Vikings Tailgating Lot

Friday, November 06, 2009

It's the Truth: Favre's proving Thompson wrong

NAILED IT!!!!!

It's the Truth: Favre's proving Thompson wrong

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Vikingstailgate.com Fantasy Football Standings Update

With a six-pack of Premium Beer, and a Certificate stating "Fantasy Champ of the Tailgating Lot" at stake, we invited Viking Tailgaters into a Yahoo Fantasy Football last summer. Sixteen Brave Souls took the challenge, and with the season 6 weeks old, and many of the participants still to "identified" here are the latest standings:

Vikings Fantasy Football Tailgating League Standings:
1. The Whizzinators 6-0-0 (ERIK HELGERSON)
2. Strandburg Tigers 5-1-0 (MOOKIE)
3. ThorsPhlacidHammer 4-1-1 (RYAN L)
4. Straight Cash Homiez 4-2-0 (STEFF)
5. Nose bleeds 4-2-0 (TRAVIS)
6. Strawjams 4-2-0 (STRAWJAMMS, STEVE ANDERSON)
7. Viking World Order 3-3-0 (SYD DAVY)
8. Roosevelt Browns 3-3-0 (ROCKY, BRENT ANDERSON)
9. VikeBike 3-3-0 (TODD G)
10. Untouchable 2-3-1 (?)
11. Who's Your Daddy 2-3-1 (FARRELL)
12. Virginia Vikings 2-4-0 (FORD FRANKLIN)
13. VikeBabe45 2-4-0 (?)
14. Orange Crush 1-4-1 (CARSTEN).
15. MVP's 1-5-0 (?)
16. Vikes2010 0-6-0 (SBOKOLAS) (?)

The Vikings Ship Video Week 6: vs Ravens "Guys Like These"

I promised my new web buddy, Josh Hannah, from the Vikingship.net (a reallly cool fan blog btw) that I would start posting his weekly You Tube Videos dedicated to this year's Viking season

Week 6: Vikings vs Ravens, "Guys Like These"

The Vikings Ship Video Week 5: On the Road Again vs Rams

The Vikings Ship Video Week 4: Vikes vs Packers, Vikings Reign

The Vikings Ship Video Week 3: San Fran No Chance

The Vikings Ship Video Week 2: Detroit Sucks

The Vikings Ship Video Week 1: Cleveland Rocks

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Customers Duped with Counterfeit Tickets

I feel sad for the family who traveled to see the Vikings play the Packers, and then got duped by a scalper. This is just wrong!
Customers Duped with Counterfeit Tickets

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Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Monday Night Football Ratings 2009: Favre Draws Huge MNF Ratings

by Jon Azpiri | October 6, 2009 at 11:00 am

The Monday Night Football ratings for the Week 4 Packer vs Vikings game are in and it looks like a pretty big win for ESPN. The network had been promoting Brett Favre's first time playing against his old Green Bay Packers and it seems to have paid off.

Favre gave ESPN the best MNF ratings they've ever had since they took over the program back in 2006. According to Sports Business Daily, the Favre-Packers MNF game received a 14.2 rating, 65 percent higher than last week's MNF broadcast. In Minneapolis, the game earned a massive rating of 58.3. In Green Bay, the game got a 49.7 rating.

The killer MNF ratings make the Packers-Viking game one of the highest rated programs in cable history

Monday, September 21, 2009

Vikings Publications Available Online, Help Us Out

Help Vikingstailgate.com by visiting the sites below and buying these two essential Vikings publications:

2009 Vikings Yearbook

Gameday Magazine: Vikings vs. Packers 2009

Get the Vikings Packers Border Battle Game Day NOW!

Commemorate the momentous event with your very own game program.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Brett Favre Central on Vikings.com

For those purple freaks who want to see the Brett signing day in photos, Vikings.com has created a Brett Central link on their site. Good stuff

Green Bay Flooded for Vikings Favre Merchandise

WATCH VIDEO

Friday Night Tailgating

It looks like most of the varsity tailgaters from our lot will be attending the game Friday Night. For those of wondering, we tailgate like the Vikings play in the preseason.

In other words, there is no official game plan for the evening. There will be no goalposts, no grilling, and we will most likely even be driving vehicles down town. It is our preseason too, and we like to try out new things.

We are all looking forward to hearing the starting QB introduced though.

Favre officially vilified in Green Bay

One of the best things about Brett Favre coming to Minnesota is the outright anger coming from our friends across the border.

Most are disgusted with Favre, and this is good, because that is how we felt about their team for the past 50 years.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Favre Still Coming to Minnesota?

From Jay Glazer at Fox Sports... Favre thing is not over...

"If I were a betting man, I'd swear Brett Favre would be joining the Vikings in the next few weeks, or at least attempt to join the team in that time frame.

Wait a minute, I am a betting man.

Now, first off, this is not one of those "FOXSports.com has learned ..." news scoops. Instead, it's a picture that has been painted for me and a prediction I'm making after spending my time with Zygi Wilf's squad. My prediction couldn't be more emphatic.

After visiting the Vikings for two days, I am convinced — positively convinced — that Brett Favre will soon have talks with the Vikings to return to the team and could be joining them for this season after all. If my instincts are correct, all those purple Favre jerseys will have a home on Minnesota store shelves."

Vick's inner circle: Signing may come soon

I am serious. If the Vikings want to win this year, and do not trust the QB situation, this would be the best move to make.

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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

A Day at Training Camp with VVV Peeps

Hi all, I won't be attending, but thought I'd pass on an event for Training Camp that you might want to attend:

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp

A day of fun with Travis and Ryan at Vikings Training Camp

Host:	Travis Jansen (MnVikingsBuff) and Ryan Ricci (Latin Viking)
Type:	Sports - Sports Practice
Network:	Global

Date:	Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Time:	8:30am - 11:00pm
Location:	Mankato State practice field
Street:	170 Stadium Road
City/Town:	Mankato, MN

Phone:	2186865956
Email:	buffcold@hotmail.com

Description

We will be meeting on August 12th @ 8:30am at the entrance of the Viking Village in Mankato. This is fan apprection day at Vkings training camp and practice starts at 9:00am-11:15am with the entire team signing autographs afterwards. We will then be meeting at the Tav on the Ave bar and grill in Mankato(1120 E. Madison Ave.) at 1:30pm-5:00pm for some fun and to raffle off some prizes. From there we will be heading back to the Twin Cities and meeting at 7pm at the 508 bar & restaurant(508 1st Ave) downtown Mpls near Target Center for the rest of the nights festivites. This will enable those who can't make it to Mankato during the day to joins us for the fun in the evening. Ryan and I hope that everyone can make it for the whole day, but if you can't, please come to the 508 that evening to join us for lots of fun. Pleas let us know asap if you can make it, as we need to get numbers to let the establishments know how many are coming. Hope to see you all there. Let the beginning of Football season commence. Skol Vikings !!!

Sunday, August 09, 2009

Vikings 2009 Yearbook: Get it Here!!!

Get Info

Friday, August 07, 2009

Last Post About Brett Favre...Maybe?

I was just sitting here at home, with the kids in bed (Finally), drinking a few beers on a rainy Friday Night and surfing the web. Lame, I know. Anyway, I ran across a blog post from CBS Sportsline blogger "Vikes Fan For Life" and he/she was writing about Favre's bailing, being good for the Vikings.

Huh?

Ya, I know, Favre can rot in Lambeau (Hell) and all that, but in the post, he/she brought up a good point,

"I have never seen the Minnesota Vikings get this much media exposer ever. They better a team is the better the chances a great free agent will want to come and play for us."

Interesting. The fact that the Vikings were plastered all over the media for several months is true. So what does that mean?

It means that the Vikings have eyeballs watching them. They have fan interest peaked, and I personally cannot recall any other off season being so active with press clippings, rumors and news releases about the Vikings. This is good for the Vikings right?

"This whole Brett Favre thing could have just gotten quite a few of our players the attention they needed to make the Pro-Bowl and thats really cool."

In World dominated by blogger, twitter and e-bay jersey sales, this means that the Vikings have attention. There is no guarantee that attention will equal player focus or performance on the field, but it certainly makes the Vikings outcome for the 2009 season an interesting story.

Waht do you think?

Saturday, August 01, 2009

The Vikings Reader is Quintessential History and Must Read

As a group of tailgaters for the modern day Vikings, we often forget our history. In particular we often forget about our hardy parking lot ancestors who popped beer cans with pull tabs and cranked tunes on an 8-track casette. Whenever I discover historical documentation about these Met Stadium Forefathers, I am compelled to share it. So it is with great delight that I recommend a new book called “The Vikings Reader” edited by Armand Peterson, University of Minnesota Press.

I consider myself lucky to have been asked to do an advanced reading of this book, due out in September 2009. I had a tough time putting the book down, immersing myself into stories about the Old Met and the early Vikings teams and fans. The book reads like a complete history of the team in Minnesota without the corporate spin of the Vikings Public Relations department. It is a compilation of articles written by the best sports writers from the Twin Cities and National Media. Starting from the teams inception in 1961 to the current day, the author ties all the stories together with commentary to provide an excellent flow through history.

It is the quintessential book of Vikings football legacy in Minnesota. If I was a professor of State history I would add this book to the required reading list.

For tailgaters who visit this blog, there are several things to glean from stories in the book. In a chapter two story, from 1971, "Pigskins Preceded By Pâté on Asphalt," Sports Illustrated's Jerry Kirshenbaum wrote that Minnesota had supplanted Green Bay as the tailgating champion of the NFL. My favorite part of this article described a Minnesota tailgater wedding in the parking lot of Met Stadium with a post ceremony feast of “steamed lobsters and three varities of oysters.”

Later the book describes the last great tailgate party at Met Stadium. After the Vikes lost to the Chiefs in 1981, St. Paul Pioneer Press' writer Ozzie St. George described the extravagant set up of one tailgating camp. In the article "The Party's Over,” he wrote,

“The (44 –foot semi) trailer was equipped with color Tvs, one with a six foot screen, folding chairs for 30 persons and a videotape machine… At the far end of the tailgating spectrum- a lone can of beans sat unattended amid a few glowing charcoal brquets piled in the snow.”

There is so much more than tailgating in this book. From the early days of Fran Tarkenton to the rushing records of Adrian Peterson, from the bleachers of Met Stadium to the locker rooms of the Metrodome, The Vikings Reader revels in the plays that have brought generations of purple and gold fans to their feet-or left them groaning in their seats-and brings Vikings football to life for fans everywhere:

• Fran Tarkenton's four touchdowns as the Vikings beat the Chicago Bears in their first game on September 17, 1961
• the inspirational "40 for 60" team of 1969 and the Vikings' first Super Bowl appearance
• the dominance of the 1970s, the vaunted "Purple People Eaters" defense, and three more crushing Super Bowl defeats
• the 1998 Vikings' NFL scoring record, led by Cunningham, Carter, Moss, and Smith
• roller-skating cheerleaders, the "Last Great Tailgate Party" at Met Stadium, ownership controversies, and Adrian Peterson's single-game rushing record
• classic reportage from Jim Klobuchar, Sid Hartman, Frank Deford, Patrick Reusse, Peter King, Jim Murray, and many others

There are also 2 upcoming events for this book (so far):

Wednesday, September 9, 2009
7:00 pm
Magers & Quinn Booksellers
3038 Hennepin Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-822-4611

Thursday, September 10, 2009
7:00 pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
HarMar Mall
2100 N. Snelling Avenue
Roseville, MN 55113
651-639-9256

Go to the book's web page on the University of Minnesota Press website, , or call 1.800.621.2736 to order by phone.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Premature EFAVREulation: Vikings Fans Guilty as Charged.

For some sick twisted reason, I always wrote "IF" in front of very story in this blog about Brett Favre returning to the Vikings.

Call me cautious or realistic, but the bottom line is my hunch was, and still continues to be, that Captain Intercepto was "playing" the Vikes the whole time. I never actually trusted that there would be #4 with Favre on the back leading the Vikings to the Bowl, but I did want to see it happen. I will admit that it would have been a great story, but it just didn't make sense.

The Joker, the Penguin, and other evil comic characters who are evil villains never turn to the good guys, so it just seemed odd that Favre would be a Viking.

The sad thing is that many diehard Vikings fans bought the hope, and prematurely invested their kids milk money into the "rogue" Viking jerseys with Favre's name on the back. They spent time blogging and chatting about #4 in purple, and believing all the rumors about the property that Favre was buying at Bearpath or Lake Minnetonka. They prematurely Efavreulated.

I am sure we have all heard the old fable, opinions are like assholes, every one has one. The news media ran with every rumor they heard as if it were fact, and everyone with an opinion, blogged, tweeted and facebooked it up like it was a Walter Cronkite news scoop. The fact is these opinions weren't news they were merely speculative assumptions.

We are not supposed to ASSume that specualtion is reality, but everybody does nowadays. This creates a perception that becomes a false reality. In the case of Favre as a Viking, we heard daily updates from ESPN, KFAN, the Star & Tribune, the Pioneer Press and thousands of sources filing their stories as fact.

The airwaves, tv screens, and print media were flooded with "he said, she said" stories that Vikings fans wanted to believe. When they were told it's a done deal, these these stories, or opinions became perceived reality, and created what Dennis Green once called, "asshole journalism!"

Saturday, July 25, 2009

With training camp on the horizon, Brett Favre must make a decision. Assuming he does return, there are several tough issues he'll need to face.

By Josh Wussow
As his self-imposed deadline looms closer and closer, one wonders where Brett Favre will find his hands come September – clutching a football in the pocket of his offensive line, or tucking a wrench into the pocket of his Wranglers.

Whether you follow the NFC North or not, the potential storyline is enticing. But beyond the drama and the WWE-style grudge matches, there are some real questions to be answered here. Would the Vikings offense be better with one of history's greatest signal callers under center? And how would Favre gel with Adrian Peterson?

Assuming he does come back, here are some of the main issues he could face:

READ Full ARTICLE at FOOTBALL.COM

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Former NFL star Vick's dogfighting sentence ending

If Brett Favre backs out of his "agreement" and house in Minnesota, what do you all think of about getting this guy to replace T-Jack?

Suspended NFL star Michael Vick's federal dogfighting sentence has ended, freeing him to lobby for a return to the field.

Vick's attorney Lawrence Woodward said Vick was released from federal custody Monday at his home in Virginia. Vick had been under home confinement for the last two months of his 23-month sentence. The federal Bureau of Prisons had listed Vick's release date as Monday. Freedom will allow Vick to step up his efforts to resume his pro football career. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has said he will review Vick's status after the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback completes his sentence. If Vick is able to return to the NFL, it won't be with Atlanta. The Falcons released Vick in June.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Judas Favre T-Shirts with # 4 spotted near Lambeau Field...

This is getting pretty sad, and I can't believe I am writing about it, but some cheeseheads in Wisconsin are already printing up their version of a Viking Favre Jersey.

No it's not Reebok, and no there are not tailgaters "pimpin" their product all over Facebook (yet), but I thought this would be worthy of review.

It so reminds me of the "I Play When I wanna Play, Smoke what I wanna smoke" t-shirts that are sold "underground" in the lots. (These are my favorite types of NFL apparel by the way, the seedy underground stuff that you can only get in a lot.)

Monday, July 13, 2009

Tailgating Lot Fantasy Football 2009 (9 spots left)

JOIN HERE LINK

You have been invited to join The Vikingstailgate.com custom Fantasy Football League in Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football,

The league is called VikingsTailgaters.

In order to join the league, follow the link above or go to game front page, click the "Sign Up Now" or "Get Another Team" button and follow the links to "Join a Custom League". When prompted, enter the League ID# and password below.

League ID#: 106927
Password: favre
Yahoo We will send you a confirmation with further details once you have completed the registration process.

The winner of this season's championship will be given a Free 6-pack of Grain Belt Premium Beer, and a Custom made certificate for the Lot Championship at the Vikings first home playoff game this January (or last home game in December). The ultimate champ must find the goalposts in lot #3 to claim the prize.

The league is FREE!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Okay, so the Waffling Favre is Presenting Doubt on Returning

According to ESPN Reporter, Ed Werder in a July 10th post:

"'...Favre informed Bevell and Vikings head trainer Eric Sugarman that he wants to play in Minnesota during the upcoming season but remains unable to commit because he wants to be totally confident that he can provide the team with 16-plus healthy starts before doing so..."

What this means is that he is either stalling, holding out for more money in contract situation, or might have been playing the Vikings the whole time? Either way, all the jerseys, the hype and hoopla surrounding Favre as a sure thing in Minnesota is still just speculation.

Will the fun ever stop?

It will be a interesting next few weeks for sure.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Sport's Illustrated for Kids: Vikings QB's with Favre

Follow the link to see a nice photo slide show of Vikings QB's over the years, including Favre, Kapp, Kramer and Tarkenton. This is getting fun, and dare I say exciting?

Source: Favre Will Be At Vikings' Training Camp

From WCCO's Mark Rosen:

Barring some unforeseen major physical setback, Brett Favre will be at training camp in Mankato when they open up the end of July, a source has told WCCO's Mark Rosen.

That source said that Favre and the Vikings have indeed come to a contractual agreement, with heavy incentives. The Vikings equipment manager has already ordered number 4 purple jerseys with his name on it.

However, on Sunday, Favre's longtime agent, Bus Cooke denied a report that was out there that Favre and the Vikings had come to an agreement.

What isn't known is when this will be officially announced. Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress is in Alaska fishing this week with his good friend, Eagles head coach, Andy Reid.

ProFootballTalk.com speculated the announcement will come Fourth of July weekend, when a lot of media folks are on vacation to minimize the circus atmosphere.

John David Booty is currently wearing number 4, but not for long. Rosen said he believes the Vikings will keep Booty. The logical man to try and move would be Tavaris Jackson with Sage Rosenfels backing Favre up and ready to take over if Favre can't get the job done.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

2009 and All That

So the Twins are back to .500 it's early July and Brett Favre really should be back in school.

Wake up Vikes fans, we are about to embark on a great season of throwing it back to where it all starts; in the Tailgating Lot. The boys and gals at Vikingstailgate.com have a kick ass offense in play for the upcoming season, and NONE of includes self promotion, competition or a game plan.

We are showing up in the lot all season long, circling the wagons, painting up the goalposts and tailgating like the kids from Metropolitan Stadium. It's been 32 plus years since the Vikings went bowling, and that is a steak that has to stop.

Stay tuned.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Just for Fun: Send Gifts on VTC Facebook Application

Just for fun, we created an application on Facebook called "Gifts from the Tailgating Lot." Here you can send all your friends some fun items found only in the Vikingstailgating parking lot. Below are just some of the 100's of things you can find:

Have Fun, and remember to drive home safe!!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Just Bought a Season Pass for Tailgating 2009

We are relocating to another lot for 2009. The pass has been purchased. Details to follow

Saturday, May 09, 2009

Favre-Vikings saga enters second week and media stays along for the ride

The Brett Favre to the Minnesota Vikings situation now moves on. 11. Let's recap Facts:

On April 29, Favre was give his release by the New Jets.

Vikings head coach Brad Childress said the Vikings had not discussed Favre, but likely would.

That's it. Everything else is just speculation including:

Favre wants to play for the Vikings.

Favre wants to stay retired.

Favre wants to stick it to the Packers and GM Ted Thompson

The Vikings want Favre to be their quarterback.

The Vikings are in love with their own quarterback situation, until the next best thing comes along.

Childress went to visit Favre in Mississippi.

Childress was spotted at the Vikings facility in Winter Park when he was supposed to be in Mississippi.

Favre has a slightly torn rotator cuff or bicep.

Favre sent an x-ray to the Vikings at Winter Park.

Favre's agent Bus Cook knows nothing of the x-ray

Favre has an injury that requires major surgery.

Favre has an injury that requires minor surgery.

Favre will play for the Vikings if his shoulder/arm needs anything less than major surgery.

Favre hates OTAs and spring football.

Favre likes all the media attention.

The media likes all the Favre speculation.

The Vikings will sign Michael Vick as a back-up

We are in for some fun in the next few months:About the only thing clear about this situation is that no one wants the situation to be clear.

Saturday, May 02, 2009

Old School Tailgating: 2000 vs. Carolina Panthers

Old School Tailgating: I am going through the content on Vikingstailgate.com with intents to scale it back and eventually rebuild. As I do this, I am finding lots of cool stories from the old days of Washington Avenue. These features and pictures will be shared for historic perspective. I dedicate all these stories to our Varsity tailgate founders; Stier, Saueey, Rocky, Chester, Hagen, Farrell, the Schmidty's, Notre Dame Dan, O.J., Bill, Cindy, Barnie, Lil Buddy, Stripper Skipper, Tammy, Face Paint Gal, CC Gal, Steve and the hundreds who followed....

This is one is from 2000, Vikings vs. the Carolina Panthers

The Perfect Snowball, Southern Hospitality and Sign Here Please

By Marcus "Mookie Vike" Anderson
I wish they would just stop it already, these damn Vikings are making me miserable. For every game they win, I get that much more insecure, worried that we as fans are about to embark on more suffering, more pain and more disappointment. If the Vikings aren't this good, please, please, please, don't break our hearts again and go to the Playoffs as the favorites and choke. I don't think I could bear another heartbreak like the one in '98. I guess this is what it's like to be a Chicago Cubs fan, so we as Vikes fans should relish in the moment and hope for a Twins-like post-season appearance?

I was really looking forward to the 2000 season simply because it was to be the year of "keeping it real."

I felt that this years season ticket would be the funnest to date for the simple reason that we would be witness to the trials and tribulations of a maturing NFL quarterback, who would learn his trade via O.J.T. (On the Job Training). My expecxtations were low, but I felt that the Vikes might still be able to sneak into the playoffs as underdogs and "make some noise." We fans would get to see Daunte Culpepper develop into a potential weapon, while watching established Pro Bowlers Cris Carter and Randy Moss "will" the Vikes into the playoffs.

What a wonderful season 9-7 or 8-8 would have been? To be a mediocre NFL team and hear people, and read writers, who constantly bitch about our Coach and owner. I long for those days.

Pregame Tailgate:

The tailgating heartbeat kept on clicking this week, despite the last minute cancellations for family emergencies and personal illness. Saueey was unable to attend due to the passing of his Grandma, and Strawjamms did not make the Saturday Trip from South Dakota with Chester beause of a flu bug. Once again, the Berserkere reserves were tapped into and we brought up Austin, MN natives Scahvs and Mayor Barry (Rocky's girlfriend) to come play with us at the last minute.

I picked up Schavs at 7:00 am and we drove to the Metrodome with the confidence that Vikes would easily handle the Carolina Panthers on this fine NFL Sunday. Schavs and I were the first Berserkers on the scene, and waited for nearly 40 minutes before the others showed up. It was the longest 40 minutes of my tailgating life, because Schavs and I were stuck "nothing-to-do-but-sit-on-our-ass-and-wait-it-is" for the first part of the day with no grille to set up, no goalposts kick into, and no breakfast to fry. All we had to do was drink beer for breakfast, so we waited and drank Schavies' stock of leftover Mississippi Mud as the snow started to fall at increasingly faster rates!

Soon other tailgaters started showing up and we passed on a petition for all to sign. The petition essentially marks the kick-off for all Viking fans to form a union of allegience. In this united effort, it is our intent to get the ball rolling in a positive light for state supported funds towards keeping the Vikes in Minnesota by building a new stadium.

Passing the petition to neighboring tailgaters in the lot, we learned that the Vikes fans would sign anything if it meant keeping their team in Minnesota!

All the Berserkers had rolled in before 8:00 a.m. and our temporary base camp took shape. We were all mildly surprised to see that Notre Dame Dan and Little Buddy had stepped up and raised their tailgating prowness to a new level. The duo managed to pool their funds and purchase a kick ass fire pit/grille that can be used for all the winter tailgating activities. Their debute of this new tool was perfectly timed.

Saueey, the Berserkers regular heat supplier, and Sunday morning breakfast chef, was absent from this game, but without realizing his absence, Notre Dame Dan and Little Buddy had "filled the gap" with their new tailgate toy. They fired up the grille and were serving breakfast egg & bacon muffins before you could say "McDonalds heart attack sandwiches!" It was great!

As this is the season of Thanksgiving, we all gave thanks to the Football Gods for allowing us to have one of the funnest seasons on record (so far) with a very talented Offensive team. As is true with most Holidays, friends and family make long treks to be with relatives and loved ones, and the Pre-Thanksgiving tailgate this Berserker Sunday was no exception. Viking Pudge and his gang of North Dakotans found their way to our camp and were greeted in Saueey's absence. Tennesse Jim, a long time Vikings fans from near the Music City, flew in just to tailgate with the Berserkers, and enjoy his first ever Vikings game at the Metrodome! It was great to meet such a loyal reader of our tailgating antics and be able to be host for his first Minnesota tailgating experience.

Tennessee Jim brought alcohol to exchange and we swapped Minnesota and Tennesse brewed beers and liquor. Meanwhile, a good old fashioned Minnesota snowball fight was breaking out between Berserkers, with Hagen declaring to have created the perfect snowball! In between sips of J.D. and small-talk conversation about the purple, and occasional groan of pain would emerse from the lips of a Berserker who had just been pelted with one of Hagen's perfect weapons!

Soon after more visitors stopped by our camp to sign our petition. In all we had well over 50 visitors!

Game Notes:
Early faction walked in late but was surprisngly early! The game's pre-game festivities had been delayed for some reason. Many speculated that the nation was being given an update on that silly Florida ballot counting controversy that had been dominating the National News for over 2 weeks!

The National Anthem was sung by the lead singer of the Bodeans, who are in town for a Thanksgiving concert.

Closer to Free
Everybody wants to live
How they wanna live
And everybody wants to love
Like they wanna love
And everybody wants to be
Closer to Free

Everybody wants respect
Just a little bit
And everybody needs a chance
Once in a while
Everybody wants to be
Closer to Free

Everybody one
Everybody two
Everybody free

Everybody needs to touch
You know now and then
And everybody wants a good good friend
Everybody wants to be
Closer to Free

Everybody wants to live
How they want to live
And everybody wants to love
Who they want to love
And everybody wants to be
Closer to Free

Gary Anderson was on the cover of this week's Purple Pride Playbook IMHO that was the most complete game the Vikes have played this season. Besides Carolina's first drive, the defense really played well. Tate had an awesome game! What a great balance of offense & defense, for a change. I actually went to the game, probably my one & only this year. We had great seats, 35 yd line, 6th row!!! Thanks Steve!! If the Vikes can play like that the rest of the season & into the playoffs, there is no doubt that the Lombardi trophy will be finding a new home in MN!!!! Skal! 9-2 & tops in the NFC!!! • Robert Smith just keeps getting better.

