Friday, November 30, 2007

Predictions for the NFL Playoffs for 2008.

Just for fun I encourage all members to plaese participate in this written poll. Since there are really only a few teams who have already made the playoffs logically, (eg. Patriots, Clots, Packers, Cowboys) I would like to see who you think will make this seasons playoffs. I am only looking for the playoff picture for now. This does not have to be anything extravagant. All I'm looking for is your list of the four Division Champions and the two Wild Card Teams from each division. We can later list who we think will win playoff games and go to the Super Bowl. To list your pics, just click on reply and start writting. Have fun and good luck!!!!

Here are my predictions for the 2008 NFL Playoffs:
AFC East Champion: New England Patriots---- NFC East Champions: Dallas Cowboys
AFC West Champion: San Diego Chargers------NFC West Champion: Seattle Seahawks
AFC North Champion: Cleveland Browns-------NFC North Champion: Green Bay Packers
AFC South Champion: Indianapolis Colts-------NFC South Champion: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
AFC Wild Card Team One: Pittsburgh Steelers---NFC Wild Card Team One: New York Giants
AFC Wild Card Team Two: Jacksonville Jaguars--NFC Wild Card Team Two: Minnesota Vikings

* I am predicting the Minnesota Vikings to win out and make the playoffs at 10-6. If they do this the only teams that can beat us out for the playoffs are the Detroit Lions (possibly) and the Philadelphia Eagles (definately). Minnesota does not have the tie breaker over the Eagles, but may have the tie breaker over Detroit. Minnesota may also sneak in and eliminate the New York Giants if New York loses two more games this season. The Vikings remaining schedule is as follows:

December 2: Detroit Lions
December 9: @ San Francisco 49ers
December 17: Chicago Bears (Monday Night Football)
December 23: Washington Redskins
December 30 @ Denver Broncos
The Viking Mania Fan Club is scheduling a few Meet and Greets. These will take place before and after the Viking games on Sunday's. The schedule of events are listed below:

Sunday, December 09, 2007--Zimmy's in Hibbing--531 East Howard Street 11am-4pm
Monday, December 17, 2007--Metrodome--Viking Mania on Monday Night Football
Sunday, December 23, 2007--Zimmy's in Hibbing--531 East Howard Street 11am-4pm
Sunday, December 30, 2007--Zimmy's in Hibbing--531 east Howard Street 11am-4pm

The above events are scheduled is hope of drawing new members to our club, and will also give us a chance to meet our current members face to face. We will have a good time, and all are invited. We are inviting currents members, new members, potential new members, and travelers, their families and friends.

There will also be a chance to sign up for our fan club. Registration is free, as we never charge for anything we do here at Viking Mania. Once you sign up, it will take about a week before you receive your Official Certificate and Viking Mania Gift Pack. We will not exclude anyone, and members of all ages are encouraged to participate.

Hope to see you there!!

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!!!

WeAreVikings.com

Viking Mania has spread our wings, and listed ourselves on the Minnesota Vikings Community page WeAreVikings.com. We have our own profile there and community page as well. I will be posting there, and on our Yahoo Group, all our Viking Mania Fan Club events. To access the Viking Mania page on WeAreVikings.com, the link will be posted at the bottom of the article. This is their logo-------------------------------->


Viking Mania has also sent in the necessary information to the Minnesota Vikings, so we are now a registered Minnesota Vikings Fan Club. On our Yahoo group, sign up is free as well, and that is how you will receive your "Viking Mania Official Certificate" and "Gift Pack" absolutely FREE. To register, please sign up on the Yahoo group, then go to the links section and click on the Viking Mania Official Entry Form. The instructions are also listed on the home page of the Yahoo group. Once I receive your information on the entry form, I will send you out your Official Certificate and Gift Pack for you. You can either e-mail me your information or mail it to me at the address provided there.


The web page and e-mail address are listed below. Viking Mania Yahoo Group: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/carlossilvafanclub07/and
the e-mail address is
carlossilvafanclub07@yahoo.com


The Yahoo group is listed as carlossilvafanclub07-Viking Mania, because I also run the Carlos Silva Fan Club, and his Fan Club Yahoo and Google Groups. Finally, I have a blog page going for Carlos Silva as well, so I just listed everything under one address, so I can keep up with it all much easier. The Viking Mania Fan Club Official Certificate, will read as Viking Mania An Official Minnesota Viking Fan Club.I hope to see more and more people sign up. Our fan club is for everyone, no matter what age. All people who sign up, are also encouraged to bring all family members and friends. The only requirement for membership, is a love for the Minnesota Vikings and football.


SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!!


WeAreVikings Home Page http://www.wearevikingsfans.com/

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Lions Look to eliminate Vikings

The Detroit Lions have been sliding a little bit lately losing three in a row. Detroit who was 6-2 three weeks ago and looking as if they were playoff bound, have now lost their last three games. The Lions suffered losses to Arizona (31-21), the New York Giants (16-10), and division rival Green Bay (37-26). With these losses the Lions are now looking to be eliminated from the playoffs. Detroit would still be the second Wild Card team if the season were to end today, but division rival Minnesota and Chicago are sneaking up on them. The Lions are hoping to reverse these bad fortunes bestowed upon them as of late and get back to their winning ways.

Detroit will enter the Metrodome this weekend hoping to do as they did in week three of the season and defeat the Minnesota Vikings, keeping their playoff hopes alive. The Lions have a tough road to hoe the final weeks of the season however, as they face Minnesota, Dallas, San Diego, Kansas City, and Green Bay respectively to finish off the 2007 season. The Lions need to win at least three of their final five games if they hope to make this years post season.

Detroit will enter Minneapolis this weekend behind the strength of Jay Kitna. Kitna has emerged as the leader of this team and is doing so with very strong performances. Kitna has completed 249 of 381 passes for 2,897 yards, with a pass completion ratio of 65.4. Jay also has thrown 14 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, has been sacked 44 times for a passer rating of 87.4.

Kitna's two favorite receivers are Roy Williams and Shaun McDonald. Williams has 58 receptions for 751 yards and five touchdowns. On the other side of the field Shaun McDonald has 53 receptions for 650 yards and 4 touchdowns. Rookie Calvin Johnson, who was thought to push for Rookie of the Year, is still very dangerous and should not be underestimated. Johnson has 31 receptions for 485 yards and four touchdowns. These three catalysts of the Lions offense, behind Jay Kitna, has this Lions passing offense ranked seventh in the league, and has been a great contributor to why Detroits offense is ranked 9th in points scored at 23.4 points per game.

The rushing game for Detroit has been less than helpful this season. Unfortunately for Detroit they are not the running weapon they could be. With Kevin Jones and Tatum Bell in the backfield, Detroit has found themselves ranked 31st overall in rushing yards per game with 82.1 yards. This definitely does not bold well for the Lions against the number one rushing defense. The Vikings have stymied all opponents running games this season, allowing only 74.8 yards per game. Unfortunately for the Vikings, it's been their pass defense that has fallen apart for this team. The Vikings pass defense is ranked dead last in the league, but has recently emerged from the dusk in games against the Raiders, Chargers, and Giants. Although they allowed Dauntee Culpepper to throw for 344 yards, they did not allow the Raiders in the end zone but once all game. In week nine against the Chargers, they only allowed Philip Rivers to pass for 197 yards, one touchdown, and had one interception. Last week against the Giants, Minnesota's pass defense was almost perfect. The Vikings allowed Eli Manning to pass for 273 yards, but had four interceptions of which three were run back for touchdowns. If Jay Kitna is not careful, this could be him on Sunday.

