Trap Game

All logic would point to the Vikings winning this Sunday.

The Vikings are rushing the passer as well as they have in years. The Lions have been pass-blocking horrendous. The Vikings have forced 15 turnovers, with 13 sacks in their four game winning streak.

The Lions are struggling to run the Ball, Pat Williams has been dominating inside to slow down opponents running game.

Joey Harrington has been struggling, Jeff Garcia has been terrible, while Brad Johnson has been efficent.

The Vikings haven't lost to the Lions since 2001.

But still this has the feeling of a trap game. The Vikings last three wins in Detroit were by 2,10, and 1 points.

Detroit having just lost it's coach will take chances downfield, this could result in more Vikings turnovers, but it could result in enough big plays to win. The Vikings on the road the second half of the season versus teams with losing records is 1-6, with the one win against the Lions last year, due to a bad snap.

The Vikings Offense is still sketchy enough to put single-digits on the scoreboard.

So although I think the Vikings should win after what I saw from both teams this weekend, nonetheless. I am very concerned.

Vikings/Browns Post Game

Grades-

QB- B+ Brad threw that one pick. They weren't real explosive on Offense, and were helped by turnovers but they put up 24 points.

RB- C Ciatrick Fason made a couple nice runs today. Mewelde Moore was ok, but the blocking struggled.

WR- B I really don't know what has happened to Nate Burleson, and Troy Williamson. Though Travis Taylor had a nice day, and Marcus Robinson had three touchdowns.

OL- B- The line was uneven, they didn't block the run all that well, but they blocked well on third and short. They did pass block, pretty well. I am going to defend Marcus 5 penalty Johnson he did block fairly well when he was in there.

DL- B+ They were terrific in the second half. CJ Moseley who during the draft I was calling for about three rounds like a nut had a huge game two sacks along with a forced fumble, along with big Pat Williams. 4 sacks all in the second half, I believe. Lance Johnstone had a couple sacks, they were ok in the first half. But they were A in the second half.

LB- B EJ Henderson has become a good football player, the linebacking core has been solid. Cowart, Thomas, and Newman were solid. Newman had a sack and forced a fumble.

DB- B+ They had three picks, and allowed one meaningless touchdown. My only complaint was they were playing 10 yards off on 3 and short in the first half. Antoine Winfield and Darren Sharper are studs.

ST-C- Chris Kluwe was OK. Edinger did make that long field goal, but was shaky on kickoffs. Not their best game on special teams, with two long returns.

Game Ball- Pat Williams

Props-CJ Moseley, Darren Sharper, Antoine Winfield, EJ Henderson, Keith Newman, Darrion Scott, Marcus Robinson, and Brad Johnson.

GO Vikes.

Vikings/Browns

I said 17-10 on Wed. Night so here is fuller reason, why I am picking the Vikings. Although I have picked against them the last three weeks, and they won everytime.

*I don't like the Browns O-Line matchup with the Vikings D-Line especially inside, this is where Rueben Droughns can run, but against the Williams boy's he won't. I see Droughns carrying about 20 times for about 70 yards, no real damage. Jeff Faine doesn't have the strength to match-up with Pat Williams, and Mike Pucillo and Cosey Coleman can be had, especially with Pucillo making his first start.

*The Vikings have been able to generate pressure, especially at home, Cleveland doesn't have great edge blocking. So I do like the Vikings ablity to stop the Browns tommorrow. I like Erasmus James, Lance Johnstone, and Darrion Scott versus Ryan Tucker and LJ Shelton. Trent Dilfer has been so medicore, a few series of Charlie Frye are going to be coming tommorrow. The Vikings can hopefully force a few turnovers.

*The Browns wouldn't generate a ton of pressure, but do defend the pass alright with thier back 7. I think the Vikings could get a spark in the running game, opening things up enough for some Brad Johnson passes. I think the spark that Marcus Johnson and Anthony Herrea gave the O-Line last week carries over, and they run the ball effectively enough to outscore Cleveland. It sounds like Nate Burleson is as healthy as he's been in a while, and it should help to have Koren Robinson starting. When the Browns are starting Brian Russell, Chris Crocker, Daylon McCutcheon, and Leigh Bodden in the secondary they can be had, combined with an inconsistent pass-rush.

*For the Browns to win:

* I see the Vikings having to turn the ball-over. If the Vikings can make Cleveland drive the field, Cleveland's offense wouldn't explode. I do fear a Romeo Crennel game plan, but the Browns did lose to Houston, Balitmore, and Detroit already this year.

