Archive for January, 2011

In 2009 the Vikings had one of the best overall defenses in the NFL, thanks to a fearsome pass rush, sure-tackling linebackers and a secondary that minimized damage in the passing game while providing solid run support.  In 2010, however, the defense took a big step back.  The pass rush was not so fearsome, the linebackers didn’t tackle as well as before and the secondary began getting exposed in major ways. The secondary was by far the most disappointing element of that diminished defense.  By season’s end, fans were fed up with watching Frank Walker, Madieu Williams, Lito Sheppard and [...]

A remark by Peter King on NBC today has stirred tons of speculation among Vikings fans about the possibility of a new name being added to the quarterback mix in Minnesota. King’s interesting comments regarded Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.  According to the long-time SI football insider, new Broncos top dog John Elway is unimpressed by Mr. Tebow, and could seek to trade the young quarterback. So what does this have to do with the Vikings?  Well, as we know, the Vikes on Friday interviewed former Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels as part of their search for a new offensive [...]

Former Denver Broncos head coach and New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was in Minnesota yesterday meeting with Leslie Frazier and other Vikings brass to discuss the offensive coordinator opening. As of this morning, no major media outlet is reporting that a hiring has been made. Reading the tea leaves states that Minnesota is an unlikely landing spot. So what’s the story with McDaniels? Well the hot offensive coordinator candidate is now simply making the interview rounds with the Kansas City Chiefs as the most likely destination for the 2011 season (provided there is one). Kansas City has essentially [...]

The Josh McDaniels watch is in full swing.  The latest news comes from the ever-intrepid and Twitter-obsessed Judd Zulgad who just tweeted:  “Josh McDaniels was definitely in Winter Park today meeting with Leslie Frazier and other Vikings officials.” As reported yesterday, former Broncos head coach McDaniels is being sought by the Vikings as a replacement for Darrell Bevell at offensive coordinator.  In one scenario, Bevell would be demoted to quarterbacks coach under McDaniels.  In another possibly more agreeable scenario, Bevell would leave Minnesota altogether taking the last vestiges of the KAO with him. And what might McDaniels’ hire mean for [...]

A Lion’s loss is a Viking’s gain.  Today, the NFL announced that Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams will replace Lions rookie phenom Ndamukong Suh on the Pro Bowl roster, after Suh was forced to drop out due to shoulder surgery. Williams like most of the Vikings defense had something of a down year.  This coupled with the emergence of Suh bumped Williams from the Pro Bowl team for the first time since 2005. With Williams’ addition to the roster the Vikings now have two Pro Bowlers, the other being Adrian Peterson.  This marks Williams’ sixth career Pro Bowl selection.  Hey, [...]

Going into the 2010 NFL Draft the Minnesota Vikings were a mere couple players away from making the Super Bowl. Really all the team needed was a backup running back to fill in for what Chester Taylor left behind and a quality cornerback to serve as depth until Cedric Griffin returned from a torn ACL. That’s it. Of course there was the possibility Brett Favre wouldn’t come back, but we all know what would eventually happen and otherwise… This team was set. But as the draft started and on Thursday night (don’t forget this was the first year the draft [...]

Leslie Frazier has designs on creating an all-star coaching staff in Minnesota.  Reports today say the Vikings are set to interview a pair of potential new assistants who were both NFL head coaches in 2010, but lost their jobs after tumultuous tenures. We heard yesterday from Judd Zulgad that Mike Singletary could be in the mix as linebackers coach under soon-to-be-named defensive coordinator Fred Pagac.  Now we have confirmation that the Vikings will indeed interview the former 49ers coach for that position. But the interviewing won’t end with Singletary.  We now have word that the Vikings plan to demote Darrell [...]

Leslie Frazier has begun the process of putting his personal stamp on the Vikings‘ coaching staff.  Today the Vikes let go of quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers, offensive line coach Pat Morris and assistant offensive line coach Jim Hueber. Running backs coach Eric Bieniemy is also set to leave, after accepting the offensive coordinator position at the University of Colorado. Despite an overall inconsistent effort by the offensive unit, even after Brad Childress left, Judd Zulgad reports that as of now Darrell Bevell looks set to retain his position as offensive coordinator.  This will come as somewhat disheartening news to those [...]

Over the next several days (or weeks or however long it takes us) my collaborator Jon Merkle and I will be counting down the 10 most significant Vikings stories of the season just ended.  This actually includes off-season stuff plus the season itself. So, let’s begin… #10 The Arizona Comeback We knew the early schedule was going to be hard on the Vikings.  After an opening road game against the Super Bowl champion Saints, Minnesota would come home for two against Miami and Detroit, then it was back on the road to face the playoff contending Jets.  Then it was [...]

As we all know the Vikings season is over and other than getting the team a new stadium the top priority for our beloved purple is to find a quarterback. Not to make a rash decision (please, this offseason has to run it’s course), but news has surfaced from Mike Klis of the Denver Post that the Broncos are shopping Kyle Orton. Said Klis… “Tebow was almost the anti-Orton in his final three games: hardly pretty between the 20s, but his running ability helped him play well in the red zone and in the fourth quarter. Tebow will be the [...]