Disaster

Daunte Culpepper's knee is completely torn up. Much in the same way that Willis McGahee's was. Not only is Culpepper out of 2005, 2006 becomes the question. With a knee injury this serious, who says he can be a similar player when he does return. Brad Johnson is not the long-term answer, that will be seen soon. The Vikings might not be contenders till 2008, since Culpepper in 2007 is probably going to be rusty. The Vikings need a dominant Running Back, or a great O-Line. Two things they have neither of, to get the job done. This is a devasting blow to the franchise's ability to compete. I am so upset, I'm going to say anymore.

New Name

This blog is going to switch focuses. This blog is no longer going to really focus on Game Previews, but more on how the Minnesota Vikings can be fixed as a Football Team. On Sunday October 30, 2005-in Charlotte, North Carolina-The Minnesota Vikings Season was finished with the loss of Daunte Culpepper. Who due to this knee injury might never be the same again. The Vikings need to re-do a lot of the team, if they are going to contend for the Super Bowl. They need to change Coaching Staffs, they need to change how they do Player Personnel, and their personnel. This blog was created in January of 2005, that with a Healthy Randy Moss, and thirty-million dollars in Cap Room, the Vikings could be playing in Detroit. But the Vikings traded Randy Moss, and wasted their off-season. The Vikings have officially become a joke. This blog will focus on Player Personnel for the 2006 season, and the hopeful changes the Vikings make in the Front Office and Coaching Staff.

Vikings Post Game

* What can I say except that the Vikings are getting manhandled on both sides of the lines of scrimmages. They can't hold up except in Max Protection, and then barely on offense. Their pass-rush was no existentience. Except when Erasmus James forced a fumble in the 4th quarter, but the Vikings shockingly had a penalty having it called back.

*Fred Smoot has gotten drilled the last two weeks, he terribly struggling. Although, with no-pass rush, this is what happens. If he was given a Roster Bonus, he might be cut. Mike Rosenthal and Melvin Fowler are doing nothing.

*As soon as Daunte Culpepper looks to be getting in synche, he gets injured, he could be gone a while. No Culpepper-no more than 4 wins.

*The Vikings just seem to be a poorly put together team, not to go along with poorly coached. With all their talent, it just doesn't work together. Charley Walters this morning stated "Word within the NFL is that the Vikings are interested in four player personnel officials, one of whom could end up overseeing football operations for the team next year.
The officials are Tom Dimitroff, director of college scouting for the New England Patriots; Will Lewis, pro personnel director for the Seattle Seahawks; Rick Smith, director of pro scouting for the Denver Broncos, and Bill Kuharich, vice president for pro personnel for the Kansas City Chiefs." The Coaching Staff, and Personnel Staff both need to be blown up.

*How is the linebacking play-so poor in pass-coverage? Lack of discipline. You can't tell me that Pete Bercich is doing a good job.

Vikings/Panthers Pick

Well I expect the Vikings to play their best Road Game of the season this week. But still expect them to lose. I think the match-up of Julius Peppers versus Mike Rosenthal will cause havoc all-day for the Vikings. It wouldn't shock me if Marcus Johnson replaces Rosenthal tommorrow. If Peppers is held under 2 sacks consider it a victory.

Both teams have had trouble running the ball, and I expect both to have it continue tommorrow. Though having Brad Hoover back should help the Panthers.

The one area lacking in the Vikings 3-4 is a great pass-rusher. So they have some trouble playing the pass. I think Carolina is going to have a hard-time blocking the Williams boys.

I just see Jake Delhomme just playing with more poise, and dealing with less-pressure than Daunte Culpepper. I think Culpepper plays ok, but pass-blocking will do them in. Steve Smith will get just free enough to be the difference.

Carolina 20
Vikings 13

State of the Vikings

Does this win save Mike Tice's Job?

