Is Percy Harvin on his way to a MVP-type season?

The Minnesota Vikings are 4-1 and in first place in the NFC North. I REPEAT, the Minnesota Vikings are in FIRST PLACE (!!) in the NFC North. Raise your hand if you expected that? And if you raised your hand, you’re lying.

The Vikings not only have beaten TWO 2011 playoff teams this season, they are now beginning to beat up on the lower-tier teams.  After their week two loss to Indy, the Vikings have been putting forth a total team effort in each of their three victories since then.

HOW THE GAME WAS WON
The Minnesota Vikings came out today and flat out dominated the Tennessee Titans in their 30-7 victory.  The Vikings held the Titans, who were playing with their backup quarterback, Matt Hasselback, scoreless through three complete quarters.   Although the Vikings offense was effective and put the game away, credit for the win needs to be given to the surprisingly dominate Vikings defense.

» Continue reading “Vikings Win Big In 30-7 Blowout of Tennessee”

LB Erin Henderson is expected to return to the field on Sunday after missing two games with concussion symptoms

The Minnesota Vikings head into their week five match up versus the banged up Tennessee Titans relatively healthy.

Below is the latest injury news from both the Minnesota Vikings and their opponent, the Tennessee Titans:

Minnesota Vikings:

• OUT: Safety Andrew Sendejo (ankle) and safety Mistral Raymond (ankle)
• DOUBTFUL: Linebacker Marvin Mitchell (calf)
• QUESTIONABLE: Linebacker Erin Henderson (concussion) and wide receiver Michael Jenkins (rib)

According to head coach Leslie Frazier, Henderson “looks like he’s going to be fine” for Sunday after missing two games while dealing with lingering concussion symptoms.

Although Henderson will resume his starting role, Frazier said the Vikings will use Jasper Brinkley in their nickle package this Sunday to allow Erin a “chance to kind of get his legs back under him.”

» Continue reading “Minnesota Vikings Friday Injury Report Heading Into Sunday’s Game”

Christian Ponder looks for his first division victory on Sunday, which would cause an epic dance party by Ponder

Injury notes:

• LB Erin Henderson (concussion), Safety Mistral Raymond (ankle) — will NOT play Sunday versus Detroit
• Safety Andrew Sendejo — questionable

Vikings QB Christian Ponder, who was listed on Thursday’s injury report for neck issues is deemed “fine” by head coach Leslie Frazier.

“Christian [Ponder] was fine today. No problems in practice, went through everything, took all the reps. He was good,” said Frazier. “Yeah, a little soreness [on Thursday].”

Erin Henderson, who is still in the process of taking concussion tests, will be replaced, once again, by Marvin Mitchell in the starting line-up on Sunday.

Mistral Raymond, who is out three to five weeks due to a dislocated ankle, will be replaced by Jamarca Sanford who played well versus the Niners after Raymond went down.

“He did a real good job when he got into the game. He was prepared,” said Frazier. “ I told him the other day I think he’s a great example of what a veteran player, or any player, has to do if you’re not starting. Just stay prepared because you just never know. Any given play, your number could be called. He’s done a good job.”

Extra notes from Leslie Frazier’s Friday presser: » Continue reading “Friday Injury Report And Tidbits From Frazier’s Friday Presser”

Former Viking Randy Moss returns to home to the Metrodome as a 49er

Injury report for Sundays game versus San Francisco 49ers:

• Out – LB Erin Henderson (concussion) and DE D’Aundre Reed (calf)
• Probable – John Sullivan (ankle), Andrew Sendejo (ankle), CB Chris Cook (biceps), TE Rhett Ellison (ankle), Mitchell (ankle), Brian Robison (elbow) and Jarius Wright (ankle) – will likely be listed as probable.

In place of Erin Henderson, LB Marvin Mitchell will get the start, according to head coach Leslie Frazier.

“Marvin has been in ball games as a starter, he’s been in ball games as a backup, he’s played a lot of football so everything that happens is not new to him out there,” defensive coordinator Alan  Williams said. “That gives me comfort and when he’s been in ball games, he’s performed well so that gives me comfort that it’s not all new to him and we’re not playing guys that have not played a lot of football. Marvin has so I feel good about that.”

Headlines

49ers-Vikings, WHAT A MATCH-UP!: I hope you can read sarcasm because that was the most sarcastic statement in the history of sarcastic statements.  I mean, a tough Niners D versus a weak Vikings offense should prove to be thrilling.

“These guys are good,” running back Adrian Peterson said. “We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Antoine Winfield gives team speech: On Wednesday, Antoine Winfield reportedly had a talk with his teammates, coaches, GM, and “everybody.”  Although he wouldn’t specify what the speech entail, he said it was about “football.”

“I only stand up and say stuff when it’s coming from the heart and I think it needs to be said,” Winfield said.

