The Vikings are frustrating some fans with their insistence on using Chester Taylor a lot instead of giving primary carries to Adrian Peterson. But it's the right move. Adrian Peterson should be this team's dominant football player for the next decade, and the Vikings must not use him up.
Consider Earl Campbell. Campbell was one of the greatest running backs to ever play football, yet the Houston Oilers got just three great and two good seasons from Campbell. Consecutive seasons of 368, 373, and 361 carries just wore him down.
Consider Terrell Davis. Davis, too, might be one of the greatest running backs to ever play football, yet the Denver Broncos got just three great and one good seasons from Davis. In the Broncos' two-year run of winning Super Bowls, Davis carried the ball an incredible 951 times in regular and post-season games, and the rest of his career was destroyed with injuries. Davis and the Broncos might argue that it was worth it to win Super Bowls, but had the Broncos mixed it up more, Davis might have had a long, dominant career in Denver.
Football Outsiders has found convincing data showing that overusing running backs diminishes their effectiveness. We want Adrian Peterson running wild for the Vikings for the next ten seasons. That means that in the game against the Bears when Peterson was going bananas breaking off long runs, it's just fine that Chester Taylor got 22 carries and Adrian Peterson got 20. The Vikings shouldn't use up Adrian Peterson so that by 2011 he's effectively finished; they should use Peterson effectively so that by 2016 he's still a great football player.
It will be good for the Vikings in 2007, too. Mixing it up with Taylor and Peterson means that Peterson will be fresh and running hard in the fourth quarter. It also means that Peterson can be fresh and running hard in November and December.
I love Adrian Peterson, and I want to see him get the ball a lot; it's a joyous experience watching him break long, spectacular runs with quickness, cutbacks, moves, and speed. But I also want to see him get the ball a lot in a long, dominant Viking career.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
On the Couch, week six
For more on the Viking-Bear game, see "Trailing Clouds of Heaven: Vikings 34, Bears 31" below. "On the Couch" is a chance for thoughts on other NFL games, and some further thoughts on the Viking game.
Randy Moss
Patriots-Cowboys Box Score
Honestly, as Moss has resurged as the league's dominant wide receiver this season, Patriot Randy Moss as seemed to be an entirely different entity than Viking Randy Moss. In a Patriot #81 uniform, he doesn't even look like the player I adored in a Viking #84 uniform. I still can't quite process that it's the same individual.
But today, seeing his touchdown negated by a picky offensive interference call, and seeing Moss calmly jog back to the huddle used to having his touchdowns negated by picky offensive interference calls that no other wide receiver gets called for, I realized yes, this Randy Moss is in fact the same Randy Moss that used to play for the Vikings.
While we're at it, shall we all just accept the Patriots' dominance of the 2007 season? Ideally, they'll go 16-0 and then lose to the Colts in the playoff game and be unfairly labeled as chokers. But really, looking at their schedule they still have to play the Colts (at Indianapolis), the Ravens (at Baltimore), and the Steelers (at home). Intriguing games all.
As I said last season, those of you who tire of New England's almost easy dominance can take heart. From 1981-1998, the San Francisco 49ers played in 10 NFC Championship games and won 5 Super Bowls. It must have seemed to many that they would never stop dominating. Since then they've won one playoff game and had three seasons with four or fewer wins. This will all cycle through.
Vinny freaking Testaverde
Panthers-Cardinals Box Score
This week I lamented to the Hazelweird League that Steve Smith's success was now dependent on Vinny freaking Testaverde. My brother, who doesn't follow football closely during the week, assumed I was joking. He then checked and realized I was serious, that Vinny Testaverde was actually in control of Steve Smith's success.
Well, after every possible fantasy football pundit told us all to bench Steve Smith today, he responded with 2 rushes for 15 yards and 10 receptions for 136 yards, including a 65 yard touchdown (for the record, I still started him).
So what does this say about you, David Carr? The Steve Smith fantasy experience cannot be halted by even Vinny freaking Testaverde, but you, David Carr, are capable of derailing it all.
Brett Favre
Would we really be a Viking blog if we didn't at least mention that nobody in the history of the NFL has thrown more interceptions than Brett Favre (AP Green Bay-Washington Recap at NFL.com)?
NFL Standings
Wacky things stand out. The Dolphins and Rams are each 0-6 despite seeming to have offensive talent (and the Rams have actually been doubled up in points). The Patriots now have 138 net points (the Patriots and the Steelers have each more than doubled up their opponents' points--neither team is that far from tripling up its opponents' points). The Chiefs are tied for the division lead (and have already beaten the Chargers once for a tie breaker). The Browns have scored 167 points, mostly with Derek Anderson.
Perspective
If the dates I heard today are correct, the weekend of the last time the Vikings beat the Bears at Soldier Field, I was living in a dorm and just started dating somebody. That person has now been my wife for three years, and we have a kid and a house. That's a long time. We can only imagine what would happen if my 2007 self went back in time and told my 2000 self the Vikes would lose in the NFC championship game 41-0, would then fail to win the division for years, still wouldn't have been to the Super Bowl by 2007, and that Randy Moss and Daunte Culpepper were both on other teams.
Sampling the Reviews: Adrian Peterson
Viking fans, if Monday is giving you grief, just go check out Adrian Peterson's highlights at NFL Video Galleries. And smile. Try to pick your favorite run. Just try.
"Vikings 34, Bears 31: The Adrian Peterson Show Co-Starring Devin Hester" (Fanhouse)
"Peterson Is Better Than Your Team's Back" (Fanhouse)
"Bumbling offense finds its footing" (Star Tribune)
"Vikings nip Bears on last-second FG" (Pioneer Press)
AP Recap (Sports Illustrated)
"Snap Judgments" (Sports Illustrated) Here Don Banks argues that the Vikings have to start Adrian Peterson over Chester Taylor and get him more carries. I understand the sentiment, but consider this: Peterson still had 27 touches. He's a rookie, and the singular hope for the Vikings' future. Plenty of RBs have been worn down too young due to overuse. I think Peterson should start and should get more carries than Chester Taylor, but the Vikings should definitely spell Peterson with Taylor plenty. Utilize Peterson effectively and often, but don't overuse him and ruin his effectiveness. He should dominate for this franchise for the next decade. That said, I'm frustrated every time I see #29 in the backfield instead of #28. I just want to be delighted by #28 for a long, long time.
"Adrian’s A Freak; Vikings Win Thriller" (Viking War Cry)
"Break-out" (The Viking Age)
"Adrian Peterson is the most explosive RB in the NFL" (Complete Sports)
"Peterson’s Playmaking Paces Vikings Victory" (Viking Update)
"Peterson Shines In Thriller" (Vikings.com)
"NFL: Top rookie rushing performances" (AP in Star Tribune)
"Peterson show dazzles Bears ... and Vikings" (Star Tribune)
"Vikings single-game records" (Star Tribune)
"Three Stars and the Purple Jesus" (The Ragnarok)
Randy Moss
Patriots-Cowboys Box Score
Honestly, as Moss has resurged as the league's dominant wide receiver this season, Patriot Randy Moss as seemed to be an entirely different entity than Viking Randy Moss. In a Patriot #81 uniform, he doesn't even look like the player I adored in a Viking #84 uniform. I still can't quite process that it's the same individual.
But today, seeing his touchdown negated by a picky offensive interference call, and seeing Moss calmly jog back to the huddle used to having his touchdowns negated by picky offensive interference calls that no other wide receiver gets called for, I realized yes, this Randy Moss is in fact the same Randy Moss that used to play for the Vikings.
While we're at it, shall we all just accept the Patriots' dominance of the 2007 season? Ideally, they'll go 16-0 and then lose to the Colts in the playoff game and be unfairly labeled as chokers. But really, looking at their schedule they still have to play the Colts (at Indianapolis), the Ravens (at Baltimore), and the Steelers (at home). Intriguing games all.
As I said last season, those of you who tire of New England's almost easy dominance can take heart. From 1981-1998, the San Francisco 49ers played in 10 NFC Championship games and won 5 Super Bowls. It must have seemed to many that they would never stop dominating. Since then they've won one playoff game and had three seasons with four or fewer wins. This will all cycle through.
Vinny freaking Testaverde
Panthers-Cardinals Box Score
This week I lamented to the Hazelweird League that Steve Smith's success was now dependent on Vinny freaking Testaverde. My brother, who doesn't follow football closely during the week, assumed I was joking. He then checked and realized I was serious, that Vinny Testaverde was actually in control of Steve Smith's success.
