Cincinnati Bengals 24, Houston Texans 20.
Green Bay Packers 30, Minnesota Vikings 17.
Baltimore Ravens 28, Indianapolis Colts 23.
Seattle Seahawks 28, Washington Redskins 20.
Last Week: 10-6 (.625)
Season: 149-91 (.621)
Showing posts with label Minnesota Vikings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minnesota Vikings. Show all posts
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Grading the 2008 NFL Draft: NFC North
In part three of my eight part series, I'll be re-grading the 2008 NFL Draft, team-by-team. Below are links to previous editions.
NFC South, NFC West
Chicago Bears
1(14) - OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
2(44) - RB Matt Forte, Tulane
3(90) - DT Marcus Harrison, Arkansas
4(120) - S Craig Steltz, LSU
5(142) - CB Zackary Bowman, Penn State
5(158) - TE Kellen Davis, Michigan State
7(208) - DE Ervin Baldwin, Michigan State
7(222) - G Chester Adams, Georgia
7(243) - LB Joey LaRocque, Oregon State
7(247) - OT Kirk Barton, Ohio State
7(248) - WR Marcus Monk, Arkansas
Thoughts: Williams started out at left tackle with mixed results, but performed much better after being moved to guard this past season. Forte has emerged as one of the best backs in the league, and is scheduled to hit free agency (though Bears GM Jerry Angelo will likely franchise tag him before the February 20th deadline). Davis took over the starting spot after Greg Olsen's departure before the start of the season. Bowman (largely a nickel) and Steltz (spot starter in 2011) have been solid in the secondary and on special teams, while Harrison played three sub-par seasons before being a preseason roster cut. Baldwin, Adams, Barton and Monk never made an appearance in a regular season NFL game, while Joey LaRocque played on special teams for the Bears in 2008. A Pro Bowl player, and four other solid contributors made this a solid draft.
Grade: B-
Detroit Lions
1(17) - OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College
2(45) - LB Jordon Dizon, Colorado
3(64) - RB Kevin Smith, Central Florida
3(87) - DT Andre Fluellen, Florida State
3(92) - DE Cliff Avril, Purdue
5(136) - WR Kenneth Moore, Wake Forest
5(146) - FB Jerome Felton, Furman
7(216) - DT Landon Cohen, Ohio
7(218) - S Caleb Campbell, Army
Thoughts: Cherilus has been a solid starter since his rookie season, but still struggles with some of the better defensive ends in the league. The gem of this class is no doubt Cliff Avril (11.0 sacks, 6 FF in 2011), who will no doubt be getting a significant pay-raise this offseason. Dizon and Smith both struggled with injuries in their pro career (Dizon is now out of football, Smith was not tendered a contract to start 2011, but re-signed with Detroit midseason), and Fluellen has just 44 career tackles. Felton is currently on the Colts roster after three seasons in Detroit, while Moore was most recently with the Steelers (but has seen minimal in-game action). Cohen hasn't seen the field much, and has played for three teams in four seasons. Caleb Campbell was a feel-good story of the draft, but had to return to active duty before latching on with the Chiefs in 2010. Cherilus and Avril are the only consistent contributors on this team, which would have a higher grade were it not for the injury issues for Dizon and Smith.
Grade: C+
Green Bay Packers
2(36) - WR Jordy Nelson, Kansas State
2(56) - QB Brian Brohm, Louisville
2(60) - CB Patrick Lee, Auburn
3(91) - TE JerMichael Finley, Texas
4(102) - DE Jeremy Thompson, Wake Forest
4(135) - OT Josh Sitton, Central Florida
5(150) - OT Breno Giacomini, Louisville
7(209) - QB Matt Flynn, LSU
7(217) - WR Brett Swain, San Diego State
Thoughts: Two of the Packers' top three receiving weapons were taken in this draft, which helps offset the disappointing picks of Brohm and Lee (now out of the league). Thompson washed out due to a neck injury, while Giacomini spent three seasons as a reserve lineman before getting 8 starts for the Seahawks after injuries hit their offensive line. Matt Flynn will likely be a big free agent target after settting Packer single-game records for passing yards and touchdowns in place of the resting Aaron Rodgers. Sitton has been very good since moving inside to guard, while Swain was a practice squad player before being waived prior to the season. The Brohm and Lee picks are the only thing preventing Green Bay from being an A+.