A lot of us here have been clamoring for Robert to get the ball more on screen passes and underneath routes. It's starting to happen now, but I think what we're seeing now is just the beginning. • Offensive line looked awesome. What did Mike Tice call them? The nastiest line in football? They played like it. Kudos especially to Dixon, Lacina and Liwienski who never seem to get any credit but are playing exceptionally well too.

• I can't say enough about the play calling. Variety, imagination, balance. I get the feeling Lewis is having the time of his life with this offense. • Rudd, Randle, Sawyer, Wong and Tate all had pretty good games. Carolina isn't exactly a juggernaut, but for the 2nd week in a row the defense gave up only one real touchdown.

• I don't know who the play by play announcer was for this game, but he was the best I've heard all year. Why is this man doing secondary games while Summerall, who's about as exciting as a fencepost, does feature games?

• If I remember correctly, Culpepper hasn't had to take off running in the last two games. This is the best news of all. It means he's going through his progressions, checking down and finding the open receiver. 150 rating? Are you kidding me? • Winning two games like we've done and playing another hapless team on Thursday is the best thing that could happen to us going into the tough homestretch. Culpepper is hot and getting hotter, the defense is starting to believe in themselves and play with fire, and the play calling is finding a rhythm. If we can somehow secure homefield advantage, we're going to be tough to beat. • It's becoming more and more clear that a meeting with St. Louis for the NFCC is inevitable. Let's just hope and pray we get them in OUR dome this year.

Favorite Plays:
Randy Moss: a beautiful catch on-the-fly for the Vikings first points of the game!
Robert Smith's screen play TD
Carolina's injury-decimated offensive line again had trouble protecting Steve Beuerlein, who was sacked five times. John Randle and Talance Sawyer each had two sacks.

Old School Tailgating: 2000 SNF Roadtrip to Chicago

Fire and Rain, Records and Pain, Vikes fans 'Bear Down' in Chi-town!
By Marcus "Mookie Vike" Anderson

The following is a review of a Roadtrip by a gang of Purple Tailgaters to Chicago, IL for the October 15, 2000 NFL nationally televised game between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears. It was truly a great tailgate and we enjoyed meeting the Bears fans and partying with them!

The Accidental Norseman is Hunted by Bears

I was walking up the stairs toward exit of the South End Zone of Soldier Field screaming to anyone within earshot, "6-0, BABY! The VIKES ARE 6-0! YOU Like That? Woo Hooo!" It had been at least 10 minutes since the Vikes ran out the clock on the Bears 2 yard line, clinching a 28-16 Central Division victory. And it had been at least one-hour hour since the first wave of Bears fans realized their fate, engaging in a mass exodus into the Chicago Night.

I could hear the din of Vikings fans in the Northeast endzone, cheering on their Nordic victors as they left the field. I turned back to see Vikings tossing things into the stands, and scanned the stadium to find the three other Purple buddies who I had roadtripped with for over 6-hours and stayed overnight in a cheap Chicago suburb hotel the previous day. They were nowhere to be found. After many hours of tailgating with Vikings fans in the Bears parking lot, and cheering with them for 60 minutes of NFL football, I was suddenly "solo riding in enemy territory!"

As I caught the eye of a pack of Bears fans about 20 rows up to my left, I felt as if I was now the hunted! Wearing my size 4X #84 jersey over my Vikings hooded sweatshirt and raincoat, I must of looked like the biggest version of a Randy Moss Superfreak that these Bears fans had ever seen! In this scenario, I felt ridiculous, but not ashamed. I was proud to be a Viking fan with a 6-0 record.

"Hey you Fat Ass Vike Queen!" they yelled at me in retaliation to the 28-16 smacking that the purple had just laid on them, "Your TEAM SUCKS! You will NEVER, win a Super Bowl! We at least have the rings!"

Forget the fact that I had recently lost 30 pounds, and had been trying like hell to get back in shape! Forget the fact that I was all alone with no Vikings fans within reasonable distance to cover my back side! Forget the fact that it was just me against them! These Bears fans were taunting my beloved Vikes, and they deserved an earful of "Loudmouth Soup"!

"Who's House is THIS?," I taunted them, "The Vikes are 6-0! BABY!!! What's yer Record?" I wasn't drunk on alcohol, I was inebriated on Daunte, Robert, Randy and CC, and I was feeling confident that I could handle their verbal onslaught! Much like the Vikes had handled the Bears that Sunday Night on National TV, I had a gameplan and I was sticking with it. I continued my ascent, walking toward their verbal onslaught.

"Go home you bandwagon loser, FAT F--K VIKEQUEEN!" My adrenaline was pumping, and with every step I took, it seemed like more Bears fans would take their shots at me. I was an easy target; a slow moving, solo roving, and very cocky purple fan who had came into town and stole their "Mojo!" I was determined to meet them face-to-face and outwit them with Vikings history, and dazzling stats that would prove once-and-for-all the Vikes were indeed winners. Before I could reach them I was quickly interrupted by a loud yell that was no more than 3 yards away from my left ear.

"HEY! Take my picture!" Startled, I looked to my left and saw a Bears fan who was wearing a paper sack on his head. He was holding up a sign on which the words were written in black sharpie marker, "Bring Ditka back home!" Apparently he saw the camera hanging around my neck and wanted to be publicized somewhere, anywhere. I took the photo and told the fan that I empathized with his "Ditka plight" and then continued my walk up the cement stairs. With every step, the taunts of that angry Bear posse grew louder.

"What's Your record in the Super Bowl? 0-4? Go Home ALREADY!!!" I knew they would continue this onslaught, and they were using predictable Viking slams. The same type of slams that I have grown accustomed to reading in the NFL chatrooms and bulletin boards throughout the world wide web. If you're a Vikings fan, you've heard them, you've read them, and you are aware of the fact that our team has indeed choked in the past. It's no use denying history, and I didn't have a leg to stand on. They had me, they knew our Viking history as much as anybody, and I was setting myself up for a "turkey shoot" from Bear fans. But I held my ground, and planned on telling them off by citing them with undeniable facts:

The Vikings have won more Central Division titles than any other team.
The Vikings have one of the best winning percentages of any NFL franchise since the merger.
The Vikings are a team that is always in playoff contention.
The Vikings have made more appearances in post-season than 2/3 (if not more) of the entire league.
The Vikings were winners in my book and they would not be able to convince me otherwise! As I reached the source of the yelling, I was greeted with the most unorignal Viking slam of all-time,

"Yo, Suckwad! Your Vikings are CHOKERS! You always CHOKE in the Big Games! Your team is nothing but a loser! They are CHOKERS!!" For some reason, at that moment in time, my strategy changed. Instead of engaging in a rhetorical debate full of black and blue banter, I started laughing, and I did not mince words.

"You are Right, my Chicago Bears friends!!", I told them in my best George Wendt character voice from the Saturday Night Live skit known as "Da Bears Fans" "Your facts, I cannot deny! Da Vikes have indeed choked in all the big games, including as you stated most recently, the'98 NFC Championship game vs. the Falcons. However, tonight, in the year 2000, I celebrate a Vikings victory over your beloved Bears on your home turf. My team is 6-0, so tonight, my friends, I party!"

I could not believe how easy the words came out, diffusing any anger or resent that they may have had towards me for being a Viking fan. It was a beautiful display of spontaneus diplomacy, and one that even Bears fans recognized as civil. I was quickly slapped on my back in a friendly manner and told, "Okay Viking Fan, Party on! But Next year you will get your ass kicked!"

I chuckled and walked toward the exit, hearing another Bears fans in the background say, "Hey! I like that guy! He has the right attitude!" In short that moment after the game summed up our entire experience in Chicago. We went to the city not knowing how we would be pereceived, or how we would be viewed or treated. But when we left the Windy City, we were confident that our ambassadorship on behalf of Vikings had a positive impact on the fans we encountered. We were satisfied with our teams victory on the NFL playing field, but more importantly, we were thrilled with our reception at the tailgating party before and after the game!

Saturday: The Roadtrip to Arlington Heights
Our tailgating fiesta didn't happen by accident. After months of careful planning and juggling through game possibilities, we chose Chicago as the game we wanted to attend. Once our decision was made we procured our tickets (in the last row of the stadium in Section 111). The trip started on Saturday, when Stier, FlemDog and myself met up at Saueey's house in Eagan, MN at 9:04 am and packed our bags, coolers, gas grill, tv, and goalposts into his Tahoe and headed east. The words from my wife, Mrs. Mookie Vike, echoed in my ears as we pulled onto I-494,

"Have fun, and remember, you are 35 years old, not 25! When you Saueey get together you somehow forget a decade, so be careful!"

As this is a Presidential election year, we naturally had many opinions about the upcoming decision 2000. If you know us, you know that politics, football, religion and women are many of our favorite topics, so naturally the conversation migrated to the National Elections. For some reason, Saueey adamantly believes that the key to the election was the Vice President, and by electing G.W. Bush, we would be setting ourselves up for a great President in Dick Cheaney in '04.

"I know for fact that he will run in '04 if G.W. wins so, I am voting Republican for at least that reason," he rationalized. It was 9:24 in the morning and we heard a familiar sound coming from the back seat, "click" kapeashhhhhh!" It was FlemDog, cracking open the first beer of the day, stating, "In Texas, this is totally legal! AND...somebody as to pick up the roadtripping responsibility!"

I was digesting what Saueey had just said about the Presidential Election and Vice President Candidates, and it struck me wrong. I just had to open my mouth and counter his political belief, much like I had done millions of times before in our 22-year old friendship! I just had to, it's my job!

"Saueey, what the "F" kind of logic is that? I mean if you elect Bush, he'll just run again in '04, and after he gets his ass kicked in his attempt at re-election, it will be at least 4 more years before Cheaney will run!" I raised my voice at him, "You'd think that by electing Al Gore, your boy would have at least a shot at running in '04 cuz Bush would disappear off the political radar for being such a loser in '00!" The words were barely out of my mouth when Saueey cut me off with his patented, "F- You! I was saying that..."

His rebuttal was quickly countered by Stier with a plea of sanity from the back seat, "Guys, let's make this trip BEARABLE and not argue poltics, religion or any other argumentative topics. I say we ban conversations about anything controversial so we can tolerate each other for at least 48 Hours!" Just like that, the fun was momentarily gone, and the car became silent for a few moments before FlemDog sarcastically retorted,

"I agree with Stier we should nip this political b.s. in the bud! So, who do you guys think that Randy Moss will vote for?"

The rest of the trip down was pretty uneventful except for the road tunes that included a kickass CD which was burned for the trip that included:

Holiday Road- Theme from National Lampoon's Vacation
Sweet Home Chicago- Multiple Versions by the Blues Brothers and Robert Johnson
Bear Down Chicago Bears- To be played for Bears fans
Who Let the Dogs Out- A special John Randle mix
We arrived in the Western Suburbs of Chicago at the same time that a radio station was announcing the Minnesota Gophers had upset the #5 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. The Gophers were now the leaders of the Big Ten Conference and would probably be ranked nationally. Our timing was impeccable! Illinois was ours for the taking?

Sunday Morning Coming Down
It's in a Johnny Cash song called, "Sunday Morning Coming Down" where a reference is made to waking up in the morning with no way to move your head that doesn't hurt. I woke up Sunday morning feeling the same way but my headache was induced by the sounds of a local television broadcast:

"The Bears at 1-5 are looking for their first home field victory by avenging an earlier loss to the undefeated Vikings. Coming off a Monday night game, Minnesota has a short week to prepare..."

It was officially, finally game day! We went to eat Breakfast at the Hop, that's IHOP- the International House of Pancakes, and chowed down on and read more local Game Day coverage. I read out loud from a Chicago Tribune article titled "Vikings Q&A: Vikings' Rally in Opener Sparks Stellar Season" that was written by Don Pierson:

"Hey Guys, check out this article in the paper that just kisses the Vikings ass?... ...Q--Why are they playing the Bears again? A--Everybody wants to play the Bears as often as possible...

...Q--Are the Vikings really this good? A--There's a popular saying in football: Nothing is ever as great as it seems or as bad as it seems. The Vikings and Bears, however, are planning to test that axiom...

...Q--Why didn't the Bears draft Daunte Culpepper? A--They liked him, but they liked Cade McNown better. They watched Culpepper at little Central Florida and McNown at big UCLA and thought McNown would adapt to the pros faster than Culpepper. They thought Culpepper's strength was operating in a short passing game and they wondered how fast he would develop...

...Q--Then why did the Vikings like him well enough to take him when they didn't even need a starting quarterback last season? A--Remember, coach Dennis Green got flak for taking him ahead of defensive star Jevon Kearse. But Green believed Culpepper was the best athlete of the quarterback class and had great potential. Coming off a 15-1 season, the Vikings had the luxury of taking a chance. The year before they hit big with Randy Moss, so they were allowed an extra roll of the dice, not that the NCAA's leading passer should be that much of a gamble...

...Q--How do the Vikings keep coming up with these players? A--Nobody in the NFL does a better job than the Vikings' scouting staff, led by Frank Gilliam, Jerry Reichow, Paul Wiggin and Scott Studwell. Plus Green has a knack for eyeing talent himself. They consistently find good players in every draft. They have all been together in the same system for years and know what they want...

...The Vikings have shocked preseason prognosticators by driving to the top of the NFC Central behind rookie quarterback Daunte Culpepper. However, when these teams last met it was the Bears' bad decisions that allowed the Vikings to snatch a 30-27 come-from-behind victory in the second half.

...Series Record: Minnesota holds a 43-33-2 edge over Chicago including two straight victories. Last year the Vikings beat the Bears 27-24 with an overtime field goal at Soldier Field...

After breakfast, we went to a local grocery store and loaded up on Polish Sausages, Chips, cookies, and other assorted tailgate gems. As we drove back to the hotel Saueey made a panic stop for traffic, slamming on the breaks and driving his seat-belted passengers into their respective front windows and seats.

"Holy S**t (cow) Saueey, you moved my breakfast right up my throat!," yelled a stunned Stier. Saueey not missing a beat, retorted "That's ok, you can have Flemdog push it back down"

Driving in to downtown Chicago, we could see the skyscrapers near the lake and I sarcastically belted out, "There it is...Chicago! The City by the Bay, the Big Easy, The City with Broad Shoulders and Brotherly Love, The Gateway to the North Baby!" Saueey picked up on the humor, "Chicago, home of the Braves and land of the Free! The BIG APPLE! Chicago, it's our kind of town, and if we can tailgate there we can tailgate ANYWHERE, it's up to us! Chicago!" Bewildered and confused, FlemDog sipped down another beer and said, "Chicago isn't the city of Brotherly Love you Dumbasses!"

The Tailgate Review: Why Outdoor Football is So Cool!
We pulled into Soldier Field and parked on the east side of the stadium next to Lake Michigan. Within 10 minutes, after we parked next to Vikings fans, we had the entire camp set up, including the goal posts, coolers full of beer, tv and grill! We were sipping on our homebrew stash (purchased from O'Brien's pub in Arlington Heights, IL the night before) and munching on pretzel rods when the FOX NFL Sports TV pre-game with Howie, Terry, Cris and JB came on. For the first time all year we actually had a reason to listen to the Super-hot-weather-chick as she presented the game day forecasts for all the games. At first, the prediction of rain did not phase us, but it soon dawned on us that we might actually have to break out the newly purchased rain gear that we dome dwellers don't normally have to worry about.

"This so cool!," I commented,"We might get wet DURING a game! That would be the first time in my life that I have ever had to wear rain gear DURING a game! "That's because you guys are a bunch of Pussies!" A loud neighboring voice barked at us. It was a Bears fan, and he was welcoming us to his turf, "You Vikings fans don't know nothing about football, I mean REAL football that is played in the elements" "C'mon, man, give us a break, it's not like WE CHOOSE to play inside!" Stier was quick to retaliate.

We had his attention and I walked over to introduce our party adding, "It's not like we were given an option and unanimously picked the Metrodome! We can still tailgate with the best of them, and that's why we roadtrip every year to an outdoor stadium!". It was the beginning of a long day of introductions and NFL Comraderie. As the day went on, we watched the Falcons lose to the Rams, and the Redskins defeat the Ravens in the first game. With every tick of the NFL gameclocks, our tailgating intensified.

It wasn't long before a Bear's fan affectionately known as "Farley" (a look-alike to the famous Chicago-based comedian Chris Farley of Saturday Night Live fame) came over and attempted the first field goal! The kick went well over the posts and towards the now traffic-jammed avenue that was filled with commuting tailgaters. Earlier in the day, Saueey's brother-in-law had suggested a game of skill that would utilize the goal posts and involve the entire tailgating community. With Farley's kick drawing so much attention, it was the perfect time to propose the plan! We moved the goalposts to the center of the lot and announced the the game. The crowd listened attentively as I announced the rules that Saueeys kin had proposed.

"Okay! ANYBODY WHO WANTS TO KICK...NOW IS THE TIME TO PUT UP OR SHUT UP!" Many were curious to hear what I was screaming, "HERE'S THE DEAL... EACH KICK WILL COST YOU A BUCK, A DOLLAR IF YOU WILL..." I could hear the boos mixed in with some catcalls as people misunderstood the announcement as implied commercialism, so I had to clarify quickly, "NO...NO...NOT FOR OUR PROFIT! THE DOLLAR IS FOR A POT- WINNER TAKE ALL... THE LONGEST KICK WINS THE ENTIRE BOOTY...WHO'S IN?

Loud cheers of excitement were followed by a rush to enter the contest. The entire parking lot was engaged in this impromptu affair, and they were digging the excitement. I thought to myself that this is what it must be like for "Carnies", or "Gypsies" when they first come into town! It was an awesome sight as 30-40 people entered the contest. Two Bears kids volunteered to be the Refs, and a young Viking kid wearing a Daunte Culpepper jersey ("Lil Daunte") volunteered to be "All-Time Holder" to keep the contest fair. It was beautiful!

The first kick of the contest was wide left, and you could hear the moans and groans of the 100's of people who had suddenly gathered to watch. I again went out to the center of the crowd and cocked off,

"OKAY FOR ALL YOU NFL FANS WHO THINK KICKING IS EASY, JUST WATCH THESE GUYS KICK! AND TONIGHT... WHEN YOU SEE THEM KICKING EXTRA POINTS & FIELD GOALS MAYBE YOU'LL APPRECIATE THE SKILL OF THEIR TRADE! IT AIN'T THAT EASY FOLKS...AND... FOR YOU BEARS FANS THAT LIKE TEASING US VIKES FANS FOR THAT NFC CHAMPIONSHIP CHOKE...NOW YOU CAN GET OFF GARY ANDERSON'S WIDE LEFT BACK"

Many in the crowd were laughing, and cacking with excitement. It was a great tailgating moment. The next kick went wide right, and people were engaged chirping, "LACES OUT LIL DAUNTE, LACES OUT!" A few missed kicks later, we had our first controversial call by the Bears kids. The boot went straight above the left upright, high into the air and into the wind. It hooked left, but looked like it may have crossed true. One Bears kid signalled, no Good, while the other signaled good. It was chaos! I had to go out and make another announcement.

"HOLD IT! HOLD IT! FOR ALL YOU FANS THAT THINK NFL REFEREES HAVE IT EASY, NOW YOU KNOW HOW TOUGH IT IS FOR THEM! SO WHEN YOU SEE A BAD CALL TONIGHT, TRY TO REMEMBER... ZEBRAS ARE HUMANS TOO- JUST LIKE THESE KIDS!"

Again, laughs at catcalls. We broke the tie by involving the large gallery of fans who were standing in the tailgating end zone. We declared them as the tiebreakers and took their vote by asking them to signal if it was good, or no good. The vote showed no good, and the game continued. Soon it was Farley's turn, and the crowd went nuts! They began chanting,

"FARLEY!...FARLEY!... FARLEY!...FARLEY!... FARLEY!...FARLEY!" The Big Bears fan accomodated his audience by putting on an act. He worked the crowd by clapping his hands together and getting everyone to follow along, "FARLEY!...FARLEY!... FARLEY!...FARLEY!... FARLEY!...FARLEY!" The clapping and chanting grew louder, and many more bystanders worked their way to our booming party.

"FARLEY!...FARLEY!... FARLEY!...FARLEY!... FARLEY!...FARLEY!" The big guy was like a Rock Star presenting an encore! He picked up a beer and shotgunned it, then tore of his Bears jersey and exposed his big belly to the delight of the crowd, "FARLEY!...FARLEY!... FARLEY!...FARLEY!... FARLEY!...FARLEY!" In his final act he picked up another beer and poured it all over his head and stomach, then charged the ball like bull in heat. The ball sailed 10 feet off the ground like a scud missle misfiring and banked off an innocent bystander. The crowd burst into laughter and the new center of attention took his bow. It was good old fashioned tailgating, and it was at its best!

The contest ended when a Bears fan boomed a long 40-yard field goal almost an hour after the event had started. Like Buddy Ryan and Mike Ditka after the Bears Super Bowl triumph years ago, he was lifted up onto the shoulders of his fellow tailgate friends and handed his cash prize. We had our first champion of the day! Soon after, many more fans took part in several more rounds of the kicking contests with our homemade goalposts. It got to the point that everyone in parking lot took the contests for granted as they continued into the night. Meanwhile, we continued our tailgate dance and sing contest as if it was "American Bandstand" featuring the music of the NFL.

We told Bears fans that we had their favorite songs on CD, including "Bear Down Chicago Bears" and even the "Super Bowl Shuffle!" With much hype we invited the fans to come over to our camp to isten to their tailgate music. Most were in shock, that an opposing teams fans would bring such music, but appreciated our respect none-the-less. With a large crowd gathered and ready to jam, Saueey pulled a "switch-er-roo" played the Berserker mix called "The Bears Still Suck" We were almost booed out of the lot, but he was quick to skip to "Bear Down" tune before a riot started. After listening to their cheers, and singing, it was now the Vikings fans turn. We cranked up "Skol Vikings" and sang it better than the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's version of "The Messiah!" It was truly a blast.

Our tailgate buddies from Section 205 in the Metrodome found their way to our camp. Lil Buddy, Notre Dame Dan, Niners Girl on Moss and their Bears fan Buddy, all showed up and proclaimed that they could see the "Goalposts from miles away!" Stier welcomed them by adding, "Imagine that, we come all the way to Chicago and hook-up with Lil Buddy and Notre Dame Dan... This is just like home!"

The Packers were playing the Niners in the late game on our TV and no one cared! Vikings fans and Bears fans exchanged beers and salutations, and chanted "PACKERS SUCK!" When we played the "Super Bowl Shuffle" many Vikings and Bears fans danced together. The songs seemed to bring out all the fond memories of old-time Bears fans who reminesced with us about the days of Sweetness, The Fridge and the Punky QB with the headbands.

By the tine we saw the Packers kick a last second field goal to squeak out a game against the once-mighty Niners, we were all tailgate neighbors. It was almost sad that we had to start shutting down the pre-game festivities and wind-down party. As night fell, and the ESPN pre-game show started we packed-up our goods and held an impromtu pep rally. Vikes fans started putting on their game faces and the friendly rivalry was about to begin inside the "stadium of strangers."

Purple Rain: Why Outdoor Football is So Cool!
Forget about the economics and the business aspects of building a new stadium for Red McCombs and his Minnesota Vikings, and focus on the one and only justification that makes sense for a new Purple home:

VIKING FANS DESERVE OUTDOOR FOOTBALL!

Yes it's true. Outdoor football kicks ass! We walked into the Stadium and hiked 30 rows up to the very top of Soldier Field. The coin toss was just taking place and it began to rain. That's right, rain! I looked up and saw nothing but dark sky and dim lights in the skyscrapers of downtown Chicago. The intensity of a Nationally Televised game was even more obvious when a gaudy Fireworks display light up the night sky for well over 5 minutes of intense bombing before the opening kick, prompting me to comment loudly, "You don't see that in the Humpty Hump!"

For the first 15 minutes of the game, the Vikes looked awful, but many of the surrounding Bears fans in our nosebleed section get predicting the ultimate doom of their beloved team.

"What are you guys worried about, it's only 9-0, and you'll still win by 20!, loathed a loyal season ticket holder to our right. "Oh come on!" I countered, "Have faith! You guys are controlling the game, and I have not seen the Vikes play this awful since the Lambs kicked our ass in the 2nd half of the playoffs last year. We are not looking like we want it right now, and we don't deserve this one the way we are playing right now." No sooner were the words out of mouth before Robert Smith broke a tackle at the line of scrimmage, and sprinted down the sidelines for a 72-yard touchdown. From our vantage point, it was hard to appreciate the great downfield blocking he had from both Cris Carter and Randy Moss which led to the Touchdown.

"OH YAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" This baby is OVER! proclaimed Stier "The momentum has changed and this game is now OURS! It was only the second quarter, but the Purple had taken the reigns and were clearly in control the rest of the game!

Game Notes:
Some of my favorite plays and Game Night Observations:

Nothing in the first 12 minutes of the game is worth mentioning... The Vikes sucked! That Bears guy Urlacher is Awesome! Just ask anyone in a Bears jersey!... Robert Smith became the all-time leading Viking ground gainer on his long TD run... The offensive line with Matt Birk, Korey Stringer, David Dixon and Todd Steussie deserve a lot of credit for being the beef that opens up the holes for the leading ground attack in the NFL!...The Vikings Special Teams- sticking hard and keeping them in bad field position... The start of the 2nd half, Chris Walsh just pummelled the return man and the Bears were toast sitting deep in their own territory ...Daunte Culpepper's scramble and run in the 3rd Qaurter on 2nd and 10 from the Vikings 31. He should have been sacked for a 10-yard loss, but instead spun out of it like a Giant Fran Tarkenton of yore, and ran toward the sidelines for and 7-yard gain. On the play, Randy Moss made a killer block and Daunte put a Bears DB (#25) on his ass. That's some Balls and Nuts football! ...The running game is the NFL's best right now. Who would have thought that about a Vikings team known more for its freakish pass attack...Going for it on 4th and inches in the 3rd quarter, and of course, making it with the BIG PURPLE HEAVIES up front blasting the tiny Bears back enough for Robert Smith to lunge forward. Question: How do you defend that? I mean, it's physics and that's law you can't change...

