The Mission Miami rolls on this week as the Vikings conclude a rare three-game home stand with the hated Chicago Bears this afternoon. What a disappointing season it has been for Lovie Smith's team. The once vaunted defense is suddenly very vulnerable, the stud rookie running back of last year has hit a major sophomore slump, the offensive line is in disarray, fans are calling for Lovie's head, and that supposedly rock star quarterback leads the league in interceptions. Meanwhile, the Vikings are rolling behind Brett Favre, their 40-year-old MVP candidate who has exceeded even the highest expectations placed on him.
Everything sets up perfectly for Minnesota today. Antoine Winfield is likely back at corner for the Purple. Adrian Peterson kills the Bears (8 TD and 138 ypg in 4 games against Chicago). The Bears have lost five of six games and are five behind the Vikes in the NFC North that they thought they could win. I think the Vikes have the advantage in every single match up. On offense, they will used a balanced attack to carve up an injury-riddled, underachieving Bears defense. On defense, Jared Allen (4.5 sacks against the Bears last year) and Co. will put pressure on Cutler and force him to make mistakes. The Bears running game will be non-existent, as it has been all year. And even on special teams, Rookie of the Year to be Percy Harvin is a threat to score on every play, while Devin Hester has lost some of his kick return magic. Unless the Bears go +3 or more in the turnover battle, they have no chance in this one. Vikings roll at home and tie the Saints for the best record in the NFC when New Orleans losses to New England on Monday Night Football tomorrow.
Prediction:
Vikings 34, Bears 13
SKOL.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Vikings-Seahawks Preview
I liked this Seahawks team a lot coming into the year, but they just have not been able to put all the pieces together this year. Expect all the stars to shine for the Vikings today, especially Adrian Peterson, who is due for a 200 yard game and will get one today. The pass rush will really get after Matt Hasselbeck and cause some turnovers. The Seahawks have no running game to speak of, especially with Julius Jones out, so expect the veteran QB to throw around 50 times. Nothing much else to say about this one. I said I wanted the Vikings to play a complete game last week, but they definitely didn't. You can get away with two turnovers in the red zone against the Lions, but not against the elite playoff teams. The Seahawks are far from elite, but let's hope the Vikes can put a complete, 60 minute game together for the first time this year.
Prediction: Vikings 31, Seahawks 17
SKOL.
Prediction: Vikings 31, Seahawks 17
SKOL.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
USC 77-UCR 67: 1-0 for KO
The Trojans scored an opening night win for new Head Coach Kevin O'Neil on Tuesday night at the Galen Center, defeating UC Riverside 77-67. I got to call the game for KSCR and was very impressed with the Trojans, especially considering they were missing four key contributors, in Alex Stepheson, Marcus Johnson, Mike Gerrity, and Leonard Washington. Here are my impressions after game one:
-Dwight Lewis stepped up and was the player and leader the Trojans will need him to be this year. The Senior came out red hot, scoring the first 7 Trojans points and tallying 14 in the first half. He already looks more aggressive in taking the ball to the rim and more confident with his outside shot. It's his time, and so far, he's making the most of it.
-Marcus Simmons' 18 points was a pleasant surprise. I know Simmons worked on his shooting over the summer. In fact, he shot over 1,000 shots per day and it really has shown in practice and last night. Simmons dominated the game at times on both ends and if he can become a scoring threat along with being his normal tenacious self on defense, the Trojans have themselves a player.
-Nikola Vucevic, the player who I think is poised for a huge breakout season, was solid with 18 points and 8 boards. Vucevic is a guy who played a lot in Montenegro over the summer and has really added some muscle to his frame. He now looks much more aggressive in the post and it showed last night, as Nik was able to move along the baseline for some nifty layups. The defense still needs improvement, but I like what I've seen from Nikola in practices and in the opener.
-Maybe the most pleasant surprise of the night was the play of PG Donte Smith. Smith was dreadful last year, to put it lightly. He turned over the ball too much and couldn't shoot at all from the outside (less than 30%). Although he did have 5 TO last night, Head Coach Kevin O'Neil took responsibility for a few of them, siting bad play calls from the bench. More importantly, Smith showed that he can indeed shoot from the outside, making two threes en route to 12 points. Also, Donte played all 40 minutes, a truly gutsy effort from a guy who rarely saw the floor last season.
-Kasey Cunningham was the only real disappointment, tallying 4 points and fouling out in the second half. Cunningham looked a little sluggish and couldn't really get into the flow of the game on either side of the ball. That should be expected, however, after coming off his third ACL injury in three years. It will take him some time. The thing I didn't like to see was Kasey kick the scorers table after he fouled out and pick up an unnecessary technical foul. Have some more discipline and don't do stupid things like that. It was completely unacceptable and Coach KO let Kasey know about it, glaring and yelling at Cunningham on the bench.
-The interior and transition defense was not particularly good. A big reason for this was the absence of Alex Stepheson in the middle and the absence of Marcus Johnson, one of the best defenders on the team. Defense is really the last thing I'm worried about with this team, especially considering how much O'Neil emphasizes it over everything else in practice.
