, but also because it pits the ‘best’ team (record-wise might we add) against the team of the 2000’s — the Patriots. The Saints come into the game as the only undefeated team in the NFC and as the current #1 seed. However they’re still hearing questions about their strength of schedule and about their defense. Is it for real?
The Patriots come in with numerous seasoned and battle-tested weapons — most namely Brady, Moss … and Belichick. Now I’ve yet to do any reading from the so-called experts on this game (See: Turkey Coma), but I love this match-up…not because of the players on the Patriots, but because of what Belichick will do on offense to see if the Saints defense is for real. What will he have up his sleeve? Our guess is that he’ll attack the injured secondary with all its might. Brady and Moss will have HUGE days — circa 1998-2001 for Moss. Belichick will take a look at a secondary that leads the NFL in interceptions with 20 and attack them straight on. Heck, there’s a reason why Sharper had so many Vikings fans irritated with him play after play last year — he’s lot a step. Or ten. He can’t freelance against Tom Brady the way he did/does younger QB’s like Stafford or Ryan. The only two QB’s this defense has faced this year worth anything have been McNabb and Eli Manning. And they aren’t in the same league as Brady.
Look for this to be a pass happy game with Belichick scheming just enough to hold down the Saint offense and squeak out a win. They took undefeated Indy down to the wire, losing in the final seconds. Coach Belichick won’t make the same mistake twice. Patriots 34 Saints 28. Welcome to the big time Sharper and team.
Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings (-11) over/under 47) Coming off their most complete game of the year – a victory over the Seahawks – the Vikings will look to establish the running game early and keep Our Boy Brett untouched until the third quarter when T-Jack will get some playing time.
Last weeks the Bears — and my fantasy football QB (ouch) — Cutler faired a bit better in a winnable game versus the Eagles. Cutler waited until the last drive to throw an interception this time. Much better than the week before when he threw four. Or was it five? Lost count. Where’s my abacus? Either way, the defensive backs should be pumped for this game and looking for picks.
On offense, reports are out that Adrian Peterson is questionable for the game. Please, please — if he’s not ready don’t let him suit up. Chester Taylor has proven to be a worthy runner this year and hasn’t had much work. Let’s get him in the game and let him roll. The Bears secondary is in shambles and the offense should have its pick of weapon on any play. Play conservative, keep the team healthy and move on to the next game. Does this picture properly encompass how we feel about this game? Vikings 24 Bears 9
Last week 3-0 Overall 12-6
Posted on November 20, 2009 by Purple_Pride
Thank you, Bill Belichick. What was shaping up as our 1st perfect week came crumbling down when your team failed to gain two yards on 4th down … and gave the ball back to Peyton Manning on your own 28 yard line. Of course, hindsight is 20/20 … but I would have punted that ball — and so would Brad Childress — and that is all that really matters. So we go 2-1 last week. 3-0 this week? We’ll see …
SNF: Philadelphia Eagles @ Chicago Bears (+3) (over/under 45) Both teams have been having their share of troubles, Philly’s Brian Westbrook has been dealing with concussions over the past few weeks and looks like Westbrook will not play this week. On the other hand, the Bears have had to deal with their own problem — Jay Cutler. Ouch. This is a must win for the Bears, lose and they fall to 4-6 (with 2 more losses yet to come against the Vikes). The Eagles can pull into a tie for the NFC East lead with a win and a Dallas loss vs Washington.
McNabb is coming off of a huge game at San Diego last week where he threw for 450 yards, but the Eagles still lost to the Chargers 31-23. Despite a couple of losses in a row, Philly is still only 1 game behind Dallas for the NFC East lead. McNabb will have to have another big game if the Eagles hope to take this game in Chicago, as they were held to 29 yards rushing overall last week w/o Westbrook. 29 yards! Yikes.