Well, after every possible fantasy football pundit told us all to bench Steve Smith today, he responded with 2 rushes for 15 yards and 10 receptions for 136 yards, including a 65 yard touchdown (for the record, I still started him).
So what does this say about you, David Carr? The Steve Smith fantasy experience cannot be halted by even Vinny freaking Testaverde, but you, David Carr, are capable of derailing it all.
Brett Favre
Would we really be a Viking blog if we didn't at least mention that nobody in the history of the NFL has thrown more interceptions than Brett Favre (AP Green Bay-Washington Recap at NFL.com)?
NFL Standings
Wacky things stand out. The Dolphins and Rams are each 0-6 despite seeming to have offensive talent (and the Rams have actually been doubled up in points). The Patriots now have 138 net points (the Patriots and the Steelers have each more than doubled up their opponents' points--neither team is that far from tripling up its opponents' points). The Chiefs are tied for the division lead (and have already beaten the Chargers once for a tie breaker). The Browns have scored 167 points, mostly with Derek Anderson.
Perspective
If the dates I heard today are correct, the weekend of the last time the Vikings beat the Bears at Soldier Field, I was living in a dorm and just started dating somebody. That person has now been my wife for three years, and we have a kid and a house. That's a long time. We can only imagine what would happen if my 2007 self went back in time and told my 2000 self the Vikes would lose in the NFC championship game 41-0, would then fail to win the division for years, still wouldn't have been to the Super Bowl by 2007, and that Randy Moss and Daunte Culpepper were both on other teams.
Sampling the Reviews: Adrian Peterson
Viking fans, if Monday is giving you grief, just go check out Adrian Peterson's highlights at NFL Video Galleries. And smile. Try to pick your favorite run. Just try.
"Vikings 34, Bears 31: The Adrian Peterson Show Co-Starring Devin Hester" (Fanhouse)
"Peterson Is Better Than Your Team's Back" (Fanhouse)
"Bumbling offense finds its footing" (Star Tribune)
"Vikings nip Bears on last-second FG" (Pioneer Press)
AP Recap (Sports Illustrated)
"Snap Judgments" (Sports Illustrated) Here Don Banks argues that the Vikings have to start Adrian Peterson over Chester Taylor and get him more carries. I understand the sentiment, but consider this: Peterson still had 27 touches. He's a rookie, and the singular hope for the Vikings' future. Plenty of RBs have been worn down too young due to overuse. I think Peterson should start and should get more carries than Chester Taylor, but the Vikings should definitely spell Peterson with Taylor plenty. Utilize Peterson effectively and often, but don't overuse him and ruin his effectiveness. He should dominate for this franchise for the next decade. That said, I'm frustrated every time I see #29 in the backfield instead of #28. I just want to be delighted by #28 for a long, long time.
"Adrian’s A Freak; Vikings Win Thriller" (Viking War Cry)
"Break-out" (The Viking Age)
"Adrian Peterson is the most explosive RB in the NFL" (Complete Sports)
"Peterson’s Playmaking Paces Vikings Victory" (Viking Update)
"Peterson Shines In Thriller" (Vikings.com)
"NFL: Top rookie rushing performances" (AP in Star Tribune)
"Peterson show dazzles Bears ... and Vikings" (Star Tribune)
"Vikings single-game records" (Star Tribune)
"Three Stars and the Purple Jesus" (The Ragnarok)
Trailing Clouds of Heaven: Vikings 34, Bears 31
Vikings-Bears Box Score at NFL.com
Vikings-Bears Play by Play at NFL.com
Vikings-Bears Game Center (with highlights) at NFL.com
Adrian Peterson
Viking fans, let us all be thankful to Adrian Peterson for providing this road victory over the Bears. After scoring a 67 yard touchdown, a 73 yard touchdown, and a 35 yard touchdown, Peterson should have provided the Vikes the cushion to win this game. But the Vikes gave up two long touchdown passes, allowing Chicago to tie the game. Then Peterson had a 53 yard kickoff return, allowing the Vikings to attempt the long field goal that Ryan Longwell made.
Adrian Peterson is a joy; I haven't felt like this since Randy Moss was a Viking. We've got a real live game-breaker, and it's thrilling. With an offense as (talentless? inexperienced?) inconsistent as the Vikings have, the Vikings have trouble sustaining drives; a player capable of putting points on the board with a single long play is just what the Vikings need to stay in games.
This is as exciting as it gets: 224 yards rushing, 9 yards receiving, 128 kick return yards, three rushing touchdowns of 67, 73, and 35 yards. That's making big plays. That's one of the best players in the game.
And it wasn't just the length of the TD runs: it was the spectacular quality. He breaks tackles, he makes moves, he picks blocks and angles. He was running all over the field, cutting and angling. They were all just beautiful to watch.
That's Adrian Peterson, merely beginning his career as the greatest running back in Viking history.
Tarvaris Jackson
We saw good things from Jackson. His 60 touchdown pass was beautifully on target. He showed accuracy throwing on the move. He's very accurate on the slant pattern (unfortunately, he had at least two very good passes dropped). Perhaps most encouraging, I can't recall a really stupid decision from him (a Viking quarterback with no turnovers at Chicago? When's the last time that happened?). Tarvaris Jackson played a mistake free game against the Bears' defense, which is what the Vikings needed from him.
But there was also some bad. He was inaccurate on some passes to open receivers (the bad overthrow of Tony Richardson was particularly ugly, as that play could have gone far). At least once it appeared he could have easily run for a first down but threw a difficult pass instead (then again, other times he scrambled and made good decisions hitting open receivers instead of running).
9/23 isn't good, but in a game when the Vikings ran for 311 yards (the Vikings effectively used Peterson and Chester Taylor), Tarvaris Jackson was poised enough to make plays and avoid mistakes. We can still be optimistic--he played much better than the last time we saw him play.
Troy Williamson
Goodness sakes, that felt good. If Williamson can show he can beat a defender and catch the ball, and Jackson can show he can make an accurate pass on a deep throw, there's a whole new element in the Viking offense for defenses to account for and the Vikings to use.
Devin Hester
Is there a more feared player in the game today than Hester? No matter what is happening in the game, Hester can change the complexion in a single special teams play. Every punt and kickoff requires opposing fans to watch in anxious horror. He's a devastating player.
Brad Childress
The Vikings almost blew a late 14 point lead (actually, they did blow it but won anyway); the Vikes gave up two TD passes that were too easy and didn't hold onto the ball on offense. But I still thought Childress had an aggressive game plan. They ran on third and long a few times, but they also came out throwing at unexpected times and were taking shots downfield.
This was only Childress' third road win and third division win as the Vikings' head coach.
Wild Game
Did anybody really think this year we'd see a Viking game like this one? The shortest touchdown play for either team was a 33 yard TD catch for Muhsin Muhammed. The Bears had two 80+ yard TDs (a punt return and a reception by Devin Hester). The Vikings had three TDs of 60+ yards (two Peterson runs, one pass to Troy Williamson).
A win at Chicago!
In 2000 the Vikings beat the Bears at Soldier Field 28-16. Daunte Culpepper threw three TDs, including one to Cris Carter and one to Randy Moss. Robert Smith rushed for 170 yards.
Does that give you a feel for how long it's been? They lost road games against Chicago in 2001, 2002 (this one not in Soldier Field, which was being renovated), 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006. Some of those losses were beyond ugly. I've forgotten how to feel after a Viking win at Soldier Field.
And today the Vikings beat the Bears at Soldier Field 34-31. Tarvaris Jackson threw a touchdown to Troy Williamson, and Adrian Peterson had 224 yards rushing and three touchdowns. That 2000 win was at the end of something; let us hope this 2007 victory is at the beginning of something.
Vikings-Bears Play by Play at NFL.com
Vikings-Bears Game Center (with highlights) at NFL.com
Adrian Peterson
Viking fans, let us all be thankful to Adrian Peterson for providing this road victory over the Bears. After scoring a 67 yard touchdown, a 73 yard touchdown, and a 35 yard touchdown, Peterson should have provided the Vikes the cushion to win this game. But the Vikes gave up two long touchdown passes, allowing Chicago to tie the game. Then Peterson had a 53 yard kickoff return, allowing the Vikings to attempt the long field goal that Ryan Longwell made.
