http://www.sportsnipe.com Minnesota Vikings, Team News, Updates, and Stats from all sports sources, updated continually. http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2907294/vu-daily-blog-9710.html The Vikings have their last full practice before heading off to New Orleans on Wednesday. See all the Vikings news and speculation as it progresses through the VU Daily Blog. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2907292/zip-tarvaris.html Tarvaris Jackson is now saying things like he wondered what it would be like to play for another team, thinks he?s only on this team still because of Chilly?s loyalty, thought ?Maybe it?s time to go? this preseason and even takes on the loyal purple fans by saying he ?doesn?t care? if people like him or not. You don?t care Tarvaris? Well frankly I do and have got news for you: THIS IS THE NFL. Zygi Wilf is paying the bills including over a million this year on you. There?s also more to this team than your friggin feelings. Being a QB takes thicker skin and it?s not like you were a top ten pick who was promised the franchise till death due us part. In fact, you were given a golden opportunity to run with the starting position beginning in 2008 but lost your job to an aging journeyman named Gus. This also has me wondering if any QB will be happy in Minnesota during the Childress Era. But hey, all is okay right now because we?ve got Brett Favre running the show with something left in the tank. If any starting QB goes down that team faces a major uphill battle and ours has proven to be pretty durable over the years. Life is too short to not to enjoy riding the #4 train. The Battle in the Bayou Part Deux is only deux days away. Skol! Jon Merckle may be followed on Twitter @thevikingpig Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2907289/harvin-handling-migraines-expanded-role.html Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2907288/shutdown-eleven-most-interesting-footballers-2010-9-brett-favre-yahoo-sports.html The Shutdown Eleven counts down a list of eleven NFL-related things, in order of the editor's preference. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2906112/2009-season-preview-minnesota-vikings-realgmcom.html Reuters2009 Season Preview: Minnesota VikingsRealGM.comWith solid reserves Jimmy Kennedy inside and Brian Robison outside, the Vikings have a very impressive defensive front. 2. Talent at the skill positions. ...Brett Favre appears on Vikings' first injury report of seasonUSA TodayVikings-Saints PreviewCBSSports.comSome Minnesota niceMinneapolis Star TribuneGambling911.com -Locksmith Sports Picks -The Associated Pressall 457 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2906111/unrepentant-saiints-planning-to-put-hits-on-brett-favre-again.html METAIRIE, La. — About 45 minutes before Monday's news conferences with the Saints coaching staff, a team official announced that defensive coordinator Gregg Williams would not be available until Wednesday because of a "scheduling change." Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2906110/vikings-offense-aims-to-match-saints-defense-blow-for.html Forget giving Brett Favre an extra second to throw. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2906109/vikings-cb-cedric-griffin-getting-closer-to-returning-but-still-unlikely-for-opener.html Vikings cornerback Cedric Griffin has become a tempting option to play Thursday night because of his speedy recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2905502/confidence-in-percys-health.html Vikings fans spent the holiday weekend digesting a trade of Sage Rosenfels & Darius Reynaud to the Giants, unexpected cuts in Javon Walker & Rhys Lloyd and TJ Houshmandzadeh going to the Ravens. But the season is only 3 days away and the time has come to talk about difference makers. Not backups, but the players you watch on SportsCenter. The players who have an 80+ rating on Madden. The players who you?d say are a ?Franchise Player?. The guys who make you proud to be a fan. Insert Percy Harvin. On August 29th, Percy said on his migraines “They found some things that we think is the main cause of it. We’re all feeling really confident. I know we said that a couple times, but I think this time we found what the main cause was. I’m not saying I won’t ever get a headache again, but hopefully, we can slow it down a little bit.” While that may seem like wishful thinking after missing a game last year and the majority of camp (in addition to one very scary day where he collapsed at practice), every decision the Vikings made over the weekend points towards Percy being headache free. Only 4 WRs means Percy will be playing both outside and in the slot this year. We also can expect him to get more touches than anyone other than Adrian Peterson. That?s pretty darn exciting. He averaged 13.6 yards per reception last year, was dynamic out of the backfield and will be back to his kick returning duties where he made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Lets all hope Percy does indeed have this problem behind him and the only migraines he?s associated with belong to opposing defensive coordinators. Jon Merckle may be followed on Twitter @thevikingpig Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2905501/rising-storm.html The anticipation of this season is hampered because of a looming lockout that could affect the NFL in 2011. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2905500/stars-align-for-chargers.html San Diego has the look of a Super Bowl champion, but it also has a history of folding in big games. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2905236/minnesota-vikings-must-add-big-fast-wide-receiver-some-ideas-who-bleacher-report.html Bleacher ReportWhy Minnesota Vikings Must Add Big, Fast Wide Receiver and Some Ideas WhoBleacher ReportMoreover, after losing their star flanker Sidney Rice this year, the Vikings have juggled their lineup so they now have only four small wide receivers and ... Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2905234/brett-favre-appears-on-vikings-first-injury-report-season-usa-today.html ESPN (blog)Brett Favre appears on Vikings' first injury report of seasonUSA TodayThe NFL injury report returned on Monday, three days ahead of the Minnesota Vikings' trip to New Orleans to play the Saints. And Vikings QB Brett Favre ...Vikings-Saints PreviewCBSSports.comMinnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints NFL OddsLocksmith Sports PicksMinnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints OddsGambling911.comThe Associated Press -NFL News -SB Nation Minnesotaall 400 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2905233/5-questions-canal-street-chronicles.html Readers of The Daily Norseman, Since I've been a member of DN (and then for reasons only Chris knows, a contributing writer), every week this site has done a '5 Questions' segment with the opposing teams blog.  Dave Cariello, the HMFIC (that stands for Head Mother Flogger In Charge...well, what did you think it meant, you dirty minded pervs?!) from Canal Street Chronicles and I kickoff Saints Week with our first '5 Segments' installment of the season.  You can head over to Canal Street Chronicles and check out my answers to his questions. My thanks to Dave, and let's get ready to watch the Norsemen kick the hell out of the Fleur-de-Lis! Oh, one last thing.  I really thought long and hard about a quasi-related video for this segment.  It's kind of a thing I do for the Stock Market Report, but this is the first 5 Questions segment I've ever done (and probably the last after this hits the Interwebs and Gonzo sees it) and I really don't do a video segment for each story.  But there was one song that kept rolling through my mind as I was typing this, and I couldn't resist.  So, in my never ending quest to expand your musical minds and VIkings knowledge all at the same time may I present, for your enjoyment, 'City of New Orleans', by Arlo Guthrie.  My questions and Dave's answers are after the jump: 1.  First off, congratulations on your teams first Super Bowl title.  The NFC South has been the most schizophrenic division in football since its inception.  The team that was last in one year has come back to win the division the following year just about every season.  So can we pencil in the Buccaneers for the division title and the Saints for the wildcard, or what can the Saints do to repeat? I wouldn't pencil the Bucs in for anything other than a last place finish in the division. It's very true that the NFC South has consistently been a "worst-to-first" division but with the Saints now Super Bowl champions for the first time in their franchises history, I think it's safe to say we can throw history out the window. They've got nearly the same team they had last year so as long as the Saints stay focused and remain healthy, I would say they've got a very good chance at repeating as division champions. 2.  As the defending Super Bowl champions, the Saints are obviously the pre-season favorites to repeat in the division.  Who do you feel will be your toughest competition in the NFC South, and in the conference overall? Within the division it has got to be the Falcons and only the Falcons. They appear to be heading in the right direction and Matt Ryan seems like the real deal. They played the Saints tough last season and I expect beating them to become even more difficult this year. Look for Ryan to have a breakout season. Staying within the conference, I'm definitely worried about the Green Bay Packers. They're a trendy pick among the media and I think there is good reason for that. They've got a high-scoring offense behind Aaron Rodgers that can put up a ton of points, much like the Saints. And, yes, I will admit that the Vikings are the third team on the list of NFC teams that worries me. Those should be your top three teams in the conference right there. 3.  One of the strengths of the Saints last year was their secondary.  With S Darren Sharper on the PUP, and Tracy Porter dealing with injuries throughout the pre-season, are you concerned with how the Saints secondary will match up with the Vikings receivers on Thursday? Well, Tracy Porter has been missing practice time with injury but I fully expect him to play on Thursday night. That being said, the only change in the Saints starting secondary from last year will be Malcolm Jenkins playing safety in place of Darren Sharper. I think the defense will miss those key interceptions that Sharper provided early last season but Jenkins seems to be transitioning fairly well and let's face it, he's a lot younger. Even if Sharper were playing, I'm not convinced he would be playing at the same level he did last year.  The other good news for the Saints secondary is that the Vikings are a little banged up in the wide receiver department, missing Sidney Rice and with only four receivers on the roster. 4.  Keeping on the ‘nagging defensive injuries’ theme, starting linebacker Jonathan Vilma has a groin injury, starting OLB Jonathan Casillas was put on IR, and backup LB Clint Ingram is also on the PUP.  Is Casillas being out a weakness the Vikings can exploit, and how concerned are you about depth at the LB position overall? I would be lying if I said the talent and depth of the Saints linebacking corps wasn't a serious concern of mine. After losing Scott Fujita in free agency, signing Clint Ingram in was the only real move the team made to help improve the unit this off-season and he's now out for the first six weeks. Nice work there. Jonathan Casillas has been with the team since last year and was elevated to a starting role during training camp. Naturally, any season-ending injury to a starter is worrisome but Casillas hasn't proven much, especially during regular season play, so I can't speculate on how big of a loss it really is. Not surprisingly, the team signed veteran linebacker Danny Clark - who was just released by the Texans - on Monday. He's got plenty of experience as a starter but very little with the Saints. Hopefully he's a quick fix for Thursday night. If not, Vikings fans can expect to see Jo-Lonn Dunbar and/or Stanley Arnoux fill in on the outside.Also good to know is that Jonathan Vilma practiced on Sunday and is expected to play on Thursday night, though I am slightly nervous that it's a bit of a rush and that he won't be 100%. 