After signing each member of their practice squad and a couple players from the CFL, the Minnesota Vikings roster currently includes 70 players. 18 of those players have contracts that will expire at the start of the league year on March 18. Here's the current Minnesota Vikings roster and how each position group can/will be impacted by free agency.
Offense
Quarterbacks
8 Kirk Cousins
3 Jake Browning
Free Agent
4 Sean Mannion
Running Backs
33 Dalvin Cook
25 Alexander Mattison
23 Mike Boone
35 Tony Brooks-James
Free Agents
31 Ameer Abdullah
30 C.J. Ham-FB
Receivers
14 Stefon Diggs
19 Adam Thielen
81 Olabisi Johnson
12 Chad Beebe
15 Alexander Hollins
16 Davion Davis
17 Dillon Mitchell
Bralon Addison
Free Agent
11 Laquon Treadwell
Tight Ends
82 Kyle Rudolph
84 Irv Smith Jr.
83 Tyler Conklin
89 David Morgan
86 Brandon Dillon
Offensive Line
71 Riley Reiff
65 Pat Elflein
56 Garrett Bradbury
64 Josh Kline
75 Brian O'Neill
73 Dru Samia
76 Aviante Collins
74 Oli Udoh
Free Agents
69 Rashod Hill
78 Dakota Dozier
61 Brett Jones
Defense
Defensive Line
97 Everson Griffen
93 Shamar Stephen
98 Linval Joseph
99 Danielle Hunter
92 Jalyn Holmes
94 Jaleel Johnson
95 Ifeadi Odenigbo
96 Armon Watts
51 Hercules Mata'afa
52 Eddie Yarbrough
90 Stacy Keely
Free Agent
91 Stephen Weatherly
Linebackers
55 Anthony Barr
54 Eric Kendricks
42 Ben Gedeon
59 Cameron Smith
Free Agents
50 Eric Wilson
40 Kentrell Brothers
Cornerbacks
29 Xavier Rhodes
21 Mike Hughes
24 Holton Hill
38 Kris Boyd
44 Nate Meadors
32 Mark Fields
37 Kemon Hall
Marcus Sayles
Free Agents
26 Trae Waynes
20 Mackensie Alexander
35 Marcus Sherels
Safeties
22 Harrison Smith
Free Agents
41 Anthony Harris
34 Andrew Sendejo
27 Jayron Kearse
Special Teams
Kicker
Free Agent
5 Dan Bailey
Punter
Free Agent
2 Britton Colquitt
Long Snapper
58 Austin Cutting
It only takes a quick look to see that the Vikings have an issue at safety. Harrison Smith is the only safety currently with a contract that puts him on the roster in 2020. The hope here is that Anthony Harris is re-signed and the Vikings boast two highly paid safeties in the secondary. With those two contracts there might not be enough money for backup safeties.
Kicker Dan Bailey and punter Dustin Colquitt have expiring contracts. The Vikings kicking game had been a disaster until Bailey and Colquitt stabilized it. The Vikings must bring back both. The place kicking battery of Bailey, Colquitt, and long snapper Austin Cutting should be even better with an offseason of work together.
The Vikings are facing a situation in which the player contracts exceed the projected salary cap. They will be forced to trim or renegotiate some of the bigger contracts on the roster to get under the salary cap. The Vikings won't be able to do any re-signings or signings until they do that.
Friday, February 7, 2020
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Throwback Thursday: History of the Super Bowl Coin Toss
The only excitement over the opening coin toss of the Super Bowl probably comes from the people that have a bet riding on it. It's always important to get a fast start in a game but a fast start has to be made on offense and defense. It doesn't really matter much which comes first. More significant than getting the ball first in the first half is getting the ball in first in the second half. If played right, a team can get consecutive possessions. If a team can score at the end of the first half and at the start of the second half while stealing a possession from their opponent they can blow the game open. The opening coin toss is more pageantry than important. The most important coin toss in Super Bowl history didn't come at the start of the game. Here's the history of the Super Bowl Coin Toss.
