Free agency started at 3 p.m. today, but the Minnesota Vikings were off and running with team changes.

Vikings agreed to a multi-year extension with Phil Loadholt to kick of free agency.

Their biggest move so far is the trade of WR Percy Harvin to the Seattle Seahawks. Harvin, who had arguably one of his best seasons despite only playing less than nine games, had been rumored to have asked for a trade. Many off-the-field rumors led to the Harvin trade, in which the Vikings received three draft picks – a 1st-rounder and 7th-rounder in 2013 and a 3rd-rounder in 2014.

Another big move the Vikings have made is the re-signing of right tackle Phil Loadholt. The Vikings selected Loadholt in the second round in 2009, and after four solid seasons blocking for Adrian Peterson, the Vikings decided they’d like to see him in purple for the next phase of his career.

The Vikings also re-signed Joe Berger for depth on the offensive line.

Slightly more shocking free agency news came today when the Vikings made the decision to release veteran CB Antoine Winfield. Winfield was due $7.25 million in 2013, and unwilling to take a pay cut, the Vikings made the tough decision to let the veteran go. Winfield, who had arguably one of the best seasons of his career in 2012, was given the option to return to the Vikings lineup upon taking a pay cut.

“Antoine is a great football player for us. He’s another one that’s a tremendous leader and great what he does in this community,” GM Rick Spielman said. “We definitely want to keep the door open on his possible return, but at this time we had to release him in order to get him out in free agency.”

The Vikings have a few shortcomings when it comes to the wide receiver position if they don’t plan on signing any big name free agents. The Vikings did re-sign WR Jerome Simpson to a one-year deal today. Simpson, who had a less-than-spectacular 2012, will be given another shot in 2013.

Also on Tuesday, the Vikings re-signed fullback Jerome Felton, who played a key role in Adrian Peterson’s 2,000 yard season.

Are you pondering for a new Vikings QB? If yes, CALM DOWN!

Take a deep breath, everyone. Step away from the edge. It’s going to be okay.

After Sunday’s (mostly) terrible loss to NFC North rival Green Bay 23-14 on their turf, Minnesota Vikings fans are looking for someone to blame. And all those fingers are pointing at Christian Ponder.

Ponder, who admittedly had a less-than-stellar game, went 12 of 25 for 119 yards and two interceptions. These two interceptions were each at crucial points in the game, when the Vikings were driving.

“This one definitely hurts. With what‘s at stake in the season this game was important,” said Ponder. “For what this games means to the team, the state, with how Adrian [Peterson] played, it’s disappointing to go out and throw two interceptions.”

Running back Adrian Peterson had an incredible game, running for 210 yards, including an 82-yard touchdown run – the longest of his career. Ponder pessimists are pushing for an immediate benching of the second-year quarterback. But Vikings fans need to take a step back for a moment and look at the big picture.

Keeping in mind we’ve got four games left in the 2012 season, Ponder has 14 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 2,305 yards and averages 6.0 yards per completion. Looking for comparison? Drew Brees in his second year at the San Diego Chargers helm had 11 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 2,108 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per completion.

» Continue reading “Pondering a New Quarterback? You Aren’t the Only One..”

TE Kyle Rudolph scores the Vikings lone touchdown in their loss to the Bears

A quick recap of the Vikings 28-10 loss to divisional foe, Chicago Bears

HOW THE GAME WAS LOST

Plain and simple, the game was lost with the turnover battle. The Vikings committed three turnovers (a fumble by Adrian Peterson, a fumble on an QB to RB exchange and a Christian Ponder interception).  Peterson’s fumble and Ponder’s interception both led to Chicago touchdowns.

TURNING POINT

The Vikings came out of halftime strong with an interception on the Bears first drive of the half by Antoine Winfield.  Winfield’s interception led to a two yard touchdown from Christian Ponder to Kyle Rudolph.  This cut the score 25-10.  On the Bears next drive, it seemed like Matt Forte fumbled with Mistral Raymond returning it 52 yards for a touchdown.  Initially, refs said it was confirmed.  However, moments later, they said the play was under review (LOL WUT).

Following the review, the call was over turned and Bears retained possession, while 6 points were taken off the board for the Vikings.

If the call had stand, the Vikings would have been down 7 points with a huge momentum shift towards the Vikings.  However, the Bears continued the drive and god a field goal to put them up 28-10.

» Continue reading “Vikings Lose To Bears 28-10″

Adrian Peterson’s big game couldn’t lead the Vikings to a win

Welp….Three losses in their past four games is not a way for the underdog Minnesota Vikings to keep pace in the tough NFC North.  But I mean, isn’t this what the Vikings we’re predicted to do in a rebuilding year.  The Vikings started their season off fast looking like the “real deal,” but as of late, they are anything but.  On Sunday, the Vikings went into Seattle and came out with a 30-20 loss.

Quick hits:

• QB PANIC!! Once again Christian Ponder was less-than stellar, although it was not all his fault, as he finished the day 11-of-22 for 63 yards and an interception.  I am no “expert” but I think something needs to change for the Vikings to get on a roll again, and of course, what comes with being the team’s quarterback is that blame is put on you.  Ponder, in addition to the people around him, minus Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin, need to step up and make things easier for each other.
• AP = BEAST: Seriously, was Peterson just faking a knee injury because halfway through 2012 season, you can’t tell at all.  Peterson finished the day with 17 carries for 182 yards and two touchdown.  Although, most of AP’s workload and production came in the first half. » Continue reading “RUT-ROH: Vikings Lose Again, Sigh”

QB Christian Ponder looks to bounce back on a short week

After the Vikings 21-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, the Vikings had to quickly re-shift their focus to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they will face them Thursday night on NFL Network.  Thursday’s prime time match up for the Vikings is their only of the season, unless they are flexed in later on.

Notes from head coach Leslie Frazier’s Tuesday press conference:

• RB Adrian Peterson was held out of practice on Tuesday as he continues to deal with a sprained ankle
• WR Percy Harvin’s and DE Jared Allen’s reps in practice will be monitored ahead of Thursday’s game
• TE John Carlson “has not been cleared yet for any participation” after sustaining a concussion in Sunday’s game.  Frazier said “it would be very difficult to expect him to play this week.”
• Frazier praised CB Chris Cook’s growing confidence and the progress he continues to make each week after missing 10 weeks of the 2011 season: “We feel like he can match up against some of the best receivers in this League and it’s helped our defense.”

Notes from QB Christian Ponder’s Tuesday press conference: » Continue reading “Quick Notes On Vikings Short Week”

Vikings ground attack led them to a 21-14 victory over the Cards

Vikings won, despite less than spectacular performance by quarterback Christian Ponder.

Sunday’s game was certainly the ugliest of their 5-2 season. But despite a dismal game from Ponder, the Vikings, with the help of Adrian Peterson’s legs, ran their way to a 21-14 victory at Mall of America Field. Ponder ended the game with just 58 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

“To win an ugly game like this is huge,” said Ponder. “That shows how good of a team we are.”

Peterson was the star of the game, running for a season-high 153 yards and notching his first touchdown since week one. With a quiet day from wide receiver Jerome Simpson and tight end Kyle Rudolph, the Vikings needed Peterson’s feet to get them in the win column Sunday.

“There’s still a little missing. You guys probably think I’m crazy, but it is,” said Peterson. “I feel good. I’m not going to complain. I’m just going to keep working and just keep getting better each week.” » Continue reading “Vikings Pick Up Ugly Win Against Cardinals”

Vikings can thank Adrian Peterson for the 21-14 victory over the Cards

A win is a win is a win no matter how ugly the win is and the Vikings came out of Sunday’s match-up versus the Arizona Cardinals with a 21-14 win.  And trust me, the score is much prettier than the game was.

HOW THE GAME WAS WON

The Vikings defense and RB Adrian Peterson, with a bum ankle, carried the Vikings into a 21-14 victory over the Cardinals.

The Cardinals had no answer for Peterson who ran for 153 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown.

On the other side of the ball, the Vikings pass rushers had a field day in their time gathering seven sacks: three by Brian Robinson, two by Jared Allen, one by Antoine Winfield and Kevin Williams.  On one of Robinson’s sacks he forced a fumble, which Kevin Williams recovered.  Rookie Harrison Smith also intercepted Cardinals second-string QB for a touchdown of his own that turned out to be the difference in the game.

A testament to the Vikings defense, the Cardinals began four series in Vikings territory in the first half which resulted in only four points. D-E-F-E-N-S-E!  » Continue reading “Vikings Less Than Stellar In 21-14 Victory Over Arizona”

WR Jerome Simpson remains frustrated about last Sunday’s injury-related deacticvtion

After the Minnesota Vikings deactivated WR Jerome Simpson with a back/leg issue before last Sunday’s game versus the Washington Redskins, Simpson made it known he wasn’t pleased with his coaches decision, which partly goes back to his performance-based contract.

According to 1500ESPN, each week Simpson is on the Vikings’ activate roster, the wide receiver receives a $59,375 paycheck.  Simpson was also not on the Vikings’ active roster for the first three weeks of the season due to a suspension.

“You lose 60 thousand dollars, you’d be mad, too,” Simpson said. “We’re on the same page. I’m just a competitor, man. I just want to be out on that field. Anytime something gets taken from you, you’re obviously going to be kind of upset about it.”

During head coach Leslie Frazier’s Wednesday news conference, he noted he and his staff continue to monitor Simpson and will only activate him for Sunday’s match-up versus the Arizona Cardinals if they feel he is ready.

“You don’t want to put him in a situation where you feel like he can’t protect himself or do the things he needs to do to play at the level that he wants to play at and we want him to play at, for sure,” Frazier said of Simpson’s deactivation.  ”The way he plays — he’s an energetic guy who has such a passion for the game. If you take some of that away, some of his elusiveness even after the catch, you affected his game. Just wanted to be smart, give him a little bit more time.”

» Continue reading “Jerome Simpson Is “Upset” About Sunday’s Deactivation”

RB Adrian Peterson returns to field where his 2011 season ended in a blink of the eye

The Minnesota Vikings (4-1) travel to Washington D.C. for Sunday’s match-up against the Redskins (2-3).   The Vikings will look to go to a surprising  5-1 record at FedEx Field, where the Redskins have lost their last eight games.

Below are top stories and injury notes heading into Sunday’s game.

 AP returns to scene of knee injury: Last time the Minnesota Vikings played AT Washington was Christmas Eve 2011.  RB Adrian Peterson’s season was ended with one tackle by safety DeJon Homes.

“Of course, of course,” Peterson said, smiling in the Vikings’ locker room on Thursday when asked if he would like a little revenge. “I’ll make sure I have my shoulders low. He might be trying to go for the ankles. But I’m just going to go out and play ball, have fun.”

A little over nine months since AP’s 2011 season was ended, he is back on the field nearing 100% and looking like the Peterson of old. » Continue reading “Vikings News Bulletin Heading Into Week Six Match-Up Versus Washington”

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”