Grade: A-
Minnesota Vikings
2(43) - S Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas State
5(137) - QB John David Booty, Southern California
5(152) - DT Letroy Guion, Florida State
6(187) - C John Sullivan, Notre Dame
6(193) - WR Jayman Johnson, Jackson State
Thoughts: Johnson started 22 games in his first two seasons, but has been relegated to largely a special-teamer the past two years. Booty never saw the field in his career, while Guion has been a career backup. Sullivan has started 45 games the past three years, and done a great job replacing future Hall of Famer Matt Birk at the pivot. Johnson spent two seasons on the Vikings' practice squad before breaking his thumb in his first game in 2010. The team got great value out of Sullivan, and a couple of depth players despite only having one pick in the first four rounds.
Grade: C+
NFC South, NFC West
Chicago Bears
1(14) - OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
2(44) - RB Matt Forte, Tulane
3(90) - DT Marcus Harrison, Arkansas
4(120) - S Craig Steltz, LSU
5(142) - CB Zackary Bowman, Penn State
5(158) - TE Kellen Davis, Michigan State
7(208) - DE Ervin Baldwin, Michigan State
7(222) - G Chester Adams, Georgia
7(243) - LB Joey LaRocque, Oregon State
7(247) - OT Kirk Barton, Ohio State
7(248) - WR Marcus Monk, Arkansas
Thoughts: Williams started out at left tackle with mixed results, but performed much better after being moved to guard this past season. Forte has emerged as one of the best backs in the league, and is scheduled to hit free agency (though Bears GM Jerry Angelo will likely franchise tag him before the February 20th deadline). Davis took over the starting spot after Greg Olsen's departure before the start of the season. Bowman (largely a nickel) and Steltz (spot starter in 2011) have been solid in the secondary and on special teams, while Harrison played three sub-par seasons before being a preseason roster cut. Baldwin, Adams, Barton and Monk never made an appearance in a regular season NFL game, while Joey LaRocque played on special teams for the Bears in 2008. A Pro Bowl player, and four other solid contributors made this a solid draft.
Grade: B-
Detroit Lions
1(17) - OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College
2(45) - LB Jordon Dizon, Colorado
3(64) - RB Kevin Smith, Central Florida
3(87) - DT Andre Fluellen, Florida State
3(92) - DE Cliff Avril, Purdue
5(136) - WR Kenneth Moore, Wake Forest
5(146) - FB Jerome Felton, Furman
7(216) - DT Landon Cohen, Ohio
7(218) - S Caleb Campbell, Army
Thoughts: Cherilus has been a solid starter since his rookie season, but still struggles with some of the better defensive ends in the league. The gem of this class is no doubt Cliff Avril (11.0 sacks, 6 FF in 2011), who will no doubt be getting a significant pay-raise this offseason. Dizon and Smith both struggled with injuries in their pro career (Dizon is now out of football, Smith was not tendered a contract to start 2011, but re-signed with Detroit midseason), and Fluellen has just 44 career tackles. Felton is currently on the Colts roster after three seasons in Detroit, while Moore was most recently with the Steelers (but has seen minimal in-game action). Cohen hasn't seen the field much, and has played for three teams in four seasons. Caleb Campbell was a feel-good story of the draft, but had to return to active duty before latching on with the Chiefs in 2010. Cherilus and Avril are the only consistent contributors on this team, which would have a higher grade were it not for the injury issues for Dizon and Smith.
Grade: C+
Green Bay Packers
2(36) - WR Jordy Nelson, Kansas State
2(56) - QB Brian Brohm, Louisville
2(60) - CB Patrick Lee, Auburn
3(91) - TE JerMichael Finley, Texas
4(102) - DE Jeremy Thompson, Wake Forest
4(135) - OT Josh Sitton, Central Florida
5(150) - OT Breno Giacomini, Louisville
7(209) - QB Matt Flynn, LSU
7(217) - WR Brett Swain, San Diego State
Thoughts: Two of the Packers' top three receiving weapons were taken in this draft, which helps offset the disappointing picks of Brohm and Lee (now out of the league). Thompson washed out due to a neck injury, while Giacomini spent three seasons as a reserve lineman before getting 8 starts for the Seahawks after injuries hit their offensive line. Matt Flynn will likely be a big free agent target after settting Packer single-game records for passing yards and touchdowns in place of the resting Aaron Rodgers. Sitton has been very good since moving inside to guard, while Swain was a practice squad player before being waived prior to the season. The Brohm and Lee picks are the only thing preventing Green Bay from being an A+.
