My son and I went to the Vikings game today – only our second game in the past few seasons. I have to say, between the talent, Favre, increased fan interest and apparent investments in the sound system the place was ROCKIN’ – the entire game. I mean incredible passion from the fans on EVERY defensive series. Especially the last defensive series even though many regretful and pathetic fans chose to leave when we gave the ball back to the Niners with under two minutes to play. To put the excitement at the dome in perspective – for those who know me – I was so into the game I did not get ANY food or beverage the entire game……The atmosphere was absolutely charged!!!!

About the game – - – The Good: Our defense!!! Our two minute drill – at the end of both halves….Harvin – on returns and with some catches…Clock management, play calling and execution at the end of the game…Chilly picking up a former Eagle who finally made a difference!

The Bad: Play calling for much of the game. Key Harvin and Berrian drops. Two offensive delay of games – I will be interested to see if it was Favre or issues getting the play in (sure am glad we didn’t take timeouts though). A defensive delay of game – not sure what happened there. Blocked field goal attempt. A couple of additional picks that could/should have occurred but that the Niners dropped.

I maintain Chilly still has significant challenges in terms of offensive play calling throughout the game and creating an offensive blocking scheme that works for the run or pass. Peterson had almost no holes, again, and Favre had little time much of the game. We just have to get our blocking figured out and it still appears to be the scheme as we have plugged in plenty of different players during Chilly’s tenure. Yet, I have to give Chilly some credit – we are 3-0 and we have won twice on the road and against a quality opponent at home. He picked up Lewis and who came through huge. He swallowed his pride and let Favre come in on Favre’s terms (not ideal but better than no Favre)…..At 3-0 I have to give Chilly a B so far this year. We are 3-0 so he has to be above average but we SHOULD be 3-0 and it SHOULDN’T have been this hard so no A….

and The Beautiful: Favre to Lewis – enough said!!!!

Skol, Vikings, Let’s Go!!!!!

I am typing this in the middle of the second quarter of what is the debacle in Detroit. The Vikes are down 3-0. I am not overly concerned about whether or not we will win this game – after all, we have decidedly better talent. As a Vikings fan what deeply concerns me, and what I have had issue with since Childress arrived, is our offense.

The key issue with the Vikings offense is our offensive line – and I am not talking about talent. No matter who we have plugged in since Childress arrived we have not been successful (it is now 10-0 by the way). This is not an issue of talent. It is the zone blocking scheme that is to blame. I don’t know what Childress does different than other teams but we don’t have many big running lanes and our QBs have never had much time to throw. Now, granted, we get our yards rushing, but that is solely due to the talent of AP.

I think the blocking scheme is why we have had such troubles on offense and this is the reason Birk left. It just is not a system that works.

We have more talent on offense than we have in years. Yet, we are mediocre and have NO passing game. Every time Favre drops back the pocket collapses. I put that on Chilly. I am tired of gettling less than we should out of our talent. Chilly must go. No matter what we do this year. Bring on Shanahan (keep our defense as is and give Shanahan AP -yikes). Or, Cowher, or Gruden….Or even Schottenheimer for that matter.

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I was listening to KFAN this morning and they were talking about Chester Taylor, AP and third downs. It made me wonder why AP is not in on more third downs – WITH – Chester. I absolutely understand Chester’s value as a blocker and receiver but there is also AP’s value.

First, I have to clarify this is not about getting AP more carries. Last week he had 25 which is actually a little bit high as 400 carries over a year, especially for a back that runs as hard as AP, is an awful lot considering strength and durability not only for late in the year and into the playoffs but also for the career of our superstar.

My point really is that having Chester and AP both in the backfield on 3rd downs should maximize our flexibility and effectiveness while also giving the defense an overwhelming number of options to defend. Not only does it maximize our talent on the field it would also allow AP a great opportunity to learn live from Chester.

And, if it works as well as I think it could, it should actually reduce wear and tear on AP (even if the ball goes to Chester or someone else) as we will have more big plays and therefore less total plays.

Lining up both AP and Chester would take another player off the field but that player would either be a tight end or receiver. I ask, who gives us better options – AP or Kleinsasser, or perhaps Rice? I recommend we pull out Kleinsasser and with so many options the reduction in time that Favre will have will be off-set by the fact that, with all of those options, someone would be open quickly. In fact, I pray that they defense dares to blitz:)

I know I am not the first to throw this out there but sometimes repetition can make a difference. Besides, it is fun to dream!!!