Vikings 14, Lions 13

The Vikings close out their Metrodome/Mall of America Field era with a 14-13 win over the Lions today.  The Vikings finish the season with a 5-10-1 record.  This win locks the Vikings into the number 8 spot in the upcoming NFL Draft.  Hopefully, they can grab a decent QB at that position as there will be plenty to choose from this year (Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel, Derek Carr & Brett Hundley all look to be high to mid first round picks).  It was a long year for the Vikings, it didn't in any way go like I expected it would, I'm assuming that big changes will be forthcoming (and soon).  At least there are some solid pieces to build around (Cordarrelle Patterson, Kyle Rudolph, Matt Kalil, Xavier Rhodes, Brian Robison, Harrison Smith, Sharrif Floyd and of course Adrian Peterson to name a few). 

Observations:

• It's only fitting that the Vikings close out their Metrodome era with a W. 
• Is Cordarrelle Patterson already the most dynamic player in the NFL? 
• Was that really Jared Allen lining up at TE and running routes?  
• I will miss Jared Allen if this was his last game as a Viking.  2 sacks.
• Matt Asiata had a nice game, he looks to be AP's back up next year. 
• Total Yards:  Vikings 345, Lions 245
• Marcus Sherels has carved out a nice niche with the Vikings, I hope he's back next year. 
• I wouldn't be opposed to another year of Matt Cassel, assuming they draft a QB that is.
• Chase Ford looks like he can become a serviceable TE going forward. 
• Robert Blanton quietly had a solid game at CB for the Vikings (13 tackles). 
• What was the point of that Josh Freeman signing again? 
• I suspect that the axe will fall shortly on both Leslie Frazier and Jim Schwartz.  
• Leslie Frazier is a good man, I'm not sure he's cut out to be a head coach though. 
• The Lions offense without Calvin Johnson was non-existent today.  
• My hopes for next season?  Mike Zimmer and Johnny Manziel.  
• So long Metrodome/Mall of America Field, it was nice knowing you.
• Up next?  2014 NFL Draft!  TCF Bank Stadium!

2013 Year in Review

Texas Bowl

Syracuse 21, Minnesota 17 

The Gophers slept thru the first three quarters today before waking up and scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter to make a ballgame out of this one, another late bowl game collapse sunk them again though as they fall to Syracuse 21-17 in the Texas Bowl.  The Gophers finish the season with an 8-5 record.  It was a frustrating game to watch, their QB play was atrocious, they made too many mental mistakes, they got out coached and out schemed, yet they still had a chance to win this one with under two minutes to go, only to lose it.  It's such a Minnesota thing to happen.  With all that being said, I'm happy with the season, I thought realistically they were looking at 6 maybe 7 wins this year and they did finish with 8, they were competitive in most of their loses too.  They seem to have turned a corner, hopefully the momentum they built this year can continue into next season. 

Observations: 

• The Gophers are now 0-21 under Jerry Kill when trailing at half time. 
• Jerry Kill's return to the sideline in the second half did seem to motivate the team.  
• The Gophers were one fourth quarter first down from winning this game.  
• That's six straight bowl game loses for the Gophers.  It's time to end that streak.
• David Cobb didn't crack 100 yards but he did reach #14 on Gopher single season rushing list.
• It was nice to see that streak of 13 straight quarters without an offensive TD come to an end. 
• The Gopher QB's need to work on their accuracy.  Don't rule Chris Streveler out next year either. 
• Gopher WR Drew Wolitarsky picked a nice time for his first collegiate touchdown reception. 
• The Gophers really had a tough time picking up all of the Syracuse blitz packages.  
• I would have liked to have seen Donovahn Jones get a few more touches.
• 8 penalties is an uncharacteristically high number for the Gophers.
• Pete Mortell did a nice job punting, he out punted his coverage on that last one though. 
• Gophers were out coached in this one.  Syracuse had a solid game plan. Gophers not so much.
• Gopher TE Maxx Williams had a nice game.  5 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD. 
• That questionable fourth quarter roughing call on Josh Campion was a killer.  
• It wasn't Matt Limegrover's best game as Gopher Offensive Coordinator.  
• I really wasn't too impressed with the Gophers white bowl game helmets.
• I was impressed with Syracuse QB Terrel Hunt.  He's a true dual threat QB.

Vikings Coaching Candidates

It seems inevitable at this point, there will be an opening for a head coach in Minnesota soon.

So who should the Vikings hire as their next head coach?