NO!!!. It should still be pointed out that the Vikings are 2-4, and haven't been close to even competing in a road game, yet. They made their Offense revival versus a Shaky Packer D at home, and thier D played well versus the walking wounded of the Packers Offense. This week, will be more a barometer as to improvement with the Vikings. As I said last week, the Defense is closer. If the Vikings win or even lose a close competive game, then I will start to say they might turn it on. If the Vikings get drilled 35 to 3, what do you say. I would need to see the Vikings finish 9-7, win a playoff, and at least give a tough playoff game in the divisionals. Last year versus Philly wouldn't count. I'm thinking more along the lines of the Jets at the Steelers last year. So the likeihood of this happening is slim.

What will the Vikings record be?

Well, 6-10 from where I'm sitting. I don't see them winning a game on the road, and three of their next 4 are on the Road-CAR, NYG, and GB, I don't know which of these games, you would have any confidence in. Maybe, Green Bay, and Detroit. I think they could win four more home Games-Det, STL, CHI, CLEV. I really don't see them beating the Pittsburgh Steelers, anywhere. Balitmore would be wishy-washy for a Road Win. But the Vikings haven't shown they can compete on the Road.

Concerns?

If Donald Driver can do a number on them like he did, granted several pass completions were due to Brett Favre's accuracy, what is the more explosive Steve Smith going to due to the Vikings. Can thier O-Line hold up against Carolina's more vaunted-Pass Rush. Can their D-LINE bring pressure. I think their Run D has played well the last two weeks, but they were gutted for nearly 300 rushing yards, two weeks ago.

Next Week?

I really have no clue. I could see the Vikings making a game out of it, if they played like in the second half this week. If not, I could see a 41-0 game for Carolina. We shall see. But it will be a key game in evaluating the Vikings.

Vikings/Packers Post Game thoughts

My observations, although pretty generic and non-insightful.

1. As terrible as the O-line was in the First Half, they actually played well in the Second Half. Can they carry it on to a team like Carolina with a vastly superior D-line.

2. They need to improve thier pressure on Defense, and they could actually be quite good. Hopefully next year, James and Udeze break out. Because, even in the first half-Coverage was fairly good.

3. I liked having a lead blocking full-back back there on running plays, and Mewelde Moore can create when nothing is there.

4. The second half showed the most of any of the six games, this season. I think thier D will be quite good, once they can establish a pass-rush. While, thier Offense will be quite good, if they keep get blocking on the interior line, like they had.

5. I'm not saying, the Vikings beat the Panthers next week, but I am curious how they can build on both sides of the ball.

More in case you were curious

After 5 games last year

Vikings Offense- 478.2 YPG, 1-in Total Offense by about 90 yards per game.

30 PPG

After 5 games this year

303.2-24th in Total Offense

Averaging-13.4 PPG-Which is lower if you consider Darren Sharper's Defensive Touchdown, and two touchdowns in garbage time against Atlanta and Cincy.

So I figure about 9.2 points when the game means anything.

2006 Free Agents

The Good News: The Vikings will be 25 million under the Cap. With no one irreplaceable (Chavous, Cowart, Newman, Johnstone, Offord)

The Bad News: Look who is under a Free Agent next year

http://kffl.com/forums/showthread.php?s=77b27c9e310f4eb8f539d0fc61741972&t=144347&page=2&pp=15

Ben Leber, David Thornton, Tank Williams, and Seth McKinney.

It is possible the Vikings could go after a Running Back in this list-Jamal Lewis, Shaun Alexander, Edgerrin James, and Ahman Green. Although who think anyone on this list has more than two years left. The Vikings are going to have to get better through the draft.

Reggie Bush?

It is quite possible the Vikings could go in the tank, far enough that they would be in the market for Reggie Bush.

