Jefferson’s Yards

The outstanding career start of Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson has received a decent amount of attention. After his first season, he was considered one of the best young receivers in the league. 11 games into his third season, he’s arguably the game’s best receiver. It was his expected progression. At only 23, he’s put expectations into a whole other orbit. That can be best seen in the NFL’s receiving yards leaders in the first three seasons.

4,248 - Justin Jefferson

4,163 - Randy Moss

4,122 - Odell Beckham Jr.

3,833 - A.J. Green

3,787 - Michael Thomas

3,786 - Torry Holt

3,578 - Mike Evans

3,575 - Jerry Rice

3,533 - DeAndre Hopkins

3,431 - John Jefferson

Randy Moss and Jerry Rice have a bust in Canton. A.J. Green, Torry Holt, and DeAndre Hopkins will eventually join them. Odell Beckham Jr. and Mike Evans are still making a Hall of Fame argument. Michael Thomas needs to get on the field and stay on the field to have a shot. The first JJ, John Jefferson is probably the most surprising receiver on the list as his three seasons were 1978-80. 3,431 yards is a ridiculous three-year total in that run-centric era. It’s even more ridiculous that it was his first three years in the league. Don Coryell’s teams threw the ball more like today’s offenses than a late-1970s offense but Jefferson had to share the ball with Hall of Fame pass catchers Charlie Joiner and Kellen Winslow and running backs Lydell Mitchell and Chuck Muncie. It was a very different time and John Jefferson was a very different receiver. It’s great to be reminded of that by seeing him on this list.

The current JJ, Justin Jefferson tops this remarkable list of receivers and he still has six games to add to it. If he continues this season at his current pace, his lead over Moss could balloon to about 800 yards. Incredible. In a league that’s routinely filled with loads of great receivers, it’s rare to see such a gap between the best and next best. I’m running out of words to describe the start of Jefferson’s career.  

277 catches, 4248 yards, and 22 TDs

If Jefferson can sustain a long and healthy career, he should challenge Jerry Rice’s career records. At least, he should challenge the receptions and yardage records. For all of his catches and all of his yards, Jefferson hasn’t scored a lot of touchdowns. 22 TDs. John Jefferson caught 36 over his first three seasons. Rice caught 40. So often, Justin Jefferson’s catches move his team down the field, get his team in position to score. Then, a teammate scores. So often, he makes some ridiculous, contested catch and he’s down where he lands. He needs to catch some passes in stride and run into the end zone. That’d be nice. 

Most importantly, here’s hoping that all of Justin Jefferson’s catches, yards, and scores lead to a Super Bowl win. Hopefully, a bunch of Super Bowl wins. 

The Vikings have a strong receiver tradition. Paul Flatley, Gene Washington, John Gilliam, Sammy White, Ahmad Rashad, Anthony Carter, Cris Carter, Jake Reed, Randy Moss, Percy Harvin, Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, and now Justin Jefferson. Hall of Famers, Carter and Moss have become the franchise standard. One had the best hands in the history of the league. The other was arguably the most physically, freakishly gifted receiver in the history of the league. I know that I never thought I’d see a receiver challenge the franchise standard. Jefferson does. Statistically, he’s done, and doing, things that neither Carter nor Moss did. Despite not being as sturdy as Carter or as tall as Moss, he’s as physical as both. I think that Jefferson’s physicality comes from his unrelenting competitiveness. He has to win. Perhaps it’s from growing up with two accomplished, athletic older brothers. Who knows? I just know that in Jefferson I see a receiver that has to win. He has to win each pass, each matchup, each game. It’s a good quality to have. Jefferson is more than fast enough. He has excellent hands. He runs excellent routes. Put it all together, he’s a great receiver. I never thought I’d see another Vikings receiver that can be mentioned with Carter and Moss. I’m seeing that receiver now. 

Flea Flicker Week 12 Power Rankings

Here’s a look at how the 32 NFL teams rank after 12 weeks of football. 

1.   Philadelphia Eagles (10-1)

2.   Kansas City Chiefs (9-2)

3.   Minnesota Vikings (9-2)

4.   Buffalo Bills (8-3)

5.   Dallas Cowboys (8-3)

6.   Miami Dolphins (8-3)

7.   San Francisco 49ers (7-4)

8.   Cincinnati Bengals (7-4)

9.   Baltimore Ravens (7-4)

10. Tennessee Titans (7-4)

11. New York Giants (7-4)

12. Los Angeles Chargers (6-5)

13. New England Patriots (6-5)

14. New York Jets (7-4)

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)

16. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)

17. Washington Commanders (7-5)

18. Green Bay Packers (4-8)

19. Arizona Cardinals (4-8)

20. Atlanta Falcons (5-7)

21. Cleveland Browns (4-7)

22. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-7)

23. New Orleans Saints (4-8)

24. Detroit Lions (4-7)

25. Las Vegas Raiders (4-7)

26. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-7)

27. Indianapolis Colts (4-7-1)

28. Chicago Bears (3-9)

29. Los Angeles Rams (3-8)

30. Carolina Panthers (4-8)

31. Denver Broncos (3-8)

32. Houston Texans (1-9-1)

Until next week. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 12 Superlatives

Normally I would post this on the Wednesday of a normal Minnesota Vikings game week. They played on Thanksgiving. So, today’s the day to recognize some of the players that thankfully made Thanksgiving a winning day. The Vikings beat the New England Patriots by the score of 33-26. The Vikings won another one-score game. Here are a few of the players that made it possible.