For the Vikings to win:

*If they win the game at the Line of Scrimmage, they will be over .500 by 3:15 tommorrow afternoon. The fans being stocked for the first time since last Christmas eve will help too.

*It wouldn't shock me if the Vikings lose, but I think they'll pull it out. By the way, I think Chicago will lose tommorrow.

For Some Reason

My Post-Game post from Monday Night doesn't show up. My Post Games grades were as following

QB- B
RB- A-
WR- C+

OL- B+-Huge Props to Herrea, Goldberg, and McKinnie. Marcus Johnson seems to be the RT as of now.

DL- B+- Props to Erasmus James, and Big Pat. But big plays by Kevin Williams, Darrion Scott, Lance Johnstone, and CJ Moseley

LB- B

DB- A- Winfield is a stud, except for that terrible play in the second. Devonte Edwards broke-up a pass forcing the Packers to kick the tieing Field Goal.

ST- B
Coaching- B

I gave the game ball to Devonte Edwards, followed by Mewelde Moore.

Will the Vikings make the Playoffs?

I have to admit this question would have sounded stupid as little as two weeks ago. But the Vikings have morphed into an above-average D, their O-line is still so sketchy I still have big concerns about their offense. Basically every week is going to be a battle with that offense.

The Bears still need to go to TB, PIT, and MN- so a 10-6 finish for the Bears the Vikings would need. The Packers would need to beat the Bears (Once), and the Vikings would have to beat the Lions for the Vikings to have the tiebreaker. It's possible Atl, or GB could beat the Bears.

The Vikings I think need to get to 10-6 that seems like a stretch. I just don't know if their offense is good enough to win 8 out of the last 9. Though the quarterbacks the Vikings are going to face the last five weeks include: Kyle Boller, Kyle Orton, Joey Harrington/Jeff Garcia, Jamie Martin, and Trent Dilfer. Not exactly a murder's row there. You can never leave out the possiblity that Big Ben will be banged up for the Steelers on Dec.18. If the Vikings do get to 10-6 the Vikings will need to keep Mike Tice. But here's how I see these games breaking down.

CLEV- They will win some how, as they slow Droughns down enough to win. Vikings 17-10

Det-I always feel the Vikings are due to lose vs Detroit- I think the Vikings lose here- Detroit 20-16

STL- An erratic team like the Rams on the road, this will be a shaky game. But I hope the O-line improves enough by this time for a win-Vikings 16-15

PIT- I think the Vikings would win without Big Ben, I think the Vikings could slow down Pittsburgh's run, but the Pittsburgh D does a number on the Vikings- Pittsburgh-13-7

Bal-Not going to be a lot of points scored in this game- I say Balitmore wins it in over 9-6

CHI- Bears will be resting starters- MN 20-7

So this is a prediction of an 8-8 record. I can't pick a better record, till I see consistency from the O-line. If the O-line plays well the Vikings have a chance to get to 10-6. I have the Vikings losing 3 games by a combined 10 points, and winning three games by a combined 18 points. The Schedule is in thier favor. But I need to see a few more games from the O-Line to be confident.

Toniu Fonoti/ Shawne Merriman

No, this hasn't become the San Diego Chargers blog. But with Fonoti making his first start at Guard tonight instead of Chris Liwenski. I figured I should speculate on what impact it might have. When healthy Fonoti can be a mauler, and the type of guard that could open up the Viking running game. Fonoti though is reported to be out of shape, and still unfamilar with the Offense. You do wonder if Fonoti was so good, why the Chargers offense hasn't taken steps back without him. I will watch for Fonoti's impact, but it made no difference in my evaluation of the game. If the Vikings game is effective, which I still doubt then they do have a chance to win. I define effective as over 4.2 yards per carry, and over 120 yards.

Shawne Merriman-Two more sacks yesterday, six in his last 4 games. This comment by an NFL Scout is in the Morning After Column by Len Pasquareli http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2231802

"Shawne Merriman is becoming a monster at linebacker for the Chargers. He's got seven sacks now, is a great fit in the 3-4, and is the best rookie [defensive player] that I've seen."

I only bring this up because I constantly called on this blog for the Vikings to draft Merriman. Boy would he look good in purple.