Here's 10 names to keep an eye on:

1. Tom O'Brien - head coach at Penn State.  His name has already been thrown out there.  He's highly respected at Penn State, he formerly coached under Bill Belichick with the Patriots, he has head coaching experience, he has NFL experience.  He makes some sense.  On the downside?  He's got a big buyout at Penn State and the Bill Belichick coaching tree really hasn't been that impressive. 
2. Lovie Smith - former head coach of the Bears.  He's got the requisite NFL head coaching experience and a decent track record.  He ran schemes not too different from what the Vikings have been running so the adjustment period for the players wouldn't be too extreme. 
3. Ken Whisenhunt - offensive coordinator of the Chargers.  He's done a nice job with the Chargers offense in his one year in San Diego.  He has head coaching experience with the Cardinals.  He's coached in the Super Bowl.  My reservation with Whisenhunt is that his record in Arizona without Kurt Warner wasn't too impressive, he may need to go somewhere with an established QB.  
4. Jack Del Rio - defensive coordinator of the Broncos.  He's a former Viking player, he was popular when he was in Minnesota, he's got NFL head coaching experience, he's still relatively young, and much like Lovie Smith I'm guessing he'd be a decent mesh with the current group of players.
5. Todd Bowles - defensive coordinator of the Cardinals.  He's done a tremendous job with the Cardinals.  If you want to go with a young up and coming defensive minded coach Bowles could be your guy.  If he would bring Bruce Arians offensive approach all the better.
6. Ray Horton Jr - defensive coordinator of the Browns, formerly the defensive coordinator for the Cardinals.  He's got a great track record in both places.  He interviewed for several openings last year, his time is coming, it just seems to be a matter of when.  
7. Darrell Bevell  - offensive coordinator of the Seahawks. He's also a  former offensive coordinator for the Vikings so he's got those Minnesota ties that many find important.  He's done a nice job with the Seahawks.  He was shackled by Brad Childress with the Vikings.  I'm guessing he's a long shot but you never know, he may have left a positive impression on someone in the Vikings front office.
8. Mike Zimmer - defensive coordinator of the Bengals.  He's done a nice job with the Bengals defense and from everything that I hear he's a tremendous leader who is ready for the next step up.  He could be too intense for some though (***Mike Zimmer would be my pick). 
9. Jay Gruden - offensive coordinator of the Bengals.  Just like Zimmer, Gruden has done a nice job with the Bengals.  Just like his brother Jon, Jay is a very intense, personable guy, I think he'd bring a lot of energy to the Vikings, that's something that's been sorely missing under Leslie Frazier.
10. Greg Roman - offensive coordinator of the 49ers.  His run heavy offense would be a perfect fit for Adrian Peterson.  His experience working with Jim Harbaugh would have to be seen as a positive too. 

2013 TPSG Person of the Year

Sorry all you Edward Snowden fans but Time Magazine got it right.  This is an easy choice for me, the winner of the 2013 TPSG Person of the Year goes to Pope Francis.  I'm not even Catholic and I love this guy.  He's given the Catholic Church, and Christianity as a whole, a much needed kick in the pants.  His move to focus the church more on helping the poor and downtrodden was much needed, and he, along with the church, are being widely embraced for it.  I also loved the way he called out the evangelical right for their focus on such issues as abortion, contraception, gay rights and the idolatry of money.  Hopefully, it will cause a few of those on the far right to re-examine their priorities.  He walks the walk too, as he has shunned the standard luxurious living quarters typically granted to the Pope, he drives a used car, his embrace of a severely disfigured man at Vatican City touched millions and he even prays amongst the homeless.  He is a true example of everything that religion is and should be about.  Nobody has been a more of a positive influence on the world over the past year and for that he's the 2013 TPSG Person of the Year. 

Merry Christmas!

From Victoria's Secrets!

Merry Christmas!

From Jimmy Kimmel and Megadeath!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Cardinals 17, Seahawks 10

Wow, what a game, the Cardinals upset the Seahawks 17-10 in Seattle today.  The Cardinals improve to 10-5 on the season and are still in playoff contention!  Heck, this game was, for all intent and purposes, a playoff game for the Cards, had they lost they would have been eliminated from playoff contention.  Next weeks game against the 49ers is the same, they HAVE to win to have a chance.  That last playoff spot is still up for grabs between the Cardinals, the 49ers and the Saints.  They're still a longshot, but there is a chance, they just need some help!  Regardless, this is fun!

Observations:

• Bruce Arians for Coach of the Year?  He'd get my vote! 
• So much for that Seahawks 14 game home winning streak 
• Is it really possible that the Cardinals could win 11 games and still miss the playoffs?
• Those 2 red zone interception by Carson Palmer didn't help. 
• The Cardinals defense really stepped up their game against a good Seahawks offense. 
• That wasn't the Carson Palmer that I've seen the last 7 weeks.  4 interceptions.
• Crowd noise?  What crowd noise? The Cardinals took the Seahawk fans out of this one!
• I'm still waiting for Cardinals TE Rob Housler to live up to his potential. 
• Can we name Karlos Dansby the team MVP yet? 
• That late TD catch by Cardinals WR Michael Floyd was big time! 
• Another 3 field goals by Jay Feely!  He's been solid most of this year.
• First Downs:  Cardinals 16, Seahawks 10
• Total Yards:  Cardinals 307, Seahawks 192 
• Time of Possession:  Cardinals 37:24, Seahawks 22:36
• Turnovers:  Cardinals 4, Seahawks 2
• Once again, some questionable officiating, at least it went both ways this time.
• This one sure beats that 58-0 loss in Seattle last year doesn't it? 
• Wherefore art thou Percy Harvin?   That trade isn't looking good.
• Damn you Cam Newton!   That didn't help the Cards! 
• Up next?  The 49ers @ University of Arizona Stadium to close the regular season.