The Lions are now fighting for their playoff lives and are looking to prove that their early season success was no fluke. Detroit needs to keep their success in the air going against the last ranked Vikings, and hope their running game can give some reprieve to Kitna and the Lions receivers. Minnesota's pass defense has improved a lot the past few weeks, and they have relinquished only five passing touchdowns in four weeks. Three of those touchdowns were against the Packers in week 11. This game has playoff implications written all over it, and the loser might stay home. Keep in tune Vikings fans, because it loos like our Vikings are back in the hunt, and looking for some respect.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Jim Marshall to the Hall of Fame!!!!!!

This is an online petition I came across on WeAreVikings.com. I think it is very important to see a Viking legend like Jim Marshall elected into the Hall of Fame. please read, then click the link below to go and sign the petition, to show your support for Jim Marshall.

The fact that Jim Marshall has not been elected into the Hall of Fame has gone on long enough. Now is the time to get Jim Marshall into the NFL Hall of Fame. His uniform is already there and on display! It has been for years now! The NFL Hall of Fame acknowledges Jim's
accomplishments. Why else would they have his uniform on display? I am creating a petition to sign by every Viking and Football fan who truly believes this man needs to be in the NFL Hall of Fame. That's the only way to get in. Our goal is to get them to listen to our cause and ultimately elect Jim Marshall into the Hall of Fame.

Jim retired after 20 NFL seasons and holds NFL records for playing 282 consecutive games, over 300 including playoff games. 20 consecutive seasons without missing a game, 270 consecutive games with one team, 19 consecutive seasons with one team without missing a game, 29 fumble recoveries and one wrong way run (the longest safety in Pro Football history). Jim's career marks are as follows; 409 games (pre-season, season, post season and pro-bowls), *1050 + tackles (league and post season games), *133 + sacks (league and post season games). Jim was captain of the Vikings for 17 years. His teams won 11 Divisional Championships, 1 with the Cleveland Browns and 10 with the Minnesota Vikings. He played in 4 Super Bowls. PLAYED EVERY GAME! INCREDIBLE!

The time is now for this incredible man to be enshrined into the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame!! Please sign this petition so we can get started on Jim Marshalls trip to the NFL Hall of Fame!To sign the petition, please click the link below, or copy and past it to your URL Thank you for your cooperation on this very important matter: Mike. This petition was started by VikingLady on WEAreVikings.com web page. A web site that Viking Mania is a proud member of.http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/JimMarshall70/


SKOL MARSHALL!!!!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress' job secure through 2008, owner Zygi Wilf says

Below is an article I came across I'd like to share. The title speaks for itself, and I was wondering what you though of this all. Please read the article and post a comment for me. I will then print off the article and send it and all the comments to Mr. Wilf and the Wilf family. Hope you enjoy, and thank you.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Moments after Brad Childress presided over a key victory, Vikings owner Zygi Wilf guaranteed his handpicked coach's job security through the 2008 season.

After a disappointing 4-6 start, Childress was speculated to be on the hot seat, according to national Web sites, and he was bashed in Vikings forums by fans, including one who started a Fire Brad Childress Web site. But Wilf, who hasn't publicly commented on the Vikings in more than a month, dismissed any possibility of his coach being ousted after this season.

Asked if Childress would return in 2008, regardless of how this season concludes, Wilf said, "Absolutely."

"There was never a question," Wilf said. "You need time for a team to coalesce and to get together. This is the ultimate team sport, and everyone has to play their part, and it will take some time. And we're doing it, and everyone is stepping up."

Despite the Vikings' rocky start, Wilf said, he was confident his team would right its season.

"There never was a doubt in my mind that this team would work together and get to where we're going to be, which is (to be) a contender," he said.
"We're going to get to the playoffs, with this hard work."

At 5-6 with five games remaining, the Vikings have little room for error. But Wilf said he is encouraged by the positive steps that his franchise has taken under Childress, and he defended remarks that the Vikings were "lucky" to land running back Adrian Peterson.

"Everyone
kept saying, 'You were lucky in the draft,' " Wilf said. "I will tell you something. You shouldn't depend on luck. You need to depend on good people. Good players. Good staff. Good personnel guys."

Wilf noted that in addition to Peterson, the Vikings drafted receiver Sidney Rice, who has scored three touchdowns this season, including a 60-yarder Sunday against the New York Giants.

"This is an organizational effort, from personnel, to coaches, to players," Wilf said. "Everyone has a part in it, and we all try to do the best we can to help each other."

In the midst of his third season as owner, Wilf said Sunday was his most enjoyable day, with his Vikings routing the team for whom he rooted for most of his life.

"It was enjoyable because of the way we played, and the way we were able to put it away, on both sides of the ball," Wilf said. "Everybody realized how important this game was, and we all stepped up and we all responded. We didn't slack off in the second half."

Wilf, dressed in a black suit, was seen racing down the Vikings' sideline as Dwight Smith returned an interception 93 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. Wilf even entered a prohibited area reserved for Vikings employees in official team garb.

His purple tie didn't count.

"I think they caught me on TV a couple of times, running down to catch Dwight Smith," said Wilf, who added that he would watch only from the sideline at Giants Stadium.

Asked how far he ran, Wilf said, "I don't know.

"I was strutting down. I was very excited. It was a very important part of the game. Things could have turned the other way, but we did not let up."

Wilf admitted that the 41-17 score was a surprise, but he noted that everyone stepped up, rattling off players such as quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, safety Darren Sharper and linebacker E.J. Henderson.

"Everyone really showed their form today," Wilf said.

But his confidence in his team wasn't fleeting.

The morning after Thanksgiving, Wilf flew to the Twin Cities from New Jersey to attend the Vikings' Friday practice.

"I wanted to be with the team," said Wilf, who also visited the team Saturday night at its hotel. "I just wanted them to know I'm always thinking about them, and I wanted to really be with them on Thanksgiving Day weekend."

Monday, November 26, 2007

Viking Defense Crushes Manning

The Minnesota Vikings defense was superb in yesterday's game and Tarvaris Jackson had another good outing, as the Minnesota Vikings crushed the New York Giants 41-17 at Giants Stadium in New York.

The Minnesota Vikings have now won two in a row for the first time this season. The Vikings have yet to manage winning more than one game before losing, but won yesterday in convincing fashion. The Viking defense intercepted Eli Manning four times and returned three for touchdowns. Minnesota's Darren Sharper returned the first interception of the game for a 20 yard touchdown to give the Vikings a 14-7 lead. Then Dwight Smith picked off Manning in the second quarter, which set up a Chester Taylor eight yard run to give Minnesota a 21-7 lead just nine seconds in the second quarter. A Ryan Longwell field goal with 4:47 left in the second quarter, gave Minnesota a 24-7 halftime lead.

In the beginning of the third quarter Minnesota kicked off to the Giants. New York took the ball down field in 10 plays and 48 yards for a field goal. The Vikings then responded with a field goal of their own, and the third quarter ended with a 27-10 Minnesota lead. Then came the Manning collapse.

