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Minnesota Vikings Links from National Sources January 7, 2012

The Jazzy One — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 08:01:21 +0000

Hey Vikings Fans!

As bloggers, we tend to like to get our Vikings news from our other favorite Minnesota Vikings blogs from around the web. We often publish lists of recent posts from other great Vikings blogs, but of course it is hard to ignore the national sports media, so here are some recent Vikings articles from National media sources.

Report: Ex-Bucs coach Morris to talk to Vikings

Stadium pitches get deadline from governor

Vikings to interview ex-Bucs coach Morris for DC role

The Minnesota Vikings are lining up an interview with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris for their defensive coordinator position, according to a league source.

Johnson, Allen near unanimous choices for AP All-Pro Team

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson and Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen were the leading vote-getters for The Associated Press 2011 NFL All-Pro Team, each falling one vote short of being unanimous choices.

Vikings Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Many mistakes were made en route to a 3-13 season that saw the Vikings finish five games out of third place in the NFC North.

If those mistakes aren’t corrected with a more talented and deeper roster in 2012, everyone will know who to blame

Calvin Johnson, Jared Allen lead All-Pro voting (PA SportsTicker)

By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer

Megatron, Allen lead All-Pro voting

Lions receiver Calvin Johnson and Vikings defensive end Jared
Allen are the leading vote getters for The Associated Press 2011
NFL All-Pro Team, each falling one vote short of being unanimous
choices.
Bengals so much better without diva WRs

Losing Ocho, T.O. was key for playoff-bound Bengals.

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Karl Dunbar Out. Raheem Morris In?!?

The Jazzy One — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:43:50 +0000

The word is that Defensive Line Coach Karl Dunbar has been let go by the Vikings.

I guess I find it interesting, since the defensive line was probably the best part of the Vikings defense this year. That being said, though, they did take a step backwards when it comes to stopping the run, and if it wasn’t for Jared Allen’s awesome season, they might not have produced much pressure on opposing quarterbacks, either.

But in the big picture, it’s actually another rumor that makes this all more interesting.

Several news sources are saying that the Vikings are interviewing former Tampa Bay Bucs coach Raheem Morris for a “high up” position on the defensive coaching staff.

Is it possible that Morris pretty much has the defensive coordinator job wrapped up, and Dunbar is just the first casualty of an overhaul?

Obviously it’s too early to tell.

But if I had to guess, that’s where my money would be.

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Minnesota Vikings Links from National Sources January 2, 2012

The Jazzy One — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:15:56 +0000

Hey Vikings Fans!

Vikings lose; Allen just misses NFL sack record

MINNEAPOLIS- Jared Allen gave the Minnesota Vikings a show in an otherwise-meaningless game at the end of a forgettable season.

Allen falls just short of sack record in Vikings’ 17-13 loss to Bears

Bears Vikings Football – Devin Hester, Eric Frampton

Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester (23) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive back Eric Frampton (37) on a kickoff return in the first half of an NFL football game in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Andy King)

Vikings’ botched field-goal try

Minnesota holder Chris Kluwe mishandles the snap, and the Vikings are unable to attempt a field goal that could have brought them within one point of the Bears.

Allen Sets Vikings’ Single-season Sack Record (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

All season long, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen has carried the defense on his back. When the game was on the line or the opposing offense was victimizing the Vikings defense, Allen found a way to make an impact play.

Sunday’s National Football League Capsules (PA SportsTicker)

Tim Tebow fell short in his latest comeback bid, yet his Denver Broncos are still going to the playoffs.

Vikings lose; Allen just misses NFL sack record

Jared Allen gave the Minnesota Vikings a show in an
otherwise-meaningless game at the end of a forgettable season.

Record-seekers vs. Bears

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Minnesota Vikings Links from National Sources December 20, 2011

The Jazzy One — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:01:06 +0000

Hey Vikings Fans!

Adrian Peterson thinks Saints D was playing dirty

Adrian Peterson thinks Saints D was playing dirty

Jim Souhan: Are Frazier, Ponder part of Vikings’ solution?