Adrian Peterson is a joy; I haven't felt like this since Randy Moss was a Viking. We've got a real live game-breaker, and it's thrilling. With an offense as (talentless? inexperienced?) inconsistent as the Vikings have, the Vikings have trouble sustaining drives; a player capable of putting points on the board with a single long play is just what the Vikings need to stay in games.
This is as exciting as it gets: 224 yards rushing, 9 yards receiving, 128 kick return yards, three rushing touchdowns of 67, 73, and 35 yards. That's making big plays. That's one of the best players in the game.
And it wasn't just the length of the TD runs: it was the spectacular quality. He breaks tackles, he makes moves, he picks blocks and angles. He was running all over the field, cutting and angling. They were all just beautiful to watch.
That's Adrian Peterson, merely beginning his career as the greatest running back in Viking history.
Tarvaris Jackson
We saw good things from Jackson. His 60 touchdown pass was beautifully on target. He showed accuracy throwing on the move. He's very accurate on the slant pattern (unfortunately, he had at least two very good passes dropped). Perhaps most encouraging, I can't recall a really stupid decision from him (a Viking quarterback with no turnovers at Chicago? When's the last time that happened?). Tarvaris Jackson played a mistake free game against the Bears' defense, which is what the Vikings needed from him.
But there was also some bad. He was inaccurate on some passes to open receivers (the bad overthrow of Tony Richardson was particularly ugly, as that play could have gone far). At least once it appeared he could have easily run for a first down but threw a difficult pass instead (then again, other times he scrambled and made good decisions hitting open receivers instead of running).
9/23 isn't good, but in a game when the Vikings ran for 311 yards (the Vikings effectively used Peterson and Chester Taylor), Tarvaris Jackson was poised enough to make plays and avoid mistakes. We can still be optimistic--he played much better than the last time we saw him play.
Troy Williamson
Goodness sakes, that felt good. If Williamson can show he can beat a defender and catch the ball, and Jackson can show he can make an accurate pass on a deep throw, there's a whole new element in the Viking offense for defenses to account for and the Vikings to use.
Devin Hester
Is there a more feared player in the game today than Hester? No matter what is happening in the game, Hester can change the complexion in a single special teams play. Every punt and kickoff requires opposing fans to watch in anxious horror. He's a devastating player.
Brad Childress
The Vikings almost blew a late 14 point lead (actually, they did blow it but won anyway); the Vikes gave up two TD passes that were too easy and didn't hold onto the ball on offense. But I still thought Childress had an aggressive game plan. They ran on third and long a few times, but they also came out throwing at unexpected times and were taking shots downfield.
This was only Childress' third road win and third division win as the Vikings' head coach.
Wild Game
Did anybody really think this year we'd see a Viking game like this one? The shortest touchdown play for either team was a 33 yard TD catch for Muhsin Muhammed. The Bears had two 80+ yard TDs (a punt return and a reception by Devin Hester). The Vikings had three TDs of 60+ yards (two Peterson runs, one pass to Troy Williamson).
A win at Chicago!
In 2000 the Vikings beat the Bears at Soldier Field 28-16. Daunte Culpepper threw three TDs, including one to Cris Carter and one to Randy Moss. Robert Smith rushed for 170 yards.
Does that give you a feel for how long it's been? They lost road games against Chicago in 2001, 2002 (this one not in Soldier Field, which was being renovated), 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006. Some of those losses were beyond ugly. I've forgotten how to feel after a Viking win at Soldier Field.
And today the Vikings beat the Bears at Soldier Field 34-31. Tarvaris Jackson threw a touchdown to Troy Williamson, and Adrian Peterson had 224 yards rushing and three touchdowns. That 2000 win was at the end of something; let us hope this 2007 victory is at the beginning of something.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Vikings at Soldier Field
If the Vikings win a road game against the Bears, I'll believe.
The last time the Vikes won a road game against the Bears was when they were an 11-5 team with Daunte Culpepper, Robert Smith, Randy Moss, and Cris Carter.
Soldier Field has come to represent for me the mediocrity, the disappointment, the underachievement, the inconsistency, and the downright suckiness of the Vikings from 2001-2006. And if this Viking team can beat this Bear team on the road, at Soldier Field, symbolically, all that may be over.
If it happens, we may be ready for something different.
And then, I'll believe.
The last time the Vikes won a road game against the Bears was when they were an 11-5 team with Daunte Culpepper, Robert Smith, Randy Moss, and Cris Carter.
Soldier Field has come to represent for me the mediocrity, the disappointment, the underachievement, the inconsistency, and the downright suckiness of the Vikings from 2001-2006. And if this Viking team can beat this Bear team on the road, at Soldier Field, symbolically, all that may be over.
If it happens, we may be ready for something different.
And then, I'll believe.
National Friday League, week six
Vikings-Bears
Defensively, I expect the Vikings to play well: Cedric Benson has proven nothing but that he sucks, so he's not going to get much against the Viking run defense. Brian Griese won't be as fun for the defense as Rex Grossman would have been, but he still might hang some interceptions up there. Chicago's offense shouldn't score much.
Offensively, I don't see how the Vikings will have much success. They'll have to hope that Adrian Peterson can break some long runs, put the team in 3rd and short a lot, and (I can't emphasize this enough), stay on the field. The Vikes particularly need Peterson in the red zone: there should not be a single red zone play that Peterson isn't in on, since he's the one dynamic threat on offense that can bust through the tight defense.
On Special Teams, of course I fear Devin Hester.
I think the Bears will win this game as the special teams and defense set the Bears up with good field position (or score outright themselves), and the Viking offense won't be able to mount a threat. But I may fear Soldier Field more than is reasonable (since the Vikes haven't won there since 2000), and this Viking team should have a legitimate shot at pulling out a rare road win against Chicago. We can hope.
We're lucky to have two papers.
The Star Tribune has an article (by Seifert and Zulgad) about the struggles of the Viking offense this year. The title is "Vikings offense: Getting there is half the battle." The subtitle is "The Vikings offense often has stalled short of the red zone, and some players have stepped up and offered to be part of the solution." The first two sentences of the article read "Fact: No NFL team has scored fewer offensive touchdowns than the Vikings this season. The gray area: why, and how to fix it."
The Pioneer Press has an article (by Seeholzer) about the struggles of the Viking offense this year. The title is "Offense hasn't seen enough of red zone." The subtitle is "Mistakes stalling too many drives, Bevell says." The first two sentences read "With only four touchdowns in four games, the Vikings' offense has obvious scoring issues, but offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said it's not a red-zone problem. The problem is getting into the red zone."
Week Six Matchups
Everyone's atwitter about the Dallas-New England matchup, but I'm more thrilled with the prime time games this week. Seahawks-Saints! Giants-Falcons! Of course I'm kidding. Signal to Noise thinks the NFL should just move the Cowboys-Patriots game to Sunday night--he's in that blue part of this map that gets to watch San Diego-Oakland instead. I feel worse for the gray part of that map that gets to watch Arizona-Carolina. Oh, to be beholden to the arbitrary wrath of the network/league gods.
I'm also interested in that Washington-Green Bay game--should be an interesting matchup among two of the seemingly good NFC teams.
That Pizza Hut Commercial
You know that Pizza Hut commercial that's sometimes on during games, when the family comes home and the dad was responsible for dinner and he just ordered pizza, and he says "Who's the man?" and his wife says "I love you" in a sort of awkward, strange moment? I'm pretty sure the wife was one of the women that Kramer and Mickey fought over in "The Yada Yada" (imdb and wikipedia). The next time it's on, watch it and tell me if that seems right. I once thought I was impressing a date at a movie by pointing out all the actors in the previews and film that had been on Seinfeld. No second date, though.
Fantasy Narcissism
In the Ghosts of Wayne Fontes' League, I have four regular starters on bye, including Peyton Manning. A waiver block prevented me from getting Jason Campbell. Gus freaking Frerotte is my starting fantasy quarterback this weekend. Look upon my works and despair. Nothing else remains. And all that.
In the Hazelweird League, I don't know whether to start Donovan McNabb or Vince Young this weekend. All I want is a quarterback that can get me the expected 7+ points a fantasy quarterback should get in this league, and I can never manage it.