| Super Bowl | Teams, Score | Coin Toss Winner |
| I | Packers 35, Chiefs 10 | Packers |
| II | Packers 33, Raiders 14 | Raiders |
| III | Jets 16, Colts 7 | Jets |
| IV | Chiefs 23, Vikings 7 | Vikings |
| V | Colts 16, Cowboys 13 | Cowboys |
| VI | Cowboys 24, Dolphins 3 | Dolphins |
| VII | Dolphins 14, Redskins 7 | Dolphins |
| VIII | Dolphins 24, Vikings 7 | Dolphins |
| IX | Steelers 16, Vikings 6 | Steelers |
| X | Steelers 21, Cowboys 17 | Cowboys |
| XI | Raiders 32, Vikings 14 | Raiders |
| XII | Cowboys 27, Broncos 10 | Cowboys |
| XIII | Steelers 35, Cowboys 31 | Cowboys |
| XIV | Steelers 31, Rams 19 | Rams |
| XV | Raiders 27, Eagles 10 | Eagles |
| XVI | 49ers 26, Bengals 21 | 49ers |
| XVII | Redskins 27, Dolphins 17 | Dolphins |
| XVIII | Raiders 38, Redskins 9 | Raiders |
| XIX | 49ers 38, Dolphins 16 | 49ers |
| XX | Bears 46, Patriots 10 | Bears |
| XXI | Giants 39, Broncos 20 | Broncos |
| XXII | Redskins 42, Broncos 10 | Redskins |
| XXIII | 49ers 20, Bengals 16 | 49ers |
| XXIV | 49ers 55, Broncos 10 | Broncos |
| XXV | Giants 20, Bills 19 | Bills |
| XXVI | Redskins 37, Bills 24 | Redskins |
| XXVII | Cowboys 52, Bills 17 | Bills |
| XXVIII | Cowboys 30, Bills 13 | Cowboys |
| XXIX | 49ers 49, Chargers 26 | 49ers |
| XXX | Cowboys 27, Steelers 17 | Cowboys |
| XXXI | Packers 35, Patriots 21 | Patriots |
| XXXII | Broncos 31, Packers 24 | Packers |
| XXXIII | Broncos 34, Falcons 19 | Falcons |
| XXXIV | Rams 23, Titans 16 | Rams |
| XXXV | Ravens 34, Giants 7 | Giants |
| XXXVI | Patriots 20, Rams 17 | Rams |
| XXXVII | Buccaneers 48, Raiders 21 | Buccaneers |
| XXXVIII | Patriots 32, Panthers 29 | Panthers |
| XXXIX | Patriots 24, Eagles 21 | Eagles |
| XL | Steelers 21, Seahawks 10 | Seahawks |
| XLI | Colts 29, Bears 17 | Bears |
| XLII | Giants 17, Patriots 14 | Giants |
| XLIII | Steelers 27, Cardinals 23 | Cardinals |
| XLIV | Saints 31, Colts 17 | Saints |
| XLV | Packers 31, Steelers 25 | Packers |
| XLVI | Giants 21, Patriots 17 | Patriots |
| XLVII | Ravens 34. 49ers 31 | Ravens |
| XLVIII | Seahawks 43, Broncos 8 | Seahawks |
| XLIX | Patriots 28, Seahawks 24 | Seahawks |
| 50 | Broncos 24, Panthers 10 | Panthers |
| LI | Patriots 34, Falcons 28 | Falcons-opening/Patriots-OT |
| LII | Eagles 41, Patriots 33 | Patriots |
| LIII | Patriots 13, Rams 3 | Rams |
| LIV | Cheifs 31, 49ers 20 | 49ers |
The most important coin toss in Super Bowl history was the one that the New England Patriots won to start overtime in Super Bowl LI.
The New Orleans Saints winning the coin toss in Super Bowl XLIV turned out to be pretty significant. Kicking off to start the second half allowed the Saints the opportunity to stun the Colts with an onside kick.
The Rams have won the coin toss in all four of their Super Bowls. They are 1-3 in those four Super Bowls.