Although Manning was not putting up good numbers, he then fell apart altogether. Dwight Smith picked off Manning with 13:41 left in the game and ran it back 93 yards for a touchdown and a 34-14 Viking lead. Then just 42 seconds later, Chad Greenway made his first career interception for a touchdown, as he scampered 37 yards and a 41-10 Viking lead. Chad Greenway entered last season as a rookie with a lot of hype. He was subsequently hurt in the first play of the pre-season, and out for the year. This season Chad has lived up to that hype, playing in all 11 of Minnesota's games as the starter, and recorded 70 tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and one touchdown. Of Chad's 70 tackles, 53 are solo and 17 are assisted. The Viking defense had four interceptions ran back for three touchdowns and 154 returned yards. An amazing feet by any defense in the NFL.

Minnesota's offense was pretty good as well yesterday. They took the first play from the line of scrimmage, and converted it into a 60 yard touchdown pass from Tarvaris Jackson to Sydney Rice. This is the second week in a row that Rice has made a big play. Last week against the Oakland Raiders, Rice threw a 79 yard pass to Visanthe Shiancoe which set up a 10 yard Chester Taylor touchdown run on their first possession of the game. Yesterday, Rice caught three passes for 82 yards and a touchdown, while Bobby Wade caught two passes for 14 yards and Visanthe Shiancoe had one reception for 13 yards. In the backfield, Chester Taylor carried the ball 31 times for 77 yards and one touchdown. Taylor also had two reception for 12 yards on the day. Mewelde Moore (MeMo) carried the ball three times for 12 yards. Minnesota's backfield was absent rookie star Adrian Peterson again this week who is out with a torn LCL in his knee. Peterson is looking to return next week against the Detroit Lions.

Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson had another good day. Jackson was an amazing 10 for 12 on his pass completion ratio, and threw for 129 yards and one touchdown. Again these numbers would indicate a poor performance in the NFL, but for the struggling Jackson who only started in two games all last season and was out for four games with injuries this season, this is a good day. Jackson has struggled with his passing game as would any new quarterback in the league. Until last week, Jackson's best game was in week one where he completed a dismal 56.6% of his passes. Last week against the Raiders, Jackson was 17 for 22 passing, for a 77.3 percent pass completion ratio, and received a passer rating of 79.9 percent. His best week by far all season. This week Tarvaris completed 10 of 12 passes for 129 yards and a pass completion ratio of 83.3 percent. A new high for the struggling young quarterback. In addition to his passing game yesterday, Tarvaris Jackson ran the ball 5 times for 38 yards and an average of 7.6 yards per carry. Jackson is a mobile quarterback with good size and speed. Jackson also does not mind taking a hit. Tarvaris's marked improvement is hopefully a sign of good things to come.

Our Minnesota Vikings have struggled offensively all season long. Jackson has been less than good this year up until the past two weeks. With his improvement and regained confidence, I hope to see more of the same from Tarvaris in the next few weeks. Jackson will get his second crack at Detroit, a team that intercepted him five times and put him out for two weeks early in the season. Look for Jackson to come out throwing and continue to use his mobility. The Vikings pass defense has also struggled all season long. Ranked 32nd in the league almost all season, they have showed great signs of life in the past three weeks. Although Brett Favre seemed to pick them apart miserably two weeks ago, the Vikings pass defense dominated San Diego a month ago, fared well against the Oakland Raiders last week, and crushed New York yesterday. This improvement will hold well for them next week against division rival Detroit.

The Vikings will need to do more of the same at the Metrodome this Sunday against the Lions. Minnesota must defeat the Lions for there to be any hope of making the playoffs. The Vikings are now at 5-6, and need a win to reach .500 for the first time since week two of this season. Minnesota remains tied with Chicago for third place, and faces them on December 17th on Monday Night Football. A win against the Lions and the Bears, and a Lions loss to the Bears, will give Minnesota a slight edge in the Wild Card race over the division rivals, and a final division record of 3-3.


SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Monday, November 19, 2007

ThanksGiving Holiday

Due to the upcoming holiday, I will be unavailable to post the remainder of this week. I will be leaving town with my family to visit relatives out of state. I will not have access to a computer while I am gone, and have been forbidden to bring my laptop with me.

Have a wonderful Thanks Giving holiday, and I'll see you all after the Holidays upon my return. I will be returning home by Saturday November 24th, so the Viking Mania fan Club Meet and Greet scheduled for Sunday, November 25th will still take place.

Thank you

Michael

Action Jackson

Tarvaris Jackson and his Minnesota Vikings had a very good game yesterday at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, as they defeated the Oakland Raiders 29-22.

Tarvaris Jackson played his best game all season. Jackson completed 17 of 22 passes for 177 yards, threw no touchdowns and one interception. Although those numbers are not impressive, for Jackson it's an improvement. Tarvaris is a very young and talented athlete, who has been put in the unfortunate situation of guiding an NFL team to victory with less than two games under his belt. Tarvaris was drafted in the second round of 2006, from Alabama State. He was not projected to go until much later in the draft if at all. Head Coach Brad Childress has decided that Tarvaris Jackson is the franchise quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, and has given him the role of starter and leader. Since his inception as the Vikings starter, Tarvaris has been less than stellar. He has one of the lowest quarterback ratings in the league among starters, and has been chastised by Vikings fans everywhere. However, Jackson has not been negative, and comes out every week ready to play.

This week against the Oakland Raiders, Jackson gave it it all and succeeded. Tarvaris had his best week of the season, with a pass completion ratio of 77.2%. Jackson's best game prior to yesterday, was against Atlanta in week one. In that week, Jackson completed just 56.5% of his passes. Yesterday was a good step forward for Jackson, and hopefully the sign of good things to come.

Receiver Sydney Rice had a career game for himself as well. Rice caught two passes for 18 yards and no touchdowns, but also showed he can throw the ball. Rice connected with Visanthe Shiancoe for a 79 yard strike on the first play of the game, to set up the Chester Taylor 10 yard touchdown. Rice also completed a second pass to Troy Williamson for 15 yards in the fourth quarter. Rice's second completion gave the Vikings a first down and allowed Chester Taylor to score one play later to give the Vikings a 29-19 lead. The remainder of the receiving corps rounded out with Bobby Wade catching five passes for 45 yards, Visanthe Shiancoe catching two passes for 94 yards, Chester Taylor catching three passes for 38 yards and Troy Williamson catching three passes for 34 yards.

Running back Chester Taylor was put back in the role of work horse again, and thrived as I said he would. Taylor has been the Vikings workhorse since joining the team in 2006. Last season Taylor had 303 rushing attempts for 1,216 yards and an average of 4.0 yards per game. Yesterday, Taylor carried the ball 22 times for 164 yards and three touchdowns. Taylor scored the first points of the game rushing for a 10 yard touchdown. Taylor also scored from 38 yards out in the second quarter, and six yards out in the fourth quarter. Chester Taylor also caught three passes for 38 yards, and received the game ball. Troy Williamson carried the ball one time for 26 yards, while Tarvaris Jackson rushed three times for 19 yards. The remainder of the backfield consisted of Naufahu Tahi who carried the ball four times for 10 yards, and Mewelde Moore who carried the ball two times for nine yards.

