Minnesota Vikings: Under New Management

[Bobby Barrows]

Regular Season, Week 13, 2010 NFL Season
​

Game of the Century!!! Vikings Beat Lions 53-55 Vikings Win NFC North ​ The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions put together possibly the game of the century, if not all of NFL history, here this Sunday afternoon as it came down to Josh Brown kicking the game winning field goal in the final seconds. The Minnesota Vikings offense was beyond potent as they traveled well over the length of seven football fields with 739 yards of total offense, a new NFL record; not only that Adrian Peterson yet again broke the single game rushing record by rushing for 376 yards, well beyond staggering and quite possibly reaching the limits of human capability in the NFL. Adrian Peterson is now the only player in NFL history to not have just one 300+ yard rushing game, but three. In his fourth year in the NFL, the young running-back has already etched himself as a first-ballot hall of famer. Both the Vikings and Lions offense combined for 1,408 Yards total, well smashing the previous record held by the Vikings and Packers in last season's Divisional Playoff Round. Alex Smith was incredible as he threw 20/33 for 327 yards and two touchdowns. Adrian Peterson yet again had over 50 carries for the second week in a row as he rushed 53 times for 376 yards and three touchdowns. Alex Smith also had a rushing touchdown. Adrian Peterson also was incredible in the receiving game, hauling in four catches for 115 yards and 1 touchdown. Nate Burleson caught three passes for 110 yards and the other touchdown. On defense Lions QB Chevon Cottrell was sacked six times and intercepted four times. The Vikings rookie linebacker Cedric Wall flashed some special talents as he not only forced a fumble but made a safety on the Lions offense. Still, the defense was horrendous outside of these highlights by giving up possibly it's worst amount of yards to date: 669 yards. The Minnesota Vikings now officially are winners of the NFC North for the second year in a row. Both the Vikings and New Orleans Saints have won their respective division and for now it appears that the Minnesota Vikings are content putting their foot off the gas and focusing on preparing for the playoffs and home field advantage. Next week they face off against the Chicago Bears, who defeated the Green Bay Packers this week in overtime. The Bears are desperately clinging to playoff hopes, but the Minnesota Vikings could eliminate them with a win here.​

Passing:
Alex Smith - 20/33, 327 Yards, 2 TDs

Rushing:
Adrian Peterson - 53, 376 Yards (RECORD), 3 TDs
Alex Smith - 5, 8 Yards, 1 TD

Receiving:
Adrian Peterson - 4, 115 Yards, 1 TD
Nate Burleson - 3, 110 Yards, 1 TD

Defense:
Ray Edwards - 2 Sack
Jared Allen - 1 Sack
Kevin Williams - 1 Sack
Ben Leber - 1 Sack
Chad Greenway - 1 Sack, 1 INT
Chad Greenway - 2 INT
Terence Newman - 1 INT
Cedric Wall* - 1 FF, 1 SAF

Kicking:
Josh Brown - 4/5 FGA, 57 Long, 5/5 XPA
​

	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	FINAL
[BGCOLOR=rgb(0, 118, 182)]DETROIT[/BGCOLOR]	21	0	3	29	53
[BGCOLOR=rgb(79, 38, 131)]MINNESOTA[/BGCOLOR]	0	14	19	22	55

 

[Chris]

AP gotta be just banned from fantasy leagues in this universe right bro? 491 total yards

 

[Bobby Barrows]

AP gotta be just banned from fantasy leagues in this universe right bro? 491 total yards

Yes, I would assume he's banned. He's the Oddjob of the Fantasy League.

 

[Bobby Barrows]

Regular Season, Week 14, 2010 NFL Season
​

Vikings Defeat Bears 40-20 ​ The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears handily despite a first quarter in which the Vikings defense gave up 20 points. In spite of the slow start, the Vikings showed they are still the best team in the entire league. Alex Smith threw two interceptions but ended the day 24/46 for 239 yards and one touchdown. It was again Adrian Peterson's day to shine, rushing 34 times for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Chester Taylor also rushed for a touchdown, gaining 83 yards off of 19 attempts. Rookie tight end Jamie Renick caught Alex Smith's lone touchdown, hauling in four passes for 39 yards. Defensively, Jake Delhomme was sacked four times and threw three interceptions en route to a devastating loss for the Chicago Bears, which effectively ends their push for a playoff spot. Brian Robison, Kevin Williams, Ray Edwards, and Pat Williams each sacked Delhomme, and it was Chad Greenway who was the crown jewel of the game, intercepting Delhomme once, and forcing and recovering a fumble. EJ Henderson and Cedric Griffin had an interception as well. In the kicking game, Josh Brown was perfect today: 4/4 on field goal attempts, the longest from 41, and 4/4 on extra point tries. The Vikings will move to 12-1, and facing off against the 6-7 Rams, the Minnesota Vikings merely need one more win to guarantee the #1 seed in the playoffs. Questions have begun to spring up regarding resting starters for the final two games of the season if Minnesota defeats the Rams.​