Offensive Player of the Game

Justin Jefferson, WR

This is becoming routine. Justin Jefferson was the difference in this game. His statistics are nice.

9 catches, 139 yards, 1 TD

It wasn’t just the catches. It wasn’t just the yards. It was the game situation of the catches. Every catch that Jefferson makes means something. It converts a first down. It flips the field. Each catch means so much because so many of these games come down to one play. One-score games usually do. The Vikings routinely rely on Jefferson to make these plays. He did it again in this game. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Duke Shelley, CB

This one’s tough. The Vikings defense didn’t play well. Through ten games, the Patriots haven’t been a very good offense. They were a pretty good offense, at times a very good offense, against the Vikings. The modest Patriots offense had the Vikings defense on their heels for much of the game. Injuries forced Duke Shelley into the starting lineup. It could’ve been ugly. It wasn’t. The 5’8” Shelley was more help than hindrance. For that he’s the defensive player of the game. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Kene Nwangwu, KR

This one’s easy. Kene Nwangwu finally got loose. His 97-yard kick return score tied the game at 26-26 in the third quarter. The Patriots had scored 10 unanswered points. They had momentum. Nwangwu’s return flipped that momentum.

Flea Flicker Week 12 Predictions

Here are some guesses at the Week 12 games that weren’t played on Thanksgiving. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Cleveland Browns

Pick: Buccaneers

At 5-5, the Buccaneers are a proud division-leader.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Bengals

The Bengals finally seem to be finding their way. The Titans are again somehow plowing their way to a 12-5/13-4 record. This should be a fun game. 

Houston Texans @ Miami Dolphins

Pick: Dolphins

The Dolphins should roll.

Chicago Bears @ New York Jets

Pick: Jets

The Bears have an injured quarterback. The Jets switched quarterbacks. Who knows what this game becomes?

Atlanta Falcons @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Commanders

This is an interesting battle between two of the most feisty teams in the league. The Commanders have a bit more than the Falcons.

Denver Broncos @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Panthers

Even against a team with a new quarterback, it’s difficult to pick the Broncos.

Baltimore Ravens @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Ravens

The Ravens should roll.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Chargers

The Cardinals are fading. And it’s being played out on Hard Knocks.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Raiders

The Raiders stun the Seahawks at home.

Los Angeles Rams @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

This won’t be a replay of that great game that these two teams played a couple years ago. 

New Orleans Saints @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: 49ers

The 49ers are starting to feel themselves.

Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Eagles

The Eagles roll.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Colts

Just going with the home team.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Semifinalists

The Pro Football Hall of Fame revealed the 28 modern-era semi-finalists for the Class of 2023 on Tuesday. The list includes five players in their first year of eligibility.

Darrelle Revis

Joe Thomas

Jahri Evans

James Harrison

Dwight Freeney

19 of the 28 semi-finalists were semi-finalists last year. Henry Ellard and Albert Lewis made it to the semi-finalist stage in their final year of eligibility as modern era finalists. 

Fifteen finalists will be revealed in January. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023 will be announced at NFL Honors in the days leading up to Super Bowl LVII. Then it’s on to Canton in August. 

Pro Football Hall of Fame Modern-era Semi-Finalists

• Eric Allen, cornerback
• Jared Allen, defensive end
• Willie Anderson, offensive tackle
• Ronde Barber, cornerback
• Anquan Boldin, wide receiver
• Henry Ellard, wide receiver
• Jahri Evans, offensive guard
• London Fletcher, linebacker
• Dwight Freeney, defensive end
• James Harrison, linebacker
• Rodney Harrison, safety
• Devin Hester, kick returner/wide receiver
• Torry Holt, wide receiver
• Andre Johnson, wide receiver
• Albert Lewis, cornerback
• Robert Mathis, defensive end/linebacker
• Darrelle Revis, cornerback
• Steve Smith Sr., wide receiver
• Fred Taylor, running back
• Joe Thomas, offensive tackle
• Zach Thomas, linebacker
• Hines Ward, wide receiver
• DeMarcus Ware, linebacker/defensive end
• Ricky Watters, running back
• Reggie Wayne, wide receiver
• Vince Wilfork, defensive tackle
• Patrick Willis, linebacker
• Darren Woodson, safety

As always, the Hall of Fame semi-finalists list is a fine one. It’s a tough job to whittle it down to a final five. Here’s an attempt to do so.

It’s best to start with the first-year eligibles. Darrelle Revis and Joe Thomas will be in Canton next August. It’s as simple as that. Each was the league’s best at their respective position for pretty much the entirety of their career. Get those busts and spiffy gold jackets ready for Darrelle Revis and Joe Thomas. 

After Revis and Thomas, it’s the usual scramble to fill the remaining spots. In my opinion, at least 16 of the remaining 26 semi-finalists have a legitimate argument to fill the remaining spots in the Class of 2023. 

I’m going with the following to join Revis and Thomas

Jared Allen

Steve Smith Sr.