The Vikings defense was stellar. They held the Raiders to just 61 yards rushing on 27 carries, one touchdown, and sacked Daunte Culpepper for a safety in the first quarter. They also forced Culpepper to fumble the ball once and throw one interception. Their only downfall was that Daunte Culpepper threw for 344 yards. However, Culpepper completed only 23 of 39 passes, for a 58.9% completion ratio. With 344 yards passing, the Raiders offense reached the end zone once, and had to settle for five field goals from Sabastian Janikowski. Minnesota's defense held the Raiders to 41% on third down conversions, and forced five punts. The Viking defense also held the Raiders to a dismal 25% red zone efficiency (1/4), and allowed the Raiders to be in the goal to go situations only twice all game.

This was a much better game for our Vikings than was last week. Minnesota's offense was 1/7 on third down efficiency, but had 25 first downs, three touch downs and gained 478 yards. The Vikings offense completed 19 of 24 passes, was 2/4 (50%) on red zone efficiency, and 2/3 (60%)on goal to go efficiency. The Viking defense only allowed one touchdown, and forced two turnovers. The Vikings will now play the Detroit Lions, and have a score to settle. Minnesota lost to the Lions in week two 20-17, and have only beaten the Chicago Bears in their division this season. The Vikings are a dismal 1-4 when facing the NFC North. Good Luck and....

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

The Viking Mania Fan Club is scheduling a few Meet and Greets. These will take place before and after the Viking games on Sunday's. The schedule of events are listed below:

Sunday, November 25, 2007--Zimmy's in Hibbing--531 East Howard Street 11am-4pm

Sunday, December 02, 2007--Zimmy's in Hibbing--531 east Howard Street 11am-4pm

Sunday, December 09, 2007--Zimmy's in Hibbing--531 East Howard Street 11am-4pm

Monday, December 17, 2007--Metrodome--Viking Mania on Monday Night Football

Sunday, December 23, 2007--Zimmy's in Hibbing--531 East Howard Street 11am-4pm


Sunday, December 30, 2007--Zimmy's in Hibbing--531 east Howard Street 11am-4pm

The above events are scheduled is hope of drawing new members to our club, and will also give us a chance to meet our current members face to face. We will have a good time, and all are invited. We are inviting currents members, new members, potential new members, and travelers, their families and friends.

There will also be a chance to sign up for our fan club. Registration is free, as we never charge for anything we do here at Viking Mania. Once you sign up, it will take about a week before you receive your Official Certificate and Viking Mania Gift Pack. We will not exclude anyone, and members of all ages are encouraged to participate.

Hope to see you there!!

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!!!

Minnesota Vikings versus Oakland Raiders Injury Report

Here is your injury report for the Oakland Raiders versus Minnesota Vikings game set for today at 12:00pm. I will be posting the injury report only once. I am finding out there are not a lot of injury updates during the week, and the players either practice, are limited in practice, or do not practice at all. This should be the final report posted until tomorrow's game day report. All other injury updates who are listed as probable most likely WILL PLAY, doubtfuls will most likely NOT PLAY, and questionables are going to be game time decisions. If there are any major changes in this report, I will post it by 9am tomorrow morning. Otherwise this is it for this week.

Minnesota Vikings Injury Report for 11/18/2007 Game:
11/18/2007 96 Brian Robison (DE) Elbow---------Probable
11/18/2007 26
Antoine Winfield (CB) Hamstring--Probable
11/18/2007 62 Ryan Cook (T) Shoulder-----------Probable
11/18/2007 18 Sidney Rice (WR) Hamstring------Questionable
11/18/2007 28 Adrian Peterson (RB) Knee-------Out
11/18/2007 37
Eric Frampton (S) Groin----------Questionable


Oakland Raiders Injury Report for 11/18/2007 Game:
11/18/2007 64 Jake Grove (C) Knee-------------Doubtful
11/18/2007 12 Josh McCown (QB) Quadricep----Doubtful
11/18/2007 21
Nnamdi Asomugha (CB) Knee----Questionable
11/18/2007 84
Jerry Porter (WR) Quadricep----Questionable
11/18/2007 27
Fabian Washington (CB) Calf-----Questionable
11/18/2007 50
Isaiah Ekejiuba (LB) Ankle-------Questionable
11/18/2007 54
Sam Williams (LB) Shoulder------Questionable
11/18/2007 31 H
iram Eugene (S) Calf------------Probable

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Vikings ready for Raiders

The Minnesota Vikings have been preparing for the Oakland Raiders all week and are more than ready. The Oakland Raiders have an 8-3 all-time series lead over the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota will be without stud running back Adrian Peterson this week, who suffered an LCL tear last week against Green Bay. Peterson is projected to be out one week, but most realist believe 2-3 weeks. Although the LCL is the easiest muscle to repair in the knee, only a one week absence is unlikely.

Without Peterson in the line up, the Minnesota Vikings are turning to last seasons starter and top performer Chester Taylor. Last year Taylor rushed for 1,216 yards on 303 carries for an average of 4.0 yards per carry. Taylor's longest run was for a 95 yard touchdown, and his receiving yards were 288 yards on 28 receptions for an average of 6.8 yards per reception. Taylor also had 6 touchdowns and three fumbles. This season, Chester has rushed for 5.0 yards per carry by rushing for 304 yards on 61 carries. Taylor has only one touchdown and has lost one fumble. Although Taylor has a lot less carries than last season, he is still a huge threat to any team, and a great runner in the Viking backfield.

The Vikings will also have Mewelde Moore in the backfield. Moore has been a great back up since his inception in Minnesota. Moore now in his fourth season as a Viking, and has averaged 5.8 (2004), 4.3 (2005), 5.5 (2006), and 7.1 (2007) yards per carry. Moore has great speed, and should be used frequently in this weeks game to give Taylor a rest. The Vikings will also use full backs Tony Richardson and Naufahu Tahi.

Richardson is in his 13th season in the NFL and second with the Vikings. Richardson began his career in Kansas City and ended up in Minnesota in 2006. In his career, Richardson averages 4.0 yards per carry, and is looking for his first touchdown since 2002. He also has averaged 7.4 yards per reception in his career. This season, Richardson has only four carries for 10 yards, and 4 receptions for 23 yards, averaging 2.5 yards per carry and 5.8 yards per reception.

Naufahu Tahi is in his second season in the NFL. Tahi came to Minnesota through Cincinnatti via a trade at the 2006 NFL Draft. Tahi did not play last season, but has six games under his belt this year. Tahi has 2 carries for 6 yards, and no touchdowns. He also has 1 reception for 7 yards.

Minnesota is starting quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. This season Jackson is struggling like a raw rookie should be. Jackson has been put in the unfortunate situation of trying to lead his team to victory, but is basically in his rookie season. Jackson played in only four games last season and started the last two. Jackson has a 46.4% completion rating, and a 50.6% passer rating. Jackson has been forced by his coaches to not scramble, but linger in the pocket and try to pass the ball to an open receiver. Tarvaris is a very mobile quarterback and is being utilized very poorly. When allowed to run, Tarvaris has an average of 5.0 yards. On the season, Jackson has ran the ball 13 times for 65 yards, but has been injured a few times. Minnesota needs to teach this young man to slide before he gets hit, and his rushing yards will increase, while his injuries decrease.

Minnesota's receiving corps in probably the weakest in the league. With rookies Bobby Wade and Sidney Rice, and three year veteran Troy Williamson, Jackson has no one who is consistently catching the ball. Although the fault does not lay in the hands of just the receivers, there have been a lot of dropped passes that should be caught. Bobby Wade leads the way for the Viking receiving corps. Wade has 26 receptions for 313 yards and no touchdowns. Wade has an average of 12.0 yards per reception, and his longest reception of the season is 40 yards.