5.  When the Saints are firing on all cylinders, they’re almost impossible to stop.  What do you feel is the most favorable offensive matchup the Saints have on the Vikings defense, and what are your keys to the game for the Saints? The Saints have always been incredibly successful with Drew Brees, their stable of talented wide receivers and the way in which they spread the ball around. Given how good the Vikings are with their front four and the current concerns in their secondary (trade of Benny Sapp, Chris Cook injury), I think the Saints best chance of success will be dominating through the air. On top of passing the ball efficiently, I think the Saints need to win the turnover battle, get a lot of pressure on Brett Favre and shut down Adrian Peterson. Simple, right? Bonus:  What's your prediction for the game? I think the Saints match up well against the Vikings and the dropping of the Super Bowl banner before the Saints first ever game in the Superdome as champions will be too much. Saints win a close one, 38-35. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2905232/peterson-vows-to-protect-ball.html Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2905231/jacksons-emotions-mixed-as-he-settles-in-again-backup.html The fifth-year "quarterback of the future" admits he wondered what it might be like to get a fresh start with another team. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2905230/vikings-corners-see-math-problem.html The Saints like to use four receivers at a time, so being shorthanded could be an issue in the defensive backfield. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2899930/national-friday-league-week-one.html What's that, you say? It's Monday? Well, National Friday League is meant to be discuss the NFL (and whatever else the parenthetical tangents take me to) right before the weekend (though I'll generally post it Thursday evening--busy working on Friday and all), but this week the Vikes play Thursday, so I'm popping out a massive National Friday League right away this week (includes some week one preview, some league preview stuff). If' I've got more to add throughout the week, I'll add updates.During the actual football season, there will be two regular weekly posts at PV: National Friday League, which brings together stories from the week and preview of the weekend in a fun, wandering post, and a post commenting on the Viking game (usually posted on the same day as the game, with possible updates added later). So, enjoy?Last year was the Favre year. I have a bad feeling this year will either be the "Last season was our year and we blew it; it's not happening" year or the "This Brett Favre thing went on just longer than it should have" year. Maybe I've become desperately pessimistic, though (about the fate of human life on this earth we're wrecking, mostly, but about football too). On that cheery parenthetical, welcome back, everybody!Vikings-SaintsSince the NFL started giving week one Thursday Night home games to the defending champion in ?04, the home team defending champion has yet to lose that game. That hasn?t always been a harbinger for the season (the ?06 and ?09 Steelers missed the playoffs, for example), though the loser of this game has missed the playoffs for five straight seasons. But that?s the way this game has gone for six straight years: the defending champ wins its Thursday Night home opener. Emotional momentum wins, with a defending champ home team energized by celebration and cheering? Maybe. Scheduling, as an obviously good team is sometimes matched up against an intriguing but underwhelming opponent? Absolutely. Luck, as the first game is often too early for the random things (injuries, the bounces of an odd-shaped ball, etc.) that went right the previous season to go wrong in the followup season? Maybe.I see this as a lose-lose situation. For one thing, all of the images we see are going to be so similar to the images we saw last January (white Viking uniforms, black Saint uniforms, the Superdome as backdrop, plus the network will show a lot of actual footage from that game) that it?s going to be hard not to scratch off old scabs. But if the Vikings win, while it will feel emotionally and psychologically wonderful, and the Vikes would start 1-0, there would still be that feeling that, well, this one doesn?t really matter (remember when the Vikes opened with a win against Atlanta in ?99?). Obviously a Viking win would bring joy, but bittersweet joy at that.And if the Vikings lose, it means seeing the Vikings lose. It also means seeing the Saints win again, it means seeing the Vikes lose an important NFC game, it means seeing the Vikes start 0-1, and it means nine days of doubt before the Vikings play again.I don?t have much confidence, but I also see the Viking pass rush being disruptive and the possibility of Adrian Peterson going for 150.Other Intriguing Week One MatchupsWeek One ScheduleIn week one, isn?t every game at least mildly intriguing? I?d prefer some games, but I?d watch any. So here are some comments on either each game, or a team in each game.Bengals-PatriotsRandy Moss looks like he?s ready to party again, and bring Tom Brady along for the fun of it.Colts-TexansFor any new readers (or long-time readers that have forgotten): for a Viking blogger, I talk way too much about the Indianapolis Colts. Somewhere along the line Peyton Manning became my favorite non-Viking and I watch him whenever I can, and somewhere else along the line I started