Patrick Willis

As a Minnesota Vikings fan, I’m probably a bit biased toward Jared Allen. I watched every one of his Vikings games and several of his games with those other teams. Until his final years, there wasn’t a moment when I wasn’t certain that I was watching one of the best pass rushers of his era. He easily ranks with Carl Eller and Chris Doleman as the best defensive ends in Vikings franchise history. It’s difficult to determine who among the three is the best. Eller and Doleman have a bust in Canton. Allen should as well. 

Due to the receiver logjam that always seems to be present, I have to include one Class of 2023. Filling quotas is a ridiculous way to do this but here we go. Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne have been waiting longer but Steve Smith Sr.’s the receiver that I like best to be next. He was so much fun. He was also one of the best receivers of his era. He carried his Carolina Panthers to a Super Bowl and damn near knocked off the New England Patriots. As with Allen, I might be a bit biased with Smith. He was one of my favorite players, not just receivers, to watch. 

I don’t understand the Hall of Fame journey of Patrick Willis. In my opinion, his career was worthy of induction in his first year of eligibility. He’d only been one of the best linebackers I’d ever seen. He didn’t even make it to the semi-finalist stage in his first year (2019). Last year was his first run as a finalist. I don’t get it. Willis is one of the best linebackers I’ve ever seen. 

Devin Hester is probably the most difficult player to leave off the Class of 2023. If your team was playing his, he was terrifying. As a returner, he only had a handful of opportunities each game. Each opportunity was can’t miss football. 

Earlier this year, Don Coryell was announced as the Contributor nominee and Chuck Howley Joe Klecko, and Ken Riley were announced as the senior nominees. They’re waiting for the modern-era players at the finalist stage. 

Vikings - Patriots

Another one-score game. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the New England Patriots on Thanksgiving Night. 33-26. The Vikings are 9-2 with a little extra time to get some players healthy for the final run of the season. 

When the NFL schedule was released in the spring, the three-game stretch of Buffalo, Dallas, New England felt like a season-definer. It would’ve been better if the middle wasn’t the shitshow that was played on Sunday but it’s nice to come out of that three-game stretch at 2-1. 

Playing a Bill Belichick-coached team is always difficult. This solid Patriots team has been led by it’s terrific defense. The offense has been the weak link. The strength of the Vikings defense is the edge rushing of Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith. Belichick eliminated that strength with a quick-passing game that turned Mac Jones into something resembling a youthful Tom Brady. Jones had a career day in his 25-game career. Until the final couple Patriots possessions, the best thing that the Vikings did was limit Patriots possessions to field goals rather than touchdowns. 

The difference in this game can be found the box score of the kickers:

Greg Joseph

FG: 2/2

Extra Points: 3/4

Nick Folk

FG: 4/4

Extra Points: 2/2

If you’re trading field goals for touchdowns, the team settling for field goals usually loses. 

Speaking of kicking, Greg Joseph MUST STOP missing kicks. Last night’s missed extra point was his fifth of the season. The misses have yet to truly hurt the Vikings but it so easily could. 

The real difference in this game was the Vikings offense vs the really good Patriots defense. In particular, the difference in this game was Justin Jefferson. 

His stats are nice:

9 catches, 139 yards, and a TD (6 yds)

He even threw a pass to Adam Thielen for 11 yards. It was Jefferson’s second pass of the season. One of these games, he’s going to throw a scoring pass. I can feel it.

In two years and 11 games, Jefferson is truly stepping into greatness. His receiving yardage through two years and 11 games has never been matched. He’s doing things that have not been done before. He’s putting Jerry Rice records within reach. Of course, it’s too early to be thinking about those marks as Jefferson is only in the latter half of his third season. When the game flows through him, it’s beautiful to watch. 

As with most teams, the Patriots had no answer for Jefferson. Belichick strives to force opponents to play left-handed. There have been times when a Vikings team without Jefferson involved looked like they were playing no-handed. The Patriots clearly wanted that Vikings team. One without Jefferson making an impact. It didn’t work. When the Vikings needed a big play, Jefferson was there to make it. Even when the ball wasn’t going to him he was tilting the field. The Patriots devotion to stopping Jefferson helped open up Thielen for the game-winning touchdown. 

As for the Vikings defense, that was a problem. A modest Patriots offense repeatedly sailed up and down the field. A quick-passing game directed by Jones picked apart the Vikings defense. The short passes opened up occasional deeper throws. Jones threw for 364 yards. That was the bulk of their 409 yards. At least the Vikings defense did alright against the run. Then again, the Patriots only ran the ball 13 times. Why would they run it if the pickings were so easy through the air? The quick-passing negated the Vikings pass rush. It wasn’t until the Patriots final two possessions that the pass rush started hassling Jones. When he was forced to stand in the pocket and look down the field, Danielle Hunter, Za’Darius Smith, and company were able to make an impact. They damn near got a safety. The Vikings came into the game with limitations at cornerback. Injuries forced fourth corner Duke Shelley into the starting lineup. He actually faired better than Andrew Booth Jr. did against the Cowboys. Then again, the Patriots don’t attack corners in the same fashion as the Cowboys. I believe that the Patriots first score, 34-yard throw up the middle of the field to Nelson Agholor, came about because safety Camryn Bynum was shading too far over in order to help Shelley. This bend-but-don’t-break defense is alright but it’d sure be nice to not see offenses sail so easily through the Vikings defense. 

