And for the first time since 1993, there are two number one seeds in the Superbowl. An enthralling game that both teams tried their best to lose ended with Garrett Hartley's kick in OT. There are plenty of reasons for the Vikings essentially throwing the game away, some of which are unlucky, but in many ways, you may consider that any team that fumbles the ball as much as they did tonight can't have too many complaints about officiating.
There will be a huge inquest into the loss, but in the end, it's hard not to like the Saints. They're a great story for a city and a team that have had their fair share of lows in recent history. It's going to be a huge task for them to take on the Colts and win, but it would be a man with a stone cold heart that didn't acknowledge that if any team apart from their own had to win the big one, it might as well be New Orleans.
Showing posts with label Minnesota Vikings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minnesota Vikings. Show all posts
Monday, 25 January 2010
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Superbowl prediction: Minnesota vs Indianapolis
Last week I went 4/4 on the divisional playoff games and, typically, didn't bother putting my money where my mouth was. That's the law of gambling right there: If you have a hunch and don't put money on it, it will definitely come off.
This weekend I'm not betting again, but here's what I like in the Conference championships:
NFC: Minnesota @ New Orleans
Why Minnesota? Well, there are a few reasons, but mainly this comes down to New Orleans and their fragile balance. The Saints are constantly in danger of giving up big points, and their performances throughout the regular season hovered close to disaster on many occasions. Statistically, New Orleans has one of the worst passing defences in the league, down amongst Oakland, Detroit, and St Louis. Nobody needs telling that there will be a day that the Saints give up too many points to be able to make up the difference with their excellent offence.
The Vikings look hot, and not only that, but they have a consistent ability to shut down aspects of their opponents' game plans, and force teams to throw the ball more than they may want to. They will bring the heat on Drew Brees, and whilst he is for me, one of the top three QB's in the league, mistakes will inevitably be made. A lot has been made of Reggie Bush's breakout game last week, but the Cardinals are not a strong defensive team, so it's difficult to gauge just how impressive that performance really was in the grand scheme of things.
Overall, it's hard not to like the Saints. I don't think there's a person out there that can't see how great it would be for the city to rebound and win a Superbowl. We'd all love to see it, but sadly I think the Saints will yet again be ruing their lack of a pass defence, much as they have done for the past 5 years.
Prediction: Minnesota 38 New Orleans 28
AFC: New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts
Earlier in the week I mentioned Rex Ryan's lack of consideration in the coach of the year ballot. As many people have pointed out, it is reflective of the Jets and how they performed in the regular season - ie: lucky to be in the playoffs - but for me, Ryan is still one of the best coaches in the league regardless. Don't be surprised if he is the architect of a 4-5 year span of playoff appearances for one of the least consistent teams in the league. his abrasive style means that he'll win few friends outside of New Jersey, but do you imagine many Jets fans suddenly giving a damn about their public image after years of tarnishing it?
This week though, the Colts are perhaps a step too far. The Jets have a chance of winning if they can make some big plays in the secondary, but one of the biggest issues will be if the Colts score first. You don't need me to say that Peyton Manning could easily put up 40+ points on Sunday, regardless of who he is playing. the question is whether Mark Sanchez is capable of leading a big comeback win. That will be for me, the biggest question of the night. Sanchez deserves some credit for knowing his limitations, but so far he has rarely been asked to exceed them, whereas to beat a team like the Colts, your team needs to be able to call any play in the playbook. I don't think Sanchez is at that point yet.
Indy themselves are in great shape. The offence has been playing within itself for some time now, but last week when the team needed a score before half time at the Ravens' 4yd line, there was a moment that summed up why this team is simply the best in the league. With 7 seconds left and no timeouts left, Peyton Manning forced the Ravens to call a timeout themselves simply by showing them that he was prepared to try one more play. The Ravens, expecting the field goal unit, were caught short, and that time-out bought Manning, Wayne, and Clark the chance to talk with Tom Moore and Jim Caldwell on the sidelines. There may not be a trio of more clutch players in the red-zone, and it was almost inevitable that Wayne's quick slant route resulted in a TD.
This kind of psychological battle is what separates a team that knows it's ability from a team that knows it is playing above it's expectations.
An underrated facet of the Colts is the stellar linebacker play, particularly from Clint Session and Gary Brackett, who are both good against the run and the pass. Brackett in particular is getting a lot of big plays from his MLB spot, and don't be surprised if he's spotted in the Jets' backfield come Sunday.