We spent a lot of time down in the line to the Port-o Potties. Yes, inside Soldier Field are Porto Potties, and from row 30 in Section 211 at Soldier Field, the Port O Potties are a long ass hike. Surrounded by pictures of Butkus, Ditka and some guy need Gino or something, are 2 beer stands separated by 6 individual port o potty stalls. The first mass exit of the Bears fans had started after Matthew Hatchette's early in the 3rd quarter.

We didn't know about this until the next day, when Stier told us during our breakfast at the Cracker Barrel in Rockford, IL, that he had encountered some issues with the Soldier Field Security. After one of these hikes down to the port o potty's Stier encountered some trouble with the Solider Field Security..Stier humbly admitted that security told him to politely return to his seat after he had harassed the exiting Bears fans.

The Chicago Boo Birds in the 3rd quarter came out when the Bears trailed 21-9 and Cade McNown through the ball away on 3rd down forcing a punt...

Big Dog John Randle's Sack of McNown in the 4th quarter. He just bulldogged him down. Randle is back, my friends.

Post Game Tailgate:
Barking out "who's house is this?" and "see ya, get out of our house!" to any Bears fan might not be a wise idea, but we barked out the words none-the-less. In the parking lot after the game we partied until the last car left and talked about how this '00 season for the Vikings might be turning into something special. After this weekend's victory over the Chicago Bears, the Vikings are 6-0 overall and 4-0 in the division. Teams with that type of record can justifiably be cocky, but the Vikings fans, being victims of false hopes and high expectations from past Viking failures, are still reserved. We know that we can't win, we aren't supposed to win, yet for some reason in the Year 2000, we continue to win games. It's been very enjoyable so far, but if you've ever been in a car accident, you'll understand the cautious optimism of the Viking fan. We don't want to endure the pain of losing, and know that it's just around the corner. We aren't this good, but people keep telling us that we are, and the scores of our teams' games show that we can win.

Roll Call & Game Day Grades:
Stier, Mookie, Lil Buddy, Notre Dame Dan, Niners Chick on Moss, FlemDog and Saueey Grades: A+ Have you read the pre-game tailgate notes? That's all you need to know!

: All No doubt about it, we all broke the sound barrier on this event, even FlemDog, who wore a Vikings cap the entire night! Also, Little Buddy got Keith Thibodeaux's glove at the end of the game...

"Ya, I yelled at him, and threw right up to me!... THIB-O-DEAUXXXXXXXXXXX!!!!

Quotes:

"I think we should ban all conversations about polictics and religion for the duration of this trip" Stier on Saturday.

"Okay, that's fair, so who do you think Randy Moss will vote for?" John sarcastically responding to the new rule.

"Hey, thanks for coming! Oh, by the way - Get out of our House!" Mook's post game chant, over and over and over!

"SAUUUUUEEEEEEEYYYYYY!!!!" Saueey's Brother-in-law as he surprisingly pulled into the same tailgate lot just 10 cars down from the Berserker's Camp just 1/2 hour after we had arrived!

"Remember when you and Saueey get together, you are 35, not 25!" Mrs. Mook 9:24 Saturday morning.

"Bobby Smith, Bobby Smith, Bobby Smith! That guy is the best Viking Running Back of all-time!" Stier proclaiming his allegience to his new favorite Viking, several times immediatlely after the game.

"Every time I break a long one, it's one of those wideouts running with me stride for stride and springing me for a touchdown!" Robert Smith

"We might suck, but it's a 6-0 SUCK!"Saueey to a taunting Bears fan!

"Who's House is this?" Mook to Bears fans in the stadium as they left in droves late in the 3rd Quarter and early in the 4th.

"You'll find that Bears fans have accepted their fate, and they are very humbled" Commisioner of Tailgating Joe Kahn (who had just been to the Bears loss to the Saints the day before)to Mookie after the Monday Night Game against the Bucs on October 9th.

"Can any of you so-called Bears fans tell me who the hell that was?" Stier taking an informal poll with nearby Bears fans to find out the name of the Receiver who caught the Bears first Touchdown. It must be noted that there was 1 such fan who knew the player was Dez White, and proceeded to sarcastically tell Stier all of his lifetime stats including the obscure fact that his mom's name is Georgia and he attended Georgia Tech.

"Who the hell is Frankie Smith and why is trying to tackle Daunte?"Mook to neighboring Bears fan in closing minutes of the 2nd Qaurter.

"1-0 is okay, 2-0, you kind of start thinking, 'that's a good start!' 3-0, Hmm... we might be on to something. 4-0, c'mon, this can't be happening, 5-0, Wow, is this our team? 6-0 THIS AIN'T NO F'N FLUKE MOFO... WE ARE FOR REAL!!!" Lil Buddy's post-game speech.

"It takes a lot of pressure off me and it' is big for our offense to be able to either run the ball or throw the ball effectively in a game," said Culpepper. "Hopefully we can continue to get better and continue this process."

"I am getting me a Bobby Smith Jersey! I love that guy" Stier praising the new all-time leading Vikings rushing leader.

"We may suck; but, this is 6-0 suck baby!!!" Mook repeating Saueeys earlier quote

Post Game E-Mails from People who attended the Tailgate:

This one came from the father of Lil Daunte:
"My son is "Lil Daunte" the holder for the field goal contests. It was his first Pro Football game live (only my third) and he (we) had a blast. I haven't had a chance to read all the comments and quotes but the Web site looks great and you guys sure know how to party.

While travelling to Chicago I thought we might be entering enemy turf but was pleasantly surprised as we pulled into the parking lot by the sea of Purple and Gold. I was also somewhat surprised by how hospitable the Bears Fans are. We live in northern Wisconsin and the "Puke"er fans can get pretty obnoxious. We have a pretty good office rivalry going and each year we have a lot of fun taking shots at each other. A couple of years back I made a video of a "Puke"er's Title Towel getting blown to shreds with a shotgun. With each shot it flipped up to reveal a Viking Sweatshirt strategically place behind it. One of the local TV stations came into the office and taped it and it ended up on the 6:00 news described as being created by an "unruly Viking Fan", unfortunately that was the year they went on to win the SuperBowl."
Gordy

This was Mookie's Response:
Great to hear from you! We certainly enjoyed the Bears tailgate and the game. You son is one of the MVP candidates for this last weeks tailgate for his holding for all the kicks. He did a great job! Sorry, there really is no prize for winning, it's just a status thing. It was one of the better roadtrips we have ever made, and I truly think it was because of the mood of both the Bears and Vikes fans! Sorry to hear that you have to put up with Packer jerks! They really are awful. For some team who professes so much success, ther fans take it way to seriously (like they actually play the games) and talk about the team like they were on it. Both Viking and Bears fans share a dislike for their arrogance. As a matter of fact, in KC last year, we learned that the Chiefs fans look at Packer fans as a-holes too. The told us that they were rude and pompous, and generally hold themselves in a higher regard than any other team's fans. This is not what we think makes for fun tailgating. The best type of tailgating is when fans from both teams can play together, drink together, laugh together and tease each other in good natured fun. You saw a GREAT example of this in Sunday Night! We were all there, and this is how an NFL tailgate should be. Not like in Green Bay, where I get flipped off and spit at just beacuse I am walking into their damn precious stadium.
Thanks for showing up and sharing the GREAT Time.
Mookie Vike from VikingsTailgate.com and FanStop.com

This e-mail came from a Bears fan named Max:
I was one of the Bear fans tailgating with you guys. You sure know how to have a great party. One of my guys (Bobby K) participated in the fieldgoal kicking contest. Even though he got screwed (his field goal was good but somebody said it was wide) we all had a great time. I don't know if you stayed after the game, but we were with the ESPN guy. It's amazing how much attention media people get. I was wondering if you could tell me where you guys got the goal posts or if somebody just made them if you could give me the dimensions. We want to do that at a Super Bowl party.

You're a great bunch of guys.
Max Achium

This was Mookie's Response:
Agreed. We had a blast with you crazy Bears fans! That's how NFL fans should party, always. There certainly was something unique about how the whole day evolved and I think that all who were involved are better fans for the experience. You guys are more than welcome to come visit us next year when the Bears come to town. As for the goal posts, my friend "Saueey" was the guy who built them, but they were my idea. Saueey was the Engineer. I will defer to him, by CC'ng him on this e-mail to give you the Job Specifications for the "Berserker VikingsTailgate.com Goalposts." We will soon have them posted on the internet, and are actually looking into assembling them and shipping them for a fee, so you won't have to go through the clumsy building phase. But for now, I'll defer to the Engineer... Thanks again for letting us share your parking lot. It was fun. Check the website sometime in the next few days and you'll see the write up review of the days events, which will include your comments.
Thanks Again
Mookie Vike from VikingsTailgate.com and FanStop.com

Old School Tailgating: 2000 MNF vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneerss. Vikings

Old School Tailgating: I am going through the content on Vikingstailgate.com with intents to scale it back and eventually rebuild. As I do this, I am finding lots of cool stories from the old days of Washington Avenue. These features and pictures will be shared for historic perspective. I dedicate all these stories to our Varsity tailgate founders; Stier, Saueey, Rocky, Chester, Hagen, Farrell, the Schmidty's, Notre Dame Dan, O.J., Bill, Cindy, Barnie, Lil Buddy, Stripper Skipper, Tammy, Face Paint Gal, CC Gal, Steve and the hundreds who followed....

This is one is from 2000, MNF Football vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A Marathon Weekend with Nude Showgirls, Tarzans, The Commish and Monday Night Football
By Marcus "Mookie Vike" Anderson

They promised they would get naked and provide discount lap dances after the game. They were the Showgirls from a local Twin Cities Night Club, and for every Vikings tailgate they stop by and drop off coupons for their place of business. The Berserkers have yet to patronize their place of business, but that's not say that their tantalizing presence has had no effect on the gang of Viking tailgaters. As a matter of fact on this particular Monday Night in October the Showgirls set the tone and one stripping Berserker almost went to jail because of it.

It was the 2nd Quarter of Monday Night game when Little Buddy had seen enough. All game long, a female Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan had been standing and taunting nearby Vikings fans with her pewter and orange pompoms and flashing neon Bucs hat. Unable to entice her to sit down and shut-up with persuasive catcalls, Little Buddy decided to perform his own hafltime striptease show and shock her with his version of a Berserker Birthday Dance. He walked down in front of her, pulled up his Tarkenton jersey and squeezed his breasts and showed her his tongue in a teasing fashion. Most of the people who witnessed the incident laughed riotously, and took it for the humor it was intended.

Little Buddy returned to his seat and laughed at his lap dance's shocky tactics. Within minutes, the Metrodome security, along with the Buc's fan walked up the aisle and pointed a lazer flashlight in Little Buddy's face to summon him down for questioning. The Buccaneers chick was giddy with the revenge she was about to impose. The Busted Berserker walked down the stairs to the sound of thunderous applause, laughter and "Let him Stay!" chants. It was the 3rd quarter of the game, and the momentum had been taken away from the Berserkers.

"If they arrest him for that, there is something seriously wrong with this place!" commented Notre Dame Dan, "They have people fighting all over this place and haul away a guy who hasn't physically touched anyone?" It was almost ironic that after the "bust" the Metrodome screen played a video clip of a bare chested Tarzan figure who was thumping on his chest and screaming to motivate the fans at the game.

Fortunately both Little Buddy and the Buc's Chick came back to their seats laughing. "All she wanted was an apology," said Little Buddy, "I had to apologize, or I was going to Jail, so I bought her a beer and we made up."

Pregame Tailgate:
It was a Marathon weekend of tailgating for the Berserkers, starting on Saturday Morning with the Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Minnesota Gophers Big 10 match-up. The Gophers won that game 25-16 with a great call when Thomas Tapeh threw a halfback option pass to Ron Johnson on a 3rd and short. Rocky. Mook, Stier, Brian, Julie and Marilyn attended the Gophers football game. Then on Sunday, the Twin Cities Marathon was held with Berserker Jeremy finishing the race in 4 hours and 12 minutes. Stier, Brian and Julie went to the event and cheered him on, returning to Eagan in time to meet up with Mook and Rocky for a full day of the NFL ticket. We watched every single NFL game on TV that day, and made plans for the Monday Night tailgate. Chester and Strawjamms found their way to Eagan from Watertown, SD in time for the second half of the late games.

On Monday, we headed down to Washington Avenue and started the tailgate at 2:00. Just like last years Monday Night game with the Cowboys, the weather was gorgeous and many Vikings fans were wearing shorts. One of the biggest problems with a Monday Night game at Washington Avenue is that we have to share the lot with many downtown white collar workers who use the lot for work parking. It is impossible to set up a multiple vehicle tailgate lot, so Saueey and Mook put up the goalposts and the other Berserkers sought out the main camp using the neon posts as their guide.

The Commissioner of taligating, Uncle Joe Kahn showed up and talked to us for awhile. He took some video footage of Rocky kicking field goals for his tailgaing.com web page. It must be noted that Rocky missed his first 2 attempts and drilled his third one, ending the long streak of kicking successfully on TV. The Commish chatted with us about future stadium proposals for Minnesota and complimented Vikings fans for their ability to party hardy in a small confined tailgate lot, commenting that we just might be award winners for a new category "Best Tailgate in a confined area" The Commish also said that he has plans for a future TV segment called "Men throwing Badly" which would feature tailgaters throwing footballs with poor accuracy.

Tailgate Notes: Congratulations to Berserker Mook, Strawjamms and Rocky's sister Teresa and new brother-in-law Tony who were married on Friday Night. When asking the new couple what they wanted for a wedding gift, they requested matching Daunte Culpepper jerseys! The jerseys were purchased at Dome's Plus and will be shipped to the happy couple promptly!

Baooh showed up with his wife and friends and brought a kick ass cheese, fruit, and jerky snack plate to share. The main dish of the Berserkers consisted of the traditional Monday Night menu of steak and potatoes. It always gets quiet when the food is served, especially if the food is good food.

Thumbs Down: It is really getting annoying in the tailgate lots port-o-pottys lines! It seems like every week the wait in line gets worse and it ruins the event. This week I saw more pissing in the parking lot then ever before! Here's a solution: ADD MORE PORT-O-POTTY'S! It can't be that tough!

Game Notes:
The game couldn't of started out any better. Randall McDaniel in his return to the Metrodome, was penalized for a false start right out of the gate. Then Keyshawn "SHUT UP ALREADY" Johnson fumbled the ball after Robert Tate stripped it away and Orlando Thomas jumped on it. The next play Daunte Culpepper scored a Touchdown on a 27-yard run and pointed down the crowd! The dome was as loud as I have ever heard it! ACDC's Hell's bells--- played alot

Thumbs Down: The Burns Security Nazi's- confiscating beer cans, not once, but twice.
The long ass lines in the dome. I missed the entire first 10 minutes of 3rd quarter, waiting in line in the damn men's room. That is so sad. Hey Minnesota, let's build us a new stadium and include more restrooms that are HUGE and include TV's, or at least live radio feeds so we can hear what's going on as we wait in line. The TV's could be added now. In the short term why don't they put up some port o pottys inside the dome?
The Nipple dance

Favorite Plays

Going for it on 4th Down and inches in the first quarter, giving the ball to Robert Smith and getting 6 yards to boot!

Cris Carter continues to make the angles catches, proving he is the best wide receiver with a niche in NFL history. NOBODY else can make the catches on the sidelines that he can!

Orlando Thomas played a great game, he was actually hitting people hard

John Randle's first sack

Game Thoughts:
I like the Field Goal at the end of the game, but really thought we should have punted when we tried that 52-yard field goal that turned out to be a blocked kick touchown for the Bucs.

Daunte might be drawing a lot of blitzes in the weeks to come, as the Bucs really took advantage of his youth and inexperience. The cool thing is that we are watching a novice play like a veteran, and soon we will see a savy Daunte using hard counts to draw the blitzing opposition off-sides.

I really can't wait to see the continued improvement in the D-line. Tony Williams is a runstopping freak! Big Dog got his first sack! Talance Sawyer is just turning the corner and Chris Hovan is starting to become the Viking we all wanted to see. Holy cow, I saw him waste a few offensive lineman during this game, and battled old man McDaniel pretty well.

Post Game Tailgate:
As we left the dome, chants of "Five and OH" and "Packers Suck" echoed in the hallways. It was a sweet traffic jam party that lasted well pat midnight. As it as Lil Buddy's birthday when the clock struck midnight, the kid partied extra hard, chanting "Who let the Dogs out!" into every car window he passed on the way back to the Berserker main camp. It was beautiful.
We cranked up the grille and froze our ass off in the chilly October sky. Of course the Vikes perfect record of 5-0 was the main topic of the night. Of the 14 teams that started 5-0 in the 1990s, 13 went to the playoffs, 11 won division titles, seven reached the Super Bowl and five won it.

Roll Call & Game Day Grades:
Stier, Marathon Man Stier, Lil Schmidty, Strawjamms, Chester, Hagen, Rocky, Baooh, Mrs. Baooh, Mookie, Lil Buddy, Notre Dame Dan, and Saueey
Grades: A+

MVP: Strawjamms- The purple wig was great, and he lead the charge across the street in the middle of traffic as the early faction went in to the Metrodome

Quotes:
"Thre's a new category for ya" Mook to the Commish who commented that we are the Vikings tailgaters do the most partying in a confined area in the NFL
"What the hell is that thing?" Stier to Rocky when the mini-ship powered by a Polaris snowmobile lead the Vikings out of the tunnel for the opening of the game
"Aloha, we're Hawaii 5-0 MOFO!" Strawjamms
"I wish people would be more responsible in picking up after themselves." Saueey as we drove through the Washington Avenue Tailgate which was scattered with refuse and beer cans all over.
"Please give me a new Head Coach!" Some dumb ass chick, sitting behind us, screaming at the top of her lungs for Denny's head after the blocked field goal led to a Tampa 23-20 lead.
"I am an equal opportunity field goal kicker. I missed one wide right, and one wide left, and drilled the third one right down the middle." Rocky on kicking field goals for the Commissioner of tailgating
"I am eating other people's food this year, after all, I am the Commish!" Joe Kahn, the tailgating guru when asked if he would be serving up Jambalaya at his RV again this year.
"It reminds of home." LA resident Baooh , who spottedseveral police choppers in the sky with spotlights flashing on the crowds below.
"You guys wouldn't happen to have an extra beer or anything would ya?" A bum walking by at approzimatley 1:15 am when the entire Berserker camp was packed and mobilizing towards home

Old School Tailgating: 2000 Opening Day Bears vs. Vikings

Opening Day greetings are supposed to be friendly and courteous if not at least cordial, but when we showed up to pay our $12 tailgating fee at 6:30 am there was no person in the booth to collect the money. Seeing others already scattered throughout the tailgate lot who were setting up their camps for the day, we assumed we could drive in and pay the attendant when they drove around to collect the fees. No sooner had we started our drive past the booth when a large pick up truck with even a larger man behind the wheel came barreling in from behind us and slammed on his breaks after cutting in front of us. The large Santa Claus figure jumped out of his truck and started SCREAMING at us like a dissed housewife on a Jerry Springer repeat.

"No, NO NO! Back this out of here, Can't you dumb son of bitches READ? The lot is closed, and I ain't opening it up until 8:30!"

Speechless and in disarray, we backed out of the lot and wondered how it was possible for us to be dismissed while others remained in the lot without disciplinary action. We saw the fat ass hole in the truck tear into the lot and screech around to everyone who had found their way into the lot to lecture them with the same tirade that we had just endured. Noticing that he allowed them to stay after he "tore into them" we were completely frustrated. We drove around to the opposite entrance of the lot and paid our fee without issue.

As we drove through the lot to find our normal spot near the entrance that would not open until 8:00 we all were commenting on the behavior of the frustrated attendant.
"Good God, if the man showed up late for work, it is not our problem, and he shouldn't take it out on us!" commented Rocky,
"Hell, I left my wife at home so I wouldn't have to here yelling like that", joked Saueey.

After the complete "dressing down" we managed to gather our senses and get back on track to the task at hand, but we write this to forewarn all other Viking tailgaters on Washington Avenue to BEWARE OF THE TAILGATING GRINCH!

Pregame Tailgate:
AWESOME. It seems that every year, the tailgating gets more intense and the seriousness of the Viking faithful gets taken to extremes. Someday, the Berserkers will have their own tailgating vehicle, but for now we watch with envy as all the cool trucks, battlewagons and purple vehicles roll up with the new bells, whistles, stereos and tailgating toys.

For may years the rite of tailgating was taken away from Vikes fans and the rest of the league became creative in their antics. It's taken awhile for Vikes fans to get back in the groove of the old Met Stadium rituals, but looking around on this Sunday morning, one could see that tailgating in Minnesota is back at full strength and will soon be recognized for it's creativity and fan loyalty. It was great to be back with all the regulars doing what we do best. Saueey, Rocky and Mook all showed up early to get the goalposts set up and get breakfast started. Saueey cooked up bacon and eggs and had wrapped them into burritoes as the rest of the gang showed up.

"Man, you could see the goalposts all the way over from the 35 E exit onto Washington Avenue", commented Stier who arrived with Straw Jams, Liberty and Chester just after 7:30 am. Not far behind were Hagen and Lil Schmidty. Mook's new tailgate CD mix blasted in the background:
1. Viking Horn
2. Beer for Breakfast- Johnny Cash and the Replacements mega Mix
3. Salute to Beer
4. Beer Chant
5. Skol Vikings 60's Intro
6. The Horns of Hell (13th Warrior)
7. I am Viking (A Kickass metal tune from Napster)
8. Go Fight Win Chant
9. It's a Long way to the Top ACDC (Thanks Saueey)
10. Horn Horn VIKINGS
11. Who ya Gonna Cool (from Any Given Sunday)
12. TV Theme from Dukes of Hazzard with Randy Moss quotes mixed in
13. Mas Tequila- Sammy
14. Viking Song- excerpt from a Todd Rundgren Song
15. NFL Today- Band Music
16. NFL Fox theme
17. A New Game- NFL Music
18. Purple People Eater (filler)
19. Purple Haze- version by the CURE
20. Do You Love Me? Kiss
21. Dennis Greens Beer Barrel Polka
22. Viking- by Los Lobos
23. Vikes 80's TD Theme
24. NFL- Nice F'n Life- Anthrax
25. Jim Marshall- The Wrong Way
26. Mr. Touchdown USA Band
27. Skol End
28. Viking Victory Horns
29. Creed- Higher
30. Purple Haze- version by Ozzy Osborne and Lenny Kravitz
31. Rock N Roll Part II
32. Skol Vikings Decades Mega Mix
33. Rudy Theme
34. Any Given Sunday Outro

Somewhre in all the commotion between tunes, and cold beer and chips, the conversation turned to Fantasy Football. Hearing that a 14 team draft was held and many Berserkers had entered, Mook popped off,

"I'll take the leftovers from your draft, choose a team and still beat all of your sorry asses." Calling his bluff, Stier, Liberty and Brent procured the draft sheet and the 15th team of their league was created. The team was named the "Scraps" and will play every team in the league every week as an exhibition of humility.

For those who care, the Scraps team consists of:
Quarterbacks: Elvis Grbac & Akili Smith
Running Backs: Fred Beasley and Bob Christian
Wide Receivers: Dedric Ward, Lavernous Coles and Matthew Hatchette
Kickers: Brad Daluiso
Defense:

Soon after, lunch was ready and everybody gobbled up their brats, chips and pickles. Before you could say Daunte Culpepper, the "early faction" was mounting up and heading into the Metrodome. The 2000 season was about to begin!

Game Notes:
Dauntes First play of his career: was a pass play that turned into a 23-yard scramble. The kid motored for a huge gain right off the bat and set the tone for what we hope is an illustrious NFL career. The Dome crowd erupted! Man, when we sign Moss, that is a 1-2 punch for the Millenium. Is anyone questioning Denny's draft strategy anymore?

Favorite plays and Miscellaneous Notes:
• Daunte's first run. See above
• On Daunte's second run on the first drive, he dashed for 21 yards. This gave him 44 yards in 2 carries and the Dome ERUPTED in glee.
• The first pass of Daunte's career came after low snap from Birk skidded off the dome's turf past the QB and he improvised a Tarkenton-like scramble and dumped off a shovel pass to Tight End John Davis. Again the entire dome ERUPTED!
• The Vikings offense rolled but stalled in the red zone in the first half kicking just 3 field goals
• Daunte Culpepper's 3 rushing touchdowns in his first official NFL start. Is this the beginning of a great NFL career or what?
• Gary Anderson was 3 for 3 on field goals. Good to see him back and in form
• Bears revenge. Last year rookie Jim Kleinsasser suffered a bad game against the Bears fumbling twice and costing the Vikings the game. This prompted and ESPN magazine's reference to him as "Edward Scissorhands." In this year's grudge match, the rookie from North Dakota' catch, run and subsequent hanging onto the ball after a huge hit was a VICTORY for the young Dakotan! Look for the "Sauce" to have a big year!
• This had to be a record for the most Quarterback Draws ever called and ran in the same NFL game. I personally recall at least 8 Draws by either Culpepper or Bears's QB Cade McNown
• Halftime, the Vikes were down 13-9, but the fans cheered for many of the Viking legends who were introduced by Bud Grant and Jerry Burns. The loudest cheers were for: Jim Marshall, Alan Page, Carl Eller, Joey Browner, Paul Krause, Boo Boo Rouse, Karl Kassulke,
• In the 2nd half, after the Bears went ahead 20-9, Vikes scored 3 unanswered touchdowns. Nice comeback.
• Culpepper to Moss on the fly for 65 yards.
• Robert Smith's 59-yard run
• The Vikes had 2 sacks, 1 by John Burrough and 1 by Eddie McDaniel. In both instances, the Vikes seemed to blitz, begging the question, why not blitz them bastards more? Just a thought

Post Game Tailgate:
Post game tailgates when the Vikes win are always crazy. They are even crazier when the weather is beautiful, so this was one of those days. Footballs were flying around, and loud audibles and mock play calls were barked out as the purple nation celebrated it's perfect opening. The Bears fans who taunted us prior to the game and promised to return There wasWe watched in pure joy as the Packers choked away their game to the Jets. Bret Favre kept grabbing his elbow in pain and we did not feel any sorrow. It was great to see the Cheese lose.

