Minnesota Vikings Week 12 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings lost to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, 34-26. Here’s an attempt to recognize some Vikings players that stood out in another close, frustrating, disappointing loss.

Offensive Player of the Week

It’s gotta be the receivers. 

Justin Jefferson

4 catches, 83 yards

Adam Thielen

5 catches, 62 yards, 2 TDs (2, 20)

The Vikings also took advantage of Jefferson’s talents with some razzle-dazzle. He received a lateral pass from Kirk Cousins and threw across the field to Dalvin Cook for a 24-yard gain. For a moment, it looked like Cook had a shot to score but he was pushed out of bounds at the six-yard line. It was a big part of a quick drive that had the 49ers defense on their heels. 

Jefferson could’ve had another huge game as the 49ers couldn’t cover him. Unfortunately, Cousins missed him high a couple time and low a couple times. Jefferson was in the end zone for a couple of the misfires. One for a two-point conversion. One for a touchdown. There’s eight points in a game decided by eight points. 

Jefferson and Thielen needed to get more than nine receptions in this game. They must get more catches moving forward. 

Defensive Player of the Game

The Vikings defense had some struggles against the 49ers. That can happen when injuries and COVID forced them to play a defensive line made up entirely of backups. The 49ers ran for over 200 yards. Not good. The 49ers converted too many third-and-longs. Not good. It was a rough game. Harrison Smith is one player that did make some plays. 

11 tackles

1 interception

Special Teams Player of the Game

This one’s easy. Kene Nwangwu.

For the first time this season a team gave him multiple kick return opportunities. He took advantage. He returned one of the opportunities 99 yards for a score. A much needed score. It was his second kick return touchdown of the season. For the game:

4 returns, 171 yards, 1 TD (99)

It’s a good bet that he won’t be getting four opportunities in a game again. 

Vikings-49ers

The Minnesota Vikings second California trip in three weeks didn’t end as well as the first. The San Francisco 49ers did a few more things right than the Vikings and ended up on the right side of the score, 34-26. Both teams entered the game at 5-5. Both teams have been playing better after rocky starts to the season. Both teams entered the game on a two-game win streak. The 49ers bumped their streak to three games. The Vikings are again looking for a way to win one-score games. 

The eight-point margin is the largest of the Vikings six losses.

The Vikings lost to the 49ers for a variety of reasons:

-the officials were horrid

-the Vikings allowed 21 unanswered points in about eight minutes

-turnovers gifted the 49ers 2- and 5-yard scoring drives

-injuries and COVID forced the Vikings to field a defensive line of backups

-Kirk Cousins missed a few too many open receivers

-Greg Joseph missed another extra point

The Vikings didn’t lose because of any one of the above. They lost because all of the above got in the way and kept them from winning a winnable game. 

The Vikings and 49ers followed a 14-14 first half with a wild third quarter. The teams combined for 32 points. The teams followed that third quarter with a scoreless fourth. 

Turning Point #1

With 8:38 remaining in the first half, the Vikings held a 14-7 lead. They had pretty much controlled the game up to that point. The 49ers had the ball at their own 15-yard line. They started a drive. About four minutes later the drive appeared to stall at the Vikings 44-yard line. The 49ers were bailed out by a very questionable holding call on Patrick Peterson while guarding George Kittle. Both players engaged off the line and stumbled with the contact. The whole thing appeared mutual and incidental rather than a penalty by either player. Instead of a punt from the 47, the 49ers sparked with gifted life. They continued to drive and milk the clock. They scored a touchdown with 18 seconds remaining in the half. Once again the Vikings couldn’t keep an opponent out of the end zone at the end of the first half. 

The late first half touchdown was the start of 21 unanswered points. The 49ers opened the second half with a breezy touchdown drive. It was the Deebo Samuel Show. His 49-yard run was the bulk of the drive. His three-yard touchdown run was the culmination of it. 

Then Kirk Cousins handed the 49ers another touchdown when he threw a pass to 49ers linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. It was such a horrible decision and throw. Al-Shaair returned the gift 24 yards to the Vikings 2-yard line. A play later, the score was 28-14. In a blink, the score went from 14-7 Vikings to 28-14 49ers. 

Turning Point #2

After rallying to cut the 49ers lead from 28-14 to 31-26, the Vikings defense forced a 49ers punt. Late third quarter, it was all set up for the offense to take the lead. Instead, it was disaster. Dalvin Cook was blown up in the backfield, fumbled, and injured his shoulder in the process. It was a disaster that greatly impacted this game. It was a disaster that may impact the rest of the season with the injury to Cook. 

The 49ers were gifted another possession inside the 10-yard line. Fortunately, the Vikings defense held the 49ers to a field goal but the damage was done. Cook was gone and the Vikings trailed by eight points. 

Vikings turnovers gifted the 49ers opportunities to drive only 2 and 5 yards for points. That’s ten gift-wrapped points in a game decided by eight. 

Kirk Cousins is a remarkably accurate quarterback. It’s perhaps his greatest strength. He wasn’t accurate yesterday. If he’d thrown to Justin Jefferson on a few occasions as accurately as he’d thrown that interception to Al-Shaair, the Vikings win this game. Cousins twice missed a wide-open Jefferson in the end zone. The first was a low miss on a two-point conversion attempt. The second was a high miss that would’ve been a fourth quarter touchdown. That’s eight missed points in an eight point game. Cousins opened the game with a low miss to Jefferson. He closed the game with a high miss to Jefferson on fourth down. The latter would’ve kept alive a potential, final-minute, game-tying drive. 

The officials.

It always seems petty to bitch about the officiating but this game was ridiculous.

Here are a few.

1. Holding. It’s part of the 49ers game plan. Mike Zimmer bitched about this in his post game press conference. The officials had a few holds to pick from on Deebo Samuel’s 20-yard touchdown run that opened the 49ers scoring. The officials allowed the 49ers get away with all of them. That play was a microcosm of the day. It’s been said that holding can be called on every play. The 49ers do it to an extreme. Zimmer’s right. The 49ers will continue to cheat on their blocks as long as the officials allow it.

2. The previously mentioned holding call on Patrick Peterson. The contact with Kittle was mutual and incidental. 

3. Justin Jefferson was at the start of his route. Cousins was throwing to a spot. Jefferson didn’t get there because he was tripped. It didn’t look intentional but he was tripped. There’s a rule against that. 

 

2. Samuel clearly interfered with Bashaud Breeland on a potential interception. Samuel had more jersey in his fist than Breeland had on his back. Robbie Gould kicked a 46-yard field goal on the next play. It could’ve been a much-needed interception. It should’ve been a much longer field goal. 

3. Somehow the officials allowed Josh Norman to punch Adam Thielen in the back during a pile-up. An official had a clear view of the blatant, cheap-ass punch. He even ran in to keep it from escalating. The officials are quick to jump on the slightest taunt to prevent an escalation. How do they allow a clear, cheap-ass punch? Norman probably should’ve been ejected. The Vikings should’ve had 1st-and-goal inside the five. 

4. Perhaps the biggest missed call of the game was Norman’s clear interference on K.J. Osborn on the Vikings final possession. Norman hit Osborn early. It wasn’t a close call. It’s one of those calls that’s usually automatic in today’s NFL. Norman hit Osborn well before the ball reached him. 

The officiating in this game was horrible. 

The Vikings are fighting. They are playing well but they aren’t playing well enough to get past the mistakes that they continue to make. They’ve lost six winnable games. This game was winnable. Despite giving up 21 unanswered points. Despite two turnovers at their end of the field. Despite giving up over 200 rushing yards. They still could’ve won this game. Unfortunately, “could’ve” isn’t reflected in their record. They are 5-6. It doesn’t matter how close each of those six losses are. They are still losses. If there’s an “easy” portion to the Vikings 2021 schedule it’s the portion in front of them. Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears twice. They still have games against the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers. The good news is that the Vikings can play against anyone. The bad news is that they can’t get out of their own way. Further bad news, is that they might have to play some games, perhaps all of the games, without Dalvin Cook. I’ve been thinking it since they lost their fifth game but the Vikings might have to win the rest of their games to make the playoffs. Now, they’ve lost a sixth game. I think that they have to win the rest of their games. 11-6 should make the playoffs. 10-7 could make the playoffs. I prefer 11-6. Leave no doubt. So far this season, that hasn’t been the Vikings way. It must become their way over the next six-plus weeks. 

The Detroit Lions are next. Winless teams are scary. With the Vikings inconsistencies, no game is easy. 

An observation from the seats. The fireworks after each 49ers touchdown were ridiculous. The smoke and stench just hovered over the field and the seats. It lasted through the following kickoff and often the first few plays. It’s mystery as to why anyone would think that this shit is a good idea. It’s not only an annoyance. It’s a health hazard. 

Flea Flicker Week 12 Predictions

Here are some guesses at the Week 12 games.

Byes: Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals

Minnesota Vikings @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings need a run. They’ve won the last two games. They must stretch it to three. I’ll be in the Levi’s Stadium stands. Skol!

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals 

Pick: Bengals

I don’t think that the Steelers can keep pace with the Bengals.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Buccaneers

This should be a fun one. The Colts need their run game. I think that the Buccaneers can slow it. 

Carolina Panthers @ Miami Dolphins

Pick: Dolphins

The Cam Newton Welcome Wagon takes another hit. 

Tennessee Titans @ New England Patriots

Pick: Patriots

Without Derrick Henry, I don’t trust the Titans.

Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants

Pick: Eagles

The Eagles have won a couple. The Giants are reeling.

Atlanta Falcons @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Falcons

I think that the Falcons have a bit more than the Jaguars.

New York Jets @ Houston Texans

Pick: Texans

Who the hell knows? Just going with the home team. 

Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Chargers

Just going with the better team.

Los Angeles Rams @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Rams

The Rams were slapped around their last couple games. There’s no better team to help get the Rams on the right track than the Packers. 

Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

The Browns are less trustworthy than the Titans.

Seattle Seahawks @ Washington Football Team

Pick: Washington

In their last six games, the Seahawks have only beaten the Jaguars. 

All-Time San Francisco 49ers Team

The Minnesota Vikings travel this weekend to play the San Francisco 49ers tomorrow. I’ll be there! Skol! The 49ers have a fun history. It’s a history that started in another professional football league. The All-America Football Conference. My father spent several Sundays in the Kezar Stadium stands watching those 49ers teams. I grew up listening to tales of Frankie Albert, Joe Perry, Bruno Banducci, and Leo Nomellini. Those tales were the seeds of my passion for professional football’s great history. I’m not sure how this California kid dodged becoming a 49ers fan during those formative years. It was always the Minnesota Vikings for me. Never a doubt, never a question. Despite a wildly successful 49ers run through the 1980s and into the 1990s, I’ve never regretted falling for the Vikings. On the eve of the game, here’s a look at some of the greatest players in the franchise history of the San Francisco 49ers. 

Offense

Quarterback

Joe Montana

Running Back

Hugh McElhenny 

Fullback

Joe Perry

Wide Receivers

Jerry Rice

Billy Wilson

Tight End

George Kittle

Offensive Tackles

Bob St. Clair

Joe Staley

Offensive Guards

Guy McIntyre

Randy Cross

Center

Forrest Blue

Defense

Defensive Ends

Fred Dean

Charles Haley

Defensive Tackles

Leo Nomellini

Bryant Young

Linebackers

Dave Wilcox

Patrick Willis

NaVorro Bowman

Cornerbacks

Jimmy Johnson

Eric Wright

Safeties

Ronnie Lott

Tim McDonald

Special Teams

Kicker 

Ray Wersching

Punter

Tommy Davis

Kick Returner

Abe Woodson

Punt Returner

John Taylor

The NFL’s Oldest Rivalry

In the buildup to every Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers game, the media and networks routinely promote the game as the NFL’s oldest rivalry. I cringe a bit when I hear that for one simple reason. Bears-Packers isn’t the league’s oldest rivalry. Today’s National Football League was the American Professional Football Association in 1920. There are only two teams playing today that were part of the great experiment that was organized professional football. Get this, neither one of those teams was the Green Bay Packers. The team was around but they were bopping about Wisconsin playing an unorganized professional schedule. The Packers were not part of the APFA/NFL in Year 1. The two teams playing in the league today that were playing in the league’s first year:

Chicago Cardinals

Decatur Staleys (Chicago Bears)

That’s it. No Packers. 

The NFL’s oldest teams started the league’s oldest rivalry on November 28, 1920.

Chicago Cardinals  7

Decatur Staleys      6

This was the Staleys only loss of the season and possibly kept the team from the new league’s first championship. I’m guessing that it was a loss that George Halas never forgot. The battle for Chicago was such a blast that the two teams played again the very next week.

Decatur Staleys     10

Chicago Cardinals  0

The Staleys finished that first season with a 10-1-2 record. They were nosed out for the league’s first title by the 8-0-3 Akron Pros. The Cardinals finished that first season with a 6-2-2 record. There were a lot of ties in those days. The Packers weren’t part of that first season of organized professional football fun. In 1920 they were doing their own thing in Green Bay. The funny thing about the Bears-Packers rivalry is that it isn’t even the league’s second oldest rivalry. That distinction belongs to the Packers and Cardinals. Those two teams played for the first time on November 20, 1921.

Green Bay Packers  3

Chicago Cardinals   3

The rivalry that so many proclaim as the league’s oldest got it’s start a week later on November 27, 1921.

Chicago Staleys      20

Green Bay Packers  0

The NFL’s oldest rivalry is the Bears-Cardinals rivalry. The NFL’s second-oldest rivalry is Cardinals-Packers. The NFL’s third-oldest rivalry is Bears-Packers. None of that plays well now because the Bears-Packers have such a terrific history. Combined, the two teams have 22 league titles. For nearly all of the first two decades of championship games, one of the two teams was playing in it. From 1929-46, the Packers and Bears each won six titles. 12 combined titles in 17 years. Simply said, the two teams ruled the league for a good chunk of the league’s history. It’s easy and fun to prop up the rivalry as something that it’s not and the media has been doing it for all of my life. It’s been cringe-worthy. Calling Bears-Packers the league’s most-contested rivalry, which it is, doesn’t have the zing of calling it the league’s oldest rivalry. It’s funny how things like facts are pushed aside in the name of zing. No one wants to call Bears-Packers the league’s third oldest rivalry. That has no zing. 

To be honest, it’s pathetic to call Bears-Packers something that it isn’t. 

The Bears-Cardinals rivalry, also known as the league’s oldest rivalry, lost a lot of sizzle when the Cardinals left Chicago for St. Louis in 1960. Throughout the 40 years that the two teams shared the city, the Battle for Chicago was a heated affair. The games were a highlight event. The Bears won more than they lost but it was rarely easy. Long-time Cardinals owner Charles Bidwill might’ve financially helped George Halas gain control of the Bears, on the field the two teams hated each other. The games played that way. They were legally and illegally brutal affairs. Bears-Packers might’ve decided titles but Bears-Cardinals were grudge matches. It’s actually a shame that the Bears and Cardinals are in different cities. A lot of pro football’s colorful history was lost when the two teams parted. The Cardinals have played outside of Chicago for so long that most fans don’t know that they once played there. Hell, many fans probably don’t know that they once played in St. Louis. 

Football historian Joe Ziemba has a book on the Bears-Cardinals rivalry coming out in the spring. That book will be a must-read for anyone curious about the league’s oldest rivalry. 

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Semifinalists

26 modern-era players were named as semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022. The list includes seven players in their first year of eligibility and 17 players who were semifinalists for the Class of 2021.

The 26 semifinalists will be whittled to 15 finalists before the final voting. The selection of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022 will take place during the week that ends with Super Bowl LVI. 

26 Modern-era Semifinalists

Eric Allen

Jared Allen

Willie Anderson

Ronde Barber

Anquan Boldin

Tony Boselli

LeRoy Butler

Eddie George

Devin Hester

Torry Holt

Andre Johnson

Robert Mathis

Sam Mills

Richard Seymour

Steve Smith

Steve Tasker

Fred Taylor

Zach Thomas

Hines Ward

DeMarcus Ware

Ricky Watters

Reggie Wayne

Vince Wilfork

Patrick Willis

Darren Woodson

Bryant Young

First-year Eligibles

Anquan Boldin

Devin Hester

Andre Johnson

Robert Mathis

Steve Smith

DeMarcus Ware

Vince Wilfork

2021 Semifinalists

Eric Allen

Jared Allen

Willie Anderson

Ronde Barber

Tony Boselli

LeRoy Butler

Torry Holt

Sam Mills

Richard Seymour

Steve Tasker

Fred Taylor

Zach Thomas

Hines Ward

Reggie Wayne

Patrick Willis

Darren Woodson

Bryant Young

Semifinalists Breakdown

Defense-13

-5 defensive linemen

-4 linebackers

-4 defensive backs

Offense-11

-3 running backs

-6 receivers

-2 offensive linemen

Special Teams-2

My stab at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022:

DeMarcus Ware

Tony Boselli

Torry Holt

Richard Seymour

Jared Allen

I find this Class difficult to predict. DeMarcus Ware is the only first-year eligible that I see making it. Considering the voters fondness for jamming through players in their first year, at least Steve Smith will probably join him. The receiver queue is getting long. He should join it rather than jump it. Smith is one of my favorite receivers of his era but he should wait a year or two. Cris Carter had to wait six long years. Torry Holt, Reggie Wayne, and Hines Ward have been waiting. At least one of those waits should end. I have Holt making it partly, if not mostly, because he’s been waiting the longest of the deserving receivers. I thought that Tony Boselli would make it years ago. For a handful of years he was arguably the best offensive tackle in the league. A few of his tackle peers have been in Canton for years. Richard Seymour’s five-year wait should end. I have Jared Allen making it in his second year but I could see another receiver, LeRoy Butler, Ronde Barber, or Patrick Willis bumping him. 

The Class that I see the voters selecting:

DeMarcus Ware

Steve Smith

Devin Hester

Torry Holt

LeRoy Butler

Congratulations and good luck to the 26 modern-era semifinalists. 

Flea Flicker Week 11 Power Rankings

Week 11 of the 2021 NFL season is in the books. Here’s a look at how the 32 teams rank after eleven weeks.

1.   Arizona Cardinals (9-2)

2.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3)

3.   Baltimore Ravens (7-3)

4.   Kansas City Chiefs (7-4)

5.   Los Angeles Rams (7-3)

6.   Tennessee Titans (8-3)

7.   Green Bay Packers (8-3)

8.   Buffalo Bills (6-4)

9.   Dallas Cowboys (7-3)

10. New England Patriots (7-4)

11. Minnesota Vikings (5-5)

12. Indianapolis Colts (6-5)

13. Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)

14. Los Angeles Chargers (6-4)

15. Cleveland Browns (6-5)

16. San Francisco 49ers (5-5)

17. Las Vegas Raiders (5-5)

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4-1)

19. Denver Broncos (5-5)

20. Philadelphia Eagles (5-6)

21. Carolina Panthers (5-6)

22. Atlanta Falcons (4-6)

23. New Orleans Saints (5-5)

24. Washington Football Team (4-6)

25. Chicago Bears (3–7)

26. Miami Dolphins (4-7)

27. Seattle Seahawks (3-7)

28. New York Giants (3-7)

29. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8)

30. New York Jets (2-8)

31. Houston Texans (2-8)

32. Detroit Lions (0-9-1)

Until next week. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 11 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. After a cardiac arrest-inducing, first eight games, the Vikings have played consecutive good games. Two wins. Hopefully, it’s the start of something special. The Vikings beat the Packers! Here are some of the players that made it happen.

Offensive Player of the Week

This one’s easy. Justin Jefferson was the best football player on the field. 

8 catches, 169 yards, 2 TDs (9,23)

The Packers had no answer for Jefferson. 

Defensive Player of the Week

Aaron Rodgers always presents a brutal challenge for a defense. If not for his usual play-making, the Vikings win this game by several scores. The plays that kept the Packers in the game were the plays that only Rodgers can make. A defense can do everything right and this sumbitch can still make things go the Packers way. That being said, the Vikings defense had enough “wins” to be on the right side of the final score. It was a team effort but the defensive player of the week is a welcome back to the field for Harrison Smith. His statistical tally:

4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss. 

Smith’s had a statistically quiet start to the season but his impact isn’t always measured by statistics. He missed the last two games due to COVID stupidity, so this game was a welcome back to the field for him. Hopefully this game is the start of a strong second half of the season for Smith. Also, hopefully, he can be on the field for the rest of the season. Getting vaccinated would help. 

Honorable Mention:

With two tackles and a hit on Rodgers, Sheldon Richardson didn’t fill the stat sheet. His presence was felt throughout the game. He was often around the ball. His play often allowed others make plays. That is the Mike Zimmer way. He also had some snaps at defensive end. If that’s more than a single game thing, he might see more snaps moving forward. That seems like a good thing. 

Special Teams Player of the Week

This one’s easy. Greg Joseph. His 29-yard field goal with zeroes on the clock was the game-winner. He opened the Vikings scoring with a 51-yarder. He missed an extra point. It’d be nice if he’d stop doing that. But he kicked the game-winner. 

Vikings-Packers

Perhaps the “breaks” that the Minnesota Vikings didn’t get during the first half of the season might be finding them in the second half of the season. 

The Vikings defeated the Green Bay Packers on a last second, 29-yard field goal, 34-31. 

More importantly than a couple breaks that broke their way, the Vikings played well throughout a game for the second consecutive week. They beat a good Chargers team in Los Angeles last week. They beat a very good Packers team in Minnesota yesterday. If the Vikings play to their ability and talent, they can be a good football team. Perhaps even a very good football team. 

The Vikings forced the Packers to chase them for most of the game. They twice had a 13-point lead but couldn’t pull away. If you can’t pull away from the Packers, Aaron Rodgers often finds a way to chase you down. He twice erased a 13-point lead and chased the Vikings down. His stunning 75-yard touchdown toss and run to Marquez Valdes-Scandling with 2:17 to play tied the score at 31. Rodgers and the Packers were feeling pretty good about themselves. It was probably a good thing for the Vikings that they tied the score in a single play. The one-play scoring drive took only nine seconds. There was still 2:08 on the clock. The Vikings offense had plenty of time and they only needed a field goal. It was in their best interest to use all of the time that remained. They did. It’s always best to keep Rodgers on the sidelines. 

Now for those breaks. 

Break #1

Leading 9-3 in the second quarter, the Vikings were in the high red zone. On 3rd-and-five, Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson were on very different pages. Cousins fired a pass to Packers safety Darnell Savage. The Packers not only dodged a Vikings scoring threat. They get the ball at the 37-yard line. Not so fast. Packers defensive lineman Kingsley Keke was called for roughing the passer. It was a legitimate call. Keke inflicted a helmet-to-helmet strike on Cousins. 

Break #2

The funny thing about these two breaks is that both involved Darnell Savage. Other than the miscommunication of the first break, Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson mostly had their way with the Packers defense. Perhaps trying to hard to respond to the stunning Rodgers to Valdes-Scandling touchdown, Cousins forced a deep throw to Jefferson. Savage appeared to come down with it. Rodgers appeared to have two minutes to win the game. Not so fast. As the broadcast was going to commercial, a replay showed that the ball was floating loose as Savage was falling to the ground. Further replays definitively showed that Savage never caught the ball. The game-changing interception was nothing more than an incomplete pass. 

One might call these breaks. One might also call these a couple of properly called football plays. A helmet to helmet hit is illegal. There was no other way to call it. The Savage interception never happened. If the officials had missed Keke’s helmet-to-helmet strike, the interception would’ve been a tremendous, undeserved break for the Packers. On the late interception, Savage never caught it. There was no interception. It was outstanding to see the Packers on the wrong side of plays like this. 

How about those Vikings?

If the Vikings can play like this over the remaining seven games, they’ll be tough to beat. The defense can tighten up some things. The pass rush that was often getting to Rodgers in the first half wasn’t getting to him in the second half. They didn’t tackle well in the second half. Once again, the Vikings gave up a score just before halftime. If there’s been a persistent defensive problem through ten games, it’s this infuriating inability to close out the first half. The Vikings defense was facing one of the best, most difficult quarterbacks in the league. He simply makes plays. Not only that but he often makes plays when there’s no play to make. These Vikings-Packers games are a chess match between Rodgers and Mike Zimmer. In this game, they each won some moves. Seeing as the Vikings were on the right side of the score board, I guess that Zimmer won more moves than he lost. As for the offense, the best, most satisfying aspect were the deep shots. Cousins took several shots and completed most of them. For much of the game, Jefferson had his way with the Packers secondary. The pass game was good throughout the game and often very good. It was only slowed when the Packers pass rush got close to Cousins. The run game could be better. Other than his walk-in touchdown, Cook had a tough go of it in the first half. He got loose enough in the second half to finish with a decent statistical game and give the offense some balance. It look and felt like the Packers prioritized stopping Cook and the running game. That helped the Vikings pass game. 

For some reason the beat-writers are constantly trying to label the Vikings offense as a “run team” or a “pass team.” In the post-game press conferences, Zimmer and players were peppered with that question. “Are the Vikings a passing team now?” What difference does it make? The Vikings have a versatile offense. They have a quarterback that can be great and a good group of pass-catchers topped by two receivers that are great. They have one of the best, most versatile running backs in the league. The Vikings have an offense that can win games in different ways. The beat-writers should write about that. Why do they have such a great need for labels? 

Speaking of the Vikings versatile offense, I’d sure like to see Kene Nwangwu’s unique speed added to it. There was a moment against the Packers when I thought that was happening. Then I realized that the #26 that I thought I’d seen in the huddle was actually Alexander Mattison’s #25. 

Key Stat

Penalties:

Vikings: 3-25

Packers: 8-92

In most Vikings-Packers games, that stat is flipped. The Vikings have often been on the wrong side of the penalty tally this season. Last week, they had nearly 100 penalty yards in the first half against the Chargers. I hope that this game is the start of a new penalty trend for the Vikings. 

Key Player

Justin Jefferson

8 catches, 169 yards, 2 TDs (9,23)

Jefferson was the best player on the field. Edging Rodgers. Jefferson had 104 receiving yards in the first quarter. Even during a second quarter in which he had no catches he made an impact. The pass interference penalty that he drew was the big play (37 yards) of a drive that ended with a touchdown. Jefferson was a game-long problem for the Packers. 

The Vikings beat the Packers!

Best Post-Game Quote

Mike Zimmer got a couple laughs from the media. Apparently beating the Packers brings out the jovial side of the coach. For the best post-game quote I’m turning to radio play-by-play Pete Bercich. 

“Oli Udoh got off the penalty train.” 

The Vikings have played well enough to win all of their games. They’ve also somehow managed to play poorly enough to lose most of their games. It’s been a puzzling season. The good thing is that their best games have been their past two. Two wins. They are 5-5 and in the thick of the playoff chase. The Vikings travel to Santa Clara next week to face the 49ers. I’ll be there. Skol!

The Vikings beat the Packers!

Flea Flicker Week 11 Predictions

Here are some guesses at the Week 11 games.

Byes: Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings need to go on a run. The Packers can suck it.

Indianapolis Colts @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

The Bills haven’t always played like one of the best teams in the league. They should handle the pesky Colts at home.

Baltimore Ravens @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Ravens

The Chicago Bears catch a break. No Lamar Jackson. No problem. 

Detroit Lions @ Cleveland Browns

Pick: Browns

The Lions couldn’t win a game with Jared Goff. They won’t win a game with Tim Boyle. 

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Titans

I don’t see a single thing keeping the Titans from winning their seventh straight game. It’s crazy that their last loss was to the Jets. It’s crazy that they lost to the Jets. 

Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets

Pick: Dolphins

The Dolphins might be the best three-win team in the league. 

New Orleans Saints @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Eagles

The Saints will be missing too damn many offensive starters to keep pace with the Eagles.

Washington Football Team @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Washington

Washington is coming off a stunning win over the Buccaneers. The Panthers are coming off a win over a depleted Cardinals team. I have slightly more faith in Washington.

San Francisco 49ers @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: 49ers

The 49ers are coming off a huge win over the Rams. The Jaguars are the Jaguars.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Raiders

This should be a fun game. Just going with the home team.

Dallas Cowboys @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

This should be a fun game. Just going with the better team.

Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Cardinals

A healthy Cardinals team would thrash the Seahawks. An unhealthy Cardinals could still thrash the Seahawks. 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Chargers

It feels like I was just at Sofi. It’s the Chargers in this game.

New York Giants @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Pick: Buccaneers

The Buccaneers rebound from a stunning loss to Washington. 

All-Time Green Bay Packers Team

The Minnesota Vikings host the Green Bay Packers tomorrow. The Packers have a long, glorious NFL history. They have the most NFL titles (13). They’re currently on a ridiculous run of top notch quarterback play. Three decades? Are you kidding me? On the eve of the game, here’s a team of some of the best players in Packers franchise history. 

Offense

Quarterback

Bart Starr

Running Back

Johnny Blood

Fullback

Clarke Hinkle

Wide Receivers

Don Hutson

Sterling Sharpe

Tight End

Ron Kramer

Offensive Tackles

Forrest Gregg

Cal Hubbard

Offensive Guards

Mike Michalske

Jerry Kramer

Center

Jim Ringo

Defense

Defensive Ends

Reggie White

Willie Davis

Defensive Tackles

Henry Jordan

Dave Hanner

Linebackers

Dave Robinson

RayNitschke

Bill Forrester

Cornerbacks

Herb Adderley

Charles Woodson

Safeties

Willie Wood

Bobby Dillon

Special Teams

Kicker 

Ryan Longwell

Punter

Craig Hentrich 

Kick Returner

Travis Williams

Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster

Much of the Minnesota Vikings roster tweaks of the past few weeks has been COVID-inspired. Before the season, it was speculated that the team’s horrible vaccination rate could cause problems during the season. It has. Safety Harrison Smith and center Garrett Bradbury each missed the past two games due to catching COVID. Smith wasn’t vaccinated. Bradbury was. Over the past couple weeks, as many as six players were on the reserve list devoted to those with virus. Four players are currently on it. Offensive lineman Dakota Dozier had symptoms severe enough that he spent some time in the hospital. Imagine how much of this could’ve been avoided if these players had been a bit more considerate of those around them and gotten vaccinated. Smith and Bradbury are back on the active roster and practicing. Hopefully, they’ll be ready for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Bradbury may have returned to some competition from Mason Cole for his starting center job. 

The Vikings defense has improved in recent weeks. That’s a bit of a surprise seeing as the bulk of that improvement was done with more than a third of the starters on injured and COVID reserve.

Danielle Hunter 

Patrick Peterson 

Michael Pierce

Harrison Smith

Smith should play Sunday. Peterson could play. Hopefully, Pierce returns in a couple weeks. That’s significant reinforcements for the stretch run of the season. 

Here’s the Vikings roster in advance of Sunday’s big game against the Green Bay Packers. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster

Offense (25 Players)

Quarterbacks (3)

  8 Kirk Cousins

14 Sean Mannion

11 Kellen Mond

Running Backs (3)

33 Dalvin Cook
25 Alexander Mattison

26 Kene Nwangwu

Fullbacks (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Receivers (6)
19 Adam Thielen
18 Justin Jefferson

17 K.J. Osborn

12 DeDe Westbrook

15 Ihmir Smith-Marsette 

85 Dan Chisena

Tight Ends (3)
83 Tyler Conklin

89 Chris Herndon

35 Luke Stocker

Offensive Tackles (4)
75 Brian O'Neill

71 Christian Darrisaw
69 Rashod Hill

64 Blake Brandel

Guards (3)

72 Ezra Cleveland

74 Oli Udoh

51 Wyatt Davis

Centers (2)

56 Garrett Bradbury

52 Mason Cole

Defense (24 Players)

Defensive Ends (4)

97 Everson Griffen

98 D.J. Wonnum

93 Patrick Jones II

66 Eddie Yarbrough

Defensive Tackles (5)

94 Dalvin Tomlinson

90 Sheldon Richardson

96 Armon Watts
92 James Lynch

Linebackers (7)
55 Anthony Barr

54 Eric Kendricks
59 Nick Vigil

45 Troy Dye

48 Blake Lynch

57 Ryan Connelly

41 Chazz Surratt

Cornerbacks (5)

21 Bashaud Breeland

27 Cameron Dantzler

24 Mackensie Alexander

29 Kris Boyd

20 Harrison Hand

Safeties (3)

22 Harrison Smith
23 Xavier Woods

43 Camryn Bynum

Special Teams (3 Players)

Kicker

  1 Greg Joseph

Punter
 3 Jordan Berry

Long Snapper
42 Andrew DePaola

***

Practice Squad

47 Tuf Borland, LB

40 Zach Davidson, TE

86 Brandon Dillon, TE

46 Myles Dorn, S

37 Garrett Gorshek, FB

68 Kyle Hinton, OG

  9 Trishton Jackson, WR

91 T.Y. McGill, DT

87 Myron Mitchell, WR

39 Parry Nickerson, CB

73 Nate Orchard, DE

61 Timon Parris, OT

65 Spencer Pulley, C

36 A.J Rose Jr., RB

50 T.J. Smith, DT

  5 Tye Smith, CB

Reserve/Designated To Return

   7 Patrick Peterson

Reserve/Injured

12 Chad Beebe

82 Ben Ellefson

99 Danielle Hunter

81 Olabisi Johnson

58 Michael Pierce

13 Blake Proehl

95 Janarius Robinson

66 Jordon Scott

84 Irv Smith Jr.

14 Nate Stanley

Reserve/COVID

44 Josh Metellus

79 Kenny Willekes

Practice Squad/COVID

34 Jake Bargas

78 Dakota Dozier

Reserve/Non-Football Injury

76 Jaylen Twyman

New Packers Owner

This Minnesota Vikings fan is a new owner of the Green Bay Packers. For the sixth time in franchise history, the “publicly” owned team out of itty-bitty Green Bay is selling stock in the team. It’s a fund-raising scheme to generate the cash to help fund improvements on Lambeau Field. More specifically, the team wants HD video boards and concourse improvements. On the surface, it’s a terrible use of one’s supposedly disposable income. It’s more donation than investment. All I get for $335 is a certificate. I do have a “seat” at the annual shareholder meeting held at Lambeau Field each July. I do get to vote on the Packers board of directors and other proposals during those meetings. It would be a blast to bring a whole lot of purple to the festivities in Lambeau. 

To be able to say that “I own the Green Bay Packers” is worth every penny of that $335. 

It’s always been a stretch to say that the Packers are a publicly owned NFL team. The public can buy stock in the team but it really ends there. That Packers stock can’t be traded, sold, or whatever is typically done with stock. Every stock sale, every stock purchase is a pumped-up version of a bake sale. The Packers joined the APFA/NFL in 1921. As with all of the team’s in that first decade of somewhat organized professional football, the Packers had to scrape and scramble to survive. It wasn’t an easy existence. Due to the size of Green Bay, the Packers had to scrape and scramble more than many teams. As the only small town team to survive those early years, the Packers have always had to fight to keep up with big city teams. On six occasions, the team turned to their fans for support.

1923

1935

1950

1997

2011

2021

1923-shares of stock were first sold to establish the Green Bay Packers as a corporation. 

1935-a second stock offering was needed to rescue the club from receivership. The Green Bay Football Corporation was then reorganized as Green Bay Packers, Inc.  

1950-a third stock offering was held to prevent the team from becoming insolvent or moving out of Green Bay in the face of competition from the All-America Football Conference. 

1997-a fourth offering of 400,000 shares was held to raise funds for the redevelopment of Lambeau Field.

2011-a fifth offering was held to raise funds for the expansion of Lambeau Field. By his offering, the unique opportunity to “own” stock in the Packers had caught on. Demand exceeded expectations. The original offering of 250,000 share limit was increased by 30,000. 99% of the shares were purchased online. A revelation!

The first three offerings were done for survival purposes. The final two were for Lambeau touch-ups. 

I always found interesting the 47-year gap between the first three sales and the last three sales. Perhaps the wildly successful Lombardi years brought in so much money that the Packers didn’t need to turn to their fans for assistance. 

The Packers are unique. They have no obscenely rich owner. They make a bunch of money as all NFL teams do. That money goes back into the running of the team. For anything extra, like stadium work, the team turns to fans. I doubt that this would work anywhere but Green Bay. In return, Packers fans don’t have to worry about an obscenely rich owner bolting with the team for some place like Los Angeles. 

For the new HD video boards and concourse improvements, the Packers are offering 300,000 shares in the team at $300 a share. The offering is until February 25 or until they run out of shares. If all goes as hoped, $90 million will be raised. That will go toward the $250 million price tag for the stadium work. During the first three hours of the stock sale, the Packers sold 33,000 shares. By the end of the first day, 83,000 shares were sold. That’s $25 million new Packer money. $300 of which came from this Vikings fan.

I own the Green Bay Packers. 

Flea Flicker Week 10 Power Rankings

Week 10 of the 2021 NFL season is in the books. Here’s a look at how the 32 teams rank after ten weeks.

1.   Tennessee Titans (8-2)

2.   Arizona Cardinals (8-2)

3.   Buffalo Bills (6-3)

4.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)

5.   Los Angeles Rams (7-3)

6.   Baltimore Ravens (6-3)

7.   Green Bay Packers (8-2)

8.   Dallas Cowboys (7-2)

9.   Kansas City Chiefs (6-4)

10. New England Patriots (6-4)

11. Cleveland Browns (5-5)

12. Cincinnati Bengals (5-4)

13. Minnesota Vikings (4-5)

14. Los Angeles Chargers (5-4)

15. Las Vegas Raiders (5-4)

16. San Francisco 49ers (4-5)

17. Indianapolis Colts (5-5)

18. Denver Broncos (5-5)

19. New Orleans Saints (5-4)

20. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3-1)

21. Carolina Panthers (5-5)

22. Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)

23. Atlanta Falcons (4-5)

24. Chicago Bears (3–6)

25. Washington Football Team (3-6)

26. Miami Dolphins (3-7)

27. Seattle Seahawks (3-6)

28. New York Giants (3-6)

29. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-7)

30. New York Jets (2-7)

31. Detroit Lions (0-8-1)

32. Houston Texans (1-8)

Until next week. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 10 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10. It was a fun game. A win is always fun. Here are some of the players that helped bring home that win. 

Offensive Player of the Week

The coaches stressed the need to get the ball in the hands of receiver Justin Jefferson more. He’d had only a handful of targets the previous two games combined. That couldn’t continue. It didn’t. 

9 catches

143 yards

He was targeted 11 times. Several of his catches were among the biggest, most critical offensive plays of the game. The Vikings offense is at it’s best when Jefferson is a big part of it. 

Defensive Player of the Week

The Vikings defense probably played their most complete game of the season. They did it against one of the most potent offenses in the league. The Chargers had to really work for every yard that they gained. It was terrific team defense but two defenders did stand out. 

Eric Kendricks

8 tackles

1 sack

1 tackle for loss

1 interception

Cam Bynum

6 tackle

1 sack

1 tackle for loss

Eric Kendricks is great every week.

Cam Bynum was forced into the starting lineup last week when Harrison Smith tested positive for COVID during a pregame test. Bynum practiced last week knowing that he was starting against the Chargers. He was excellent in both games. Smith should return next week but Bynum looks like he has a bright future moving forward. He’s played so well that the coaches might need to scheme up some three-safety looks. 

Special Teams Player of the Week

This one is easy. 

Dede Westbrook

His first quarter, 45-yard punt return to the Chargers 28-yard line should’ve gotten the offense rolling. Unfortunately, a turnover pissed that opportunity away. 

For the game, Westbrook returned three punts for 69 yards. Hopefully, we see more of that sort of returning. 

Vikings-Chargers

It was a fine day at Sofi Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings did what they needed to do in Los Angeles. They defeated the Los Angeles Chargers, 27-20. Hopefully, the Vikings got their season back on track. 

I was in Sofi Stadium to see for the game. It’s always fun to see the Vikings in person. It’s especially fun seeing them win. Being on the West Coast, I don’t get to see them all that often so I gotta see them when I can. 

From the stands, this looked like the Vikings most complete game of the season. 

-The Vikings offense moved the ball and controlled the clock. 

72 plays

381 yards

24 first downs

36:15 time of possession

-Three-and-outs were few (2)

Nearly all of the drives were productive. They either ended in points or moved the chains at least a couple times. 

Kirk Cousins was solid and consistent

Dalvin Cook was tough and productive

Justin Jefferson was outstanding

Tyler Conklin scored two touchdowns

The most satisfying offensive possession of the game was the final one. Three kneel-downs drained the final two minutes of the game. I can’t remember the last time the Vikings ended a game that way. 

Despite missing several starters, the Vikings defense did a fine job against an explosive offense. The Chargers needed a very generous officiating crew to get their first two scores. They had four possessions end in three plays or fewer. Perhaps the deciding sequence of the game was a late third quarter three-and-out that followed and preceded Vikings touchdowns. It turned a 17-13 Chargers lead into a 27-17 Vikings lead. 

The only time that the Vikings defense looked on their heels was the first possession of the second half. The Chargers sailed down the field with little resistance for a touchdown. That was a disturbing development but the Vikings defense righted themselves for the remaining 25 minutes of the game.

Containing second-year Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert can be a difficult task. Yesterday, the Vikings were up for it. 

-season-low 195 passing yards

-season-low 5.7 yards per attempt

The Chargers had to work for nearly every yard that they gained. Or every yard that the officials didn’t hand them. The Vikings defense is improving with every week. Hopefully, Anthony Barr, Patrick Peterson, and Harrison Smith return next week.

The negatives:

Dede Westbrook’s terrific 45-yard punt return was wasted. He set the offense up nicely at the Chargers 28-yard line. Three plays later, Cousins was sacked and fumbled. With that sort of starting position, the Vikings had to get a touchdown. A wasted opportunity. 

Too damn many penalties.

10 for 118 yards

They had nearly 100 yards in penalties in the first half. That can not happen.

Cousins was only sacked twice but he was consistently under pressure. I felt like the offensive line had been making strides in the right direction. This game wasn’t in the same direction. 

As for the game experience:

It was wonderful. A Vikings win is always wonderful. 

Sofi Stadium is nice. US Bank Stadium is better!

It was hot. It was about 90 degrees at the start of the game but felt a bit warmer. I hear Minneapolis was about 60 degrees cooler. That had to be tough for the Vikings players. 

There was a sea of purple. Our little section was probably more than 75% Vikings fans. It was an incredible site. Most of the Vikings games that I’ve attended have been 49ers/Raiders games. This was closer to a Vikings home game than one of those away games. Again, it was incredible. 

Most unusual jersey siting: Onterrio Smith. And I saw two of those. 

The Chargers are very fan-centric in their new stadium. They had several of the goofy games/contests that are often found at minor league baseball games. It was fun. The Chargers have to boost the number of their own fans at games. They can’t have opposing fans in the numbers that I saw yesterday. They have a young, exciting team. They have a terrific quarterback in Justin Herbert. The future is bright for the Chargers. The only drawback to their present situation is the strange housing arrangement with the Rams. 

The game was a blast. And it ended with kneel downs rather than heart trauma. Skol!

Flea Flicker Week 10 Predictions

Here are guesses at the Week 10 games.

Byes: Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, New York Giants

Minnesota Vikings @ Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Vikings

I’ll be at this game. It’s gotta be a win. 

Atlanta Falcons @ Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Cowboys

The Cowboys need to get their shit together.

New Orleans Saints @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Titans

Perhaps the question of the season. How did the Titans lose to the Jets?

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Colts

After their shocking win over the Bills, the Jaguars get slapped back to reality. 

Cleveland Browns @ New England Patriots

Pick: Browns

This is a very interesting game. A very talented Browns team is starting to get healthy. The Patriots have been a tough out for good teams. In a statistical oddity, the 5-4 Patriots are undefeated on the road and 1-4 at home. The lone home win was a demolition of the Jets. 

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets

Pick: Bills

After a stunning loss to the Jaguars, I have a feeling the Bills will take all frustrations out on the Jets.

Detroit Lions @ Pittsburgh Steelers 

Pick: Lions

First win!

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Washington Football Team

Pick: Buccaneers

Perhaps due to the vast attention given them, the Buccaneers’ bye week felt like two weeks. 

Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Cardinals

It’d be the Cardinals with Sam Darnold playing. It’s definitely the Cardinals without Sam Darnold playing. 

Philadelphia Eagles @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Eagles

After an impressive win over the Cowboys, the Broncos return to reality.

Seattle Seahawks @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Seahawks

After the horseshit of the last week I can’t imagine an NFL game that interests me less. 

Kansas City Chiefs @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Chiefs

After the horseshit of the last week I hope that the Chiefs take the Raiders apart. 

Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Rams

The Rams return to form against a fading 49ers team. 

All-Time Los Angeles Chargers Team

The Minnesota Vikings travel this weekend to play the Los Angeles Chargers tomorrow. I’ll be at the game. Skol! On the eve of the game, here’s a team of some of the best players in Chargers franchise history. 

Offense

Quarterback

Dan Fouts

Running Back

LaDanian Tomlinson

Fullback

Chuck Muncie

Wide Receivers

Lance Alworth

Keenan Allen

Tight End

Kellen Winslow

Offensive Tackles

Ernie Wright

Ron Mix

Offensive Guards

Doug Wilkerson

Walt Sweeney

Center

Nick Hardwick

Defense

Defensive Ends

Leslie O’Neal

Earl Faison

Defensive Tackles

Ernie Ladd

Louie Kelcher

Linebackers

Junior Seau

Donnie Edwards

Shawne Merriman

Cornerbacks

Gill Byrd

Quentin Jammer

Safeties

Rodney Harrison

Derwin James

Special Teams

Kicker 

John Carney

Punter

Darren Bennett

Kick Returner

Lionel James

Punt Returner

Darren Sproles

Special Teams

Hank Bauer

Some Football Thoughts

Here are some football thoughts currently pounding through my head.

1. The 2021 Minnesota Vikings are doing my long-term health no favors. Through nine weeks and eight games, the Vikings have five losses. Five losses by a total of 18 points. Each by a single score. Each to one of the best teams in the league. 

Cincinnati Bengals: 24-27

Arizona Cardinals: 33-34

Cleveland Browns: 7-14

Dallas Cowboys: 16-20

Baltimore Ravens: 31-34

As is often the case in single score games, each game was lost on the final play of the game. Missed field goals, dropped interceptions, officiating blunders. Each loss could’ve gone the other way. The Vikings could be 8-0. They could also be 0-8. Perhaps 3-5 is about right. 

The Vikings are a competitive team. They can be a very good team. They’ve yet to be a good team for more than a couple quarters. If they can be a good team or an entire game, they’ll win far more than they lose. Hopefully, they can manage that over the remaining nine games. And no more heart-thumping finishes. 

2. Welcome to the NFL, Kene Nwangwu. His 98-yard kick return for a score against the Ravens was the Vikings’ first since 2016 (Cordarrelle Patterson). From Percy Harvin to Marcus Sherels to Patterson, the Vikings boasted a potent return game for nearly a decade. Hopefully, Nwangwu’s 98-yard return is a return to those days. His speed is special. Hopefully, his special speed will make an appearance on offense as well.

3. So, the Vikings get to see Odell Beckham Jr. twice this year. They saw him with the Cleveland Browns in Week 4. Now, they’ll see him with the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16. It’s odd to see a player on two different teams in a season. Mostly due to a run of injuries, it’s been a while since Beckham worried defenses. Maybe with Matthew Stafford throwing to him, Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods running routes with him, and Sean McVay calling plays for him, Beckham will return to the days when he worried defenses. 

4. Welcome back, Cam Newton. 

5. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler recently released his updated 2022 NFL Draft Top 50. Here are some tidbits from Brugler’s list.

-4 offensive tackles in Top-8 overall

-the most well-represented position: Edge (11 of them)

-the most well-represented program: Georgia

Top-50 draft board broken down by conference:

SEC: 18

Big Ten: 12

ACC: 6

Pac 12: 5

AAC: 3

Independent: 3

MAC: 1

MVFC: 1

MWC: 1

Big 12: 0

6. I don’t like thinking about the draft during the season. Taking a peak at Brugler’s Top-50 got me thinking about the draft. I wouldn’t mind seeing any of the following in the Vikings training camp next summer.

Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edhe, Oregon

Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Derrick Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

Travon Walker, DL, Georgia

7. I actually hope that the Vikings aren’t close to being in position to draft any of those football players. 

8. Aaron Rodgers is an idiot. He bellyached that the league’s COVID protocols weren’t based on science yet he sought medical assistance from Joe Rogan. 

9. The league’s punishment of the Green Bay Packers and Rodgers was a joke. It was a tap on the wrist. The actions of team and player endangered the lives of everyone in the building. The punishment was comparable to that for a uniform violation. 

10. I’ll be at Sofi Stadium for Sunday’s Vikings-Chargers game. Hopefully, this game is the start of a Vikings winning streak. Skol!

Hall Of Very Good

The Pro Football Researchers Association (PFRA) recently announced their Hall of Very Good Class of 2021. 

Grady Alderman

Russ Francis

Mike Kenn

Tony Latone

Stanley Morgan

John Niland

Clark Shaugnessy

Bill Stanfill

Bob Vogel

Abe Woodson

It’s a fine Class. I was especially pleased to see the inclusion of former Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Grady Alderman. He was the team’s first left tackle and only left tackle through the franchise’s first 13 seasons. He was a terrific player with six Pro Bowls and an All-Pro. When Hall of Famer Ron Yary stepped into the starting lineup in 1969, the Vikings had their greatest pair of offensive tackles. Even among the team’s fans, Alderman is one of the most underrated players in Vikings franchise history. Perhaps it’s due to his playing during those rocky, early expansion years. Perhaps it’s due to his playing his final five years on an offensive line with Yary and Mick Tingelhoff. Perhaps it’s simply due to the position that he played. Whatever the reason, Alderman has never received the post-career attention that his great career deserved. He should be in the Vikings Ring of Honor. Thankfully, the PFRA recognized the player that Alderman was and the career that he had. 

Hopefully, linebacker Matt Blair joins Alderman soon. He’ll be on my nomination list until he does. 

The PFRA created the Hall of Very Good in 2002. Their objective was simple. Honor outstanding players and coaches who are not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Of the now 167 players and coaches in the Hall of Very Good, 26 have gone on to finally making it to Canton.

Robert Brazile

Jack Butler

Harold Carmichael

Curley Culp

Bobby Dillon

Kenny Easley

Carl Eller

Benny Friedman

Chris Hanburger

Cliff Harris

Bob Hayes

Gene Hickerson

Winston Hill

Claude Humphrey

Alex Karras

Jerry Kramer

Floyd Little

Dave Robinson

Johnny Robinson

Donnie Shell

Duke Slater

Mac Speedie

Ed Sprinkle

Ken Stabler

Dick Stanfel

Mick Tingelhoff

A little tip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame voters. Take a look at the PFRA’s Hall of Very Good. Your next senior candidate should be found among the players honored there. If you need it narrowed more, you can start with Lavvie Dilweg and Al Wistert. 

Flea Flicker Week 9 Power Rankings

Week 9 of the 2021 NFL season is in the books. Here’s a look at how the 32 teams rank after nine weeks. 

1.   Arizona Cardinals (8-1)

2.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2)

3.   Tennessee Titans (7-2)

4.   Los Angeles Rams (7-2)

5.   Baltimore Ravens (6-2)

6.   Buffalo Bills (5-3)

7.   Green Bay Packers (7-2)

8.   Dallas Cowboys (6-2)

9.   Los Angeles Chargers (5-3)

10. Cleveland Browns (5-4)

11. Cincinnati Bengals (5-4)

12. Kansas City Chiefs (5-4)

13. Las Vegas Raiders (5-3)

14. New England Patriots (5-4)

15. Minnesota Vikings (3-5)

16. Indianapolis Colts (4-5)

17. Denver Broncos (5-4)

18. New Orleans Saints (5-3)

19. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3)

20. San Francisco 49ers (3-5)

21. Carolina Panthers (4-5)

22. Philadelphia Eagles (3-6)

23. Atlanta Falcons (4-4)

24. Chicago Bears (3–6)

25. Washington Football Team (2-6)

26. Seattle Seahawks (3-5)

27. New York Giants (3-6)

28. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)

29. New York Jets (2-6)

30. Miami Dolphins (2-7)

31. Detroit Lions (0-8)

32. Houston Texans (1-8)

Until next week. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 9 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings lost to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday by the margin of an overtime field goal. It was their fifth loss of the season by a single score. It can be tough to pick “players of the game” when the Vikings are on the wrong side of the final score. Here’s a shot at it anyway.

Offensive Player of the Week

It’s tempting to not pick an offensive player of Week 9. The Vikings offense has shown a nauseating tendency to disappear for stretches of games. The offense did nothing in the second half against the Ravens until the final two minutes. That did no favors to an undermanned Vikings defense that was clearly gassed at the end. The Ravens offense ran 98 plays. They ran 56 plays in the second half and overtime. In comparison, the Vikings offense ran 23 plays in the second half and overtime. That’s a ridiculous disparity. The Vikings offense has too many playmakers to have so many pathetic, empty possessions. It simply can’t happen and it happens too often. 

The Vikings offense opened with two touchdowns against the Ravens. Justin Jefferson scored the first touchdown from 50 yards. The Vikings drove 94 yards for the second touchdown. 66 of those yards came on a single Dalvin Cook run. The Vikings two biggest playmakers made big plays. Those were the only offensive touchdowns until the final minute of the game. 

For his 110 rushing yards and 12 receiving yards, the Vikings Offensive Player of Week 9 goes to Dalvin Cook.

Defensive Player of the Week

Despite Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense taking over the game in the second half, the Vikings defense played well. The Ravens offense started roll as the Vikings offense started to do nothing. The Vikings defense was simply on the field too long and too often. The defensive line, missing Danielle Hunter and Michael Pierce, consistently harassed Jackson. Jackson’s final stats were nice but he didn’t come by them easily. His most sparking stat was his rushing total. He gained 120 yards on 21 carries. With a long of 12 yards, his runs were more of the persistent rather than gashing variety. The Vikings defense really seemed to have a strong game plan and execution for most of the game. An effective, team pass rush and sound coverage kept the Jackson and the Ravens offense in check for much of the game. They often needed fourth down conversions to keep drives alive. Long, grinding dives started taking it’s toll on the Vikings defense. It didn’t help that their offense rarely kept the ball. 

A couple defensive players made plays that could’ve/should’ve flipped this game from a loss to a win. 

Anthony Barr’s incredible tip and interception in overtime should’ve been the play that led to a win. Instead, the offense did nothing. He also had a fumble recovery on the game’s first possession taken away by a horribly botched officiating call. 

For his first career interception, the Vikings Defensive Player of Week 9 goes to rookie safety Camryn Bynum. He was pressed into a starting role when an unvaccinated Harrison Smith tested positive for COVID. Bynum’s second quarter interception gave the offense the ball at the Ravens 16-yard line. The offense did nothing and settled for a field goal. The offense had to make the most of Bynum’s interception. That turnover had to be converted into a touchdown. If an offense gets the ball at the 16-yard line, that offense has to score a touchdown. 

Special Teams Player of the Week

This one’s easy. For the first time in years the Vikings had a kick return for a touchdown. 

Kene Nwangwu

The rookie running back took the second half kick off 98 yards for the score and a 24-10 lead. 

Later, he converted a first down on a fake punt. 

Vikings-Ravens

Another missed opportunity. Another could’ve had it. Another loss. The Minnesota Vikings lost another single-score game. The Vikings lost to the Baltimore Ravens 34-31. The difference in the game was an overtime field goal. 

For the first 30 minutes and 13 seconds the Vikings played sound, complimentary football. The offense had some big plays, scored some points. The defense was doing a fine job of limiting, often containing, Lamar Jackson. For the first time in years, the Vikings had a kick return touchdown. Offense, defense, even special teams. After rookie running back Kene Nwangwu returned the second half kick off 98 yards for a touchdown, it all felt pretty great for the Vikings. With a 24-10 lead, everything was beautiful. 

Then it wasn’t.

That 14-point lead evaporated because of a problem that’s torpedoed the Vikings all season. 

Too many pathetic offensive possessions.

The first 30:13 of the game was wonderful, complimentary football. The final 29:47 was the opposite of that. The Ravens answered Nwangwu’s touchdown return with three offensive possessions that flipped the game.

1. 10 plays, 72 yards, 6:08-Touchdown

2. 18 plays, 82 yards, 10:17-Touchdown 

3. 7 plays, 61 yards, 4:16-Touchdown

Over the first 26:31 of the second half, the Ravens held the ball for 20:41. They ran a ridiculous 35 plays. They gained 215 yards. Between those Ravens possessions, the Vikings offense had two opportunities with the football.

1. 7 plays, 16 yards, 4:03-Punt

2. 3 plays, -3 yards, 1:34-Punt

The lone first down came on a fake punt. It was Nwangwu again. He took the snap and scampered for the first down. For a moment, it felt like a turning point. A jolt. It wasn’t. The Vikings offense came back on the field and did nothing. A couple penalties. A couple incompletions. The fake punt gave the offense a new set of downs at their own 42-yard line. The punt team returned to the field with the ball at their own 41-yard line. Not good. 

215 yards vs 13 yards! 13 yards! That sort of offensive ineptitude should never happen with players like Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and Kirk Cousins on the roster. 

Too many pathetic offensive possessions.

The defense forced two turnovers. A diving interception by rookie safety Camryn Bynum. A brilliant tip and catch by Anthony Barr. In the second quarter, Bynum’s interception and 27-yard return set the offense up nicely at the Ravens 16-yard line. Instead of a touchdown and a 21-3 lead, the Vikings offense gained -1 yards on three plays and settled for a field goal. Not good. Barr’s great play came on the Ravens opening possession of overtime. My goodness, it felt like the play that was going to deliver a hard-fought win for the Vikings. The Ravens were driving and Barr and the defense took the ball away. The offense just needed a field goal. Gain about 25 yards and win this game. Nope. Three plays, one yard, punt. Not good. Those two turnovers should’ve been the difference in an important win. Instead, they were just stats. 

Too many pathetic offensive possessions.

It looked like chasing and containing Lamar Jackson for most of the game eventually gassed the Vikings defense. The Ravens long, second-half drives and the Vikings offense doing nothing to give them relief took it’s toll. It also didn’t help being without Danielle Hunter, Michael Pierce, Harrison Smith, Patrick Peterson, and Bashaud Breeland (for the second half). Despite getting gassed in the second half, the Vikings defense played well enough to win this game. On their first two touchdown drives of the second half, the Ravens needed fourth-down conversions on their side of the field to keep the ball. These are gambles that most teams don’t take. The Ravens aren’t most teams because they have Jackson handling the football. 

If one’s to get really bitchy about this game, one can look to the Ravens opening possession of the game as a turning point. On fourth-and-two from the Vikings 49-yard line, D.J. Wonnum chased down Jackson. As Wonnum’s pulling him down, Jackson pitches the ball errantly and Barr recovers it. The Vikings should’ve been rewarded by this great defensive play by Wonnum with the ball on the Ravens 47-yard line. Instead, the officials called Wonnum for a horse collar tackle despite his hand clearly being on Jackson’s #8. It wasn’t a horse collar. It wasn’t even close to being a horse collar. The first break of the game should’ve been a Vikings turnover. Instead, it was a botched call by the officials that greatly benefited the Ravens. That botched call allowed the Ravens to continue on to a field goal. In a game that was ultimately decided by a an overtime field goal, that early gift was significant. 

If the Vikings had played against the Bengals, Browns, and Cowboys like they did against the Ravens, they wouldn’t be looking up at .500. The Vikings lost another game they could’ve won and are now sitting at 3-5. They need a run. They might need a nine-game run. In order to go on that run, they must stop with the pathetic offensive possessions. Despite missing many key players, the defense is improving each week. Despite that improvement, they need to get Pierce, Peterson, Smith, and Breeland back on the field. As a team, they must get their shit together. 

It’d also be nice if the unvaccinated players get vaccinated. I’m not sure how much more of that stupidity and selfishness I can take. 

Flea Flicker Week 9 Predictions

Here are guesses at the Week 9 games. 

Byes: Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Football Team

Minnesota Vikings @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Vikings

The Battle of Purple. The Vikings have the best purple. 

Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Bengals

The Battle of Ohio. The Bengals must rebound from that loss to the Jets.

Denver Broncos @ Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Cowboys

Super Bowl XII rematch. Same result.

Houston Texans @ Miami Dolphins

Pick: Dolphins

Combined record: 2-14. Somebody has to win. 

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Saints

I want to pick the Falcons. I can’t imagine the Saints going on a run with Trevor Siemian. I think that Sean Payton finds a way to get past the Falcons.

Las Vegas Raiders @ New York Giants

Pick: Giants

Just a hunch. 

New England Patriots @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Patriots

These teams seem to be heading in opposite directions.

Buffalo Bills @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Bills

Not much thought needed for this one.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Chargers

The Chargers have to be rebound from two losses. 

Green Bay Packers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

Super Bowl I rematch. Different result.

Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Cardinals

The Cardinals have had over a week to think about their first loss. 

Tennessee Titans @ Los Angeles Rams

Pick: Rams

Since they last played a game, the Titans lost Derrick Henry and the Rams added Von Miller. Advantage Rams. 

Chicago Bears @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Steelers

Going with the home team.

All-Time Baltimore Ravens Team

The Minnesota Vikings travel this weekend to play the Baltimore Ravens tomorrow. The history of the Ravens has always bothered me. They aren’t the 25-year old expansion team that they are considered to be. They are the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens have a direct connection to the Browns great past. The current Cleveland Browns do not. Anyway, on the eve of the Vikings-Ravens game, here’s a look at some of the great players in the hacked-up history of the Baltimore Ravens. 

Offense

Quarterback

Joe Flacco

Despite a Super Bowl title and terrific playoff runs, Joe Flacco is a placeholder for Lamar Jackson.

Running Back

Jamal Lewis 

Fullback

Vonta Leach

Wide Receivers

Derrick Mason

Anquan Boldin

Tight End

Todd Heap

Offensive Tackles

Jonathan Ogden

Ronnie Stanley

Offensive Guards

Marshal Yanda

Ben Grubbs

Center

Mike Flynn

Defense

Defensive Ends

Michael McCrary 

Rob Burnett

Defensive Tackles

Haloti Ngata

Tony Siragusa 

Linebackers

Terrell Suggs

Ray Lewis

Bart Scott

Peter Boulware

Cornerbacks

Chris McCalister

Marlon Humphrey

Safeties

Ed Reed

Rod Woodson

Special Teams

Kicker

Justin Tucker

Punter

Sam Koch

Kick Returner

Jacoby Jones

Punt Returner

Jermaine Lewis

NFL Trading Frenzy

The NFL trade deadline came and went on Tuesday. Every year there’s speculation of a trading frenzy. Every year passes without one. This year was probably busier than most but still pales in comparison to the in-season trading frenzies seen in other leagues. It’s never the frenzy that fans and talking heads spend weeks building it up to be. Here are the NFL trades completed over the past month. 

NFL Trades Completed At The Trade Deadline

-Broncos trade cornerback Kary Vincent Jr. to the Eagles for a 2022 sixth-round pick

-Chiefs trade guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif to the Jets for tight end Dan Brown

-Texans trade defensive end Charles Omenihu to the 49ers for a 2023 sixth-round pick

-Steelers trade defensive end/linebacker Melvin Ingram to the Chiefs for a 2022 sixth-round pick

-Broncos trade linebacker Von Miller to the Rams for a 2022 second-round pick and a 2023 third-round pick

-Texans trade running back Mark Ingram to the Saints for a 2024 seventh-round pick

-Eagles trade Joe Flacco to the Jets for a conditional sixth-round pick

-Rams trade linebacker Kenny Young and a 2024 seventh-round pick to the Broncos for a 2024 sixth-round picks

-Vikings trade defensive end Stephen Weatherly and a 2023 seventh-round pick to the Broncos for a 2022 seventh-round pick

-Eagles trade tight end Zach Ertz to the Cardinals for cornerback Tay Gowan and a 2022 fifth-round pick

-Patriots trade cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Panthers for a 2023 sixth-round pick

-Dolphins trade returner/receiver Jakeem Grant to the Bears for a 2023 sixth-round pick

***

12 trades

Four trades were done on deadline day. The following players were the principle targets:

Kary Vincent Jr.

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif

Charles Omenihu

Melvin Ingram

-4 deadline deals. A frenzy!

One trade was done on the eve of deadline day

Von Miller

-This was the biggie

Sixth-round picks were the currency of choice. Seven of the twelve trades included a sixth-round pick. 

The biggest trade has to be the one that sent Von Miller to the Rams. He’s 32. An injury wiped out his 2020 season. He’s two years removed from a nine-sack, Pro Bowl season. He has 4.5 sacks in seven games this season. The Rams like to collect veterans. Their lack of draft picks over the coming years is the result of their presence for veterans. It’s as if George Allen is running the Rams again. Their next pick might be in 2025. Miller gives them a talented pass rusher this season and this season is all that matters to the Rams. Their window is now. On paper at least, Aaron Donald and Von Miller are a spectacular, pass-rushing pair. 

Big Names Moving

Von Miller

Zach Ertz

Melvin Ingram

Mark Ingram

Stephon Gilmore

While all might be slightly past their prime each should provide some juice for their new team. 

The most curious trade was probably the trade that sent rookie cornerback Kary Vincent Jr. from the Broncos to the Eagles. Rookies usually aren’t trade targets. Vincent was inactive for every game of his Broncos career. The Eagles apparently have better plans for him. Vincent was a seventh-round pick and the Broncos received a sixth-round pick. From a purely bookkeeping angle, that feels like a win for the Broncos. 

The trade that I might like the most is the 49ers trade for Charles Omenihu. Perhaps it’s due to my becoming a fan of his during the 2019 draft evaluation process. I thought that he had intriguing pass rush potential. He showed some of that potential in his first two seasons with the Texans. I guess that he didn’t show enough as now he’s with his second team. I still think that the 49ers added a talented pass rusher. 

Buyers/sellers

In the weeks and days leading up to the NFL trade deadline, talking heads talk of teams being buyers or sellers. In reality, teams are neither. Why do so many try so hard to create something that simply isn’t? It’s just too difficult for a football team to incorporate new players into the offense or defense on the fly. The weeks are already filled with the game planning for the next opponent. Where’s the time to make significant internal changes. Then there’s the salary cap. There aren’t a lot of teams with the available cap space to add a big contract. There are a lot of teams that might want to dump salary. There aren’t a lot of teams that have the ability to absorb that salary. The teams that can absorb that salary then must have an interest in the player. In order to do the Von Miller deal, the Rams needed the Broncos to pay $9 million of the $9.7 still owed this season to the linebacker. The third-round pick that was part of the trade compensation was likely for that financial favor more than for the player.  

The Minnesota Vikings were mostly terrible against the Dallas Cowboys on Halloween Night. That prompted local media hacks and disgruntled fans to cry for the Vikings to be trade deadline sellers. Send Patrick Peterson here. Xavier Woods there. Whoever wherever. It’s such a waste of thought and time. Dumping salary at the trade deadline isn’t going to happen in Minnesota. It isn’t going to happen to happen in the NFL. 

The Vikings sadly lost that Halloween game to the Cowboys. They also sadly lost defensive end Danielle Hunter in that sad game to a torn pectoral muscle. Rumor has it that the Vikings tried to swing a deadline deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars for K’Lavon Chaisson. The second-year pass rusher would’ve been an intriguing addition but the teams couldn’t agree on a deal. Perhaps the Jaguars simply weren’t ready to give up on their 2020 first-round pick. 

I look forward to each and every event on the NFL calendar but the in-season trade deadline. The best part of the deadline is the day after. That’s when the pointless speculation finally ends.