drafting Colts in fantasy football as if they were the only team in the league (and yes, every Week 17, that sucks).Broncos-JaguarsI?ve always been pretty good at simply not paying attention to cultural things that I?m just not interested in. Maybe I?ve mellowed a lot, but I also have no interest in tearing down those things I don?t care about: if other people really enjoy something that I don?t, well, what do I care? I find Two and a Half Men wildly unfunny, but a lot of people seem to like it. I care precisely zero about soccer, but when everybody was talking about the World Cup this summer, I didn?t bother complaining or ranting about soccer sucking or anything like that. I don?t enjoy the sport, I recognize others do, so I just don?t pay attention and let others enjoy what they enjoy. I pay virtually no attention to popular music: the first and often only time I hear recent hits is on Glee. I really like the ?80s version of The Twilight Zone: whatever, don?t bug me. Maybe I?m just comfortable being outside the mainstream on many things, but I just let the things I don?t care about go, becoming moderately aware of them when necessary.Anyway: so this fellow named Tim Tebow used to play football at the University of Florida, and now he?s on the Denver Broncos? Or so I hear. He's left-handed, huh? So that's cool.Raiders-TitansI will never stop believing in Vince Young. Every season I expect Young to go romp all over everybody. It starts here.Lions-BearsThese are human beings who play football.Falcons-SteelersI find the Steelers without Roethlisberger all sorts of intriguing. I just hope either Leftwich or Dixon don?t screw up the supreme joy that is Mike Wallace.Packers-EaglesBefore the game, Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb can talk about how much pleasure they got/get from killing animals. Vick?s version of killing animals makes him a national pariah; Kolb?s version of killing animals makes him an outdoorsman. Social mores, everybody! Anyway, I hope the Eagles blitz the shit out of Rodgers.Dolphins-BillsI suspect Miami will not be good this year because offensively, they are relying on one RB (Ricky Williams) in his 30s with an historically anomalous career that seems difficult to count on, one RB (Ronnie Brown) that is good but has had some major injuries that may diminish his game, and a young unproven quarterback (Chad Henne) that for all we know will never be more than mediocre. That seems like a lot to worry about. Of course, that anomalous RB might produce again (he is a vegetarian, so I?ve got a soft spot and a rooting interest in him), that RB returning from injury might still have his burst and stay healthy all season, and that unproven quarterback might actually emerge (it happens). Not a team I'd rely on for 16 games, but not a team to be surprised by if they?re good, either.Browns-BuccaneersExpect a lot from Jake Delhomme, and he?ll probably disappoint you. Stick him on a lousy team that?s mostly counted out, and he?ll probably make them competitive. My prediction: Delhomme leads the Browns to a respectably competitive season (7-9 wins, let?s say), going into 2011 (assuming there's football in 2011) you?ll read some ?Hey, how about those Browns emerging? articles, and then Delhomme will not be able to get them above that mediocrity.Panthers-GiantsThe '08 Giants had two 1,000 yard RBs; the ?09 Panthers had two 1,000 yard RBs. If any of you have ever had a video game football team with THREE 1,000 yard rushers in one season, you can actually describe it in detail in the comments section, and I will actually be legitimately interested.49ers-SeahawksI?m thinking career year for Frank Gore, a top-5 RB fantasy season.Cardinals-RamsThe post-Warner Cards have so many offensive questions, yet they start the season with a game that probably won?t answer a single one of them. Of course, if they suck against the Rams, we can guess they probably suck.Cowboys-WashingtonIs it just the distortions of self-selective memory, or do we get to see NFC East teams play each other in Prime Time approximately a dozen times a season?Ravens-JetsI don?t think the Jets will possibly live up to the hype, but defensively, they provide a good opening test and show for the Ravens? offense. It?s weird: I?m really high on Joe Flacco as a fantasy QB, then recall that in last year?s playoffs he did precisely nothing. Does that mean anything? Probably not.Chargers-ChiefsHow many of you will watch this game closely because it?s week one and you love the chance to watch pro football, but when these teams play again in December, you?ll only notice for the fantasy stats?Irrational Viking FanThis is a new feature. While I?m obviously biased and emotional, at this blog I actually generally seek reason and evidence. Now, a weekly feature where I offer irrational feelings.I believe the national media loves the Green Bay Packers. They love the city, the fans, the stadium, the tradition, the city ownership, the cold, even the bratwurst. This national love of the Packers has led many national media members to anoint Aaron Rodgers the new Jesus. Rodgers now gets the Favre treatment, where whatever he does broadcasters will spew words of wonderment. A decade from now, Rodgers will still be getting praised for the poise he showed taking over the team from Brett Favre. If there?s any sense, national fans will one day be as tired of the media salivation of Rodgers as they?ve become with the media salivation of Brett Favre.This has been Irrational Viking Fan.Adrian PetersonIn 2008, Peterson averaged 4.15 yards per attempt or better in 15 of 17 games.In 2009, Peterson was held under 4.0 yards per attempt in 10 of 18 games.That difference is huge. In ?08, Peterson was a consistently dominant running back, capable of carrying the Vikings (10 games with 100+ yards, three games of 160+ yards). In ?09, he was more of a conventionally good elite RB, and was frequently contained or shut down.