Roll Call & Game Day Grades:
In attendance were: Saueey, Steve, Chester, Rocky, Mook, Stier, Lil Schmidty, Liberty, and Hagen. Also attending Lil Buddy, and Notre Dame Dan,
Grades: A! The food was great, the weather was beautiful and fans were giddy and buzzed.
MVP: Rocky. Why not? Once again, the cameras rolled and he boomed the field goals through our goalposts. The guy choked on the first attempt of the year when the parking lot was empty and no one was around, but when the crowd gathered, and the FOX pre-game camera crew showed up, the kid was true again.

Quotes:
"Hell, I left my wife at home so I wouldn't have to here yelling like that!" Saueey
"Why don't you put up some better quotes on the game reports?" Chester
"Hey, they said NDSU, Kleinsasser is from North Dakota! He's a Sioux not a Bison! That's horrible!" Lil Buddy commenting on the pre-game introduction of Jim Kleinsasser.
"Those are the guys with the goalposts!" Neighboring Tailgaters
"Hey where is my St. Louis Rams french fry foam thingy?" Mook commenting on the fact that he did not get a foam stick to wave around like the rest of the 64,000 plus dome fans!
"Why do you waste your time writing for that damn internet report when you could be moving rocks for the landscaping? I mean, you don't get paid to do that, right?" Mooks wife Ellen
"It was a great day! The Vikings win, the Packers, Cowboys and 49ers all lose! How much better can this get?" Rocky
"Scraps, Scraps, Scraps" Mook's catcall to Stier as he learned that running back Fred Beasley had scored 3 TD's and Elvis Grbac tossed 2 more.

Friday, May 01, 2009

Old School Tailgating: 2000 vs. Preseason Arizona Cardinalsrs

Old School Tailgating: I am going through the content on Vikingstailgate.com with intents to scale it back and eventually rebuild. As I do this, I am finding lots of cool stories from the old days of Washington Avenue. These features and pictures will be shared for historic perspective. I dedicate all these stories to our Varsity tailgate founders; Stier, Saueey, Rocky, Chester, Hagen, Farrell, the Schmidty's, Notre Dame Dan, O.J., Bill, Cindy, Barnie, Lil Buddy, Stripper Skipper, Tammy, Face Paint Gal, CC Gal, Steve and the hundreds who followed....

This is one is from 2000 Preseason Vikings vs. Cardinals
Flashbacks, Berserker Hooky and Hustling NFL Style

By Marcus "Mookie Vike" Anderson

How many of you can really remember the details of your very first experience attending a Minnesota Vikings game? Well it's been almost 25 years for me, and I can still remember that cold day in December 1976 when the Vikings beat the Washington Redskins 35-20 in that Divisional Playoff Game at the Old Met Stadium.

I remember the aesthetic details, the smell of brats, and sausages on the tailgaters grill's as we walked toward the gates, the smell of cigars and cigarettes in the Met Stadium air, the High School Cheerleading Parkettes on the sidelines, Fred Cox's straight on kicks in warm-ups, and of course the players and coaches on the sideline during the game who I was able to get autographs from after the game: Fran Tarkenton, Jim Marshall, Carl Eller, Fred Cox, Nate Wright, Sammie White, Ed White, Wes Hamilton, and Matt Blair.

I can also remember that it was my father, Ken, who was the person responsible for my attending that first game and subsequent 1/4 of century addiction to the Purple, so when we the Berserkers had a free ticket available for this Friday Night Preseason game in August, the first person I called to invite was dad.

Much has happened since that first game in 1976, and with my dad's presence at this game I could not stop reflecting on how much life has changed in for both the Vikings and myself.

In 1976, I was in 6th Grade and wore a purple Fran Tarkenton jersey. My biggest concerns in life were math homework and getting good grades at Roosevelt Elementary School in Watertown, SD. We lived in the country, so we didn't have cable TV, and I was never allowed to watch a Monday Night Football game on ABC past the Howard Cosell halftime report. To fuel my Vikes addiction, my father would bring home the Minneapolis Tribune from work, so I could read up on the latest news and actually see pictures of the team. My brothers and I would watch all Sunday afternoon games that were televised on CBS or NBC. When the Vikings lost we would burn the football cards of the opposition in some sort of sick sacrificial ritual of young purple witch doctors.

In 2000, Fran Tarkenton is rarely seen or heard from in Minnesota, and one rarely sees a #10 jersey on anyone. Hell, it was as recent as last year that the Metrodome even had Tark's name spelled wrong on the Dome ring of honor! My biggest concerns in life are keeping my wife happy and keeping my season tickets. Our Sunday Star and Tribune is always delivered late, and when I finally open it, it's yesterdays news. Now-a-days my Purple brothers and I attend every home Viking game and we are the ones who now make that cool smelling tailgate BBQ's in the outside parking lots of the NFL stadiums. We have satellite dishes and never miss a half of any NFL game. We are making plans to create our tailgate vehicle- the ultimate weapon, and we host a web page dedicated to the Vikings and their purple fans. Howard Cosell is dead and a Comedian named Dennis Miller makes references on Monday Night Football that not even all our College Education's combined can comprehend. I have sold most of my ball cards on E-Bay to money-grubbing bastards who preserve those cardboard toys in glass, as if they were gold.

Despite, the differences over the last quarter century, their is much that is still the same. The Vikings are perennial playoff losers, we still love them and we will go to their games no matter if they are played indoors our outside. We are the fan base, the loyal, and our leader, our father, was present once again for a Vikings game on Friday Night. This time the game was indoors, in the middle of the summer, with nothing at stake, but we were witness to new Viking QB Daunte Culpepper's coming out party on National TV!

Pregame Tailgate:

I got that call from South Dakota at about noon on Friday that my dad and brother, along with Mom and niece, were heading out. I could hear Dad in the background with concern as to what to wear, so I offered up a suggestion, "Hey, tell him to just wear the #85 Kleinsasser jersey I got him for Christmas last year!" I could hear the relief over the phone.

A few hours later, I skipped out of work (playing hooky) at 2:30 to meet Rocky at the house and get down to the Dome to tailgate. I didn't really lie to my co-workers, I just told them that I needed to get out of my cube and downtown to the sunny Washington Avenue parking lot ASAP. I think they understood. I didn't hurt that I had worked overtime all week, so leaving 1 hour earlier was not that big of a deal, at least that's what I'll believe until I hear otherwise.

Rocky and I were downtown whooping it up for nearly 2 hours before Saueey and John showed up. We did not grill out or bring any of the regular season supplies as it was still just preseason. We admired from afar the Purple Battlewagon, noting it's improvements from last year, and waxing philosophical about someday buying ourselves a killer tailgate vehicle. Although, the tailgate vehicle is purely a pie-in-the-sky idea and will probably never happen, we still tease each other with the possibilities.

The Viking cheerleaders came out and walked through the crowd once again, waving to all us poor drunken slugs, and posing for pictures with wide-eyed kids and their horny dads. That's always good humor. We actually appreciate their presence and probably don't thank them enough for all the fun they provide throughout the year, so on behalf of all the Section 205 Berserkers, "Thank you Vikings Cheerleaders!"

Little Schmidty showed up sporting a new Packer Sucks purple t-shirt, and found his way to the beer and free tension release. It was about 6:00 and we were nearly an 1 1/2 hours from game time when I saw an #85 Kleinsasser and #57 Rudd walking toward us in an anxious gait. When Dad and lil bro Steve arrived, the pre-game tailgate was complete. Before the pre-season, many Viking fans were questioning the decision of Dennis Green to not sign Randall Cunningham or Jeff George to be the Vikings starter in '00. It seemed like everybody in purple land had an opinion on who the Vikings quarterback should be, and the consensus was that Duante Culpepper would not be their choice. The Berserkers posted a poll, asking Viking fans, "If You Could Bring Back 1 QB from the Vikes history in his prime to play in 2000, it would be _________. " We announced the winner at the tailgate and shared memories about these Viking fan choices:
1. Tommy Kramer 36% "Imagine T.K. throwing bombs to Moss!"
2. Fran Tarkenton 24 % "The Scrambler would keep defenses honest!"
3. Brad Johnson 12% "With Brad, it would be same team, same playoff loss result, no Daunte!"
4. Warren Moon 8% "In his prime, he could do everything!"

We ate the rest of our chips, drank a few beers and talked about our favorite tailgates from games past.

Game Notes:
I couldn't help but to flashback to 1998. There we were, watching the Vikes vs. Cards, just like '98 Divisional playoff game, and once again the Vikings were scoring points fast and furious. Both Randy Moss and Cris Carter caught TD's and Robert Smith looked like he has all his speed back for '00.

My favorite plays:
• The TD to Moss. Looks like he caught it on a rope, in stride from Daunte after an audible at the line. This cannot be stopped!
• Gary Anderson 51-yard Field Goal attempt... Close... so close it hit the crossbar, and fell short, but guess what? He's BAAAAAACK!
• The option pitch TD from Daunte to Mo Williams, shows another potentially unstoppable play in the red zone.
• You can't tell me that CC wanted to actually catch that TD pass and run to the end zone?

My unfavorite plays :
• Little Buddy showing everyone in 205 his breasts, rubbing them and being a weird-o in front of my Dad.
• Saueey and John bailing early in the 3rd quarter and not saying good-bye

Post Game Tailgate:
Pretty mellow tailgate. It was just father and his 3 sons waiting in the parking lot for traffic to subside so we could get on home.

Roll Call & Game Day Grades:
In attendance where Rocky, Mook, Lil Schmidty, Saueey, Steve, Ken, Cowboy John, , Lil Buddy, and Notre Dame Dan
Grades: B However, Saueey and John get D's for an early exit. Other than that, the early faction drank fast and furious and 2 cases of beer went down like White House intern (old pathetic joke, sorry.)

MVP: Ken, who held court and drank beers with the Boys like he raised us or something.

Quotes:
"The '99 Draft will probably go down as one of the GREATEST in Viking history" Mook, after Daunte's 8th TD pass in the first few minutes of the game.
"I am too old for that kind of junk." Ken commenting on the possibility of a tailgate parking lot brawl.
"Anyone want an extra pork chop?" Neighboring Tailgater with a huge 1-inch thick chop that looked like

Old School Tailgating: 2000 vs. Preseason New Orleans Saintsardinalsrs

The Berserkers Pre-Season Experiment: Cheeseheads & Beer

By Marcus "Mookie Vike" Anderson

There were only two Cheeseheads in the entire Metrodome on Saturday Night for the Viking's preseason game vs. the Saints and they were sitting with the 205 Berserkers as invited guests.

As it was for the Vikings, it was Berserker's first game of the pre-season, and many of the regulars sat out for the first games tailgate festivities. Bowing out weeks in advance were Stier, Saueey, Hagen, Lil Schmidty, and Big Schmidty. Although their presence would be sorely missed, the Berserker regulars were confident that their "tailgating system" which had been implemented over the past few years would allow their replacements to showcase their skills and have the best tailgating experience of their careers.

The chore of putting together the replacement team fell onto Rocky and Mook, who noted that the task would be like casting for MTV's Real World, or CBS's Survivor. "We tried to invite interesting and controversial characters that would maximize the tailgating experience on Washington Avenue for this Vikings pre-season game," noted Rocky. Knowing that the familiar Watertown, SD 205 Berserkers Chapter of Steve and Chester would be driving in via a stop at Mankato, MN, Rocky and Mook put together a team of rag-tag partiers that would surround the core of regulars and carry the Berserker torch for the pre-season.

"Clearly, we had to find guys that would work within our system," added Mook, "So just like Dennis Green who went out and got the Packers Offensive and Defensive coordinators last off-season, we went after some strangely familiar talent to co-host our party."

They invited Norms Softball player Johnny "J-Rock" Rogers who was invited once last year as a replacement but unable to attend. J-Rock has been a life-long Viking fan with direct ties to former Viking WR Sam McCullum. Then, much like the controversial Coach of the Purple, the Berserkers went into enemy territory and recruited two Packer fans, Wales and Paulie from St. Paul Park.

"It's not like they don't know no our partying style," commented Mook, "I have been going to their house to party for the Viking-Packer game at Lambeau for the last five years! They know me, I know them, so the system should allow them to be just fine."

Pregame Tailgate:
With the planning finalized, the big day arrived. We started the day out with a cookout at Berserker HQ in Eagan, MN with Ellen prepping all the pre-game meal amenities, including tailgate favorites such as brats, corn-on-the-cob, potato salad, and homemade candy bars. Stomachs full, we headed over to the Valley Lounge Bar in Eagan, MN to meet the Cheeseheads and J-Rock.

We were greeted at the Valley Lounge with a friendly taunt of "Vikings Suck!" from Packer Paulie, and somehow, one just knew that this would be a day of testing and challenge for the Berserkers friendly "tailgating system!" We chucked down a couple pitchers of Premo at the Valley, packed our coolers and tailgate chairs into to two SUV's and headed on down to the Metrodome.

We arrived at Tailgate Central around 3 pm and joined several Vikings fans who had already made their way to the stadium tailgate lot on Washington Avenue. The beer started flowing, and the Packer Boys stuck out like green albinos in a sea of purple. Needless to say, the sore-thumbs were easy targets for Viking passerby's.

"Are you guys lost? ... Lambeau is that way!... Packers Suck...Why are you here?..." and several other random taunts were thrown at our guests, who responded admirably to the harassment. For the first part of day both Packer Paulie and Wales took several verbal jibes and held their ground.

"Hey you guys ever heard of armchair quarterbacks?" Wales would ask the taunters, "Well we're just armchair tailgaters checking out the enemy territory to see if your partying is up to standard and that you guys are still worth playing." Wales seemed pretty skilled in diffusing the purple lament with his sense of humor. Meanwhile, Paulie won the favor of some Viking fans by playing catch with their sons for several hours.

Probably the most instense confrontation between our Packer guests and Viking fans came in the line of the Porto Potties. Wales, Paulie and Mook had all walked over the restrooms together. As they stood in the line four Viking women surrounded Paulie and began heckling him like a kid wearing Kmart clothes in and Edina kindergarten It might have helped his cause if he had remembered the score or at least opposition of the previous nights Packer preseason victory, but as it turned out the women caught him off-guard with their queries, chewing him up and spitting him out with their venomous purple attack.

We tailgated for nearly 4 hours, talking about the past years and new expectations of '00. J-Rock caught the eye of KSTP Channel 5 reporters and was filmed playing catch with a kid. He made is Berserker appearance on local TV later that evening when they ran the segment about tailgaters outside the Metrodome.

Because Chester and Steve had driven up earlier in the week and stopped off to visit the Vikings at Training Camp, we were getting a first hand scouting report of what to expect during the game. Chester told us that we could expect to see some nice wrinkles in the offense, "You gotta see Daunte running the option," he boasted, tipping us off on some new plays in the Viking Playbook. Steve shared with us the insight on how the defensive backs are expected to practice, and commented on how slack Mitch Berger and Gary Anderson had it in comparison to the rest of the team.

Before you knew it, it was time for the early faction to enter the stadium.

Game Notes:
The Packer Boys and Mook (as the late-late faction), arrived at the game in time to see the Viking's first drive. Many in attendance at the game had been saying all along that the only part of the game they cared about was the first half, anxious to see the new players; Daunte, Hovan, Bryce Paup and Tyrone Carter.

Mook's Favorite plays:
· Chester's Option call. Yes, the Dakota Kid was correct, Daunte called an option and actually ran the ball for a good 15 yards. We were impressed with his speed and confidence throughout the game, but this run was a Berserker favorite play.
· Randy Moss, taking the short pass deep. Right on, the kid attacked the sideline after a great run, and lunged for the end zone. I love the guts he showed after the long dash.
· Daunte's bruisng burst toward the end zone, in the same spot on the field where last year Jeff George just laid down like a pansie.
· Jim Kleinsasser's Toucdown. Move over Boom Boom Brown, there's a new Bruiser in the HOUSE!
· Orlando Thomas' interception flashed me back to his healthy years

Game Disappointments:
· I was disappointed with was the lack of a pass rush. We had nobody putting pressure on anyone! I don't recall seeing a sack, and Hovan did nothing to impress me at all. I want him to do well...
· Jake Reed, wrong team, Touchdown after further review...
· The final score 25-24, Viking loss. I know it's meaningless, but we did dominate every stat. The Vikes comitted 3 fumbles, and 1 interception, AND THE KILLER... a blocked punt...

As was stated, we only really paid attention to the first half score with the Vikings winning 14-10.

Post Game Tailgate:
The Packer Boys celebrated the Vikings defeat to the deaf ears of their 205 Berserker hosts. They kept rubbing in the fact that the Vikings lost the game on a last second field goal. The parking lot cleared out pretty fast, and other than some track sprint challenges from our neighbors in the parking lot, there was no real post-game athletics. There was no boxing, or long toss, or bonfires of the vanities, just plain old beer consumption and conversation. The lost art of tailgating was back for another season.

Roll Call:
Steve, Chester, Paulie, J-Rock, Whales, Rocky, Mook, Lil Buddy, Notre Dame Dan,
Grades: B- The tailgating was fun, but the Vikes lost the game. Not a lot of swearing or concern, but plenty of high fives and praise about Daunte Culpepper and Moss. No food at the tailgate, just chips and beer.
MVP: J-Rock, who got on TV wearing the Korey Stringer jersey in his first Berserker experience.

Quotes:
"VIKINGS SUCK!" Packer Paulie, several times, most notably the first and last words out of his mouth at the beginning of the day and the end of the evening...

"The cool thing about the first pre-season game is that you get to see what everybody got for Christmas last year." Brent

"Are you kidding? Is he F'n Nuts?" Lil Buddy's comments to Rocky when he was told that Mook was bringing in 2 Packer fans to sit with the 205 Berserkers.

"At least this one likes Harleys" Viking Girl commenting to Wales the Packer fan in the line at the Porto Potty.

"Do you want me to slap the yellow off your tooth?" J-Rock response to the taunting of Packer Paulie after the game!

"I could never thank you enough ,if hadn't said it enough, I'll say it again ' thanks bro, thanks for bringing us to this game.' This has been one of the best times of my LIFE!" A very grateful Wales

"The main thing is to try and get better. We went out and played well, but I think we had too many mistakes. Down the road it will hurt us if we don’t get better. The bottom line is we need to get better. I have to get better and everybody has to get better." Daunte Culpepper commenting on the 205 Berserker Tailgating antics

Monday, April 27, 2009

Vikings Free Agent Rookie: Ian Johnson

2009 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report:
Ian Johnson, RB, Boise St.
The hero of the 2007 Fiesta Bowl game against Oklahoma, Johnson commenced his college career in 2005 when he carried the ball on 119 occasions for 663 yards (5.6 per attempt). He also scored 4 TD. Starting twelve games in 2006, Johnson recorded 277 carriers (6.2) for 1,713 yards and 25 TD. He also rushed for 100 yards on 24 carriers and scored a TD against the vaunted Oklahoma defense in the 2007 Fiesta classic. In 2007 he rushed for 1,041 yards on 207 attempts (5.0) with 16 TD. He has miss some time with nagging injuries.
Johnson is a hard runner with instincts to play the position. A strong leg drive and soft hands, he could develop into a decent pass catching back. A huge heart. A better football player than an athlete. He is on the short side; Needs to add bulk and strength, especially on his upper body. Is slow (4.59). Will not turn the corner in the NFL. Easy to tackle. Has an inflated ego. Injuries are a concern.

Over hyped. Johnson was thrown into the spotlight after an incredible Fiesta Bowl performance, but he is nothing special. He is an average athlete, at best, who will have to drive himself to make an NFL roster. He will be drafted, mainly because of past performances and his immense heart, but he is a long shot to make a major contribution next year, if at all.

Vikings Sign 14 Rookie Free Agents

The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with 14 rookie free agents.

PLAYER - SCHOOL
S Colt Anderson - Montana
RB Kahlil Bell - UCLA
C Jon Cooper - Oklahoma
LB Robert Francois - Boston College
QB Sean Glennon - Virginia Tech
S Devon Hall - Utah State
DT Antoine Holmes - North Carolina State
RB Ian Johnson - Boise State
DT Tremaine Johnson - LSU
G Andy Kemp - Wisconsin
T Bobby Lepori - Fresno State
WR Nick Moore - Toledo
WR Vinny Perretta - Boise State
TE Nick Walker - Alabama

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Vikings Draft Pick 2009: Jamarca Stanford (7th Round)

From Ole Miss Website
Jamarca Stanford FS, Ole Miss

Started all 44 career games in which he played ... As a senior, was the SEC active leader in career tackles ... Accepted invitation to the 2009 Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Challenge following his senior season ... 2008: Started all 13 games at strong safety ... Served as team captain ... Topped the team in solo stops (56) and ranked second in total tackles (82) ... Tied for team lead with two forced fumbles ... Also recorded 4.0 TFLs and two QB hurries ... Helped the Rebel defense rank No. 2 in SEC and No. 4 in the nation in rush defense (85.5 ypg) ... Honored with the 2008 Leadership Award from the Birmingham Alumni Club ... Named Midseason All-SEC third team by Phil Steele ... Earned fourth letter ... vs. Memphis (8/30): Tied a career-high with 13 tackles, including a career-best 11 solos, in start ... at Wake Forest (9/6): Posted eight stops, six solo, a forced fumble and 0.5 a TFL in start ... vs. Samford (9/13): Collected four tackles in start ... vs. Vanderbilt (9/20): Tallied seven tackles (five solo) and one forced fumble in start ... at Florida (9/27): Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week after posting a team-high 11 tackles ... vs. South Carolina (10/4): Tied career-highs with 13 tackles and 11 solo ... at Alabama (10/18): Tallied five stops (four solo) ... at Arkansas (10/25): Finished with three solo tackles ...vs. Auburn (11/1): Collected a career-high 2.0 TFLs and finished with two solo tackles ... vs. ULM (11/15): Posted five tackles and 0.5 QB sacks ... at LSU (11/22): Finished with five tackles (two solo) ... vs. Mississippi State (11/28): Collected four solo tackles, including 1.0 TFL ... Cotton Bowl vs. Texas Tech (1/2): Credited with two solo tackles ... Spring: Received the 2008 Chucky Mullins Courage Award and is wearing a "38" patch on his jersey during his senior season to honor the late Chucky Mullins, whose Ole Miss career as a defensive back came to an end in 1989 when he was paralyzed in a game against Vanderbilt ... Posted a solo tackle in the Red-Blue Game ...

2007: Played in and started 10 games at strong safety ... Ranked sixth in the SEC at 8.3 tackles per game ... Finished third on the team in total tackles (83) and fourth in TFLs (5.5) and pass break-ups (4) ... Also forced two fumbles and blocked a punt ... Earned third letter ... at Memphis (9/1): Registered first career punt block, which resulted in a TD by Kendrick Lewis ... Recorded seven tackles, including five solos and 0.5 TFLs ... Also broke up two passes and forced a fumble ... vs. Missouri (9/8): Topped team with a career-high 13 total tackles, including eight solos and a TFL ... at Vanderbilt (9/15): Led the team with a career-high 13 total tackles with seven solos and one TFL ... vs. Florida (9/22): Credited with seven tackles with a pair of solos ... at Georgia (9/29): Posted two pass break-ups and five tackles, including three solos and 0.5 TFLs ... at Auburn (10/27): Notched 11 total stops with seven solos ... vs. Northwestern State (11/3): Tied career-high with 13 stops ... Also recorded 1.5 TFLs and a forced fumble ... vs. LSU (11/17): Team-high 10 tackles (six solo) and 0.5 TFLs ... at Mississippi State (11/23): Totaled four tackles, including three solos and a half TFL ... Preseason: Named 2007 preseason third team All-SEC by Athlon ... Spring: Recorded seven tackles and one interception in the Red-Blue game ...

2006: Appeared in and started 11 games, seven games at strong safety and four at linebacker ... Credited with 64 tackles and 1.5 QB sacks on the season ... Finished fourth on the team in tackles ... Earned his second letter ... vs. Memphis (9/3): Recorded seven total tackles in start ... at Missouri (9/9): Credited with eight stops and recorded a pass break-up in start ... at Kentucky (9/16): Recorded a pass break-up and 0.5 QB sack in a start ... vs. Wake Forest (9/23): Career-high 10 stops in start ... at Alabama (10/14): Tallied five tackles in start ... at Arkansas (10/21): Recorded three tackles in start ... vs. Auburn (10/28): Earned first career start at LB ... Posted six stops ... vs. Northwestern State (11/4): Tallied seven tackles and 0.5 QB sacks in start ... at LSU (11/18): Collected three stops and 0.5 QB sack ... vs. Mississippi State (11/25): Tied his career-high with 10 tackles and a pass defended in the start ...

2005: Named Third Team Freshman All-America by The Sporting News ... Earned First Team Freshman All-SEC honors from the SEC Coaches and The Sporting News ... Played in and started 10 games at strong safety, missing only the Wyoming game (9/24) ... Topped all SEC freshmen in tackles and was 12th among all league DBs at 5.3 stops per game ... Ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 58, including 40 solos ... Tied for sixth in the conference in fumble recoveries with two ... Notched one interception and one pass break-up ... Helped the Rebel defense finish the season 14th in the nation in pass defense, 27th in total defense and 31st in scoring defense ... Earned his first letter ... at Memphis (9/5): Recorded six tackles (five solo) and one TFL in first career start ... Helped the Rebel defense hold All-American RB DeAngelo Williams under 100 yards rushing for only the third time in his previous 23 games ... at Vanderbilt (9/17): Credited with a seven tackles, including six solos, with a TFL ... at Tennessee (10/1): Totaled a career-high eight stops with six solos ... vs. Citadel (10/8): Made two tackles ... Helped contain The Citadel to 81 yards of total offense, the least by a Rebel foe since 1993 ... vs. Alabama (10/15): Posted four tackles (three solo) and a fumble recovery ... Also notched two pass break-ups and a QB hurry ... Helped limit the Crimson Tide to a then season-low 13 points and 121 rushing yards ... vs. Kentucky (10/22): Tallied six stops (five solo) ... Recovered a fumble for the second straight game ... Helped the Rebel defense contain the Wildcats to one score while forcing three turnovers ... at Auburn (10/29): Matched career high with eight total tackles, including one TFL, ... vs. Arkansas (11/12): Registered seven stops (four solo) and a TFL ... Helped shut down the SEC’s top rushing attack, holding the Razorbacks to 89 yards, 163 yards below their then season average ... vs. LSU (11/19): Made three tackles ... at Mississippi State (11/26): Credited with seven stops (five solo) with 1.5 TFLs ... Preseason: Named First Team Preseason Redshirt Freshman All-America by CollegeFootballNews.com. Spring: Started spring drills as a corner before being moved to linebacker for two days ... Was then moved to strong safety and worked his way to the top of the depth chart ... 2004: Did not see action and was redshirted ...

