Chris Cook injured his knee during the preseason game against the Seahawks. He has already had surgery and is expected to miss the first two games of the season. This leaves the once cornerback rich Vikings very shallow now.
The injury will really show up when the Saints put 4 wide receivers out there. Currently Lito Sheppard and Asher Allen are fighting for the starting cornerback job.
I have to wonder who will be our 4th corner in week one.
August 31, 2010
August 25, 2010
Vikings Aquire A Much Needed Wide Receiver
They trade Benny Sapp for Greg Camarillo of the Dolphins. Both teams trade from an area of depth. The Dolphins make room for one of their promising rookies to make the roster and the Vikings still have Asher Allen, Chris Cook, Lito Sheppard, Antoine Winfield, with Cedric Griffin coming back during the season from an ACL. Most likely Sapp would of been released, because of the improved play of Allen. Chris Cook has also impressed ever since being drafted.
Camarillo is a solid wide receiver. He isn't overly strong, fast or tall. He does catch every catchable ball thrown to him. He had 0 dropped balls last year, with 50 catcher.
Keep in mind Sydney Rice is out at least half of this season, Percy has severe migraines, and Jaymar Johnson is out for the year. Johnson was fighting for the last wide receiver spot and punt/kick returner spot before he broke his thumb against the Rams two games ago. The Vikings didn't announce the injury until just before the 49'ers game.
Camarillo is a solid wide receiver. He isn't overly strong, fast or tall. He does catch every catchable ball thrown to him. He had 0 dropped balls last year, with 50 catcher.
Keep in mind Sydney Rice is out at least half of this season, Percy has severe migraines, and Jaymar Johnson is out for the year. Johnson was fighting for the last wide receiver spot and punt/kick returner spot before he broke his thumb against the Rams two games ago. The Vikings didn't announce the injury until just before the 49'ers game.
Sydney Rice Had Hip Surgery
Brett Favre's favorite target had Surgery a few days ago. Right now he is expected to miss 8 weeks. I have seen hip injuries cost players their careers. Hopefully his injury isn't nearly as serious and we see him playing game 9. In the past Rice has missed several games with different injuries.
This explains why the Vikings signed Javon Walker. Rice and Walker are similar types of receivers when healthy. They are aggressive to make catches and look for yards after the catch. Percy Harvin really needs to stay healthy now. Lets hope Walker can help the team as well.
If I'm the Vikings I'm looking to trade a defensive lineman for a large wide receiver who can go up and catch the ball. A player like Robison would be a good player to trade. Antonio Bryant for Robison would help both the Vikings and Bengals.
This explains why the Vikings signed Javon Walker. Rice and Walker are similar types of receivers when healthy. They are aggressive to make catches and look for yards after the catch. Percy Harvin really needs to stay healthy now. Lets hope Walker can help the team as well.
If I'm the Vikings I'm looking to trade a defensive lineman for a large wide receiver who can go up and catch the ball. A player like Robison would be a good player to trade. Antonio Bryant for Robison would help both the Vikings and Bengals.
August 23, 2010
Javon Walker Expected To Sign
The Vikings are expected to sign Walker today. Hopefully he's healthy and can return to his old form. This signing is important because of the uncertainty of Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice.
August 21, 2010
Favre Expected To Play Sunday Night
Several sources are reporting Favre will play one or two series against the 49er's. He's expected to play one or two series. It probably depends on how many plays he runs.
The Vikings Bring In Two Receivers Over Wide Receiver Concerns
With the health issues of Percy Harvin's migraines, and Sidney Rice's hip, The Vikings have brought in two wide receivers. Keep in mind there may be other injuries we may not know about to other receivers. An example is Greg Lewis taking a hard hit in last Friday's game.
The other reason is the Vikings receivers were having problems getting open against a bad Rams team. They need to have the receivers doing well, to spread out the field, for help support the run game.
The two receivers the Vikings have brought in are former 49'er's receiver Brandon Jones and former Favre target Javon Walker.
Most people probably haven't heard much about Brandon Jones, but he was targeted to be the 49er's number one receiver two years ago. The 27 year old hurt his shoulder in the 2009 preseason, and never was affective when he came back. He had the talent and tools to do so, but it never happened. After being released Wednesday the Seahawks tried him out Thursday, and was expected in Winter Park Friday. He's been battling injuries this preseason as well.