All in all, it was a solid debut for Coach O'Neil and the Trojans. Any win with the lack of depth they have right now is good. Alex Stepheson might be back Saturday against LMU and Marcus Johnson will be back for the third game next Friday night. Coming into the season, people thought I was absolutely crazy for being optimistic about this team. However, as you will see, this team has talent and will be competitive, especially in Pac-10 play when they get Gerrity and Washington back. I said this team would win 20 games, finish 5th in the Pac-10, and sneak into the NCAA Tournament. Again, people think I'm off the deep end for predicting this, but I'm sticking to it. 19 more wins to go. Fight On.
-Dwight Lewis stepped up and was the player and leader the Trojans will need him to be this year. The Senior came out red hot, scoring the first 7 Trojans points and tallying 14 in the first half. He already looks more aggressive in taking the ball to the rim and more confident with his outside shot. It's his time, and so far, he's making the most of it.
-Marcus Simmons' 18 points was a pleasant surprise. I know Simmons worked on his shooting over the summer. In fact, he shot over 1,000 shots per day and it really has shown in practice and last night. Simmons dominated the game at times on both ends and if he can become a scoring threat along with being his normal tenacious self on defense, the Trojans have themselves a player.
-Nikola Vucevic, the player who I think is poised for a huge breakout season, was solid with 18 points and 8 boards. Vucevic is a guy who played a lot in Montenegro over the summer and has really added some muscle to his frame. He now looks much more aggressive in the post and it showed last night, as Nik was able to move along the baseline for some nifty layups. The defense still needs improvement, but I like what I've seen from Nikola in practices and in the opener.
-Maybe the most pleasant surprise of the night was the play of PG Donte Smith. Smith was dreadful last year, to put it lightly. He turned over the ball too much and couldn't shoot at all from the outside (less than 30%). Although he did have 5 TO last night, Head Coach Kevin O'Neil took responsibility for a few of them, siting bad play calls from the bench. More importantly, Smith showed that he can indeed shoot from the outside, making two threes en route to 12 points. Also, Donte played all 40 minutes, a truly gutsy effort from a guy who rarely saw the floor last season.
-Kasey Cunningham was the only real disappointment, tallying 4 points and fouling out in the second half. Cunningham looked a little sluggish and couldn't really get into the flow of the game on either side of the ball. That should be expected, however, after coming off his third ACL injury in three years. It will take him some time. The thing I didn't like to see was Kasey kick the scorers table after he fouled out and pick up an unnecessary technical foul. Have some more discipline and don't do stupid things like that. It was completely unacceptable and Coach KO let Kasey know about it, glaring and yelling at Cunningham on the bench.
-The interior and transition defense was not particularly good. A big reason for this was the absence of Alex Stepheson in the middle and the absence of Marcus Johnson, one of the best defenders on the team. Defense is really the last thing I'm worried about with this team, especially considering how much O'Neil emphasizes it over everything else in practice.
All in all, it was a solid debut for Coach O'Neil and the Trojans. Any win with the lack of depth they have right now is good. Alex Stepheson might be back Saturday against LMU and Marcus Johnson will be back for the third game next Friday night. Coming into the season, people thought I was absolutely crazy for being optimistic about this team. However, as you will see, this team has talent and will be competitive, especially in Pac-10 play when they get Gerrity and Washington back. I said this team would win 20 games, finish 5th in the Pac-10, and sneak into the NCAA Tournament. Again, people think I'm off the deep end for predicting this, but I'm sticking to it. 19 more wins to go. Fight On.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Back in Action: Vikings-Lions
There is about a 99% chance that the Vikings will win today, so instead of breaking down the match up, I'll just give you a few things I want to see from the Purple today as they come off their bye. Prediction at the bottom.
1. A complete, four quarter domination. The Vikes are 7-1 and they still haven't played a complete game. On one hand, that's good because you don't want them peaking too early and they can be scary good when they put it all together. On the other hand, the Purple have to play complete games to compete with the elite down the road. The Lions are far from elite, but they are a team you have to dominate from start to finish.
2. A breakout, 200 yard game from Adrian Peterson. The Vikes need AD to explode a couple times in the second half of the season. Today is one of those times. The Vikes have worked on running between the tackles during the bye week, so look for it today.
3. Better safety play. Tyrell Johnson has been off and on, and Madieau Williams has been average at best. Both have taken some bad angles and struggled at tackling. The play of these two might be the biggest factor in determining if the Vikings complete their Mission Miami. They have to get better, starting today.
4. More dominating play from the linebackers. I think the Vikings have one of the best units in the league, so I am holding them to high standards. They have been good, but not great. E.J. Henderson and Chad Greenway are freaks of nature and need to have games when they take over. Today is one of those games.
PREDICTION:
Vikings 34, Lions 13
Peterson leads the Vikings with a huge day on the ground and Tarvaris Jackson is taking snaps at the end, as the Vikes get the old grizzled #4 some rest.
SKOL!!!
1. A complete, four quarter domination. The Vikes are 7-1 and they still haven't played a complete game. On one hand, that's good because you don't want them peaking too early and they can be scary good when they put it all together. On the other hand, the Purple have to play complete games to compete with the elite down the road. The Lions are far from elite, but they are a team you have to dominate from start to finish.