The Jets have beaten teams that are better than them, and they've even beaten the Colts, but for the purposes of this game it is hard to see past the team who's main weaknesses may not be as big a factor on Sunday. Take for example, the inexperienced Indianapolis cornerbacks, who have looked shaky. Do you see Mark Sanchez manipulating them in the way that a veteran QB could do? What about the running game, that hasn't been particularly stellar for many years? Well something tells me that the Jets' excellent run defence won't be an area that the Colts would be looking to exploit anyway.
New York Jets 10 Indianapolis 30
This weekend I'm not betting again, but here's what I like in the Conference championships:
NFC: Minnesota @ New Orleans
Why Minnesota? Well, there are a few reasons, but mainly this comes down to New Orleans and their fragile balance. The Saints are constantly in danger of giving up big points, and their performances throughout the regular season hovered close to disaster on many occasions. Statistically, New Orleans has one of the worst passing defences in the league, down amongst Oakland, Detroit, and St Louis. Nobody needs telling that there will be a day that the Saints give up too many points to be able to make up the difference with their excellent offence.
The Vikings look hot, and not only that, but they have a consistent ability to shut down aspects of their opponents' game plans, and force teams to throw the ball more than they may want to. They will bring the heat on Drew Brees, and whilst he is for me, one of the top three QB's in the league, mistakes will inevitably be made. A lot has been made of Reggie Bush's breakout game last week, but the Cardinals are not a strong defensive team, so it's difficult to gauge just how impressive that performance really was in the grand scheme of things.
Overall, it's hard not to like the Saints. I don't think there's a person out there that can't see how great it would be for the city to rebound and win a Superbowl. We'd all love to see it, but sadly I think the Saints will yet again be ruing their lack of a pass defence, much as they have done for the past 5 years.
Prediction: Minnesota 38 New Orleans 28
AFC: New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts
Earlier in the week I mentioned Rex Ryan's lack of consideration in the coach of the year ballot. As many people have pointed out, it is reflective of the Jets and how they performed in the regular season - ie: lucky to be in the playoffs - but for me, Ryan is still one of the best coaches in the league regardless. Don't be surprised if he is the architect of a 4-5 year span of playoff appearances for one of the least consistent teams in the league. his abrasive style means that he'll win few friends outside of New Jersey, but do you imagine many Jets fans suddenly giving a damn about their public image after years of tarnishing it?
This week though, the Colts are perhaps a step too far. The Jets have a chance of winning if they can make some big plays in the secondary, but one of the biggest issues will be if the Colts score first. You don't need me to say that Peyton Manning could easily put up 40+ points on Sunday, regardless of who he is playing. the question is whether Mark Sanchez is capable of leading a big comeback win. That will be for me, the biggest question of the night. Sanchez deserves some credit for knowing his limitations, but so far he has rarely been asked to exceed them, whereas to beat a team like the Colts, your team needs to be able to call any play in the playbook. I don't think Sanchez is at that point yet.
Indy themselves are in great shape. The offence has been playing within itself for some time now, but last week when the team needed a score before half time at the Ravens' 4yd line, there was a moment that summed up why this team is simply the best in the league. With 7 seconds left and no timeouts left, Peyton Manning forced the Ravens to call a timeout themselves simply by showing them that he was prepared to try one more play. The Ravens, expecting the field goal unit, were caught short, and that time-out bought Manning, Wayne, and Clark the chance to talk with Tom Moore and Jim Caldwell on the sidelines. There may not be a trio of more clutch players in the red-zone, and it was almost inevitable that Wayne's quick slant route resulted in a TD.
This kind of psychological battle is what separates a team that knows it's ability from a team that knows it is playing above it's expectations.
An underrated facet of the Colts is the stellar linebacker play, particularly from Clint Session and Gary Brackett, who are both good against the run and the pass. Brackett in particular is getting a lot of big plays from his MLB spot, and don't be surprised if he's spotted in the Jets' backfield come Sunday.
The Jets have beaten teams that are better than them, and they've even beaten the Colts, but for the purposes of this game it is hard to see past the team who's main weaknesses may not be as big a factor on Sunday. Take for example, the inexperienced Indianapolis cornerbacks, who have looked shaky. Do you see Mark Sanchez manipulating them in the way that a veteran QB could do? What about the running game, that hasn't been particularly stellar for many years? Well something tells me that the Jets' excellent run defence won't be an area that the Colts would be looking to exploit anyway.