Javon Walker and Favre have a lot of history together. After Javon's most successful season in 2006 he wanted a new big contract and held out. Favre made it known publicly that Javon should play through his current contract. Javon has been injured ever since. He was expected in Winter Park on Friday for a workout.
I see the Vikings signing one of the two. I prefer Javon because of the chemistry he had with Favre, and he may be more healthy than Brandon Jones. I expect one of them signed by Monday night.
The other reason is the Vikings receivers were having problems getting open against a bad Rams team. They need to have the receivers doing well, to spread out the field, for help support the run game.
The two receivers the Vikings have brought in are former 49'er's receiver Brandon Jones and former Favre target Javon Walker.
Most people probably haven't heard much about Brandon Jones, but he was targeted to be the 49er's number one receiver two years ago. The 27 year old hurt his shoulder in the 2009 preseason, and never was affective when he came back. He had the talent and tools to do so, but it never happened. After being released Wednesday the Seahawks tried him out Thursday, and was expected in Winter Park Friday. He's been battling injuries this preseason as well.
Javon Walker and Favre have a lot of history together. After Javon's most successful season in 2006 he wanted a new big contract and held out. Favre made it known publicly that Javon should play through his current contract. Javon has been injured ever since. He was expected in Winter Park on Friday for a workout.
I see the Vikings signing one of the two. I prefer Javon because of the chemistry he had with Favre, and he may be more healthy than Brandon Jones. I expect one of them signed by Monday night.
Percy Harvin Updates
Thursday morning Percy was rushed to the hospital after passing out and body spasms. He regained consciousness before an ambulance took him to the hospital. He stayed overnight Thursday and returned to practice Friday. He sat out of practice. The migraine caused him to lose consciousness. There has been no word on when he'll participate in practice. The migraines are worse than last year according to sources.
August 18, 2010
Percy Harvin Is Back
He has been out for around two weeks cause of migraines and the death of his grandmother. He came back Monday and practiced all day. Favre will enjoy having one of his favorite playmakers back.
Harvin and his migraines worry me. Was he really having migraine issues or was he unhappy with his contract or avoiding mini-camp? The Vikings need to find a doctor who can cure his migraine issues.
Harvin and his migraines worry me. Was he really having migraine issues or was he unhappy with his contract or avoiding mini-camp? The Vikings need to find a doctor who can cure his migraine issues.
Favre To Announce He's Coming Back
The tough team leader will announce after practice today that he's returned for his 20th season. With Favre back the Vikings have as good a shot as any team in the NFL to win the Superbowl. News conference scheduled for around 1:30 central time today.
August 17, 2010
Reports That Farve On A Plane To Minnesota
He went on a plane from Mississippi to Minnesota with Hutchinson, Longwell, and Jared Allen. They now have just landed in Minnesota and more sources are saying he'll announce he'll play this year. An announcement to be done today.
August 15, 2010
The First Preseason Provided Few Answers
The Vikings are looking for to shore up the last few roster spots and decide who to put on the practice squad. The amount of depth on the team really did show in the 28-7 victory.
The battle for the third down and backup back was very close. Young rushed for negative 7 yards, while picking up the blitz on all, but one time. Gerhardt ran for 24 yards on 8 carries and also missed one block on a blitz. Young ran well with all, but one of his runs.
The cornerbacks all played very well. Sapp, Cook, Sheppard, and Allen all tackled and covered very well.
The entire defensive line all played so well against the Rams. There is a lot of talent on the defensive line.
The safeties all played well. Williams played extremely well with a couple of solid tackles.
The only area of concern was on special teams. They weren't filling the gaps well and had a costly penalty. Not filling the gaps was the reason the Rams took a kick back for a touchdown.
Two other things I'd like to mention. Hoe Webb looked very impressive. He has a strong arm with touch. When nobody was open he ran very fast and with strength. He reminded me of Dante Culpepper. Our 5th round pick offensive guard DeGeare looked good and bad at times. He missed a few blocks but smacked a few Rams players on other plays. He looks like a solid player in the future.
The battle for the third down and backup back was very close. Young rushed for negative 7 yards, while picking up the blitz on all, but one time. Gerhardt ran for 24 yards on 8 carries and also missed one block on a blitz. Young ran well with all, but one of his runs.