Vikings Draft Pick 2009: Jasper Brinkley (5th Round).....

From FFToolbox.com
2009 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report:
Jasper Brinkley, OLB, South Carolina

Brinkley played two seasons at Georgia Military College before transferring to South Carolina, where he was the defensive star when healthy. In 2006 he led the team in total tackles with 107 -- a whopping 85 of which were solo. As a result, Brinkley went into the 2007 season on the Pre-season All-SEC First Team. An ankle injury, however, slowed him in the beginning before torn knee ligaments sidelined him for the year. Because that happened in September, Brinkley received a medical redshirt and returned to Columbia in 2008 for his senior campaign.

Nevertheless, the linebacker was never the same and he recorded just 54 tackles last season. As such, physical concerns are the main red flag surrounding Brinkley among NFL personnel. He is also better against the run, and if he never regains his past speed and athleticism, he won't be much of a factor against the pass. When he is at full speed he can run under 4.7 in the 40, a scary element to go along with being 6'2'' and 270 pounds.

It is definitely not fun for opposing running backs to see Brinkley coming their way. Nor is he fun to see in blitz packages, as Brinkley is great at getting into the backfield and taking care of quarterbacks. His draft stock really hinged on his 2008 performance, and because he was limited, there is almost no way he will go off the board in the first round. Still, some NFL teams are not afraid of a high-risk / high-reward situation and could be willing to snag Brinkley before the end of round two.

Vikings Draft Pick 2009: Asher Allen (3rd Round)...

2009 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report:
From FF Toolbox.com:
Asher Allen, CB, Georgia
Allen was one of few Georgia Bulldogs who stayed healthy throughout the 2008 season, and it paid off in the form of a solid junior year. He was a named a semifinalist for the Lott Trophy (defensive impact player of the year) and the Jim Thorpe Award (best cornerback).

The junior also has a propensity for coming up big in clutch situations, having been all over the place in UGA's past two bowl games. Allen had two interceptions in last season's Sugar Bowl victory over Hawaii and he allowed nothing through the air against Michigan State in the Bulldogs' recent Capital One Bowl triumph.

A dynamic athlete, Allen is also a force on special teams. He can run in the low 4.4s in the 40-yard dash and he returned a kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown against Kentucky in 2007. Allen is just a bit undersized (5'10'') but at 198 pounds he is a physical cornerback, unafraid to mix it up with bigger receivers inside the five-yard area. Georgia has a lot of underclassmen who have NFL decisions to make in the upcoming days, and Allen is one of them. If he returns to school, he would probably emerge as a sure-thing first-rounder in 2010. Even now he could be off the board in the second round.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Vikings Draft Pick 2009: Percy Harvin (1st Round)...

From FF Toolbox.com
2009 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report:
Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

In Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin, the National Champion Florida Gators had two dual threats: Tebow as a runner and passer and Harvin as a runner and receiver. They still have Tebow for next season, but Harvin is taking his explosiveness to the next level. As a sophomore in 2007, the speedy wideout caught 59 passes for 858 yards and four touchdowns. On the ground he had 83 carries for 764 yards and six touchdowns.

After two games of this past season, the oft-injured Harvin said he was feeling the best he ever had and as such the Florida coaches were about to "cut him loose." Unfortunately an ankle injury crippled Harvin's second half of his 2008 campaign. After missing the SEC Championship, however, Harvin soared to new heights in the BCS Title game despite not being 100 percent. He rushed nine times for 121 yards and one touchdown, and added 49 receiving yards.

He can run under 4.3 in the 40 and he is just as elusive as he is fast. Anytime he touches the ball he has touchdown potential, regardless of where he is on the football field.

The knock on Harvin, of course, is his size. He stands just 5'11'' and 195 pounds, so it remains to be seen how he will deal with bigger, stronger cornerbacks at the next level. Still, there is no reason to think he can't be lethal on Sundays as a slot receiver. He should be off the board in the first round of this month's NFL Draft.

Last Updated Apr-02-2009 by Ricky Dimon

Vikings Draft Pick 2009: Phil Loadholt (2nd Round)

From FF Toolbox.com

2009 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report:
Phil Loadholt, OL, Oklahoma

There are not many tackles as big as Phil Loadholt. At 6-8 and 337 pounds, he is big even for a lineman. His road to Oklahoma went through Garden City Community College where he spent his freshman and sophomore seasons dominating the juco ranks. In 2007, Loadholt stepped into the starting role at left tackle with the Sooners.

His size alone could make him a first round selection, but Loadholt has plenty to prove during the 2008 season. Thus far, his collegiate career has been marred by inconsistency. When Loadholt cannot simply physically have his way with the opposition, he tends to get beat. He has a long way to go in the mental game before he will be a top lineman in the NFL. If he can keep his head in the game and work on his technique, Loadholt will be a great offensive tackle.

If Loadholt's senior season goes well, he will be a first round choice in 2009. If it goes very well and he cuts down on his mistakes, Loadholt could be the first tackle off the board and a top five selection in April. There is a long way to go for Loadholt before he can start thinking about being a top selection, but all the physical tools are there for him to have a solid NFL career.

10/16 Update: Phil Loadholt was having a good season until he went up against Brian Orakpo. The Texas defensive end got the best of Loadholt and that has brought up some questions about the massive 6-8 tackle. Loadholt has to prove that he can deal with quick ends and keep his head in the game.

2/12 Update: Loadholt will still struggle with his lateral movement, but that is not a big surprise for a 6-8, 345 pound tackle. His showing during Senior Week was quite impressive and he was pushing away smaller ends all week long. His foot speed is not going to get much better with time, so NFL teams pretty much know what they are getting and he will make a decent left or right tackle for just about any team.

4/16 Update: There has not been much buzz about Loadholt over the last couple of months, but that is mostly because teams know what they are going to get with him. While other offensive tackles move up or down, Loadholt has been sitting steady as a probable late second rounder. He will need to do some work before he is a dominating tackle, but he could be starting on the right side for a few teams this year.

Last Updated Apr-16-2009 by Joel Welser

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Draft Day 09: Mookie's Favorites, 4th Annual Draft Wish List

This is a quick list of my favorite choices for this year's draft. This the 4th Annual Draft Wish List...
For what it's worth, some my past choices have done quite well in the NFL: Jammal Brown, Antrelle Rolle, Anthony Gonzalez, Mike Nugent... Every so often the Vikes actually grab one of my picks (Chad Greenway & Adrian Peterson) so I keep posting the list of favorites. As I always say, give me three or four of the following players, and it's "see you at the Super Bowl!"

First Round
Michael Oher- T Mississippi. I read the book, The Blind Side by Michael Lewis which chronicled his life story as part of the evolution of the Left Tackle as the key position in the NFL. The book is fantastic, and I feel like I know Oher. It's great story.

Percy Harvin- WR Florida... I don't care about the testing positive for Mary Jane. He might be dumb for doing it, but I never UNDERESTIMATE the pedigree of proven CHAMPION gamer. They are gold. If he is available, at 22 I would grab him and hope for "Moss in a bottle"

Brian Robiske- WR Ohio State. I watch alot of Big 10 games, and I know he will go late in the first round or early in the second. This is the kind of player who will make the big catch for you in big games. He is rich man's version of Chris Walsh, and that is valuable to what the Vikings are trying to do on offense.

Others: (Rounds are irrelevant, grab em if you can)

WR
Ramses Barden, WR Cal Poly 6'6

Quan Cosby, Texas- Hookem Horns

C
Alex Mack, California

A.Q. Shipley, Penn State

G
Herman Johnson, LSU 6'7 355

T
Eben Britton, Arizona 6'6 310

Troy Kropog, Tulane 6'5 309

CB
D.J Moore Illinois (Brother is Vernon Davis, San Fran 49ers TE)

Asher Allen, Georgia- This is a great Viking Name... Nate Allen anyone?

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

2009 Schedule: Roadtrip Options?

The Vikings release their 2009 schedule and it looks promising for roadtrip potential. The first choice would obviously be Carolina on December 20th. We have never taken the goalposts to that state, nor I have ever visited that area. That would be a good place to go. The obvious day trips are November 1st at Lambeau (Halloween in Green Bay anyone?) and Monday Night December 28th at Chicago. But, we could always consider a fly in to Pittsburgh on October 25th or repeat a GREAT tailgating trip to Arizona in early December. So many choices.

The Full Schedule:
Preseason

Week 1 at Indianapolis Colts
Friday Aug 14th

Preseason Week 2 vs Kansas City Chiefs,
Friday Aug 21th

Preseason
Week 3 at Houston Texans,
Monday Augus 31sth

Preseason Week 4 vs Dallas Cowboys,
Sept 3rd or 4th

Regular Season

Week 1 Sep. 13 at Cleveland Browns,

Week 2 Sep. 20 at Detroit Lions

Week 3 Sep. 27 vs San Francisco 49ers

Week 4 Oct. 5th vs Green Bay Packers,
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (Roadtrip?)

Week 5 Oct. 11th at St. Louis Rams,

Week 6 Oct. 18th vs Baltimore Ravens

Week 7 Oct. 25th at Pittsburgh Steelers,
(Roadtrip?)

Week 8 Nov. 1st at Green Bay Packers,
(Roadtrip?)

Week 9 Nov. 8th BYE

Week 10 Nov. 15th vs Detroit

Week 11 Nov. 22nd vs. Seattle

Week 12 Nov. 29 vs Chicago Bears

Week 13 Dec 6th at Arizona,
(Roadtrip?)

Week 14 Dec 13th vs. Cincinnati Bengals,

Week 15 Dec. 20th at Carolina Panthers
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (Roadtrip?)

Week 16 Dec. 28 at Chicago Bears,
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (Roadtrip?)

Week 17 Jan. 3rd vs. New York Giants,

Friday, April 03, 2009

Cutler to Bears- So What?

What did we expect? There was no way the Vikings were going after Jay Cutler, no way. Afterall he is Gunslinger, and we don't want that here. Nope, not the Vikings. We want someone who can run a very boring offense to level of Trent Dilfer.

We want predictable, and precise for our kick ass offense. We don't need no renegades like Brad Johnson, Kelly Holcomb, or Brooks Bollinger in here. We got John David Booty waiting in the wings. We have Travaris Jackson, a proven starter (at times) and yes, Sage Rosenfels, a career back -up who now gets his chance to compete for a starting position.

Well, I can't for the season to start. Hee Haw... Go Vikes.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Vikings New QB Rumors

Last year, the Minnesota Vikings nearly swung a deal for Texans backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels.

As rumors/reports had it, the Texans wanted a second-round pick, and the Vikes were willing to part only with a third-rounder.

This time around, the deal reportedly is close to happening, for a fourth-round selection.

The move would likely take the Vikings out of the running for a veteran quarterback in free agency, and it definitely would slam the door on speculation linking Matt Cassel to the men in purple.

Rosenfels is signed through 2009, at a base salary of $1.35 million.

Any deal could not be finalized until the start of the new league year, on Friday, February 27.

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Cable provider apologizes for Super Bowl porn interruption

A cable television provider apologized Monday to Tucson-area customers over a 30-second porn interruption during the
Super Bowl. Philadelphia-based Comcast said it was conducting a thorough investigation "and will aggressively pursue all
leads until we come to resolution."

In separate statements, the company said it was "mortified" and "appalled" by the interruption. "Our initial investigation suggests this was an isolated malicious act," Jennifer Khoury, Comcast's vice president for corporate communications, said.

The company said only customers in the Tucson area receiving the standard definition feed - not high definition - were affected.

Comcast has some 80,000 customers in unincorporated portions of Pima County, Marana and Oro Valley, but a Comcast
spokeswoman, Kelle Maslyn, declined to say how many standard definition customers there are or how many of those customers may have been watching the game. Late Monday, Khoury said Comcast had decided to offer any Tucson customer who gets the standard definition service a $10 credit. The affected customers can receive the credit by calling a special telephone number or a Comcast call center, and are entitled to the moneywhether or not they watched the Super Bowl.

"The Super bowl is a family viewing event ... We can't undo what happened, but we remain deeply sorry for the impact this situation has had on our customers," Khoury said. She said the credit was intended to "demonstrate to our customers, and to the Tucson community, how seriously we take this situation."

Tucson media outlets reported that they received calls from irate viewers about the pornographic material, which aired just
after the Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald scored on a long touchdown reception during the final minutes of the
game. In Washington, Federal Communications Commission spokesman David Fiske said he was not aware of any complaints
having been filed with the FCC as of Monday afternoon.

"At this point we just have no information," he said. If the agency receives complaints, review procedures will be
followed. "Every case concerning enforcement or indecency is fact-specific," he said, and added, "we can't ever
speculate."

Khoury also said it was too soon to discuss a number of unanswered issues, ranging from how and why the
incident occurred to what the source was and how the company's security system was breached. Other questions
include whether the interruption could have emanated from any broadcast provided for on-demand customers and whether
any employees of the company might face discipline, depending on the investigation's outcome. Fiske could not say whether
the FCC potentially could impose a fine or other disciplinary action. "It depends on what the facts are," he said.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Now What? This Season Was All About Bad Burgers Without Cheese

I just got off the phone with my dad after wishing him a happy birthday, and of course we ended the conversation with a discussion about the Vikings season.

It's his fault that I am addict of the purple. I grew up watching him call the defense "hamburgers" after missing tackles, and jumping for joy when "Chuck Foreman" broke the Rams back in the 1976 NFC Title game. There are so many other stories of Vikings greatness that I shared with him, but I will write about them all later.

Tonight our conversation was about the 2008 season. Tonight it was about a very flat "hamburger" who runs the team on the field named Brad Childress.

Coach Childress has a team so loaded that it could be the "Super Whopper", or the "Biggest Big Mac" in the history of fast food, but instead Vikings fans are served a "kids meal." The coach of this team is so flatline with a stubborn coaching style that will keep the Vikings from putting any condiments or cheese on the purple offense burger. This is fine if you are fan of close games that always come down to the last 2 minutes, but it is BRUTAL if you are a Coach who cannot work those 2 minutes as part of your plan.

Let me explain. Childress plays close to the vest, and is relentless at forcing the team to adopt to this style. The formula might work with a talentless team, but the Vikings have so much high priced "varsity" NFL stars that it should have something more it's game plan at critical times. At the very least, the Vikings should be winning 12 games a year with the players they have on the roster.

My dad an I agree that Childress is still learning, and probably knows that the team is only a good quarterback away from making a long playoff run like they used to do back in the day. We are willing to put up with him for another year to see if this can happen.

In short the team is close, but we both see that our Coach has to know 100% what to do when his team needs the leadership at crunch time. If he cannot improve this, he is worthless, and the team will turn on him. Just look at the last 55 seconds of the Giant game, and anyone who has ever played Madden on Playstation knows what to do. It was simple.

There was absolutely no excuse for him not trying to advance the ball when they got into field goal range after Visanthe Shiancoe converted a first down to the 32 yard line. A first run down attempt by AP loses 2 yards. It's now 2nd down and 12 from the 34, with 27 seconds left, and 1 time out. A 51 yard field goal attempt looms at this point and the clock is ticking. Sure, Longwell kicks the ball long, and this is makeable, but… um… well... there should have been time enough for 2 more plays, right? But here's what ensued:

The Vikings were unprepared, the Vikings panicked. They argued on the sidelines and looked dis-shelved. The clock ran down to 9 seconds, and Tarvaris called a time out. The fans booed. The fans pulled out their Helga horns and cried "UFF DA!"

The Vikings wasted 18 valuable seconds, called a time out on 2nd down, and came back in to try that long 51 yard Field Goal. The Giants called a time out to freeze Longwell. The Vikings regrouped, and uh, thought, uh, "Well, let's try a safe sideline pass?"
In came T-Jack.

They attempted that safe sideline pass, Bobby Wade was open, but T-Jack overthrew him intentionally to be safe? Of course it was incomplete. SURPRISE!!! The play wasted 4 more seconds. Now 5 seconds left? Talk about a clusterF**K. It was now 3rd and 12. Then a mad scramble to get Longwell in to get that 51 yarder kicked with the 30 second play clock ticking. The Giants call time out again. (Thank You Giants?). The kick was good... Oh my... ESPN analysts are still laughing, calling the Vikings goofy on National TV... WHY?

Here's what they should have been prepared for:

It's time to get on the line and run a play for this situation. This is where you try that safe little sideline pass. Worse case incomplete, and 19-20 seconds left. Clock stopped. 3rd and 12. Still time for run up the gut and chance to improve on a 51 yard FG distance to 47-48 yards. You call time out with 4 seconds left and try that field goal.

Best case you advance the ball down the sidelines, 5-6 yards by a pass. The clock stops on the out of bounds. It's now 3rd and 6 or 7 with 17-18 seconds left and you still have a time out left. You have time for a signal from the sideline, you get the play; presumably a run , QB keeper, or off tackle. You gain get 2-3 yards It's now 4th down, and field goal of 45-46 yards is a much better option. You let the clock run down to 4 seconds left and you call that last time out.

I don’t care that they won, it should not have been that close. Childress has proven time and time again that he is unable to be an effective NFL head coach even with a team stacked with talent.

What a hamburger? Maybe. But can he can still improve? Yes. I know how he can. All he has to do is buy a Madden game, load it up and practice the 2 minute drill all off-season. I mean, dude, he has to master that 2 minute pressure drill, and manage the game plan that he so brilliantly instigated for his kick ass offense. If he can't master that, he has to pray that the front office gets him a veteran quarterback who can take this "fatal flaw" away from his coaching acumen.

Maybe his buddy Brett will read this and start speed dialing Winter Park again? Now that might be the Cheese this offense is missing? It should be an interesting off season.

Saturday, January 03, 2009

It's Playoff Time- Truly exclusive

The only thing that will upset me about the Vikings not selling out their playoff game is the fact that I can't tape it and watch it later when I get home from the game.

The real Vikings fans who bought tickets to back their team should be commended. The rest of you, I emphasise with. I know the economy sucks, and it's cold, and you don't really share the faith that the Vikings can pull out a home playoff win with the coaching and leadership you have witnessed. I get it. Times are tough, and it's more important to provide your family with a good Christmas gift- especially the little Vikings in the house.

If the game is blacked out, it will mean that those at home will have to suffer through a KFAN broadcast with Paul Allen. Personally, I can't listen to him for an entire game which is why I have to go to the dome and tailgate before watching it live inside.

By all accounts we will be joined by several thousand Philly fans, who will be making the roadtrip and dropping cash all over the Twin Cities. I believe it will be the Iggles fans who will be wasting their family's money on this road trip. That's right, I can put up with all their loud mouth soup antics for a few hours, just to watch them shut up as they walk out with their tail between their legs on Sunday.

This is playoffs people, and for those of us who are going to the game with purple on, it is the most wonderful, exclusive opportunity we will have to watch the Vikes do something great.

On the other hand, I truly do hope the game sells out today. Afterall, I would hate to see all the new HDTV's that Viking Couch potatoes got for Christmas go to waste.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Police called to Valley Ranch; Bradie James avoids charges

I love it when the Cowboys and Packers fail to make the post season, but stuff like this makes me laugh even more...

From the Dallas Morning News..

Just when you think the circus is shutting down ...

A fan wearing a Jason Witten jersey stood on the street in front of the Cowboys' Valley Ranch facility today, wearing a sandwich board that read, "WADE IS AN EMBARRASSMENT TO THE STAR" and "OUR TEAM HAS NO HEART." The man ended up calling Irving police after a confrontation with LB Bradie James.

James said the fan was blocking his way out of the parking lot, leading him to tell the man he needed to get out of the way or get hit by the linebacker's luxury SUV.

"He said, 'Why you guys didn't show that fire last night? You should have showed that heart last night!'" James recalled to reporters. "So next thing you know, I'm just ripping his sign off him. So I ripped the sign off him. He said I broke his glasses, so I went and gift-wrapped some Oakleys. He got something out the deal."

Cooler heads prevailed when the fan met with James inside the Cowboys facility, along with a team security official and an Irving police officer. James said the fan told him his angst was directed at the rest of the Cowboys, not him.

"I told him, 'I share your frustrations. But where we differ is I wouldn't go to anybody's job, especially not with 300-pound guys, trying to tell them what they didn't do right,'" James said. "But that's it. It's over."

Friday, December 26, 2008

Hoping the Giants Bring the Varsity and Play

Will the Giants, with nothing to play for, bench their starters and give the Vikings a break?

That seams to be something that many fans are hoping for, but NOT ME! I hope they don’t bench anyone. Make the Vikings earn it and respect the league that the NY Giants are champions of.

It makes me chuckle to think that Vikings fans want a break, and hope the Giants do bench their starters. What? Really? If you had the best team in the league, and a chance to knock a threat out of the playoffs for an easier to beat Bears team, then you damn well better do it when you can. Anything less would be dishonorable and stupid. Seriously, the Giants want to beat everybody they play. It's a formula that worked for them last year when they gave the Patriots a fight in the last game of the season, almost ruining their 16-0 regular season. Of course we all know what happened in the Super Bowl. That's what Championship teams do, they take on all comers!

The Vikings need to go in the Dome Sunday and expect to play the game of their lives, or pray to God the Texans find a way to beat the Bears. If they are counting on somebody else to take care of their business, they do not deserve a playoff birth, and come Monday, they will be hitting the golf courses early again. I expect that our purple squad knows that this is a playoff game.

I don't event want to see a Bears Texans update on either of jumbotrons during the game. Take care of the Giants, their best 11 professionals against ours, and see who comes out of the battle standing up. That is the mentality of a team that I want to cheer for and be a part of.

Go Vikings, kick some ass, and take care of YOUR business. I will be there, making the loud for ya on gameday. Good luck.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Vote T-Jack and All-Day for Fed Ex Players of Week

Vote for T-Jack and AP and help Vote HereNFL.com
From Friend of tailgating Dan Kurash, "Adrian Peterson and Tarvaris Jackson were nominated today for the Week 15 FedEx Air & Ground Award. This is Peterson’s fourth nomination this season and Jackson’s first. If one player wins, $1,000 will go to the local Safe Kids Coalition in Minneapolis, but if both win, the coalition will receive $2,000.

I wanted to see if you can help drive the vote by mentioning fans can vote at NFL.com/FedEx until Friday at 11 a.m.? Please let me know if you have questions. Thanks!"

PATRIOTS QB MATT CASSEL, VIKINGS QB TARVARIS JACKSON & TEXANS QB MATT SCHAUB; PATRIOTS RB SAMMY MORRIS, VIKINGS RB ADRIAN PETERSON & FALCONS RB MICHAEL TURNER CANDIDATES FORPATRIOTS QB MATT CASSEL, VIKINGS QB TARVARIS JACKSON & TEXANS QB MATT SCHAUB; PATRIOTS RB SAMMY MORRIS, VIKINGS RB ADRIAN PETERSON & FALCONS RB MICHAEL TURNER CANDIDATES FOR

FEDEX AIR & GROUND® NFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK HONORS

Fans To Vote For Winners On NFL.com

FedEx To Deliver Funding For Safe Kids Organizations On Behalf of Winning Players In Their Teams’ Markets

Quarterbacks MATT CASSEL of the New England Patriots, TARVARIS JACKSON of the Minnesota Vikings and MATT SCHAUB of the Houston Texans are the finalists for the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week honors for games played on December 11 – 15, while running backs SAMMY MORRIS of the New England Patriots, ADRIAN PETERSON of the Minnesota Vikings and MICHAEL TURNER of the Atlanta Falcons are the finalists for the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week honors, the NFL announced today.

Fans can vote for one player in each category on NFL.com/FedEx from 9 a.m. EST on Tuesday through 11 a.m. EST on Friday to determine the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week. The winners will be announced Friday evening on NFL.com.

Fans will be voting for more than their favorite player. As part of the Air & Ground program for the first time, FedEx is teaming up with Safe Kids USA – a national non-profit organization that works to prevent accidental injury among children – to deliver safer kids by making weekly $1,000 donations in the winning players’ names. The funding directly benefits local Safe Kids coalitions in that team’s city, to fund pedestrian safety improvements throughout the year. This year, FedEx celebrates its fifth year of the program and will surpass the $1 million mark in funding to create safer communities for children.

New this season, fans can tune into the “FedEx Air & Ground Lowdown” posted only on NFL.com/FedEx starting Wednesday mornings. The show examines the nominees in the Air & Ground categories through exclusive video highlights and expert analysis. NFL Network’s MARSHALL FAULK and TERRELL DAVIS host the weekly five-minute show.

A closer look at the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week finalists:

〈 New England’s MATT CASSEL led the Patriots to a 49-26 victory over the Oakland Raiders, completing 18 of 30 attempts for 218 yards and four touchdowns.

〈 Minnesota’s TARVARIS JACKSON posted a 135.5 quarterback rating, completing 11 of 17 attempts for 163 yards and four touchdowns as the Vikings defeated the Arizona Cardinals 35-14.

〈 Houston’s MATT SCHAUB completed 23 of 39 attempts for 284 yards and a touchdown as the Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans 13-12.

A closer look at the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week finalists:

〈 New England’s SAMMY MORRIS posted 117 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 attempts in the Patriots’ 49-26 victory over the Oakland Raiders.

〈 Minnesota’s ADRIAN PETERSON tallied 165 rushing yards on 28 attempts in the Vikings’ 35-14 victory against the Arizona Cardinals.

〈 Atlanta’s MICHAEL TURNER rushed for 152 yards and a touchdown on 32 attempts as the Falcons defeated NFC South rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13-10 in overtime.

FedEx, the premier global provider of transportation, e-commerce and supply-chain management services, is the Official Delivery Service Sponsor of the NFL, Super Bowl and Pro Bowl. Through the weekly FedEx Air & Ground Awards, FedEx recognizes those NFL players who represent the same speed, precision and teamwork that their customers have come to expect from the full range of FedEx air, ground, freight and international shipping services, delivering safer kids in the process. With thousands of trucks out on the roads each day, FedEx is committed to improving pedestrian safety for children, by funding education programs and environmental improvements, from signage and crosswalks to pedestrian walkways near schools and playgrounds.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Vikings in the Desert: Flying Out Tomorrow

Well the Bears won, so the Division Championship Celebration is on hold, but that will not preclude us from tailgating Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Sunday.