Rookie Harrison Smith gave the StarTribune a little more insight of what the locker room speech was about:

 “He let us know exactly what he sees in this team and what he wants from us,” Smith said. “It was good to hear him calling it like he sees it and allowing us to better understand what we need to be doing and what we need to be correcting. There’s not one guy on this team who doesn’t respect Antoine and look to him for how he does things. So when he tells us what he sees, we’re going to listen with the understanding that he knows best.”

Randy Moss set to make his return to the Metrodome: Moss had a brief second stint with the Minnesota Vikings in 2010 when he was traded to the Vikings from New England.  His bright spot during his time was being in the receiving end of Brett Favre’s 500th career touchdown.  Other then that, he was rumored to be a bad presence in the locker room.  Moss even threw a hissy fit over the Vikings’ catering before he was released by head coach Brad Childress.  Although his second stint was brief and not so fond, Moss created his legacy with the Vikings and is excited to head back to where it all started

On his return to Minnesota:
“I’m just very fortunate to go back to where it all started. We had some great times in Minnesota, so I look forward to hearing the Metrodome rock. Now I’m with the away team, and I look forward to a good game.”

….

What’s the biggest thing that sticks with you during your time with the Vikings?
“I just think being able to be around guys who had a name. To see Randall McDaniel and John Randle go to the Hall of Fame. I played with those guys. I’ve been in the locker room, I’ve won with those guys, I’ve lost with those guys. To be able to practice with them day-in and day-out, and for them to receive a prestigious honor as making it to the Hall of Fame, man, it just felt good because I know those guys, not really personally but kind of personally, as teammates. I think that’s the biggest thing that stands out to me. Now, the guys making to the Hall of Fame, I’ve either played with them or played against them. It’s just something big to see John Randle and Randall McDaniel make it to the Hall of Fame.”

Uhmmm, I wonder why he doesn’t fondly remember his second stint with the Vikings.  Totally weird.

Percy Harvin and Chad Greenway participates in OTAs: For week one of OTAs, WR Percy Harvin was a spectator while rehabbing, along side teammate Adrian Peterson, from off-season shoulder surgery.  LB Chad Greenway was also absent from week one of OTAs while he was attending to a family issue.  However, for OTA #4, according to the Vikings.com, Harvin and Greenway joined their teammates on the field and looked “refreshed and explosive.”

ESPN analysis of the Vikings back-up QB situation: Christian Ponder will enter the 2012 season as the #1 QB on the Vikings depth-chart.  However, Ponder faced multiple injuries during his rookie season.  It’s important for the Vikings to have a reliable back-up QB in case Ponder, who has the reputation as being “injury prone,” goes down sometime during the season.

» Continue reading “Minnesota Vikings News Bulletin: June 4th-5th”

The NFL will allow all teams to take 90 players to training camp, which is where the current Minnesota Vikings roster stands (however, the 10 draft picks remain unsigned).  Below is the breakdown of each position, as of May 21st, 2012:

Offense

Quarterbacks: **Christian Ponder, Joe Webb (back-up), Sage Rosenfels and McLeod Bethel-Thompson

Running backs: **Adrian Peterson, Toby Gerhart, Jordan Todman, Derrick Coleman, Lex Hilliard and Jerome Felton

Wide receivers:  **Percy Harvin, **Jerome Simpson, Manny Arceneaux, Devin Aromashodu, Stephen Burton, Michael Jenkins, Greg Childs, Jarius Wright, Chris Carr, Bryan Walters, Kamar Jorden and Kerry Taylor

Tight ends: **Kyle Rudolph, **John Carlson, Mickey Shuler, Allen Reisner and Rhett Ellison

Offensive linemen: **Matt Kalil (LT), **John Sullivan (C), **Phil Loadholt (RT), **Charlie Johnson (LG), Geoff Schwartz (OL), Kevin Murphy (OT), DeMarcus Love (OT), Brandon Fuscco (OL), Chris DeGeare (OG), Pat Brown (OL), Joe Berger (OL), Tyler Holmes (OG), Darrion Weems (OT), Quentin Saulsberry (C) and Austin Pasztor (OG)

Fullbacks: Ryan D’Imperio and Matt Asiata

Defense

Linebackers: **Chad Greenway, **Erin Henderson, **Jasper Brinkley, Tyrone McKenzie, Larry Dean, Audie Cole, Marvin Mitchell, Tyler Nielson, Corey Paredes and Solomon Elimimian

Defensive linemen: **Jared Allen (DE), **Brian Robinson (DE), **Kevin Williams (DT), D’Aundre Reed (DE), Letroy Guion (DT), Everson Griffen (DE), Fred Evans (DT), Christian Ballard (DL), Trevor Guyton (DL), Nick Reed (DE), Anthony Jacobs (DE), Chase Baker (DT), Terrell Resonno (DT), Tydreke Powell (DT), Ernest Owusu (DE) and Eric Latimore (DE)

Safeties: **Harrison Smith, Robert Blanton, Eric Frampton, Mistral Raymond, Jamarca Sanford and Andrew Sendejo

Corner backs: **Chris Cook, **Antoine Winfield, Marcus Sherels, Brandon Burton, Asher Allen, Josh Robinson, Zach Bowman, Reggie Jones, Bobby Felder, C.C. Whitlock and Nick Taylor

Special Teams

Kicker: Blair Walsh

Punter: Chris Kluwe

Long snapper: Cullen Loeffler

** indicates likely starter/will receive major reps

Minnesota Governor explains decision to pay for part of Vikings Stadium: During an interview with Minnesota Public Radio, Gov. Dayton explained that the current stadium deal (that just passed) was the best available option at the time.

