http://www.sportsnipe.com Minnesota Vikings, Team News, Updates, and Stats from all sports sources, updated continually. http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048108/harvin-proving-quick-study.html Percy Harvin is leading all NFL rookies in receiving and proving wrong an adage about young receivers. Harvin and his coaches explained why he?s having such early success, and the stats show just how successful he has been. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048107/minnesota-vikings-list-antoine-winfield-as-doubtful-for-seahawks-game-pioneer-press.html Minnesota Vikings list Antoine Winfield as doubtful for Seahawks gamePioneer PressMinnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield is listed as doubtful on today's injury report for Sunday's game against Seattle. ... Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048106/minnesota-vikings-upset-over-new-lease-for-metrodome-examinercom.html Examiner.comMinnesota Vikings: Upset over new lease for the MetrodomeExaminer.com... leveraging LA's bid for the subsidized stadium to get Minnesota's decision makers to the bargaining table with urgency to keep the Vikings in the state. ...Hold the berserk, keep the VikingsMinnesota DailyVikings need suitable stadium solutionWest Central TribuneMetrodome owner votes for lease extension offer, feathers fly everywhereField of SchemesMinneapolis Star Tribune -Bizjournals.com -ESPNall 252 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048105/winfield-may-play-on-sunday.html Posted by Texas Viking on 11/20/2009, 3:26 pm; 0 responses Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048104/childress-has-endorsement-from-vikings-to-continue.html Vikings coach Brad Childress is happy to be staying in Minnesota for several more years. Players say they're pleased his contract has been extended, too. There was plenty of skepticism about Childress in his first two seasons while the Vikings struggled to find a rhythm on the field, and players had problems with his rigid style. He has loosened up, though, and learned how to connect with a team that's currently sporting strong chemistry and an 8-1 record. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048103/childress-reflects-on-ride.html Brad Childress’ journey to getting a contract extension and raise wasn’t always easy, but he and his program are in place, enjoying success and here for years to come. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048102/minnesota-vikings-list-antoine-winfield-as-doubtful-for-seahawks-game.html Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield is listed as doubtful on today's injury report for Sunday's game against Seattle. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048101/how-did-vikings-brad-childress-celebrate-new-deal-talk-to-wife-watch-letterman.html Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress said he didn't do any celebrating Thursday night after signing his contract extension. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048100/brett-favre-40yearold-version-its-amazing-says-sack-king-michael-strahan.html He retired four months after helping the New York Giants win Super Bowl XLII, but Michael Strahan is as busy as ever. He has a range of television roles, from Fox NFL analyst, to reality-show host of Spike's "Pros vs. Joes" to sitcom star for Fox's "Brothers." He's also a popular pitchman, most notably for Subway and now Vaseline. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048099/saints-running-back-reggie-bush-questionable-for-tampa-bay.html Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048098/ravens-de-dwan-edwards-plans-appeal-5000-fine-for-roughness.html Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048097/iraqi-detainees-taunt-wisconsin-soldiers-about-brett-favre-yahoo-sports.html If you happen to be a Packers fan who is sick and tired of hearing about Brett Favre, and you're thinking of... Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048096/childress-has-endorsement-from-vikings-to-continue-ap.html Vikings coach Brad Childress is happy to be staying in Minnesota for several more years. Players say they're pleased his contract has been extended, too. There was plenty of skepticism about Childress in his first two seasons while the Vikings struggled to find a rhythm on the field, and players had problems with his rigid style. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047244/lions-likely-to-lose-stephen-peterman-for-season-mlivecom.html Lions likely to lose Stephen Peterman for the seasonMLive.comRight guard Stephen Peterman, who suffered a right ankle injury last week against the Minnesota Vikings, is expected to undergo surgery soon. ...and more » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047243/playoff-scenario-favors-favre-vikings-fans-bleacher-report.html Bleacher ReportPlayoff Scenario Favors Favre, Vikings FansBleacher ReportThe two front runners in the NFC are the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings, both distancing themselves from the pack and both having favorable ...and more » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047242/minnesota-vikings-may-move-to-los-angeles-according-former-team-executive-vp-faniq-blog.html CBC.caMinnesota Vikings may move to Los Angeles, according to former team executive VPFanIQ (blog)The Minnesota Vikings are one of the potential teams on the list, according to some people. It actually makes a lot of sense. They've had trouble selling ...Minnesota Vikings moving to LA?Yahoo! SportsBrad Childress signs extension with VikingsLos Angeles TimesBrad bags Vikings dealSkySportsSeattle Post Intelligencer -Chicago Tribuneall 462 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047241/minnesota-vikings-qb-brett-favre-becomes-weapon-for-iraqi-prisoners-razzing-wisconsin-troops.html MILWAUKEE — Detainees at a camp in Baghdad, Iraq have found a way to get under the skin of guard troops from Wisconsin. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047240/players-union-says-doctor-who-cochairs-nfl-committee-on-concussions-fit-for-job.html Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1046471/brad-bags-vikings-deal-skysports.html SkySportsBrad bags Vikings dealSkySports"Brad has done a tremendous job leading this football team and we value the positive environment he has created for the Minnesota Vikings on and off the ...Brad Childress signs extension with VikingsLos Angeles TimesVikings, Childress agree to extensionSeattle Post IntelligencerBrad Childress inks new dealBoston HeraldKSFY -Bleacher Reportall 411 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1046464/vikings-reward-childress-twoyear-contract-extension.html Vikings coach Brad Childress is finally enjoying the fruits of his labor. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1046462/browns-coach-eric-mangini-expects-josh-cribbs-to-play-sunday-after-scary-neck-injury.html Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1046461/feds-seeking-631000-judgment-against-exsteelers-player-mel-blount-for-irs-debts.html Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045357/minnesota-vikings-moving-to-la-yahoo-sports.html Minnesota Vikings moving to LA?Yahoo! SportsThe Minnesota Vikings want a new stadium. And the team wants one that will likely cost $900 million-plus. In case you haven't noticed, ...and more » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045356/vikings-expect-pro-bowl-corner-to-return-sunday-seattle-post-intelligencer.html CBC.caVikings expect Pro Bowl corner to return SundaySeattle Post IntelligencerMinnesota Vikings veteran Antoine Winfield, a Pro Bowl cornerback who has missed the past three games with a fractured foot, is back at practice this week ...Litchfield native Carlson, Seahawks to face Vikings at Metrodome on SundayWest Central TribuneNFL Preview - Seattle (3-6) at Minnesota (8-1)Kansas City StarNFL Picks and Predictions - Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota VikingsVegasSports-OddsThe Spokesman Review -The Olympian -ESPNall 206 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045355/rice-many-factors-led-to-improvement.html Sidney Rice is having his breakout season, just as his agent predicted. Why now and what happened? Rice pointed to a variety of factors that have converged to make him one of the hottest receivers in the NFL. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045354/bevell-in-coaching-spotlight.html Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell could be emerging as a head coaching candidate as the Vikings experience more offensive success this season. His name is beginning to surface in reports, but he said his focus remains on winning in Minnesota first. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045353/sidcast-mauer-lock-for-mvp.html Sid believes Joe Mauer is a lock for MVP, the Metropolitan Sports Commission is a bunch of "dummies," and Tim Brewster will keep his job. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045352/minnesota-vikings-moving-to-la-yahoo-sports.html The Minnesota Vikings want a new stadium. And the team wants one that will likely cost $900 million-plus. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1044891/hold-berserk-keep-vikings-minnesota-daily.html FOX 9 NewsHold the berserk, keep the VikingsMinnesota DailyYesterday, the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission approved a resolution designed to reward the Minnesota Vikings if they extend their lease in the ...As Vikings' stadium wars heat up, LA threat becomes more realPioneer PressMetrodome lease proposal passes commission; Vikings upsetBizjournals.comVikings need suitable stadium solutionWest Central TribuneMinneapolis Star Tribune -ProFootballTalk -NFL GridIron Gab (blog)all 241 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1044064/forsett-becomes-major-force-spokesman-review.html Seattle TimesForsett becomes major forceThe Spokesman ReviewForsett rushed for 123 yards on 17 carries in relief of the injured Julius Jones last week, and will make his first start against the Minnesota