It wasn’t all bad for the Vikings defense. As in most games this season, they kept the score manageable. They forced the Patriots to settle for field goals rather than touchdowns. The Vikings defense also closed out the win with their best stands of the game. Moving forward, the defense needs to get their cornerbacks healthy. They need defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson. He’s missed the last four games and his absence has been sorely felt. He practiced this week so his return is near.

Special teams chipped in with some special plays. Kick returner Kene Nwangwu finally got loose. He returned a third quarter kick 97 yards for a much-needed score and momentum boost. Punter Ryan Wright has been terrific all season. A couple of his biggest plays didn’t involve his booting the ball. There was his throw on a fake punt earlier this season. Last night, he took a running into the kicker penalty to put the offense back on the field. The five-yard penalty gave the Vikings a first down. It jump-started a drive that ended in the touchdown that was the difference in the game. 

The Vikings are 9-2. That’s a sparkling record. With a mini-bye before their Week 13 game against the New York Jets, the Vikings have a much-needed break. It gives them time to get some players healthy. They desperately need left tackle Christian Darrisaw back in the lineup. They need Dalvin Tomlinson. They need their cornerbacks to get healthy. The Vikings should be in much better shape when the Jets come to Minneapolis. 

All - Time Boston/New England Patriots Team

The Minnesota Vikings host the New England Patriots this Thanksgiving night. The Patriots have a strong history. The strength of that history is mostly the past couple decades. Since 2000, the Patriots have won six Super Bowls. As an original AFL team, they debuted in 1960 as the Boston Patriots. In 1971, the team took on a more regional name. The Patriots were often competitive during the first half of the AFL’s run, decisively losing the 1963 title to the San Diego Chargers. Perhaps due to their spectacular 2000s, it’s easy to forget that the Patriots have had some fine moments peppered over the previous three decades. The Oakland Raiders may have won it all in 1976 but the Patriots outplayed them in both of their games. The Raiders only loss that season was to the Patriots in the regular season. Officiating blunders essentially handed the Raiders the playoff win. The Patriots made a forgettable Super Bowl appearance in the 1980s and in the 1990s. Here’s a look at some of the best players in the strong history of the New England Patriots.

All - Time Boston/New England Patriots Team

Offense

Quarterback

Tom Brady

Running Back

Curtis Martin

Fullback

Sam Cunningham

Wide Receivers

Randy Moss

Wes Welker

Tight End

Rob Gronkowski

Offensive Tackles

Matt Light

Bruce Armstrong

Offensive Guards

John Hannah

Logan Mankins

Center

Jon Morris

Defense

Defensive Line

Richard Seymour

Vince Wilfork

Houston Antwine

Linebackers

Andre Tippett

Nick Buoniconti

Jerod Mayo

Willie McGinnest

Cornerbacks

Mike Haynes

Ty Law

Safeties

Lawyer Milloy

Devin McCourty

Special Teams

Kicker 

Adam Vinatieri

Punter

Rich Camarillo

Kick Returner

Larry Garron

Punt Returner

Troy Brown

***

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Minnesota Vikings Week 11 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings played a brutal game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11. It was a collective failure. No player stood out. There are no Vikings Week 11 superlatives. 

Maybe one. 

Somehow, Dalvin Cook ran well. 11 carries for 72 yards. It’s a damn shame that the Vikings couldn’t do anything with or off of Cook’s strong running. It seemed that every positive run was followed by a sack or penalty. One step forward, several steps back. It was that sort of game. 

Flea Flicker Week 11 Power Rankings

Here’s a look at how the 32 NFL teams rank after 11 weeks of football. 

1.   Philadelphia Eagles (9-1)

2.   Kansas City Chiefs (8-2)

3.   Minnesota Vikings (8-2)

4.   Buffalo Bills (7-3)

5.   Dallas Cowboys (7-3)

5.   Baltimore Ravens (7-3)

6.   San Francisco 49ers (6-4)

8.   Miami Dolphins (7-3)

9.   Tennessee Titans (7-3)

10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)

11. New York Giants (7-3)

12. Los Angeles Chargers (5-5)

13. New York Jets (6-4)

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5)

15. Seattle Seahawks (6-4)

16. New England Patriots (6-4)

17. Washington Commanders (6-5)

18. Green Bay Packers (4-7)

19. Arizona Cardinals (4-7)

20. Atlanta Falcons (5-6)

21. Cleveland Browns (3-7)

22. Los Angeles Rams (3-7)

23. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7)

24. New Orleans Saints (4-7)

25. Detroit Lions (4-6)

26. Indianapolis Colts (4-6-1)

27. Chicago Bears (3-8)

28. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-7)

29. Las Vegas Raiders (3-7)

30. Denver Broncos (3-7)

31. Carolina Panthers (3-8)

32. Houston Texans (1-8-1)

Until next week. 

Vikings - Cowboys

Well, that was awful.

The Minnesota Vikings didn’t look ready for a football game. The Dallas Cowboys did. 40-3.