Who I think might be over-hyped

Why here's what Alan Grant said on ESPN Sportsnation-Friday

"Ive said it before and I'll keep saying it: Reggie Bush is the best player in football-- on any level. The running ability is obvious, but as a receiver he's special. He's like Marshall Faulk when he was at his best. You cant cover him with a linebacker or safety. When he's split wide, you'll need a corner to clamp him down. "

So he is better than anyone in the NFL, right now according to ESPN the Magazine's Grant.

Or what Mel Kiper, JR said-on Sportsnation-Wed.

"To me, Bush is Gale Sayers...Sayers was 6'0, 195 lbs. when he played and Bush has similar dimensions and similar skills and versatility."

Gale Sayers was a phenom. It should be noted that the average D- lineman weighed about 80 pounds less, and the average linebacker about 40 pounds less, with much greater speed now.

This isn't to say Bush might not be Gale Sayers. But it should be noted that Bush has played on a very talented College Team, that is superior on every offensive match-up, they have.

Sort of like when Ki-Jana Carter was at Penn State. While Bush is quick, and fast with great vision. How would he do with say the Vikings offensive-line blocking for him, and taking punishment at about 25 pounds less than LT. If Bush bulks up, who is to say he is so explosive. Does Bush have the power at the NFL level? This isn't to say Reggie Bush isn't a very good prospect, but only to warn people about over-hype.

Vikings Next Coach?

on ESPN Sportsnation yesterday,

Jeremy Green-Dennis Green's son was asked who might be the Next Coach of the Vikings his response was:

"Great question. My sources in the MPLS area tell me that Brian Billick would love t he job. He still vacations on a regular basis up in the Lake Vermillion area. The question is wheter Baltimore would let him out. "

With Balitmore in the midst of a medicore season, this would seem possible that Balitmore would let him go.

In case you were curious

After 5 games last year-all with Randy Moss:

Daunte Culpepper

1766 yards
18 TD'S 3 int's-With about double the quaterback rating.-Vikes 4-1

This year

1256 YARDS
4 TD's
12 Int's-Vikes 1-4

Vikings/Packers Preview pick

This is really a Crap-Shoot. The Vikings could win by thirty and it wouldn't surpise me, nor would it if they lose by thirty. If the Vikings lose their season is over, the reason it wasn't over after the Atlanta game was because of the weakness of the division.

Look to see a lot of the Vikings 3-4 alingment which was moderately effective versus Chicago. I hope they actually play tight/physical coverage with the Packer wide receivers, instead of the soft coverage that has led to problems. I think this will determine the Defensive outcome, as I actually do like the Vikings to slow down the Packers running game. I think one thing that will help the Vikings D is that they tend to blitz a lot more at home, and this is why they have played two effective defensive games at Home. None the less, Brett Favre is coming in as a hot Quarterback, looking to make ammends for the playoff loss last year, which happened to be the last time, the Vikings had a good performance. Favre though is operating with a banged up Offense, and I look for the Packers to score around 20 points. The Vikings have been atricious playing the tight-end this year as their linebackers have been atricious in coverage. This is why I advocate constant blitzing from the linebackers, since they can't cover anyone anyway. If you're going to have Napoleon Harris on the field at all, he needs to be blitzing, or rushing the quarterback.

The big question mark is the Vikings offense, who actually did look pretty effective last week in the first half, despite managing only three points. I think I see Daunte bouncing back some as he should have confidence considering last yearhe had 11 touchdowns and 0 interceptions versus the Packers. Having more experience on the interior O-line, and having Burelson back should help. The Packers aren't as able to bring pressure as the Bears, as they are much more limited in their pass-rush, and also much weaker in the secondary. If their was a game, I thought Daunte might bounce back this would be the one.

I was tempted to pick the Vikings, this week, but I can't. Not with all the mess surronding the franchise, as reports have surfaced that players home-life are in disarray. The Packers have played better than the Vikings off late. They have won two straight in the Metrodome. So as I said nothing would shock me. I am picking:

Packers 20
Vikings 17

Who was on the Vikings Boat?