"My God, I never asked you to do this!" In the Hazelweird League, my most expensive player was Steve Smith. Would have have spent the money on Smith if I knew by week six Vinny Testaverde would be responsible for his success? Does the pope crap in the woods? Does a bear wear a funny hat? Well, I don't know, maybe popes used to crap in the woods, and I know people have put funny hats on bears. I hope nobody interprets that joke as anti-Catholic. It's not. It's not anti-bear either. Though people shouldn't put funny hats on bears. The joke is anti-people-putting-funny-hats-on-bears. The answer is no, by the way.
Weekend
Enjoy your weekend, people. Except Bear and Packer fans.
Defensively, I expect the Vikings to play well: Cedric Benson has proven nothing but that he sucks, so he's not going to get much against the Viking run defense. Brian Griese won't be as fun for the defense as Rex Grossman would have been, but he still might hang some interceptions up there. Chicago's offense shouldn't score much.
Offensively, I don't see how the Vikings will have much success. They'll have to hope that Adrian Peterson can break some long runs, put the team in 3rd and short a lot, and (I can't emphasize this enough), stay on the field. The Vikes particularly need Peterson in the red zone: there should not be a single red zone play that Peterson isn't in on, since he's the one dynamic threat on offense that can bust through the tight defense.
On Special Teams, of course I fear Devin Hester.
I think the Bears will win this game as the special teams and defense set the Bears up with good field position (or score outright themselves), and the Viking offense won't be able to mount a threat. But I may fear Soldier Field more than is reasonable (since the Vikes haven't won there since 2000), and this Viking team should have a legitimate shot at pulling out a rare road win against Chicago. We can hope.
We're lucky to have two papers.
The Star Tribune has an article (by Seifert and Zulgad) about the struggles of the Viking offense this year. The title is "Vikings offense: Getting there is half the battle." The subtitle is "The Vikings offense often has stalled short of the red zone, and some players have stepped up and offered to be part of the solution." The first two sentences of the article read "Fact: No NFL team has scored fewer offensive touchdowns than the Vikings this season. The gray area: why, and how to fix it."
The Pioneer Press has an article (by Seeholzer) about the struggles of the Viking offense this year. The title is "Offense hasn't seen enough of red zone." The subtitle is "Mistakes stalling too many drives, Bevell says." The first two sentences read "With only four touchdowns in four games, the Vikings' offense has obvious scoring issues, but offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said it's not a red-zone problem. The problem is getting into the red zone."
Week Six Matchups
Everyone's atwitter about the Dallas-New England matchup, but I'm more thrilled with the prime time games this week. Seahawks-Saints! Giants-Falcons! Of course I'm kidding. Signal to Noise thinks the NFL should just move the Cowboys-Patriots game to Sunday night--he's in that blue part of this map that gets to watch San Diego-Oakland instead. I feel worse for the gray part of that map that gets to watch Arizona-Carolina. Oh, to be beholden to the arbitrary wrath of the network/league gods.
I'm also interested in that Washington-Green Bay game--should be an interesting matchup among two of the seemingly good NFC teams.
That Pizza Hut Commercial
You know that Pizza Hut commercial that's sometimes on during games, when the family comes home and the dad was responsible for dinner and he just ordered pizza, and he says "Who's the man?" and his wife says "I love you" in a sort of awkward, strange moment? I'm pretty sure the wife was one of the women that Kramer and Mickey fought over in "The Yada Yada" (imdb and wikipedia). The next time it's on, watch it and tell me if that seems right. I once thought I was impressing a date at a movie by pointing out all the actors in the previews and film that had been on Seinfeld. No second date, though.
Fantasy Narcissism
In the Ghosts of Wayne Fontes' League, I have four regular starters on bye, including Peyton Manning. A waiver block prevented me from getting Jason Campbell. Gus freaking Frerotte is my starting fantasy quarterback this weekend. Look upon my works and despair. Nothing else remains. And all that.
In the Hazelweird League, I don't know whether to start Donovan McNabb or Vince Young this weekend. All I want is a quarterback that can get me the expected 7+ points a fantasy quarterback should get in this league, and I can never manage it.
"My God, I never asked you to do this!" In the Hazelweird League, my most expensive player was Steve Smith. Would have have spent the money on Smith if I knew by week six Vinny Testaverde would be responsible for his success? Does the pope crap in the woods? Does a bear wear a funny hat? Well, I don't know, maybe popes used to crap in the woods, and I know people have put funny hats on bears. I hope nobody interprets that joke as anti-Catholic. It's not. It's not anti-bear either. Though people shouldn't put funny hats on bears. The joke is anti-people-putting-funny-hats-on-bears. The answer is no, by the way.
Weekend
Enjoy your weekend, people. Except Bear and Packer fans.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Thursday Blizzard
One reason I love to watch football is to see individual players so good, they disrupt and alter the opposing team's strategies. Randy Moss forces opposing secondaries to focus on him, opening up everything else. In his prime, Deion Sanders dictated the offense's strategy by his mere presence. These are the players I love to watch play. Mike Sando has an ESPN article about what current players force opposing teams to alter their game plans.
Stephanie Stradley at Fanhouse features perspectives of Travis Johnson, reminding us that people and stories are almost always more complex and nuanced than a lot of commentary and coverage would have us believe. The Starting Five also points out the absurd language of the AP explanation of Trent Green's injury.
Viking Update looks at the upcoming game at Soldier Field.
According to the Pioneer Press, Brad Childress won't name his starting QB for this week.
See Zygi Wilf hanging out with fans at Fanhouse.
Cold, Hard Football Facts compares the 1992 Cowboys to the 2004 Patriots. Boy, those Cowboy teams were good. I always consider the 1994 49ers the best team I ever saw. With slightly different rosters, the Cowboys were clearly better than the 49ers in 1992 and 1993, and still played them tough in the 1994 NFC Championship game (where turnovers really killed the Cowboys). CHFF says the Patriots are better than the Cowboys (but it seems to me that CHFF is full of Patriot homers, too--there are a lot of reasons why this comparison favors Dallas).
Stephanie Stradley at Fanhouse features perspectives of Travis Johnson, reminding us that people and stories are almost always more complex and nuanced than a lot of commentary and coverage would have us believe. The Starting Five also points out the absurd language of the AP explanation of Trent Green's injury.
Viking Update looks at the upcoming game at Soldier Field.
According to the Pioneer Press, Brad Childress won't name his starting QB for this week.
See Zygi Wilf hanging out with fans at Fanhouse.
Cold, Hard Football Facts compares the 1992 Cowboys to the 2004 Patriots. Boy, those Cowboy teams were good. I always consider the 1994 49ers the best team I ever saw. With slightly different rosters, the Cowboys were clearly better than the 49ers in 1992 and 1993, and still played them tough in the 1994 NFC Championship game (where turnovers really killed the Cowboys). CHFF says the Patriots are better than the Cowboys (but it seems to me that CHFF is full of Patriot homers, too--there are a lot of reasons why this comparison favors Dallas).
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
wwtb? on text messaging
What was that bang? dislikes the effect of text messaging on language, and now blames Peter King for the decline of language in his recent Epic Carnival post, "Peter King quotes Text Message, Hastens Fall of Civilization."
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Tuesday Night Blizzard
Back when the Vikings had a good offense (it wasn't that long ago), a trip to Soldier Field was a dreadful experience all around. The Vikes haven't won at Soldier Field since 2000: everything about the Bears and Chicago seemed specifically designed to make the Vikings suck. Now, with a team based on defense and running, and coming off a weekend without a Viking game, I'm just looking forward to the game.
Peter King quotes Trent Green's text message in text message speak (or should I say, txt mssg spk). What was that bang? will have more to say on this subject soon.
Football Outsiders compares Tom Brady's great start to other parts of his career and to other great quarterbacking stretches.
The Star Tribune reports that Tarvaris Jackson says he is ready to play.
The Pioneer Press talks to Viking players after the bye.
Daily Norseman convinces himself to be excited for the Vikings.
Vikings.com notes that the Viking-Cowboy game in a few weeks has been moved to 3:15. If this were a home game, I would start bitching now and would not stop until after the game. It's a road game, so "meh."
Tom Powers starts a column with a joke about the Vikings losing to the bye week. Seriously. He really does. Next week he may tell us just why the chicken crossed the road (via Viking War Cry).
Cold, Hard Football Facts has an interesting Bendability Index and Scoreability Index.
Dr. Z talks about "Fear-driven football," giving coaches some hell.