The cornerbacks all played very well. Sapp, Cook, Sheppard, and Allen all tackled and covered very well.
The entire defensive line all played so well against the Rams. There is a lot of talent on the defensive line.
The safeties all played well. Williams played extremely well with a couple of solid tackles.
The only area of concern was on special teams. They weren't filling the gaps well and had a costly penalty. Not filling the gaps was the reason the Rams took a kick back for a touchdown.
Two other things I'd like to mention. Hoe Webb looked very impressive. He has a strong arm with touch. When nobody was open he ran very fast and with strength. He reminded me of Dante Culpepper. Our 5th round pick offensive guard DeGeare looked good and bad at times. He missed a few blocks but smacked a few Rams players on other plays. He looks like a solid player in the future.
August 10, 2010
Favre Given a Healthy Bill of Health
Rumors out of Minnesota are saying Favre's ankle is good. He could be in camp as early as the 12th. I think he'll show up and surprise the players. The players will be very excited the see the former MVP. I sure hope the rumors are true.
August 5, 2010
Favre Retirement Update
Looks like Favre will see Dr. James Andrews about his slow recovering ankle, that he had surgery on. Next week he has an appointment and I think we'll know if Favre will really retire or not. At the age of 41 during the season, he will heal slower than when he was younger. I'm leaning towards him returning. The Favre retirement Saga begins again.
August 3, 2010
Looks Like Favre Is Retiring
Hearing from KFAN and ESPN that Favre is hanging it up. The Minnesota Tribune was the first to come out with the story. Basically saying his ankle hasn't responded in the way he's wanted it to.
He's said he's retiring for the third time now. If he does retire Tavaris Jackson will be the starter. If Tavaris is the starter expect a 9 win season instead of a possible Super Bowl run.
He's said he's retiring for the third time now. If he does retire Tavaris Jackson will be the starter. If Tavaris is the starter expect a 9 win season instead of a possible Super Bowl run.
August 2, 2010
Analyzing The Vikings Defensive Line
Every few days I'll go more in depth which a group position like defensive line. Today I'll go in depth on there DL.
The defensive line may be the strongest unit the Vikings have and it probably is the best in the NFL. Our DL is well above average against the pass and the best against the run. I also feel it has the best depth in the NFL.
I'll rate each player from 1 to 10. A 10 will be given to a top 3 player in the NFL and a 1 to a poor backup player in the NFL.
Jared Allen plays right defensive end. He is in the top 3 in sacks in the NFL and has a constant motor on every play. His rank is a 10
Right defensive tackle is the 37 year old Pat Williams. He is past his prime, but is still a force against the run. He plays about 60 to 65 percent of the plays. He is very hard to move off the ball and can push an offensive linemen. His rank is an 8.
At left defensive tackle Kevin Williams plays at a pro bowl level. Kevin plays above average against the run and may be the best pass rusher at defensive tackle. He can beat an opponent either with his size or speed. His rank is a 10.
At left defensive end is Ray Edwards. He is an underrated defensive end. Ray really stood out in the playoffs with his sacks. He got national exposure and the Vikings protected the potential restricted free agent with a first round tender. His strength is against the run. He is one of the best DE against the run, but isn't as strong against the pass. I rank him at 7.
Besides the starters the Vikings have a lot of talent as backups and players used in rotating in to give starters a breather. The backups are also important in difference situations and in case of injuries.
The projected backups are:
Brian Robison backs up Ray Edwards. He is a speedy undersized DE who can rush
the quarterback quite well, but isn't good against the run. Rank is a 4.
Everson Griffith a 4th round pick this past draft is having a good camp and
is being used at both DE and DT(on passing downs). He has the potential to be
a very good defensive end. Right now he has no rank, but could be as high as
7-8 by the end of the year.
Jimmy Kennedy will back up Pat Williams and play around 35 percent of the downs.
The former first round pick can play the run and pass slightly above average.
His rank is a 6. He'd be a starter on many teams.
Fred Evans is a solid back up at defensive tackle. He'll back up Kevin Williams and be in the defensive rotation. He is solid against the run and pass. A little better at pass rushing. His rank is a 3.5.
Mike Montgomery serves as a solid veteran back up at defensive end. He's not a
flashy player but is adequate against the run and pass. His rank is a 3.