The NFC North/ Vikings Pick

The NFC North race is over with the Bears win yesterday. The Bears are so good on Defense they will win at least 9 maybe-10 games. The Vikings aren't that good.

As far as tonight. I expect the Vikings to lose by more than two touchdowns. The Packers are playing much better on Offense, and are at least the Vikings equal on D. I expect Favre to greatly outduel Brad Johnson. Tonight will be a litmus test on whether the Vikings have improved, if they win I will be proven wrong. But they won't.

Packers 27
Vikings 10

Vikings Post Game

I was wrong.

The Vikings running game exceded expectations. I said a good running game is over 120 yards, and over 4.2 yards per carry. The Vikings 37 carries for 160 yards. A 4.3 yards per carry average. Brad Johnson doesn't have a strong-arm but he made the huge throw to Koren Robinson to win the game. NC State represented tonight with Devonte Edwards and Brian Williams. The Vikings dominated in the running game 14 carries for 21 yards for the Packers. I don't know that people are going to run their mouth about Sam Gado anymore-10 Carries-7 yards, and a fumble that wasn't recovered. The D-Line has improved a lot. Big plays by just about every member of the D-line. I would give my gameballs to Devonte Edwards, for his touchdown, and his pass defended that forced that a Packer field goal in the 4th quarter. Mewelde Moore would also get a game-ball obviously. I would also give props to: Jim Kleinsasser, Adam Goldberg, Bryant McKinnie, Erasmus James, Ralph Brown, Brian Williams, and Pat Williams-of course. The Vikings had a team effort-tonight.

Grades

QB- B Brad Johnson doesn't have much of an arm, but he did make plays in the second half, to overcome an erratic First half

RB- A- Mewelde Moore seemed to find holes, and attack in the second half. He was huge tonight.

WR- B- Koren Robinson is their best receiver. Jermaine Wiggins keeps making big plays. Kleinsasser was a stud as a blocker.

OL- B+ They were terrible in the first half, but they were great in the second half.

DL- A- See Above

LB- B I couldn't really complain about anything they did, so that's a good game for them.

DB- A- That terrible decision by Winfield led to the second Driver touchdown, otherwise Favre had to make tight throws all night. But Winfield, Williams, Edwards, and Brown were all good, so the secondary gets props.

ST- B Edinger missed that field goal in the first , but made the game winner. Koren Robinson almost broke a kick-off, and their kick coverage was pretty good.

I'm calling it a night.

Vikings Over reaction

From CNNSI.com

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/richard_deitsch/11/16/the.rant/index.html

Deisctch claims the Vikings will make the playoffs. That they might finish 9-7.

ME: I expect the Vikings to get drilled at 2-7 Green Bay by more than two touchdowns. Brett Favre isn't going to make the mistakes than Joey Harrington and Eli Manning did. The Vikings Offense will continue being inept. I guess thier schedule is quite weak. But their touchdown drives have been an average of under 15 averages (Because it includeds special team and Defensive Touchdowns). The Vikings haven't had a touchdown drive of longer than 50 yards in the last two wins on Offense, and only one longer than 15. The Vikings special teams is improved. The more I look at their schedule I expect them to get drilled-Monday Night and at home vs the Steelers, but every other game- Clev, at Det, Stl, at Bal, Chi-they could in theory win. But the Offense can't run the ball consisntently and has a terrible O-line, a quarterback with a weak-arm, and receivers who take time to get open. The D is still sproatic in their pass-rush, and this could be exposed. The Vikings could win 5 games or 9 wins, but they still have serious problems. Thier special teams can't carry them.

Not to be out done though -Jeffri Chadiha

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/jeffri_chadiha/11/15/chadiha.vikings/index.html

Claims the Vikings are better without Daunte. It should be noted though, that Daunte had been playing good, the last few quarters before his injury, and he was too good a player not to get hot. This blog as it never supported trading Randy Moss, it never supported benching Daunte. Daunte's problems were caused by a bad- O-line, and receivers that weren't explosive off the line, to go with a sproatic running game, any QB would have problems in this situation. This isn't to say Daunte didn't make some bad decisions, but I do feel he would have given much more of an opportunity at the quarterback position than Brad Johnson. Although to Johnson's credit, he doesn't turn the ball over. The reason the Vikings are winning is because the D and Special teams have been carrying them. If Daunte was back their, I am confident they would have won those two games also.