From http://www.startribune.com/stories/503/5679065.html

Players on the list who have declined to comment are (Daunte) Culpepper, (Ken) Irvin, ( Fred) Smoot, (Jermaine) Wiggins, Lance Johnstone, Willie Offord, Bryant McKinnie, Kevin Williams, Moe Williams, Nate Burleson, Troy Williamson, Travis Taylor, Koren Robinson, Ralph Brown and Darren Sharper. Mewelde Moore confirmed he was on the cruise. So If Zygii Wilf cut everyone that was involved, the Vikings would lose their Starting QB, RB, 4 of their top 5 receivers, their best healthy O-lineman, thier Pro-Bowl Defensive lineman, and 2 starters in the Secondary along with three top back-ups, along with someone who has had double-digit sacks the last two years.

Vikings Joke found at http://www.startribune.com/stories/389/5679091.html

•"The government today rounded up a group of sex peddlers and perverts in their war against indecency ... but enough about the Minnesota Vikings." Jay Leno, "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno."

Vikings trade

For a talented G in Toniu Fonoti from the Chargers for a seventh round pick, possibly a sixth. He will be a Free Agent after this season, and the Chargers were going to let him leave. But he is one of the better Guards in football, and is real good against the run. He is injured, and probably will not play till October 30 vs Carolina, but this could be a nice pick-up down the stretch for the Vikings here's a scouting report from ESPN INSIDER

Comment:He is a mauler OG that can absorb the defender. He was in much better shape this season and showed dramatic improvement in terms of his motor and effort. He used to wear down easily, but it is him who seemed to wear down his opponent last season. He has a big, wide lower body. He plays with solid leverage and knee bend. He has an explosive lower body - can roll his hips and get into a defender. He is a good athlete with good foot quickness for his size. Can lose his balance on base blocks when he has to step and reach. When he tires he becomes a waist-bender and will drop his head in pass pro. Will have mental mistakes. Would like to see him be a more complete finisher for a player his size. He has trouble finding the moving target at the 2nd level.

Why are the Vikings so bad on Defense

They actually aren't that bad, but they aren't that good either. They have played the pass fairly well. Antoine Winfield and Fred Smoot aren't pure shoutdown corners. But they have allowed less than 100 net yards passing the last two weeks. Corey Chavous is pretty-well prepared to play. Darren Sharper hasn't overly impressed since Week 1, but has overcome injuries. The Secondary isn't the Vikings problem, the only time it was, was against Cincy in Week 2 when they played corners 10 yards off the line.

The linebacking play has struggled especially in pass-coverage, they were terrible against Atlanta versus the Run. They do have some effective blitzers at the linebacker postion though.

They played well in Chicago. They lack discipline though against the run and on Pass Defense. The Vikings interior D-line has been pretty good against the run. Teams don't really run too-well up the middle versus the Vikings.

Their D-end play since Kenechi Udeze went out has been disappointing against the run. Lance Johnstone is primarily a pass-rushing specialist. Erasmus James is still raw, and Darrien Scott hasn't done much. Though the D gave up 3.2 ypr, yesterday. The key for the Vikings is pressure, and this is what is disappointing. They need to blitz-more with Brian Williams and the Linebackers? You ask won't the Vikings get burned? Maybe, but thier LB's don't cover anyone anyways.

The Key will be pressure, I think the Vikings D is closer than the Offense, I think this week versus Green Bay could speak, as how the Vikings do versus a very good offense. The Offense can't put the D in bad positions though like 1 and 3 yard touchdown drives like yesterday.

Is Brad Johnson the Answer to the Vikings Problems?

Simply Put NO? Johnson lacks arm-strength and mobility. In the Pre-Season he couldn't throw out-routes, and the Vikings receivers aren't getting open, due to lack of suddeness. I gave extensive critique's of Brad Johnson's ability in the Pre-Season. It is true that Brad Johnson might not lock in on receivers, and force anything like Daunte. If Daunte really struggles against the Pack, this week I might sit him down like the Vikings did in 2002 against the Giants, for the rest of the game. Brad Johnson is not a long-term solution. I still think Daunte should be given a chance to get on track.