Footballguys tells fantasy owners to trade Steve Smith while you can; he sucks without Jake Delhomme. I put this on my blog because I already failed to try trade Steve Smith to other Hazelweirders, and now I'll just keep him. I did manage to buy low on Larry Johnson, who I actually don't expect to be good this season but it's worth the shot.
Every so often I like to remind people I write at a few other (non-sports) blogs: Costanza Book Club, where I write about literature and ideas (for an estimated two regular readers, which actually liberates me to write whatever hocus pocus I want); We Have Mixed Feelings About Sven Sundgaard, about TV, frugality, and the Twin Cities (it started off as a collective effort, but my blogmates abandoned me--every day I think about abandoning it myself); and Cruelty-Free Mommy, which is my wife's blog about parenting where I make occasional contributions. So, if those things interest you, you can go look.
Peter King quotes Trent Green's text message in text message speak (or should I say, txt mssg spk). What was that bang? will have more to say on this subject soon.
Football Outsiders compares Tom Brady's great start to other parts of his career and to other great quarterbacking stretches.
The Star Tribune reports that Tarvaris Jackson says he is ready to play.
The Pioneer Press talks to Viking players after the bye.
Daily Norseman convinces himself to be excited for the Vikings.
Vikings.com notes that the Viking-Cowboy game in a few weeks has been moved to 3:15. If this were a home game, I would start bitching now and would not stop until after the game. It's a road game, so "meh."
Tom Powers starts a column with a joke about the Vikings losing to the bye week. Seriously. He really does. Next week he may tell us just why the chicken crossed the road (via Viking War Cry).
Cold, Hard Football Facts has an interesting Bendability Index and Scoreability Index.
Dr. Z talks about "Fear-driven football," giving coaches some hell.
Footballguys tells fantasy owners to trade Steve Smith while you can; he sucks without Jake Delhomme. I put this on my blog because I already failed to try trade Steve Smith to other Hazelweirders, and now I'll just keep him. I did manage to buy low on Larry Johnson, who I actually don't expect to be good this season but it's worth the shot.
Every so often I like to remind people I write at a few other (non-sports) blogs: Costanza Book Club, where I write about literature and ideas (for an estimated two regular readers, which actually liberates me to write whatever hocus pocus I want); We Have Mixed Feelings About Sven Sundgaard, about TV, frugality, and the Twin Cities (it started off as a collective effort, but my blogmates abandoned me--every day I think about abandoning it myself); and Cruelty-Free Mommy, which is my wife's blog about parenting where I make occasional contributions. So, if those things interest you, you can go look.
The Little Things Count...
Apparently I am an idiot.
This post previously was filled with drivel that unfortunately was a long rant that led to me sticking my foot in my proverbial mouth.
This post previously was filled with drivel that unfortunately was a long rant that led to me sticking my foot in my proverbial mouth.
The Tarvaris Revolution Begins Anew
Revolutions rarely take quickly. The French Revolution brought the Terror and an Empire and more Monarchy before it really brought a Republic.So don't despair, Tarvaris revolutionaries. The Revolution lives. Tarvaris Jackson will likely return this Sunday (SI), and Tarvaris's early struggles are merely this Revolution's Reign of Terror. Perhaps we'll still have to endure a Napoleonic Empire and restoration of the Monarchy, but there is hope that the Revolution can still take root among a weary and wanting people.
Vive la Revolution!
Sunday, October 07, 2007
On the Couch, week five
week five scoresstandings through week five
For a stretch of the 1990s, the NFL season was mostly for our weekly amusement as we waited to see whether Dallas or San Francisco would win the NFC Championship Game. Now it feels a bit like this is all for laughs until Indianapolis and New England play again in January.
That may sound dreary, but there are other young football teams off to good starts that are pretty entertaining. The Tennesee Titans are exciting, if only because Vince Young is some sort of demigod, perhaps a Nephilim. The Washington football organization could be interesting this season: Jason Campbell looks good, and it's always fun to see competent young quarterbacks emerge (until they just become good veterans, like Ben Roethlisberger: then they bore me), and Clinton Portis is a fun player. If they just had a nickname that wasn't so clearly racist, I could get behind this team. The Dallas Cowboys have been tearing it up, too. Last season Romo-erotic was on my fantasy team and I was openly rooting for the Cowboys to succeed. This season I don't have any of the major Cowboys on my fantasy team, and so I'm mildly indifferent to their rise. This just goes to show how fickle fantasy football can make us: I don't have any loyalty to any of these players from year to year.
But if it comes down to the Patriots and the Colts, my rooting interests are firmly with the Colts. I don't know why I should dislike New England now, but I do (those fans in Boston have had a bit too much pleasure lately, haven't they?). And I don't know why I should like the Colts, but I do (I got used to hoping Manning would win a championship, I think, and now that it's happened, I'm just used to rooting for him and his team).
Is the hatred dying?
For years a Packer loss would fill me with open and inexplicable glee. Just utter, unrestrained happiness. Often this was because the Vikes and Packers were fighting for a division title, but even when it had no effect on the Vikings, I took immense pleasure in Packer losses. But for whatever reason, now I don't. For most of the past decade, a game like tonight's Bears' victory over the Packers would have left me roaming about the house grinning. Tonight I'm strangely indifferent. Perhaps it's that I don't like the Bears, either. Perhaps the sense of urgency for rooting against the Packers is gone. Perhaps this bout of humidity temporarily broke my ability to feel anything other than sweat and discomfort. Perhaps, as my wife suggested, I've grown up ("But the Viking losses make me feel worse," I protested. Why I protested the suggestion I've grown up is beyond me).
Eventually, people get tired of hating, and amnesty can heal a weary people (at least that's how my favorite history teacher explained the Edict of Nantes). Perhaps I'm just exhausted from what is recognizably a childish, immature hatred, and it is time to grow up, to set aside animosity, to find healing and peace. I reach my hand out to you, Packer fans. I'll never like your team, and I'll never be happy for your team's success, but I am pushing away the venom. Let us just be.
Since you asked...
A reader asked me to provide my own ranking of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time. For now, I'll make it easy and just tell you who I believe to be the greatest quarterback of all-time. It's Peyton Manning. Perhaps when time allows I can write a lengthy spirited argument for why, right now, Peyton Manning is the best quarterback to every play the game.
But I see a lot of subjective lists; I like seeing some more intense statistical analysis. Pro-football-reference.com had two good posts on the subject of all-time quarterbacks (here and here), and Davis21wylie had a good ranking at Armchair GM (here).
Looking ahead to Week 6, a Fantasy Football Chasm of Horrors
Next week, the Bills, Broncos, Lions, Colts, Steelers, and 49ers are on bye. I cannot recall so many fantasy stars missing in a single week. Just consider how many fantasy teams are going to be relying on backups as Marshawn Lynch, Lee Evans, Travis Henry, Javon Walker, Roy Williams, Jon Kitna, Peyton Manning, Dallas Clark, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Joseph Addai, Adam Vinatieri, Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, Jeff Reed, the Steeler Defense, and Frank Gore are out (though some of these regular starters could be out for other reasons, anyway). It could be a horror show. I say, let us have fun with this.
Friday, October 05, 2007
National Friday League, week five
Ah, the bye week, or as The Simpsons calls it, "a harrowing bye week, which no one enjoys." But really, a bye week can be enjoyable: without the stress of your favorite team's game, you can relax and just watch football. But the bye (and grading papers) has my mind scattered, so expect this National Friday League installment to be more pointless and rambling than usual.Let's go ahead and look at the NFL's standings for a few amusing bits of nothing through four weeks.
The Cowboys have scored 151 points (37.75 pg), the Patriots 148 (37 pg), and the Colts 131 (32.75 pg). The Cowboys and Patriots have 19 TDs each, the Colts 15. Serious question, and keep in mind all of these totals include any defensive scores: which do you think is the best offense? I don't know: they're each uber-talented, and they can each beat a defense pretty much every way possible.
ADDENDUM: Football Outsiders looks at the numbers by down and suggests Dallas can't sustain this current level of success.
But this is more impressive: the Patriots have scored 100 points more than their opponents. And how early are they going to clinch their division? I'm hoping the Colts' make a home field advantage fight of it, because my Hazelweird team is counting on Bill Belichick saving Laurence Maroney for the cold weather games of November and December.