Saints Vikings Football

New Orleans Saints’ John Gilmore (89) celebrates his touchdown reception with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Genevieve Ross)

Brees, Saints’ defense too much for Vikings

Drew Brees threw for 412 yards and five touchdowns to lead the New Orleans Saints to their sixth win in a row, 42-20 over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Redskins’ convincing win offers blueprint for 2012 (The Canadian Press)

ASHBURN, Va. – If the Washington Redskins want a blueprint for 2012, this is pretty close.

Despite Vikings’ struggles, Allen still fired up (The Canadian Press)

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – The Minnesota Vikings were on the wrong end of a blowout against New Orleans, and Jared Allen was on the sideline during the Saints’ final possession.

Peterson accuses Saints of dirty play

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson says he thinks
the New Orleans Saints were purposely trying to injure his sprained
left ankle in their game on Sunday.
Despite Vikings’ struggles, Allen still fired up

The Minnesota Vikings were on the wrong end of a blowout against
New Orleans, and Jared Allen was on the sideline during the Saints’
final possession.

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Daily Vikings Trivia (12-07-11) Jared Allen

The Jazzy One — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Minnesota Vikings Trivia

Your Daily Piece of Minnesota Vikings History

Jared Allen once recorded a safety by chasing a detroit quarterback out of the back of the endzone

Click Here To See Past Vikings Trivia Posts

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10 Reasons I’m Thankful This Thanksgiving as A Vikings Fan

The Jazzy One — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:00:55 +0000

10 Reasons I’m Thankful This Thanksgiving as A Vikings Fan

It’s been a rough season for the Vikings and for us Vikings fans. There is no disputing that. However, in the spirit of the holiday, I still wanted to think of some reasons why I, as a Vikings fan, can be thankful this season.

Christian Ponder is the quarterback of the future in Minnesota
Tarvaris Jackson is NOT the quarterback of the future in Minnesota
Donovan McNabb is NOT the quarterback of the future in Minnesota
Adrian Peterson’s injury is not that severe
Adrian Peterson did not pull a “Chris Johnson” after signing a huge contract
Jared Allen is a member of the Minnesota Vikings, and will be for some time
Asher Allen is not a permanent solution in the Vikings defensive backfield
Ray Edwards left the team instead of Brian Robison
So far the team is still the MINNESOTA Vikings
We can only go up from here!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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Jared Allen Is The Defensive Player Of The Month

The Jazzy One — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:42:38 +0000

Eden Prairie, MN – Minnesota Vikings DE Jared Allen has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for October. Allen tallied 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 24 tackles. Allen leads the NFL in sacks with 12.5 and surpassed a Vikings’ team record by sacking the quarterback in 10 consecutive games.

The honor is the 2^nd of Allen’s 8-year NFL career, and his first as a member of the Vikings. Allen previously received the award in October of 2007, as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Allen is the 1^st member of the Vikings to receive the recognition since Darren Sharper in November, 2005. Allen is the 8^th different Vikings player to win the NFC Defensive Player of the Month award and the 4^th defensive lineman to achieve the honor.

VIKINGS NFC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH

1986 Doug Martin, DE September

1989 Keith Millard, DT October

1992 Chris Doleman, DE December

1993 Chris Doleman, DE December/January

1994 Jack Del Rio, LB September

1994 Anthony Parker, CB October

1994 John Randle, DT December

1996 John Randle, DT October

1997 John Randle, DT October

1999 John Randle, DT December

2005 Darren Sharper, S November

2011 Jared Allen, DE October

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I Stand Corrected… There IS Such a Thing As A Moral Victory

The Jazzy One — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:02:25 +0000

The Minnesota Vikings are now 1-6.

The Minnesota Vikings may have lost to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon, but they showed more fight in that game than they had all season. Despite playing the best team in the NFL, and despite the fact that the Vikings have pretty much been one of the worst teams so far, the Vikings only lost by 6 points, and they were in the game until the closing minutes.

A Huge Moral Victory

I will admit, I was one of those fans that never bought into the whole “moral victory” thing very much. To me, if you didn’t win, there was no victory to be found.

