Seriously, another day, another story, another piece of evidence comes to light regarding the Saints and the injury bounties.  Today’s main headline was suppose to be the Saints appealing their punishments, but BOMBSHELL!!! Audio of a William’s rant before THIS YEARS play-off game (which Rodger already told them to STOP DOING IT) versus the San Francisco 49ers was released last night.  I won’t bore you with the details, because I’m sure you already read/heard Williams “kill the head” rant.  But what I think is important (because as fans we have NO IDEA about the mentality of a football player) is the reaction of current and retired NFL players.  Below are samples of players weighing in on twitter.

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart: » Continue reading “Players React to Released Greg Williams Soundbite”

The release of the NFL’s findings on the Saints bounty program and the penalties handed down by Commissioner Roger Goodell has sparked debate among Vikings fans considering one of their main targets was Brett Favre in the 2009 championship game.

The findings that pertain to the Vikings include:

• The investigation showed bounties being placed on four quarterbacks of opposing teams – Brett Favre, Cam Newton, Aaron Rodgers, and Kurt Warner. Multiple sources have confirmed that several players pledged funds toward bounties on specific opposing players, with defensive captain Jonathan Vilmaoffering $10,000 to any player who knocked Brett Favre out of the NFC Championship Game in 2010.
• The following week, in the NFC Championship Game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saints defensive players were assessed $30,000 in fines for four separate illegal hits, several of which were directed against quarterback Brett Favre.
• Coach Vitt acknowledges that the defensive meeting preceding the 2010 NFC Championship Game may have “got out of hand” with respect to Brett Favre » Continue reading “NFL Comes Down Hard On Saints: Vikings Edition”

The Minnesota Vikings have kicked off the first 24 hours of free agency quietly.  Only news on Tuesdays was re-signings of DT Letroy Guion and QB Sage Rosenfels.

Guion signed a new 3-year deal shortly before free agency opened:

Guion should have an oppportunity to complete with Ayodele for the starting job opposite Kevin Williams.

Guion is 24 years old who played 48.8% of the Vikings defensive snaps last season.  He recorded 35 tackles (20 solo and four for a loss).

Sage Rosenfels agreed to a 2-year contract on Monday, according to 1500 ESPN. Rosenfels will likely be the Vikings 3rd string QB behind intended starter Christian Ponder and Joe Webb (who will likely focus solely on back-up QB role).

On the 2nd day of free agency, Vikings fans can possibly take a breath following the signing of TE John Carlson.

Carlson, 27, is a Minnesota native and a product of Litchfield High School.  He was drafted in the second round in the 2008 draft by the Seattle Seahawks.  Carlson was sidelined all of  2011 with a torn labrum.  In 2008 – 2010, “Carlson has 137 receptions for 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns.”

Carlson will likely see time on the field alongside second year TE Kyle Rudolph in offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave’s TE-heavy plays.  Signing of Carlson also means veteran free agent Visanthe Shiancoe, who was a fan favorite, will likely find a new home to play in 2012.

Vikings beat writers have said GM Rick Spielman is more anxious about filling the many roster holes through the draft instead of free agency.  No need to panic  about the Vikings not making many moves, its not like the Vikings were just sitting back doing nothing at Winter Park.  Rebuilding the roster will be a slow process, and there is no need to do rush signing that you will likely over pay and regret later on.  Continue to keep an eye out for young, athletic players that will be a bargain that may fill their many needs.  Also, the Vikings hope to re-sign LB Erin Henderson.

Since the reveal of the Saints’ Bounty Program investigation on Friday, there has been time to reflect on what events transpired and how it all makes sense now, especially as a Vikings fan.

Peter King talked to then-Vikings QB Brett Favre on Friday evening to get his opinions on the Saints’ Bounty Program (considering he was one of their main targets)

I caught Favre at the end of a day planting soybeans on his ranch in southern Mississippi Friday. The story had broken two hours earlier, and his cell phone kept vibrating. That’s how he knew something was up. When I told him the extent of it, and the Vilma story, I waited for his reaction. “Hmmmm,” he said, and paused. “That’s about it.” » Continue reading “Connecting the Dots to Bounty Gate: Vikings Edition”