Chicago. How are you feeling about that Cutler trade now? Maybe his floppy hair was getting in his eyes, which caused him to throw 5 INTs last week, pushing his league leading total to 17. Yes, that is 17 INTs in 9 games … that averages out to just a shade over 30 INTs for the season. That’s not good, Bears fans. I like it!! But you probably don’t. Pair that with rushing game woes (30th in the NFL) and an aging Bears defense (with short tempers, he got ejected before the starting lineups were announced, for cripes sake) and I think Bears fans should be happy to be .500 this year.
Game is at Soldier Field, I expect to hear a lot of “BOOOOOOO” coming from the friendly Chicago crowd … except that it will be directed at one of their own. I’ll let you guess which one. Both teams are struggling, but the Bears seem to be struggling just about everywhere. Eagles go into Soldier Field and win this one 23-14.
MNF: Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans (-4.5) (over/under 48) Wow. Two spellbinding Monday Night Football games in a row!! Thanks ESPN. Well, at least there are a few exciting play makers in this game, as opposed to the big squadoosh last week.
A pretty formidable passing attack vs an explosive running game is how this game can easily be summed up. A win will really go a long way towards the Texans quest for a playoff spot in the crowded AFC wild card race. One of last years best regular season teams, the Titans got off to a horrible start to this season and are not a factor in the AFC playoff race … unless you count them as potential spoilers.
Houston QB, Matt Schaub, has one of the most dangerous WRs in the NFL in Andre Johnson as his main target. Johnson is consistently near the top of the NFL for receptions, yards and TDs. Promising young running back, Steve Slaton, has had a real tough time holding onto the ball this year and has not been battling for time with backup Ryan Moats. Is this the season that finds the Texans with their 1st winning record ever? 1st playoff berth ever?!?!?
Not really sure what to expect with this game. Vince Young starts for the Titans and has been playing pretty well, but he is still Vince Young….which VY shows up? Chris Johnson will show up (last game vs Houston - 197 yds rushing, 9 catches for 87 yds and 3 TDs – and quite possibly the most fantasy points in my league ever). Have the Titans started playing like the 2008 Titans? Or will the Schaub-to-Johnson combo light up the Tennessee secondary? The one thing that I can count on for sure is the absence 0f Bud Adams middle fingers appearing on National TV, though I have to be honest….Bud can throw up some pretty good middle fingers. Starts out with a very solid alternating of the middle fingers and then ends with high degree-of-difficulty double middle finger salute! Was it worth $250k? Like Bud cares, he is 86 and probably worth like $2 billion. I’m thinking the Titans have been inspired by the emotion shown by their owner and take this game 30-20.
Seattle Seahawks @ Minnesota Vikings (-11) (over/under 46.5)
TJ WHO-neededyouanyway? The Vikings didn’t. All of us at BFMV guarantee TJ will be looking across the field at the opposing sideline wishing he was over there laughing and cracking jokes with Brett, Sidney and Percy. Oh how they love to poke fun at Bernard and his girly hamstring. It’s easy to do when you’re winning.
Now, on to the game.
Adrian Peterson (11 TDs) and Our Boy “40 is the new 30″ Brett (17 TDs vs 3 INTs) have helped make the Vikings one of the top offensive teams in the NFL. Last weeks victory over the Lions was mediocre at best (see: 13 penalties), but a victory none-the-less. We expect the team to come out firing on all cylinders with the bye week rust shaken off. The Sea Chickens, meanwhile, are a mediocre team in a mediocre division. Yawn in our first reaction, but that always gets us into trouble.
The Vikes (8-1) are atop the NFC North with a three-game lead over second-place Green Bay — the division is not in question at this point. What we’re playing for is the #1 seed and home field advantage (I’d say dome field, but that doesn’t work here), being just one game behind unbeaten New Orleans.
A bold prediction from outspoken star receiver T.J. WHO?shmandzadeh, who said “We’re not losing another game.” Uh huh. Who does he think he is? Jared Allen? He doesn’t have the mullet to back it up. Actually, he might. Of course, he can really back it up with his 582 yards and three touchdowns this year. Is that what 40 million dollars gets you these days? Blah.