Sidney Rice is second on the team with 18receptions for 212 yards. Rice has an average of 11.8 yards per reception and two touchdowns. Rice's longest reception of the season is for 40 yards as well. Visanthe Shiancoe has 17 receptions on the season for 178 yards and one touchdown. Shiancoe has an average of 10.8 yards per reception, and his longest of the season is 25 yards. Finally, Troy Williamson is ranked seventh on the team in receptions with 9 on the season. Williamson does have a touchdown, which he actually caught for a 60 yard strike. Williamson is ranked behind running backs Adrian Peterson (15rec/220 yards), Chester Taylor (10rec/133 yards), and wide receiver Robert Ferguson (15rec/161 yards). Williamson has been a big disappointment since being drafted in the first round in 2005.

In order for the Vikings to win this game, Chester Taylor needs to touch the ball 25 times or more. Taylor's average yards increase as he warms up in a game. Taylor will thrive this week on once again being the teams leader in the backfield. Then Tarvaris Jackson, Bobby Wade, Sidney Rice, Robert Ferguson, and Troy Williamson must step up their game. Jackson must scramble to give himself a little more time to throw the ball, and Rice, Wade, Ferguson, and Williamson need to get open faster and catch the ball this week. Fewer dropped passes will increase their reception yardage as well. Finally, the Minnesota Viking offensive line must block for Jackson and give him more time in the pocket. The left side of the line with Matt Birk, Steve Hutchinson, Bryant McKinney and Jim Kleinsasser all do their jobs in blocking. However the right side of the line in Artis Hicks, and Ryan Cook need to block much better. When the opponent's defense is coming through he line, it's usually the right side letting them through.

Then there is the defense. The Viking rushing defense is superb and ranked third in the NFL. However, the pass defense is very weak in the secondary for some reason, and ranked 32nd in the NFL. The Viking pass defense must step it up like they did two weeks ago against San Diego. This Viking pass defense has shown the ability to slow teams down and stop the big plays. This is a must for the Vikings this week for a win.

This will be a very close game. The Vikings and Raiders are both playing for pride, as both teams are out of the playoff race. Minnesota needs to show some signs of life, and play up to their potential. Both teams are very tough, but have struggled all season. The Viking players and fans are equally excited to play against former teammate Daunte Culpepper.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Friday, November 16, 2007

T-Jack is Back--and Looking for a Strong Start

When the 3-6 Minnesota Vikings play host to Daunte Culpepper's 2-7 Oakland Raiders this weekend, Minnesota Viking starting quarterback Tarvaris Jackson will be in the line up.

Jackson has been injured three times this season, exiting a game in week two against Detroit with a groin injury, and missing two weeks. Upon his return Jackson played two more weeks and was sidelined against the Dallas Cowboys with a broken finger on his throwing hand. T-Jack sat one week and missed that game against Philadelphia, and returned in time for the San Diego game. Jackson was then hurt again with a neck injury and did not play last week in Green Bay.

The Minnesota Vikings had used back up quarterback Kelly Holcomb all season when Jackson was out, but Holcomb was sidelined with a concussion on a missed face mask that drove his head into the ground in week eight against Philadelphia. That left third string quarterback Brooks Bollinger. Bollinger made his first start of the season against the Green Bay Packers, and what a disaster. Bollinger completed 16 of 26 passes for 176 yards, threw one interception, no touchdowns, and was sacked twice in a 34-0 defeat. Minnesota was so desperate, they went out and hired Koy Detmer for one week, payed his 90+ thousand dollars, then cut him.

This week our Minnesota Vikings are back at home in the safe confines of the Metrodome. The Vikings will be facing former teammate Daunte Culpepper for the first time since he left Minnesota in 2006. Tarvaris Jackson will get the start in hopes of turning around his personal season and make something of himself. Many fans all around are questioning if Jackson can even make it in this league. With a dismal 46.4% (56/110) pass completion ratio, and a 50.6% passer rating, Jackson looks like he should be playing somewhere in the Arena League.

I like Tarvaris Jackson, and see the unfortunate situation he has been put in. Jackson was a back up quarterback for the Arkansas Razorbacks for one season before deciding to return home and attend Alabama State University. Jackson had some good success there and played for three seasons and helped lead his team to two division titles, and two bowl appearances. There would have been three of each, but in Jackson's final season, the team was 6-1, before losing their last three games of the season by a total of 14 points.

Jackson was ranked 7th in SWAC Conference history with 67 touchdown passes, and 9th in SWAC history in passing yards with 7,839. T-jack did all this in just three seasons in the league. Jackson was a very formidable player and athlete in the SWAC Conference, and our Minnesota Vikings saw that in him and drafted him in the second round.

I see Jackson as being capable of making it in this league, but only if he is prepared properly. Jackson needs about two years behind a good veteran quarterback like Donovan McNabb for example. A player like McNabb who has great success could really benefit Tarvaris and get him ready to play successfully in this league. I also heard on a pre-game show a few weeks back that McNabb would like to come to Minnesota and teach Jackson for a year or two to help him better prepare for the NFL. I believe that is a sign that even Donovan McNabb sees Jackson as a starting quarterback in this league, and him being successful in a Viking uniform. Jackson has been injured a few times this season, but I have yet to see him as injury prone. he had very few injuries in college.


Hopefully for Jackson, head coach Brad Childress, who has impressed no one, has the intelligence of recognizing this and doing something about it. Thus far, Childress has proven to be too head strong to take suggestions from anyone, and rarely admits to mistakes unless it benefits him. Childress needs to step back, reconsider his position on Jackson as the starter for now, and get a strong veteran quarterback like McNabb to train Tarvaris Jackson and get him ready to be the team leader and starter in the 2009 or 2010 season. I believe that one or two seasons behind McNabb, will benefit Jackson and get him ready for the NFL.


SKOL JACKSON!!!!
&
SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Culpepper's return to the Dome

Daunte Culpepper and his Oakland Raiders come to the Metrodome this weekend to face our Minnesota Vikings. This will be the second time Culpepper gets to face his former team since leaving them in 2006. Culpepper did not play against Minnesota last season with Miami due to injury, and Joey Harrington got the start. Harrington and the Dolphins defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24-20.

This season, upon the Raiders trip to the Metrodome, Daunte Culpepper will get the start and can face his former team for the first time. On the season Culpepper has started in four of Oakland's nine games, and has played in five of nine games. Daunte had completed 70 of 125 passes for 817 yards and has a pass completion ratio of 56%. In addition, Culpepper has thrown four touchdowns, four interceptions, and has been sacked 14 times for a passer rating of 73.3%. Culpepper has also ran in for three touchdowns and fumbled the ball seven times, losing it twice.

Daunte Culpepper's top receivers are Ronald Curry LaMont Jordan and Jerry Porter. Curry has played in all nine games this season and started eight. Curry has 34 receptions for 418 yards and three touchdowns. Jordan is a running back who has the second most receptions on the team and the third most receiving yards. Jordan has 24 receptions for 230 yards and no receiving touchdowns. Jordan's longest catch of the season is 27 yards. Then there is Jerry Porter. Porter has started in all nine games for the Raiders this season and has 21 receptions for 354 yards and four touchdowns. Oakland has a much better receiving corps than Minnesota, and with Daunte Culpepper behind the ball can give the lowly Vikings pass defense fits all day long.

