The Viking Age » atlanta falcons

Vikings Blunder Their Way Through First Half, Trail Falcons By 17

Dan Zinski — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:26:34 +0000

The first half was a comedy of errors for the Vikings. You want atrocious secondary play? We got Benny Sapp, Tyrell Johnson and Marcus Sherels. You want injuries? We got Tyrell pulling his hammy and long-snapper Cullen Loeffler injuring his tailbone. You want guys playing out of position? We got Jared Allen having to take over long-snapping duties from Loeffler. You want predictable offensive design? We got Bill Musgrave calling the same screen pass to Percy Harvin fifteen times. You want dumb penalties? We got Phil Loadholt with holding and a false start, and Benny Sapp getting called for holding on a punt, and Christian Ponder getting called for illegal motion. Somehow the Vikings were able to make just enough plays on defense to keep the score from getting totally out of hand. Maybe they can rise up defensively in the second half like they did against the Raiders and give their offense a chance. Oh that’s right…the offense can’t do anything anyway. Dang it.

Like The Viking Age on Facebook.
Follow Dan Zinski on Twitter.

Vikings vs. Falcons: 5 Questions With Blogging Dirty

Dan Zinski — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:40:35 +0000

In search of the skinny on the Atlanta Falcons, The Viking Age touches base with Jamie Kelly of Blogging Dirty.

TVA: How’s Matt Ryan doing this year? Or should I call him Matty Ice?

BD: Yes you should! He started the season slow and a bit out of rhythm with receivers but since he is beginning to play better and better each week. The last few weeks he has got back to Pro Bowl form, throwing back to back 300 yards in a running based offense and his accuracy is back to what it was last year. His control of the offense in the no huddle is very impressive, he continues to put the offense in the best possible situation.

(more…)

Ray Edwards to the Falcons?

Dan Zinski — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:02:42 +0000

Dawson Devitt of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution considers whether soon-to-be UFA Ray Edwards would be a good fit for the Falcons. The main point against Edwards according to Devitt: Ray played on the same line with 3 Pro-Bowlers and still never managed double-digit sacks in any one season. The main point in Edwards’ favor: His physical gifts. And the fact that he would be lining up opposite Pro Bowler John Abraham, theoretically helping him to produce big numbers (cause that theory proved so true when Ray was lining up across from Jared Allen).

Here’s what Dawson Devitt leaves out while discussing Edwards: The fact that he is a whining malcontent knucklehead who clashes with his teammates on the sidelines, rips his front office and does goofy off-season things like launch boxing careers. He also neglects to mention that much of Edwards’ reputation as a good pass rusher is based on one performance: His three sack playoff game against the Cowboys and their dismal offensive line.

I can understand outside observers looking at Ray Edwards and thinking he still has the potential to be a good if not great pass rusher. He has the speed and size, and at his age it can be argued that he’s just now entering his prime. Unfortunately I’ve watched Ray Edwards too long to buy into this assessment. Ray has physical tools but nothing between the ears. He is just not a disciplined enough human being to become the player his talent indicates he could be.

The problem with guys like Ray is they will always keep tantalizing you with their raw ability. Just when you’re ready to write them off they’ll have a huge game and make you think you were too hasty. Then they’ll vanish for five straight weeks and reconfirm your negative view of their dedication level.

If the Falcons want to take a chance on this guy, believing his best years are ahead of him, by all means let them. Ray has made it clear that he’d rather continue his career outside of Minnesota, and the Vikings should do everything they can to oblige him, whether that means watching him walk as a UFA or, if necessary, trading him.

Follow FanSided on Facebook. Follow The Viking Age on Twitter.