Matt Hasselbeck is was a good quarterback. But being plagued by injuries this year — and with a NON-EXISTENT running game — look for the front four (Four Norseman? Purple Reign? Wall of America? 3 Men & a Mullet?) to get after Hasselbeck hard from the start. With Julius Jones out, the Seahawks will have a hard time finding a running game which means Allen, The Williams Wall and Ray “Superman” Edwards will be feasting all day.
The Vikings offense will continue to click. Although Sidney Rice will take a back to to Bernard “BB” Berrian who will have a breakout game with 80 yards receiving and a touchdown. AP and Chester Taylor will combine for 175 yards rushing allowing the Vikings to get Tarvaris Jackson into the game early providing valuable playing time for his resurrection to starter game four of the 2012 season in Los Angeles.
Vikings 31 Seahawks 16
Record in week 9: 2-1 Overall: 9-6
Posted on November 20, 2009 by Bretts_BFF
We know of the aerial attacks Our Boy Brett can produce on the field (see: 2,269 yds, 17 TDs YTD) but using him a ammo in a psychological mind war against Wisconsin soldiers? Wow.
Question for some other time on some smarter blog: Why do prisoners — especially in Iraq — have access to all of that information? Sounds “cushy” to me, if not a security risk for our U.S. Troops. Cut them off!
(From Deadspin.com):
Iraqi militants have resorted to the lowest sort of psychological tactics in an attempt to break down our soldiers: bringing up Brett Favre.
At a Wisconsin National Guard camp outside Baghdad, detainees have learned the effectiveness of bringing up number 4 in taunting the soldiers. How this wasn’t specifically covered in the Geneva Convention, I’ll never know.
They know Favre by name,” said First Lieutenant Tim Boehnen, who is from New Richmond, Wis.
“One of the big words they know now is shenanigans. They’ll constantly talk about ‘Favre shenanigans,’ ‘He’s so good for the Vikings,’ and ‘The Packers have got to really feel bad about that one.’ ”
“They obviously then started up the conversations, and started talking about Brett Favre. They soon learned about Favre going to the Vikings, and things just started going downhill from there.”
Detainees are reportedly also bringing up Ryan Grant’s diminishing YPC average, showing soldiers the Aaron Rodgers Sack Tracker, and teasing them about drafting Greg Jennings when Brandon Marshall was still on the board.
Posted on November 19, 2009 by Purple_Pride
"Ugh....this wallet full of money is really doing a number on my back!!!"
Coach Brad Childress will remain coach of the Vikes at least a little longer. He has agreed to an extension that will keep him as the coach of the Vikes until 2013 – or at least that is what the contract says – we all know how quick coaches can be gone.
Childress gets the 3 year extension on the heels of the Vikings 8-1 start and firm grip on the NFC North division race.
This begs the question: No way the Vikes are 8-1 w/o #4, does Childress get an extension with T-Jack at QB? Heck no…I would say he would have been closer to getting fired after this season with the record the Vikes would have ended up with & subsequent failure (if they made it) in the playoffs…..And once #4 is gone (yes, he will eventually have to retire at some point), how long until FireChildress.com is humming again?
Thoughts?
Posted on November 19, 2009 by Bretts_BFF
And vice versa. A nice little article from ESPN on the Harvin/Farve relationship, the leg work done by Coach Childress leading up to the draft and teammates perspective on Percy.
The first time the two met, Percy Harvin called him “sir” twice. What’s a kid, barely 21, supposed to say to Brett Favre? That he watched him his whole life, and oh, his mom is a huge fan, too? Sometimes, when Favre text-messages him, Harvin is so proud he feels compelled to show it to somebody, even his mom. KEEP PUSHING, the texts will say.
In one of their recent exchanges, Favre suggested that Harvin watch tape on New England receiver Wes Welker for some pointers. Within hours, Harvin had the video downloaded on his computer.
“Every time he texts me, it just shocks me,” Harvin says. “Brett Favre is actually texting my phone. It’s humbling to know that a guy who’s done it all, who will go down as one of the best quarterbacks ever … still likes to help.
Click here to read the entire article.