Why are the Vikings so bad on Offense.

Well's let look at offense. The O-Line has been bad with the exception of Bryant McKinnie who has been slightly above-average. Chris Liwenski has really struggled since being moved to Left Guard, which I don't know why the Vikings did that. Mike Rosenthal has been bad at Right Tackle, and the rotating centers and right guards have been really awful. Though Goldberg and Fowler were a improvement over Withrow and Johnson.

The Wide Receivers lack explosiveness, except for Troy Williamson and he struggles running routes. Translation: Travis Taylor is best as a inside receiver, and Marcus Robinson as a deep threat. Getting Nate Burleson back couldn't hurt. Koren Robinson doesn't know the Offense well-enough yet.

Mewelde Moore is a decent back, but can't be left in on third down, since he's atricious as a pass blocker.

Daunte Culpepper after 5 games last year : 18 TD's and 3 Int's. Through 5 games this year 4 TD's and 12 Int's. No wonder the Vikings are 1-4 instead of 4-1 like 2004. Culpepper's locks on receivers, forces throws, and has just made poor throws with poor decisions. Combine this with poor line-play and receivers that are struggling, and this would explain that.

The Way Randy Moss required double-coverage and/or a safety deep tremendously opened up the Offense. Scott Linehan was a vastly superior play-caller, and QB coach to fired Cardinals QB Coach Rich Olson. Matt Birk really was the anchor of the O-line. Having any one of the those three would help tremendously.

Can the Vikings get better? Well their play on the interior line is bound to improve, along with the fact that Liwenski should adjust to his new position, along with Rosenthal bouncing back from injury. As Troy Williamson improves as a route runner, and Nate Burleson improves. Hopefully the Vikings will develop on Offense. I almost don't wonder if they are 3-4 games a way from getting in synche to the point they can be average.

Vikings/ Bears Post Game

I have seen exactly zero seconds of the Game. But when you give up less than 200 yards with 3.2 yards per rush by the Defense and 4.7 yards allowed per pass. The Vikings had 90 more yards than the Bears and still lost 28-3.

I am not sure when I will watch the game-tape. I don't need to watch it to know how horrible the Vikings are. The Vikings are one of the worst teams in Football, if not the worst. Mike Tice needs to be fired tommorrow. The Vikings are in complete meltdown. The Vikings are so bad, it wouldn't shock me if they went 1-15. But at least they traded Randy Moss to improve team behavior, and team cohesion, what a joke. The Patriots don't win because of team cohesion, they win because of outstanding coaching. I said that trade would be worse than the Herschel Walker trade, and I am in the right there.

The Vikings have become an embarrasment. What more can I say.

Vikings Pick

After seeing the Gophers blow their lead live, and then hearing about Concordia blowing thier lead. So as much as this whole weekend has blown. I really see the Vikings playing a ugly,pitiful game this week. I see Today's game toping off a low week in franchise history. The Bears Offense is atricious but the Vikings D is so poorly-coached and undisciplined, they will give up points. The Vikings Offense will turn the ball over. Vikings fans will be digusted by 3:15 CST time.

So I am sticking with:

Bears 20
Vikings 10

The Lowlight of this train wreck

Here is another lowlight from the fesitvities found at http://www.startribune.com/stories/503/5663357-2.html

So this is the second urination related incident for the Vikings in several months. The whizznator and now this on top of other shenignas. What a disgrace the Vikings have become.