Grade: A-
Minnesota Vikings
2(43) - S Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas State
5(137) - QB John David Booty, Southern California
5(152) - DT Letroy Guion, Florida State
6(187) - C John Sullivan, Notre Dame
6(193) - WR Jayman Johnson, Jackson State
Thoughts: Johnson started 22 games in his first two seasons, but has been relegated to largely a special-teamer the past two years. Booty never saw the field in his career, while Guion has been a career backup. Sullivan has started 45 games the past three years, and done a great job replacing future Hall of Famer Matt Birk at the pivot. Johnson spent two seasons on the Vikings' practice squad before breaking his thumb in his first game in 2010. The team got great value out of Sullivan, and a couple of depth players despite only having one pick in the first four rounds.
Grade: C+
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Five Questions: Minnesota Vikings
Protecting Ponder? Rookie quarterback Christian Ponder quite literally took his lumps, as he was sacked 30 times in his eleven games played. As a team, the Vikings surrendered 49 sacks. While part of that can be attributed to Ponder holding onto the ball for too long, the offensive line has got to do a better job as a unit of protecting their quarterbacks.
Helping Harvin? Wide receiver Percy Harvin is no doubt a play-maker, but the departure of Sidney Rice to Seattle made Harvin the team's number one wide receiver. Harvin is more of an underneath receiver, where he can use his excellent change-of-direction skills and rack up yards after the catch. The team did add former Notre Dame tight end John Carlson in the draft last season, but the rest of the receivers on the roster are probably no better than third or fouth receivers on most teams. The 2012 Draft has a bevy of talent at receiver in the first few rounds, and the team could target someone like Rutgers' Mohamed Sanu in the second round to add a physical presence to compliment Harvin and his quickness.
"Corner"-ing the market? Despite having a great pass rush, the Vikings were still just 26th in the league in pass defense this season, and tied for worst in the league with just eight interceptions. Their best cornerback, Antoine Winfield, will turn 35 before next season, and recent draft picks Asher Allen and Chris Cook haven't done as well as hoped. They will have an opportunity to snag either Morris Claiborne (LSU) or Dre' Kirkpatrick (Alabama) with the third overall pick, or could pursue someone like Brent Grimes (Atlanta) or Brandon Carr (Kansas City) in free agency.
Peterson's health? As most know by now, Adrian Peterson tore the ACL in his left knee in week sixteen and had surgery this past week to repair it. Typical recovery time is between 9-12 months, though the Vikings believe he should be back in time for the start of the 2012 season. While that recovery time is when he is "ready" to play again, it typically takes players two years to fully recover and return to previous form. While Toby Gerhart had a much better second season with the Vikings (531 yards, 4.9 yards/carry), this team is simply not the same without A.P. toting the rock.
Morris the answer for defensive troubles? The Vikings have begun to overhaul their defensive coaching staff, firing defensive line coach Karl Dunbar (which surprises me considering how well the front four played). Now there are rumors that the team could be looking to bring in former Buccanneers head coach Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator, despite not having let go of current D.C. Fred Pagac. While Morris is thought of as a great defensive mind, his Tampa Bay team was 30th in total defense this year. If they do bring in Morris, the team will likely be switching schemes to more of a cover-2 look, and would almost certainly take Morris Claiborne in the draft, as he has great anticipation, physical tools and ball skills.
Helping Harvin? Wide receiver Percy Harvin is no doubt a play-maker, but the departure of Sidney Rice to Seattle made Harvin the team's number one wide receiver. Harvin is more of an underneath receiver, where he can use his excellent change-of-direction skills and rack up yards after the catch. The team did add former Notre Dame tight end John Carlson in the draft last season, but the rest of the receivers on the roster are probably no better than third or fouth receivers on most teams. The 2012 Draft has a bevy of talent at receiver in the first few rounds, and the team could target someone like Rutgers' Mohamed Sanu in the second round to add a physical presence to compliment Harvin and his quickness.