But… after Sunday’s game against the Packers, I really think I understand the thought a lot better.

I wasn’t able to write a game preview this week, but if I had, I would have predicted that the Packers would win by at least 17 points. I really felt that the Vikings didn’t have a shot… they were starting a new quarterback, didn’t have Antoine Winfield, didn’t have Chris Cook, playing with a backup center… and all this while they were facing Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.

I expected an embarrassing weekend.

When the opened up with a 72 yard pass from Christian Ponder to Michael Jenkins, though, I started to think maybe this game wouldn’t be so bad.

Then when they led at half time 17-13, I joked with my family that we should turn it off there and pretend that we didn’t know anything about the second half. I still expected a second half meltdown by the Vikes, but I figured at least I got to watch a fun first half.

By the time the game was over, I knew that while it might be too late for this season, maybe this Ponder kid might work out for the future.

Ponder Wasn’t Perfect

Let’s get the bad stuff out of the way, first.

Christian Ponder didn’t play so well that we should expect him to be unanimously voted to the Pro Bowl after yesterday’s game. He had his struggles. He threw 2 interceptions, and at least a couple more passes that should have been picked off. A few times on his deep balls he floated the ball, and on a couple throws he missed badly. He tried to force some throws that he should have known better than to attempt.

Rookie mistakes.

And guess what… he’ll make more of them throughout the year.

He is, after all, a rookie.

He only completed 41% of his passes. That needs to drastically improve.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

… But, he did some good things

Even though he was far from perfect, though, he had some good things going for him that should encourage Vikings fans for the future.

He Knows How To Avoid The Sack

Although Ponder did get sacked twice during the game, there were several plays where he showed a lot of “escapability” by getting away from the pass rush… the same pass rush that probably would have taken Donovan McNabb down.

He threw for 2 touchdown passes

For comparison, Donovan McNabb had only thrown for 4 touchdowns in 5.75 games.

He led the team on 2 second-half scoring drives

The Vikings have struggled with second half scoring in a major way. 10 points isn’t exactly record setting, but if you’re the Minnesota Vikings, you’ll take it.

He Ran For 31 Yards

When nothing was available, Ponder wasn’t afraid to tuck the ball and run. With the lack of receiving power in Minnesota this year, that could turn out to be a handy skill.

He Kept Adrian Peterson Meaningful

Adrian Peterson is the leading rusher in the NFL right now because he has been able to come out and put up big numbers in the first half of games. But week in and week out, McNabb’s inability to move the ball has allowed defenses to basically forget about him and put all their effort into stopping the running game. Ponder was just enough of a threat that Adrian was allowed a little bit of room to work in the second half, and it kept the Vikings in the game.

He did it short-handed

Christian Ponder played this well in his first start while playing against the best team in the NFL, and he did it without the starting center, without Bernard Berrian at wide receiver, and for about half the game without Percy Harvin on the field. He kept the Vikings in the game without having all of his potential weapons available.

But Hey, There Were Other Guys Besides Ponder

But, it’s not all about Christian Ponder. Obviously he’s the exciting news at the moment since he was starting for the first time, but there were some other big things going on in the game, too.

Adrian Peterson… Still A Beast

175 yards.

‘Nuff said.

Jared Allen… Still A Beast

The Vikings had 4 sacks on Aaron Rodgers last night, and Jared Allen had two of them. That puts him at 11.5 for the season. That’s half of a sack more than he had during the entire season last year, and we’re not even to the half-way point yet.

That means if Jared Allen sits on the bench for the remainder of the year, he has made an improvement over his sack total from last year.

The man is awesome.

Asher Allen… Not Really A Beast

While Asher Allen did lead the team in tackles last night with 9 solo tackles and 2 assisted tackles, it felt like too often he was beat and out of position. With Antoine Winfield injured, Cedric Griffin not really at 100% after healing from TWO ACL tears, and Chris Cook in jail (ugh), are we going to have to continue to deal with Allen at corner?

I certainly hope not. Frazier needs to find something quick to fix our lack of depth at that position.