Vikings 14, Bengals 42

The Vikings fall to the Bengals 42-14 in Cincinnati today.  The Vikings fall to 4-10-1 on the season.  Just one more game to go though!  What a dreadful game for the Vikings, they always stink on the road but it looked like they didn't even show up today too.  So much for the argument that the Vikings haven't quit on Leslie Frazier.  I'll give the Bengals their due though, they're a good team, given the weakness of the AFC this year they could make some noise before all is said and done. 

Observations:

• Matt Cassel didn't help his free agency case today.  
• Cordarrelle Patterson was one of the very few Vikings to show up.  He has a bright future.
• Where was the Vikings pass rush today? 
• Where was the Vikings pass protection today?  
• The Bengals clearly won the line of scrimmage.  
• Total Yards:  Bengals 429, Vikings 209.
• First Downs:  Bengals 24, Vikings 10. 
• Time of Possession:  Bengals 39:32, Vikings 20:28
• The Vikings injury depleted secondary got just torched today.
• Do the Vikings have the worst scoring defense in the NFL?  Yep.
• The Vikings were 0-9 on third downs today, and 0-2 on fourth downs. 
• That Christian Ponder over Andy Dalton draft day decision really haunted the Vikings today.  
• It's nice to see WR Jarius Wright stepping up in his second year.
• Do the Vikings actually play better without Adrian Peterson? 
• No doubt about it, Cordarrelle Patterson is the best kick returner in the NFL.  
• The Vikings were 0-7-1 on the road this season.   
• Viking draft needs?  QB, LB, CB, interior OL.  
• The Bengals clinched a playoff spot today.  I was impressed, they're good.
• Mike Zimmer & Jay Gruden could both certainly emerge as Viking coaching candidates.
• Up next?  The Lions @ the Metrodome to close regular season and end the Metrodome era. 

AZ Tidbits

• Fiesta Bowl wins bid to host 2016 NCAA Football Championship Game! 
• You can find the Arizona Cardinals playoff scenarios here. 
• Arizona awarded $20.7 million in foreclosure settlement. 
• Are you familiar with the Top 10 Jan Brewer-isms? 
• Could Todd Graham be in line for the head coaching job at Texas?  Doubtful. 
• Maricopa County flushes away another $7 million thanks to Joe Arpaio. 
• Diamondbacks acquire Addison Reed from the White Sox for Matt Davidson.  
• Arizona Supreme Court rules in favor of higher campaign contribution limits. 
• QB Michael Eubank to transfer from Arizona State. 
• Jeff Hornacek ranks highly amongst new NBA coaches.
• Tax credit program helping rich schools get richer.  Decks are stacked.
• Arizona State DT Will Sutton named AP first team All-American for 2nd straight year.  
• The MMQB has high praise for Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians and his staff.  
• Arizona unemployment rate falls in November. 
• Arizona State promotes Mike Norvell to Deputy Head Coach.  
• Coyotes captain Shane Doan diagnosed with Rocky Mountain Fever.
• Ex-Phoenix Suns player Richard Dumas arrested in organized retail theft ring.
• University of Arizona RB Ka'Deem Carey named consensus All American.
• Yes, it does snow in Arizona.  You can even ski here. 
• The Chicago Cubs new spring training home Cubs Park is just about ready!

Who Is Conservative Enough

It's a sad state when Paul Ryan and John Boehner are deemed not conservative enough by today's GOP.

POTpourri

• Uruguay becomes the first country to legalize marijuana.  Smart move! 
• Florida State QB Jamis Winston wins 2013 Heisman Trophy. 
• Guilty pleasure movie?  Check out El Gringo, lots of fun. Yvette Yates doesn't hurt it either. 
• RIP Peter O'Toole.  
• Sports Illustrated names Peyton Manning it's 2013 Sportsman of the Year. 
• Not Guilty by reason of Affluenza?  Are you fucking kidding me?
• Did John Boehner finally grow a backbone??
• Leilani Dowding does Christmas good! 
• Trickle down theory debunked in two minutes! 
• Time Magazine names Pope Francis it's 2013 Person of the Year. 
• Rolling Stone names it's Top 10 Movies of 2013.  
• Mack Brown steps down as head coach at Texas.  Who replaces him?   
• Could Bridgegate hurt Chris Christie's Presidential ambitions? 
• WTF has happened to "60 Minutes"? 
• Do you know how Republicans spent the last four years? 
• Keep an eye out for Victoria Justice!  She could explode soon.
• I really need to get a gig in the U.S. House of Representatives.
• Blackfish is very a enlightening look at Sea World. 
• Tea Party favorability rankings continue to sink like a rock.
• How to raise a trillion dollars in revenue without waiting on tax reform.

2013 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Did you catch it on CBS last week?   Great TV!