My flight leaves tomorrow afternoon, and by dinner time, I will be meeting with several Vikings fans from the Viking Victory Voyage at a fine Tempe Bar. We will toast the Vikings several times over the next few days, and top it all of with a road game against the Cardinals.

Road Trips are always fun, so check back for some pictures of the antics from loyal Vikes fans in the desert very soon.

If you happen to be going to the game look for the VVV in the Orange Lot on the Great Lawn.

Skol

Mookie

Monday, November 10, 2008

Drunk at Dome: Story from Pioneer Press quotes "Mookie"

Drunk at the Dome: Some of Sunday's 63,845 fans missed the Vikings-Packers gam
brianmurphy@pioneerpress.com

Police said fan behavior during Sunday's Vikings-Packers game at the Metrodome was relatively tame compared to rowdiness that has colored past clashes between the NFC North Division rivals.

All things considered.

Like the middle-aged fan wearing a sweatshirt that read "I Root For The Vikings And Anyone Who Plays Green Bay" who protested being ejected for flipping middle fingers to Packers fans in Section 114.

Officers asked for his ticket stub to record the incident for the team. The man, who had been drinking, said they would have to arrest him first.

Wrong answer.

That act of liquid defiance put him to the floor of the concourse, landed him in handcuffs and then the back of a squad car for a trip to the Hennepin County Jail and an eventual court summons for disorderly conduct — all witnessed by his crestfallen wife.

One night in jail seems less sobering than the 72 hours in the detoxification unit that await fans who are too drunk to care for themselves.

Like the 25-year-old man who vomited all over his Adrian Peterson jersey outside Gate H. He slurred a tale of being abandoned by his friends 20 minutes before kickoff to officers who found him slumped against a cement barrier.

He never entered the building. Police said he likely would not see daylight until Wednesday, drying out while strapped to a gurney before undergoing a substance-abuse evaluation.

Those were two of the approximately 20 service calls Minneapolis police answered during Sunday's six-hour patrol at the Dome, according to unit commander Lt. Don Banham. Three people were taken to jail, seven others were ejected and two went straight to detox. It was a lighter day than police expected considering "it was Vikings-Packers," Banham said.

Limited to a handful of minor skirmishes in the seats, officers had ample time to conduct civil parenting lessons for 63,845 fans, the unruliest of whom missed the dramatic finish to Minnesota's 28-27 victory.

Like the 33-year-old in the Fran Tarkenton jersey, who passed out face first into a sink in the men's restroom behind Section 110 with 10 minutes left in the first quarter.

First-aid workers, with the help of officers Jim Burns and Michael Geere, steered him into the concourse, where he collapsed against a wall and threw up. Police used the man's cell phone to call his buddy from their seats.

He assumed responsibility for taking home his inebriated friend, who steadied his vomit-soaked hand on the "Driver" stitching of his buddy's Donald Driver Packers jersey.

The act of brotherhood saved police from taking the man to the drunk tank. But sober-cab duties cost both their chance to watch the rest of the game.

"It's amazing that people will spend $110 on a ticket, drink $100 worth of booze before the game, during the game, and wonder how they missed the game," Geere said.

In the third quarter, a 21-year-old man was arrested for re-entering the Metrodome after being ejected for disorderly behavior following complaints by nearby fans.

The warning apparently did not register as the man snuck back in and sat down in the same seat, prompting fans to summon security again. His girlfriend pleaded for police to let him go, saying he would leave for good.

Officers weren't buying it and hauled him away.

Alarmed by increasingly boorish behavior in and around some of its stadiums, the NFL this season unveiled a Fan Code of Conduct targeting drunken, profane and abusive fans who break the law and rules of common courtesy.

Minneapolis police and Vikings officials say they have made great strides over the past decade to curb violence and unruliness. Most of the NFL policies already are in place in Minnesota, like confiscating season tickets for bad behavior and providing fans numbers to text-message and telephone threats to security.

Geere and Burns, who have worked Vikings games for the past 10 years, are dispatched to the most serious problems and transport offenders to jail or detox.

They say the vast majority of fans, particularly the season-ticket holders who pay as much as $250 per seat each game, are well behaved and determined to identify troublemakers.

Alcohol abuse causes most problems police confront inside the Metrodome and challenges security to intercept the problem as it manifests outside. It can be a daunting task. Only the obviously hammered, such as the abandoned 25-year-old, are prevented from entering.

If you can stand and walk through the pat-down procedures at the game, you're in.

Thousands of fans tailgating in parking lots around the stadium spend the morning hours drinking and reveling in the pregame carnival that in so many ways defines the NFL game-day experience.

Good vibes at 10 a.m. made freezing conditions tolerable in the tailgating lot at Third Street and Chicago Avenue. The whiskey, keg beer and gelatin tequila shots flowing heavily also warmed many in the crowd.

"This is the neighborhood you always wanted to grow up in," said Vikings season-ticket holder Marcus Anderson of Lakeville, who was celebrating his 43rd birthday. "It's like Halloween every home game."

Anderson built goal posts out of PVC pipe, which is the prop in a drinking game managed by Belinda Barnes.

She snaps a Nerf ball to a holder, and participants who kick a successful field goal — less than 10 yards — win a free shot of Barnes' homemade purple margarita.

Barnes also flags participants for various fouls.

"Rule No. 1," she says, "you have to kick with a drink in your hand."

Nearby, a hardcore group of two dozen 20-somethings hovers around a keg that was tapped shortly after they arrived at 6 a.m. They are a mixture of Packers faithful and Vikings fans wearing their teams' gear.

Tom Hansen of Minneapolis has his face painted green and gold and is ready to rock. He grabs a near-empty fifth of Evan Williams bourbon out of a friend's hand, polishes it off in three gulps and chases it with a beer.

"We paid $50 to park here, we might as well make it an event," says Hansen, 24.

He went on to complain about Packers fans having "a bad image, like being a bunch of drunks who (urinate) everywhere and cause trouble.

"We want to obey the law," Hansen continues, "support the Packers and see the Vikings get destroyed."

Hansen did not get his wish but made it through the game without taking a ride with officers Geere and Burns.

One 43-year-old California man tried to get a head start on traffic after Adrian Peterson's game-clinching run only to trip and fall head first into the concrete outside the VIP tent.

Bleeding from a gash underneath his left eye, the intoxicated man pleaded with officers not to call an ambulance because his brother was still in the Dome. Police convinced him it was wise to take the ride to Hennepin County Medical Center for stitches rather than risk falling again and unconsciously freezing to death.

Suddenly, a huge roar erupted inside the stadium after Mason Crosby missed a potential winning 52-yard field goal with 31 seconds remaining.

The man learned from one of the officers the Vikings had won.

"That's all I need," he said.

The man offered a bloody fist bump to the officer, who declined the offer.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Why Vikes Fans are Disgruntled

These are weird times in Minnesota.

Vikings fans are stuck between cheering for 3-3 team with a great defense, or expressing their utter disdain with a vanilla coach with a boring offense that fumbles, punts and bumbles their way to flukey referee induced last second field goal victories.

True, a win is a win is a win, and many teams have seen success with lousy offenses and great defenses, but this type of football does not do much to endear the passions of people who spend their hard earned money looking for entertainment.

I think the Dome crowd, like myself, were very upset at the fact that they wasted a Sunday afternoon watching garbage, paying for garbage, and spending time with garbage instead of doing soemthing more productive with their families.

It's one thing to win ugly, but good god, you can't charge people for preseason games all year long can you? Last I checked, the Vikes were supposed to be professional. I can go watch crap like that for free. I am expecting some offensive effort when I go to a game. I think thats what Vikes fans are trying to express when they boo.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and maybe winning ugly is what Childress does best? If takes boredom to beat Green Bay, I guess I will be okay with that, and Childress has another shot at that coming up in November.

Go Defense!

Dude Looks Like a Lady, and I was Booed at the Humpty Dome

Brad Childress and the Vikings offense weren't the only ones who got booed yesterday at the Metrodome.

Fresh off my potty break in the Section 205 mens room in the Upper Deck, I was walking back to me seat, when two Miller Light Street team ladies, and large dude introduced to me as the Big Kuz summoned me.

"Hey you wanna go down to the field?"

"For real?"

"Ya, can you rock out to air guitar?"

"Yup"

Next thing I knew, Big Kuz (aka Aaron from Hopkins) and I were walking down to field level as competitors for the Best Buy, Air Guitar contest. We were laughing the whole time.

"This must be the battle of the big boys," we joked, knowing that between the two of us, we averaged 6'6" and many, many pounds of cold beer.

"Hey, what song are we supposed to be rocking out to this week?"

"Aerosmith's Dude Looks Like a Lady"

After a short time, we were walked to our place of battle; the corner of the Vikings entrance endzone. On the way, we were escorted by the Vikes bench, and I took the time to yell "encouragement" to the offensive line

"C'mon guys start blocking somebody!"

We got to meet all the mascots and some of the Vikings cheerleaders. We filled the standard Vikings contest paper work, and I congratulated the Skol drum Line crew for their great "chops" in the tailgate lot.

The next thing you know, we were being led to the field with Viktor the mascot and a line of Vikings Cheerleaders. We were introduced to the crowd.

Big Luz went first, and I was TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY. He laid it all out on the line, totalled went going horizontal Rock Star on the bit. I felt like the Devil who went down to Georgia to get worked by Johnny. I knew It was over, but tried to come up with a plan to equal his air guitar skills.

Before I could think of anything, the my round of music started playing and instinct took over. I went as vanilla as the Vikings offense, and jumped around, flailing at the air stick with my hand. Within seconds, the grumpy Vikings fans started booing.

When the music ended, Big Luz and I did a traditional Big Guy belly bounce, and crashed backward on the turf. We shook hands. He got his $100 gift card, and I got a Best Buy Jersey. I apologized to everyone who I saw on our way, and congratulated the champ as we rode up the elevator.

The best part of that experience, was walking back up to section 205, and getting that mini-standing O from my peeps in the section. They totally had my back (just like the peeps from the lot). It was fun, and I didn't mind the boos. Hell, fans don't boo nobodies right?

Or wait, maybe they do? After all Coach Childress got booed on Sunday as well.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

BLOG SURF 3: A league-wide conspiracy is why Vikings have no QB

This was originally posted on YAHOO, referencing a blog from Vikingage.com. I could not find any blog posting there, so I will re-publish as it appeared on Yahoo:

The blogger at Vikingage.com has uncovered the mystery of the Minnesota Vikings lack of production at the quarterback position. It isn't a lack of talent. It isn't poor coaching or ill-advised schemes. It's a conspiracy ... a league-wide one at that.

On the site this week it is writteh:

"Nobody wants the Vikings to have a good quarterback. They know we're just a competent signal-caller away from being a Super Bowl team and they'd rather have us suffer with Tarvaris Jackson than smoke all their asses and claim the Lombardi Trophy.

In fact, there appears to be a flat-out league-wide conspiracy to keep the Vikes from getting their hands on a decent QB. We all know the Packers were dead-set against letting Brett Favre come here — hence the trade to the Jets, and the proviso that New York would have to give up 200 draft picks if Favre were then dealt to Minnesota.

And now there's a new culprit in this game of Viking offensive suppression, and his name is Jon Gruden. According to Profootballtalk.com, Gruden has offered disgruntled QB Jeff Garcia to a couple of teams in a trade, but not the Vikings — presumably because, if Garcia got on the Vikings, he would instantaneously pick up Brad Childress's intricate and ingenious offense and lead us on a 14-game winning streak and thence onto glory. And that would make Gruden look bad especially if his anointed QB Brian Griese played like Brian Griese. Is this devious or what?

Friday, October 10, 2008

BLOG SURF: New Feature for VikingsTailgate.com

Blog Surf is my way of finding interesting Vikings content to share from all over the web. I don't care if the story is speculation, fact or fiction, the entire point of putting anything on this site is for use in tailgating conversations. Bottom Line: Without a staff of writers, content creation is a pain in the ass, so we "borrow" and give street cred to those who provided the words.
-Mookie

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

BLOG SURF 1: Coaching debacles highlight Monday Night Game

Posted on Yard Barker, Tuesday, October 7, 2008:

Rarely will I ever comment on an individual game that I'm not a fan of.

But tonight's Monday Night football game was a coaching debacle on so many levels that not commenting would be a crime.

First you have Minnesota coach Brad Childress who decided to kick to Reggie Bush after Bush returned one punt for a td and then a second one for 29 yards.

And had Bush not slipped in the open field, he would have scored.

But that wasn't enough evidence for Childress who kicked to him a third time right in the middle of the god damn field. Not surprisingly, Bush pulled the same move most good punt returners use. Get the flow going one way and then make that quick cut back before they can react and scored his second punt return td.

And then you have Sean Payton, who misused the clock so atrociously at the end of the game that I would honestly consider firing him in the morning.

With 2:59 left in the game, New Orleans had the ball at the Vikings 29 with a first down. If they played it right, they should have been able to run the clock down to 2 minutes and then kick after the stoppage in play.

But after a Deuce McCallister 1 yard gain, there was some confusion on the sidelines and Brees was forced to take a timeout. A timeout the Saints would regret later.

At 2:13, Brees threw a very short incomplete pass to Stecker that took 4 seconds off the clock.

Instead of running Deuce or Reggie Bush for another short gain of 1-3 yards, they took the risk of the clock stopping and an incomplete pass.

Bad decision

On 3rd and long, Brees again threw a short incomplete pass which took the clock down to 2:04.

At this point, even if the field goal try was good for the Saints, Minnesota had plenty of time to get up the field and try to get into field goal range themselves.

Anyways, in strolled Martin Grammatica. A man who takes so long to kick a field goal that you wonder if the snap count needs to be in spanish for him to understand.

Earlier in the game, Grammatica's attempt got blocked and returned for a touchdown. Ron Jaworski commented that it took Martin a full quarter second longer to kick the ball than most field goal kickers.

A 46 yarder was no gimme and Grammatica proved it by hooking his kick.

And now Minnesota only needed about 35-40 yards to win the game.

Even though Minnesota's offense is inept beyond Peterson, the task didn't seem impossible. So Minnesota used the ol "I'll throw up a hail mary and hope my guy gets interfered with trick".

And by God, it worked. The New Orleans defensive back was so out of position that he ended up tackling the receiver.

So now, with 1:18 left, Minnesota was at the 13 yard line waiting for the clock to run down.

And New Orleans, who stupidly wasted a time out on their own drive could do nothing to stop them except use their last two timeouts.

Minnesota wisely ran the ball up the middle 3 times and Longwell trotted in and kicked a 30 yard field goal to win the game.

And this folks, is where NFL coaches fail to be innovative.

I don't know the exact statistics of field goals in the NFL but I can bet you that field goals of 30 yards and less are made more than 95% of the time; regardless of the time on the clock.

The odds of a professional kicker missing a field goal of that length is virtually nil.

So why not take your chances with your offense at that point? Why not just allow the Vikings to score a TD and put your offense on the field to see what would happen.

I can guarantee you that your chances of scoring a TD are much better than a Vikings blocked or missed field goal.

But Payton did nothing.

Let me say that again for coaches who are just not intelligent or creative enough to pull the trigger on some innovation.

If your opponent has a chip shot field goal and there is minimal time left in the game, let them score.

Put your offense on the field and take your chances scoring a touchdown.

I realize the old schoolers will say, "What about the Tony Romo botched snap in the playoffs".

Yes, that was the exception rather than the rule.

I can literally point to dozens of situations where a team scored a touchdown with less than two minutes on the clock but I can only point to a handful of missed field goals from that range.

So Payton sat there as the clock wound down to 16 seconds and the Saints walked away losers.

And while some of the blame falls on Saints players, a majority falls on the head coach.

A losing coach for a losing team.

Monday, October 06, 2008

BLOG SURF 2:Monday Night Football Week Five Live-Blog: Vikings-Saints 1st Half

Another Monday.....another live-blog. Tonight we get a seemingly explosive matchup between two NFC teams that are looking for their first signature win of the season. The Vikings need a win badly and beating the Saints in N.O. would be huge. The Saints need to hold serve to keep up with the other teams in the NFC South. It should be a good one.....see you around 8:15pm or so.

"I look for Adrian Peterson to either bust open this defense, wide open, for a big 200 yard day, or the Saints are really going to slow him down."- Emmitt Smith

Way to go out on a limb there Emmitt. Here's my prediction for the night....either the Vikings will win....or they won't.

"You look at the Washington Redskins. They haven't turned the ball over....on offense....yet this year."- Keyshawn Johnson

As opposed to the elusive, defensive turnover? Ooooh we get that new Kanye song as our bumper music tonight. Interesting.

Bryant McKinnie being back + the Saints rotten defense = Vikings start their winning streak (Via GMoney)

I may be one of the few that sees this game going lobsided for New Orleans. Brees and the Saints will get off to a big lead early and the Vikes won't be able to keep up in a shoot out. (J Fein)

Uh oh, we've got some dissension in our ranks. I'm pretty sure I've seen this Adrian Peterson "Unmasked" thing about eight times now. It's not bad, but you can only hear about someone's "Diesel" tattoo so many times.

"Diesel fuel is expensive, but that's worth it."- Chris Berman

"Heath Shuler is a congressman and Gus Frerotte is still playing Football! It's phenomenal!!!"- Tony Kornheiser

"Very few want to come back inside and take that blow."- Emmitt Smith

And that came from a former Cowboy.....I kid. Looks like the Rays have their Series wrapped up, so that's exciting. Griffey up, Griffey down, and complete with sweatshirts on....the Rays celebrate their first postseason series win in franchise history! Onto the ALCS for Tampa Bay.

"When we come back we will pick the game. Who will be jazzed tonight in Nawlins?"- Chris Berman

Picks:

Ditka- Vikings
Key- Saints
Cris- Saints
TJ- Saints
Boomer- Saints
Steve- Saints
Emmitt- Saints
Stuart- Saints

"Maybe he should have dated supermodels?"- Tony Kornheiser after comparing Drew Brees to Brady and Manning

Pretty sure that means the Vikings will win. Kickoff coming shortly and whoa Drew Brees is a pretty good motivator before the game. His whole "THIS IS NEW ORLEANS" thing gave me goosebumps.

Was I the only one disturbed by the dancing of those production guys? Um...party time is generally after the game... (Via JFein)

Haha....that was special.
____________________________

"That was great video of Drew Brees hyping up his team. It looked like he went to Ray Lewis Summercamp."- Tony Kornheiser

8:41- Kind of funny. Saints ball first and a huuuuuge hole for Pierre Thomas and he's into Minnesota territory on the kickoff. Great start. A reverse to Devery Henderson picks up seven on first down and Brees hits Bush for a first down.

"He could find you and me if he had to."- Tony Kornheiser to Jaws

He's probably right. Brees to Miller for six, Deuce up the middle for five and it's 3rd and one....Brees runs it and slides for the first. Incomplete though on first and second down and it's 3rd and 10 for the Saints....

"There's a rule that pertains to foot tangling?"- Tony Kornheiser
"No footsies."- Mike Tirico

Brees to Henderson. And it's six just like that for the Saints and boy was that easy.

7-0 New Orleans

When Tony says "you just can't overstate this" that means he will overstate it all night long. (Via Mal)

The Vikings: I'm so excited! I'm so...so scared. (Via SS Reporters)

Never gets old. Time to see if Frerotte is Fr'real and Tirico and Tony freak out about a lady sticking her hand into the mouth of a gator. Vikes ball at their own 33.

"She is about to perform animal dentistry and take the wisdom tooth out of the crocodile"- Tony Kornheier (Via Esse Quam Videri)

8:53- Peterson up the middle for two. Gus then hits Shiancoe over the middle for a first down. Good time there....McKinnie already helping out. Play action, and Berrian makes a nice grab and goes into Saints' territory. 1st down....

Incomplete on first down, Peterson for three on second down and it'll be third and six.....incomplete. Vikings to punt. Into the endzone and a touchback.

8:59- BREES TO HENDERSON! And that's a quick 50 yards to start a drive. All the way to the Vikings' 28. Brees tries Henderson again....incomplete. Reggie Bush off tackle for about nine and it'll be third and short....Bush outside and he'll get the first....flag....holding. Great run though by Bush. It'll be third and 11 after a Saints' timeout.

With all the gushing over Brees, can a Favre comparison be far away? (Via Mal)

Tony will do one out of spite.

"There are quarterbacks who can't do that against air"- Ron Jaworski talking about Drew's 30+ yards 72.7% completion average (Via Esse Quam Videri)

Interesting choice of words there. 3rd and 11....Brees with the pump and go to Meachem....he drops it. FG attempt for Gramatica....

BLOCKED! Wow....and Antoine Winfield is going to take it to the house. How about that for a change of momentum....

7-7.

"So far what we've seen from Reggie Bush is warning track power. At USC he was a home run hitter all the time. If he does that in the pros, he is a star of stars"- Tony Kornheiser

AA - Can we just save time typing and put Tony's comments from the game transcript on line, call it absurd and avoid carpal tunnel. (Via Mal)

I would love to be able to buy a transcript from ESPN each week. That would be fun to read through.

9:09- Thomas again to the 50 on the kickoff!

"Penetrate and get the arms up!"- Ron Jaworski

Sure thing Ronnie! Brees to Campbell for nine and then back to him again for the first. It's a tight end party as Billy Miller grabs a screen....how many TEs do the Saints have? 2nd and 3....Bush goes for 17. First down at the Vikes' 16.

Incomplete to Moore on first and Winfield nails Stecker on a second down screen for no gain. Third and long....Brees to Moore! Knocked away by Gordon!!! Great D there....Gramatica again....

Good! 10-7 Saints...three minutes to go.

ONSIDE KICK ATTEMPT! Vikings keep it. Wow that was tricky.

"This could be three or seven."- Tony Kornheiser on a FG attempt (Via 49er16)

Or two with a safety, Tony.

9:17- Vikings ball at the Saints' 40. A holding penalty on first down will put that at the 35, and Tony is giving us the Gus Frerotte "running into the wall" recap. I still laugh everytime I see it.

Peterson goes nowhere and the Saints D actually looks pretty good so far. That can't last. 3rd and 11....timeout Saints. Incomplete pass and Longwell will attempt a 53 yarder....

Nails it! We're back to even....10-10.

9:23- Vikings ball at their own 19 and Reggie Bush picks up three on first down.

Anyone else notice Tony is awfully easy with the "love" word. If MNF were Pee-Wee's Playhouse and the word of the day was "love" there would be crazy shit going on every five minutes. (Via Esse Quam Videri)

Hahahaha....Chairry's arm rests would be flailing all over the place.

That's the end of the first....10-10.

"That's 5,000 pounds of Williams' on the front line" - Tony Kornheiser (Via SS)

And what a way to start the second! Winfield just grabs the ball away from Drew Brees and it'll be Vikings' ball! Brees is shaking his hand a bit. Wow. Another momentum swing. 1st and goal from the five....

Eddie Gunz actually let the play go this time!!! (Via JFein)

Chester Taylor loses yards on a draw. Horrible play call there.

"Well under the average inside the redzone."- Ron Jaworski
"They're last!"- Tony Kornheiser

Hahahahaha. Got you!

3rd and goal now....incomplete but Will Smith was offsides. 3rd and Goal again from the 4 yard line....

Chester Taylor to Shiancoe?!?!?! Umm okay? It's still six though....

17-10 Vikings

9:33- And Pierre Thomas again to almost midfield! Just kick it out of bounds....jeez. Brees first down pass is batted down, but hits Moore for a first on second. Fumble....Brees gets it back. 2nd and 10 from the Vikings' 41....

"In some countries these guys are picking out furniture."- Tony Kornheiser on Brees and Sean Payton

That's something Tony might be apologizing for later in the game.

"Brees' relationship to Sean Payton has been described by everyone as perfect" - Tony Kornheiser

You know you're an awful announcer when you're analysis reads more like soft core porn than actual football analysis. (Via JFein)

Bush for another first and the Saints are moving it once again......

FUMBLE!!!! Bush drops the ball but he was taken down with a facemask! The Vikings picked it up and it will be their ball. Amazing that there was no call there and Sean Payton is flipping the hell out. As would I and Ed Hochuli is having yet another bad night.

9:44- Hoch and Co. miss another call and Sean Payton challenges it, but I'm sure Ed is hearing about the previous play more than this one. 2nd and 10 for the Vikings....and a screen is knocked down. 3rd and long....

Offsides on the Saints. We'll redo it at 3rd and 5....Berrian with the nice catch and that's a first down in Saints' territory.

"He [Hochuli] drops in my fantasy referee draft."- Tony Kornheiser

Ugh. Peterson gets his sixth carry and gets two yards and Wade drops an easy one. 3rd and long....incomplete. Vikings to punt and justice is somewhat served. Although I do lose 3pts in a fantasy league.

Ed Hochuli and crew badly blow yet another call... gee, what a shock. On Tuesday from his office he might as well already start writing an apology letter to all Saints fans; Ed, references to Bourbon Street and gumbo can only help. (Via Anon)

"You gotta take shots while the box is being loaded." - Ron Jaworski (Via SS)

9:52- Nice crotch shot of some guy dressed up like a luchador. And Jared Allen is hurt. Not Good....Brees hits Campbell over the middle for 22. Bush with another five and the Saints are at midfield in a hurry....8 minute to go. Brees throws incomplete on second down and it's 3rd and five....false start....3rd and 10....

Brees to Bush for a first....FUMBLE! Oh man....bounces right to the Saints. What a lucky mofo. 1st and 10 at the 41....

"They were dooing for Deuce McAllister."- Mike Tirico
"Dooing?"- Tony Kornheiser
"Deucing."- Mike Tirico

Hahahahaha. Deucing doesn't make that line better. 2nd and 10 for the Saints....Screen to Lance Moore but there's a hold on the play. 2nd and 20 now with 6 minutes to go. Brees to Bush and he's going backwards for a loss of four. 3rd and 22....Brees hits Meachem over the middle and he is juuuuuuust short of the mark. And Payton is obviously going for it....

Brees to Reggie Bush on play action and that was just too easy. 1st and goal at the nine. Vikings call timeout. Winfield takes out McAllister on first down.....

Interception! Moore hands the ball to Lieber and Minnesota takes over. Good lord....the Saints are killing themselves tonight.

10:05- Peterson for two on first down but Wade picks up a hard fought first on second. 251-48 yards for New Orleans and Minnesota is leading by seven. Insane. That's the 2-minute warning.