Football Commercials
In my composition classes, I include a unit on analyzing advertisements, because I think it is useful in a lot of ways. So I typically pay closer attention to commercials than most people (sometimes I'll start ranting about what I'm seeing on a commercial, and my wife will just look at me flummoxed, thinking I'm just pulling some subject out of nowhere and making absurd references. Last night I saw a commercial telling me sugar has 15 calories per teaspoon. "Pshaw," I said. "How much is a teaspoon, anyway?" Unsure how to answer this since she wasn't watching the commercial, she cried out "What are you talking about?" I suppose: how, out of nowhere, are you supposed to just explain how much a teaspoon is? In a related anecdote, I was in a grocery store on Tuesday--October 2nd-- and a man asked me when Halloween was. I just looked at him. "When is Halloween?" he repeated. "October 31st?" I said, thinking I was being set up for some sort of joke by a lonely old man. "No, when is it in relation to now?" he asked. He wanted to know how far away Halloween was--or as I would have framed it, "How long until Halloween?"; he didn't know the current date, and didn't want to forget to get candy and get "caught empty handed." Anyway, I have a serious, serious problem with parentheses. It seems I'll just put anything into parentheses. If I read a student's paper with parentheticals like I use, I would be incredulous. This is so uneven. Seriously, when you get out of this parenthetical, you're not going to remember exactly what I was originally talking about. It was advertisements. I'll get out now). But this year's NFL commercials are just boring. There just aren't very many creative or amusing ads at all. Are there any ads that anybody has particularly enjoyed?
The Peyton Manning Fantasy Experiment
Remember how in the Ghosts of Wayne Fontes' fantasy league, which features 14 teams, I took Peyton Manning 6th overall? I was the only person not to take a RB in the first round. Through four weeks, I'm 4-0 and leading in total points. I'm not writing this to brag (sort of), but to reiterate a fantasy football principle: if you are in a deep league, you want to get a guaranteed fantasy producer with your first pick. Obviously it took other good picks (Plaxico Burress, Roy Williams, Dallas Clark) to build a competitive team, but Manning is a guaranteed fantasy producer, and I passed on risky RBs in order to get him. So far, anyway, it appears it was the right move.
Matchups
I'm intrigued by several of week 5's matchups. I'm not as thrilled with what games the networks are allowing me to watch: I just want to watch my own fantasy players. What pleasure am I supposed to derive out of watching the Giants and Jets? I'm also not entirely sure I'll be able to stomach watching the Sunday night Bears-Packers game--I'd actually rather grade papers. That's senseless.
Links
Go look at the photo accompanying this Mark Craig article. Are there words for this image? I'm a bit horrified by it, and I'm not entirely sure why.
Adrian Peterson: rookie of the month, shameless self-promoter (Pioneer Press).
Viking Update points out the projected difficulty of the Vikings' schedule has been flipped up.
The Ragnarok and Daily Norseman are thrilled with Sidney Rice.
Football Outsiders finds that Devin Hester's TD return rate makes him arguably the greatest return man in NFL history. It's fun to see the other names on the list: Gale Sayers is right behind him, and Ollie Matson is just a bit further down. Fun players.
Joe Sports Fan looks at some ridiculous quotes about Brett Favre (via Fanhouse).
Weekend
Enjoy the weekend everybody. Except Packer fans.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
wwtb?'s latest at Epic Carnival
Our own What was that bang? writes at Epic Carnival about "First Name Quarterbacks," complaining about the chumminess with which announcers talk about some players. Check it out, and once again, check out the other fine contributions at Epic Carnival.
Wednesday Blizzard
There's a lot of interesting NFL stuff out there today.
Roy Williams is going to start tipping pizza delivery people (Fanhouse). I've got a coupon for a free pizza sitting at home right now (it just became valid October 1). I'm excited.
Michael David Smith compares Brett Favre to other great QBs (FO on Fox). He says both Marino and Tarkenton are better than Favre. I smile.
The Vikings schedule actually gets easier, and they could get some wins (Fanhouse). When I projected the season, I had the Vikings winning their first four games, then losing their next five. But now three of the next four games are against currently 1-3 teams.
Evidently Tarvaris Jackson will start again (Fanhouse). That's good--it's not as if Kelly Holcomb has given the Vikes a reason not to go back to Jackson, as I thought he might. Jackson can throw hard.
Michael Vick took an eight hour class from PETA (Sports Illustrated). Cripes. I'm an animal rights guy, and even I cringe at the idea of an eight hour class from PETA.
Marc Bulger is out; Scott Linehan favorite Gus Frerotte is in (Sports Illustrated).
Dr. Z's power rankings usually include amusing banter (Sports Illustrated).
The Vikings continue to defy CHFF's Big Play Index: they're +8, tied with 4-0 Dallas and 3-1 Pittsburgh, and just behind 4-0 New England (Cold, Hard Football Facts).
My impression of Bart Starr has always been that he's a decent QB that got to play on a great team, but in CHFF's comparison of Starr and Favre, it's clear Starr has the statistics to measure up with the greats (Cold, Hard Football Facts).
Roy Williams is going to start tipping pizza delivery people (Fanhouse). I've got a coupon for a free pizza sitting at home right now (it just became valid October 1). I'm excited.
Michael David Smith compares Brett Favre to other great QBs (FO on Fox). He says both Marino and Tarkenton are better than Favre. I smile.
The Vikings schedule actually gets easier, and they could get some wins (Fanhouse). When I projected the season, I had the Vikings winning their first four games, then losing their next five. But now three of the next four games are against currently 1-3 teams.
Evidently Tarvaris Jackson will start again (Fanhouse). That's good--it's not as if Kelly Holcomb has given the Vikes a reason not to go back to Jackson, as I thought he might. Jackson can throw hard.
Michael Vick took an eight hour class from PETA (Sports Illustrated). Cripes. I'm an animal rights guy, and even I cringe at the idea of an eight hour class from PETA.
Marc Bulger is out; Scott Linehan favorite Gus Frerotte is in (Sports Illustrated).
Dr. Z's power rankings usually include amusing banter (Sports Illustrated).
The Vikings continue to defy CHFF's Big Play Index: they're +8, tied with 4-0 Dallas and 3-1 Pittsburgh, and just behind 4-0 New England (Cold, Hard Football Facts).
My impression of Bart Starr has always been that he's a decent QB that got to play on a great team, but in CHFF's comparison of Starr and Favre, it's clear Starr has the statistics to measure up with the greats (Cold, Hard Football Facts).
To quote a caveman: "Ah, what?"
In The Star Tribune, Zygi Wilf has this to say about fan reaction to the Vikings' struggles:
"The fans are great here. I don't think there is a lot of frustration. I think there is a lot of patience, and I just hope we can reward them with more and more victories sooner rather than later."
I don't pretend to have my finger on the pulse of all the hornheads, but Zygi is willfully blind if he thinks there is no frustration among Viking fans. The team could barely (and really didn't) sell out the opener. The team played against the Packers, and many, many Packer fans were able to get tickets that Viking fans didn't want. And certainly Viking fans that communicate on the internet have been expressing frustration.
There's hope among Viking fans. A lot of us are thrilled with the potential of Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice. We recognize that the team has been competitive in all its games, and that they may be very close to taking a step up. And we love the defense. But clearly, there's "a lot of frustration" among most Viking fans.
"The fans are great here. I don't think there is a lot of frustration. I think there is a lot of patience, and I just hope we can reward them with more and more victories sooner rather than later."
I don't pretend to have my finger on the pulse of all the hornheads, but Zygi is willfully blind if he thinks there is no frustration among Viking fans. The team could barely (and really didn't) sell out the opener. The team played against the Packers, and many, many Packer fans were able to get tickets that Viking fans didn't want. And certainly Viking fans that communicate on the internet have been expressing frustration.
There's hope among Viking fans. A lot of us are thrilled with the potential of Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice. We recognize that the team has been competitive in all its games, and that they may be very close to taking a step up. And we love the defense. But clearly, there's "a lot of frustration" among most Viking fans.
Monday, October 01, 2007
On a Viking Fan's Spiritual Crisis, and "Jealousy" of Fans
Waiting: a Spiritual Crisis
One of my favorite passages in all of literature comes from John Fowles in The Magus, and it seems to me written for Viking fans:
"The smallest hope, a bare continuing to exist, is enough for the antihero’s future; leave him, says our age, leave him where mankind is in its history, at a crossroads, in dilemma, with all to lose and only more of the same to win; let him survive, but give him no direction, no reward; because we too are waiting, in our solitary rooms where the telephone never rings. Waiting for this girl, this truth, this crystal of humanity, this reality lost through imagination, to return; and to say she returns is a lie."