New York Jets 10 Indianapolis 30
Saturday, 6 December 2008
Vikings pair would be better served sitting out now
As the 'diuretic drama' - as it will hopefully never be known as by anyone - rumbles on this week, at least two of the players involved are gambling that the league will not enforce their suspensions at all this season.
Kevin and Pat Williams, the heart of the Minnesota Vikings Defensive line, and two of the most important factors in their team's winning record thus far in 2008, have avoided a four game suspension handed out by the NFL last week as punishment for their part in the 'Starcaps' incident, in which a a number of players have been caught. Unfortunately for them, the injunction is only temporary, meaning that should the league manage to argue their case in front of a federal judge at any point within the next few weeks, the 'Williams Wall' could well be suspended for four games.
Assuming that the league can make such a case, the two stud DT's could well find themselves on the sidelines for the team's first playoff game since 2004 - or longer. Indeed, the longer the case rumbles on, the more the duo risk. If they were to accept the suspensions now, for example, they would miss the remaining four games of the regular season. As it stands, Minnesota holds a 1 game lead over Chicago, with a relatively simple game in Detroit on Sunday that would put them in a very strong position at the top of the NFC North. Of course, they must then face the Cardinals in Arizona, before the Falcons and Giants travel to the Metrodome for the final two games of the season.
It's not an easy finish, but with the team having a lead in the division, they look much more likely to reach the playoffs - even without the two anchors of their D-line. With that in mind, it would make much more sense for them to sit out these games and gamble that the team will manage to stay ahead of Chicago, than it does to make the choice they have opted for. Essentially, the pair could miss any playoff games that the team plays in, and without them, I don't think they'll be able to take the bigger teams in the NFC.
Of course, what we don't know at this point is who is really calling the shots for the two players. Is it the team, or is it their agent Angelo Wright? Owner Zygi Wilf has taken a healthy interest in the legal escapades of his players, something that makes me question how much influence the Vikings have had over their players' decisions. It may sound crazy, but if I was Brad Childress, this is the exact call I would have made. If the team makes the playoffs - regardless of how far they go - it's hard to imagine him being sacked, yet if the team were to lose it's lead in the final stretch, his position could well be called into question by his many vocal critics in the press.
With that in mind, I think Kevin and Pat Williams have been badly advised. The team may not have liked them being suspended, but if the team reaches a Superbowl, and the pair can't play, they will still have exceeded expectations, and the pair will forever have to live with their decision that cost them a chance to play in the what would likely be the biggest game of their careers.
Kevin and Pat Williams, the heart of the Minnesota Vikings Defensive line, and two of the most important factors in their team's winning record thus far in 2008, have avoided a four game suspension handed out by the NFL last week as punishment for their part in the 'Starcaps' incident, in which a a number of players have been caught. Unfortunately for them, the injunction is only temporary, meaning that should the league manage to argue their case in front of a federal judge at any point within the next few weeks, the 'Williams Wall' could well be suspended for four games.
Assuming that the league can make such a case, the two stud DT's could well find themselves on the sidelines for the team's first playoff game since 2004 - or longer. Indeed, the longer the case rumbles on, the more the duo risk. If they were to accept the suspensions now, for example, they would miss the remaining four games of the regular season. As it stands, Minnesota holds a 1 game lead over Chicago, with a relatively simple game in Detroit on Sunday that would put them in a very strong position at the top of the NFC North. Of course, they must then face the Cardinals in Arizona, before the Falcons and Giants travel to the Metrodome for the final two games of the season.
It's not an easy finish, but with the team having a lead in the division, they look much more likely to reach the playoffs - even without the two anchors of their D-line. With that in mind, it would make much more sense for them to sit out these games and gamble that the team will manage to stay ahead of Chicago, than it does to make the choice they have opted for. Essentially, the pair could miss any playoff games that the team plays in, and without them, I don't think they'll be able to take the bigger teams in the NFC.
Of course, what we don't know at this point is who is really calling the shots for the two players. Is it the team, or is it their agent Angelo Wright? Owner Zygi Wilf has taken a healthy interest in the legal escapades of his players, something that makes me question how much influence the Vikings have had over their players' decisions. It may sound crazy, but if I was Brad Childress, this is the exact call I would have made. If the team makes the playoffs - regardless of how far they go - it's hard to imagine him being sacked, yet if the team were to lose it's lead in the final stretch, his position could well be called into question by his many vocal critics in the press.