This game was probably over when Micah Parsons head-butted Christian Darrisaw out of the game. The Vikings left tackle spent the week in the concussion protocol after suffering one against the Buffalo Bills. He was cleared on Friday. In hindsight, he shouldn’t have played yesterday. Unfortunately, football decisions have to be made in real time. The Vikings needed their best blocker against one of the game’s best pass rusher. Parsons made sure Darrisaw’s time on the field was brief. The Vikings are going to be ultra-careful with Darrisaw moving forward. With the typical, bullshit short week of a Thursday game, he’s already been ruled out of the Thanksgiving night game against the New England Patriots. Hopefully, Darrisaw will be in a better place in two weeks. He’s, arguably, been the team’s best and most indispensable player. 

It would’ve been nice if the Cowboys had used the same defensive strategy against the Vikings that they used against the Green Bay Packers last week. I’d heard that Parsons only rushed on nine occasions last week. That’s an inconceivable strategy. The Cowboys defense is a modest one when he isn’t ripping through offensive backfields. Once Darrisaw was knocked out of the game, it was a feeding frenzy for the Cowboys pass rushers. The score and later loss of left guard Ezra Cleveland made it even more so. Once the Dallas defenders didn’t have to concern themselves with the run game, they pursued Kirk Cousins without restraint. The Vikings quarterback was sacked seven times and pressured a on ridiculous 63% of his drop backs. 

Maybe two months of close, tense games had gotten to the Vikings. Maybe they assumed that good fortune would continue to follow them. Maybe they were basking in their first positive press clippings. Whatever the reason, they clearly weren’t ready for a football game. The entire team looked off. Offense, defense, special teams. It looked like they were ambling through an emotion-less walkthrough. It was a sad, difficult-to-watch performance. 

Hopefully, this pathetic performance will serve as a reset. The Vikings are still in a good place at 8-2. They won’t remain in a good place if they don’t immediately shake off the stink of this pathetic performance. Perhaps it’s a good thing that they have a super short week. They are back on the field in three short days. The Vikings face the Patriots on Thanksgiving night. 

Flea Flicker Week 11 Predictions

It’s Week 11. Here are some guesses at the games. 

Byes: Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars

Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings grab their ninth win in Week 11.

Chicago Bears @ Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Bears

The Falcons find a way to slow Justin Fields.

Cleveland Browns @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

The Bills rebound. Probably big. 

Philadelphia Eagles @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Colts

Why not?

New York Jets @ New England Patriots

Pick: Patriots

The Patriots beat the Jets again.

Los Angeles Rams @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Saints

It’s getting to be real difficult to pick the defending champs.

Detroit Lions @ New York Giants

Pick: Lions

The Lions find a way.

Carolina Panthers @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

The Ravens should roll.

Washington Commanders @ Houston Texans

Pick: Commanders

The Commanders find a way to beat the league’s best team and worst team in consecutive weeks.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Neither

I can’t find a single reason to pick either team.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Bengals

The Bengals should roll.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Chiefs

Will the Chargers even be able to field a team?

San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: 49ers

The 49ers roll in Mexico City. 

All - Time Dallas Cowboys Team

The Minnesota Vikings host the Dallas Cowboys tomorrow. In my early days as a Vikings fan, these teams were annual contenders for the Super Bowl. There was a rivalry. Drew Pearson’s push off in the 1975 playoffs only added to it. The Cowboys are a year older than the Vikings and have had a strong history. They won a couple Super Bowls in the 1970s and another three in the 1990s. Their latter titles created a mini-dynasty. On the eve of the big game, here are some of the best players in the history of the Dallas Cowboys. 

All - Time Dallas Cowboys Team

Offense

Quarterback

Roger Staubach

Running Back

Emmitt Smith

Fullback

Don Perkins

Wide Receivers

Michael Irvin

Drew Pearson

Tight End

Jason Witten

Offensive Tackles

Tyron Smith

Rayfield Wright

Offensive Guards

Larry Allen

Zack Martin

Center

Travis Frederick

Defense

Defensive Ends

Ed “Too Tall” Jones

Harvey Martin

Defensive Tackles

Bob Lilly

Randy White

Linebackers

DeMarcus Ware

Chuck Howley

Lee Roy Jordan

-Micah Parsons is already about a season away from grabbing a spot. 

Cornerbacks

Deion Sanders

Mel Renfro

Safety 

Cliff Harris

Darren Woodson

Special Teams

Kicker

DanBailey

Punter

Mat McBriar

Returner

Bob Hayes

Minnesota Vikings Tight End Room

The Minnesota Vikings went into this season with the following tight end room.

Irv Smith Jr.

Johnny Mundt

Ben Ellefson

Seventh-round rookie Nick Muse filled out the room on the practice squad. 

As a 2019 second round pick and immensely talented, a lot has been expected of Irv Smith Jr. Out from under the wing of Kyle Rudolph, last season was supposed to be Smith’s breakout season. Expectations skyrocketed further with his performance during the 2021 training camp. He was expected to be the Vikings top receiving option after Justin Jefferson. That went poof when Smith suffered a torn meniscus in the final preseason game. He missed the entire 2021 season. That made this season his breakout opportunity. A thumb injury wiped out much of his training camp. That slowed his comfort and involvement in Kevin O’Connell’s new offense. When the season opened, more often than not Johnny Mundt was the Vikings starting tight end. Smith and Mundt were splitting snaps. The entire offense has spent much of the season getting comfortable in this new offense. It’s been a process. It’s appeared to be an even more difficult process for the tight ends. Little that’s run through the position has looked right. Everything has looked forced. There were some nice goal line plays but that’s about it. The Vikings need more from their tight ends. That need was increased when Smith injured his ankle against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. He’s expected to miss as much as 10 weeks.