Teams winning the opening coin toss of the Super Bowl are 24-30.
The New Orleans Saints winning the coin toss in Super Bowl XLIV turned out to be pretty significant. Kicking off to start the second half allowed the Saints the opportunity to stun the Colts with an onside kick.
The Rams have won the coin toss in all four of their Super Bowls. They are 1-3 in those four Super Bowls.
Teams winning the opening coin toss of the Super Bowl are 24-30.
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Minnesota Vikings Free Agents
The Minnesota Vikings offseaon started about three weeks too soon. They spent those weeks mourning the sad end of a fun season and reassembling the coaching staff. Now, it's time to build the team that will try to play three weeks longer in 2020. The Vikings will have at least 18 players with contracts that will expire when the new league year starts on March 18.
Unrestricted Free Agents
Anthony Harris
Trae Waynes
Andrew Sendejo
Mackensie Alexander
Marcus Sherels
Jayron Kearse
Kentrell Brothers
Steven Weatherly
Sean Mannion
Ameer Abdullah
Laquan Treadwell
Rashod Hill
Dakota Dozier
Brett Jones
Dan Bailey
Britton Colquitt
Restricted Free Agents
C.J. Ham
Eric Wilson
The list may have defensive end Everson Griffen added to it. He hit benchmarks with his play in 2019 that has given him the option to void the remaining years of his contract.
The Vikings are in a bit of a salary cap bind this offseason. They are currently projected to be over the 2020 salary cap and will be forced to trim or restructure the contracts of a few of their more well-compensated players.
Since the franchise tag became a thing in 1993, the Vikings have only used it twice (Jim Kleinsasser in 2003 and Chad Greenway in 2011). This year could be the third. Anthony Harris has developed into one of the better safeties in the league. He's the sort of young, homegrown player that the Vikings have made it a practice of re-signing. Harris may be the priority of the offseason. The franchise tag tender for a safety is projected to be just under $13 million. Using the franchise tag should only be as a last resort. Negotiating a long-term contract is always preferred. Both sides are happier when they agree to a deal. Due to the team's salary cap situation it might be too much of a luxury to have two highly-compensated safeties. As with Anthony Barr last year, I think that the Vikings will find a way to afford Harris. Without using the franchise tag.
As for the other 17 potential free agents, I see the following as the priorities after Harris:
Steven Weatherly
Dan Bailey
Britton Colquitt
C.J. Ham
Eric Wilson
Steven Weatherly has developed into a productive rotational defensive lineman. If Griffen isn't on the roster. Weatherly and Ifeadi Odenigbo are the current leading contenders to replace him in the lineup. After too many years of maddening, inconsistent kicking, the Vikings finally found a solid combination in kicker Dan Bailey and punter Britton Colquitt. It would be nice to maintain that consistency. An offseason of working together can only help. C.J. Ham and Eric Wilson have developed into significant contributors on offense and defense respectively.
It'll be tough to lose corners Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander. I'm not sure that the Vikings can afford either if they re-sign Anthony Harris. Unless salary cap maestro Rob Brzezinski can pull off his greatest miracle, there might be a complete turnover at cornerback for the Vikings.
One, or more, of the free agent offensive linemen will probably be re-signed.
Rashod Hill
Dakota Dozier
Brett Jones
I don't see any as starters but each provides valuable depth.
That's an early, quick look at the Vikings upcoming free agents.
Unrestricted Free Agents
Anthony Harris
Trae Waynes
Andrew Sendejo
Mackensie Alexander
Marcus Sherels
Jayron Kearse
Kentrell Brothers
Steven Weatherly
Sean Mannion
Ameer Abdullah
Laquan Treadwell
Rashod Hill
Dakota Dozier
Brett Jones
Dan Bailey
Britton Colquitt
Restricted Free Agents
C.J. Ham
Eric Wilson
The list may have defensive end Everson Griffen added to it. He hit benchmarks with his play in 2019 that has given him the option to void the remaining years of his contract.