Passing:
Alex Smith - 23/46, 239 Yards, 1 TDs, 2 INTs

Rushing:
Adrian Peterson - 34, 191 Yards, 2 TDs
Chester Taylor - 19, 83 Yards, 1 TD

Receiving:
Jamie Renick* - 4, 39 Yards, 1 TD
Sidney Rice - 3, 47 Yards
Adrian Peterson - 4, 42 Yards

Defense:
Brian Robison - 1 Sack
Kevin Williams - 1 Sack
Ray Edwards - 1 Sack
Pat Williams - 1 Sack
Chad Greenway - 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR
Cedric Griffin - 1 INT
EJ Henderson - 1 INT

Kicking:
Josh Brown - 4/4, 41 Long, 4/4 XPA
​

	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	FINAL
MINNESOTA	7	6	14	13	40
CHICAGO	20	0	0	0	20

 

[Chris]

Don't rest starters, think of the Adrian Peterson fantasy owners

 

[Bobby Barrows]

Don't rest starters, think of the Adrian Peterson fantasy owners

I got some bad news.

 

[Bobby Barrows]

Regular Season, Week 15, 2010 NFL Season
​

Vikings Lose Peterson to Rams 20-36 ​ The Minnesota Vikings' playoff hopes are in serious jeopardy following a major injury to Adrian Peterson. Peterson was setting up for another great game, rushing six times for 96 yards and a touchdown, before suffering a torn shoulder. Following the game, it was announced he would immediately go on Injured Reserve, ending his season. That is two major pieces of the Vikings Super Bowl winning offense (Colby Arden, Adrian Peterson), done for the season. Without Peterson's elusiveness and power, the Vikings offense fell apart to the incredible defense. Alex Smith was knocked out of the game, Jared Lorenzen was benched, and Ryan Fitzpatrick was sent to slaughter against the St. Louis defense. All three quarterbacks combined for seven interceptions. The only offensive touchdown was by the injured Peterson. Bobby Sylvester returned a kick-off for 104 yards and a touchdown to put the Minnesota Vikings back into it, but it was simply not enough. Chester Taylor rushed 23 times for 70 yards; Bernard Berrian played the game of his life by hauling in nine passes for 135 yards, and Chris Henry caught 6 passes for 112 yards. The Minnesota Vikings defense has begun to show their unsustainability in regards to their last place position in yards given up. The Vikings defense has given up 85 points in the first quarter since the bye, worst in the NFL. The defense is last in total yards given up, passing yards given up, and 31st in rushing yards given up. Despite this, they are first in interceptions and sacks. It appears that despite being now 12-2, the defense may lose the team a playoff game. Without the offense to bail them out now, it appears that what was originally a Super Bowl return dream, is crumbling and near-dust. ​ The Vikings move to 12-2 and without Adrian Peterson, they could quite possibly lose the rest of their games. Head Coach Brian Billick expresses his concerns on the season and whether it may be that their season is lost. He however, maintains that he is confident in Alex Smith if he can stay healthy in a backup role.

Passing:
Alex Smith - 6/12, 69 Yards, 2 INTs
Jared Lorenzen - 19/36, 254 Yards, 4 INTs
Ryan Fitzpatrick - 2/4, 13 Yards, 1 INT

Rushing:
Adrian Peterson - 6, 96 Yards, 1 TD
Chester Taylor - 23, 70 Yards
Alex Smith - 4, 16 Yards, 1 FUM

Receiving:
Bernard Berrian - 9, 135 Yards
Chris Henry - 6, 112 Yards

Defense:
Kevin Williams - 4 Sacks
Ethan Kelley - 1 Sack
Dana Russell - 1 Sack

Kick Return:
Bobby Sylvester* - 3, 133 Yards, 1 TD, 104 Long
​

	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	FINAL
MINNESOTA	7	7	3	3	20
ST. LOUIS	21	9	0	6	36