First-year Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah didn’t mess around in his efforts to improve the tight end position. At the trade deadline, which just happened to be the Tuesday after Smith’s ankle injury, the Vikings made the bold move of acquiring T.J. Hockenson from the Detroit Lions. The former eighth pick in the 2019 NFL Draft has spent three-plus seasons struggling with a lot of losses. He’s played well on poor teams. He went to a Pro Bowl. He’s been one of the best young tight ends in the game since draft day. NFL analyst Greg Cosell said that Hockenson is one of the only draft prospects he’s studied that has “no discernible weakness.” He’s been a good player on a poor team. The hope is that he can be a great player on an 8-1 team. In two games with the Vikings, he has 16 catches. Several of which have been big, even gigantic, conversions. His midseason addition was huge. Season-altering huge. 

The Vikings tight end room is a little different now.

T.J. Hockenson

Johnny Mundt

After a stint on injured reserve, Ben Ellefson is in limbo on the reserve/designated to return list. He’s back at practice but hasn’t been activated. I’m guessing that happens within a week, maybe two. Recently signed James O’Shaugnessy joins Nick Muse on the practice squad. Muse has been promoted to the active roster the past couple weeks to boost the team’s game day tight end availability. 

After the long, productive career of Kyle Rudolph, the Vikings tight end position has been a huge question mark. Tyler Conklin took advantage of his opportunity and had a fine season last year. It got him a nice deal with the New York Jets. Nothing has gone as expected at the position since Rudolph. That’s entirely due to Smith’s unfortunate injuries. His future was so damn bright. He has so much natural talent. His future is still bright but he has to get through this run of injuries. This is the final season of his rookie contract so his future in Minnesota is very uncertain. With the addition of Hockenson, it’s even more uncertain. Hockenson is only 25 and under contract for another season. He looks like he could be a franchise fixture. One could go so far as to say that Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and left tackle Christian Darrisaw are the offensive building blocks of the next several seasons for the Vikings. Smith could be re-signed. That’d create a brilliant tight end duo. Even if the injuries tap down Smith’s contract numbers, the Vikings would be committing a lot of resources to the position. A potential new deal for Hockenson should be pretty big for a tight end. Most likely, the team moves on with Hockenson, Mundt, and perhaps Muse in the team’s tight end room. 

Too Early Draft Stuff

In an effort to try and decompress from the Minnesota Vikings thrilling win over the Buffalo Bills, I took a look at some rankings for the 2023 NFL Draft. In particular, I was looking at the midseason big board of the Athletic’s Dane Bugler. I try to refrain from looking at draft stuff before the Vikings wrap up their season. It’s a process. I had to get my mind off of the ups and downs, mostly ups, of the wild, final 17 minutes of Sunday’s game. Even if it was only for a few minutes. Anyway, I like Bugler. I like his takes. So, I usually turn to him when I’m looking for draft stuff. 

Some highlights from Dane Bugler’s Midseason Big Board.

No quarterbacks until #3. There are two in the Top 10. 

1. Will Anderson, Jr., Edge, Alabama

2. Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

3. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

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.

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10. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Obviously, it depends on which teams are selecting at the top of the 2023 NFL Draft. It’s likely that the quarterbacks are the top two picks. If a team doesn’t have a franchise quarterback, that team is looking for a franchise quarterback. Today’s football is all about the quarterback. Will Anderson, Jr. is universally considered the best player in this draft. Quarterbacks will probably push him to the third or fourth pick. The team that gets Anderson, no matter where they get him, will be a very lucky team.

The trenches are well-represented in Bugler’s Top 10.

Will Anderson, Jr., Edge, Alabama

Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson

Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

Playmakers?

After Bryce Young, the top playmaker is surprising. That playmaker is Texas running back Bijan Robinson at #8. It’s been a while since a running back was taken in the top half of the draft, let alone the Top 10. The top receiver is TCU receiver Quentin Johnston at #17. USC receiver Jordan Addison is #18. Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer is #16. Bugler has two quarterbacks, a running back, and a tight end before his first receiver. 

In recent years, receivers have heavily peppered the first two rounds of drafts. There are only six in Bugler’s current Top 50. There are also five quarterbacks, four running backs, and three tight ends. 18 offensive playmakers. The offensive line and defense make up the bulk of Bugler’s current Top 50. 

Army has a top prospect! Edge rusher Andre Carter II is #38. 

If I were to be so bold as to select my Vikings Dream Picks, the top might look something like this:

Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Joey Porter, Jr., CB, Penn State

Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia

Zach Harrison, Edge, Ohio State

BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU

That’s very defensive. It’s still so early but this draft reflects that. With an 8-1 record through ten weeks, it isn’t likely that any of those players will be within reach of the Vikings. 

Now, back to thinking about last Sunday’s thrilling game and next Sunday’s Dallas Cowboys game. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 10 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings won a classic against the Buffalo Bills in Week 10. It was a 33-30 overtime thriller. So many players made an impact. That’s especially true on defense. It’s tough to single out anyone. Here’s an attempt to do so.

