I was fortunate enough to attend the Vikings preseason opener last night.. It is a long story but we get this tickets as a throw in for the Vikings packer game.. I don't believe the coaches when they say that you don't make the team on what you do in the preseason games.. There is only x number of times you get to rush the passer and hit the wide receivers coming across the field and that is the only way you find out who in the words of the great diesel "who eats meat and who eats tofu".. The score in these games is meaningless other than what happens when the two teams are playing there starters… The raiders are a terrible team.. They got the ball deep in Vikings territory twice and really did nothing other than take up space before a fat eastern European waddled on the field and kick two field goals.
DD's observation of the first quarter was why does Randy look so sad.. It was simple but true Moss has no explosion homeboy his speed is not cash.. If you listened to his statement after the game he really misses playing on a team that utilized the best deep threat receiver to ever play the game.. (No joke I can't think of a better one).. He might shock me but there is no way he can be the same receiver he is a step slower and his tear it up attitude seems to be lost..
Brooks might be the dumbest quarterback to ever play the game.. He looks like a rookie running the offense for the raiders so it is hard to judge how the 1st vikes defense played. I will admit the new defense masks there coverage's and lineups really well but he was lost out there.. The defensive line looks they are going to be able to apply better pressure than last year. The Viking defensive players all look leaner than last year and a little quicker especially the d ends..
Draft Picks I cared about. Greenway is out which is no shock since he has had various throughout camp.. The Cook kid looks huge but I can't say he played poorly or if he played at all.(not good for a second rounder).. Jackson was different than I thought he would be.. He has a really quick release and the obvious cannon which he could have used some touch on last night.. But that said he looked like he had a clue what he was supposed to do out there.. I think if he keeps progressing he could be a legit backup around Thanksgiving this year.. Not sure if it his ability or the coaching but he never really looked confused out there but I am sure in preseason they some pretty standard defensive schemes. I have not excuse for McMahon and the other Osullivan guy.. They have been at this for better than 4 years and they both just don't get it.. The vikes should watch the waiver wire for a serviceable backup quarterback.. That Blue kid playing safety is a hitter I really like that back there.. They had another decent white guy playing linebacker that looked like he could play I am sure he is just as good or better than greenway but only time will tell.. It looks like we won't be seeing anymore of greenway this year..
I thought the linebackers where lined up in the right position this year which is saying a lot.. The defensive back field is going to be decent but extremely thin and safety and corner.. The second string d line was disappointing they should have been more dominant since most are not rookies but it could have been the schemes or whatever..
Skilled positions.
The Vikings are a very plodding team they don't have any guys with a real burst especially at RB.. This guy from the ravens is a real nice backup but not a number one back.. I know it is early but he just doesn't come off the ball and hit holes .. I might be wrong on this guy but I just don't see that burst into the hole.. Moore is what he is a great quick runner that hits the hole hard but his body can not take 20 carries a game and he is just not a gamebreaker.. Much Respect for Brad Johnson his throws where sharp and on the money.. If he plays all year the vikes will make the playoffs if he is hurt they don't have a prayer.. The receivers look as deep as any position we have.. Williamson is a nice deep threat I think robinson is going to have a huge year and so can Travis Taylor all if Johnson stays healthy.. I think Marcus Robinson will be cut he was running with the third team..not good..
So I guess I will rate the preseason game like this..
Kickoff/Punt Coverage They where flat terrible D
Kickoff/Punt Returns Fumble on the first kick(Williamson assured he won't have to try that again) F
Punting/Kicking The vikes are going to be very solid here this year A
Running Backs I really like richardson at the FB but am bored with everybody else C-
Receivers Hard to tell but they should be the consistent part of this team B
Quarterbacks Johnson and Jackson where near perfect but thanks to the Irish idiots B-
O line The right side is still pretty weak they could not get any running game going past 3 yds.. B
D Line They look quick and ready to play The Tampa could be perfect for this line A-
Linebackers I think they will be serviceable but with Greenway out they are going to be thin B
Dbacks The 1st was a good as they could have been in the preseason against an inept QB but the second string is pretty weak.. B+
Fans Drunk and Rube like but hey they didn't boo Moss which is true it is half the reason any of these people ever started watching the vikes.. I give them a solid B since 30% people actually cheered when Jackson when into the game so they where at least watching..
Quick Note on excellent parenting..
My wife was with friends this weekend and one of her friends mentioned that her kid that is not in school yet is reading chapter books.. I quickly scoffed at the notion that there kids where any more educated than mine. "I bet there kid can't Xbox have as good as my 5 year old" My wife was repulsed yet again with what she has to deal with a daily basis.. It just hurts her more when I verbalize it.. I have more crap to write but I will keep it short today..
PUP
D