"They were in position to score a million times." - Tony Kornheiser

Hyperbole personified. Frerotte gets nailed but hits a wide open Bobby Wade for 17. Draw to A.P. and he gets a few, but Wade gets a first....or not. Terrible spot and it'll be third and one right at midfield.

Peterson up the middle and he just gets crushed by Vilma and fumbles! RULED DOWN!!! No way and the Saints are going to get screwed again here.....and now the fans see it. Wait...that's actually kind of close. He loses it...gets it back and then it goes out. Here comes the review....

Still the Vikings ball. Hochuli says that Peterson's hand was still under the ball and the Saints' fans are pissssssed.

"The strong hand wins the contest."- Ron Jaworski

Is that a bible quote I'm not aware of? Chester Taylor up the middle for five and Frerotte hits Wade for a first. The Vikings are playing for a FG and didn't they learn their lesson against the Colts??? Bad move....

Or not. Gus hits Allison for another first and he's out of bounds at the 19. And here's a run with Taylor up the middle and if I was a Vikings fan, I'd be losing my mind right now. :18 seconds left and no timeouts for Minnesota....

Gus to Berrian in the endzone....out of bounds. 3rd and 6....incomplete and almost picked off. Well at least they tried right? Here comes Longwell for another FG attempt....

Good and that'll make it 20-10 Vikings with :04 left in the half, which will for all intents and purposes. I'm going to catch up on some Baseball and see you in a new thread shortly.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

We are Who We Thought We Weren't

I spent 3 hours today screaming at the TV, and using swear words I that saltiest sailor had forgotten years ago. My face was red with anger over dumb penalties, poor turnovers, dropped passes (was that Williamson?) and boinked field goals.

I was envious of the Titans defense, a team that somehow figures out how to pressure quarterbacks, and biach slap offensive lines. The Titans, not the Vikings, looked like the team that was promised to us at the NFL draft party this last April. At 1-3, the Vikings aren't eliminated, but this season of promise seems to be as likely as a Timberwolves playoff birth.

I can honestly say that this looks like the same old Vikings that Childress has presented to us for the last 2 years. His record? 0-5 vs Green Bay, and 15-21 overall. Brutal. I am just wondering out loud, when exactly will we see a game plan that looks like a kick ass offense?

At this point, I am hoping that 8-8 will be good enough to win the division, but advancing in the playoffs seems impossible. Here's to hoping that this regime figures out a way to turn it around, or get lucky and win a game sometime next month.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Embrace Purple Fashion (Flash)

Ah, the color purple... there is no substitute.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Republican Soccer Mom: Vikings are Boring, Jared is HOT!"

Last week, "Quacker," one of our many "beatwriters" for Vikingstailgate.com, attended the Republican National Convention in St. Paul. She survived the anarchy and rioting on the streets, and met up with a couple of All-Pro Vikings along the way.

"So Jared Allen walked into a party the Minnesota Vikings were holding on Day 2 of the Republican National Convention with Steve Hutchinson and I knew I needed to get his photo!

He had on a beautiful grey suit, lavender ice!), grey cowboy boots and a sweet cowboy hat. Surprisingly he was the only one in the room with a cowboy hat. Had the Texas delegation only been there...

Anyway, my two boys would not have understood why I passed up the opportunity to get his photo. I mean a photo of me with him. Jared was cordial, accommodating and curious. He asked us what we did for a living and was super nice. I told my boys that not only was he a superior athlete, but he was polite. What mom wouldn't find that attractive? Oh, and he doesn’t have an ounce of body fat on him. Trust me, I checked.

Steve Hutchinson was also nice. He was busy working the room when I interrupted him for a photo. He was way more beefy and football-player like. I asked him what size neck he needed in a dress shirt. Want to guess the size & find out the answer?

So after meeting both players, we asked her the million dollar question, Which player would you rather go with to the homecoming dance? Instead of answering the question, she gave a standard POLITICAL responded by wishing them both well for the upcoming season.

Unfortunately, the season did start out so hot for the Vikings, losing 24-19 to the Packers. Despite the loss our lot buddy still believes in the Vikings,

"Through rain or sleet or dark of night, I will be a Vikings fan! But here's the saddest part about Chili's (Coach Brad Childress's) Vikings .... other than AP, they are boring!!! Boring is fine if you win. People will overlook a lot of things if you are winning. But they are just plain boring."

Ah, but at least we have tailgating.

Monday, September 08, 2008

Watching the Big Uglies Tonight and This Month

I am a big fan of the running game, and if you sit anywhere in the Metrodome, you have more than likely heard me yelling "POUND IT! TELL THEM WHAT'S COMING, GIVE THEM THE PLAY, AND THEN SHOVE IT RIGHT AT THEM! POUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUND IT!!!!!!!!!!!!:

Well, last season was the closest I have seen the Vikes be able to do that, but it wasn't perfect. With Bryant McKinnie suspended for 4 games, the left tackle position will see good old Artis Hicks taking over at left tackle, and he'll have to fend off Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and Dwight Freeney in the first two games of 2008.

The good news is that this shouldn't effect the Vikings run game that much. According to post I found online from a random Vikings fan who was citing a website called football outsiders (http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol.php) the Vikings run most of the time (52 % as a matter of fact) between the Guards, or right up the gut. Guards Steve Hutchinson and Anthony Herrera along with Matt Birk are the guys who deserve the credit for the running game. Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor don't have to worry too much, but replacing McKinnie with Hicks for 2-4 games will have implications in pass-protection and running wide around the left-end.

The Vikings did a fair amount of running to the left side of Mount McKinnie, and that will not be as eminent with Hicks. Instead, my guess is that you can look for some swing passes to the left side for ALL-Day off play action to the right side. OR... look for Jimmy Kleinsasser to line-up at TE on the left side, and block his butt off.

So, in conclusion, I say again, POUND IT!

Friday, August 29, 2008

The Season Nears... What to Expect From Recent Viking Behavior

It was a busy off season for me. After the Vikings lost to the Redskins last December and sent to me to another early season ending depression, I got busy. A complete career change, a Twins Spring Training vacation, one kick ass draft party at Winter Park, a few road trips for outdoor baseball games and one brand new baby girl later, I can finally write about the 2008 Vikings season.

Everyone is talking Super Bowl, and expectations are high for the team this season. The Vikings hauled in huge offseason pieces, trading for former Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive end Jared Allen, and signing deep threat Bernard Berrian from rival Chicago, along with safety Madieu Williams (Bengals) to boost the secondary.

Along with Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, Allen gives the Vikings one of the best defensive lines in the league. With a defense that can stonewall any running game, many fans and NFL gurus are chiding that the ‘Purple People Eaters’ are back.

The Vikings offense features a running game headed by All-World, All-Day Adrian Peterson (Yes, I drafted him with the #2 overall pick in my fantasy draft this year- the first time I have taken a Vikings in the 1^st round since Randy Moss in 1998) who runs like a bucking bronco. With another great year from Peterson and fellow running back Chester Taylor, the Vikings could actually make the playoffs?

But the biggest question mark is still the quarterback. We all watched T-Jack play decent in preseason right? I mean, he was effective for the few quarters we saw, right? The positive Viking fan would say yes, but the realistic fans would still be reluctant.

There was a reason that Coach Childress and the Vikings to be excited with the possible acquisition of Brett Favre last month. Had the Vikings been able to land the former Cheese Head (aka Captain Intercepto) they would have durable quarterback, a proven veteran, a warrior who was familiar with the offense. But, the Packers made sure their guy didn’t land in enemy territory, leaving the purple with a young, green injury prone quarterback who is backed up by a decent veteran in Gus Frerotte

Looking at legitimate Super Bowl contenders like New England, Dallas, San Diego, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis, one observes a certain formula that all share; a veteran star quarterback, a pound it running game and a smash em in the face defense. The Vikings lack the first element.

My little 4-year old kid strongly disagrees. He thinks that T-Jack is the man, wears a #7 jersey, and calls him “da man.” He also thinks I am the greatest dad in the World. Maybe he is right?

Monday, August 25, 2008

World Harbors Won't Let Gas Prices Interfere With Game Day Tailgating!

(Auburn, ME - August 25, 2008) As football fans everywhere gear up for their favorite time of the year, World Harbors, Inc. is helping them get ready for the party in the parking lot. This football season, World Harbors, the Maine-based creator of affordable gourmet sauces and marinades, is pleased to launch its first Free Gas 4 Tailgating Contest.

The contest kicks off on August 25th at www.freegas4tailgating.com, where World Harbors and Buccaneer Blends will post a copy of the NFL football schedule each week. Entrants must correctly select the winners of each game scheduled for that week and submit their choices online. The entrants with the most correct selections each week will be placed into a random drawing for a free $50 gas card. All valid entries received for the weekly contest will also be entered into the grand prize drawings. Prizes include:

One $1,000 free gas card
A Sony Bravia 5.1 Channel Home Theater Stereo System
A Nintendo Wii
A Canon Powershot 8.0 Megapixel Digital Camera
4 x 1 year supplies of World Harbors, Angostura, Buccaneer Blends, or Acadia Naturals Products
Seventeen Free $50 gas cards

The ideal companion for any tailgating party, World Harbors' line of 16 sauces and marinades are inspired by flavors from around the world and bring affordable International taste to poultry, meat, seafood and vegetables using favorites such as Australian Style BBQ Sauce, Oriental Style Cheriyaki Glaze, Hawaiian Style Teriyaki and Island Mango. World Harbors and Angostura branded products are available in all major grocery stores throughout the United States and online at www.worldharbors.com.

For complete rules, regulations, and submission details, please visit: www.freegas4tailgating.com

About World Harbors
World Harbors, Inc. is renowned for its World Harbors® brand, the leading specialty food brand of the sauce and marinade category. World Harbors is distributed to retail stores throughout the United States and in select international markets and the company also distributes an all-natural sauce and marinade brand called Acadia Naturals and Buccaneer Blends™ BBQ and Steak Sauces. World Harbors, Inc. is a division of Trinidad based Angostura Limited, makers of Angostura Aromatic Bitters and is a distributor of Bitters, Angostura Mixers and Angostura sauces in the United States. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Auburn, ME, the company’s state of the art production facility continues to expand production as demand increases, with over 5 million units produced in 2007. For more information, visit www.worldharbors.com

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Packer Kids Booing Aaron Rodgers (So Whaa!t)

Packer kids are swaering at Aaaron Rodgers, the new starting QB for the Cheese. In typical Lambeau fashion, the passion of fans is completely wacked. Rodgers doesn't get it:

"I understand it to some point if I put myself into a Favre fanatic's shoes," Rodgers said of getting booed. "The things I can't understand, the things I really take personally, is when I'm driving up to the (parking lot) gate and punching in my punch code and somebody says ‘F.U.' to me. That kind of bothers me. Or when a little kid is yelling swear words at me. That kind of gets to me. The boos, they expect a high level of play and they miss Brett Favre. I understand that. But the ‘F.U.' and the little kids saying swear words to me, I don't understand that."

Good stuff from Dairyland

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Um...There Goes the Hood?

Forwarded to me by Lil Buddy, a press release delivering news of big brother:

NEW YORK - The NFL implemented a new code of fan conduct today, warning that spectators who misbehave will be ejected from stadiums and barred from coming back.

The policy, first recommended by commissioner Roger Goodell at league meetings in April, is aimed at conduct that the league said "detracts from the game day experience."

It includes bans on:

* Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal.

* Drunkenness and signs of alcohol impairment that result in irresponsible behavior.

* Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.

* Interference with the progress of the game, including throwing objects onto the field.

* Failing to follow instructions of stadium personnel.

* Verbal or physical harassment of fans from the opposing team.

"The in-stadium experience is critically important to the NFL, our clubs and our fans and it will be a major focus this season," Goodell said in a statement. "We are committed to improving the fan experience in every way we can — from the time fans arrive in the parking lot to when they depart the stadium."

The league also left teams the option of adding additional provisions to the code based on local circumstances. It said the guidelines would be contained in mailings to fans and signs posted at stadiums.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Tailgating 2008 it's on

I just bought my pass for 2008. Purple Lot # 1. The Vikings sent out letters to people who bought passes last year, and they are available for purchase for the General Public on August 1, 2008. It looks like the same lot options are availabe as last year. See the map on the upper right of this page for reference http://www.vikingstailgate.com

Thursday, June 05, 2008

2008 Tailgating Update (From Vikings.com)

We are getting lots of questions about the 2008 Tailgating location. So far nothing has been announced. Here is a recent statement posted on the Vikings.com website:

2008 Season Update
Thank you very much for your patience as the Vikings look to finalize tailgating plans and details for the upcoming 2008 season. We hope to be able to announce finalized plans shortly, so please stay tuned to vikings.com for more information.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

RandBall Q&A: Beck DeRobertis, Bring Moss Back

Our guy, Beck DeRobertis from Bringmossback.com is at it again. YES! This time he was featured in the the Minneapolis Star Tribune column by Michael Rand. Read the stuff (Copy and Pasted Below) and make sure to check out the Red Hot Art Fest in downtown Minne this weekend.

Posted on May 29th, 2008 – 10:50 AM
By Michael Rand

You might recall that a couple of weeks back, we introduced RandBall readers to the site Bring Moss Back, a rather eclectic smattering put together over the past few years by one Beck DeRobertis. We concluded that post with, “Beck, send us an e-mail. A guest post or a Q&A might be in order.” Well, the good sir obliged with an e-mail. And here is the resulting Q&A. Please do enjoy. It was rather tasty.

RandBall: Can you describe the key ways in which VIDEOS, FASHION, and KITSCH might help return Randy Moss to the Minnesota Vikings?

Beck DeRobertis, Bring Moss Back: What I’m trying to do with this campaign is reinvent Randy Moss as a sports icon in Minnesota. When a player leaves town, even a player as incredible as Moss, most people forget them pretty fast, unfortunately. You can find number 84 Vikings jerseys for two dollars each at most thrift stores around town. I know, I’ve bought a lot of them. But just because someone leaves town, that doesn’t mean their legend has to go with them. With the Bring Moss Back campaign, I want to remind everybody how brilliant the Super Freak is, and how much of an outrage it is that the Vikings traded such a talented, spectacular, and hilarious player in his prime. And I also want Moss to know that the fans not only want him back in Minnesota, but that they never wanted him gone in the first place.

RB: The Bring Moss Backini does seem both super freaky and super sensual, as advertised. What was the creative process behind that treat? And does that come in a medium?

BD: After I decided to make a women’s fashion line based on Randy Moss, I convinced my friend Lauren to collaborate with me on the project. A bikini was one of the first things we decided to include, because what fun would fashion be without some sex appeal sprinkled in? The very punny title followed soon after. Interestingly, the initial sketches of the Backini featured Moss’ face (with Afro) [hilarity unfortunately redacted here]. For some reason, we decided not to go with that idea. And yes, the Backini is available for special order in all sizes.

RB: What would happen if the Vikings actually brought Moss back?

BD: I’m glad you asked that question, Michael. This is how I see it: In the next couple years, we trade with New England to reaquire Moss, teaming him with Adrian Peterson, who should be entering his prime (Purple Jesus meets the Super Freak!). Then, we sign some above par veteran QB, like Donovan McNabb, or I don’t know, Brett Favre. Combine that with the already superior Vikings defense, and we’ve got the recipe for a Super Bowl win, my friend! Oh, how sweet that purple nectar will taste. And then, I’d like to convince Moss to star in a buddy picture with Woody Allen (who will have to be convinced, as well).

RB: I dispute your claim that Rhoda Morgenstern is on the side of your campaign. Who are your sources?

BD: You’re absolutely right. Rhoda did not sign off on that advertisement. I’ve just always been a big Rhoda fan, and I wanted to restate my long held belief that Rhoda is much sexier than Mary, even though Mary wears a Fran Tarkenton Vikings jersey in the opening credits of the MTM Show. I also figured that if Valerie Harper (the actress who played Rhoda) sued, it would be good publicity for the campaign, and maybe I’d get the chance to ask her out on a date.

RB: Seriously, how did this all start?

BD: I first thought of the idea in the fall of 2006, a dismal season for the Vikings. I was still in shock that they’d traded Moss, even though it had been almost two years. I was outraged that the Vikings had traded my favorite player, and I started the campaign so that I would at least know that I did everything I could to try to bring him back. And then I realized that the campaign was a great venue for all sorts of fun projects, like videos and trading cards, etc. I’ve recruited most of my friends to work on the projects, and it’s been a fantastic time, with lots more to come. Rest assured, the Bring Moss Back campaign will continue until Randy Moss is back in the purple and gold.

RB: Did you weep openly the day Moss left?

BD: Yes, I was devastated. It didn’t make any sense. Why would you trade your best player when your team is improving? If you look at the 2005 posts on the Bring Moss Back website, you can read an essay I wrote on the night of the Moss trade. I was irate, and I still am.

RB: When you travel to New England, do they throw pennies at you?

BD: I have yet to venture into the New England area. But I hope that when I finally visit Boston, I am greeted with a parade for being a representative of the city that has given them so many fine professional athletes in recent years. And then Bill Simmons can present me with the key to the city.

RB: Any plans for a “Bring Troy Williamson Back” sister site?

BD: Absolutely not. Everything has already been said about the Troy Williamson debacle, the key word being “disappointment.”

RB: You seem like a guy that takes yourself pretty seriously. In 53 words exactly, tell me why I’m right.

BD: After Moss returns, I’d like to focus on directing low budget feature films. The films will be set in Minneapolis and will combine bright colors, lots of yuks, sensual bursts, and theme songs from old TV shows. I’ll become to Minneapolis what John Waters is to Baltimore and Woody Allen is to NY.

RB: Randy Moss cut a gold record using nothing but a jazz flute and his wisdom. True or false? Defend your answer.

BD: Romantic, but false. I mean, I feel like that would be on the guy’s Wikipedia if it were true. But I’d like to take this moment to invite everybody to the Red Hot Art fest this weekend at Stevens Square Park in Minneapolis, where my art partner Jenna Brouse and I will be peddling all sorts of glorious kitsch, including Bring Moss Back stuff and One Night Lexicons (our fun illustrated minizine). And thank you to the supporters of Bring Moss Back!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Interesting Female Perspective on Jared Allen Trade

Found this article while surfing the web.. "Jared Allen: When Good Girls Love Bad Boys"
It was posted by a blogger

The Minnesota Vikings traded away a first round pick and two third round picks to get Jared Allen from the Kansas City Chiefs last week. (And they still managed to get the Booty in the draft.) His contract could be worth up to $74 million over six years if he reaches certain incentives, including a guaranteed $31,000,069. (His jersey number is 69.) The signing bonus was $15.5 million. (He had 15.5 sacks last year). He is 26 years old, 6′6″, 270 lbs., he used to compete in rodeos and he owns riding horses. All the other hot, and not so hot, stats and information after the jump…

In addition to leading the NFL in sacks last season, despite the fact he was suspended for the first two games of the season, he was also an All-Pro and selected to the Pro Bowl. The team now has arguably the best defensive line in the league.

However, Allen comes with some downsides, in particular in his personal life. He was suspended for two games at the beginning of last season for multiple drunken driving arrests. Although he claims he no longer drinks alcohol, if he were to be arrested again, he could face a much longer suspension - probably a year. Of course, that’s the Minnesota Vikings for you. They’ll take a huge risk that could pay off big but could have a big downside. (Hopefully Carl Eller won’t be showing Jared around the Twin Cities when he arrives.)

With this move, Allen joins the Williams “brothers,” Pat and Kevin, on a Vikings’ defensive line that will hopefully take us back to the glory days of the Purple People Eaters. Allen is expected to greatly assist the Vikes in not only pass-rushing and sacks, but helping out against the run as well. He has a football instinct for making plays and a reputation for working every down to do so.

Allen’s father Ron was reportedly on the Vikings training camp roster once, and Jared looks like he’ll bring enthusiasm to the team as well.

Allen also brings with him impressive breadth of play, as he has a reputation for fumble recoveries, forced fumbles, and even has significant experience as a long-snapper (when drafted, it was originally for this purpose, but he soon proved himself in many other respects as well). He received Kansas City’s Mack Lee Hill award in 2004 for best rookie or first-year player and earlier was recognized as the Buck Buchanan Award Winner in 2003 for premier defensive play in NCAA Division I-AA football.

He also serves as a spokesperson for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and raises funds through his “Sack Diabetes” program. In the NBC Sunday Night Football player introductions on December 17, 2006, when introducing himself and the school he attended, he said, “Home School, thanks Mom.” Awww! The question is: Can he stay on the sweet side and continue to perform at such a high level with the Vikings to help them get all the way to the Super Bowl?

A lot of fans who continue to support the Vikings through thick and thin hope so, myself included. But one thing’s for sure, he looks good in purple and by all accounts has a heart of gold.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Draft Day Vikings Party. MGD & a Victory Voyage

I went to my first ever Vikings Draft Party sponsored by Miller Lite at Winter Park yesterday. I don't think it will be my last.

The highlight of the day was meeting and reuniting with all the great tailgaters, and Vikings fans. Saueey and I started the day out looking for bars that opened before 11 a.m. Unsuccessful, we headed over to the Vikings Training facility and waited in line for 30 minutes in the freezing, wind-whipping cold air of a Minnesota spring day in late April.

"Global Warming my ass!!," commented one disgruntled fan in the line ahead of us, "Open the gates and let us in already!"

Once inside, Saueey and signed up at the KFAN booth to win a really neat Vikings kids bike for our sons.

"Geez, I can't write my name, my hands are still frozen solid," commented Saueey.

We headed over to the Party Zone, and started to enjoy our beverages. The music was loud, festive and inspirational. Then I saw my former co-worker and current Vikings cheerleader Brita walking with her teammates. She came over to say hi, and we chatted about the good old days. It's always nice to know that one of your friends is a Vikings cheerleader.

It was great meeting the gang from the Vikings Victory Voyage, a community on the Wearevikings.com site. Kevin "Pure Purple" from Arizona is the real deal, a diehard Vikes fan. Darin from South Carolina promised to meet us in Tennessee for the Vikings road trip. My hats off to Janelle for her help organizing the event, and Skolt for being such a presence on the wearevikings.com social world of cyber purple. Everyone who we met today was great.

Jared Allen showed up to the draft party wearing his sh*tkickers and cowboy hat, and jeans. The modern day Marlboro Man is now our defensive end. He wooed the crowd with his personality, sold tons of #69 jersey. It made Zygi look comfortable for spending 71 million dollars.

The Vikings provided a great environment with plenty of food options, prizes and affordable $5.00 beers. I would say that the draft party at Winter Park is a great way to spend a few hours.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

So There I was in Kansas City Last Year...

Several of the gang from Vikingstailgate.com all headed down to KC last year for the Vikings game with the Chiefs. It was a great time, but losing 13-10 to a team that ended up 4-12 sucked.

In the Arrowhead Parking Lot, hours before game time, I can't count how many times that Chiefs fans kept pointing out that there "Superstar" #69, Jared Allen would be returning for this game, and the Vikings would get whooped.

It was sickening. It seemed like every time we'd strike up a conversation about the game, a Chiefs fan would "nuke us" with a "Jared's back, and you'll be sorry!" line. After hearing this ad nauseam, and seeing a sea of Red #69 jersey's walking all over the lot (most of them on women), I snapped,

"WHO THE F IS JARED ALLEN? AND WHY SHOULD I CARE?"

Admittedly, I was not familiar with this KC icon, and I my loud comment drew laughs of assurance from my Vikings brethren, and gawks of "You call yourself an NFL fan?" from stunned Chiefs fans. I mean really, who ever heard of this guy, hidden in the small markets of KC?

It became sort of a running Joke with my tailgate friends the rest of the year. We would spam each other with quotes from KC newspapers all lauding the great Jared Allen. As the e-mails became more frequent, we started seeing his sacks totals, and tackles add up. Then, we learned that he was named to the Pro Bowl, prompting one of my friends to write,

"WHO THE F is Jared Allen? He is the best damn defensive player in the AFC, playing on a cruddy team."

Well, the off-season came, and in late February, we jokingly prodded each other with more e-mails.

"Jared Allen is a restricted Free-Agent. Maybe Zygi should cough up the $ and 2 first round picks and go get him. Problem solved."

Last week, we got an e-mail from Notre Dame Dan,

"HEY, I Think we are Actually Going After this guy, Is this real?"

The e-mail cited a hot NFL rumor that the Vikes and Bucs were going after the star."

Today, it all came to a sudden, pleasing end.

"Who the F is Jared Allen?"

"He is your starting DE for the next wave of the Purple People Eaters, 'Purple Peeps Part Deaux"

I am amazed. Who ever thought this running joke between tailgating hard cores would lead to the actual acquisition of this Super Star? I mean, he is EXACTLY what this team, this town needs. He is good ol football in a town that sorely needs this character. He's the type of guy that shows up to a team MVP dinner, a black tie affair, wearing a fake tux t-shirt, cowboy hat and jeans to pick up his "Player of the Year Award."

I love it. This is my kind of football player. I dig what this team is trying to do. This is Fantastic.

See you all at the draft.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

It's Never to Late: Bring Moss Back...

Every year that passes since Moss was traded, it gets easier to deal with the fact that Vikings messed up.

I have stated several times, several ways, that Superfreak was great, the best ever, one of my favorite Vikings etc.

Today, just a few days befor the 2008 NFL draft, and the dawning of new era in Purple Dominance, I am sent a brand new "Bring Back Randy" campaign.

I must post the links, and share the campaign with you out there in the Vikingstailgate.com Parking Lot. The Campaign is being run by Beck DeRobertis, and he wrote me stating:

Hey Fellow Vikings Enthusiast,

BRING MOSS BACK is the Art Campaign Dedicated to returning Randy Moss to
the Minnesota Vikings! The campaign was created by Beck DeRobertis and
includes videos, a blog, a petition, women's fashion, and more! Check it
out!

BRING MOSS BACK Blog:
http://bringmossback.blogspot.com

BRING MOSS BACK YouTube Channel:
http://youtube.com/artheadmagazine

Direct Link to Our Petition:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/bringmossback/

BRING MOSS BACK MySpace Page:
http://myspace.com/artheadmagazine

Please pass the word along to your readers. Help us Bring Moss Back to
the Vikings!