Posted on November 18, 2009 by Purple_Pride
1. Indianapolis (9-0) +1 — A 3rd week in a row that the Colts squeeze out a narrow win, but this win was against a much more dangerous opponent in the New England Patriots. Some would say that NE (ahem, Bill Belichick) gave this game to Indy, but a win is a win, and the Colts have 9 of them in a row.
2. New Orleans (9-0) -1 – A tough fought game….against the St Louis Rams? Not very impressive performance for the Saints, who were missing a few starters. But as stated above, a win is a win. The Saints have, what should be, easy wins in their next 2 games. Hopefully, for the Saints sake, they don’t look past these next couple games in anticipation of the huge MNF matchup vs New England down the road.
3. Minnesota (8-1) even — A sloppy, but still decisive win over the Lions. I would have rather we had put them away in the 2nd quarter when we had the chance. Awesome run here, but what is with AP being caught from behind? I wonder what Philip Buchanon’s 40 time is? Antoine Winfield looks to make his return this week against Seattle, adding one of the most important parts of back into the Vikes D . (By the way, Buchanon’s 40 time was 4.29 vs Peterson’s 4.40 at the NFL combine)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (7-2) +2 - The Bengals keep moving up in our rankings. A season sweep of both the Steelers and the Ravens puts the Bengals in firm control of their division. Their defense is playing great and getting pressure on the opposing QB. And with their newfound running game (no, not Larry Johnson), Carson Palmer doesn’t have to move the offense completely on his own this season.
5. New England Patriots (6-3) -1 To punt or not to punt? That is the question. Personally, I would have punted and made the other team, needing at TD, go 75-80 yards with less than 2 minutes left in the game. But Bill Belichick Super Bowls – 3. Me Super Bowls - 0. I’m sure he’ll keep his job and I’m also sure he has the Pats ready for a deep playoff run.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) -1 For the first time in a long time that I can remember, it looked as though the Steelers lost the physical battle in a game. Unbalanced play calling for the Steelers offense (40 passes vs 18 rushes) against a Cincy D getting pressure may have had something to do with the Steelers this grinder of a game.
7. San Diego Chargers (6-3) NR This is the first time that the Chargers make their way into the BFMV.com power rankings top 10. But winning 4 in a row to climb back into a tie for the lead in the AFC West will help you out. Though they need to shore up that pass defense as Donovan McNabb threw for 450 yards last week.
8. Arizona Cardinals (6-3) NR The Arizona offense is starting to put up numbers like they did in their Super Bowl run last year. Averaging a TD per quarter over the past few games, the Cardinals should bring an 8-3 record into their matchup with the Vikes on Dec 6….and then leave with an 8-4 record after that.
9. Dallas Cowboys (6-3) -1 Like we said last week, its boom or bust with this team. This week was a bust against the Packers. Still atop the NFC East, the Cowboys look to bounce back over the next few weeks against struggling opponents (Washington, Oakland, @NYG)
10. Denver Broncos (6-3) -3 Losing 3 in a row continues the slide for the Broncos. A huge matchup vs the Chargers next week waits for the Broncos. To the winner goes 1st place in the AFC West for the time being.
On the bubble: Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers
Posted on November 17, 2009 by Bretts_BFF
Although we’re primarily all about the Vikings and their usual dominance, this week’s game against the Lions didn’t provide too much excitement — leading up to the game or during it. So we’ll highlight a few shining moments in the Vikings game, provide our typical brilliant insight and then move on to the rest of the NFL — as there were some good games and exciting, albeit unusual, endings.
Vikings 27 Lions 10
The Vikings 27-10 victory against the Lions wasn’t a pretty victory by any means, but they did enough to improve to 8-1. On the offensive side of the ball, they rolled up a season-high 492 total yards including five plays of at least 40 yards (Kick Ass Offense?). Rising star Sidney Rice finished with 201 yards receiving — good enough for fourth all-time in Vikings history — and as expected, Adrian Peterson broke out and rushed for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Our yeah, Our Boy Brett threw for 344 yards. T-Jack also saw some playing time, even if they were three and outs.