2. A breakout, 200 yard game from Adrian Peterson. The Vikes need AD to explode a couple times in the second half of the season. Today is one of those times. The Vikes have worked on running between the tackles during the bye week, so look for it today.
3. Better safety play. Tyrell Johnson has been off and on, and Madieau Williams has been average at best. Both have taken some bad angles and struggled at tackling. The play of these two might be the biggest factor in determining if the Vikings complete their Mission Miami. They have to get better, starting today.
4. More dominating play from the linebackers. I think the Vikings have one of the best units in the league, so I am holding them to high standards. They have been good, but not great. E.J. Henderson and Chad Greenway are freaks of nature and need to have games when they take over. Today is one of those games.
PREDICTION:
Vikings 34, Lions 13
Peterson leads the Vikings with a huge day on the ground and Tarvaris Jackson is taking snaps at the end, as the Vikes get the old grizzled #4 some rest.
SKOL!!!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The Day Has Finally Come: Favre Returns to Green Bay
Ever since it first became possible for the Vikings to sign Brett Favre, Vikings fans have been waiting for this day. The world of sports has never seen anything like this in its history: A legendary quarterback returning home on his former arch rival's team. I'm sure it's hard for Packers fans to know what to feel right now. Luckily for Vikings fans, it's easy: We want the old gun slinger to stick it to his former team on their field. Here's why I think it will be a happy homecoming for #4:
1. The Vikings defensive line will dominate the Packers offensive line. Much like the first meeting, this is the single biggest advantage either team has. The Vikings recorded 8 sacks at the Dome, including 4.5 by Jared Allen. Today, the Packers will start rookie T.J. Lang at left tackle on Allen. I don't see why we won't put Rodgers on his ass several times in this game. The Packers O-line is terrible to begin with and they are banged up. It's going to be a big day for Allen and the Williams Wall.
2. Adrian Peterson will have a huge game. In the first meeting, the Pack loaded up on AD and let Favre beat them. Don't count on that happening again. Because of all the hoopla with Favre and what he did to them at the Dome, the Pack are going to be focused on stopping #4. Peterson will take advantage. Plus, he's due for a big game. Also, look for a big game from TE Visanthe Shiancoe. In the first meeting, the Pack used CB Charles Woodsen on the Vikings tight end. With the emergence of Sidney Rice, Green Bay will move Woodsen on him and it will open things up for Shiancoe.
3. Favre wants this game more than any other on the schedule this season. Regardless of what he says, at least a small part of the reason for his return was to stick it to Green Bay, especially at Lambeau. The rest of the team knows of the importance of this game for Brett and for the race in the NFC North. They will come out very fired up.
4. While the health of the Vikings isn't great, the Packers health is worse. Not only is their offensive line battered up, but they only have three healthy receivers and one healthy tight end. The Vikings did a great job against a great Steelers receiving core last week without CB Antoine Winfield. They will do it again against Green Bay.
Too much emotion for the Vikings in this game for them not to win it, even on the road. Plus, I think there's a significant talent gap between these two teams. For the second time this season, that gap will show itself. Vikings win big and put away the NFC North.
Prediction: Vikings 30, Packers 20
SKOL!!! And...GO BRETT GO!!!
1. The Vikings defensive line will dominate the Packers offensive line. Much like the first meeting, this is the single biggest advantage either team has. The Vikings recorded 8 sacks at the Dome, including 4.5 by Jared Allen. Today, the Packers will start rookie T.J. Lang at left tackle on Allen. I don't see why we won't put Rodgers on his ass several times in this game. The Packers O-line is terrible to begin with and they are banged up. It's going to be a big day for Allen and the Williams Wall.
2. Adrian Peterson will have a huge game. In the first meeting, the Pack loaded up on AD and let Favre beat them. Don't count on that happening again. Because of all the hoopla with Favre and what he did to them at the Dome, the Pack are going to be focused on stopping #4. Peterson will take advantage. Plus, he's due for a big game. Also, look for a big game from TE Visanthe Shiancoe. In the first meeting, the Pack used CB Charles Woodsen on the Vikings tight end. With the emergence of Sidney Rice, Green Bay will move Woodsen on him and it will open things up for Shiancoe.
3. Favre wants this game more than any other on the schedule this season. Regardless of what he says, at least a small part of the reason for his return was to stick it to Green Bay, especially at Lambeau. The rest of the team knows of the importance of this game for Brett and for the race in the NFC North. They will come out very fired up.
4. While the health of the Vikings isn't great, the Packers health is worse. Not only is their offensive line battered up, but they only have three healthy receivers and one healthy tight end. The Vikings did a great job against a great Steelers receiving core last week without CB Antoine Winfield. They will do it again against Green Bay.
Too much emotion for the Vikings in this game for them not to win it, even on the road. Plus, I think there's a significant talent gap between these two teams. For the second time this season, that gap will show itself. Vikings win big and put away the NFC North.
Prediction: Vikings 30, Packers 20
SKOL!!! And...GO BRETT GO!!!
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