As Viking fans, we survive, but with no direction or reward; we play a game of waiting, and it’s vain waiting, as for us, “this truth, this crystal of humanity, this reality lost through imagination,” will not come. We wait and wait and wait, and all in vain.
A Viking Super Bowl win would give redemption to all our previous sports fan suffering. Alas, we are not fated for such an event: our lot is to continually wait on an empty and hopeless promise. We wait, expecting some redemptive fulfillment for all this disappointment, but it is not our lot. Red Sox fans got it. But we won't.
And so I realize that I cannot sit in my solitary room waiting for the phone to ring: I must seek meaning elsewhere. It is a spiritual crisis, a recognition that the hoped for moment of redemption is for others, but not for us.
It's not you; it's me.
Recently I've heard a few Packer fans suggest that Viking fans are jealous of what Packer fans have, that Viking fans are bitter because we wish we were Packer fans and have their fan experience. Please, stop: it only makes you sound condescending and arrogant. Yes, I'm jealous of any fanbase that has seen its favorite team win a championship. And yes, I'm jealous of a fanbase that has been able to follow a recognized all-time great quarterback for his entire career. But there's nothing special about you in particular: the same standard makes me jealous of Denver Bronco fans. Yep, I wish the Vikings had a championship, and that makes me envious of the teams that do have championships. But it doesn't mean I wish I were you in particular. It's not about you, but about our own suffering and longing gazes toward those who have the joy we wish we had. It's not you; it's me.
One of my favorite passages in all of literature comes from John Fowles in The Magus, and it seems to me written for Viking fans:
"The smallest hope, a bare continuing to exist, is enough for the antihero’s future; leave him, says our age, leave him where mankind is in its history, at a crossroads, in dilemma, with all to lose and only more of the same to win; let him survive, but give him no direction, no reward; because we too are waiting, in our solitary rooms where the telephone never rings. Waiting for this girl, this truth, this crystal of humanity, this reality lost through imagination, to return; and to say she returns is a lie."
As Viking fans, we survive, but with no direction or reward; we play a game of waiting, and it’s vain waiting, as for us, “this truth, this crystal of humanity, this reality lost through imagination,” will not come. We wait and wait and wait, and all in vain.
A Viking Super Bowl win would give redemption to all our previous sports fan suffering. Alas, we are not fated for such an event: our lot is to continually wait on an empty and hopeless promise. We wait, expecting some redemptive fulfillment for all this disappointment, but it is not our lot. Red Sox fans got it. But we won't.
And so I realize that I cannot sit in my solitary room waiting for the phone to ring: I must seek meaning elsewhere. It is a spiritual crisis, a recognition that the hoped for moment of redemption is for others, but not for us.
It's not you; it's me.
Recently I've heard a few Packer fans suggest that Viking fans are jealous of what Packer fans have, that Viking fans are bitter because we wish we were Packer fans and have their fan experience. Please, stop: it only makes you sound condescending and arrogant. Yes, I'm jealous of any fanbase that has seen its favorite team win a championship. And yes, I'm jealous of a fanbase that has been able to follow a recognized all-time great quarterback for his entire career. But there's nothing special about you in particular: the same standard makes me jealous of Denver Bronco fans. Yep, I wish the Vikings had a championship, and that makes me envious of the teams that do have championships. But it doesn't mean I wish I were you in particular. It's not about you, but about our own suffering and longing gazes toward those who have the joy we wish we had. It's not you; it's me.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
On the Couch, week four
For PV's thoughts on the Viking game, see "Coming off the Ledge: Packers 23, Vikings 16." "On the Couch" is a chance to talk about other NFL games. The title refers not only to sitting on the couch watching football, but to lying on the couch during psychoanalysis. This blog is therapy for me. And that means it sometimes needs to be a place for me to whine. Guess what? This is one of those days.
It's a good week to be grading papers: the Vikings lost to the Packers, and my Hazelweird League fantasy team is staring at an 0-8 week. I don't want to read anything about football this week, and I just want next weekend to come sooner. I suspect I'll get a lot of real work done this week.
Earlier this week I wondered whether Steve Smith should be benched on fantasy teams since David Carr is starting over Jake Delhomme for the Panthers. 32 yards later, I wish I had listened to myself.
My Hazelweird League fantasy squad has cursed another quarterback. Donovan McNabb 2007, join the fraternity that includes Kurt Warner 2002 and Daunte Culpepper 2005.
On a week like this, we have to remind ourselves there are things beyond football to live for. Oh, sure: Family, Church, Work. Of course. But there's got to be some more fun. There's musical theater. At least we still have that, and you never really lose with showtunes. And there's sex. Sex is more fun than football, right? And both Journeyman and Dirty Sexy Money have potential. Ah, hell, those shows don't have enough potential to redeem a crappy Viking season.
I always pay a little attention to the baseball playoffs for one reason: I want to see tortured fans have their pain assuaged with a championship. I know there are a lot of other team fanbases and city fanbases that have suffered a lot of disappointments and championship droughts, and I'm always happy for them when they get to see their teams win championships. So this year the city of Cleveland (no pro titles since 1964) and the city of Philadelphia (no pro titles since 1983) have contenders. And of course there are the Cubs. And the Padres could advance, too, and I don't recall any San Diego titles since the AFL was a separate league. So Cleveland, Philadelphia, San Diego, and Chicago, I'm hoping for you.
By the way, next year I'm following baseball. I don't care, I'm doing it. I'm a depressed Minnesota sports fan. The Vikings stink. The Al Jefferson Reformation (we've got too many Revolutions here, and we've got room for some Reformations) looks fun, but the Wolves aren't doing anything as long as Kevin McHale is the decision maker. The Twins are the best chance for a pro championship in Minnesota (or the Wild, but I have no idea what that's all about). I was a fan as a little kid when Kirby Puckett slapped a couple banners up there (the only pro banners in Minnesota since the Lakers moved to L.A.). I haven't paid attention to the Twins since Puckett retired, but I'm jumping back on the train now. Is there room, Twin fans? Can I root along with you to see the Twins win another title? Oh, hell, it's still baseball, and I'll still be bored. Nevermind. All the best, but I'll just soak in the misery of rooting for the Vikings and Timberwolves.
Thanks for listening to me bitch. I'll try do better next time.
It's a good week to be grading papers: the Vikings lost to the Packers, and my Hazelweird League fantasy team is staring at an 0-8 week. I don't want to read anything about football this week, and I just want next weekend to come sooner. I suspect I'll get a lot of real work done this week.
Earlier this week I wondered whether Steve Smith should be benched on fantasy teams since David Carr is starting over Jake Delhomme for the Panthers. 32 yards later, I wish I had listened to myself.
My Hazelweird League fantasy squad has cursed another quarterback. Donovan McNabb 2007, join the fraternity that includes Kurt Warner 2002 and Daunte Culpepper 2005.
On a week like this, we have to remind ourselves there are things beyond football to live for. Oh, sure: Family, Church, Work. Of course. But there's got to be some more fun. There's musical theater. At least we still have that, and you never really lose with showtunes. And there's sex. Sex is more fun than football, right? And both Journeyman and Dirty Sexy Money have potential. Ah, hell, those shows don't have enough potential to redeem a crappy Viking season.
I always pay a little attention to the baseball playoffs for one reason: I want to see tortured fans have their pain assuaged with a championship. I know there are a lot of other team fanbases and city fanbases that have suffered a lot of disappointments and championship droughts, and I'm always happy for them when they get to see their teams win championships. So this year the city of Cleveland (no pro titles since 1964) and the city of Philadelphia (no pro titles since 1983) have contenders. And of course there are the Cubs. And the Padres could advance, too, and I don't recall any San Diego titles since the AFL was a separate league. So Cleveland, Philadelphia, San Diego, and Chicago, I'm hoping for you.
By the way, next year I'm following baseball. I don't care, I'm doing it. I'm a depressed Minnesota sports fan. The Vikings stink. The Al Jefferson Reformation (we've got too many Revolutions here, and we've got room for some Reformations) looks fun, but the Wolves aren't doing anything as long as Kevin McHale is the decision maker. The Twins are the best chance for a pro championship in Minnesota (or the Wild, but I have no idea what that's all about). I was a fan as a little kid when Kirby Puckett slapped a couple banners up there (the only pro banners in Minnesota since the Lakers moved to L.A.). I haven't paid attention to the Twins since Puckett retired, but I'm jumping back on the train now. Is there room, Twin fans? Can I root along with you to see the Twins win another title? Oh, hell, it's still baseball, and I'll still be bored. Nevermind. All the best, but I'll just soak in the misery of rooting for the Vikings and Timberwolves.