84ever!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

We Are Vikings.com

This might be old news for all you hard core Vikes fans, but for those who are looking for some more hands on Vikings Social networking at draft time, you may want to know about the site called "Wearevikingsfans.com"

http://www.wearevikingsfans.com.

The site has been up for almost 8 Months now, and is growing fast. I have a profile set up under Mookie, so feel free and sign up as a teammate, and start meeting people from all over purple cyberspace. It's also a great way to stay in touch with all your fellow Tailgaters during the off-season. All you need to do is create a password, and start networking. It's that easy.

Make sure you check out and join the following Communities created by Vikingstailgate.com members & friends once you log in:

1. Packer Jokes & Border Rivalry Stories (currently 80 members)
2. From the Tailgating Lot (also 80 members strong)
3. Viking Victory Voyage (130 members strong)

See you at the draft party!!!!!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Jared Allen- Rumors Update (1st and 2nd Round Picks in 2009?)

Defensive end Jared Allen, the Kansas City Chiefs' designated franchise player, has scheduled visits with two NFL teams even though he doesn't have any assurance the Chiefs would even consider trading him.

According to a source, Allen is in the process of scheduling trips to the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the next week. Because he is an unsigned franchise player, Allen has the freedom to meet and talk to teams, but the current price tag for a team wanting to sign him is two No. 1 picks, which is a price most teams aren't willing to consider.

Negotiations between the Chiefs and Allen are at the very beginning stage and no deal is close. ESPN's Michael Smith reported that according to league sources, the Chiefs don't intend to re-sign Allen and expect to deal him before they pick fifth overall in the NFL draft.

Should the Chiefs be willing to listen to a trade, it creates an interesting scenario. The Chiefs currently have the No. 5 pick in the draft and are in need of offensive linemen. If the Chiefs would consider a trade of Allen, they could select Vernon Gholston or Chris Long to help them at defensive end and then take an offensive lineman with a first-round pick acquired in a trade.

Smith reported that according to sources, the Vikings appear to be a front-runner because they have, and are willing to deal, Kansas City what it wants most -- draft choices.

Tampa Bay only has five picks in this year's draft and, according to sources, the Bucs are reluctant to include more than a first-round pick for Allen. The Bucs have offered their first-round pick and a fifth-round pick next year, and their proposed deal could also include defensive lineman Jovan Haye, Smith reported.

Meanwhile Minnesota is considering offering its first-round pick and a second-round pick in 2009, while the Chiefs would prefer to deal for picks in this year's draft, sources told Smith.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. ESPN reporter Michael Smith contributed to this report.

Chiefs' Allen talking with Vikings, Bucs

Last year in KC, a Chief's fan came up to me and said, "and you guys are toast today, because Jared Allen is coming back off of a suspension."

My reply at the time:

"WHO THE F is Jared Allen?"

I have spent the last year learning that Allen is in fact the most dominant DE in the AFC. He is a Pro Bowler, with 15.5 sacks. He is the kind of guy who "shows up at a black tie awards event to pick up his team MVP trophy wearing cowboy boots, jeans and a classy tuxedo t-shirt."

I have learned to really like this "Jared Allen guy" and today, my buddy who went to KC with me last year, ND Dan, e-mailed me the following info from Jay Glazer:

Jared Allen's days with the Chiefs appear to be numbered.

Allen, the NFL's reigning sack leader, told FOXSports.com that the Vikings and Buccaneers have held trade talks with the Chiefs and he anticipates a deal will get done prior to next week's draft.

"It's a situation that works out best for both sides," Allen told FOXSports.com. "I can go to a team that is competing for a championship right now. The Chiefs can get valuable draft picks to rebuild with."

Allen said he is flying to Minnesota and has a visit set up with the Vikings by this weekend. He is tentatively scheduled to meet with Tampa Bay next week. The Jacksonville Jaguars had previously inquired with Allen's camp as well.

The Pro Bowl defensive end is the Chiefs' franchise player, but re-signing in Kansas City will be a problem as the team is looking to stockpile draft picks.

Allen said the two sticking points are working out terms of a deal with a new team and the Chiefs agreeing to compensation for a trade. A package of first- and second-round picks or one of first- and third-round picks in the upcoming draft have been discussed as possible terms. It's unclear at this point what it will take to get the deal done.

Allen, a four-year veteran, led the league in sacks in 2007 with 15.5 and has 13 forced fumbles in the past three seasons.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

2008 Schedule for Vikes: Roadtrip to Tennessee?

The Vikings will be heading to Tennessee on Seeptember 28, and if we have our way, the Tailgaters from our Parking Lot will be following them there.

Preseason

Week 1 – vs. Seattle – August 8 – Metrodome – KSTP – 7 p.m.
Week 2 – at Baltimore – August 16 – M&T Bank Stadium – KSTP – 6:30 p.m.
Week 3 – vs. Pittsburgh – August 23 – Metrodome – CBS – 7 p.m.
Week 4 – at Dallas – August 28 – Texas Stadium – KSTP – 7 p.m.

Regular Season

Week 1 – at Green Bay (Monday) – September 8 – Lambeau Field – ESPN – 6 p.m.
Week 2 – vs. Indianapolis – September 14 – Metrodome – CBS – 12 p.m.
Week 3 – vs. Carolina – September 21 – Metrodome – FOX – 12 p.m.
Week 4 – at Tennessee – September 28 – LP Field – FOX – 12 p.m.
Week 5 – at New Orleans (Monday) – October 6 – Superdome – ESPN – 7:30 p.m.
Week 6 – vs. Detroit – October 12 – Metrodome – FOX – 12 p.m.
Week 7 – at Chicago – October 19 – Soldier Field – FOX – 12 p.m.
Week 8 – BYE
Week 9 – vs. Houston – November 2 – Metrodome – CBS – 12 p.m.
Week 10 – vs. Green Bay – November 9 – Metrodome – FOX – 12 p.m.
Week 11 – at Tampa Bay – November 16 – Raymond James Stadium – FOX – 12 p.m.
Week 12 – at Jacksonville – November 23 – Jacksonville Municipal Stadium – FOX – 12 p.m.
Week 13 – vs. Chicago – November 30 – Metrodome – NBC – 7:30 p.m.
Week 14 – at Detroit – December 7 – Ford Field – FOX – 12 p.m.
Week 15 – at Arizona – December 14 – University of Phoenix Stadium – FOX – 12 p.m.
Week 16 – vs. Atlanta – December 21 – Metrodome – FOX – 12 p.m.
Week 17 – vs. New York Giants – December 28 – Metrodome – FOX – 12 p.m.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Draft Countdown

I'm hoping for Limas Sweed, I don't think he will slip to the 2nd Round like some boards are predicting. I saw him play at Texas, and he strikes me as a potential game breaker, ala CC. Other than that, I am just hoping for best value. If the Vikings wait and see if he slips, then I like Philp Merling DE from Clemson in Round 1 or Derrick Harvey from Florida. In round 2 Like Darrel Robertson, DE Georgia Tech or Fred Davis, a TE from USC. I think having two third rounders in this draft will be the best thing we could possibly ask for. Here we have a great chance to add some talent that will be around for years to come. I like DBs in the 3rd Round. Marcus Griffin from Texas, Justin King from Penn State, Tom Zbikowski from Notre Dame or even a WR, Eddie Royal from Va Tech.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Patriot Envy to Vikings Future?

Man, I am sitting at home on a Minnesota Sunday night, watching CNBC, and they are airing a show called "Touchdown, The Patriots and the Business of Winning."

I am envious of that franchise. They have everything that we Vikings fans aspire for; Randy Moss, 3 World Championships in the bank, an 18-0 season, a genius head coach, and most important, a passionate owner who will do anything to support winning.

Bob Kraft and his family, bought the land that houses the new Patriot Stadium, and even has ponied up the cash the buy more land near the stadium, and is now developing a huge shopping center on the stadium grounds. That place is a tailgaters dream; parking lots galore.

I know the team has been busted for spy gate and all that, but the fact that they care about their fans, and will do anything to win, just makes me envious.

The Vikings need to up their ante if they are ever going to be the franchise that Zygi Wilfe has promised to his fan base.

We old time fans aren't getting any younger, but we pay for the hope that our team will do what it takes to win. Right now, at this point in time, I don't see any better franchise in all of pro sports.

People who aspire to be winners, should always look at the top and find out what the current champs are doing to be successful. If they are serious, they will figure out a way to do it better, faster and stronger, and be able to put their own brand on it.

Well Vikings fans, players and owners, the blueprint is right there in New England. If you want it, go frickin get it.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

For All the Cowboys Fans Out There

Monday, January 21, 2008

For All The Sad Eyes in Green Bay Today

We are not sorry for your big loss yesterday. You should know by now that #4 "Captain Intercepto" is about as clutch as a treadless Buick in a snowstorm. It sucks losing a NFC Championship at home huh? Anyway, to help ease your pain, enjoy some humor. This is how you know you are still a Packers fan:

1. The Halloween pumpkin on your porch has more teeth
than your spouse.

2. You let your twelve-year-old daughter smoke at the
dinner table in front of her kids.

3. You've been married three times and still have the
same in-laws.

4. You think a woman who is "out of your league"
bowls on a different night.

5. Jack Daniel's makes your list of "most admired
people."

6. You wonder how service stations keep their
restrooms so clean.

7. Anyone in your family ever died right after
saying, "Hey watch this."

8. You think Dom Perignon is a Mafia leader.

9. Your wife's hairdo was once ruined by a ceiling
fan.

10. Your junior prom had a daycare.

11. You think the last words of the Star Spangled
Banner are, "Cheeseheads start your engines."

12. You lit a match in the bathroom and your house
exploded right off its wheels.

14. The bluebook value of your truck goes up and
down, depending on how much gas is in it.

15. You have to go outside to get something from the
fridge.

16. One of your kids was born on a pool table.

17. You need one more hole punched in your card to
get a freebie at the House of Tattoos.

18. You can't get married to your sweetheart because
there's a law against it.

19. You think loading a dishwasher means getting your
wife drunk.

20. Your toilet paper has page numbers on it.

21. Your front porch collapses and kills more than
five dogs.

22. Your quarterback pisses away his and your last chance to lose another Superbowl by throwing interceptions! haha

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Pats’ Moss hit with restraining order

A temporary restraining order has been issued against Patriots [team stats]’ receiver Randy Moss, after a Florida woman alleged he beat her and then refused to allow her to seek medical attention on Jan. 6, according to court documents.

Rachelle Washington, 35, of Fort Lauderdale, filed a petition for a restraining order in Broward County on Monday. A temporary injunction was issued Monday against Moss by the Broward County court, ordering him to stay at least 500 feet away from her, her home and her car.

At Gillette Stadium this morning, Moss addressed the allegation, saying he’s “never laid a hand on a woman in 30 years.”

He asked fans not to rush to judge him.

A hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 28 at the Fort Lauderdale courthouse on the restraining order and the woman’s allegations.

In the court papers, Washington says the alleged incident occurred on Jan. 6 at her home. Washington alleges Moss committed “a battery upon (Washington) causing serious injury. (Moss) refused to allow (Washington) to seek medical treatment.”

Washington claims the two have been in an “intimate relationship since 1997.” She also claims in the papers that Moss has guns and has “a drug or alcohol problem.”

On Jan. 6, the Patriots were in the midst of their bye week, preceding their first playoff game on Jan. 12 against the Jacksonville Jaguars [team stats].

Moss had one catch in the 31-20 win over the Jaguars. The Patriots are currently preparing for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the San Diego Chargers.

The story was first reported by Rozzie Franco of radio station WDBO in Orlando.

Reminiscence of Viking Glory & Tribute to Wally Hilgenberg

Here is a worthy event, and I just might be able to attend:

Reminiscence of Viking Glory & Tribute to Wally Hilgenberg
StraightTalk Breakfast
Thursday, January 17th @ 7 am
Sheraton Bloomington Hotel

Please join us for an exciting morning as we take a trip back to the days of Viking glory. Not only will you enjoy video of some of the finest moments in Viking history, but you will hear some of the inside stories from Viking greats like Jim Marshall, Paul Krause, Bobby Bryant, Chuck Foreman, Matt Blair and scores of others. Perhaps most meaningful of all, Wally Hilgenberg, who is battling the debilitating disease of ALS, will offer some personal reflections about his Viking experience, his current physical condition and how his faith is especially relevant today. We encourage you to attend and to bring a friend!

Cost for breakfast $20
Reservations call 952.929.0628

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Big Games, Better Records, The Playoff Chase 2007

I have heard a lot of talk about the Vikings losing record against teams with winning records lately. Most of this talk comes from the holier than Cowboy fans and Packers fans, who are sitting with homefield advantage for the upcoming playoff rounds. Well, they should be happy. Their teams are in. Both the Packers and Cowboys have 4-1 records against teams with winning records. This would explain their "catbird" seat and smug fans.

But did you know that the team with the third best winning percentage against winning teams this season is the VIKINGS? Cue the horn.

I don't know what it means, but it certainly paints a playoff picture worth discussing. The Vikings are 2-3 (their only losses coming against the Cowboys and the Pack), and the Saints are 2-4 (obviously a tougher schedule for them). But if anyone is going take the Seahawks (1-2), Buccaneers (1-3), Giants (0-4) or Redskins(1-5) as serious playoff threats, they better check their track record against better teams.

This is why tomorrows game with the Redskins is THE SEASON for the Vikings. It is on National TV in a playoff atmosphere during the country's biggest Holiday Season for a Football viewing audience. It will feel like a playoff game. Should the Vikings win, they would have a great shot at not just making the playoffs, but also finding success on the road as #5 or #6 seed against Seattle or Tampa Bay.

The good news is the Vikings will know where they stand before the game starts. If the Eagles beat the Saints, and the Giants lose at Buffalo, the NFL might be the Vikings Oyster come playoff time. I don't want to get too crazy and start predicting a Vikings at Green Bay NFC Title game, but it sure would become a possible scenario. I have written before, that I would LOVE to go back to Green Bay and seek revenge to all the Cheeseheads who laughed us out of town back in November. It would make for good NFL drama, an easy story to sell, and well... again, let's just keep it real and 1-0 this weekend.

Enjoy the big day. I will be there at 12 noon for some tailgating. Peace to all Vikings all over the World.

NFC Playoff Contenders records against teams with Winning Records:
Feel free and use this for speculation, high jinx, bold predictions, ignorant banter or otherwise. These records mean NOTHING when it comes time to suit up in the elements called playoffs.

1. Cowboys (4-1)
Giants (9-5) W, 45-35
Patriots (14-0) L, 27-48
Vikings (8-6) W, 24-14
Giants (9-5) W, 31-20
Packers (12-2) W, 37-27

2. Packers (4-1)
Giants (9-5) W, 35-13
Chargers (9-5) W, 31-24
Vikings (8-6) W, 23-16
Vikings (8-6) W, 34-0
Cowboys (12-2) L 27-37

3. Vikings (2-3)
Packers (12-2) L, 16-23
Cowboys (12-2) L, 14-24
Chargers (9-5) W, 35-17
Packers (12-2) L, 0-34
Giants (9-5), W, 41-17

4. Saints (2-4)
Colts (12-2) L, 10-41
Buccaneers (9-5) L, 14-31
Titans (8-6) L, 14-31
Seahawks (9-5) W, 28-17
Jaguars (10-4) W, 41-24
Buccaneers (9-5) L, 23-27

5. Seahawks (1-2)
Buccaneers (9-5) W, 20-6
Steelers (10-5) L, 0-21
Browns (9-5) L, 30-33

6. Bucs (1-3)
Seahawks (9-5) L, 6-20
Colts (12-2) L, 14-33
Titans (8-6) W, 13-10
Jaguarts (10-4),L, 23-24

8. Redskins (1-5)
Giants (9-5) L, 17-24
Packers (12-2) L, 14-17
Patriots (14-0) L, 7-52
Cowboys (12-2), L, 23-28
Buccaneers (9-5) L, 13-19
Gaints (9-5) W, 22-10
Vikings (8-6) TBD
Cowboys (12-2) TBD

8. Giants (0-4)
Cowboys (12-2) L, 35-45
Packers (12-2) L, 13-35
Cowboys (12-2) L, 20-31
Vikings (8-6) L,,17-41
Patriots (14-0), TBD

Redskins Games Past & Present- My Fondest Memories

How many of you can really remember the details of your very first experience attending a Minnesota Vikings game? It was three decades ago for me, and I still remember that first game like it was yesterday. It was December 18th, 1976 when the Vikings beat the Washington Redskins 35-20 in that Divisional Playoff Game at the Old Met Stadium.

I was what you'd call a serious Viking fanatic. Roaming the farm prairies of Watertown, SD, I was always decked out in my Vikings sideline jacket, the old school purple stocking cap with a blank purple helmet on the front, and I was always wearing my JC Penney #10 Tarkenton jeresy,

Knowing I was diehard, my Dad somehow managed to score tickets from his boss in Minnesota, for the first round playoff game. Of course he kept this a secret from me. Our trip to Minneapolis was diguised as a trek into the big city for a Father-Son ice fishing contest. Despite the offer of bonding from my dad, I was refusing to go on the trip because I wanted to see the game on TV at home. Well, I was assured that we would be able to see the game because My dad's boss, I was told, had a mini-tv that we could borrow and it had "great reception!"

Hell, I figured we would have the best of both worlds- fishing out on the lakes with the old man, and watching the Vikes on TV. When we got to the cities, my dad drove us to his bosses house to get the TV. Guess what? He came out of the house with nothing but an envelope. I was crushed because I was thinking I would miss the game. My dad starting reading a letter of apology on the envelope,

"Sorry the TV is broke. To make up for it, please consider the compensation in this envelope as my apology."

I was pissed, and on the verge of tears when my dad asked me to open the envelope and read it. In complete disgust, I ripped open the envelope, and found four shiny tickets for that days Playoff Game!

I was so excited I could hardly keep dry pants. What a great way to go to my first Vikes game! My dad knew all along that we were going, and he kept it a secret!

I remember the drive from Minnetonka to Bloomington could not be fast enough. I had never been to a big city, and every tall building I saw, I kept hoping to see the light poles of Metropolitan Stadium. I still remember all the aesthetic details of arrival to the parking lot. As we walked toward our gate, I could smell all of brats, and sausages on the tailgaters grill's.

They had vendors in the parking lot, and one of them was selling a huge poster of Fran Tarkenton, in his white jersey, setting up to pass in the snow at a game earlier that season in Buffalo. I stared back at the poster and pointed at it, declaring,

"Dad you gotta get me that Tark poster!"

At that same instant, with my head turned to the poster, I bumped into somone, who smiled and said,

"Ya, dad, you gotta get him the poster."

The man was wearing a leather coat, and one of those "Boogie" Winter Caps that Tom Brady has recently made famous. That man was THE Fran Tarkenton himself. No lie. He was walking into the stadium with Mick Tinglehoff at the same time I was pointing down his poster. I felt a rush in my stomach, a feeling like I had never felt before, and I swear I have been chasing ever since. It was a remarkable coincidence. It was perfect.

As we walked toward the gates, the smell of cigars and cigarettes filled the Met Stadium air. Once we made it inside for the pregame warm-ups, I soaked in everything. I watched the High School Cheerleading Parkettes on the sidelines, and was amazed by the distance and accuracy of Mark Mosley and Fred Cox's straight on kick.

It was 35 degrees at game time on a bright sunny day. The popcorn was poping, the beer vendors were hawking, and the Public Address announcer was booming. The Vikings band was playing Skol Vikings and other classic pep band songs, the light from CBS's pre-game show were bright, and I had never seen so many TV cameras rolling back and forth on sidelines. It was first and only big "Instant Classic" and the game had even started yet.

The Vikings jumped to a 35-6 lead by the end of the third quarter, led by running backs Chuck Foreman and Brent McClanahan who each rushed for more than 100 yards. McClanahan's 41-yard run on Minnesota's first play of the game set up quarterback Fran Tarkenton's 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end Stu Voigt. Then after Washington kicked a field goal, Tarkenton threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Sammy White, who managed to catch it after it was tipped in the air. Foreman added two rushing touchdowns and White caught a second touchdown pass. By the time Redskins quarterback Billy Kilmer completed two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, the game was already out of reach.

During that game, we made acquaintance with Ed White's best friend, who took us down to the players exit after the game. Because of him I was able to get autographs from Fran Tarkenton, Jim Marshall, Carl Eller, Fred Cox, Nate Wright, Sammie White, Ed White, Wes Hamilton, and Matt Blair.

Back then, I was in 6th Grade and wore a purple Fran Tarkenton jersey. My biggest concerns in life were math homework and getting good grades at Roosevelt Elementary School in Watertown, SD. We lived in the country, so we didn't have cable TV, and I was never allowed to watch a Monday Night Football game on ABC past the Howard Cosell halftime report.

To fuel my Vikes addiction, my father would bring home the Minneapolis Tribune from work, so I could read up on the latest news and actually see pictures of the team. My brothers and I would watch all Sunday afternoon games that were televised on CBS or NBC. When the Vikings lost we would burn the football cards of the opposition in some sort of sick sacrificial ritual of young purple witch doctors.

Now in 2007, I have new much larger Tark jersey (thanks e-bay), the team plays in the dome, but the game is still played between the stripes. Instead watching the tailgaters, I am one in the diehard groups that set up in the parking lots hours before game time. (We are the kids of the Met Stadium Tailgaters, we all say). The cheerleaders are professional dancers (one, Brita, a former co-worker of mine) and the players again are fighting for playoff survival.

Tomorrows game will be do or die for both the Redskins and Vikings, but every time those teams match-up at this time of year, I always think of that first game right before my twelfth Christmas on planet earth. It was a very special Holiday memory for me, and I sincerely hope the tradition continues on December 23rd, 2007.

Friday, December 14, 2007

ESPN.COM - Vikings Bears "Bread & Butter" Plays for Monday Night

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings, ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET

Chicago: Play-Action TE Post
With as much turnover at QB as the Bears have had this season, the one constant has been the Play-Action TE Post. Chicago loves this play and it is perfect to run against a Cover 2 defense.

Bears: Play-Action TE Post

Minnesota: Halfback Blast
It's not very flashy, but it sure is effective. The Halfback Blast has been the Vikings' signature play and a big reason they're closing in on a playoff spot.

Vikings: Halfback Blast

Someone on the Chicago Bears Nailed Lisa Lampanelli?

From a site called:The BigLead.com
Just in time for Monday Night Showdown with the Bears, here's some fun (spoof or not enjoy):

"Lisa Lampanelli, easily the funniest female comic we’ve ever heard, went on Howard Stern’s Sirius show Tuesday and blabbed about sexual relations with a young (”in his 20s”) member of the Chicago Bears who (all the quotes are hers):

* has tattoos
* isn’t a starter but isn’t on the practice squad
* is black (”mocha latte”)
* is southern
* at some point this season, he had an injured ankle

Lampanelli is a 46-year-old admittedly overweight white woman. The encounter took place in Philly in October. The unidentified Bears player (she said he was a rookie, and then recanted that; just our opinion, but we think he’s a rookie and she tried to cover it up) tracked her down through her website, and the two set up a rendezvous after she lied and told him she’d be in town. To paraphrase her: “I texted him from the McDonald’s, he ran out of his hotel to my Toyota Camry, we went to a Marriott Courtyard (he paid) and we banged for 45 minutes. He asked me, ‘is this your first NFL dick?’ He had a very bent penis.”

So far, rampant speculation includes: Trumaine McBride or Kevin Payne, or possibly Garrett Wolfe or Josh Gattis. This is something that must be solved today, before it gets buried under the Mitchell Investigation avalanche."

Vikings fined for having Adrian Peterson wear Chester Taylor’s uniform

Funny Spoof from serioussportsnewsnetwork.com (a fun hilarious blog) that made me chuckle:

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — It’s been a year of deception in the NFL.

Only months after the New England Patriots got the league’s largest ever fine, the Minnesota Vikings received a $250,000 fine for having standout rookie Adrian Peterson swap uniforms with Chester Taylor during the Vikes’ 27-7 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

“I have Adrian Peterson in my big-money fantasy league,” said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. “So I’m scanning through the boxscores, checking to see how my team is doing, and I see that Adrian Peterson is getting shut down by San Francisco. Red flag. Then I see that Chester Taylor is going off. Double red flag! I immediately demanded to see the game film.”

Goodell was stunned by what he saw.

“Here is AP going for 3 yards on 14 carries,” Goodell said. “AP! I couldn’t believe my eyes. He’s going for negative yards, he’s showing no burst, he’s going down at first contact. Then I see Chester Taylor go off for 101 yards, including an 84-yard score. Well, it wasn’t hard to figure out what was going on.”

Indeed, it turns out that the Vikings had encouraged Taylor to dress up as Peterson, and Peterson to dress as Taylor. Both players agreed, though Peterson was reluctant; however, Taylor convinced him that it would really “ease the pressure, if only for a week.”

“It was probably an error in judgment,” said Vikings coach Brad Childress. “But we really wanted to give Adrian a little breather from the watchful eyes of the nation. I mean, everyone is tuning in, expecting him to do something great every play. So we just thought, wouldn’t it be nice if we could give him a game of total anonymity? Then it hit us – BAM! Let’s dress him up as Chester Taylor.”

Goodell was furious.

“In this league, you play every game as hard as you can, and you wear your own jersey,” he said. “A lot of bad things can come from dressing up as a teammate. You may get hurt, and we might bill the wrong health insurance. You may get pegged for an endorsement, and the money could go to the wrong person. Or maybe you go off for 124 yards of total offense and a touchdown and your commissioner might get the giant screwjob in his fantasy league because of your stupid, insensitive, immoral and outrageous actions. It’s just a bad, bad thing to do.”

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Purple Fans Holier Than Thou?

Everyone has the right to their opinions, be they negative or positive. It's not only the right of the fans to freely express themselves, it is also "protected" in the Bill the Rights.

That being said, it bugs me when other Vikings fans start inferring that they are more loyaly than other Vikings fans. Case in point, a recent MySpace blog, titled "Where Were You?" was sent out to other self-proclaimed Vikings fans on that same web site.

In the article, the author infers that "negative" Vikings fans had turned their back on their team, spewing out proclamtions to Fire Childress, throw games, and mail in the season.

"Did you gripe about how terrible your Vikings were? When the faithful called for you to have patience did you turn your back and vomit ugly empty words?
Where were you?"

The author goes on to suggest that loyal Vikings fans like himself (we call these fans the "rose color glass wearing, purple kool aid drinking loyalists") would never turn their back on their t