"Corner"-ing the market? Despite having a great pass rush, the Vikings were still just 26th in the league in pass defense this season, and tied for worst in the league with just eight interceptions. Their best cornerback, Antoine Winfield, will turn 35 before next season, and recent draft picks Asher Allen and Chris Cook haven't done as well as hoped. They will have an opportunity to snag either Morris Claiborne (LSU) or Dre' Kirkpatrick (Alabama) with the third overall pick, or could pursue someone like Brent Grimes (Atlanta) or Brandon Carr (Kansas City) in free agency.
Peterson's health? As most know by now, Adrian Peterson tore the ACL in his left knee in week sixteen and had surgery this past week to repair it. Typical recovery time is between 9-12 months, though the Vikings believe he should be back in time for the start of the 2012 season. While that recovery time is when he is "ready" to play again, it typically takes players two years to fully recover and return to previous form. While Toby Gerhart had a much better second season with the Vikings (531 yards, 4.9 yards/carry), this team is simply not the same without A.P. toting the rock.
Morris the answer for defensive troubles? The Vikings have begun to overhaul their defensive coaching staff, firing defensive line coach Karl Dunbar (which surprises me considering how well the front four played). Now there are rumors that the team could be looking to bring in former Buccanneers head coach Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator, despite not having let go of current D.C. Fred Pagac. While Morris is thought of as a great defensive mind, his Tampa Bay team was 30th in total defense this year. If they do bring in Morris, the team will likely be switching schemes to more of a cover-2 look, and would almost certainly take Morris Claiborne in the draft, as he has great anticipation, physical tools and ball skills.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
5 NFL teams that might be feeling "Luck-y" in April
With the season one-fourth over, I thought it'd be a good time to do some research on the teams that might finish the season towards the bottom of the standings. I have five teams here that are either 1-3 or 0-4 that will probably: a) finish under six wins, and; b) at least contemplate drafting Andrew Luck.
Indianapolis Colts - Without Peyton Manning, this team can't utilize their biggest strengths (great receivers, pass rush). This defense is not one that's built to stop the run, and without Manning racking up points, there will be less opportunity for Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Should Peyton not be able to return following three neck procedures in the past 18 months, then they'll no doubt need to look for a new franchise quarterback. Luck has top notch instincts and feel for the game, as well as uncanny accuracy and mobility both inside the pocket and out, which would probably be necessary as the Colts offensive line isn't great either.
Reason they could draft first: No Peyton Manning will definitely hurt, as neither Curtis Painter or Kerry Collins are really starting caliber NFL quarterbacks. The division could be construed as down, though I'd argue its more balanced than lacking talent.
Remaining Schedule -
Home: Chiefs, Falcons, Jaguars, Panthers, Titans, Texans
Away: Buccaneers, Bengals, Saints, Titans, Patriots, Ravens, Jaguars
Projected Record: 4-12. The Colts will be out of the playoff picture by week 10, so don't expect Peyton to play in 2011.
Indianapolis Colts - Without Peyton Manning, this team can't utilize their biggest strengths (great receivers, pass rush). This defense is not one that's built to stop the run, and without Manning racking up points, there will be less opportunity for Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Should Peyton not be able to return following three neck procedures in the past 18 months, then they'll no doubt need to look for a new franchise quarterback. Luck has top notch instincts and feel for the game, as well as uncanny accuracy and mobility both inside the pocket and out, which would probably be necessary as the Colts offensive line isn't great either.
Reason they could draft first: No Peyton Manning will definitely hurt, as neither Curtis Painter or Kerry Collins are really starting caliber NFL quarterbacks. The division could be construed as down, though I'd argue its more balanced than lacking talent.
Remaining Schedule -
Home: Chiefs, Falcons, Jaguars, Panthers, Titans, Texans
Away: Buccaneers, Bengals, Saints, Titans, Patriots, Ravens, Jaguars
Projected Record: 4-12. The Colts will be out of the playoff picture by week 10, so don't expect Peyton to play in 2011.
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