Offensive Player of the Game

Justin Jefferson, WR

10 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown.

This one’s actually pretty easy. Jefferson had one of his best games. His 32-yard snag on 4th-and-18 was ridiculous. Nearly all of his ten catches converted a third down. The Vikings needed every one of them. 

Dalvin Cook’s 81-yard touchdown burst ignited the Vikings comeback from 17 down but Jefferson was the best player on that cold Buffalo field. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Patrick Peterson, CB

A lot of defensive players made a difference in the game. Peterson’s two interceptions in the end zone were the biggest. The first was huge in the comeback. The second sealed the win. 

The Vikings defense kept the Bills offense out of the end zone in the second half and overtime. That was the difference in this game. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Ryan Wright, P

Kene Nwangwu, KR

The Vikings special teams didn’t make any game-changing plays in Week 10. A missed extra point added to a growing kicking issue. 

Ryan Wright continued his strong punting. He punted three times for 149 yards with a long of 59 yards. 

I’ve been waiting for Kene Nwangwu to pop a big return. He didn’t do so against the Bills but he did have a nice 39-yarder. It set up a drive that ended with a field goal. Seeing as the game went to overtime, every point was important and that return helped provide some. 

I have a feeling that Nwangwu, or punt returner Jalen Reagor, maybe both, is going to take a return for a score.

Flea Flicker Week 10 Power Rankings

Here’s a look at how the 32 NFL teams rank after ten weeks of football. 

1.   Philadelphia Eagles (8-1)

2.   Minnesota Vikings (8-1)

3.   Kansas City Chiefs (7-2)

4.   Buffalo Bills (6-3)

5.   Baltimore Ravens (6-3)

6.   San Francisco 49ers (5-4)

7.   Dallas Cowboys (6-3)

8.   Miami Dolphins (7-3)

9.   Cincinnati Bengals (5-4)

10. New York Giants (7-2)

11. Los Angeles Chargers (5-4)

12. New York Jets (6-3)

13. Tennessee Titans (6-3)

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5)

15. Seattle Seahawks (6-4)

16. New England Patriots (5-4)

17. Washington Commanders (5-5)

18. Green Bay Packers (4-6)

19. Arizona Cardinals (4-6)

20. Cleveland Browns (3-6)

21. Atlanta Falcons (4-6)

22. Los Angeles Rams (3-6)

23. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7)

24. New Orleans Saints (3-7)

25. Detroit Lions (3-6)

26. Chicago Bears (3-7)

27. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-6)

28. Indianapolis Colts (4-5-1)

29. Las Vegas Raiders (2-7)

30. Denver Broncos (3-6)

31. Carolina Panthers (3-7)

32. Houston Texans (1-7-1)

Until next week. 

Vikings - Bills

Wow! That game was a bit different. 

The Minnesota Vikings stunned the Buffalo Bills in overtime. 33-30. This game was crazy. It’s one of those games that should be appreciated rather than critiqued. 

To be appreciated:

Josh Allen

Justin Jefferson

Jefferson’s ridiculous 32-yard catch 4th-and-18

Stefon Diggs

Dalvin Cook’s 81-yard touchdown burst. 

That burst ignited the Vikings come back from a 17-point late third quarter deficit. 

Patrick Peterson’s two interceptions. 

The Vikings defense kept the Bills out of the end zone in the second half and overtime. 

Peterson’s two interceptions were in the end zone. He spent more time with the ball in the end zone than any Bills players in the second half and overtime. 

The more I think about this game the crazier it feels. The end was nuts. The Vikings offense looked like it was going to pull out the game. Down 27-23 with 1:09 to play, they had a first-and-goal from the Bills three-yard line. On four attempts, they couldn’t score. It was over. Right? Wrong.

The Bills offense had the ball inside the one-yard line. They only had to fall forward and watch the final seconds tick away. A botched snap found it’s way into the hands of Eric Kendricks in the end zone. Touchdown Vikings! You can’t script that. 30-27 Vikings!

The Bills still had 41 seconds. And Josh Allen. Thanks mostly to a wrongly called 20-yard completed pass to Gabriel Davis. The play should’ve been reviewed but the quick moving Bills kept the officials from properly doing their job. Anyway, 41 seconds was more than enough time for Allen to drive his team to a game-tying field goal. We had overtime.

In overtime, the Vikings had a beautiful opportunity to win the game without giving Allen and the Bills offense an opportunity. Kirk Cousins guided the Vikings offense to a first-and-goal at the Bills two-yard line. Just like the end of regulation, they couldn’t score from so damn close to the Bills end zone. The Bills had an un-called 12 men on the field for the first down play. That wasn’t fair. Dalvin Cook was tackled for a loss. Still, the Vikings had seven goal-to-go plays in the final moments and couldn’t get in the end zone. It’s never easy with the Vikings. They had to settle for a field goal and gave the Bills an opportunity to win it.  

It looked like the Bills were cruising down the field for the win. Then Allen threw the ball into the hands of Patrick Peterson in the end zone. Game over. 

The Vikings had their eighth and biggest win of the season.

This wasn’t Kirk Cousins’ best game. Far from it. He threw a couple “what the hell!” interceptions. He also did some very good things. He had some beautiful throws and a huge run. It was a gritty game for Cousins. Maybe the Vikings needed a gritty Cousins to beat the Bills. 