Vikings. ...Vikings' star on Hutch: 'It's still funny to me how you let this guy go'Seattle Post IntelligencerCarlson wants ball, victoriesThe OlympianSeahawks' Forsett on verge of emergingESPNSeahawks.com -Seattle Post Intelligencer -The Olympianall 151 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1043864/as-vikings-stadium-wars-heat-up-la-threat-becomes-more-real-pioneer-press.html MinnPost.comAs Vikings' stadium wars heat up, LA threat becomes more realPioneer PressSuddenly, however, the boogeyman is real, and the Minnesota Vikings are in his sights. "It's very real and very attainable," said David Carter, a University ...Commission OKs steps to get Vikings to renew leaseMinneapolis Star TribuneMetrodome lease proposal passes commission; Vikings upsetBizjournals.comVikings need suitable stadium solutionWest Central TribuneProFootballTalk -SportsBusiness Daily (subscription) -NFL GridIron Gab (blog)all 241 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1043863/as-vikings-stadium-wars-heat-up-la-threat-becomes-more-real.html Brad Humphreys spends a lot of time studying the economics of professional sports. It's his specialty, and the University of Alberta economics professor says there's a good reason why there is no NFL team in Los Angeles. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042891/vikings-brass-convinced-that-caretaker-coach-will-suffice-going-forward.html No matter the impressions of Minnesota Vikings' head coach Brad Childress, he has demonstrated an ability to take a talent-laden team and lead it to victory over a witless schedule. Whether that ability will prevail in the face of fiercer competition or when Childress is forced to make-do with any one of his hand-selected Tarvaris Jacksons, is a different matter--and a bridge that Vikings' ownership apparently is content to wait to cross.On Thursday, with no real reason to do so, the Vikings extended Childress' contract through the 2013 season. The extension adds four years to Childress' current deal and increases the payout from Childress' $2 million/year average to $4-5 million per year.In support of the Vikings' decision is the gradual evolution of Childress' public persona to that of a normally functioning individual, his ability to pluck capable to very good players from others' rosters, his willingness to concede that Brett Favre was a better option than Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels, his improving in-game management, and his largely professional demeanor.In short, where once the Vikings could hardly do worse, now, at a minimum, it can be said that the Vikings could do far worse. The Bills did far worse in hiring Dick Jauron. Washington did far worse in hiring the affable but completely unqualified Jim Zorn. The Chargers continue to demonstrate what life on the margins is like under the tutelage of a good coordinator, but poorly matched head coach in Norv Turner. And numerous other teams, including the Green Bay Packers, have suffered for their failure to identify a solid head coach.Childress' name will not soon be favorably compared with the likes of Bill Bellicheck, Tony Dungy, Jim Caldwell, Sean Peyton, or even Mike Tomlin, but neither will be compared to the likes of Eric Mangini or Tom Cable.What the Vikings assured themselves in signing Childress to an extension was a continuation of a system that works very well when great players are on the field and that offers much less when lesser players are on the field. Vikings' fans can only hope that Childress can either locate the fountain of youth to ensure that Favre remains with the team through 2014, or that Childress and Company are able to locate a quarterback near as good as Favre to replace the former Packer when he finally hangs it up.Should Favre depart after one season, leaving the Vikings with no better a choice than selecting between Rosenfels and Jackson, there will be considerable head-scratching going on in Minnesota about a decision made before its time.Up Next: Vikings Pull Out Race Card in Quest for Publicly Funded Stadium. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042890/previewing-seahawks-game.html The 8-1 Vikings are hosting the 3-6 Seahawks on Sunday.  More than the Lions or Rams, this could be a true trap game for the Vikings because the Seahawks are a better team than their records suggest? The Lions and Rams are not. So, let?s break this down a bit and take a look at what [...] Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042889/minnesota-vikings-owner-two-players-will-visit-austin-next-week-herald.html Minnesota Vikings' owner and two players will visit Austin next weekAustin HeraldBy Herald staff (Contact) | Austin Daily Herald Eden Prairie, MN ? Minnesota Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf, along with WR Sidney Rice and TE Visanthe ... Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042888/nfl-simms-set-to-start-st-augustine-record.html The Faster TimesNFL: Simms set to startSt. Augustine RecordThe Minnesota Vikings signed Brad Childress to a contract extension that will keep the coach with the team through the 2013 season, a source told ESPN.com ...NFL notebook: Simms is likely to start for Broncos SundaySt. Louis Post-Dispatchall 355 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042887/brad-childress-signs-extension-vikings-los-angeles-times.html Globe and MailBrad Childress signs extension with VikingsLos Angeles TimesAP The Minnesota Vikings signed Coach Brad Childress to a contract extension on Thursday, nine games into what is shaping up as a promising season for the ...Vikings, Childress agree to extensionSeattle Post IntelligencerBrad Childress inks new dealBoston HeraldNFL Preview - Seattle (3-6) at Minnesota (8-1)Kansas City StarPioneer Press -VegasSports-Odds -Examiner.comall 451 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042886/my-next-prognostication.html Posted by Oddball on 11/19/2009, 9:06 pm; 1 response, posted 11/19/2009, 10:58 pm Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042885/condolences-to-spielman-family.html We here at the Daily Norseman would like to join the football community at large in giving our condolences to the Spielman family, as it was learned tonight that Stephanie Spielman has lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 42. Stephanie Spielman is the wife of Chris Spielman, who we all remember as a linebacker for the Detroit Lions from 1988 to 1995 after an outstanding career at Ohio State.  Chris Spielman is also the younger brother of Rick Spielman, who is currently the Vikings' Vice President of Player Personnel. Stephanie is survived by Chris and their four children, Madison, Noah, Mason, and Audrey, as well as her mother and three sisters. Again, our deepest condolences go out to the Spielman family in their time of need. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042884/ricky-williams-big-second-quarter-puts-dolphins-up-143-on-panthers-after-three-quarters.html Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042883/te-dugan-working-to-master-new-field.html Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042882/highenergy-allen-needs-to-take-breathers.html Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042881/sid-hartman-childress-has-earned-trust-wilf-family.html Reflecting the Vikings' steady rise, his new contract extension also might bode well for keeping his staff intact. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042880/childress-extending-his-purple-reign.html A new deal will keep the Vikings coach here through the 2013 season, reportedly with a substantial raise. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042154/childress-allowed-to-stick-around.html So much for the carrot on a stick. According to an announcment from the Vikings official website, the team and Head Coach Brad Childress have agreed to an extension of his contract that will keep him in Minnesota until 2013. ESPN says that the deal is expected to nearly double his annual salary, bumping it up to [...] Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042153/national-friday-league-week-11.html Vikings-Seahawks Preview2009 Vikings Offense: #2 in points and #7 in yardsDefense: #12 in points and #15 in yards2009 SeahawksOffense: #19 in points and #16 in yardsDefense: #18 in points and #20 in yardsDon't look at the Vikings home game against the 3-6 Seahawks as a gimme win. They might be better than their record (p-f-r's expected W-L for Seattle is 4.2-4.8). They have Matt Hasselbeck, a good quarterback that isn't what he used to be but that can still hurt you in the passing game. They'll throw short passes like crazy, and while I think they won't be able to sustain drives against the Viking defense that way, they're still dangerous.The Vikings are a much better team than the Seahawks, but if they underachieve, commit untimely penalties, and commit untimely turnovers (aren't they all?), they can lose.Last week, the Vikes should have put 40 up on the Lions, and the reasons they didn't are concretely obvious. I'd point to four specific plays. On a first half drive, they had a 2nd and 3 inside the ten and had a five yard penalty (they ended up kicking a field goal). On another first half drive, they drove to the red zone and on 1st and 10 called a reverse that got fumbled (they got zero). On another first half drive, they were in the red zone and failed on a fourth and one (they got zero). And in the second half, Adrian Peterson had a long run toward the red zone but had the ball poked out from behind him (they got zero).I don't think on the whole the Vikings were sloppy or lethargic. You don't get 492 yards of offense playing flat. What they did do was fail--badly--on some key plays that meant those 492 yards amounted to 27 points instead of 40+. Luckily, the Lions are awful. But if the Vikings make those sorts of failures against the Seahawks, I don't think they'll end up with a 17 point win. They can overcome such struggles, but they might not. If they play a lousy game and the Seahawks play a good game, Seattle could knock us off.But what do