The Vikings are in a bit of a salary cap bind this offseason. They are currently projected to be over the 2020 salary cap and will be forced to trim or restructure the contracts of a few of their more well-compensated players.
Since the franchise tag became a thing in 1993, the Vikings have only used it twice (Jim Kleinsasser in 2003 and Chad Greenway in 2011). This year could be the third. Anthony Harris has developed into one of the better safeties in the league. He's the sort of young, homegrown player that the Vikings have made it a practice of re-signing. Harris may be the priority of the offseason. The franchise tag tender for a safety is projected to be just under $13 million. Using the franchise tag should only be as a last resort. Negotiating a long-term contract is always preferred. Both sides are happier when they agree to a deal. Due to the team's salary cap situation it might be too much of a luxury to have two highly-compensated safeties. As with Anthony Barr last year, I think that the Vikings will find a way to afford Harris. Without using the franchise tag.
As for the other 17 potential free agents, I see the following as the priorities after Harris:
Steven Weatherly
Dan Bailey
Britton Colquitt
C.J. Ham
Eric Wilson
Steven Weatherly has developed into a productive rotational defensive lineman. If Griffen isn't on the roster. Weatherly and Ifeadi Odenigbo are the current leading contenders to replace him in the lineup. After too many years of maddening, inconsistent kicking, the Vikings finally found a solid combination in kicker Dan Bailey and punter Britton Colquitt. It would be nice to maintain that consistency. An offseason of working together can only help. C.J. Ham and Eric Wilson have developed into significant contributors on offense and defense respectively.
It'll be tough to lose corners Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander. I'm not sure that the Vikings can afford either if they re-sign Anthony Harris. Unless salary cap maestro Rob Brzezinski can pull off his greatest miracle, there might be a complete turnover at cornerback for the Vikings.
One, or more, of the free agent offensive linemen will probably be re-signed.
Rashod Hill
Dakota Dozier
Brett Jones
I don't see any as starters but each provides valuable depth.
That's an early, quick look at the Vikings upcoming free agents.
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
First Round Order of the 2020 NFL Draft
With the Kansas City Chiefs victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV the order of the first round, and all subsequent rounds (excluding the Compensatory picks), of the 2020 NFL Draft is finally set. Accurate mock drafts, if mock draft can ever be considered accurate, may now commence. Here's the first round order of the 2020 NFL Draft.
1. Cincinnati Bengals (2-14)
2. Washington Redskins (3-13)
3. Detroit Lions (3-12-1)
4. New York Giants (4-12)
5. Miami Dolphins (5-11)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (5-11)
7. Carolina Panthers (5-11)
8. Arizona Cardinals (5-10-1)
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10)
10. Cleveland Browns (6-10)
11. New York Jets (7-9)
12. Las Vegas Raiders (7-9)
13. Indianapolis Colts (7-9)
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
15. Denver Broncos (7-9)
16. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)
17. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers (8-8))
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears (8-8))
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams (9-7))
21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
22. Buffalo Bills (10-6)
23. New England Patriots (12-4)
24. New Orleans Saints (13-3)
25. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
26. Miami Dolphins (from Texans (10-6))
27. Seattle Seahawks (11-5)
28. Baltimore Ravens (14-2)
29. Tennessee Titans ((9-7)
30. Green Bay Packers (13-3)
31. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)
32. Kansas City Chiefs (12-4)
It sure is strange to see Las Vegas Raiders. It'll be strange for a long time. We've seen it before but it still isn't right for the Raiders to be anywhere other than Oakland.
There will be a definite Raiders presence at the Draft as it will be held in Las Vegas. The Raiders are also currently slotted to pick twice in the first round.
Teams with multiple first round picks:
Miami Dolphins: 3 (#5, #18, #26)
-courtesy of their unloading of Minkah Fitzpatrick (Steelers) and Laremy Tunsil (Texans)
Las Vegas Raiders: 2 (#12, #19)
-courtesy of the Kahlil Mack trade
Jacksonville Jaguars: 2 (#9, #20)
-courtesy of the Jalen Ramsey trade
Teams without a first round pick:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Chicago Bears
Los Angeles Rams
Houston Texans
It's unusual to see the Steelers without a first round pick. They probably rank with the Cincinnati Bengals as the teams that hold most tightly to the picks where they are originally slotted.
The NFL offseason has officially started.
1. Cincinnati Bengals (2-14)
2. Washington Redskins (3-13)
3. Detroit Lions (3-12-1)
4. New York Giants (4-12)
5. Miami Dolphins (5-11)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (5-11)
7. Carolina Panthers (5-11)
8. Arizona Cardinals (5-10-1)
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10)
10. Cleveland Browns (6-10)
11. New York Jets (7-9)
12. Las Vegas Raiders (7-9)
13. Indianapolis Colts (7-9)
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
15. Denver Broncos (7-9)
16. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)
17. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers (8-8))
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears (8-8))
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams (9-7))
21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
22. Buffalo Bills (10-6)
23. New England Patriots (12-4)
24. New Orleans Saints (13-3)
25. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
26. Miami Dolphins (from Texans (10-6))
27. Seattle Seahawks (11-5)
28. Baltimore Ravens (14-2)
29. Tennessee Titans ((9-7)
30. Green Bay Packers (13-3)
31. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)
32. Kansas City Chiefs (12-4)
It sure is strange to see Las Vegas Raiders. It'll be strange for a long time. We've seen it before but it still isn't right for the Raiders to be anywhere other than Oakland.
There will be a definite Raiders presence at the Draft as it will be held in Las Vegas. The Raiders are also currently slotted to pick twice in the first round.
Teams with multiple first round picks:
Miami Dolphins: 3 (#5, #18, #26)
-courtesy of their unloading of Minkah Fitzpatrick (Steelers) and Laremy Tunsil (Texans)
Las Vegas Raiders: 2 (#12, #19)
-courtesy of the Kahlil Mack trade
Jacksonville Jaguars: 2 (#9, #20)
-courtesy of the Jalen Ramsey trade
Teams without a first round pick:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Chicago Bears
Los Angeles Rams
Houston Texans
It's unusual to see the Steelers without a first round pick. They probably rank with the Cincinnati Bengals as the teams that hold most tightly to the picks where they are originally slotted.
The NFL offseason has officially started.
Monday, February 3, 2020
Pro Football Hall of Fame Stuff
First of all, Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs and their wonderful fans. Second of all, it was fun to see the Chiefs dust off the football playbook and pull off something like the old Notre Dame Box to set up their first touchdown of the game.
The final piece of the giant 20-member 2020 Pro Football Hall of Class was revealed on Sunday. The Hall voters decided on the five Modern-era players that will be part of that giant Hall of Fame Class. While I don't agree with all that was done to insure that the Class numbered 20, I can't disagree with the 20 men that make up that number. I was surprised that Tony Boselli was forced to wait. Again. I was very disappointed that Lavvie Dilweg was denied what was his best, and probably last, opportunity. Despite those surprises/disappointments I can see/understand the Hall of Fame merits of all 20.
Congratulations to the 5 Modern-era Hall of Famers
Modern-era Players
Troy Polamalu
Steve Atwater
Steve Hutchinson
Isaac Bruce
Edgerrin James
For me, the star of the Modern-era players is Steve Hutchinson. The poison pill manner in which he joined the Minnesota Vikings was thrilling good fun. His play on the field from 2006-11 was even more fun. It's not often that an offensive lineman is considered the MVP of a team but Hutchinson was that for the Vikings in 2006. I knew then, and it was confirmed each following year, that he'd be honored in Canton one day. That day has come.
The above five will join the following "centennial" members to form the giant 20-member 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class.
Players
Jim Covert
Winston Hill
Harold Carmichael
Duke Slater
Ed Sprinkle
Alex Karras
Bobby Dillon
Donnie Shell
Cliff Harris
Mac Speedie
Contributors
Steve Sabol
George Young
Paul Tagliabue
Coaches
Bill Cowher
Jimmy Johnson
The Modern-era Hall of Famers will be inducted during the celebratory weekend of August 6-9. There will be second event on the weekend of September 17 celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the NFL. I'm not sure how the induction of the "centennial" players, the contributors, and the coaches will be divided between the two events.The players had to wait so damn long that only four of the 10 are still alive. Jim Covert, Harold Carmichael, Donnie Shell, and Cliff Harris are the surviving new Hall of Fame players. Paul Tagliabue, Bill Cowher, and Jimmy Johnson were also still around to receive their call. The Pro Football Hall of Fame website states that some members of the Centennial Class will be on hand for the Modern-era inductions. Perhaps the coaches will be grouped with the Modern-era players. Who knows? I don't.
Hall of Fame voter Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star Tribune posted his final ballot in the paper this morning.
1. Steve Hutchinson
2. Edgerrin James
3. Troy Polamalu
4. Richard Seymour
5. Zach Thomas
Craig had Steve Atwater 7th and Isaac Bruce outside his top 10.
More Hall of Fame Fun:
Voter discussion times for each of the Modern-era finalists:
Sam Mills-24:43
Richard Seymour-16:43
Edgerrin James-23:45
Tory Holt-15:58
Zach Thomas-18:58
LeRoy Butler-11:51
Alan Faneca-9:20
Steve Atwater-19:54
Steve Hutchinson-21:35
Tony Boselli-35:49
Bryant Young-12:04
Troy Polamalu-13:09
John Lynch-27:25
Isaac Bruce-21:58
Reggie Wayne-11:42
Finalist Cut Lists:
1st Cut
LeRoy Butler
Torry Holt
Sam Mills
Reggie Wayne
Bryant Young
2nd Cut
Tony Boselli
Alan Faneca
John Lynch
Zach Thomas
Richard Seymour
Elected
Steve Atwater
Isaac Bruce
Steve Hutchinson
Edgerrin James
Troy Polamalu
Upcoming 1st-year Hall of Fame Eligibles
2021
Peyton Manning
Charles Woodson
Calvin Johnson
Jared Allen
-big year
2022
DeMarcus Ware
Devin Hester
Steve Smith Sr.
Robert Mathis
Andre Johnson
Vince Wilfork
Anquan Boldin
2023
Darrelle Revis
Joe Thomas
Dwight Freeney
Jahri Evans
2024
Rob Gronkowski
Antonio Gates
Julius Peppers
Haloti Ngata
Congratulations to all of the New Pro Football Hall of Famers! Welcome to Canton.
The final piece of the giant 20-member 2020 Pro Football Hall of Class was revealed on Sunday. The Hall voters decided on the five Modern-era players that will be part of that giant Hall of Fame Class. While I don't agree with all that was done to insure that the Class numbered 20, I can't disagree with the 20 men that make up that number. I was surprised that Tony Boselli was forced to wait. Again. I was very disappointed that Lavvie Dilweg was denied what was his best, and probably last, opportunity. Despite those surprises/disappointments I can see/understand the Hall of Fame merits of all 20.
Congratulations to the 5 Modern-era Hall of Famers
Modern-era Players
Troy Polamalu
Steve Atwater
Steve Hutchinson
Isaac Bruce
Edgerrin James
For me, the star of the Modern-era players is Steve Hutchinson. The poison pill manner in which he joined the Minnesota Vikings was thrilling good fun. His play on the field from 2006-11 was even more fun. It's not often that an offensive lineman is considered the MVP of a team but Hutchinson was that for the Vikings in 2006. I knew then, and it was confirmed each following year, that he'd be honored in Canton one day. That day has come.
The above five will join the following "centennial" members to form the giant 20-member 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class.
Players
Jim Covert
Winston Hill
Harold Carmichael
Duke Slater
Ed Sprinkle
Alex Karras
Bobby Dillon
Donnie Shell
Cliff Harris
Mac Speedie
Contributors
Steve Sabol
George Young
Paul Tagliabue
Coaches
Bill Cowher
Jimmy Johnson
The Modern-era Hall of Famers will be inducted during the celebratory weekend of August 6-9. There will be second event on the weekend of September 17 celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the NFL. I'm not sure how the induction of the "centennial" players, the contributors, and the coaches will be divided between the two events.The players had to wait so damn long that only four of the 10 are still alive. Jim Covert, Harold Carmichael, Donnie Shell, and Cliff Harris are the surviving new Hall of Fame players. Paul Tagliabue, Bill Cowher, and Jimmy Johnson were also still around to receive their call. The Pro Football Hall of Fame website states that some members of the Centennial Class will be on hand for the Modern-era inductions. Perhaps the coaches will be grouped with the Modern-era players. Who knows? I don't.
Hall of Fame voter Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star Tribune posted his final ballot in the paper this morning.
1. Steve Hutchinson
2. Edgerrin James
3. Troy Polamalu
4. Richard Seymour
5. Zach Thomas
Craig had Steve Atwater 7th and Isaac Bruce outside his top 10.
More Hall of Fame Fun:
Voter discussion times for each of the Modern-era finalists:
Sam Mills-24:43
Richard Seymour-16:43
Edgerrin James-23:45
Tory Holt-15:58
Zach Thomas-18:58
LeRoy Butler-11:51
Alan Faneca-9:20
Steve Atwater-19:54
Steve Hutchinson-21:35
Tony Boselli-35:49
Bryant Young-12:04
Troy Polamalu-13:09
John Lynch-27:25
Isaac Bruce-21:58
Reggie Wayne-11:42
Finalist Cut Lists:
1st Cut
LeRoy Butler
Torry Holt
Sam Mills
Reggie Wayne
Bryant Young
2nd Cut
Tony Boselli
Alan Faneca
John Lynch
Zach Thomas
Richard Seymour
Elected
Steve Atwater
Isaac Bruce
Steve Hutchinson
Edgerrin James
Troy Polamalu
Upcoming 1st-year Hall of Fame Eligibles
2021
Peyton Manning
Charles Woodson
Calvin Johnson
Jared Allen
-big year
2022
DeMarcus Ware
Devin Hester
Steve Smith Sr.
Robert Mathis
Andre Johnson
Vince Wilfork
Anquan Boldin
2023
Darrelle Revis
Joe Thomas
Dwight Freeney
Jahri Evans
2024
Rob Gronkowski
Antonio Gates
Julius Peppers
Haloti Ngata
Congratulations to all of the New Pro Football Hall of Famers! Welcome to Canton.
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Flea Flicker Super Bowl Prediction
Super Bowl LIV is finally here. Kansas City Chiefs vs San Francisco 49ers. On paper it looks like a fun game. I hope that it plays out that way. Here's a guess at the 2019 NFL Champ.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers
Pick: Chiefs
It doesn't help that I'm still a little salty about the 49ers' Divisional game against the Vikings. The Vikings' shitty play in that game is on them. I shouldn't let the clear failings of my team taint my thoughts on the team that bested them. It doesn't help that I'm so damn tired of the bandwagon 49ers fans. 49ers Fans are real tough to find when the team is losing but they sure are everywhere when the team is winning. The Chiefs have one of the most loyal fan bases in the league. Those fans have been there for their team, win or lose, since 1963. There are way too many 49ers fans that are only there for their team when times are good. Living in northern California, I'm sick of seeing it. I also can't pick a team that employs Nick Bosa. After his cheap shot on Brian O'Neill, he'll always be a dirty player to me. As for the game, it just feels like Patrick Mahomes' time.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers
Pick: Chiefs
It doesn't help that I'm still a little salty about the 49ers' Divisional game against the Vikings. The Vikings' shitty play in that game is on them. I shouldn't let the clear failings of my team taint my thoughts on the team that bested them. It doesn't help that I'm so damn tired of the bandwagon 49ers fans. 49ers Fans are real tough to find when the team is losing but they sure are everywhere when the team is winning. The Chiefs have one of the most loyal fan bases in the league. Those fans have been there for their team, win or lose, since 1963. There are way too many 49ers fans that are only there for their team when times are good. Living in northern California, I'm sick of seeing it. I also can't pick a team that employs Nick Bosa. After his cheap shot on Brian O'Neill, he'll always be a dirty player to me. As for the game, it just feels like Patrick Mahomes' time.
Saturday, February 1, 2020
NFL Honors Predictions
The NFL Honors are tonight. The league has been putting on this awards show on the eve of the Super Bowl for a few years. It's fun. It's more fun than having reports trickle out over several days of which player is taking home which award. The NFL Honors affords us the opportunity to see each player receive their award and hear them give an awkward speech. It's fun stuff. It's not fun that the show is aired three hours after it's happened on the west coast. Here's a tip for the NFL, show it live. It works for all the awards shows that the league is trying to copy. Unless you're a big fan of Steve Harvey's comedy or you want to see football players in snappy clothes, there's really no point in watching if you're not seeing it live. Anyway, here are some predictions as to who gets what.
Most Valuable Player
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Offensive Player of the Year
Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers
Defensive Player of the Year
Stephon Gilmore, CB, New England Patriots
Comeback Player of the Year
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Josh Jacobs, RB, Oakland Raiders
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Devin Bush, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
-Nick Bosa will probably take home this award but I can’t give it to a dirty player.
Coach of the Year
John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
Walter Payton Man of the Year
Kyle Rudolph
2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class-Modern Era Players
Troy Polamalu
Tony Boselli
Steve Hutchinson
Alan Faneca
LeRoy Butler
That's probably too offensive lineman heavy for the talking heads and general public. I've always felt that the players should make the Hall of Fame on merit rather some stupid quota. In my opinion, Polamalu, Boselli, and Hutchinson are easy choices. Perhaps one of the Rams receivers, Tory Holt and Isaac Holt, make it over a second guard. When I watched Alan Faneca play football I was more sure that I was watching a Hall of Fame player than when I watched Holt or Bruce. It seems that there's some steam for John Lynch to finally make it. I seriously hope that the voters don't jam him through simply because he's the G.M. of one of the Super Bowl teams. I always felt that LeRoy Butler was the better, more versatile safety. One player that I can see cracking the final five is Richard Seymour. There were a few years in which I thought that he was the best defensive lineman in the league. I've often wondered if his playing all across the line, rather than one position, hindered his chances in the eyes of the voters. I think that sort of versatility should enhance his chances. We'll learn what the voters think this evening.
Most Valuable Player
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Offensive Player of the Year
Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers
Defensive Player of the Year
Stephon Gilmore, CB, New England Patriots
Comeback Player of the Year
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Josh Jacobs, RB, Oakland Raiders
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Devin Bush, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
-Nick Bosa will probably take home this award but I can’t give it to a dirty player.
Coach of the Year
John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
Walter Payton Man of the Year
Kyle Rudolph
2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class-Modern Era Players
Troy Polamalu
Tony Boselli
Steve Hutchinson
Alan Faneca
LeRoy Butler
That's probably too offensive lineman heavy for the talking heads and general public. I've always felt that the players should make the Hall of Fame on merit rather some stupid quota. In my opinion, Polamalu, Boselli, and Hutchinson are easy choices. Perhaps one of the Rams receivers, Tory Holt and Isaac Holt, make it over a second guard. When I watched Alan Faneca play football I was more sure that I was watching a Hall of Fame player than when I watched Holt or Bruce. It seems that there's some steam for John Lynch to finally make it. I seriously hope that the voters don't jam him through simply because he's the G.M. of one of the Super Bowl teams. I always felt that LeRoy Butler was the better, more versatile safety. One player that I can see cracking the final five is Richard Seymour. There were a few years in which I thought that he was the best defensive lineman in the league. I've often wondered if his playing all across the line, rather than one position, hindered his chances in the eyes of the voters. I think that sort of versatility should enhance his chances. We'll learn what the voters think this evening.
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