Defensively, the Vikings player that stood out to us was Ray “Superman” Edwards. Likely his best game of the season, he finished with five tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, four quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery and one roughing the passer penalty when he leaped over a block by the running back aiming for Lions QB Stafford. Overall the Vikings defense held the Lions to 93 yards rushing and made life miserable for quarterback Matthew Stafford (3 sacks, 13 hurries).
Quick Hits:
1. Adrian Peterson had a great game rushing the ball and finding the end zone, but he also was credited with two fumbles, including one that caused both of my chins to hit the floor — “The Buchanon”. Peterson looked like he had a vintage AP touchdown run in the second quarter when he broke four tackles near the line. But cornerback Phillip Buchanon chased him down and caught him at the 18-yard line and punched the ball out with his right hand. The ball bounced into the end zone and the Lions recovered it. Is Buchanon that fast? Wow. He closed quickly. Or was/is AP a step slower for some reason. Either way, good play. The other fumble was when Harvin dropped his toss on a reverse play. Bad toss on AP’s part. “We were both moving at a pretty good speed,” Peterson said. “I just have to do a better job of getting the ball to him. That one was on me.”
2. Penalties, Penalties and more — At least Ray Edwards wasn’t being called for multiple offsides this game. This Vikings were like a junior varsity team at times with a season-high 13 penalties. Side Note: Defense Coaches – Please, please teach your corners NOT to bark or make sudden moves causing “delay of game” penalties. It’s getting old and seems like an easy fix.
3. Bowling Ball Harvin — That’s what I’ve called him all year. Bowling ball. Because he doesn’t get knocked down, he’s does the knocking. It was never more evident than on his catch in the fourth quarter over the middle where he got belted backward by linebacker DeAndre Levy. Knocked down? How about knocked up — Harvin kept his balance and sprinted to the sideline for a 40-yard gain.
Colts 35 Patriots 34
The “game of the year” (really? Two weeks ago I thought it was Favre returning to Lambeau?) lived up to its billing. Even if I turned the TV off two minutes too early. Oops. Those of you who watched the end of the game were treated to a thrilling finish in Indianapolis as the Colts rallied from 13 down in the final minutes to win in the final seconds. With the victory the Colts are now in the driver’s seat for home field advantage, while the Pats are still two games up in the AFC East. What about Belichick’s decision to go for it on fourth and two on his own 28 with two minutes left? It’s easy to second guess now that it backfired, but I would punt the ball 10 out of 10 times there. Put it on your defense.
Colts Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning and New England Patriots QB Tom Brady had great games. Brady went 29-for-42 with 375 yards passing, three touchdowns, one pick and 110.7 QB rating. Manning went 28-for-44 with 327 yards passing, four touchdown passes, two picks and a QB rating of 97.4.
New King in the AFC North
Lost in the shuffle behind the Pats-Colts game was the Bengals taking down the Steelers in Pittsburgh. Without Cedric Benson for most of the game the Bengals were able to win a tough, grind it out game that we have come to expect the Steelers to win over the years. The Bengals out Steelered the Steelers. We have to give credit to a Bengals defense that was pressuring Roethlisberger all day and shut down Rashard Mendenhall. The Bengals are now effectively two games up on the Steelers and could be looking at a first round bye. Tell someone that before the season started and they wouldn’t though you were crazy. It’ll be a great game at Mall of America field in two weeks versus the Vikings.
Denver Fading?
The Broncos were the talk of the league after starting 6-0 and Josh McDaniels was on top of the world. Oh how long ago that seems in Denver. After three straight losses, the Broncos are reeling and searching for answers. The first two losses to the Ravens and Steelers were understandable, but losing to the Redskins is puzzling. The loss of Kyle Orton at halftime really derailed the team, but outside of the two Brandon Marshall bombs they only scored 3 points. Now, they face San Diego next week, who has won four in a row, for the division lead. Early Pick: San Diego 23 Denver 13.
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