Da Coach likes Da Vikes
December 17th, 2007 – 11:32 AM by Judd ZulgadA few odds and ends as you pass the time at work before heading home (or to a sports bar) to watch Vikings-Bears:
– This comes from Mark Craig’s notebook: Former Bears coach Mike Ditka not only believes the Vikings will make the playoffs, he thinks they might surprise higher-seeded teams once they get there.
“I really like the way the Vikings play football,” Ditka said. “They run the ball with a lot of power. They stop the run. They do some nice things, Tarvaris Jackson is getting better, and they’re getting better as a team. I know for a fact that whoever plays them in the playoffs won’t like it.”
Ditka said he has been impressed by Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, as a player and a representative of the league.
“You listen to him talk, and the way he carries himself as a man, I like the kid,” Ditka said. “And Chester Taylor, let’s not forget him. He’s no slouch either. And, having said that, it all starts with their offensive line. Those guys are really playing well now.”
– Many of you will listen to ESPN’s crew of Mike Tirico, Tony Kornheiser and Ron Jaworski call tonight’s game. The good news is the network hasn’t scheduled any guests to join these guys in the booth. I know ESPN likes to create an event-type atmosphere around these games but it’s annoying when some Hollywood-type walks into the booth and ends up getting more camera time than the on-the-field action.
Jaworski, of course, replaced Joe Theismann after last season. It was a well-known fact ESPN didn’t think the Kornheiser-Theismann combination worked. Of course, it didn’t take a genius to figure that one out.
MNF producer Jay Rothman said he’s pleased with how the Kornheiser-Jaworski pairing has worked. “The guys have great chemistry and everybody is having fun with it and enjoys each other’s company,” Rothman said. “Not to say that wasn’t the case before but Jaws is as hardcore X’s and O’s as you can get but likes to have fun. Tony is a lot more comfortable. It’s difficult for anybody to do a live game or live event in the first year and be successful. There is a cadence to it. It’s not a studio show, it’s not writing a column. You have to speak differently. There is a huge adjustment factor to that.”
Asked about the chemistry issues, Rothman said: “No disrespect because Joe is one of the hardest working analysts [out there] but there is something about chemistry. Something to getting the right fit and I do believe Jaws is the right fit for Tony and with that comes a comfort factor for Tony. It’s just led to success throughout the season.”
– Tonight’s meeting between the Vikings and Bears will be the 94th all-time. That will tie the Vikings-Packers series for the most games Minnesota has played against any opponent. The Vikings lead the series vs. Chicago, 49-42-2.
– This will be the 10th meeting between these teams on “Monday Night Football.” That’s the most games the Vikings have played against any team on MNF. However, the Vikings and Bears have not played on a Monday since the 1996 season. Chicago won that game, 15-13, at the Metrodome.
187 Responses to "Da Coach likes Da Vikes"
There ya go. Thanks.
Thanks Judd!
Just FYI: Some of us won’t be heading home or to the bar to watch the game.
I am so excited there is not suppose to be any stupid hollywood guest. Now if they can just focus on the game and not , Smith, mitchell, and any other stupid thing not worth mentioning.
Thats nice and all, but what about the game? Any “insider” info?
VQ = will be at the stadium looking for disrespectful Canadiens = take off your toque, eh?
Bears fans = disrespectful = I’m sure I’ll spot a few
Kornholio will spend 3/4ths of the broadcast talking about the vikings past legal troubles and the stuff with Dwight Smith. plus a full half hour segment on the boat cruise…
That’s real nice about Ditka’s thoughts.
…then again, this is the same guy that traded a whole draft day for Ricky Williams - yes?
yes..also the same coach that gave the Fridge the TD instead of Sweetness
Vikings 21
Bears 13
10-6 still a chance, going to be a tough road.
Go Vikes
I am going to watch this from the comfort of my couch. Coors in hand. Oh yeah.
… AFVike, where have you been? Thought you got lost in meteorological heck …
Rockstar = Bones
Kevin/Judd - what is the MNF Records between these 2 teams?
Rockstar, you mean you won’t be drinking beer while watching the game?
I have been on night shifts..still reading..but noone is ever in here in the middle of the night. Not as much fun to blog at work
Is Coors really considered “beer”?
I haven’t been this excited to watch a Vikings game since, well, first game of the season.
A win tonight and the playoffs (PLAYOFFS??) basically start next week: The loser of the MN/WAS game will be eliminated with the winner basically having the inside track to a wild card… then if we do beat WAS we’ll go to DEN probably knowing a loss will eliminate us against New Orleans. Thus, we kind of have three straight “elimination” games here to end the season (unless we lose this CHI game and then win out AND New Orleans loses one).
I hope AP and CT tear it up, we dont kick to Hester, TJax, keeps his composure and the D doesnt give up too many 3rd and longs! then I’ll relax
… yeah, I noticed that it’s been pretty Monc-free lately, AFV. Sorry ’bout that …
Coors = the lutefisk of beers = love it or hate it, not much middle ground
Tony - Don’t relax!
RTG - Bones is Coor Light.
Regular Coors sits on his thighs too much….
I love what the Vikings are doing…but i cant tear myself away from the feeling that disappointment is around the corner.
PLEASE PROVE ME WRONG VIKES!!
Sure does explain alot.
Do view if you are feeling a little sick.
http://www.nfl.com/photo/photo-gallery?chronicleId=09000d5d80144fe8
then his skirts don’t fit right…
go to picture # 82
Where’s Page today?
He must have ducked out for a Cornhuskers rally….
AFV - I know what you mean.
Purple faithful = leery of the reach-around shank = not this week
Alan Page = taking pictures of dirt?
The longest win streak the vikes have ever had, (more than once I believe?) is 10….could it really be? I know I’m dreaming but its an interesting dream!!
wisvike–
That very large packer fan with the fake helmet would scare me if he was sitting next to me….
… Ambien CR will do that to you, orlandovike.
Wow, my dreams usually involve a bikini and deserted beach, but I can run with it I guess…..
wait, doesn’t 10 wins only get us to the Super Bowl?
… what good are Internet filters if they allow pictures like that to be viewed? I can see I’m going to have to request the word ‘Packers’ to be put on the dirty word list …
Inferno…stop wearing bikinis on deserted beaches…
Inferno = not about to allow reality to intrude on his dream = sees himself leaving Arizona with a smile
I am glad I had a small lunch before I seen that. couple of tacos, they taste the same coming back up.
Okay, I got a call from Mr. VQ who just so happens to be doing some wiring work inside the ol’ homestead. “What’s horizontal and parallel again?” VQ might have an extra ticket for tonight’s game…
Test post. Do not respond.
BP must be trying to excommunicate from the blog again. Couldn’t post for awhile.
Mr. VQ = last name Todd, first name Re?
It must be that pizza before going to bed…..
…excommunicate “me’
TAK - Are we still testing, or can we talk (write) to you now?
I’m good now…we can talk.
VQ - If I gave you the incorrect meanings between horizontal and parallel regarding wiring you definately would have an extra ticket for the game tonight!!! 
VQ–just remind Mr VQ that you have to turn the power off first…just sayin
Mr. VQ = calling Mrs. VQ with a dirty riddle over lunch = looking for some quality ‘horizontal’ time
….so my boss walks up to me, see’s my Viking shirt on and says: “Your team did really good this weekend.”
now there’s a guy I have confidence in that he’s in tune with the world.
jerk.
…what can you expect from a Rams fan I guess…..
Disco’s boss = psychic = knows we will beat the Bears
Horizontal Polka…
Inferno–
Yeah…I am going to have to go ahead and ask you to come in on Saturday.
Yeah..I am going to have to go ahead and disagree…
My boss showed me her new Coach purse today. Which would you rather…?
I’m not sure but I don’t think I look like Bones.
BP–
From Pennsylvania…heard way more Polka than I ever want to hear…
I love polka!
Polka + alcohol = Good times.
sooo…noone caught my office space reference…
funny movie…
Access Vikings Christmas Songs
“Alan got run over by a reindeer” - Sung by Bones
“Okole Night” - Sung by Ole
“I saw Daddy kissing Santa Claus” - Skipp Flaxton
so how is the frigid weather? Its pretty warm here 
“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” - Duet performed by GPG and VQ
VQ = Loves doing the Chicken Dance.
I did. VQ = fan of Ron Livingston
Ole is singing Mele Kalikimaka
You betters watch out
You betters not cry
Better not pouts
I be telling you why
Fragile Fred is coming to town
Fred’s making a list
And checkings it twice;
Gonna find out who naughty and nice
Fragile Fred is comings to town
Fred sees when to duck a tackle
Freds knows when fake an inury
Fred knows that he’ll get run over
he’s no good for goodness sake!
000Osss! You strippers better watches out!
You better nots cry
Better not pouts
I’m telling you why
Your old Pal Fragile is coming to towns.
See everyones on Sundays!!!
Fragile Fred..what can we count on more next week?
Rice running past you, or AD running over you?
O Come All Ye Faithful - sung by King
I really should hit refresh before I post.
You know, there’s a hidden idea there.
If Chili doesn’t work out with the Vikes, maybe we can make a purse out of him…..
Wouldn’t be much of a market for that. What do I know though?
Hola compadres! Que pasa?
Back to work. Later.
Fragile Freds - Congrats on your game last night. You kept Plaxico in check for most of the night and made some outstanding defensive plays. What I don’t understand is after the first hit Brandon Jacobs laid on you, you stayed clear anytime he got the ball. What’s up with that?
“We Three (Vi)Kings” - Access Vikings Tabernacle Choir
“It Came Upon A MNF Clear” - MonctonVike
“Dingle Bears” - 2MT & BP
“Chestnuts roasting - FIRE CHILDRESS NOW!!!” - Buster Rhymes
“AV Maria” - GPG & VQ
“The Little Panty Eater” - Bones & RTG
“While Seifert Blogged the Game At Night” - AFVikefan
“We Wish You a Merry Jeffmas” - Inferno Chili Maybe
Hey Fred, great game last night. You sure showed the G-men how to cover WR’s.
Hopefully your play last night will push you into the Pro-Bowl…
Go Smooter
Go Vikes
MHVF–
Michigan bringing in the veer?
2MT-Mr. Jacobs didn’t catch many balls the rest of the night either. Freddie had him scared…
Go Vikes
Viking John - I’m surprised they kept throwing his way! He had 4 drops that I can remember.
The only bowl Smooter is going to see is the one that Dwight Smith passes him.
Infernos, your old pal Fragile doesn’t smokes the hippie lettuce.
Vikes will be joyful and triiiiiuuuuumphant.
….and don’t anyone try to be smart and ask about the toilet bowl, ’cause if Fred aims for that as well as he aims for receivers……
cleanup in aisle 7…”
Me singing a duet with 2MT?! Preposterous!
maybe you should Freds…
You might not be so afraid to hit someone then….
Cabbage courage.
BP got runover by a Flaxton
Johns did you get a formal apolgies from all the bandwagon jumpers…my man, you were the only dude saying the Vikes were going to go 10-6?
Where is CPG anyways?
Ah, big game tonight, remember?
I said, 16-0. I was a little off.
Skipp = one of the who’s from The Grinch
Beatrice = looks like the Grinch
Todd = reminds of the Grinch’s dog.
Hello?!?!
Fred-It is going to be a tough road. Hopefully they can get it done.
10-6 playoffs homies….
Go Vikes
it is coors light. I am moving the cooler near the couch, so I don’t have to get up for refills. I am a genius.
Well, party like a rockstar then…
Goodbye?!?
A genius drinks good beer and makes his wife get the refills so he doesn’t have to get up.
Cooler near couch = house with wheels.
Rockstar - a real genius is someone who has a small dorm fridge next to the couch or chair.
VQ when your old pal Fragile picks off a Tavaris pass and returns it to the house next Sunday eve, can I jumps into the crowd and land in your lap?
Feel free to do that grabbing thing that happened in Green Bays…
Apparently you must not know my gal. I get my own refills.
You wish.
Ha Ha… is that a no?
It has been said that coors light is like having sex in a canoe. Both are f-ing close to water
I’ve got Homer’s “Spider-pig” song in my head. Constant smile.
spider pig…spider pig…
why get up for refills when drinking Coors Light?
Save your trips to the bathroom and refill the can - same difference.
So . . . if Vikes win out they are probably the number 5 seed. Unless you think the Giants are going to beat the Patriots.
I think that means Vikes would play the Bucs. I think I’d rather play them than the Seahawks.
If they could get through that game, then I think they would get the Pack. That’s all I really want this season — a shot to ruin the Pack’s playoff hopes.
Not that I hate the Pack, necessarily, but so many of their fans are just too freaking obnoxious.
Anyway, there’s an awful lot of “IFs” involved there. The Biggest “IF” as I see it is winning out. Seems doable on paper but it’s definitely not a given and I don’t think it’s going to be easy.
In my heart of hearts, I don’t really see the Vikes winning out. But I’ve been wrong about this team before this season so hopefully I’m wrong about that too.
see? Gringo knows what I’m talking about….
That being said, I’ll be enjoying a few coors myself tonight. The wifes not to adventurous, so I won’t get the canoe trip.
Go Vikes!!! Please don’t let us down again.
Fine. So when i go to the Adult Beverage Emporium today on my way home from work, what would you recommend?
RTG = also gets his own beer = doesn’t need someone keeping count = “This is still my first one …”
Wisvike = has his dorm fridge signed by T-Jax
Diet Pepsi.
… whatever you like, Rockstar. Don’t drink to please someone else …
so has Buster disapeared during this stretch?
Better yet, vanilla latte.
Vikings @ Bucs for playoff game = MiamiViking taking a little drive across the state…
I’m seeing Denzel Washington and some Deja-Vu. Didn’t we have the seeding talk last week?
Let’s just win and see what the hell happens.
Personally, if we get into the playoffs, I don’t give a shlt who we play, after the first 8 or 9 weeks of this season, I’d just be thanking Jeff that we got there.
That’s a dangerous question Rockstar. I’d have to recommend Grain Belt Premium.
…Slow Down Cowboy My A$$, it’s been almost 30 minutes much less 15 seconds.
RTG = Wise Man?
Hi Bone!
Please make sure Mrs. Bone has my room well prepared. I’ll be arriving on Friday of next weeks. Also, your garden shed, I hope you’ve got heat in there for my old uncles Willy.
Bones = jealous
Fred: Sorry to see you got hurt last night.
MHVF–
Ignoring my veer question?
RTG = After 6 beers says to Mrs. RTG “Sis if till my sirst one …”
Rockstar should be drinking himself….or don’t they have “Rockstar” where you live?
I’m on energy drink #3 today seeing as though I don’t have to get up tomorrow.
Fred? Hurt? That’s a good ones!
Straight bourbon, homey. No rocks.
Fred was hit so hard by Brandon Jacobs last night he still doesn’t remember. Watch the Film Fred, Watch the Film!!
If its Vikes Bucs I will also take a ride accross the state!
They’ve got alcoholic Rockstar as well. Don’t care for it too much though.
Absolute/Red Bull!!
SPIDER PIG
SPIDER PIG
Does whatever a SPIDER PIG does
Can he swing
From a web
No he cant
He’s a pig
LOOK OOOUUUTTT!!!!
He is a SPIDER PIG!!
AFVH - missed it; not sure I understand it. Is Michigan bringing in a change of direction? Yes, and that’s a good thing. There’s already a stud QB from PA that says he’s interested.
Red Bull = “Gotta do it!”
orlando…isn’t it only like 40 mins from Orlando to the Bay?
Tyrelle Prior–He has been talking with the coach from WV for awhile. He is a 5-star basketball recruit as well. So you have to offer him both or it wont happen. Thats the ONLY reason he hasnt already commited to PSU. They are still in his top list of schools though
2mt -
I wasn’t hurt, just scared me to death!
and i meant that stupid gimmick offense WVU uses…can we see it in Michigan..wouldnt be very Big Ten like
The shotgun-spread-option offense that Rodriguez is going to install in Michigan is going to completely dominate the Big 10 until they figure out how to defend it, which will take a couple years.
Jeff knows the basketball team could use the talent as well!
Miami - hope you’re right, although it may take a couple years for the transition. Ryan Mallett is NOT a spread offense type QB, and I doubt many of the tailbacks are either. WRs are probably good to go.
If you start a new beer, when the other one still has some in it, you’re technically still on your first beer. A wise man once told me that.
Miami Its 57 miles. I used to drive over every year when the Bucs were in our division….worst was 1998!!!!
AFV - MN, Northwestern and Illinois use the spread offense.
I dont think so Miami. i think Rodriguez is going to learn pretty quick that the biG Ten is not the Big Least. Unfortunately, He doesnt get to play Michigan….they cant defend the spread.
57 miles = one way commute
2MT - Minnesota has an offense?
Okay, I’m out. See you all at the game.
Skol Vikings!
Yeah and where do they all go when the talented players leave..back to medicrioty
OK - I’m down 62 points to Analog Kid in FF . . . but I have AD and CT both playing tonight and he’s done for the week . . . Only need AD to get 40 and Chester to get 23 and I win . . . no problem . . .
AFVH - Big 10 doesn’t recruit the speed to defend against that type of offense. You need different style linemen and linebackers to defend the scheme.
Wayup - well I was predicting 300 yards and 3 TDs for AD, so you only need 90 and 1 TD out of Chester…easy!
I totally disagree..this speed difference is a farse. it’s about scheme and when you only see one team a year that runs it. You dont spend alot of time drawing up ways to stop it.
Ohio State will have plenty of talent to stop their offense as will the other powers. Michigan is the ONLY team that has ever looked completely lost and outmatched against that offense.
AP 14 carries 3 yds @ SF
AP 14? carries ??? yds vs Bears?
Thoughts
Speed thing is a farce? Look at what Miami and FSU did to college football when they were the first teams to recruit speed. Utter domination.
“Ohio State will have plenty of talent to stop their offense as will the other powers.” See: last year’s national ‘championship’ game. Ouch.
good afternoon guys/gals…..
AFVH - OSU’s loss was to Illinois, who 2MT correctly points out ran the spread this year. They’ve been better suited to it than Michigan, but not a strength of theirs either.
Mostly it comes down to talent…and with a fresh face, I think Michigan will fare better in the recruiting wars.
14 carries, 2,456 yards
I like those numbers Mudhen . . .
Hey, my daughter’s looking at Western Michigan now - any inside info on that school?
Miami..last years National Championship game was bad…but it wasnt about talent(more along the lines of over-confidence). Look at the Big Ten versus SEC record over the last 10 years.
How about how bad Penn State whooped the Vols. As a matter of fact i will have to go back and look but i believe EVERY other Big Ten SEC matchup last year the Big Ten won.
I will give you that top to bottom your florida teams are smaller and faster but i will matchup up PSUs Wr core 1 through 5 against ANY SEC team speed wise. Not too mention Dan Conner is the best LB in the country.
MHVF–
Illinois is a product of Mendenhall. He is a beast…when he leaves they go back to the heap.
Crap, guess I accidentally logged on to college football blog. Sorry guys, didn’t mean to interupt.
The problem with MN is they hire a low talent football coach which brings in low talent recruits. They hire a high profile basketball coach (Tubby Smith) and they already have a top 15, 2008 recruiting class.
AFVH - the Vols don’t play spread-option, they play a standard drop back with Ainge. In fact there aren’t many SEC teams that play spread-option. I can think of UF and that’s about it. LSU, UGA, Auburn, Kentucky, Tenn all play a more traditional offense. USC plays Spurrier’s style, but that is its own thing.
I’d gladly take on PSU’s WRs with Miami’s secondary…the speed difference would completely confuse the QB…the throwing windows become much smaller.
Miami..haha…now you are making me laugh
Wayup - have a nephew that graduated from Western recently, but really couldn’t tell you much other than it’s a decent Mid-American Conference school. Usually a good place for kids that can’t afford, or don’t like the size of, the Big-10 schools.
Gotta love any place named Kalamazoo.
cant believe a second rate college football team was even brought in this conversation. Let Miami rebuild and then step back up to the plate
“But if you’re in the market for a big-time linebacker who’s intimidating, fast, smart and can shake fillings loose with bone-jarring tackles travel down to the University of Miami, which has boasted four NFL Pro Bowl linebackers, three first-round draft choices, a two-time Most Valuable Player and a Rookie of the Year in just the last five seasons.”
“Since 1983, the University of Miami has won a higher percentage of its games than any other Division I program and has both produced more first round NFL draft selections and the most total NFL selections of any college program in all of college football.”
“As of the 2006 season, the University of Miami has more of its alumni on active NFL rosters than any other college or university in the nation.”
Would gladly take on a Big 10 receiver corps with those secondaries.
I agree with Miami - I’m hoping the Vikings have a shot at taking Kenny Phillips in next years draft.
2-6 5-7 those numbers should really mean something to you
How about only one team in the not-so-talented ACC finishing behind them…namely DUKE
MiamiViking = almost made me make an equation to “He Who Must Not Be Named” = how fast is your fastball?
I admit we had a bad year this year. Unfortunately, that’s what happens when half your team is in the NFL.
It’ll take another year to work Larry Coker’s rejects out of the system and get Shannon’s people into games. We really need a QB…fortunately we have a 5star guy coming in…no more of the Brock Berlin/Kyle Wright/Kirby Freeman crapfest.
How bad was Larry Coker? The guy won a national championship only a couple years ago and is currently unemployed. Ouch.
Phillips would be a nice addition to the team. Not sure we’ll get him though if we make the playoffs.
5-stars means nothing…go back and look up the scout listing for Derrick Williams and Chris Bell. Those are BOTH 5-star prospects playing WR for Penn State and then you add in Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood both a re smaller speed guys. However, Penn State had a VERY inconsistant QB getting the ball to them.
AFVH - Nine in a row…nuff said
Now, back to the Vikes…AD and T-Jax for 300 yards!
http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=963487
Derrick Williams
Oh and just for you MHVF…here is Prior
… before I forget, thanks AFVH for turning off that fan you had pointed towards Alaska. It gets pretty cold here when you do that.
AFVH - Nobody gives a FK…
CC & RADALL MCDANIEL FOR THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME !!!!!!!!
haha…wish I had that much control. Taht would make my job SO much easier
12 minutes to close, so I’m otta here! GO VIKES! Client meeting early tommorrow though YIKES.
Alan Page..mind your business…
I am just sick of all this speed difference talk. its a complete crock of sh…
Speed kills.
Boo fing Hoo… New Blog
CC & RADALL MCDANIEL FOR THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME !!!!!!!!
Alan - Is Boo fing Hoo related to Cindy Lou? Brother or something?
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