Oakland's backfield has LaMont Jordan and Justin Fargas as the go-to-guys. Besides his receiving abilities, Jordan is the top rusher on the team. He has 129 carries, 521 yards and two touchdowns. Jordan averages 4.0 yards per carry and has yet to fumble the ball this season. Justin Fargas is by far the second best rusher on the team. Fargas has 104 carries and 518 yards and one touchdown. Fargas averages 5.0 yards per carry and has only fumbled once this season. In addition, Fargas has 15 receptions for 116 yards and no receiving touchdowns this season. The next closest rusher for the Raiders is Josh McCown with 19 receptions and 99 yards.

The Oakland Raiders have yet to face a team with the rush defense like the Vikings. Minnesota enters this game with the 3rd ranked rushing defense in the league. These Vikings have shut down running backs like LaDanian Thomlinson, Julius Jones, Marion Barber, Cedric Benson and more. This very stingy Vikings rush defense consists of veterans like Pat Williams, Kevin Williams, Chad Greenway, Ben Leber, Tank Williams, and Kenechi Udeze. This potent combination has only allowed 75.9 yards per game. Minnesota's pass defense is our weak point. The 32nd ranked defense has given up an average of 285.9 yards per game. They have eight interceptions all season, four touchdowns and 20 sacks. Eight of the 20 sacks came in week one versus Joey Harrington and his Atlanta Falcons. Minnesota's pass defense has only recorded 12 sacks is eight games.

In Facing this Viking defense, guys like Lamont Jordan and Justin Fargas will have their hands full when attempting to run the ball. The only team to successfully run against this Viking defense was last week in Green Bay. The Packers were the first team this season to have a single rusher run for 100+ yards and the second time that an entire backfield has rushed for 100+ yards. The Vikings pass defense is another story. With guys like Darren Sharper and Antoine Winfield as their secondary, this defense should not be ranked dead last. Minnesota's pass defense is full of talent and should be able to stop almost any team in the league. It is a mystery as to why these guys have a miserable time stopping the pass.

The key for the Raiders this week will be to keep passing the ball and look for their success. Oakland has not had much luck in that department this season, but against Minnesota's struggling secondary, Oakland could find good fortune in doing so. I do not see the Raiders being able to run well against the Vikings. The Raiders 26th ranked pass defense is not impressive at all, but may find more success there than in running. Oakland does have the number five ranked rushing offense in the league, but will have fits against the number three ranked run defense who only allows 75.9 yards per game. This is going to be a tough game for the Raiders. They only score an average of 17.6 points per game, they have the number 26th ranked offense in the league, the 30th ranked passing offense and the 5th ranked rushing offense in the NFL. Oakland's defense allows an average of 21.6 points per game, and they have the 17th ranked defense in the league. This will be a low scoring game and should be close to the very end.
The Viking fans at this game will get to see former quarterback Daunte Culpepper again and this time cheer against him. Culpepper is looking forward to seeing his old teammates, but will find out what it's like to be the opposing quarterback in a loud Metrodome. Afterall, Viking fans are the LOUDEST fans in the NFL.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Williamson Reprieved

Below you will find an article I came across on prosportsdaily.com about the decision from Brad Childress overturning team policy and paying Troy Williamson for missing a game due to his maternal grandmother's death.

The death of a family member effects us all differently, and the unthinking Childress and his Minnesota Vikings higher ups have been making some poor decisions as of late. To fine a person who was grieving the death of a loved one who raised this man since childhood in wrong.

Troy Williamson's grandmother raised him since he was a young child and was about as close to a mother as you can get. After the funeral, Troy went and visited his brother Carlton, who has been in a Georgia hospital in a coma from a serious car accident last month. Williamson is a family man first, and even said, "I'd throw this football thing away for my family." Troy is a stand up guy, who loves his family and football.

Coach Childress's decision to pay Williamson came on Saturday morning after a week of national attention was rising. Coach Childress had a meeting with his leadership council, which includes guys like lineman Steve Hutchinson, cornerback Antoine Winfield, full back Tony Richardson, defensive tackle Pat Williams and others. The council spoke at length and decided the right thing to do was pay Williamson. In turn, Troy Williamson has decided to donate the money to a charity to be named later in honor of his grandmother.

Please take some time and let everyone know what you think of this matter. Please give your opinion on this matter, and help discuss what should happen in the future. The article is listed below:

The Vikings reached a truce Saturday with receiver Troy Williamson, overturning team policy and agreeing to pay him the game check they withheld last week. Williamson, in turn, said he would donate the money to charity in memory of his maternal grandmother -- whose death caused Williamson to miss the Nov. 4 game against San Diego.

The decision capped several days of increasing national attention on the issue. But coach Brad Childress said the impetus for the decision was a "very candid" meeting with a select group of veteran players, as well as discussions with owner Zygi Wilf and his family.

Childress informed Williamson and the team of the decision Saturday morning.

In a statement released through agent David Canter, Williamson said last week's pay of $25,588.24 would go to a charitable foundation to be determined. He thanked the "thousands of supporters who spoke up for me on my family's behalf" and added: "My wish is that the issue is over, and that I can now go about being a football player and [put] this matter behind me."

Williamson left the team for nine days, from Oct. 29 to Nov. 6, after Celestine Williamson's death. During that period, he also spent time with his brother Carlton, who has been in a Georgia hospital and in a coma since a serious car accident last month.

Like most teams, the Vikings do not offer players extended bereavement leave; indeed, NFL players do not typically miss games for personal reasons. As a result, the Vikings refused to pay Williamson last week because of what Childress termed a "business principle."

On Saturday, however, Childress said: "It's more important to get it right than to be right."

Childress meets every Friday afternoon with his player leadership council, a group that includes cornerback Antoine Winfield, fullback Tony Richardson, defensive tackle Pat Williams, offensive lineman Steve Hutchinson and others. In their most recent meeting, Childress said, "Those guys were able to be very candid with their conversations.

"They were thoughtful, productive and positive," Childress added. "We spoke at length about it. The intent of the leadership group is to have productive discussion and to serve as a conduit to the rest of the team. The big thing we talked about is that everyone grieves differently."

In an interview last week, in fact, Williamson said: "I'd throw this football thing away for my family."

He added: "I know it's a business and I know [the Vikings have] got other obligations when it comes to them and their family also. I know how I feel towards mine."

Williamson accompanied the Vikings to Green Bay on Saturday. He said in his statement that he will have no further comment about the issue

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Jim Marshall to the Hall of Fame!!!!!!

This is an online petition I came across on WeAreVikings.com. I think it is very important to see a Viking legend like Jim Marshall elected into the Hall of Fame. please read, then click the link below to go and sign the petition, to show your support for Jim Marshall.

The fact that Jim Marshall has not been elected into the Hall of Fame has gone on long enough. Now is the time to get Jim Marshall into the NFL Hall of Fame. His uniform is already there and on display! It has been for years now! The NFL Hall of Fame acknowledges Jim's
accomplishments. Why else would they have his uniform on display? I am creating a petition to sign by every Viking and Football fan who truly believes this man needs to be in the NFL Hall of Fame. That's the only way to get in. Our goal is to get them to listen to our cause and ultimately elect Jim Marshall into the Hall of Fame.