Letroy Guion will battle to be the last defensive line player on the team. His
career has had a lot of injuries, but he does have potential to be above
average against the run and and an average pass run rusher. He has had a really good camp so far. His rank was a 2, but now is 3.5.
Jayme Mitchell will also battle to make the team. He plays defensive end and is
much better at the pass than run. He also has battled injuries throughout his
career. A solid rank of 2 is fair. He has had a really good camp and his rank is up to 4. He is really doing well with his pass rushing.
Tremaine Johnson who is signed as a free agent out of college will be given a
chance to make the practice squad. He plays defensive end. In camp he's seen time at defensive tackle. He's had a really good camp. Hopefully he will make it to the practice squad and not be claimed. Still not enough information to give him a rank. If I was to rank him it'd be 2.5.
As good as the defensive line was last year they could be even better in 2010. Several players battled through significant injuries last year. They also had an injured back seven that put more pressure on the defensive line. Look for a recap of the defense later this month. They have back up players who would be starters on other teams. This should keep the defensive line as a strong area for the Vikings.
Later this week I'll breakdown the linebackers.
The defensive line may be the strongest unit the Vikings have and it probably is the best in the NFL. Our DL is well above average against the pass and the best against the run. I also feel it has the best depth in the NFL.
I'll rate each player from 1 to 10. A 10 will be given to a top 3 player in the NFL and a 1 to a poor backup player in the NFL.
Jared Allen plays right defensive end. He is in the top 3 in sacks in the NFL and has a constant motor on every play. His rank is a 10
Right defensive tackle is the 37 year old Pat Williams. He is past his prime, but is still a force against the run. He plays about 60 to 65 percent of the plays. He is very hard to move off the ball and can push an offensive linemen. His rank is an 8.
At left defensive tackle Kevin Williams plays at a pro bowl level. Kevin plays above average against the run and may be the best pass rusher at defensive tackle. He can beat an opponent either with his size or speed. His rank is a 10.
At left defensive end is Ray Edwards. He is an underrated defensive end. Ray really stood out in the playoffs with his sacks. He got national exposure and the Vikings protected the potential restricted free agent with a first round tender. His strength is against the run. He is one of the best DE against the run, but isn't as strong against the pass. I rank him at 7.
Besides the starters the Vikings have a lot of talent as backups and players used in rotating in to give starters a breather. The backups are also important in difference situations and in case of injuries.
The projected backups are:
Brian Robison backs up Ray Edwards. He is a speedy undersized DE who can rush
the quarterback quite well, but isn't good against the run. Rank is a 4.
Everson Griffith a 4th round pick this past draft is having a good camp and
is being used at both DE and DT(on passing downs). He has the potential to be
a very good defensive end. Right now he has no rank, but could be as high as
7-8 by the end of the year.
Jimmy Kennedy will back up Pat Williams and play around 35 percent of the downs.
The former first round pick can play the run and pass slightly above average.
His rank is a 6. He'd be a starter on many teams.
Fred Evans is a solid back up at defensive tackle. He'll back up Kevin Williams and be in the defensive rotation. He is solid against the run and pass. A little better at pass rushing. His rank is a 3.5.
Mike Montgomery serves as a solid veteran back up at defensive end. He's not a
flashy player but is adequate against the run and pass. His rank is a 3.
Letroy Guion will battle to be the last defensive line player on the team. His
career has had a lot of injuries, but he does have potential to be above
average against the run and and an average pass run rusher. He has had a really good camp so far. His rank was a 2, but now is 3.5.
Jayme Mitchell will also battle to make the team. He plays defensive end and is
much better at the pass than run. He also has battled injuries throughout his
career. A solid rank of 2 is fair. He has had a really good camp and his rank is up to 4. He is really doing well with his pass rushing.
Tremaine Johnson who is signed as a free agent out of college will be given a
chance to make the practice squad. He plays defensive end. In camp he's seen time at defensive tackle. He's had a really good camp. Hopefully he will make it to the practice squad and not be claimed. Still not enough information to give him a rank. If I was to rank him it'd be 2.5.
As good as the defensive line was last year they could be even better in 2010. Several players battled through significant injuries last year. They also had an injured back seven that put more pressure on the defensive line. Look for a recap of the defense later this month. They have back up players who would be starters on other teams. This should keep the defensive line as a strong area for the Vikings.
Later this week I'll breakdown the linebackers.
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