Public urination
Prior to boarding, at least one group in a limo urinated on Cathy Hough's lawn in Mound, according to Hough and police. She said she confronted the men. "I said, 'Excuse me, do you mind?' And they looked at me as if I was crazy," Hough said Tuesday. "One of them said, "It's only water, ma'am,' and he continued peeing. I said no, it's not."
She followed the limo to Al & Alma's, where the men got on board, and she reported the incident to police. It is no longer under investigation because Hough could give only vague descriptions, said Mound Police Chief Jim Kurtz.
Doyle said Al & Alma's is a longtime family business that would never have allowed such behavior to take place on their boats. Doyle, contacted by Al & Alma's on Monday, said he was concerned that detectives hinted to him that the captains didn't have control and didn't act quickly enough. The Sheriff's Office said it is investigating a report of alleged criminal conduct on the yachts. Sgt. Haans Vitek wouldn't say whether Vikings were involved. "It was a stag-party atmosphere on the boat with allegations of strippers and sexual conduct," he said. "We're still trying to sort things out at this time." Said Doyle: "The staffers were really shook up. It sounded as if they were fending off people. It was just a scene."

CNNSI

Is reporting that their were up to 20 Vikings players on the Boat. I am as embarrased to be as a Vikings fan as ever before. Not only because of the pitiful efforts so far this year, but behavior like this.

Just When You thought It couldn't get any worse

http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=109044

On a further rock bottom note, it looks like Thomas Jones isn't going to play for the Bears Sunday, and they are going to start Adrian Peterson at Running Back to go with Kyle Orton at Quarterback. If we lose, which I expect. We will have had our fourth and deepest rock-bottom in 4 games. My early Sunday Prediction: Bears 20 Vikings 10-Bears get about 10 points off turnovers.

3 PM Sunday thoughts

* I think the Vikings are the 31st best team in the NFL, the reason being as bad as the Vikings have looked, the Texans are just awful.

*This afternoon is proving why the Patriots just aren't the same as before. Their Defense isn't as awesome over the middle, so this exposes their weak corner play. Also Corey Dillion is just above average. So as great as Tom Brady is, their are some holes starting to come through.

*Tom Brady is less physically gifted than Daunte Culpepper, but his decision making and ability to read defenses is vastly superior. Brady is so good, he could make any team in the NFL a winning team by his presence at QB.

*The Vikings really are looking like the worse team in the NFC North today. Green Bay was just dominant, Detroit although still having problems looks like a .500 team, and Chicago has a real good defense, and medicore Quarterback. Translation: If the Vikings don't start playing better they could easily be Front-Runners in the Reggie Bush sweepstakes.

I think my opinions on Tampa Bay, Seattle, and Saint Louis have been proven right, so far.

This Afternoon: Phil, Den, Ariz, IND. Tonight: Jac Tommorrow: SD

Do I think the Vikings will lose to the Bears next week? Yes.

Normally I don't post Sunday Mornings-But

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/columnists/charley_walters/12855136.htm

) If the Vikings lose next Sunday at Chicago, there could be no-shows for their Oct. 23 game against the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome, as well as some spectators with brown bags over their heads. -From Charley Walters Column.

-Well I won't be in attendance at the October 23 game, So I can't bring back the Bags. I might still have them somewhere. After the Cincinnati game, I told people to wear Bags. If the Vikings lose the Bears, you would almost have to wear a Bag.

NFL Thoughts

Well no matter what happens to the Vikings this season, my Football Season was made today by the Minnesota Golden Gophers defeating Michigan in the Big House. So the memory of watching the Gophers blow a 10 point 4 quarter lead there last year is avenged. The memory of losing a 21 point fourth quarter lead, and having a Michigan fan fist-pump about an inch from face is avenged. I already have on my desktop at work the Gophers with the Little Brown Jug.

Here are my thoughts for this week.