With that in mind, I think Kevin and Pat Williams have been badly advised. The team may not have liked them being suspended, but if the team reaches a Superbowl, and the pair can't play, they will still have exceeded expectations, and the pair will forever have to live with their decision that cost them a chance to play in the what would likely be the biggest game of their careers.
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Something is about to hit the fan in Green Bay...
...and that thing is Brett Favre.
According to multiple sources, Brett Favre has chartered a plane to fly to Wisconsin from his Mississipi home and show up at Packers Training Camp tommorow. The move is likely in response to the Packers (frankly insulting) offer to pay him $20m to stay home for the next ten years, as reported this morning.
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel revealed earlier that the team would consider trading Favre to the Bears, Lions or Vikings only as 'a last resort'. This differs from Favre's previous statement last week, which seemed to indicate that a trade to the Vikings was inconcievable.
Either way, the team is on the ropes now, and it's likely that the Vikings will get their man in the next few days. With Roger Goodell poised to intervene if the camp turns into a circus, the Packers know that the only way of getting adequate compensation for Favre may be to cut a deal with one of the two teams that they would least like him to play for.
For what it's worth, Favre is unlikely to accept a deal to Chicago. The whole offense is in dire need of help, and if he wishes to go out with a bang, the Bears would not be a logical choice. Apart from on-field issues though, Favre will be aware that it would be seen as one in the eye to the fans that supported him for 15 years in Wisconsin.
On the other hand, it would provide the maximum 'revenge' factor possible to the Packers as an organisation...
According to multiple sources, Brett Favre has chartered a plane to fly to Wisconsin from his Mississipi home and show up at Packers Training Camp tommorow. The move is likely in response to the Packers (frankly insulting) offer to pay him $20m to stay home for the next ten years, as reported this morning.
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel revealed earlier that the team would consider trading Favre to the Bears, Lions or Vikings only as 'a last resort'. This differs from Favre's previous statement last week, which seemed to indicate that a trade to the Vikings was inconcievable.
Either way, the team is on the ropes now, and it's likely that the Vikings will get their man in the next few days. With Roger Goodell poised to intervene if the camp turns into a circus, the Packers know that the only way of getting adequate compensation for Favre may be to cut a deal with one of the two teams that they would least like him to play for.
For what it's worth, Favre is unlikely to accept a deal to Chicago. The whole offense is in dire need of help, and if he wishes to go out with a bang, the Bears would not be a logical choice. Apart from on-field issues though, Favre will be aware that it would be seen as one in the eye to the fans that supported him for 15 years in Wisconsin.
On the other hand, it would provide the maximum 'revenge' factor possible to the Packers as an organisation...
Saturday, 12 July 2008
Where will Favre go?
With the news that Brett Favre is seeking his release from the Green Bay Packers, the league will be buzzing with rumour and conjecture regarding Favre's final destination. For us the biggest question is whether Favre has the desire to play anywhere because he misses football, or if he wants to win another championship.
Here are our top 5 contenders for his signature:
New York Jets
The Jets have spent big money this off-season. They have invested in almost every position - except the one that matters. The QB battle between Kellen Clemens and Chad Pennington is likely to produce nothing concrete heading into this season - a season that will almost certainly decide the fate of coach Eric Mangini. The only question is whether they can afford Favre. If he still wants his $12.5m salary, the Jets will need to clear $3m of cap room, which they could only do by trading Pennington, realistically.
Minnesota Vikings
Obviously, there is one major sticking point in this situation, and that is the rivalry between the Vikes and the Packers. You could argue that if the Vikings are on this list, then why not Chicago? Well, the Vikings (like the Jets) have thrown money at their situation this spring, and again, their big question mark is at QB. The Bears have never thrown money at anything. Ever. It would be extremely unlikely that the Packers would ascede to Favre's demands to be released if they believed he would be playing against them twice next season. The other big question is how excited Favre could be to play with receivers Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice. It's certainly not the kind of receiving unit that delivers championships.