Jim retired after 20 NFL seasons and holds NFL records for playing 282 consecutive games, over 300 including playoff games. 20 consecutive seasons without missing a game, 270 consecutive games with one team, 19 consecutive seasons with one team without missing a game, 29 fumble recoveries and one wrong way run (the longest safety in Pro Football history). Jim's career marks are as follows; 409 games (pre-season, season, post season and pro-bowls), *1050 + tackles (league and post season games), *133 + sacks (league and post season games). Jim was captain of the Vikings for 17 years. His teams won 11 Divisional Championships, 1 with the Cleveland Browns and 10 with the Minnesota Vikings. He played in 4 Super Bowls. PLAYED EVERY GAME! INCREDIBLE!

The time is now for this incredible man to be enshrined into the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame!! Please sign this petition so we can get started on Jim Marshalls trip to the NFL Hall of Fame!
To sign the petition, please click the link below, or copy and past it to your URL Thank you for your cooperation on this very important matter: Mike. This petition was started by VikingLady on WEAreVikings.com web page. A web site that Viking Mania is a proud member of.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/JimMarshall70/


SKOL MARSHALL!!!!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Frozen in the Tundra

One week after playing the game of their lives, the Minnesota Vikings looked as if they were standing still at Lambeau Field yesterday, as they were dominated by Brett Favre and his Green Bay Packers 34-0.

Brett Favre broke yet another NFL record passing for over 60,000 yards in his NFL career, becoming only the second quarterback in history to do so. The legendary Dan Marino has 61,361 career yards, just ahead of Brett faver who has 60,257 yards. Favre completed 33 of 46 passes for 351 yards, threw three touchdowns and no interceptions against our Vikings. A Minnesota pass defense that has been ranked close to last or even dead last all season, had a tremendous week against the San Diego Chargers last week. Minnesota only allowed 197 passing yards to the Chargers and only 42 yards rushing. In yesterday's game, Minnesota allowed 351 yards passing and 120 yards rushing. Yesterday was the first game where a team ran for over 100 yards against this number two rush defense.

It was the Ryan Grant show in the backfield yesterday, as he was given the ball 25 times for 119 yards. It was as if Minnesota could not get moving in the great outdoors of Lambeau Field. Grant also had one touchdown and one run that went for 30 yards. The remainder of the backfield ran for only two yards on seven carries the rest of the game.

The passing game just crushed our defense as well. Favre's 351 yards was divided up between five receivers almost evenly. Both Donald Driver and Gregg Jennings had four receptions for 63 yards, while James Jones had three receptions for 62 yards. The game breaker as Ruvell Martin who had 4 receptions for 57 yards and two touchdowns, and former Viking Koren Robinson had five receptions for 45 yards and one touchdown. It was as if Brett Favre could throw a pass and someone in green and gold was catching it. Favre's pass completion ratio was at 71.7%, while his passer rating was 115.4% for the day. It was the most perfect day for Green Bay yesterday. Anytime they touched the ball they gained yards.

The Packers had the ball for 40:20 in a 60:00 game. They had 29 first downs, were 64% (11/17) on third down efficiency, 100% (2/2) on fourth down efficiency, and had a total of 488 yards on the day. Green Bay was also able to score points on 6 of 10 possessions, punting three times, and kneeling the ball down to end the game. Packer fans could not ask for anything more than that.

As for the Minnesota Vikings, they had probably their worst game of the season. The Vikings punted five times, threw one interception, and lost the ball on downs three times. They had only 11 first downs all day, and were an embarrassing 0 for 8 in third down efficiency, and 0 for 3 on fourth down efficiency. The Vikings offense only gained 247 yards all game long. Brooks Bollinger was 16 for 26 on passes for 157 yards, threw one interception, and was sacked twice in the fourth quarter. Bollinger had a 61.5% pass completion ratio, and a 65.5% passer rating. Even stud running back Adrian Peterson didn't have much going yesterday. He carried the ball 11 times for 45 yards, and exited the game in the third quarter with an injury.

The Minnesota Vikings are looking forward to returning home this week, as they try and turn things around and get a win against the lowly Oakland Raiders. The Minnesota Vikings are now playing for pride. The way things are going now, a playoff run in improbable. The Vikings are now 3-6, with seven games left to play. The only way the Vikings can make the playoffs is if they win out, and the Giants, Redskins, Eagles, Lions and Bears all lose three or four games. The Vikings now sit in the cellar of the North Division with games against the Bears, and Lions remaining, and have only beaten the Chicago Bears in their own division. Hopefully our Vikings can turn things around, and play respectable the remainder of the season. I'll still be rooting for them, and I am still attending two more games this season.


SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Packers Gearing up for Vikings at Lambeau

Brett Farve and his Green Bay Packers are preparing for their final meet of this season with the torrid Minnesota Vikings. This rivalry dates back to September 29, 1961, when the Green Bay Packers and Bart Starr defeated the Minnesota Vikings 28-10 at Metropolitan Stadium. Since that date, these two teams have met 93 times, with Green Bay winning 47 of those games. The series record between Green Bay and Minnesota gives the Packers a 47-45-1 lead. However, these two teams have met once in the playoffs in 2003, and it was our Vikings winning 23-20.

This season Green Bay and Minnesota played at the Metrodome in week four, as Brett Favre and his Packers defeated our Vikings 23-16, thanks to a last minute interception off Kelly Holcomb. In that game, Brett Favre broke an NFL record by throwing the 422nd touchdown of his illustrious career. In the game on September 30, Favre completed 32 passes for 344 yards and two touchdowns, for a passer rating of 108%. Brett's record breaking touchdown was thrown to Greg Jennings for 16 yards, and a 33 yard pass to James Jones. Jennings is one of Favre's favorite receivers to throw to. Jennings has caught 23 passes for 454 yards and six touchdowns on the season.

Brett Favre's other top receiver is James Jones. Jones has 29 receptions for 432 yards on the season and two touchdowns. However, Brett Favre's favorite receiver Donald Driver had 7 receptions for 58 yards against Minnesota in September, and the Viking defense kept him out of the end zone. Driver has 44 receptions for 539 yards and 2 touchdowns on the season. Driver has always been a deadly force on the field against anyone who has to defend him.

In the backfield for the Packers is DeShawn Wynn who averages 4.1 yards per carry, and Ryan Grant who averages 4.0 yards per carry. The Wynn/Grant duo has combined for 97 carries and 389 yards on the season. Against Minnesota's number two rushing defense in the NFL, both Wynn and Grant will have their work cut out for them. On September 30, DeShawn Wynn carried the ball 10 times for 20 yards, which is his lowest average of the season, while his counterpart Ryan Grant had 3 carries for 17 yards.

This game is a must win for our Minnesota Vikings. The key element to winning here will be for Minnesota to continue their performance on the run defense, and have their passing defense step it up again this week. The Vikings had their best game of the season last week against San Diego. Their passing defense stifled the Chargers as they gave up only 199 passing yards for the day. Minnesota's 32nd ranked pass defense usually allowed 288 yards per game. The Viking run defense was also at their best, as they allowed 42 total yards rushing for the game. Minnesota held San Diego's stud running back LaDainian Tomlinson to 45 total yards for the day, and quarterback Philip Rivers to 5 yards rushing, while Michael Turner was stopped for a loss of 3 yards on his only carry.