I think will happen? I think the Seahawks won't be able to run, and won't be able to complete many passes downfield (their personnel and scheme are directed toward short passing). I think the Seahawks won't be able to cover Rice, Harvin, and Berrian, that Favre will connect with accurate passes, and that Adrian Peterson might be able to run wild against this team. The Vikes will play excellent on special teams. If the Vikes can avoid the untimely mistakes, they should easily handle the Seahawks.The Viking DefenseThe Viking defense is, I believe, better than their current numbers show. I think during the second half of the season, they are going to establish themselves as a dominating unit.The Vikes have had trouble holding big leads. In both Green Bay games and in the Baltimore game, the defense played very well for long stretches before giving up big plays (especially in the passing game) to let the opponent back into it. That's a problem on the defense, obviously, and is rightly credited against them--but it's also a very specific problem, and one that might be improved upon.The defense has given up garbage time touchdowns against the Browns and Lions. The Vikes have also given up five non-offensive touchdowns. The defense is much closer to being a unit giving up 15 points per game than the 20 they've currently got credited against them.The core of it all is the defensive line. I'm not sure how good the secondary is, and I'm not even sure how good the linebackers are (E.J. Henderson does not look like his old self out there--too often I see him near the ball carrier but unable to make a tackle, or finally making a tackle downfield after a ball carrier has already gained yardage. It makes me sad: I've really liked his game in the past, and hope he improves). But Jared Allen and Kevin Williams are potential Hall of Famers in their prime, dominating and playmaking. Pat Williams is a major disruptive presence, and Ray Edwards has had stretches when he's looked dominant himself.I think the defense's numbers will improve, and they'll continue to keep the Vikes in games if or when the offense falters.StadiumI purposely avoid hearing details about any Viking stadium news, and I will purposely avoid writing about it ("if you're purposely avoiding writing about it, you're doing a lousy job," you say. "Yes," I say. "You know, it's a really annoying technique to guess at what your readers are thinking, voice those guesses, and then respond to them," somebody else says. "That may be," I reply, "but I've been immersing my mind entirely into the world of John Fowles' The French Lieutenant's Woman where such writing seem natural." "Oh," you say, "I forgot you're a pretentious prig who can't control himself within parentheses." "You forgot that? I don't see how," I say). I have a deeply felt terror that the Vikings will be relocating in three years, and worse that they'll relocate before winning a Super Bowl so that we'll never see them win it, and I don't like to face that terror, since there's virtually nothing I can do about it anyway.Brad Childress's extensionBrad Childress got an extension through 2013 (ESPN). I don't approve. This is not to say Childress is a bad coach that doesn't deserve to be the franchise's coach; there are a lot of positive things that can be said about his tenure. I just think the extension is unnecessary at this point: Childress is under contract until the end of the 2010 season, and there's little reason the Vikes shouldn't wait until the end of the 2009 season to offer Childress an extension. Would it be too much to ask that he win a playoff game before getting a long-term commitment?There is a positive, however. Childress is now under contract with the Vikings through 2013. To me, this indicates a commitment by Zygi Wilf to maintain ownership of the Vikings long-term, and also a commitment to keep the franchise in Minnesota after the Metrodome lease ends after 2011. I could be very wrong about this and I am just speculating, but if I were an NFL owner thinking of either selling or relocating the team after 2011, I wouldn't extend the contract of my coach past 2011. As I say, this is nothing but speculation, but the tone suggests to me a commitment to franchise stability long-term.Other Games of InterestWeek 11 gamesColts-Ravens. How many WRs are clearly better than Reggie Wayne? I think Randy Moss is. I think Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson are Wayne's equals.49ers-Packers. I could see this game going a lot of different ways. I choose to see Frank Gore running for long touchdowns and Aaron Rodgers taking a bunch of sacks. What I will actually see outside my imagination, I don't know.Falcons-Giants. a mid-season game between two 5-4 teams is interesting. The outcome is not necessarily a sign of the direction each team is going, but during mid-season it's fun to pretend that it is.Chargers-Broncos. a game between 6-3 division teams, with the winner sitting atop the AFC West. I want to predict that in December, we'll look back at the time