But his real outrageous statement is "Weeks ago, I would've said it's impossible for the Vikings to wear the NFC crown. If they keep playing as they have been -- and benefit from a couple breaks along the way -- they could get back into the picture.

Say the Vikings win the NFC North, by the way for the record, I still believe Chicago will win it. The Vikings could win a home playoff game, but do you really see them ever winning back to back road games in hostile enviroments against good teams. In other words, they aren't going to force 5 turnovers, and have 3 Defensive/Special Teams touchdowns every week.

Q: Aren't you just being negative?

A: I am being realistic, last year (2004) I picked the Vikings to win the Super Bowl, and I believe they would have made a big-run in the NFC if Randy Moss hadn't gotten injured. This year when the national media was talking Super Bowl, I constantly dismissed it as hogwash. To say the Vikings past two performances are indicative of a return to anything seems like a stretch. If the Vikings win-Monday Night I might begin to consider they will contend in the North, if Chicago loses to Carolina-Sunday. But I put the chances of the Vikings winning at 20 percent.

Vikings Reaction

1. Are the Vikings back in contention?

Well if look at the Vikings schedule- at GB, Clev, at Det, Stl, Pit, at Bal, Chi
versus the
Bears- Car, atTB, GB, at Pit, Atl, at GB, at Min- I guess it's possible the Bears might only win 8 games, since the teams they have beat have been SF, NO, Det (2X), MN, and Bal. I can't name a good team in that group.

But the question is can the Vikings win 8 games. Let's say they beat Clev, and Chi at home and that gets them to 6 wins. GB next monday night is questionable, as they beat Atlanta in impressive fashion yesterday, and is playing better on Offense and Defense than the Vikings. At Detroit, The Vikings almost lost there last year with Daunte and Randy-this is also questionable. Pittsburgh at home- Yeah Right, if they have Big Ben. Stl- Is as skitzo a team as they come, so who knows. And at Bal-Well you never know when the Vikings take the road. The Vikings still have serious problems on Offense, to go with an inconsitent pass-rush on D. I would need to see a win next monday night to make me wonder. I'm seeing about 7 wins at this time. Say the Vikings win the division, do you see them winning a Road Playoff game at this point? Considering they needed 5 turnovers, and 3 D-ST touchdowns to beat the Giants.

2. Why are you concerned?

The O-line minus McKinnie is no good. Chris Liwenski, I used to think was solid, but he's been a stiff, and Goldberg, and Fowler seemed to take steps back yesterday. With McKinnie and Kleinsasser-You should be able to pass-block well enough. The receivers don't seem to be able to get open, this is another problem. They need to play more T-Will. On D, although I liked what Erasmus James has been giving, their pass-rush has been terribly inconsistent. If the Vikings can start winning on the line of scrimmage, we will see, what happens.

Vikings Post Game Grades

Grades

Quarterback- B- People might think this seems generous, but Brad didn't turn the ball over, despite a vicious hit from Gibril Wilson in the second quarter. He did lead the Vikings on a game-winning drive. At the same time, he didn't have much for pass protection.

Running Back- F 21 carries for 12 yards in the running game. They didn't really do much in the passing game either. In all fairness, the run blocking wasn't there.

Wide Receiver-D+ They did make plays at the end of the game, but other than that they never seem to get that open. Nate Burleson looks like a medicore wide receiver, and why don't they have Koren Robinson and Travis Taylor out there.

Offensive Line-D Terrible all-around in the first half, in the second half they did alright versus the pass. They need to vastly improve from yesterday's performance to have any sort of chance.

Defensive Line- B- At times they put very little pressure on. They did ok versus the run 29 for 124. But never any run more than 14 yards. They put on sporatic pressure, but they kept batting balls down. This was a somewhat uneven performance but good enough to win.

Linebacker-C Sam Cowart and EJ Henderson made a few nice plays versus the run. They didn't do a lot versus the pass, and were out of position some versus the run.

Defensive Back-A Antoine Winfield, Darren Sharper, and Brian Williams all had good games. The way they slowed down Jeremy Shockey, and Plaxico Burress. Forced Eli Manning to do things, he didn't want to do. This led to drops, and bad decisions. Which in turn led to 5 picks.

Special Teams- A- I should really give them an A but they did give up a long punt-return, and missed two field goals.

Coaching- C Ted Cotrell had a very good Defensive game plan, the offense seemed to have no clue what they were doing.

Vikings Post This Week

Sorry, this week is going to be the only post till Sunday. I have a busy week. Last Sunday's game vs Detroit showed me a couple things.

1. Melvin Fowler and Adam Goldberg really played pretty-well. Their play opened up the running game, and if the Vikings can get the running game working, they should be competive in more games.

2. Brad Johnson really didn't impress me that much, but he didn't turn the ball over.

3. Ted Cotrell seems to have much more agressive game plans for the D at home, as opposed to the road. They might as well be agressive on the road, as they can't stop anyway now anyway.

4. Fred Smoot will sort of be missed, as he is an upgrade over Brian Williams or Ralph Brown, but the Vikings Pass-Rush is going to make the difference, not Fred Smoot.

5. Hopefully Erasmus James starts from now on, he will get a sack sooner or later, and Kevin Williams is better in a 4-3, though nowhere near as good as before.

6. Mike Rosenthal is not a NFL caliber starting RT.

7.Troy Williamson could be the Vikings number 1 receiver, by the start of next year.

8. The Vikings wouldn't pick in the top 10 if the draft was held today.

9. Mike Tice would need to get to 9-7 to even discuss keeping him around at this point.

10. I think a Def-Mind coach next year might be prefered, as the Vikings are going to have to be competive in 2006 on Defense.

This Week versus the Giants

-Quite bluntly I expect the Vikings to get killed 38-3. I would pick 41-0 but that would be too obvious. Brad Johnson doesn't have the arm strength to make the throws he'll need to make. The running game wouldn't be as sharp, the offense will sputter. The Defensive Pass-Rush will go nowhere, then Eli Manning will carve the Vikings up. I am picking Giants 38 Vikings 3 until I see something from the Vikings on the road.

Vikings/Lions game

I basically expect a ugly game. Brad Johnson vs Joey Harrington. I do expect a better performance from the Vikings D against an O-line, WR'S, and QB that aren't as good as Carolina's. They will also be helped from a little noise at home, although the way the fans are down, who knows how much they will help. Once Joey Harrington leads the Lions to a few first downs. The fact that Detroit's WR's are banged up will help. Hopefully Fred Smoot can slow down Scottie Vines or a banged-up Roy Williams. Kevin Jones has struggled and the Vikings have improved versus the Run. If the Vikings get the pass-rush going, then the Lions could be held to under 14 points. I expect a ok game vs Brad Johnson in that few turnovers, but few points, I think next week is where the struggles will be obvious-when I will probably pick the Vikings to lose by about 5 touchdowns. I don't expect a great running effort, and the Lions D is athletic at LB so that might make the short passing game tough to go. Nate Burleson I look at as the key to game, if he gets involved for around 80 yards, I like the Vikings chances, but I haven't seen it so far. I think what this comes down to is attitude, and confidence-and I really question whether the Vikings have it.

Pick:

Lions 13
Vikings 12

The Problems start here

The Vikings are rushing for 54 yards fewer per game than their opponents. Back in 2003, the Vikings had the best-rushing game in the league. But the real sack to show how they have been dominated on the line of scrimmage is 33 sacks allowed, compared to only recording 9 sacks. Although, Bryant McKinnie has only allowed 1 sack, and that was late in a blow-out. So they might need to look at a contract extension for him.

Comparsion-
Indy 26 sacks versus 5 allowed with 26 more yards in rushing game 7-0

Shawne Merriman

This blog was quite on the record as wanting Shawne Merriman in the 2005 NFL Draft with the 7th pick, instead of Troy Williamson as evidenced by this post http://mnvikingsfootball.blogspot.com/2005/04/merriman-vs-johnson-debate-best.html
Although I think T.Will could be a very good receiver in a couple years. Here is what Don Banks said about Shawne Merriman-http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/don_banks/11/01/banks.shots/1.html

"Wow. From the looks of what I saw in San Diego on Sunday, Chargers first-round pick Shawn Merriman is going to be a force at linebacker. Though he's still learning the position and has made just two NFL starts, Merriman announced his arrival as a playmaker with two sacks and a forced fumble against Kansas City, not to mention a hit that knocked Chiefs running back Priest Holmes silly and ended his afternoon. And fellow Chargers rookie Luis Castillo wasn't too shabby either, contributing 1½ sacks against K.C"

You don't think the Vikings could use a Pass-Rushing Linebacker/Defensive End like that? Instead of a Wide Receiver who is still quite raw.