*Peterson needs to return to his ?07 and ?08 form, when he could bust out a dominant game at any moment, and when he could generally be relied on to be a productive offensive fource.*Being under 4.0 yards per attempt is not always being contained. In Peterson?s game against a tough Cincinnati run defense (26-97-2, 3-40), he had 3.73 yards per attempt, but was really a force in beating the Bengals. His second Packer game (25-97-1, 1-44) was also effective, though he had 3.88 yards per attempt. Even so, I think it?s this difference between ?08 and ?09 that highlights the difference between all-timer Peterson and very-good Peterson.Viking DefenseWhile I have a lot of questions about where the Viking offense is going right now, the defense seems very familiar. The strength of the team is still the defensive line, arguably the league?s best and dominant stopping the run and rushing the passer. The weakness of the team is the secondary, a unit that frequently gives up big plays and seems to lack enough playmakers (especially at safety), but also a unit that gets covered by the regular pass rush from the front.Brett Favre and the MediaOne strange column on Favre I?ve encountered recently was this one at Cold, Hard Football Facts. After a summer of regular criticism of Brett Favre on all sorts of football websites (including mainstream media sites), CHFF puts out this column complaining that the media doesn?t criticize Brett Favre enough for his problems. CHFF: if you don?t think the media criticizes Brett Favre, you?re really just not paying attention. Yes, game announcers slather him with adulation (as they do for most big-time quarterbacks--Dan Dierdorf is to Peyton Manning as John Madden was to Favre--though the effusive praise for Favre gets a bit much). And there was a time, yes, when Favre got a lot of free media passes. But things have changed. A few years ago I loved Dr. Z because he was one of the mainstream sportswriters that regularly criticized Brett Favre. Today, it is commonplace. I mean, so commonplace that as blinkered praise for Brett Favre was a cliché five years ago, blinkered criticism of Brett Favre is a cliché today. This CHFF column is really about the media situation of 2006 or earlier, not today.My point here isn?t to defend Favre, or to claim that criticism of Favre is unjustified. In fact, if I weren?t a Viking fan, I would find the ubiquitous and overwhelming coverage of Favre in the national media annoying, too. My point is that to claim the media doesn?t criticize Favre enough is just not accurate. I?ve written this before: there was a time when Brett Favre got heaped with so much praise that even his mistakes were either blamed on teammates, or inspired even more praise (this time still exists for the game announcers, by the way). But then a backlash occurred: more writers (especially on the internet) criticized Favre, more fans found an outlet (especially on the internet) to express their opinions against Favre and the media, and more people shared their annoyance (especially on the internet) for the way the mainstream sports media covers Favre. Now, it?s commonplace. There are many, many people writing about sports who dislike Favre, root against Favre, and express negative opinions of Favre. Again, that?s fine (though a lot of the criticisms are now, in my opinion, as clichéd as a lot of the praise). But to pretend that criticism of Favre is rare is to distort or ignore reality.And while I?m repeating myself, here?s an argument that I?ve been making since long before Brett Favre became a Viking:Brett Favre has made more positive plays than any quarterback in NFL history (hence, the all-time TD record). Brett Favre has also made more negative plays than any quarterback in NFL history (hence, the all-time INT record). Thus, if you are in an argument about Favre and you?re in the ?praise Favre? position, you can find plenty of arguments, based on statistics and observation, to make your case. And if you are in the ?tear Favre down? position, you can find plenty of arguments, based on statistics and observation, to make your case.I have been in countless arguments about Favre. I?ve now been on multiple sides of those arguments (as I loathe the Packers, I loathed Favre, and as I love the Vikings, I?ve loved Favre). I?ve observed many more arguments about Favre. In all these arguments, the pro-Favre or anti-Favre side is able to find plentiful ?evidence? to support either position convincingly. It?s there: it?s there in the numbers, and it?s there in the games. You can write a masterful argument for or against Favre, supported with stats, observations, citations to specific games, whatever you want. It?s not even hard.Now before you let any of this sink in too deeply, allow me to undermine my credibility.When the Vikings are criticized, I feel like I?m being criticized.It?s a problem. When people who aren?t Viking fans criticize the Vikings or players on the Vikings, I take it personally. I know, too, from talking to other Viking fans that I?m not the only one. It?s irrational and it?s nonsensical. MVP BoxThe only players eligible for the NFL MVP award are quarterbacks and running backs on playoff teams. More specifically, the MVP will be a playoff QB unless a playoff RB has a massive statistical season, and usually the MVP is on a conference #1 seed. Generally, the NFL MVP is a player that is already established as a superstar prior to the season. That's the criteria for the award (tell me I'm wrong).This year, I'm limiting the serious candidates to the following:Tony Romo He'll deserve it if he leads the Cowboys to a #1 seed behind that line.Aaron Rodgers I'm telling you, pay attention: the national media loves Rodgers.Drew BreesMight win on the "this is the year after your year, and we didn't give you the award last year" principle that may have never actually been put into play for NFL MVP, but I'm inventing it now.Adrian PetersonI think he'd need a rushing title and