Tampa Bay Buccanneers
Bucs coach Jon Gruden is a well known advocate of veteran Quarterbacks, and currently has about 4,000 on his roster. Actually though, it would be interesting to see how this situation plays into the contract negotiations with Jeff Garcia. With a player of the same age - but greater talent available, Garcia should be aware that now is not the time to be playing hardball with your team. The Bucs have a mix of veterans and rookies at WR, but definately have considerable talent in Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard, and Dexter Jackson. They also have an enormous amount of cap room, and really this could hinge on whether Gruden believes that Favre can deliver what Garcia cannot.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are probably slightly better than their record last year suggests. If anywhere makes sense on paper, it's Baltimore. At Quarterback, the Ravens would prefer not to start rookie Joe Flacco, but it's something they have had to seriously consider in the last few weeks. The otehr alternatives are Kyle Boller and Troy Smith, neither of which seems to be the long term answer. Apart from that, there are veteran receivers such as Derrick Mason, a great rushing attack, and a solid line, despite the retirement of Jonathan Ogden. One other thing - the Ravens Defence can create the kind of opportunities that Favre would relish.
Detroit Lions
Much like the Vikings, this could be a non-starter because of the fact that Favre would be coming back to haunt the Packers twice next year. On the other hand, the team has many ingredients that could make them an attractive proposition to a veteran Quarterback. The team has one of the best Receiving corps in football, with Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Shaun Macdonald, and Mike Furrey all capable of big plays. Questions do surround the running game, however, and Favre may be unwilling to play for a team that has rarely looked like coming out of a slump it has been in for 20 years.
Other teams in the mix:
Carolina Panthers - If Delhomme is fit, it's not happening
Kansas City Chiefs - No weapons = No playoffs
Chicago Bears - Not enough to make him public enemy no.1 in Green Bay
Atlanta Falcons - Unlikely, but he has been there before, and the Falcons may want to avoid blooding Matt Ryan early.
Here are our top 5 contenders for his signature:
New York Jets
The Jets have spent big money this off-season. They have invested in almost every position - except the one that matters. The QB battle between Kellen Clemens and Chad Pennington is likely to produce nothing concrete heading into this season - a season that will almost certainly decide the fate of coach Eric Mangini. The only question is whether they can afford Favre. If he still wants his $12.5m salary, the Jets will need to clear $3m of cap room, which they could only do by trading Pennington, realistically.
Minnesota Vikings
Obviously, there is one major sticking point in this situation, and that is the rivalry between the Vikes and the Packers. You could argue that if the Vikings are on this list, then why not Chicago? Well, the Vikings (like the Jets) have thrown money at their situation this spring, and again, their big question mark is at QB. The Bears have never thrown money at anything. Ever. It would be extremely unlikely that the Packers would ascede to Favre's demands to be released if they believed he would be playing against them twice next season. The other big question is how excited Favre could be to play with receivers Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice. It's certainly not the kind of receiving unit that delivers championships.
Tampa Bay Buccanneers
Bucs coach Jon Gruden is a well known advocate of veteran Quarterbacks, and currently has about 4,000 on his roster. Actually though, it would be interesting to see how this situation plays into the contract negotiations with Jeff Garcia. With a player of the same age - but greater talent available, Garcia should be aware that now is not the time to be playing hardball with your team. The Bucs have a mix of veterans and rookies at WR, but definately have considerable talent in Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard, and Dexter Jackson. They also have an enormous amount of cap room, and really this could hinge on whether Gruden believes that Favre can deliver what Garcia cannot.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are probably slightly better than their record last year suggests. If anywhere makes sense on paper, it's Baltimore. At Quarterback, the Ravens would prefer not to start rookie Joe Flacco, but it's something they have had to seriously consider in the last few weeks. The otehr alternatives are Kyle Boller and Troy Smith, neither of which seems to be the long term answer. Apart from that, there are veteran receivers such as Derrick Mason, a great rushing attack, and a solid line, despite the retirement of Jonathan Ogden. One other thing - the Ravens Defence can create the kind of opportunities that Favre would relish.
Detroit Lions
Much like the Vikings, this could be a non-starter because of the fact that Favre would be coming back to haunt the Packers twice next year. On the other hand, the team has many ingredients that could make them an attractive proposition to a veteran Quarterback. The team has one of the best Receiving corps in football, with Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Shaun Macdonald, and Mike Furrey all capable of big plays. Questions do surround the running game, however, and Favre may be unwilling to play for a team that has rarely looked like coming out of a slump it has been in for 20 years.
Other teams in the mix:
Carolina Panthers - If Delhomme is fit, it's not happening
Kansas City Chiefs - No weapons = No playoffs
Chicago Bears - Not enough to make him public enemy no.1 in Green Bay
Atlanta Falcons - Unlikely, but he has been there before, and the Falcons may want to avoid blooding Matt Ryan early.
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