when the Broncos were talked about as a good team. But they still have a game against the Raiders and two games against the Chiefs remaining, so they'll stay relevant even if they lose to the Chargers (which I think they will).Eagles-Bears. Either of these teams could do anything against each other, and I wouldn't really be surprised.Titans-Texans. I vaguely hope the Titans win out, finish 10-6, and I can start having wild fantasies about Vince Young again. But really, what I want out of a Monday night game is fantasy superstars, and this game delivers players like Chris Johnson, Andre Johnson, and Matt Schaub.Fantasy BoxSince my fantasy teams rely on the Indianapolis Colts, I wouldn't object to seeing them lose a few games (by scores like 52-49). When I acquire Colts for my fantasy team, I already abandon week 17: it's always a virtual bye for the Colts. But if the Colts clinch everything early, then weeks 15 and 16 have potential to see starters benched. This is a less than thrilling idea for me.Free advertising on a little-read niche blogParks and Recreation is a very funny show. You should watch it.I do think Mark Brendanawicz was funnier as an easy-going rake. See, I still use words like "rake" and "cad" to describe rakes and cads.This has been free advertising on a little-read niche blog.Timberwolves BoxI went to the Wolves-Mavs game on Friday with my toddler. He had fun: he danced when the music was on, he watched for Crunch, he saw a guy dress up like a cowboy and ride a mechanical horse. I had less fun: I watched the game. Without Kevin Love or Al Jefferson, the Wolves' best players were Jonny Flynn, a 20 year old rookie point guard who is learning the pro game and at any rate has no scorers to pass to, and Corey Brewer, a hustling player who does a lot of little things that can contribute to a team, as long as there are other players on the team who do things like, um, score.On Bill Belichick's fourth down decisionIn my view, punting in that situation says this:A. This opponent may defeat us, but they're going to have to earn the win.Going for it on fourth down says this:B. We're going to try win this game.Most coaches in most situations choose A. And in most situations, A. is the right decision. But Bill Belichick has built up enough credibility that he can get away with choosing B. If he punts and loses, the loss is understandable; if he goes for it and loses, criticism of the loss goes on him. Belichick knows that and knows he can take it, because he's ensconsed in his position, and he's proven he deserves to be ensconsed in his position. He made a risky call, and it didn't work. But it was a call intended to win the game, not a call intending to make the opponent earn a win. A. and B. may seem synonymous, but they're not. Though his decision failed in this case, I still like that Belichick chose B.MVPLast season Peyton Manning won against a rather weak pool of MVP candidates; this year, he might win against a very strong pool of MVP candidates. As long-time readers of this blog know, only QBs and RBs on winning teams are eligible for MVP. Here are the contenders at the moment.Peyton Manning. I can't see any other AFC player getting MVP over Manning. Tom Brady will end with great numbers and a great team record, but Manning will be better in both categories and voters will care that Manning's team beat Brady's team this year.Drew Brees. I don't think he deserves it, but he's the recognized superstar quarterback on a team that will likely be a #1 or #2 seed in its conference. By the end of the year I think he'll only be competing with Manning, Brady, and Kurt Warner for yardage and touchdown numbers.Brett Favre. I doubt he'll win it, but he's a deserving candidate. Favre has never had a 100 passer rating for a season (career best 99.5 in 1995), but he's currently leading the league with 107.5. He's made the Vikings from a playoff contender to a Super Bowl contender, and it really is his strong play that's on display weekly.Adrian Peterson. I don't think he'll get the award away from one of the quarterbacks. However, if he's able to (or forced to) take over some games during the second half of the season, and the Vikes end up with the #1 seed in the conference, it's possible.I love what these two Vikings do, but the competition is likely to be between Manning and Brees. I think Manning is better and more deserving, but voters might be tired of giving Manning MVPs and be ready to give Brees his first.LinksAt Football Outsiders, there is some discussion about how the Vikings have improved so dramatically on Special Teams (scroll down).Percy Harvin (ESPN). We're lucky.Antoine Winfield is 85% sure he'll play Sunday (Pioneer Press).The Vikes have an 80% probability of winning this weekend (New York Times).WeekendHave a good weekend, everybody. Except Seahawk, Packer, and Saint fans. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042152/nfl-picks-predictions-seattle-seahawks-at-minnesota-vikings-vegassportsodds.html Globe and MailNFL Picks and Predictions - Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota VikingsVegasSports-OddsThe Seattle Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday at 1:00pm EST when they meet at the Metrodome in a game that can ...Vikings, Childress agree to extensionSeattle Post IntelligencerNFL Preview - Seattle (3-6) at Minnesota (8-1)Kansas City StarMinnesota Vikings' Brad Childress will get contract extensionPioneer PressExaminer.com -United Press International -Yahoo! Sportsall 425 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042151/in-minnesota-favre-has-found-rhythm-rice.html Brett Favre was on the sideline between possessions during a recent game, quizzing his receivers about what type of coverage they faced. That's when another snapshot of Sidney Rice's increasing confidence became apparent to Minnesota's ageless quarterback. "He goes, 'I was wide open,"' Favre said, recalling Rice's response. "I look at the picture on the sideline and I'm like, 'The guy was all over him."' Defensive backs around the league have begun to learn that's not enough. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042150/houshmandzadeh-chose-seahawks-over-vikes.html When T.J. Houshmandzadeh made a free agent visit to Minnesota at the beginning of March, he was impressed by everything he saw. Well, almost everything. Owner Zygi Wilf cut short a vacation and presented a competitive offer. Receivers coach George Stewart made the veteran feel like the missing piece to the puzzle and coach Brad Childress made it clear how much they valued Houshmandzadeh's services. "It was just a class organization," Houshmandzadeh said. All except for the quarterback. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042149/well-isnt-that-special-teams.html "Well, I'm sure somebody is responsible for the Vikings' improvement on special teams. . .I just don't know who. Could it beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. . .SATAN!?" View full size photo » Last season, many jokes were made on this site. . .and just about everywhere else. . .about the Minnesota Vikings' special teams, and with good reason.  In 25 years of watching football, I can never, ever recall a Vikings special teams unit performing as horribly as the 2008 version did.  Particularly egregious was the punt coverage unit, but as a whole the special teams were terrible in 2008, easily the worst in the NFL and, according to the good folks at Football Outsiders, the second-worst special teams unit of the DVOA era.  Then, in the opener this year against Cleveland, the Beloved Purple gave up another punt return TD to Joshua Cribbs, and it looked like we might be in for more of the same. But a funny thing happened on the way to the rest of the season. According to Football Outsiders, the Vikings now have the top-rated special teams unit in the National Football League.  That would make them the first ever worst-to-first unit of any kind in the DVOA era, and they're on track to totally destroy the mark for biggest single-season special teams DVOA improvement set by the 1998 Seattle Seahawks. When trying to figure out how the Vikings' special teams got so much better from last season to this one, the first and easiest answer is, "Percy Harvin, duh!"  But when FO.com asked Kevin Seifert for a couple of other reasons, the ones he gave made a whole lot of sense. New coordinator in Brian Murphy. He's put his own spin on the coverage and blocking schemes. They seem more sound. They have several new special teams-only players, including Kenny Onatolu, who came from the CFL. He is always around the ball. Two of their draftees, Jasper Brinkley and Jamarca Sanford, are very good special teams players. Their special teams captain of two years ago, Heath Farwell, has come back after missing 2008 because of an ACL. The Farwell return has been huge, as we all knew it would be.  But the drafting and free agent signings are very telling for this team as well.  In the 2009 Draft, after the first couple of picks went to necessities (wide receiver with Harvin and offensive tackle with Phil Loadholt), the Vikings appeared to be drafting and signing players explicitly for special teams, specifically for young, fast guys that know how to tackle.  That's how we get guys like Brinkley and Sanford, who have both been very good for us.  We also get guys like Karl Paymah (who, for all his shortcomings as a CB, has been a good corner) and Onatolu, and we add them to already solid special teamers like Eric Frampton and Husain Abdullah.  Young, fast, and athletic on special teams is always helpful.  This keeps Brad Childress from having to play too many starters on special teams and keep them more focused on doing their "real" jobs as well. A huge pat on the back has to go to Brian Murphy, who had the unenviable task of turning around one of the biggest special teams disasters ever and has done an outstanding job so far.  Here's hoping that the Vikings can keep it up for another seven games.  Or eight.  Or nine.  Or, ideally, ten. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates