BBAO: OTAs are here! OTAs are here!

Source: NFC North Blog

We're Black and Blue All Over: Good Monday morning to everyone. It doesn't get a whole lot bigger than the first week of organized team activities, or OTAs as we call them in the business, and that's exactly the point we've reached in the NFL offseason. The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers have scheduled their first OTAs of the spring for Monday, and the Chicago Bears will have one Tuesday. The Minnesota Vikings will open OTAs a week from Tuesday.

Beyond the Shutdown 50: Juron Criner, WR, Oakland Raiders (Shutdown Corner)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Now that the 2012 NFL draft is in the can, it's time to take the Shutdown 50 scouting format forward and get a closer look at some of the surprising and fascinating selections from this year's draft -- the guys we missed in the original 50, but who could be impact players now or down the road. Our next entry: Arizona receiver Juron Criner, selected by the Oakland Raiders with the 33rd pick in the fifth round (168th overall). Overview: While most of the talk about Pac-12 passing attacks in 2011 focused on the offenses led by Andrew Luck and Matt Barkley, the Arizona passing  game has been one of the more productive in the nation in recent seasons -- and receiver Juron Criner may be the primary reason for that. If you're in the group who believes that former Arizona and current Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles hurt that aerial attack as much as he helped it with his inaccuracy and questionable decision-making, Criner stands out in sharper relief. After catching 7 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown as a true freshman, Criner moves up to 45/582/9 in 2009, and made a name for himself in 2010, when he caught 82 passes for 1,233 yards and 11 touchdowns. He repeated that touchdown figure last year, and the rest of the numbers almost matched up (75 for 926). Criner further set himself on the radar with an exciting week at the Senior Bowl. From our own Mike Tanier's report : Criner has probably helped his stock more than any other player during Senior Bowl practices this week ... [he] does not have breakaway speed, but he appears to have the rest of the package. "I'm very agile for a man my size," Criner said after Thursday's practice. That agility was evident earlier in the week, when he made smooth cuts and adjusted to poorly thrown balls in live practices. Criner has also been demonstrating good hands and pass-catching technique, and he looks more fluid and comfortable running routes than some of the other big receivers on the South squad. Janoris Jenkins (CB, North Alabama), the likely first-round pick who transferred from Florida because of personal issues, singled Criner out as the hardest South receiver to cover this week during his Thursday press conference. "He's kinda got ball skills," Jenkins said. "If you hit his hand, he'll catch it. And he's tall." So, there's that. When he's thrown to by good quarterbacks, Juron Criner tends to make plays. And even when he's thrown to by quarterbacks who couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat, he's going to do some interesting things. Now a proud member of the Oakland Raiders, Criner has a shot at doing what Tennessee wideout Denarius Moore did in 2011 -- come out of nowhere as a late-round pick and impress the NFL. Moore went off the hook in a relative sense in his rookie campaign, catching 33 passes for 618 yards and five touchdowns. Could Criner be the next guy on the Raiders' late-draft boards to flash that same kind of long-term potential? Strengths: Shows an impressive burst for an alleged "possession receiver" -- Criner gets up to speed quickly off the line and in end-arounds. Fires upfield with an impressive second gear. Good catch radius and fine hands in space -- Criner often contorted his body to make catches when Foles was throwing with questionable accuracy. Will adjust his body to catch deep balls without losing too much speed after he's already beaten the corner or safety down the seam. Made a lot of catches despite the fact that Foles was clearly targeting him as the first read, which allowed opponents to time their jumps on the ball. Will fight to get through contact before he's wrapped up and occasionally gets free to make a big play. Senior Bowl performances showed what he could do when targeted by quarterbacks with a clue, as has his brief performances in Raiders minicamp. Frequently listed as a possession receiver, but he's got more downfield speed than the title might imply. Weaknesses: Tends to lose control of the ball when contact is coming -- doesn't have alligator arms, per se, but has trouble bringing the ball in and securing it when a defender is bearing down on him. Will lose the ball too often upon contact, leading to fumbles and incompletions. Not an especially physical player when fighting for balls with defenders in short spaces.

Pompei: Jerome Simpson “Not a Bad Kid,” Could Make “Real Impact”

Source: The Viking Age by danzinski

Pompei: Jerome Simpson “Not a Bad Kid,” Could Make “Real Impact” - The Viking Age - The Viking Age - A Minnesota Vikings Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

NFP's Sunday Blitz: Kellen Moore, Russell Wilson fight to overcome size concerns (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Are Russell Wilson and Kellen Moore big enough? Plus, all the latest dope.

Happy Birthday, Bud Grant!

Source: Daily Norseman by Christopher Gates

"A successful coach needs a patient wife, a loyal dog, and a great quarterback. . .and not necessarily in that order." - Bud Grant

Today marks the 85th birthday of an NFL legend, that being former Minnesota Vikings' head coach Harry Grant, Jr. We like to refer to him as "Bud."

We've been over Bud Grant's life story before. . .but we're going to go over it again because, hey, it's still pretty awesome.

Bud Grant, after being discharged from the United States Navy, attended the University of Minnesota and lettered in football, baseball, and basketball. He was drafted by both the NFL and the NBA. . .the

Looking At Ownership's Role In The Vikings' Downturn

Source: Daily Norseman by Christopher Gates

For those that haven't been paying too much attention. . .and if you're reading this on this site, my guess is that you don't fall under that heading. . .Minnesota sports is pretty much a train wreck from top to bottom at the moment. The Minnesota Vikings are rebuilding, the Minnesota Twins are one of baseball's worst teams, the Minnesota Timberwolves completely collapsed in the last two months of the season (again), and the Minnesota Wild haven't sniffed the playoffs since the 2007-2008 season.

Over at the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Tom Powers

Tanier’s Team Reviews: The Kansas City Chiefs, via Todd Haley (Shutdown Corner)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Any website can post "offseason grades" for NFL teams, mixing the draft and free agency into transaction soup, then straining it through the mind of some sportswriter who doesn't know who half the players are. Only the Shutdown Corner has the resources to get actual players, coaches, and executives from each team to evaluate their own offseasons! That's right: over the next few weeks, you will get transaction evaluations straight from the horse's mouths: straight talk about who was signed, who was lost, who was drafted, and why. (For the satirically challenged: all player, coach, and executive remarks are made by an impersonator). In this segment, former Chiefs coach Todd Haley breaks down the offseason moves of the team that fired him at the end of last season. We have a bad feeling about this. TODD HALEY: Wash your windshield, mister? I don't scrub windshields for the money. I have a coaching job now as offensive coordinator for the Steelers. I carry this slop bucket because I like it. It's comforting to wash windows while the mad clown stares at me with his dead, gray eyes, whispering razor truths mortals dare not speak aloud, truths that pierce flesh and cut an inky scarlet line against the throat of the he-goat … Sorry, my thoughts meander sometimes. The Chiefs had a productive offseason. At the skill positions, they added Peyton Hillis to a running back committee that already includes Dexter McCluster and Jamaal Charles, who is ahead of schedule rehabbing his knee injury. Kevin Boss joins Tony Moeaki, also on schedule to return from a knee injury, to give the Chiefs two tight ends who can block and catch. Two rookie wide receivers, Devon Wylie and Junior Hemingway, will provide extra depth behind Dwayne Bowe, Steve Breaston, and last year's top pick Jonathan Baldwin, who started to come on late in the season. Matt Cassel, yet another player who missed much of last season with injuries, won't have to worry about throwing to the likes of Keary Colbert or Anthony Becht. That's right, everyone gets to come back to Kansas City but me, the guy who got blamed for not being able to build an offense around Tyler Palko and Terrance Copper, while the dead-eyed clown stares back at me from the mirror and cackles. "You ever played cornhole with the devil, son?" he asks, his raspy voice a rusty hypodermic needle scraping gutter concrete. "He don't use no beanbags, boy." And that he-goat just brays and brays like he sees the end coming and don't know whether to fight it or welcome it. Moving on to the defense, Dontari Poe was one of the most physically gifted specimens in this year's draft class. The Chiefs have a bad habit of striking out with big defensive tackles, from Ryan Sims to Glenn Dorsey, so my former assistant Romeo Crennel will have to be careful about Poe's development and role if he doesn't want Poe to become an overpriced space-eater the greasepaint smears and the sharpened steel glints in the pickup truck headlights behind the barnyard. The loss of Brandon Carr is going to hurt at cornerback, because Stanford Routt is an adequate #2 corner behind Brandon Flowers. But the defense will be better if it is not  on the field as often, and when the muffled brays fade to pitch-black silence, vengeful darkness sated all-too-briefly by the still-quivering sacrifice .

Kevin Williams’ attorney fighting for Vilma

Source: Scout.com

The attorney for Kevin Williams during the StarCaps case is now representing Jonathan Vilma against the commissioner. It could lead to another long, drawn-out case. Plus, Matt Kalil could be in for a guaranteed contract and insider notes from around the NFL.

Vikings camp battles will be plentiful

Source: Scout.com

The Vikings will have more than a couple of starting spots for the taking when they start training camp at the end of July. Even beyond the starting spots, the depths of the roster will be highly competitive.

Sunday slant: Confident about city council

Source: Scout.com

All the state and city leaders, along with the Vikings, seem confident the stadium bill will be approved by the Minneapolis City Council later this week, but there are detractors. The council’s biggest supporter and detractor debated the issues. Plus, draft picks have been signing in unprecedented numbers, a new Viking could provide some versatility and a former Viking goes into model mode.

NFP Sunday Blitz (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Are Russell Wilson and Kellen Moore big enough? Plus, all the latest dope.

Another Vikings Stadium Design Idea

Source: Daily Norseman by Christopher Gates

I've been trying to envision in my head what I would like the new Vikings' stadium to look like once it gets built. While I don't have the first clue about stadium design or anything like that, while I was bopping around the television dial this afternoon, I saw one that I think would be kind of cool.

Today, the soccer world is focused on the Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Chelsea. The game is taking place in the stadium pictured above, that being Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. I know that it probably isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I think the stadium looks pretty cool.

Peterson says ’50-50;’ Vikings seem confident

Source: Scout.com

While Adrian Peterson said he is “50-50” to participate in training camp, the Vikings’ lack of transaction action at running back seems to show confidence that he will be ready for the season opener.

Marshall: 'We'll have a chance to win it'

Source: NFC North Blog

On Friday, we gave you a look at the sartorial splendor of Chicago Bears receiver Brandon Marshall during the time he spent at ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Conn. Now let's look at some of the bold talk Marshall presented during his various appearances. In the video cut of his time on "First Take," we hear Marshall say: "Honestly I think we can not only make it to the Super Bowl but I think we'll have a chance to win it." And during his appearance on "NFL Live," Marshall offered this assessment of the NFC North when asked what the Bears need to do to keep up with the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions: "I look at it the other way.

Bountiful draft or just growing pains?

Source: Scout.com

The Vikings’ youth movement got another injection of 10 rookies, but how many will make it and/or be significant contributors? Likely a lot because they drafted at positions that need depth.

Around the NFC North

Source: Scout.com

Mike Tice is getting a chance to show his wares as an offensive coordinator in his tough-guy town. In Detroit, Jim Schwartz is cautiously impressed with his rookies. Green Bay’s top pick could mean a switch for their best defensive player.

Adrian Peterson '50-50' for start of Vikings' camp

Source: NFL.com by Sessler, Marc

Adrian Peterson is on his way back from a torn ACL and hoping to start in the opener. That remains the goal, but the Vikings RB cast doubt about his status for the start of training camp.

NFL 2012: Minnesota Vikings Season Outlook

Source: Bleacher Report

Quick Review of 2011

Offense—No. 4 rushing, No. 28 passing, No. 18 total.

Defense—No. 11 rushing, No. 26 passing, No. 21 total.

After the Brett Favre experiment, the Vikings expected 2011 to be a transition year. They drafted quarterback Christian Ponder and brought in Donovan McNabb to mentor him. McNabb had a terrible year and gave way to Ponder before being cut.

Ponder was probably thrown into the fire before he was ready. He had a 54 completion percentage, he threw as many interceptions (13) as touchdowns and he won only twice. He also had injury issues.

The Viking were swept by the NFC North while going 3-13, and to make a bad season end worse, they lost star running back Adrian Peterson to a torn ACL late in the year.

 

New Additions

CB Zack Bowman, TE John Carlson, FB Jerome Felton, RB Lex Hilliard, OT Levi Horn, LB Marvin Mitchell, DE Nick Reed, G Geoff Schwartz, WR Jerome Simpson.

 

Draft Choices

OT Matt Kalil, S Harrison Smith, CB Josh Robinson, WR Jarius Wright, FB Rhett Ellison, WR Greg Childs, S Robert Blanton, K Blair Walsh, LB Audie Cole, DE Trevor Guyton.

 

Undrafted Free Agents

DT Chase Baker, RB Derrick Coleman, CB Bobby Felder, G Tyler Holmes, WR Kamar Jorden, DE Eric Latimore, LB Tyler Nielson, DE Ernest Owusu, LB Corey Paredes, G Austin Pasztor, DT Tydreke Powell, DT Terrell Resonno, C Quentin Saulsberry, DE Derrick Shelby, OT Darrion Weems.

 

Subtractions

S Husain Abdullah, LB Xavier Adibi, RB Lorenzo Booker, WR Greg Camarillo, CB Cedric Griffin, LB E.J. Henderson, G Anthony Herrera, G Steve Hutchinson, S Tyrell Johnson, LS Matt Katula, TE Jimmy Kleinsasser, K Ryan Longwell, LB Kenny Onatolu, S Jarrad Page, CB Benny Sapp, TE Visanthe Shiancoe.

 

Outlook For 2012

The Vikings had two big problems last year—passing offense and passing defense. They used the draft to address those problems. They spent five of their first seven draft choices on defensive backs and wide receivers.

The Vikings traded back into the first round to pick S Harrison Smith. They also took a pair of receivers from Arkansas, Jarius Wright and Greg Childs. Then they drafted CB Josh Robinson and S Robert Blanton.

The defensive backfield must improve to compete against the quarterbacks they will face in the NFC North.

Percy Harvin is a multi-purpose weapon that must be utilized more to take the heat off of the maturing Christian Ponder. He should also create opportunities for the rookie wide receivers.

With a new stadium on the horizon, head coach Leslie Frazier could begin to feel heat if the team doesn't begin to show signs of progress in 2012.

There will be two key factors that will determine how far the Vikings can go in 2012—Christian Ponder's development and a healthy return of Adrian Peterson.

 

Schedule

Sep.  9  Jacksonville

Sep. 16 at Indianapolis

Sep. 23  San Francisco

Sep. 30 at Detroit

Oct.  7  Tennessee

 

Oct. 14 at Washington

Oct. 21  Arizona

Oct. 25  Tampa Bay

Nov.  4 at Seattle

Nov. 11  Detroit

Nov. 25 at Chicago

Dec.  2 at Green Bay

Dec.  9  Chicago

Dec. 16 at St. Louis

Dec. 23 at Houston

Dec. 30  Green Bay

There will be opportunities for success early in the year with games against teams that struggled in 2011—the Jaguars, Colts, Redskins and Buccaneers.

They will close with four consecutive dome games. Their only prime-time appearance will be on Thursday, October 25, against Tampa Bay.

 

 

Prediction

Every other NFC North team is a playoff contender. Last year the Vikings went 0-6 against Chicago, Detroit and Green Bay for the first time since 1962.

Wins will be just as hard this year. Outside the division they will play Super Bowl contenders San Francisco and Houston.

The final seven weeks will be brutal with six games against playoff contenders.

Expect another last-place finish with less than four wins. 

Read more Minnesota Vikings news on BleacherReport.com

Minnesota Vikings 2012 Season Outlook: Stuck to the Bottom of the NFC North

Source: Bleacher Report

Quick Review of 2011

Offense—No. 4 rushing, No. 28 passing, No. 18 total.

Defense—No. 11 rushing, No. 26 passing, No. 21 total.

After the Brett Favre experiment, the Vikings expected 2011 to be a transition year. They drafted quarterback Christian Ponder and brought in Donovan McNabb to mentor him. McNabb had a terrible year and gave way to Ponder before being cut.

Ponder was probably thrown into the fire before he was ready. He had a 54 completion percentage, he threw as many interceptions (13) as touchdowns and he won only twice. He also had injury issues.

The Viking were swept by the NFC North while going 3-13, and to make a bad season end worse, they lost star running back Adrian Peterson to a torn ACL late in the year.

 

New Additions

CB Zack Bowman, TE John Carlson, FB Jerome Felton, RB Lex Hilliard, OT Levi Horn, LB Marvin Mitchell, DE Nick Reed, G Geoff Schwartz, WR Jerome Simpson.

 

Draft Choices

OT Matt Kalil, S Harrison Smith, CB Josh Robinson, WR Jarius Wright, FB Rhett Ellison, WR Greg Childs, S Robert Blanton, K Blair Walsh, LB Audie Cole, DE Trevor Guyton.

 

Undrafted Free Agents

DT Chase Baker, RB Derrick Coleman, CB Bobby Felder, G Tyler Holmes, WR Kamar Jorden, DE Eric Latimore, LB Tyler Nielson, DE Ernest Owusu, LB Corey Paredes, G Austin Pasztor, DT Tydreke Powell, DT Terrell Resonno, C Quentin Saulsberry, DE Derrick Shelby, OT Darrion Weems.

 

Subtractions

S Husain Abdullah, LB Xavier Adibi, RB Lorenzo Booker, WR Greg Camarillo, CB Cedric Griffin, LB E.J. Henderson, G Anthony Herrera, G Steve Hutchinson, S Tyrell Johnson, LS Matt Katula, TE Jimmy Kleinsasser, K Ryan Longwell, LB Kenny Onatolu, S Jarrad Page, CB Benny Sapp, TE Visanthe Shiancoe.

 

Outlook For 2012

The Vikings had two big problems last year—passing offense and passing defense. They used the draft to address those problems. They spent five of their first seven draft choices on defensive backs and wide receivers.

The Vikings traded back into the first round to pick S Harrison Smith. They also took a pair of receivers from Arkansas, Jarius Wright and Greg Childs. Then they drafted CB Josh Robinson and S Robert Blanton.

The defensive backfield must improve to compete against the quarterbacks they will face in the NFC North.

Percy Harvin is a multi-purpose weapon that must be utilized more to take the heat off of the maturing Christian Ponder. He should also create opportunities for the rookie wide receivers.

With a new stadium on the horizon, head coach Leslie Frazier could begin to feel heat if the team doesn't begin to show signs of progress in 2012.

There will be two key factors that will determine how far the Vikings can go in 2012—Christian Ponder's development and a healthy return of Adrian Peterson.

 

Schedule

Sep.  9  Jacksonville

Sep. 16 at Indianapolis

Sep. 23  San Francisco

Sep. 30 at Detroit

Oct.  7  Tennessee

 

Oct. 14 at Washington

Oct. 21  Arizona

Oct. 25  Tampa Bay

Nov.  4 at Seattle

Nov. 11  Detroit

Nov. 25 at Chicago

Dec.  2 at Green Bay

Dec.  9  Chicago

Dec. 16 at St. Louis

Dec. 23 at Houston

Dec. 30  Green Bay

There will be opportunities for success early in the year with games against teams that struggled in 2011—the Jaguars, Colts, Redskins and Buccaneers.

They will close with four consecutive dome games. Their only prime-time appearance will be on Thursday, October 25, against Tampa Bay.

 

 

Prediction

Every other NFC North team is a playoff contender. Last year the Vikings went 0-6 against Chicago, Detroit and Green Bay for the first time since 1962.

Wins will be just as hard this year. Outside the division they will play Super Bowl contenders San Francisco and Houston.

The final seven weeks will be brutal with six games against playoff contenders.

Expect another last-place finish with less than four wins. 

Read more Minnesota Vikings news on BleacherReport.com

Friday Night Open Thread: This Is The End

Source: Daily Norseman by Christopher Gates

I'm not sure when the last time we did an open thread was, but what the hey. . .let's go ahead and do one now. As always, I'll throw a topic out there, but you don't have to restrict yourself to that. Use this time to discuss whatever you want to, and get to know some of your fellow community members. As far as the topic I want to toss out there, here it goes. . .

Monday night will see the airing of the final episode of one of my favorite television shows, that being House, M.D. Yes, I know that every episode of House is, for the most part, the same. . .patient comes in with mysterious illness, House and his team spend 50 minutes misdiagnosing the patient while getting up to various shenanigans, and House has a

Minnesota Vikings: Greg Childs Could Be a Steal of the Draft, but Not This Year

Source: Bleacher Report

Minnesota Vikings rookie receiver Greg Childs could very well be the steal of the 2012 draft class, but he probably won't be seen that way this year.

Childs recently said on Vikings Tonight with Mike Wobschall and Paul Allen that he views himself as the steal of the class and that he was overlooked because he came back too early after injuring his knee.

He believes that he's ready to go and that he will push for a starting spot week one. “I came back entirely too soon,” Childs said. “I’m not concerned about the knee problem at all. I’m 100 percent. There’s no slowing down.”

I commend the rookie for his confidence and eagerness to get out and produce for his team, but I'm just not convinced that he will have an impact right away.

After a sophomore season that netted him 894 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, Childs was considered in the same conversation as Georgia's A.J. Green and Alabama's Julio Jones. 

As a part of a receiving corps that also included Joe Adams and Jarius Wright, Childs followed up in his junior season with 659 yards and six touchdowns before a season ending tear to his patellar tendon.

Childs came back in his senior season, catching only 21 passes for 240 yards with no touchdowns. 

Though it may be encouraging that he still averaged 11.4 yards per reception after his injury, the former Razorback was still held out of the end zone all year, which is concerning because he is a deep-threat receiver. 

Sure, the 'fact' that he is "now 100 percent healthy" could mean that he'll produce more than he did in his senior season, but after that much time away from elite competition, it will be very tough for him to compete right away at the NFL level, even in training camp. 

Childs' best opportunity to show what he's got will be in the first three weeks of the regular season, while newly signed WR Jerome Simpson serves his three-game suspension.

Sure, the 15th-ranked Indianapolis Colts pass defense might be easier to move the ball against, but when you face the San Francisco 49ers who intercepted 23 passes in 2011 and are returning all 11 defensive starters, and the 8th-ranked Jaguars, who intercepted 17 passes in 2011 with essentially their entire secondary on IR, the Vikings pass offense could be in trouble. 

I'm not saying that it will be impossible for Childs to produce in 2012, but considering the fact that rookie wideouts rarely put up big numbers right away, and for Childs to be considered the steal of the draft, that's what it's going to take. 

As a Vikings fan, I truly hope I'm wrong about Childs. But sadly, my 20-year devotion to this team has left me a cynical football fan and a pessimist about the 2012 season. 

Here's to hoping that I'm wrong. Thanks for reading.

Follow me on Twitter @McAndrewsSports

Read more Minnesota Vikings news on BleacherReport.com

Minnesota Vikings: Greg Childs Could Be the Steal of the Draft...Next Season

Source: Bleacher Report

Minnesota Vikings rookie receiver Greg Childs could very well be the steal of the 2012 draft class, but he probably won't be seen that way this year.

Childs recently said on Vikings Tonight with Mike Wobschall and Paul Allen that he views himself as the steal of the class and that he was overlooked because he came back too early after injuring his knee.

He believes that he's ready to go and that he will push for a starting spot week one. “I came back entirely too soon,” Childs said. “I’m not concerned about the knee problem at all. I’m 100 percent. There’s no slowing down.”

I commend the rookie for his confidence and eagerness to get out and produce for his team, but I'm just not convinced that he will have an impact right away.

After a sophomore season that netted him 894 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, Childs was considered in the same conversation as Georgia's A.J. Green and Alabama's Julio Jones. 

As a part of a receiving corps that also included Joe Adams and Jarius Wright, Childs followed up in his junior season with 659 yards and six touchdowns before a season ending tear to his patellar tendon.

Childs came back in his senior season, catching only 21 passes for 240 yards with no touchdowns. 

Though it may be encouraging that he still averaged 11.4 yards per reception after his injury, the former Razorback was still held out of the end zone all year, which is concerning because he is a deep-threat receiver. 

Sure, the fact that he is now 100 percent healthy could mean that he'll produce more than he did in his senior season, but after that much time away from elite competition, it will be very tough for him to compete right away at the NFL level, even in training camp. 

Childs' best opportunity to show what he's got will be in the first three weeks of the regular season, while newly signed WR Jerome Simpson serves his three-game suspension.

Sure, the 15th-ranked Indianapolis Colts pass defense might be easier to move the ball against, but when you face the San Francisco 49ers who intercepted 23 passes in 2011 and are returning all 11 defensive starters, and the 8th-ranked Jaguars, who intercepted 17 passes in 2011 with essentially their entire secondary on IR, the Vikings pass offense could be in trouble. 

I'm not saying that it will be impossible for Childs to produce in 2012, but considering the fact that rookie wideouts rarely put up big numbers right away, and for Childs to be considered the steal of the draft, that's what it's going to take. 

As a Vikings fan, I truly hope I'm wrong about Childs. But sadly, my 20-year devotion to this team has left me a cynical football fan and a pessimist about the 2012 season. 

Here's to hoping that I'm wrong. Thanks for reading.


Follow me on Twitter @McAndrewsSports

Read more Minnesota Vikings news on BleacherReport.com

NFL: Packers waiting before retiring Favre's jersey (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Green Bay Packers will wait at least another season to hold a ceremony to retire Brett Favre's No. 4.

Wife of ex-Vikings player wants new hit-run trial (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The attorney for the wife of former Minnesota Vikings player Joe Senser says his client didn't get a fair trial in a fatal hit-and-run.

Greg Childs Channels Onterrio Smith, Says He’ll Be “The Steal of the Draft”

Source: The Viking Age by danzinski

Greg Childs Channels Onterrio Smith, Says He’ll Be “The Steal of the Draft” - The Viking Age - The Viking Age - A Minnesota Vikings Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Brandon Marshall at his sartorial finest

Source: NFC North Blog

Daggone it! I knew I left my bow tie, suspenders and short-sleeve dress shirt in Bristol, Conn., this morning. Fortunately, Chicago Bears receiver Brandon Marshall found and wore them in my honor during his Friday morning appearance on "SportsCenter."

Greg Childs: "I Will Be The Steal Of The Draft"

Source: Daily Norseman by Christopher Gates

In the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings took a running back out of the University of Oregon by the name of Onterrio Smith. Upon being drafted by the Vikings, Smith declared himself to be the "steal of the draft" for 2003.

The last time anyone saw Onterrio Smith, he was being suspended for a year by the National Football League for violating the league's substance abuse policy. . .prior to which he attempted to get through an airport with a fake penis in order to cheat a drug test. (The Aristocrats!)

That's why we don't talk about Onterrio Smith much any

Vikings sign offensive tackle Levi Horn

Source: Scout.com

Hot News for OT Levi Horn

Packers Will Retire Favre's Number in 'Year or Two'

Source: Scout.com

Hot News for QB Brett Favre

The Newest Vikings: Blair Walsh

Source: Daily Norseman by Christopher Gates

In the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings surprised a lot of people by grabbing a kicker, Blair Walsh out of the University of Georgia. How good to the Vikings feel about Walsh? Good enough to release incumbent kicker Ryan Longwell after the team's post-draft mini-camp and tell Walsh that the job is his.

Walsh was installed as the Bulldogs' kicker immediately after arriving in Athens, and was named to the All-SEC team as a freshman. His first career field goal was a 52-yarder against Georgia Southern. In his

Your turn: Feedback on blog operations

Source: NFC North Blog

I spent a good part of this week reviewing not only the past year on this blog but also some of our daily and weekly events that have become routine over time. I have some thoughts and ideas, but first I want to hear from you. As NFC East readers did earlier this week for colleague Dan Graziano, I want your unvarnished take on what you like about this blog, what you don't like and how you want it to change and evolve. I can't guarantee any particular tweak, but this is certainly the time of year to consider them.

Packers will wait 'year or two' before retiring Favre's number (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Green Bay Packers will wait at least another season to hold a ceremony to retire Brett Favre's No. 4.

Ranking Lovie's salary among coaches

Source: NFC North Blog

As we catch up on this week's news and events after some rare May travel, it's worth pointing out Forbes Magazine's annual rankings of the highest-paid coaches in professional sports. The top 10 includes eight NFL coaches and two from the NBA. One NFC North name is on the list and I wonder if a second should be as well. As we've said many times, coaching salaries are among the NFL's best-kept secrets. Forbes' estimates are based on media reports and its own investigating, but ultimately the only people who know the numbers usually are the coach, the coach's agent, the owner and whoever handles the team's payroll and finances.

Tanier’s Team Reviews: The Seattle Seahawks, via Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson (Shutdown Corner)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Any website can post "offseason grades" for NFL teams, mixing the draft and free agency into transaction soup, then straining it through the mind of some sportswriter who doesn't know who half the players are. Only the Shutdown Corner has the resources to get actual players, coaches, and executives from each team to evaluate their own offseasons! That's right: over the next few weeks, you will get transaction evaluations straight from the horse's mouths: straight talk about who was signed, who was lost, who was drafted, and why. (For the satirically challenged: all player, coach, and executive remarks are made by an impersonator). In this segment, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll breaks down his team's offseason moves. PETE CARROLL: What an awesome day! The sun is shining! The birds are chirping! Let me give a shout out to all the folks at The Circle Perk coffee shop for working so hard to keep all of us energized! And to all the crossing guards making sure kids get to school safely! And to the Seattle-area sewer workers: you guys are the thin line that separates good citizens from their own filth, and I cannot thank you enough! Fans really need to get amped about our three-way quarterback battle. The front-runner is Matt Flynn, who got America totally stoked in that awesome Packers-Lions game in Week 17. Next, there's rookie Russell Wilson, who is short but fiery. Isn't that right, Russell? RUSSELL WILSON: Grrrrrr... PETE CARROLL: I love this kid! He's like a feral cat! And finally, there's Tarvaris Jackson, the Taylor Hicks of NFL quarterbacks. You don't like him, you keep expecting him to lose, and then bang! He finds a way to win a starting job, if not many games. But enough about the offense. Let's talk defense!! We are going to have one of the best front sevens in the NFL!! Defensive tackle Jason Jones had a great, if quiet, season for the Titans last year. First-round pick Bruce Irvin may have seemed like a reach, but that is only because West Virginia had this crazy idea that a 245-pound speedster was a good fit at defensive end. I like my defensive ends Red Bryant-sized! When I am not being enthusiastic about everything, you can find me in my office drawing up creative defenses, and Irvin is going to be everywhere the offense doesn't expect him to be!!! Irvin and Wilson had awesome rookie camps. In fact, all of the rookies had awesome camps, as did our parking lot attendants and the people who work so hard to make sure the office wastebaskets are clean enough to guzzle energy drink out of!! Let me dedicate my Song of the Day to the rookies: "Dog Days are Over" by Florence + the Machine! That's right: I'm a 60-year old man who listens to Florence + the Machine!!! Nicky Minaj, too! And don't forget Ke$ha, who is tiny and has a nasty attitude, just like Russell Wilson!!! RUSSELL WILSON: Grrrr… PETE CARROLL: Excellent growling, buddy!!

Tanier’s Team Reviews: The Arizona Cardinals, via Kevin Kolb (Shutdown Corner)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Any website can post "offseason grades" for NFL teams, mixing the draft and free agency into transaction soup, then straining it through the mind of some sportswriter who doesn't know who half the players are. Only the Shutdown Corner has the resources to get actual players, coaches, and executives from each team to evaluate their own offseasons! That's right: over the next few weeks, you will get transaction evaluations straight from the horse's mouths: straight talk about who was signed, who was lost, who was drafted, and why. (For the satirically challenged: all player, coach, and executive remarks are made by an impersonator). In this segment, Cardinals quarterback (at least for now) Kevin Kolb breaks down the Arizona Cardinals' offseason moves. KEVIN KOLB: Howdy folks. Don't mind me. I'm just tyin' a few flies, polishin' up the outboard motor, gettin' ready to hit the lake. Goin' fishin' right after we're done. It won't take long, 'cuz the Cardinals didn't do much this offseason. We didn't get a new quarterback for one thing. Sure, the team chased Peyton Manning, but that was one big river bass with a lot of fight in him. So the quarterback job is mine to lose. And don't you worry, I'm gonna lose it. It's not that John Skelton is any better than me: he may have led just as many fourth-quarter comebacks as Tim Tebow last year (four), but only city slickers and TV blowhards in fancy suits pay attention to those cow chips. I just have no idea what to do in the pocket. So the third or fourth time I roll to my right and get dragged down by Aldon Smith or somebody, Coach Whisenhunt's gonna decide it's time to cut some fresh bait. I know Larry Fitzgerald's happy about our new second receiver, Malcolm Floyd. Floyd liked to hit the honky-tonks in college, but he's a big guy, and when he wants to be, he can be as fast as a boar gettin' flushed by three hound dogs.

Scouting Report: Nick Reed

Source: Scout.com

Nick Reed has spent time with the Seahawks, Bears and Bucs, but was he at the right position? His scouting report out of college indicates his skills translate better if he switched to a position of need for the Vikings.

9 Players Responsible for the Minnesota Vikings' Success or Failure in 2012

Source: Bleacher Report

Much of the Minnesota Vikings’ 2011 season was a failure—so much so, that even their Dec. 24th win turned out to be the best Christmas present any NFL franchise could possibly imagine.

St. Louis Rams, you’re welcome.

However, while the Vikes did gift-wrap the proverbial driver’s seat of the draft to the Rams, they did put together a very nice draft (we’ll know in three years for sure), which has given the die-hard purple bleeders a reason to relax.

A couple of these draft picks will no doubt play a big role in how the team performs this upcoming season, but there are still a handful of names already on the roster that will have a direct impact on the successes and failures of this team in 2012.

Let’s take a look at who will make the most significant impact this year—positive or negative.

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Vikings developing CFL’s ‘hardest hitter’

Source: Scout.com

Vikings linebacker Solomon Elimimian knows the negatives against him when it comes to his size, but he packs a punch. Plus, Fusco making the transition, the Arkansas receivers bringing a winning history and it could be a rookie safety duo.

Is the NFL backed up at quarterback?

Source: Scout.com

The 2013 draft could feature four or more quarterbacks worthy of a first-round selection, but the need across the league doesn’t seem to be as desperate as it was just a few years ago, before a run on quarterbacks filled the desires of numerous franchises. Len Pasquarelli expounds with the numbers to support the theory.

BBAO: Brandon Marshall heads to Bristol

Source: NFC North Blog

We're Black and Blue All Over: One NFC North pillar will depart Bristol, Conn., on Friday but another one will soon be in place. Or something like that. I'm making my way back to NFC North blog headquarters, but Chicago Bears receiver Brandon Marshall is scheduled to appear in the offices here as part of ESPN's NFL programming Friday. He's scheduled to debate Skip Bayless on "First Take" at 11:30 a.m. ET and will also be a guest host on NFL Live at 4 p.

Lions' Sims put on weight to go from good to great (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) Detroit Lions offensive guard Rob Sims has put on weight to go from good to great.

Way Too Early Award Predictions for the Minnesota Vikings

Source: Bleacher Report

This week, we've toured the NFC North, handing out made up awards—I mean using my broken Time Warner Crystal Ball to see into the future to see what awards every team will have.

Finally we reach the Purple People Eaters themselves, the Minnesota Vikings.

I tried to get Adrian Peterson to introduce these awards but his publicist emailed me back that he had to decline. Something about "you're not serious," "rehabbing" and "wasting time."

 

MVP: Adrian Peterson

Much like Peyton Manning in Indianapolis, I don't think Minnesota knew how much they needed Peterson until he was gone. They didn't fall apart like the Colts—Peterson is critical but not THAT critical—but losing him certainly made life harder.

While I am cautious about my optimism regarding his comeback from his injury, I expect him to be 100 percent this year and running pretty close to the full "All-Day" we know and love.

He won't carry this team to a Super Bowl, but he will make a huge difference every time he puts the cleats on, giving Christian Ponder some room to breathe.

 

Rookie of the Year: Matt Kalil

It's hard to go another direction here because Kalil is terribly important to the offense this year. You don't take a left tackle early and develop him. You take him, throw him in the deep end and—hopefully—watch him swim.

Kalil is an exceptional athlete and he'll need every ounce of ability in a tough NFC North. He'll rise to the challenge—he's that kind of player and, frankly, he needs to. Ponder needs him to cut down on the quarterback hits and give him the time to find Percy Harvin and the other wide receivers.

If Kalil isn't the rookie of the year for the Vikings, either someone else had a great season or something went horribly wrong.

 

Defensive MVP: Jared Allen

Allen was a monster last year, compiling 22 sacks and wreaking havoc on offenses all year long. They'll need him to keep it up in 2012.

It's not that he's the only player any good on the defense—he's just the most effective on an aging front seven.

He's got a few more years in the tank, and while I don't expect 22 sacks, I do expect a lot of hits, tackles and general mayhem caused by everybody's favorite mullet-wearing nutjob.

Every team in the NFC North gets their own awards to go with the standard ones.

You know I love Colts owner Jim Isray's "Zygi the Biggie" nickname for Wilf, and I never pass up a chance to trot out my photoshop of it.

So here we are: the very first Zygi The Biggie Awards.

 

Terminator Come Back Award: Adrian Peterson

Once upon a time I tore my shoulder up. Like, really wrecked it. I had surgery, was told I was two to three months away from having a useful left shoulder and sent to rehab.

I was back to 100 percent in six weeks.

I only bring this up to say the human body can do incredible things when motivated. I was in better shape post-college, but not like Peterson.

Yet, even I'm shocked at how good he looks so far. Like I said—our bodies can do crazy stuff when we will it.

Not only will Peterson be back, but I think he'll be back at pretty darn near 100 percent pre-injury Peterson. Long term, this injury will catch up to him and slow him down probably quicker than if it had never happened.

That's down the road, though. Now, he'll be Hulking out through defensive lines like they're made of Swiss cheese.

 

Don't Know What Ya Got, Til It's Gone Award: Ryan Longwell

Sponsored by '80s Hair Metal Band Cinderella

Don't know what you got till it's gone
Don't know what it is I did so wrong
Now I know what I got
It's just this song
And it ain't easy to get back
Takes so long

Ah, Cinderella, you know the truth.

I understand the concept of getting younger, but was Longwell making that much money? One day soon, when you could win a game but don't because your kicker is inexperienced, you'll look his number up and give him a call.

Or bring him on board at a lower price.

Point is, if you nickel and dime a kicker, you sometimes regret what you pay for.

 

Longest Yard Award: Jerome Simpson

A few years ago, this might have been the "Love Boat Award," but instead we honor the guy who did the crime, did the time and then showed up to have an impact the rest of the season.

I named Simpson as one of my "Wild Cards," and while I believe he could faceplant when he hits the lineup, I have a feeling post-suspension Simpson will be focused and ready to go.

Fellow B/R writer Sigmund Bloom calls it a "career-near death experience," and it's saved careers before. Guys screw up, realize that they only get a short window of opportunity and either (a) fold or (b) man up, focus and play better than ever.

Simpson is one of the column "B" guys and come the end of the 2012, he'll be a great example of pulling it together and saving his career.

 

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Source: Yahoo! Sports

10 Minnesota Vikings No One Is Talking About

Source: Bleacher Report

With the signing of the stadium bill by Governor Mark Dayton, the focus for the Minnesota Vikings can once more turn to matters facing the roster heading into 2012.

The Vikings announced the opening of their 2012 training camp will be July 26th. For 22 days, until the team breaks camp on August 16th, plenty of fans will trek southwest of the Twin Cities to Mankato, where the Vikings have held camp for 46 years. 

Between now and then, it's the dog days of football.

Sure, there will be minicamps and OTAs held at the Vikings' complex in Eden Prairie, but it's not the same as the intense two-a-days, when positions will be won and lost, dreams will be made and starters determined.

For a team coming off of consecutive last-place finishes in the NFC North, there are plenty of questions that still need to be answered during the Vikings' exhibition season.

For many of the Vikings, there has been, and will continue to be, plenty of coverage. The rehabilitation of Adrian Peterson's left knee is typically among the top stories reported on almost daily.

The Vikings' roster currently has 88 players listed. With no other additions, that means there are at least 17 players who will not earn one of the 53 spots on the regular roster, or one of the eight practice squad slots. Of course, there will be plenty of additions and deletions as the summer progresses and players cut from other teams are brought on board.

Here's a look at 10 players on the Vikings' roster that aren't getting a lot of attention right now—some for good reasons, and others we'd like to forget about completely.

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Grandpa Sports Thinks E.J. Henderson Will Be Back With Minnesota

Source: Daily Norseman by Christopher Gates

Buried in this column about how awful the Minnesota Twins have been thus far in 2011 is an interesting little bit from Sid Hartman. . .the man who, apparently, is wholly and solely responsible for the Minnesota Vikings getting a new stadium.

There is still a good chance that E.J. Henderson will sign with the Vikings once he agrees to a contract paying the linebacker quite a bit less than the $6.7 million he was paid last year. Henderson still is demanding the same pay he got last

The Rams Belong in Los Angeles: Fan’s View (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

It's time for the return of the Los Angeles Rams. As a transient fan who has followed the team since its days in Anaheim Stadium, this is a hard line for me to take, especially when there are so many outstanding people in St. Louis.

Eagles RB McCoy gets new deal through 2017 (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

PHILADELPHIA (AP) LeSean McCoy ran his way onto the short list of the best running backs in the NFL. He can now stamp his name among the highest paid.