a #1 seed from his team to get it.Tom BradyEstablished superstar with great WRs--he can put up wild numbers again, and he'll be in the playoffs.Peyton ManningI was surprised voters gave him the award last year--not because he wasn't deserving of contention (he usually is) but because he had already won three MVPs (well, two and a half), including the year before, and I thought voters were done giving him MVPs at that point. Plus, it was a legitimately competitive field in '09, including incredible seasons from Brett Favre (I thought he deserved it, but I'm biased) and Drew Brees (Chris Johnson too, if he had been a playoff RB). Now I really think voters are done giving Manning MVPs: even if he deserves it, will they give him three in a row for a total of five (well, four and a half)? I'd be surprised.Chris JohnsonIt will take a combination of three things: leading the league in yards from scrimmage, the Titans making the playoffs, and no standout statistical seasons from elite playoff QBs.I'm leaving out some possibilities--I think the league MVP will be one of these players. Fantasy Box: Fantasy Superstars.No one player can be counted on to make your fantasy team a contender. But there are some players out there that can reliably lead your team to contention. You still need to catch a few breaks and manage your team well (not just good drafting and trading, but savvy free agent pickups), but right now I count on these two theories:Peyton Manning + Elite RB = ContenderI think if you draft Peyton Manning and an elite RB, you will have to manage your team terribly to finish lower than fourth place.Adrian Peterson = ContenderA team with Peterson can contend for a title; he's a great RB that consistently brings the points. For most of the ?00s, Ladanian Tomlinson = Contender, and certainly last season Chris Johnson was the guy whose massive numbers made championship contenders last season, but I?ll take Peterson for the next 3-5 years.LinksHere are the fundamental bookmarks you should have for the NFL season.Football OutsidersBased on detailed statistics and close observation of the games: the commentators at FO don't just say things, but look for evidence. I rely on them regularly throughout the season.ProFootballTalk Rumor MillI've never cared for Mike Florio's commentary; however, the site is a time saver by bringing together NFL news onto one easy-to-read site. Good for news, links, and Sunday morning injury updates.Pro-football-reference.comA must: I can't write about football without constantly checking player and team stats (from a current season and seasons' past), and this site makes finding the needed stats incredibly easy. I've bookmarked the Viking page separately, since I go there so often. They have a good blog too.NFL.com ScoresSpectacular for two reasons. First, they put up a lot of highlight videos. My favorite part of being a football fan is, you know, actually watching the games, and I want to see plays from the games I couldn't watch. It's all there. Second, I've found NFL.com to be a very smooth site to follow games that I can't watch on TV. I do find ESPN's box scores easier to read after the games are completed, however.Why did I bother recommending a bunch of sites that you almost certainly already know about? As Doc Brown says in a wonderful deleted scene from Back to the Future, "beats the shit out of me." And there are other good football sites to read throughout the season (see the links on the side), but these are the bookmarks I absolutely have to have. WeekLast winter I bought a shirt that said "Up 'n' Autumn," and haven't felt like I can wear it out of season. Now I'm ready to rock! September also means the beginning of vegan chili season at the PV household. I love autumn: the return of football, return of school, return of cooler weather.Have a good weekend, suckers. Except Packer, Bear, and Saint fans. Well, have a good week and all, but not too good a time during your team's game. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2899929/denver-broncos-awarded-rb-andre-brown-ol-chris-clark-off-waivers-canadian-press.html New York Daily NewsDenver Broncos awarded RB Andre Brown, OL Chris Clark off waiversThe Canadian PressThe injury-riddled Denver Broncos were awarded running back Andre Brown of the New York Giants and offensive lineman Chris Clark of the Minnesota Vikings ...Broncos claim Brown, Clark, cut Atkins, HallNational Football PostDenver Broncos Claim OT Chris Clark, Cut OLB Baraka AtkinsMile High Report (blog)all 44 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2899928/dan-hampton-thinks-vikings-need-to-hit-new-orleans-like-katrina-nfl-fanhouse.html SportsGrid (blog)Dan Hampton Thinks Vikings Need to Hit New Orleans 'Like Katrina' -- NFL FanHouseFanHouseThe NFL's regular season kicks off this Thursday night in New Orleans with a rematch of last year's NFC Championship Game between the Minnesota Vikings and ...Video - Dan Hampton Says Vikings Need To "Hit Saints Like Katrina"Cleveland LeaderFootball Analyst: Minnesota Vikings Should Hit New Orleans 'Like Katrina'GawkerDan Hampton Says Minnesota Vikings Should Hit New Orleans Like Katrina ...Anorak.co.uk (satire)SportsGrid (blog)all 13 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2899927/minnesota-vikings-have-holes-to-fill-but-receiver-tj-houshmandzadeh-in-mix-pioneer-press.html msnbc.comMinnesota Vikings have holes to fill but receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh not in mixPioneer PressThree days before the season opener at New Orleans, the Vikings are still looking to add depth at cornerback, wide receiver and possibly ...Vikings Announce Practice Squad...Battles Left Off List...KEYCHoushmandzadeh is a Viking?Fantasy Football ToolboxVikings say no interest in Houshmandzadehmsnbc.comNFL News and Rumors (blog)all 15 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2899926/childress-defends-jackson-over-rosenfels-associated-press.html Chicago Breaking Sports - TribuneChildress defends Jackson over RosenfelsThe Associated PressMinnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress is staunchly defending his decision to keep Tarvaris Jackson as Brett Favre's backup over Sage Rosenfels. ...Minnesota Vikings Vs New Orleans Saints NFL Opening Night: Las Vegas Line & PickAssociated ContentFavre on a Saints beatdown: 'It's football'ESPN (blog)Vikings coach Brad Childress: Enough Tarvaris Jackson talk, let's talk about ...One News PageNOLA.com -Pittsburgh Post Gazette -OCRegisterall 321 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2899925/vikings-saints-expect-more-big-hits-in-seasonopening-rematch-nfc-championship-game.html Last year's NFC Championship Game might be too fresh in the minds of Vikings and Saints players for Thursday's rematch to lack the occasional violent hit. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2899924/vikings-coach-brad-childress-enough-tarvaris-jackson-talk-lets-about-saints.html Tarvaris Jackson is the Vikings' No. 2 quarterback, and coach Brad Childress doesn't want to answer any more questions about it. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2899923/minnesota-vikings-have-holes-to-fill-but-receiver-tj-houshmandzadeh-in-mix.html Three days before the season opener at New Orleans, the Vikings are still looking to add depth at cornerback, wide receiver and possibly the offensive line. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2899922/qampa-broncos-ryan-harris-eric-decker.html The Denver Broncos have two young Minnesotans on their roster, who both got a chance for a preseason homecoming Thursday. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2898686/ground-game-looks-like-cureall.html The Vikings see running vs. the Saints as one way to keep Brett Favre safe and the best way to attack a shaky run defense. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2898685/harvin-says-im-ready-to-play-ball.html Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2898684/childress-stands-strong-on-his-quarterback-decision.html Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2898683/favre-expects-saints-to-get-physical-again.html Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897957/notebook-no-for-now-to-houshmandzadeh.html Sunday was no day of rest at Winter Park. The Vikings fielded questions about T.J. Houshmandzadeh and the backup quarterback spot, injured players were returning to practice, the practice squad was assembled and more. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897955/vikings-top-off-practice-squad-g-seth-olsen-national-football-post.html Vikings top off practice squad with G Seth OlsenNational Football PostThe Minnesota Vikings announced the signing of seven players to their practice squad earlier today and the team capped it off by signing guard Seth Olsen, ...Minnesota Vikings Sign Seven Players To Practice SquadDaily Norseman (blog)Which Minnesota Vikings Will Soon Be on the Chopping Block?Bleacher Reportall 7 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897095/practice-squad.html The Vikings got some good news today when Cedric Griffin and John Sullivan took part in practice. Also, here are the players that are currently occupying spot on the Vikings practice squad: - Safety Colt Anderson - Offensive guard Thomas Austin - Defensive tackle Tremaine Johnson - Wide receiver Freddie Brown - Wide receiver Logan Payne - Fullback Ryan D’Imperio - Cornerback Marcus [...] Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2895725/pride-goeth-before-destruction.html If there is a silver lining to the Minnesota Vikings' decision to move Sage Rosenfels, it is a silver lining with four prongs of varying worth. Those prongs are the fifth-round pick that the Vikings receive in return for Rosenfels, the release of a player not content with his situation on the team, the near certain retention of Joe Webb, and the possibility that Vikings' head coach Brad Childress might someday be forced to reckon with the decision.Of these benefits, none remotely assuage what in the minds of most informed viewers amounts to a decision to release Rosenfels in favor of retaining a far lesser player. The perception of this being yet another foolish quarterback move by Childress is only enhanced by the utterly inexplicable decision to include kick returner Darius Reynaud in the deal. If the Vikings' intention was to become weaker at quarterback and at kick returner, they can proudly proclaim "Mission Accomplished."The loss of Rosenfels means, of course, that Childress' five-year experiment with Tarvaris Jackson will continue, but for no apparent reason. Jackson's sole role with the team is that of backup to Brett Favre. With a one-year deal, that might be the only role that Jackson ever again fills for this team. If so, the Vikings still lost time, money, and one more year left on Rosenfels' contract in exchange for retaining a player that nobody else wants.Certainly, none of this makes sense to anyone other than the handful of fans who myopically and mindlessly continue to support Childress' backing of Jackson on the wisp of a hope that Jackson might do what he has yet to do. It makes far less sense when factoring in Reynaud's inclusion in the deal to give the New York Giants a solid backup to Eli Manning and a starting kick returner, all for a late-round selection in next year's draft. And it makes the Vikings' deal for Rosenfels an utterly wasted and expensive venture, particularly given that the Vikings gave up a fourth-round last year pick to obtain Rosenfels.In sum, in exchange for a late-round selection in the future, the Vikings gave away their best backup quarterback and their only kick returner to a team that the Vikings' ownership group idolized as children. Either the Wilf's have reverted to adolescence or Childress' pride simply won't let him give up the ghost. Including Reynaud in the deal only further suggests the bloated value that Childress places on Jackson. Of course, it would have been better if Childress had simply said after making one bad move that he even would have considered throwing in Reynaud if it meant he could keep Jackson. But pride required action. That meant moving Reynaud with Rosenfels and keeping Jackson. It's Childress way of saying not only that he does not value one of his detractors, but also that he values highly his hand-picked successor who has never been. And all of it was done to justify a series of bad decisions dating back to the dealing of picks to trade up to take Jackson.Ultimately, it is more pride than one man likely can swallow and pride that could lead to the Vikings' downfall should Favre get injured this year or retire after the season.Up Next: Moneyball. Plus, Housh. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2895723/nfl-week-1-wagering-odds-onlinesportshandicappingcom.html New York Times (blog)NFL Week 1 Wagering OddsOnlineSportsHandicapping.comThe Minnesota Vikings (0-0) open up their 2010 NFL Betting Regular Season when they face the defending world champion, New Orleans Saints (0-0). ...Favre's returns adds clarity to Vikings-SaintsLas Vegas Review-JournalNew Orleans Saints fans, brace for an overload of Brett FavreNOLA.com10 bold predictions for the VikingsTheSportsJury (blog)Deseret Newsall 24 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2895181/vikings-put-band-back-together.html The Vikings got Brett Favre to come back because he was such a good fit in the 2009 Vikings locker room. What may have been the selling point was that so many of his teammates were also back -- an unprecedented lack of turnover that has only two non-drafted players on the 2010 roster that weren't there in 2009. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2895180/vikings-trade-sage-rosenfels-darius-reynaud-to-ny-giants-for-undisclosed-draft-choice.html The Sage Rosenfels era officially ended on Saturday evening when he was traded the the N.Y. Giants along with RB/WR Darius Reynaud for the ever popular undisclosed draft choice. By trading Rosenfels, the Vikings assured Joe Webb of a roster spot and keeps Tarvaris Jackson as the teams back-up QB for yet another year. Other observations [...] Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2895179/saints-facing-some-issues-at-linebacker-national-football-post.html msnbc.comSaints facing some issues at linebackerNational Football PostThe New Orleans Saints are in a bit of a scramble at linebacker with their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings only four days away. ...New Orleans Saints: Darren Sharper, Terry Bradshaw, Drew Brees, Sean Payton ...Bayou BuzzSaints to place Darren Sharper on PUP list, cut Ladell BettsFS SouthwestSaints place Sharper on PUP list, Casillas on IRThe Associated Press2TheAdvocate -NewOrleans.Com (blog) -ESPNall 170 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2895178/cheap-wholesale-coach-handbagchanel-handbaggucci-handbaglv-handbaged-handbag.html Posted by www.salegoodshoes.com on 9/5/2010, 6:27 am; 0 responses Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2895177/wholesale-supplierscheap-nike-air-force-one-sneakerair-jordan-fusion-shoesgucci-women-shoescheap.html Posted by www.salegoodshoes.com on 9/5/2010, 6:32 am; 0 responses Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2895176/sunday-slant-inside-trades-rumors.html Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2894266/vikings-cut-javon-walker-reportedly-hunt-tj-houshmanzadah-sportingnewscom.html Vikings cut Javon Walker; reportedly hunt TJ HoushmanzadahSportingNews.comTwo weeks after they signed him in a desperation move, the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday cut wide receiver Javon Walker. The move could be a signal the ... Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2894265/vikings-quarterback-rosenfels-gets-traded-to-giants-as-backup-empowered-news.html New York Daily NewsVikings Quarterback Rosenfels Gets Traded to Giants as Backup QuarterbackEmpowered NewsThe Minnesota Vikings traded quarterback Sage Rosenfels along with running back and kick returner Darius Reynaud to the New York Giants, according to the ...Rosenfels and Reynaud pass physicals to officially complete trade from VikingsThe Canadian PressBackup quarterback Sage Rosenfels, returner Darius Reynaud pass physicals ...The Star-Ledger - NJ.comVikings Make Roster Cuts...Battles One of Them...Roster Down to 53...KEYCInside Pulse (blog) -Sportsrageous -SB Nation Minnesotaall 242 news articles » Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2894089/for-longwell-shoe-must-go-on.html VIKINGS 2010 SEASON PREVIEW Even at 36 years old, Ryan Longwell hasn't lost love for kicking. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2894088/important-year-for-winfield.html VIKINGS 2010 SEASON PREVIEW The veteran cornerback shrugs off his misfortunes from last year, saying, 'It's a business.' Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2894087/daaaaad-pat-williams-weve-got-to-win-this-year.html 2010 VIKINGS SEASON PREVIEW Standout defensive tackle Pat Williams, who appears to be near retirement, thinks it's a 'do-or-die year.' Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2894086/farewell-tour-for-starting-lbs.html 2010 VIKINGS SEASON PREVIEW The starting linebackers include two pending free agents. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2894085/health-issues-hit-big-3-receivers.html 2010 VIKINGS SEASON PREVIEW Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin might be the NFL's top trio -- if they're playing. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2894084/all-day-motivated-to-shine.html 2010 VIKINGS SEASON PREVIEW Adrian Peterson becomes even more important this season. Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2894083/this-year-vikings-are-going-all-in.html Minnesota Vikings - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates