YO ADRIAN!

The Vikings jumped out to an early 3-0 lead following Chicago first possession of the game, a Matt Forte fumble, but that would be the last time the Vikings would lead Sunday. Adrian Peterson’s lost fumble and Christian Ponder’s interception in the second quarter both led to Bears touchdowns and the Bears were off to a handed win.

“Very disappointing game,” said head coach Leslie Frazier. “We didn’t execute the way we need to on the road against a good football team. We wanted to be better in the red zone on offense and defense and we did not get that done.”

The third quarter showed a glimmer of home for the Vikings, when Antoine Winfield intercepted one of Jay Cutler’s passes and the Vikings ended up scoring on that drive on a Ponder to Kyle Rudolph two-yard pass. On the Bears next possession, Mistral Raymond picked up what looked like a second Forte fumble and ran it back 52 yards for a touchdown, but upon review the touchdown was called back and the Bears went ahead and kicked a field goal.

“Any time you have opportunities to score touchdowns in the red area on the road, you’ve got to find a way to get it done,” said Frazier.

Vikings standouts for the day were Peterson, who ran for his fifth 100-yard game in a row with 108 yards on 18 carries. Rookie WR Jarius Wright, who has stepped in since the loss of Percy Harvin, also had 7 catches for 49 yards

“[This was] not the kind of performance you need when you’re on the road in a division game,” said Frazier. “We’ve got to go back and look at film and look at what we can do to improve.”

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″

Vikings CB Chris Cook underwent successful wrist surgery and will miss six to eight weeks

After a few days off after their Thursday night loss to the Tampa Bay Bucs, the Vikings were back at work on Monday in order to prepare for a Sunday match-up at Seattle.

Below are some quick hits from head coach Leslie Frazier’s Monday presser:

• WR Michael Jenkins was absent from practice for personal reasons, but is expected to return on Wednesday
• Monday’s extra practice was to focus on fundamentals and techniques “ that we think we need to improve on and if we can improve on some of those things we think we’ll be a better team in this second half.”
• CB Chris Cook underwent surgery and is expected to miss six to eight weeks, which would put him up against the end of the season, if the Vikings miss the playoffs
• A roster move will likely occur to fill Cook’s roster spot
• S Mistral Raymond would likely be available on Sunday after missing a few weeks with an ankle injury, but a final decision will be made later in the week
• Frazier is concerned with the Vikings’ run defense, especially with them facing RB Marshawn Lynch on Sunday

HEADLINES:

• Vikings will rely on Robinson and Jefferson to step up in Chris Cook’s absence. Read more at 1500ESPN
• Percy Harvin blames fundamentals for Vikings poor passing game of late. Read more at 1500ESPN
• The young Vikings team will to bounce back will be put to test this week. Read more at 1500ESPN
• Goodbye first half, HELLO SECOND HALF of the 2012 NFL season. Read more at Startribune

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”

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”

Christian Ponder’s poise on the field compared to last year is night and day

The Minnesota Vikings will play the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.  The Vikings will travel for their first away game in hopes to go 2-0 to start the season.

Vikings health:  The Vikings are surprisingly really healthy.  On Wednesday, every player on the 53 roster participated in practice.  Andrew Sendejo, Jarius Wright, and Marvin Mitchell who were out for the season opener because of ankle injuries all practiced and are expected to play on Sunday.

***

Quick hits from Leslie Frazier’s press conference:

• The Vikings plan to get John Carlson more involved this week after his return to action last week was a quite one.
• Frazier said he believes Adrian Peterson was just happy that he was able to play and stay healthy

“I think he’s pretty close (to his 2011 form)…He may not be quite where he was prior to the injury but he’s pretty close.”

» Continue reading “Vikings Begin Preparations For Colts”

It’s been 11 years since the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and yet it feels like yesterday when life as we knew it changed.  Being an American and living in the greatest country is about each person having freedom to dream big and live their life to the fullest. Although the terrorists attempted to pull our country down, we came together as one to prove there is no country like the United States and we truly are proud to be American.

“Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they canny deny the steel of American resolve. America was targets for attack because we are the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.” – George W. Bush

We are lucky to be American and to live in this great country.  No matter what is thrown our way, we will stand as one.

September 11th is one of those days where everyone stops and reflects on our great country and to thank those who lost their lives or loved ones due to senseless acts of terror.

Below are some Vikings players who took time to reflect on 9/11 on Twitter:

» Continue reading “Twitter Tuesday: Vikings Players Remember 9/11″

Christian Ponder needs to prove in 2012 he is the Vikings quarterback for years to come

Hey NFL fans, FOOTBALL IS BACK Tomorrow, So ya gotta hang on ‘Til tomorrow … Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya Tomorrow! 

Below are five things I will be keeping an eye on tomorrow when the Vikings open their season at home versus the Jacksonville Jaguars at noon C.T.:

1. Christian Ponder

The development of second year QB Christian Ponder will be something to keep an eye on all year.  It’s important for Ponder to show he is fully capable of being a starter in this league and that the Vikings have found their quarterback for years and years to come.

Ponder’s first year with the Vikings had some bright spots, but nothing to say, “WOW, this is our guy!.”  Ponder’s rookie season was greatly affected by the lockout so he didn’t even have a real offseason before his first season.  Once a CBA agreement came about, the Vikings had traded for Donovan McNabb, who got the majority of first team reps in training camp.  When the Vikings realized things weren’t working out with McNabb at QB, Ponder was thrown in there without a lot of practice with the first team offense.

The weapons around Ponder were also unimpressive for the most part so it’s hard to judge Ponder’s performance.  For this season, the Vikings brought in a deep threat in Jerome Simpson, but with Simpson’s three game suspension, Ponder will be without a real deep threat for three games.

Ponder’s number one target will be Percy Harvin, but Harvin needs other threats on the field in order to get some attention of the other team off of him.  The Vikings also brought in John Carlson who will form a 1-2 TE combo with second year TE Kyle Rudolph.

If Ponder does what the Vikings expect of him, he’ll settle into the Vikings quarterback position for years to come.

2. Secondary

» Continue reading “Five Things To Look For During Vikings Season Opener”

Christian Ponder connects with Percy Harvin
Credit: Mike Wobschall

Day two of padded practice (and day four of practice overall) is now complete in Mankato.  Below is all the news from the final day of July’s practice.

Injury notes:

• Did not practice: Josh Robinson, Adrian Peterson, Robert Blanton, and DeMarcus Love.
• Limited due to CBA rules: Stephen Burton and Chris Stroud
• TE John Carlson injures knee during practice.  Carlson will be out “a few weeks” with a sprained MCL.  There is no tear and surgery will not be needed

Practice notes:

• Quarterback update on 11-on-11 drills: Christian Ponder went 3 of 8; Joe Webb went 3 of 6; Sage Rosenfels went 10 of 14; and Bethel-Thompson went 0 of 3
• Leslie Frazier on Christian Ponder’s less than stellar day: “We are so early in the camp. You don’t panic about those moments.”
• Stand outs on defense: Harrison Smith with a pick and Mistral Raymond and Eric Lattimore with pass deflections
• Hit of the day: Everson Griffen lays out Lex Hillard
• Almost fight: Harrison Smith versus Mickey Shuler