Vikings

[196thDLR]

There is nothing I like talking about more than fishing and football. The whole of the NFC Central Division improved this off season. I am a total, dyed in the wool, purple and gold VIKINGS fan. I am not a fantasy football guru, however. The Vikes will again have one of, if not the best offenses in the NFL for the 2004 season.

The defense seems to be much beeter this year, at least on paper, but it still has to be proved on the playing field. Total team speed has improved greatly, but again, ti still has to be proveed on each and every Sunday. Five weeks to training camp---GO VIKES.

[beer batter]

I can't believe there's now a football forum on the same web site as my fishing forum. I may never leave this web site again! Awsome is all I can say.

I too, think the 'Vikes in going to have a great year.

The offense will be near the top if we can stay healthy. Moss's back and foot (plantar fascitis) could hinder him a bit but even at 75% he's better than most receiver's in the league. Running back corp may be the deepest in the league, no worries there. Offensive line is getting old and slow in spots (I'm looking at you David Dixon). Hopefully we can fill in with some younger blood as the season progresses. Tight end is solid and Daunte will be ready to move this team up and down the field.

Defensively I really like the moves made over the offseason. We could have used a veteran linebacker to fill in for the two we lost (Biekert/Crocket) so hopefully Claiborne can stay healthy this year. From what I've heard, Winfield is a standup guy who will not back down from any receiver. He gets in their face and sticks with them to minimize their gains if they do make the catch. No more 15 yard cushions on his side of the ball. You'd have to say the rest of the backfield are veterans with Chavous, Russel, and Tyrone Carter back-up at safety and Williams/Irvin playing the other corner (one being in the dime package). Our D-Line is young, fast, and strong. Maybe the strongest point of the defense. Hovan and Williams will be a force to be reckoned with this season. Look for Hovan to prove himself to those nay-sayers of last year who said he didn't put much of an effort. Top pick Udeze is fast and strong on the outside with our 3rd round pick Scott along with Mixon and Chuck Wiley backing up the other spots on the line. Look for at least 2 players on the D-Line to get well into double digit sacks this year. There's also a converted linebacker supposedly doing some rushing of the passer this season but his name escapes me - 3rd season out of Ga. Tech I think??

Kicking game is still somewhat questionable. I do believe the punter we picked up will be a valuable acquisition. We lost 2 games last year because of bad field position due to punting problems. I still don't have much confidence in Aaron Elling though. He just hasn't proved himself to be in the NFL if you ask me. I can't say he ever lost a game, but he hasn't hit the big kick to win one either. Hopefully this will be his year to prove it.

Go Vikes!

[taxmancommeth]

That name you are looking for, that would be Nick Rogers. He played rush end for Georgia Tech in college before being drafted by the purple.

He is only 6' 2" so small but shifty so they figure he might be good off the edge, in passing situations.

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GET-ER-DONE

[united jigsticker]

Yeah baby! This is what I'm talking about!!!!

Vikings 13-3 regular season and at minimum, the Championship game in the playoffs.

They say Randy Moss is only gonna be 85%. Nice gimmic. Randy Moss is gonna be...Randy Moss, no matter what kind of pain he's feeling.

He'll play when he wants to play, and since Marcus Robinson is lined up across from him, I gots me a good feeling that he'll wanna PLAY like a son of a gun every game.

Chavous, Russel, Winfield. Yep, shut em' down boys. But we better put up some huge points on offense.

Eat em' up PPE's!!! (Purple People Eaters)

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Good fishing,
UJ
[email protected]

[196thDLR]

Yup! Gonna be an interesting 2004 Vikes season. The draft choices the Vikes made this year, I believe, were excellent. Not only did they draft for need, they were able to get athletes in the same package. One thing we are missing here is the hiring a good defensive co-ordinator. Everything I have read on Teddy C., is he plays an attacking style of defense. Brian Baker is a very good defensive line coach and with the drafting of Udeze, this should give offensive co-ordinator's many sleepless nights. The possiblities of this defensive line has me absolutely giddy>

[walleyeking]

Nice addition..Football and Fishing, now if there was only a beer forum we would be set.

[Guest]

I agree. The Vikes ate going to be 13-3 or 12-4. They should have an awesome season. God knows about the playoffs. It's only been 25+ years since we made it to the big game!