December 24th, 2010
​

*The* Year of the Running-Back? (Adrian Peterson (left) and Reggie Bush (right) currently lead the league in rushing yards) ​ Last year, we posed the question whether the 2009 NFL Season was the "Year of the Running-Back", following Vikings RB Adrian Peterson's record breaking 2,431-yard season, and Washington RB Clinton Portis breaking the 2,000-yard club in the same season (Cowboys RB Willis Mcgahee was shy of the record by several yards). However, we are now seeing a new Renaissance in the running game, as Adrian Peterson, who's season is over from a torn shoulder, was on par to break his own record from last year, a mere 78 yards shy, ending his season with 2,353 yards. Adrian Peterson was a human highlight reel this year, but he has not been the only incredible running back this season. Four or more other running-backs have a chance of joining the 2,000-yard club by the end of this year: Saints' Reggie Bush (1,949 yards), Lions' Michael Turner (1,901), Packers' Ryan Grant (1,900), and Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (1,870). These four have a chance to create what may be the single greatest year by rushing yards in NFL history. How did we get here? The question remains excellent, as nobody is sure how this spike in talent has occurred, even if NFL teams pass more than ever before.​

 

[Kiffy Lube]

That Lions game was ballin' status.

No AP and no Arden though. We're gonna have scrap our way to that Super Bowl.

 

[Chris]

Oh its over

 

[Bobby Barrows]

Regular Season, Week 16, 2010 NFL Season

- Vikings Sign FB Jason McKie (80) [30] As Emergency Player
​

Vikings Lose to Dolphins 27-35 ​ The Minnesota Vikings fall to the 7-6-1 Miami Dolphins 27-35 after losing the lead late in the 4th Quarter and a late interception ended the comeback drive. Alex Smith showed respectable numbers going 27/47 for 235 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw three backbreaking interceptions that cost the team dearly. Maurice Hicks showed great play in replacing Adrian Peterson, rushing 32 times for 142 yards and a touchdown. The running back corps contributed to 3 fumbles, however. Sidney Rice caught seven balls for 77 yards, while Jamie Renick and Jason McKie (signed this week to replace an injured Thomas Tapeh) each caught a touchdown pass from Smith. Defensively, the Vikings stuffed the run at 150 yards but allowed 371 yards in the air despite sacking rookie quarterback Lamar Douglas 7 times and intercepting him five times. Charles Woodson returned and hauled in two interceptions to bring his interception total on the season to 12. Two more will tie the single-season record, and an additional interception would break it. All eyes are on Charles Woodson with one game left in the year. Additionally, Ray Edwards is one half-sack away from breaking the single-season sack record, with Kevin Williams a sack behind Edwards, with 22 and 21 respectively. Vikings now move to 12-3 and will face off against the 3-12 New York Jets to close out the season.

Passing:
Alex Smith - 27/47, 235 Yards, 2 TDs, 3 INT

Rushing:
Maurice Hicks - 32, 142 Yards, 1 TD, 1 FUM
Chester Taylor - 21, 75 Yards. 2 FUM
Jason McKie - 10, 32 Yards

Receiving:
Sidney Rice - 7, 77 Yards
Jamie Renick* - 6, 52 Yards, 1 TD
Jason McKie - 3, 15 Yards, 1 TD

Defense:
Jared Allen - 2 Sacks
Brian Robison - 1 Sack
Pat Williams - 1 Sack
Kevin Williams - 1 Sack
Ray Edwards - 1 Sack
Chad Greenway - 1 Sack
Charles Woodson - 2 INT
Ivan Hasty - 1 INT
Terence Newman - 1 INT
Dwight Smith - 1 INT, 3 FF

Kicking:
Josh Brown - 2/3, 38 Long, 3/3 XPA
​

	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	FINAL
[BGCOLOR=rgb(79, 38, 131)]MINNESOTA[/BGCOLOR]	0	24	3	0	27
[BGCOLOR=rgb(0, 142, 151)]MIAMI[/BGCOLOR]	12	0	3	20	35

- Vikings Sign HB Kolby Smith (79) [25] to 1 Year Deal​

 

[Bobby Barrows]

Regular Season, Week 17, 2010 NFL Season

​

Vikings Fall to Jets 30-17 The Minnesota Vikings fall short of the New York Jets to lose 35-17 and ended the season 12-4, good for 3rd place in the NFC. The slow start for Minnesota was evident as the only points scored all game was in the second half. The New York Jets came out to an early lead and held it all game as the Vikings offense was putrid. Alex Smith went 25/57 for 388 yards, two touchdowns, but fumbled once and threw two interceptions, including one on a comeback drive in the 4th quarter. The running game was again a shadow of its former self with both Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor out on injuries. The running game combined for only 126 yards and a fumble by rookie Tight End Jamie Renick. Bernard Berrian had a good game, hauling in 12 passes for 270 yards, and two touchdowns. Both Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice broke 1,000-yard seasons, the first time since 2000 that two Minnesota Vikings receivers each reached 1,000 yards. Defensively, Ray Edwards broke the single-season sack record, culminating in his sack-fumble and recovery on Charlie Frye. Frye was sacked 6 times and fumbled a staggering 4 times, losing every single one to the Minnesota Vikings. Charles Woodson ended his season with 12 interceptions, two shy of tying the single-season mark, as Frye threw no interceptions all game. Josh Brown also went 1/3 on field goal attempts, missing from 46 and 59 respectively. Head Coach Brian Billick expressed disappointment in how the season ended, dropping three of their final games to fall out of first place in the NFC. The team is focused on the playoffs, however, and Billick states that his priority at the moment is driving his team forward, through thick or thin. The Vikings will play the 6th-seeded St. Louis Rams in the NFC Wild Card round at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.​

Passing:
Alex Smith - 25/57, 388 Yards, 2 TDs, 2 INT, 1 FUM

Rushing:
Maurice Hicks - 12, 54 Yards
Jason McKie - 10, 40 Yards
Kolby Smith - 7, 23 Yards
Jamie Renick* - 4, 8 Yards, 1 FUM

Receiving:
Bernard Berrian - 12, 270 Yards, 2 TDs
Sidney Rice - 5, 74 Yards

Defense:
Brian Robison - 2 Sacks
Pat Williams - 1 Sack
Tyrell Johnson - 1 Sack
Kevin Williams - 1 Sack
Ray Edwards - 1 Sack, 1 FF, 1 FR
Cedric Wall* - 1 FF, 1 FR
Jared Allen - 1 FF, 1 FR
Ben Leber - 1 FF, 1 FR

Kicking:
Josh Brown - 1/3, 37 Long
​

	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	FINAL
[BGCOLOR=rgb(0, 63, 45)]NEW YORK[/BGCOLOR]	7	3	14	6	30
[BGCOLOR=rgb(79, 38, 131)]MINNESOTA[/BGCOLOR]	0	0	6	11	17

2010 NFL Season Standings:
(Z = Home Field Advantage, Y = Division Title, X = Playoff Berth)

​

TEAM (AFC NORTH)	W-L-T	WIN %	CURRENT STREAK
Cleveland Browns (Y)	8-8	.500	L3
Pittsburgh Steelers	8-8	.500	L2
Baltimore Ravens	7-9	.437	L1
Cincinnati Bengals	3-13	.187	L1

TEAM (AFC SOUTH)	W-L-T	WIN %	CURRENT STREAK
Tennessee Titans (Y)	11-5	.687	L2
Indianapolis Colts	9-7	.562	L1
Houston Texans	7-9	.437	W1
Jacksonville Jaguars	4-12	.250	L2

TEAM (AFC EAST)	W-L-T	WIN %	CURRENT STREAK
New England Patriots (Y)	10-6	.625	W2
Miami Dolphins (X)	9-6-1	.593	W2
Buffalo Bills	8-8	.500	W1
New York Jets	4-12	.250	W1

TEAM (AFC WEST)	W-L-T	WIN %	CURRENT STREAK
Kansas City Chiefs (Z)	13-3	.812	W3
San Diego Chargers (X)	11-5	.687	W2
Denver Broncos	7-9	.437	L1
Oakland Raiders	7-9	.437	W2

​

TEAM (NFC NORTH)	W-L-T	WIN %	CURRENT STREAK
Minnesota Vikings (Y)	12-4	.750	L3
Chicago Bears	8-8	.500	W1
Green Bay Packers	8-8	.500	L1
Detroit Lions	6-9-1	.406	W1

TEAM (NFC SOUTH)	W-L-T	WIN %	CURRENT STREAK
New Orleans Saints (Y)	12-4	.750	W1
Carolina Panthers	7-9	.437	W1
Atlanta Falcons	5-11	.312	L3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	3-13	.187	L1

TEAM (NFC EAST)	W-L-T	WIN %	CURRENT STREAK
New York Giants (Y)	11-5	.687	L1
Dallas Cowboys (X)	10-6	.625	W1
Washington Redskins	8-8	.500	W2
Philadelphia Eagles	7-9	.437	W4

TEAM (NFC WEST)	W-L-T	WIN %	CURRENT STREAK
Seattle Seahawks (Z)	13-3	.812	W6
St. Louis Rams (X)	8-8	.500	L1
Arizona Cardinals	8-8	.500	L4
San Francisco 49ers	3-13	.187	L2

ROAD TO

​

WILD CARD	DIVISIONAL	CHAMPIONSHIP	SUPER BOWL	CHAMPIONSHIP	DIVISIONAL	WILD CARD
MINNESOTA (3)						NEW ENGLAND (3)
ST. LOUIS (6)						MIAMI (6)
	SEATTLE (1)				KANSAS CITY (1)
	LOWEST SEED*				LOWEST SEED*
		HIGHEST SEED*	NFC CHAMPION	HIGHEST SEED*
		LOWEST SEED*	AFC CHAMPION	LOWEST SEED*
	NEW ORLEANS (2)				TENNESSEE (2)
	HIGHEST SEED*				HIGHEST SEED*
NEW YORK (4)						CLEVELAND (4)
DALLAS (5)						SAN DIEGO (5)

END OF YEAR AWARDS
​

AWARD	PLAYER/COACH	TEAM
NFL Most Valuable Player AFC Most Valuable Player NFC Most Valuable Player	Vince Young - QB Vince Young - QB Adrian Peterson - RB	Tennessee Titans Tennessee Titans Minnesota Vikings
NFL Offensive Player of the Year AFC Offensive Player of the Year NFC Offensive Player of the Year	Adrian Peterson - RB Larry Johnson - RB Adrian Peterson - RB	Minnesota Vikings Kansas City Chiefs Minnesota Vikings
NFL Defensive Player of the Year AFC Defensive Player of the Year NFC Defensive Player of the Year	Kirk Morrison - MLB Kirk Morrison - MLB Patrick Willis - MLB	Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders San Francisco 49ers
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year	Drew Chandler - HB Drew Chandler - HB Biff Hoover - QB	Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year	Eddie Black - OLB Eddie Black - OLB Vaughn Butler - MLB	Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens Philadelphia Eagles
NFL Best QB AFC Best QB NFC Best QB	Tom Brady Tom Brady Drew Brees	New England Patriots New England Patriots New Orleans Saints
NFL Best RB AFC Best RB NFC Best RB	Adrian Peterson Larry Johnson Adrian Peterson	Minnesota Vikings Larry Johnson Minnesota Vikings
NFL Best WR AFC Best WR NFC Best WR	Reggie Wayne Reggie Wayne Deion Branch	Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts Seattle Seahawks
NFL Best OL AFC Best OL NFC Best OL	Kareem McKenzie Jon Jansen Kareem McKenzie	New York Giants Kansas City Chiefs New York Giants
NFC Best DL AFC Best DL NFC Best DL	Ray Edwards Aaron Schobel Ray Edwards	Minnesota Vikings Buffalo Bills Minnesota Vikings
NFL Best LB AFC Best LB NFC Best LB	Kirk Morrison Kirk Morrison Patrick Willis	Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders San Francisco 49ers
NFL Best DB AFC Best DB NFC Best DB	Charles Woodson Donte Whitner Charles Woodson	Minnesota Vikings Buffalo Bills Minnesota Vikings
NFL Best Kicker AFC Best Kicker NFC Best Kicker	Joe Nedney Joe Nedney Robbie Gould	Tennessee Titans Tennessee Titans Carolina Panthers
NFL Best Coach AFC Best Coach NFC Best Coach	Mike Holmgren Herm Edwards Mike Holmgren	Seattle Seahawks Kansas City Chiefs Seattle Seahawks

​

 

[Chris]

This better not be a first round exit Grim

 

[Bobby Barrows]

Thoughts on Vince Young winning MVP two years in a row?

 

[Chris]

That's my boy

also excited for the Cowboys to wreck the Giants in the wildcard round

 

[Cwalker]

AP got robbed