*I really don't think the Broncos are that good. But if they keep running the ball like they have, they could win the west. Their d-line additions have been pretty good, and Plummer hasn't made mistakes. We will know a lot more when this month they play-WAS, NE, at NYG, PHIL

*Philly and Atlanta look like the best teams in the NFC, but Micheal Vick is an injury waiting to happen, and Donovan McNabb is already kind of banged-up. I am not all that impressed that Tampa has beaten teams that are a combined 3-13, with three of those wins in the last minute, and the other being Quarterbacked by JP Losman. The third best team looks to be the New York Giants. The Redskins are winning games by an average of 2 points. The Seahawks are pretty good, but really no different than last year, but with banged-up receivers. The Rams are atricious on D. Carolina hasn't looked all that good. So the NFC is quite weak, if Mcnabb and Vick aren't healthy

*I really do wonder if New England hasn't sustained losses it can't overcome as they are so much weaker of the middle of the field without Bruschi, and Harrison. I just don't see them winning three in a row, at this time.

*But I still don't see Miami as overcoming New England in the division.

*Boy have I soured on the Chiefs in two weeks. Trent Green is struggling, and thier d is still bad.

* Detroit wins Sunday, but Chicago loses

*My NFC playoffs as of today- PHIL, ATL, SEA, DET, TB, NYG

NYG beats Sea

Det beats TB

Phil beats NYG

ATL beats Det

Phil beats ATL

*My AFC playoffs as of today

-IND, CIN, DEN, NE, PIT, SD

SD beats DEN

NE beats PIT

-IND beats SD

-NE beats CIN

-IND beats NE

Super Bowl- Phil beats IND (I wouldn't change this pick)

Through 4 Weeks

MVP: Dwight Freeney

Rookie of the Year: Cadillac Williams

Coach of the Year: Jon Gruden/Marvin Lewis

Happy 26th Birthday Chad

I just want to send out a Happy 26th Birthday to occasional contributor and budding Radio DJ Chad.

Friday Q & A

Q- Why does Mike Tice still have a job?

A- Luck, and Timing. The Vikings couldn't really fire Mike Tice last year when his contract expired Jan.1 since they had a game to play Jan.2. I wouldn't have been opposed after the Vikings were in the midst of another late-season collaspe. But the Jan.2 game at Washingston probably sealed Tice's fate. The win at Green Bay which was by far the Vikings best game in the second half of the season, probably gave Tice another chance. It also helped that Red McCombs really didn't want to invest in a big-time Head Coach, from what I heard Scott Linehan would have been named the Head Coach, but was instead allowed to walk. The reason, he has a job after this horrendous 1-3 start is that their is really no-one on the staff who is capable of stepping up to assume head coaching duties. A lot of the problems caused by sub-par assistants wouldn't be rectified either.

Q-What will you do when Mike Tice does get fired?

A-Well assuming the current state of affairs stays the same. Buy an Ice-Cream Cake.

Q-Who would be the leading candidates once Mike Tice gets fired?

A- Well as Pro Football Weekly has been suggesting Scott Linehan would move to the top of the list. Ed Donatell-The Def.Coordinator of the Falcons, Kirk Ferentz-Head Coach Iowa Hawkeyes, Brian Billick-If he was let go by the Ravens, other candidates I look at having an outside shot: Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Tedford-Head Coach California, Brad Childress-Off.Cord Philadelphia Eagles.

-Q- Can't the Vikings turn it around since the NFC North is so bad?

A- I am starting to doubt it since the Vikings are the worst team in the Division, they are incompentent on both Offense and Defense. They have been outscored in the First Half of Road Games 51-0. Should I count on them winning at Chicago where they haven't won since 2000. The Lions and the Packers both showed moxie in losing tough games on the r0ad to better teams. The Vikings have showed nothing. The lockerrom seems to be in turmoil as evidenced by this weeks spat between players who thought Mike Tice was quiting on them. Team Chemsitry as someone said this week has gotten Worse without Randy Moss. My analsyis of that trade was 100 percent correct, although Troy Williamson could become a player in 2 years, you still set the franchise back a few years when talking about a Championship. The Vikings could win some games at home, but they couldn't beat anyone on the road this is looking like a 5 win team. I think Detroit will probably win around 7 games, and the Bears and Packers might win about 6.