And… the punt at the end was gutless.

2:37 left in the game, and Christian Ponder had just made 2 really big third down conversions… and when he missed the third, the Vikings punted. Basically we put the ball in the hands of Aaron Rodgers and said “screw this up for us so we can win”.

Yeah… not going to happen.

What is the worst that could have happened if Frazier would have let Ponder try for the 4th down conversion?

Would we have lost the game? Oh… wait…

Would we have lost the opportunity to play in the playoffs? Oh… wait…

Would we have won the game if Ponder had converted? Maybe… maybe not… There’s really no way to know. But, we would have had a better shot.

Even if the defense had stopped the Packers and forced them to punt, chances are we would have been farther away with less time on the clock, and no time outs.

There was no reason to punt the ball.

There were lots of reasons to let the kid try to convert.

Frazier made the wrong call. He took the ball out of the hands of the Vikings “future”, and put the ball into the hands of the best player in the game right now.

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Vikings-Bears Pregame Preview

GB Nordic — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 06:40:42 +0000

Something very strange happened last week, people might ask,” Was it Hailey’s Comet?” Nope we have a while for that, 2061 to be exact. No the Vikings jumped an very early lead last week and bare with me closed out a game and notched their first win of the season.

The Vikings are not face the Cardinals again this week. The Bears and the Vikings a VERY evenly matched both on offense and defense. The thing that gets me nervous is the fact that this game is national televised and the Vikes usually do not bring their “A game.” The Vikes should be psyched and ready for this game with it being a NFC North Rivalry game. Now the breakdown for both teams.

Percy Harvin #..." src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dMw3jM2iw5yH/100x150.jpg" alt="MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 20: Percy Harvin #..." width="148" height="221" />

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

When the Vikings are running the ball:
The Chicago Bears stout run defense is not what it once was in year past. So far this season, the bears have been allowing over 135 yard per game. This is something that the Vikes should take advantage of this fact early and often. Adrian Peterson should be thrilled to be facing the Bear this week. He has a history have having big game against them. I hope that trend continues.
Edge: Vikings

When the Vikings are passing the ball:
As bad as the Vikes have been passing the ball this season. The Bear secondary has not been getting the job this season. McNabb has been averaging 155 yards a game in the air and less than a TD a game. The bears have given up 248 yards a game, we shall see if McNabb can capable on some broken coverage in this game…well as long as the OL can protect him and he does not throw bounce passes. The Vikes need to get Harvin the ball he is thier #1 deep threat on the team. So the Vikes need his out there on the field not the sidelines.
Edge: Even

When the Bears are running the ball:
The Vikes rush defense is still of the top rush defenses in the league lead by Jared Allen. The Vikes as a run stop until is averaging 78 yards a game. They have the chore to stop Matt Forte in this game. I think that the Vikes will be up to the challenge to shut down Forte, who has been hit or miss so far this season.
Edge: Vikings

When the Bears are passing the ball:
The Bears do not have a impressive passing game, but Jay Cutler can find broken coverage. The Vikes need to keep pressure on him all game long like the Lions did on MNF last week. Keep on hitting and get his out of his comfort zone. The OL has given up 18 sacks in the season is the 3rd worst. The Vikes have 16 that is tied for second in the league. I hope to see some Allen and Robison celebrations throughout this game.
Edge: Even

Both of these teams are evenly matched in the Sunday Night Football Game. This is going to be an old fashion Black and Blue Division slugfest. One play maybe that all either team needs to win the game. With last weeks win over the Cards, I hope the Vikes will carry that to Solider Field. Maybe Bill Musgrave will give AP the rock more often like he did last week.

The Prediction:

Vikings 24 Cardinals 17

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Chiefs 22, Vikings 17 Highlights – 2011 Week 4

GB Nordic — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 02:02:07 +0000

MinnesotaVikingsChat.com Highlights of the 2011 Week 4 Minnesota Vikings 22-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. LIKE us at Facebook: facebook.com FOLLOW us on Twitter: twitter.com

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NOTE: The text for this post was taken directly from the YouTube description of the video