Thanks for listening to me bitch. I'll try do better next time.
Coming off the ledge: Packers 23, Vikings 16
Here's what we have. The Vikings are really not that far away from being a good football team. Unfortunately, each week they are close to being a good football team, which gives them losses this season by 3, 3, and 7 points (for what it's worth--nothing--the Vikings have outscored their opponents this season).
So yes, the Vikings aren't far from being a good football team, and that means that unless the team tanks, they're not likely to get blown out very often this season. However, they are still short of being a good football team, and that means they'll likely continue to lose close games because of incompetent offense and inconsistent pass defense.
They're not awful--that's why they are competing in close games. But they're not good--that's why they keep losing.
I don't even mind giving in to the despair. Despair is comforting in its way. But I regret giving in to the hatred, the hatred of seeing the Packers succeeding. That way madness lies. That's the path of the Dark Side.
Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice
This team has a future. Adrian Peterson is, right now, one of the best running backs in the league. He's a hard runner, a quick runner, a great cutback runner, and a runner capable of breaking big plays (how does he have 10 carries for 108 yards in the first half, but only 2 carries in the second half? The Vikings should mix in Chester Taylor to keep Peterson fresh. But not in the fourth quarter of a close game. It's just so clear Peterson is so much better). Sidney Rice clearly had his best game as a pro: he was able to get separation and make tough catches.
We're not watching a team that isn't going anywhere--we're watching a team with talented young players developing. With young players like Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice on offense, and E. J. Henderson and Kevin Williams on defense, this team will be back in the playoffs soon.
Love for "Brett"
In separate conversations, my dad, sister, and brother told me I was lucky to be at the game so I didn't have to listen to the announcers.
Marino and Favre
I saw Dan Marino play live in 1994. He torched the Vikes for 431 yards in a 38-35 Viking victory. For what it's worth--nothing--I was more impressed seeing Marino live than I was seeing Favre live.
Seeing Favre
I'll admit: a palpable, physical feeling came over me when Favre first ran onto the field to warm up. A mixture of awe and disdain for the man who I have seen thousands of times in video and picture form, a man who has dominated my sports fan life as much as any Minnesota player.
But Jim Marshall started 270 straight games.
The Experience at the Dome
It was a good experience seeing a Packer-Viking game at the Dome. There were a lot of Packer fans there, which meant the stadium was always loud for one reason or another. It was almost like being at a high school game when there are fans for everybody there and the fans have a certain momentum of their own.
I was rather despondent walking out after defeat.
Let me add another difference between the Packer fanbase and the Viking fanbase. There are more of them. That's just true. A Packer diehard and a Viking diehard are very similar (we walked around the tailgaters before the game and saw people dressed up as honest to goodness Vikings). If you're comparing individual Packer and Viking fans, the biggest difference is the color of the clothing.
But (and I know this from experience, attending college and working in Wisconsin) support for the Packers in Wisconsin is widespread. Every family roots hard for the team, and there are just lots and lots of hardcore fans (and even many of the casual fans have a bit of hardcore in them). There aren't as many Viking fans--there are a lot of families and people in Minnesota that might follow the team but don't really care about it deeply. So it doesn't surprise me that Packer fans can have such a strong presense at a Viking game in Minnesota (the location helps--Wisconsin is right there, while Green Bay is a haul from here. The lack of tradition and local appeal for the Metrodome is another reason Minnesotans aren't usually clamoring to get into the stadium). I don't think individual Packer fans are fundamentally, essentially superior to Viking fans. But rooting for the Packers has seeped into the culture of Wisconsin in a way that rooting for the Vikings hasn't been a part of the culture of Minnesota, so Packer Nation is larger and deeper than Viking Nation.
By the way, downtown Minneapolis really doesn't want people to be able to get to 94, or to St. Paul.
Viking Offensive Line
The Vikings have blocked well for the run and blocked poorly for the pass much of the season.
After the Bye
Before the season, it appeared September was the easy stretch for the Vikes. Now we can look back and see that the Vikings' losses were to teams with a combined 9-3 record. It also appeared that the four games after the bye were going to be killers, but now that stretch includes a game at 1-3 Chicago, home against an Eagle team that has been having its struggles, and home for 1-3 San Diego. So you never know--it's possible the Vikings' schedule actually gets easier.
The Vikings haven't won a road game against the Bears since 2000. That in itself would be a nice nugget of joy for the season (but Brad Childress's record in the NFC North is now 2-6, so I guess we'll just have to hope).
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Saturday Night Blizzard: Brett Favre is still chasing Jim Marshall
A day away until another visit to Thunderdome. A day away until more Viking Agonistes (goodness, could I be any more pretentious right now). The last three Viking victories over the Packers (all in calendar year 2005: the playoff win at Lambeau, the Edinger 56 yard field goal game at the Metrodome, and the Monday night win at Lambeau) each gave me feelings of euphoric joy that carried me for days. I don't want to have to wait longer for that feeling again; I want to have that feeling tomorrow.
Patrick Reusse talks to Chuck Foreman, who is getting inducted into the Viking Ring of Honor tomorrow.
Len Pasquarelli talks about his personal relationship to Marino and Favre. At Epic Carnival, Shorty says Dan Marino is still better than Brett Favre. Well, in the most objective thing I ever have or ever will write about Brett Favre, I find them to be pretty even.
Don Seeholzer says "Kelly Holcomb and Chester Taylor hope to get Minnesota Vikings' offense untracked this week." I don't really know what "untracked" means, and I don't think Seeholzer does either (although he probably didn't write the headline anyway). I mean, I know what it means, I just don't know what it means, if you know what I mean. Evidently a commenter at that article is annoyed too. For more on "untracked," see Language Log.
Bob Sansevere (via Fanhouse) writes about how nobody knows for certain if Jim Marshall started 270 consecutive games, or between 271 and 282 consecutive games (though some think it's 270). But it was at least 270, and that's more than Favre. Remember this, people. At least let Viking fans have this. I'm also pretty sure Bob Sansevere once offered me some promotional keychains at some sort of radio event. Can that be true? Can I have dreamt that?
JJ Cooper writes about Chester Taylor starting for the Vikes tomorrow (a little nugget from the above linked Seeholzer article), and Adrian Peterson coming off the bench. This weekend Holy Hitter and I discussed how Chester Taylor's return really does help AP (I won't call him AD. I won't). In the Kansas City game, Peterson was very sharp in the first half, but seemed worn down in the second half. If the Vikes can mix up the carries, Peterson can stay fresh and effective the entire game.
Patrick Reusse talks to Chuck Foreman, who is getting inducted into the Viking Ring of Honor tomorrow.
Len Pasquarelli talks about his personal relationship to Marino and Favre. At Epic Carnival, Shorty says Dan Marino is still better than Brett Favre. Well, in the most objective thing I ever have or ever will write about Brett Favre, I find them to be pretty even.
Don Seeholzer says "Kelly Holcomb and Chester Taylor hope to get Minnesota Vikings' offense untracked this week." I don't really know what "untracked" means, and I don't think Seeholzer does either (although he probably didn't write the headline anyway). I mean, I know what it means, I just don't know what it means, if you know what I mean. Evidently a commenter at that article is annoyed too. For more on "untracked," see Language Log.
Bob Sansevere (via Fanhouse) writes about how nobody knows for certain if Jim Marshall started 270 consecutive games, or between 271 and 282 consecutive games (though some think it's 270). But it was at least 270, and that's more than Favre. Remember this, people. At least let Viking fans have this. I'm also pretty sure Bob Sansevere once offered me some promotional keychains at some sort of radio event. Can that be true? Can I have dreamt that?
JJ Cooper writes about Chester Taylor starting for the Vikes tomorrow (a little nugget from the above linked Seeholzer article), and Adrian Peterson coming off the bench. This weekend Holy Hitter and I discussed how Chester Taylor's return really does help AP (I won't call him AD. I won't). In the Kansas City game, Peterson was very sharp in the first half, but seemed worn down in the second half. If the Vikes can mix up the carries, Peterson can stay fresh and effective the entire game.
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