Q- What personnel changes should the Vikings make?

A-Well starting Melvin Fowler and Adam Goldberg looks to be steps in the right direction along the O-line. I would start Troy Williamson since the Vikings wide-receivers seem to lack the explosiveness to get open right away. Having Moe Williams in as a third-down back will help, since Mewelde Moore can't pass-block at all. Keith Newman has simply really outplayed Napoleon Harris at SLB. Harris is as bad in Pass-Coverage as Mewelde Moore is at pass-blocking.

Q- How much will New Coaches Jerry Rhome and Foge Fazio help out.

A-While I will not deny that Rhome is a good-offensive mind as far as this staff goes. I have never seen it where a Coach walks in off the street and starts calling plays in the middle of the season. Although, Rhome does know the system so that should help a lot. Also, can things really get worse. This way, Steve Loney can work with the O-Line. Foge Fazio could help their linebackers who look totally confused. Also Foge always would get a decent amount out of what he had, that is far more than I can say about Ted Cotrell so far this year.

Viking Post Game Grades

Quarterback- F This is my third F for Daunte in 4 games. He was hesistant throughout the game, he had time and couldn't make a throw. He forced throws. In 3 losses, he has 0 Touchdowns of meaning to go along of 15 turnovers.

Running Back- C Mewelde Moore is a terrible pass blocker. But he had 20 touches for 120 yards. It wasn't his fault they lost, but to have as many yards as he did, I'll give him a C. No other running back did anything.

Wide Receiver- D Troy Williamson made a great move to burn Deangelo Hall in the 4th quarter. Williamson is making progress. No one else did much.

Offensive Line-D Some might wonder why I am giving them a D rather than a F, when they gave up 9 sacks, and had an intentianal grounding. But they ran the Ball OK, and a few sacks where because of Culpepper's indeciveness. So I will give them a D. Melvin Fowler I think should start at Chicago, he looked OK. Marcus Johnson was horrendous.

Defensive Line- F Real Simple O sacks, 285 yards rushing allowed. I can't pin this on Pat Williams who was good. Kevin Williams has been a stiff through 4 games.

Linebacker- F The rushing total especially QB runs, to go along with the short-passing game, not even difficult.

Defensive Back-C- If it wasn't for goofy coaching (I.E. playing the corners 10 yards off the line on third and 4. The Falcons never had a pass-play of more than 15 yards. They gave up 83 passing yards, on 23 passes. The safety play wasn't all that good versus the Run.

Special Teams- B Chris Kluwe had a sweet punt, Paul Edinger had a decent field goal. The return game didn't do much but this is the Vikings strength.

Coaching- Z People don't know what a Z means. Well there is a traditional A-F scale, but the Vikings coaches were well below this. The Vikings just are ill-prepared. The Falcons didn't do anything unexpected. This is a horrendous coaching staff, I am going to throw a Party when Mike Tice is fired. Their is no one worth making an interim coach, on the Staff.

This was a horrible, embarrsing performance by the Vikings. I have nearly watched every Viking game since the 1986 season. I haven't been this disappointed ever.

My Viking pick

*As I made clear yesterday, I have serious doubts about the Vikings O-line going into this match-up. I also wonder about how well the Vikings are going to be able to contain Micheal Vick, as banged up on Defense as they are. Here is a list of players not playing tommorrow from the Opening Week: Kenechi Udeze, Darren Sharper, Nate Burleson, and Moe Williams. This isn't to mention Lance Johnstone is questionable, EJ Henderson is coming off a injury, and Wille Offord is done for the season. The Falcons would be tough to beat at Atlanta at full-strength. Their lack of depth will wear down, and people will be frustrated Sunday Night.

Falcons 31
Vikings 14

(I'd be surpised if the Vikings cover the spread at 6 points)