Offensively, Minnesota will need to get the ball to Adrian Peterson about 25 times and Chester Taylor 15-20 times. The Vikings will need to mix it up a bit, and keep Green Bay on their heels. If Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor can find their groove again, it is going to be a long day for Green Bay. This will be Peterson's first trip the the "Frozen Tundra" and the mystic of Lambeau Field. The Vikings have fared pretty well at Lambeau, as they have a history record of 15-15-1. For our passing offense, Minnesota will most likely rely on Brooks Bollinger at quarterback, and the likes of Sidney Rice and Bobby Wade for receiving. Troy Williamson who has been an utter flop in the NFL, should be used more often in short slant passes, then turn up field and utilize his speed to get by defenders. Minnesota's needs to keep Green bay on their heels defensively all day, and look for another stellar performance by their defense.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Minnesota Vikings Versus Green Bay Packers Injury Report

Here is your injury report for the Green Bay Packers versus Minnesota Vikings game set for tomorrow at 12:00pm. I will be posting the injury report only once. I am finding out there are not a lot of injury updates during the week, and the players either practice, are limited in practice, or do not practice at all. This should be the final report posted until tomorrow's game day report. All other injury updates who are listed as probable most likely WILL PLAY, doubtfuls will most likely NOT PLAY, and questionables are going to be game time decisions. If there are any major changes in this report, I will post it by 9am tomorrow morning. Otherwise this is it for this week.

Minnesota Vikings Injury Report for 11/11/2007 Game:
11/10/2007 18 Sidney Rice (WR) Hamstring--------Questionable
11/10/2007 91
Ray Edwards (DE) Foot-------------Questionable
11/10/2007 19
Bobby Wade (WR) Knee-------------Probable
11/10/2007 7
Tarvaris Jackson (QB) Concussion---Questionable
11/10/2007 13
Kelly Holcomb (QB) Neck------------Questionable
11/10/2007 26
Antoine Winfield (CB) Hamstring----Questionable
11/10/2007 62
Ryan Cook (T) Shoulder-------------Probable
11/10/2007 74
Bryant McKinnie (T) Knee-----------Probable

Green Bay Packers Injury Report for 11/11/2007 Game
11/10/2007 91 Justin Harrell (DT) Ankle------Out
11/10/2007 27 Will Blackmon (CB) Foot-------Out
11/10/2007 36
Nick Collins (S) Knee----------Out
11/10/2007 88
Bubba Franks (TE) Knee------Out
11/10/2007 59
Tracy White (LB) Ankle-------Questionable
11/10/2007 76
Chad Clifton (T) Knee----------Probable
11/10/2007 25
Ryan Grant (RB) Concussion---Probable
11/10/2007 31
Al Harris (CB) Back-------------Probable
11/10/2007 82 Ruvell Martin (WR) Back-------Probable
11/10/2007 79
Ryan Pickett (DT) Knee--------Probable
11/10/2007 51
Brady Poppinga (LB) Shoulder--Probable
11/10/2007 81
Koren Robinson (WR) Knee----Probable
11/10/2007 37
Aaron Rouse (S) Shoulder------Probable
11/10/2007 99
Corey Williams (DT) Knee------Probable
11/10/2007 21
Charles Woodson (CB) Foot----Probable
11/10/2007 62
Junius Coston (G) Ankle-------Probable
11/10/2007 75
Tony Moll (T) Neck------------Probable

Vikings Set to do Battle in Frozen Tundra

The (3-5) Minnesota Vikings enter the "Frozen Tundra" this weekend looking for revenge from a week four loss to the (7-1) Green Bay Packers. This bitter rivalry is now entering its 94th game in its history, with the Packers leading the series 47-45-1. These two teams met in week four, and it was Green Bay winning 23-16, thanks to a last minute interception off Kelly Holcomb.

This time it will be the Viking's back up quarterback Brooks Bollinger playing for the injured Kelly Holcomb and Tarvaris Jackson. This season, Bollinger is 17 of 24 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown. Bollinger's passer rating is at 112%, and he has been sacked four times this season and thrown no interceptions.

Minnesota's poor offensive performance this year was improved upon last week, as the Vikings newest stud running back Adrian Peterson rushed for 296 yards, three touchdowns, and caught one pass for 19 yards against San Diego. Peterson has been brilliant this season as he has rushed for over 100 yards in every game except week three against Kansas City, and week seven against Dallas. Adrian is also on pace to breaking Eric Dickerson's rushing record of 2,105 yards set in 1984. Adrian Peterson is 1,069 yards shy of breaking the record, with eight more games left to play. If Peterson can keep up the same pace in the next eight games, he will make the Eric Dickerson record chase very interesting. Peterson has already set a Viking record of having more than three 100 yard rushing games by a rookie, and two NFL records, as he rushed for over 200 yards twice in his rookie season, and has broken the single-game record of 295 yards rushing from Jamal Lewis, who set that record in 2003.

Peterson's counterpart Chester Taylor is averaging 4.6 yards per carry and scored his first touchdown of the season last week. Taylor was the Viking's number one running back last year and rushed for 1,216 yards, for an average of 4.0 yards per carry. With the emergence of Adrian Peterson and a two week absence due to injury, Taylor has only carried the ball 58 times this season for 267 yards. Taylor is still a vital part to this Minnesota running unit, as he gives a much needed break to Adrian Peterson, and is a great decoy when need be.

The Vikings passing offense has not been nearly as productive this season. The Vikings offense was criticised every week last season, as the brunt of the blame went to veteran quarterback Brad Johnson. This season the Vikings offensive woes have been partly blamed on rookie Tarvaris Jackson. However, the brunt of the blame should go to Brad Childress. Childress has put Tarvaris is a very precarious situation by having an unseasoned quarterback to lead this team. Jackson is fresh out of Alabama State University, and needs a few years of development in this league before being put in to lead any team. Jackson is very young, raw, and inexperienced. Jackson will be sidelined this week with a broken finger. Childress is also resting his offensive success on Sidney Rice, Troy Williamson, and Bobby Wade.

Bobby Wade has been the most productive receiver this season for the Vikings. Wade's 24 receptions for 284 yards leads the team for receiving. Unfortunately, Wade has not found the end zone. The next receiver for the Vikings has been Sidney Rice. Rice has 18 receptions for 212 yards and two touchdowns. Both Wade and Rice average 11.8 yards per reception, and they both have 40 yards for their longest pass reception. The big difference between the two is that Rice has found the end zone twice. As far as Williamson goes, it's been another disappointing season for him. He is fifth on the list for Viking receivers with 9 receptions for 159 yards and one touchdown. Williamson was drafted in 2005 for his speed, and has been ineffective. Williamson continually drops catchable passes, and in my opinion is looking at being cut next season.

This Vikings offense got a huge boost last week in their 35-17 victory over San Diego. Adrian Peterson led the team with 296 yards rushing off 30 carries. He had three touchdowns and a pass reception for 19 yards. His counterpart Chester Taylor had 9 receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown, while Sidney Rice had 4 receptions for 66 yards and one touchdown. Kicker Ryan Longwell was 5/5 in extra points and 0/1 in field goal attempts. Longwell missed a 57 yard field goal, which was run back 109 yards for a touchdown.

The Vikings need to do much of the same offensively this week. The Vikings need to have Adrian Peterson touch the ball 25 times, Chester Taylor touch the ball about 15-20 times, and mix it up a bit with some passes to Sidney Rice and Bobby Wade. Minnesota should also look at giving short slants to Troy Williamson, then let him use his speed to beat out defenders. If the Vikings can get productions from Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor, like they did last week. You should be looking at another Viking victory.


SKOL VIKINGS!!!!