“I’m not one to defend the economics of professional sports.  It’s a world unto itself.  Any deal you make in that world doesn’t make sense from the way the rest of us look at it.  That’s just a given.

“The bottom line was:  do we want to create several thousand jobs by building this new facility?  Do we want to keep the Minnesota Vikings in Minnesota?  Do we want an NFL franchise here in our state?  We accomplished all that.  We’re going to have a chance to build something that I think Minnesotans can be very proud of.  It’s going to distinguish the city of Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota for decades to come.

“It can be used 355 days a year when the Vikings aren’t playing in it as the people’s stadium, for all sorts of other uses that will enhance the quality of life in our state.  Time will tell whether we get a deal or not, I think it’s going to be a good deal when we look back with the perspective of time.”

Will the Vikings new stadium be able to host the Super Bowl?: Gov. Dayton believes so:

“I will do whatever I possibly can. I worked for (Gov.) Rudy Perpich when he spearheaded getting the Super Bowl here in 1992.”

Dayton said he figures chances of Minnesota getting a second Super Bowl should be “reasonably good. I don’t mean within a decade. They (NFL) don’t just jump at the chance to go to northern climes. But we’ll get one — I’m very confident.”

Will the Vikings put forth the extra money for a retractable roof?: Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf hinted that is possible:

“We’re going to try to get the maximum number of features within the budgets that we can make this a facility that is going to be exciting to the fans,” Mark Wilf said. “We know it’s a competitive landscape to attract our fans to the facility and we’re going to want to make it something special. To the extent that (a retractable roof) can get there, we’re going to try to do it.”

State lawmakers put a provision in the bill that allows for a retractable roof, but the Vikings would have to pay the extra cost.

The price tag of such a feature isn’t immediately known because the architects have yet to be hired…

Packers announce they will eventually retire former-Vikings QB Brett Favre’s #4: However, they are waiting to do so at the appropriate time.  Most likely, until the wounds can heal from Favre wearing purple for two seasons.

Packers president Mark Murphy said the team will wait “probably in a year or two,” according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

Will E.J. Henderson be back wearing purple in 2012?:  E.J. Henderson is still unsigned on May 20th, while his younger brother signed a one-year contract with the Vikings back in March.  Sid Hartman believe E.J. will re-join the Vikings and his younger brother on the field in Minnesota next season:

There is still a good chance that E.J. Hendersonwill sign with the Vikings once he agrees to a contract paying the linebacker quite a bit less than the $6.7 million he was paid last year. Henderson still is demanding the same pay he got last year.

What’s Adrian Peterson’s probability for training camp?:  We all know AP will be coming back from a season-ending knee injury, but Peterson is keeping a positive, yet realistic mindset throughout off-season training and rehab:

“To be honest with you I feel like 50-50,” Peterson said. “I feel like honestly, sitting here telling you the truth, I’ll be able to participate doing certain things. I think I’ll be able to participate.”

Minnesota Vikings players spend their off-season in the weight room:  Last season, the Vikings didn’t have a normal off-season due to the NFL lockout.  This season, the players are taking full advantage of the Vikings facility:

Nearly the entire team is at Winter Park for Phase 2 of offseason conditioning, and most of the veterans have been working with Kanavy intensely since Phase 1 began in late April. Rookie draft picks arrived this week.

“With all we’ve been through the last two years, I thought they would come back in April maybe a little disorganized, willing to work but not sure about the direction,” Kanavy said. “But they’ve been impressive. They are determined to be in the conversation this year.”

And leaders are emerging. Kanavy cites second-year quarterback Christian Ponder, third-year backup quarterback Joe Webb, sixth-year defensive end Brian Robison and seventh-year linebacker Chad Greenway as a few of the tone-setters in the weight room and in on-field conditioning.

Ponder, who was hampered by several minor injuries the past two years, appears clearly bigger than his NFL-listed weight of 229 pounds and is working toward injury prevention due to “increasing strength and a balanced nature throughout his entire physique,” Kanavy said.

Ponder went from a college conditioning program to training for the draft, which Kanavy says is often drill-specific and doesn’t account for the entire body. Now he has time to build strength so he can better absorb bodily trauma on Sundays and recover from injuries more quickly, Kanavy said.

2012 Training Camp Dates Released: This week, the Minnesota Vikings announced the dates for training camp in Mankato, Minnesota.  The Vikings will report to camp on Thursday, July 26 and it will break three weeks later on Thursday, August 16.