Offensively, Justin Jefferson was the difference. 10 catches for 193 yards. His catch on that 4th-and-18 conversion was simply ridiculous. 

Defensively, the Vikings kept the score manageable. If they hadn’t limited the Bills offense to a couple field goals in the second half and overtime, this game is a Bills win. 

Unsung hero:

Duke Shelley was promoted from the practice squad when Cam Dantzler was placed on injured reserve. After Akayleb Evans was lost to a concussion and Andrew Booth Jr. was benched, Shelley was on the field for overtime. He broke up an Allen pass to Dawson Knox in the end zone. That breakup forced a next play. The next play was Peterson’s interception. 

The Vikings are on a seven-game win streak. It hasn’t been easy but it’s sure been fun. I’m still hoping for one of those easy, comfortable wins. My heart needs it. 

This win boosts the Vikings record to 8-1. They return to Minnesota for a three-game homestand. The Dallas Cowboys are up first. 

Flea Flicker Week 10 Predictions

It’s Week 10. Here’s are guesses at this week’s games. 

Byes: Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens

Minnesota Vikings @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings win a big one.

Seattle Seahawks @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Seahawks

It’s so easy to pick against the Buccaneers these days.

Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Bears

Just going with the home team.

Denver Broncos @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Titans

It’s so easy to pick agains the Broncos.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

It’s so easy to pick the Chiefs.

Cleveland Browns @ Miami Dolphins

Pick: Dolphins

The Browns can’t keep up with the Dolphins fleet offense. 

Houston Texans @ New York Giants

Pick: Giants

The Giants get back to their surprising winning ways.

New Orleans Saints @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Saints

There was a time not long ago when this would’ve been a huge game.

Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Cowboys

The Packers rapid fall drops this game from the premier game that it often is. 

Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams

Pick: Cardinals

The Cardinals find a way to do enough.

Los Angeles Chargers @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Chargers

Other than the Vikings-Bills game, this is probably the most interesting of the Week 10 games.

Washington Commanders @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Commanders

The Eagles finally lose. 

All - Time Buffalo Bills Team

The Minnesota Vikings travel to Buffalo for tomorrow’s big game against the Bills. It’s a game between teams with two of the best records in the league. 7-1 vs 6-2. The Bills have a modest but fun history. They had a couple stretches of dominance. They sure look like they might be in another one. As long as they have Josh Allen, they should be consistent contenders. The Bills were an original American Football League team. They won AFL titles in 1964 and 1965. They went to and lost four consecutive Super Bowls from 1990-93. On the eve of the big game, here’s a look at some of the best players in Buffalo Bills franchise history. 

Offense

Quarterback

Jim Kelly

Running Back

Thurman Thomas

Fullback

Cookie Gilchrist

Wide Receivers

Andre Reed

Stefon Diggs

Tight End

Ernie Warlick

Offensive Tackles

Stew Barber

Jason Peters

Offensive Guards

Billy Shaw

Joe DeLamielleure

Center

Kent Hull

Defense

Defensive Ends

Bruce Smith

Ron McDole

Defensive Tackles

Tom Sestak

Fred Smerlas

Linebackers

Mike Stratton

Darryl Talley

Cornelius Bennett

Cornerbacks

Butch Byrd

Antoine Winfield

Safety 

George Saimes

Henry Jones

Special Teams

Kicker

Steve Christie

Punter

Brian Moorman

Kick Returner

Terrence McGee

Punt Returner

Keith Moody

Minnesota Vikings Roster

The Minnesota Vikings strayed from team norm and made a big, bold deal at last week’s trade deadline. They acquired tight end T.J. Hockenson from the Detroit Lions. Increased production from the tight end position had become a need. It became an even greater need when Irv Smith Jr. was lost for a couple months with an ankle injury. This is no half-season loan. Hockenson should be a significant playmaker for the Vikings now and in years to come. It’s been a week and I’m still in a state of disbelief that the Vikings made this in-season move. Other than the regrettable and idiotic trade trade for Herschel Walker, trade deadline deals have never been a thing in Minnesota. Perhaps it hasn’t been a thing because of the Walker deal. Who knows?  I just know that this was an aggressive play by Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and I like it. I like it a lot. 

Other than the significant addition of Hockenson, here haven’t been many recent tweaks to the Vikings roster. The Las Vegas Raiders reportedly plucked tight end Jacob Hollister from the team’s practice squad. That leaves an opening on the 16-man practice squad. Tight end Ben Ellefson, who has missed the last four games with a groin injury, was designated to return from injured reserve. That move opened a 21-day window for him to be activated. It’s recently been all about tight end juggling for the Vikings. 

The Vikings continue to carry a 23:27 roster edge to the defense. That roster tilt to the defense is kinda strange to see. 

Here’s a look at the Vikings by position after the recent roster tweaks. 

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart

Offense (23)

Quarterback (2)

Kirk Cousins

Nick Mullens

Running Back (3)

Dalvin Cook

Alexander Mattison

Kene Nwangwu

Fullback (1)

C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver (5)

Justin Jefferson

K.J. Osborn

Adam Thielen

Jalen Reagor

Jalen Nailor

Tight End (2)

T.J. Hockenson

Johnny Mundt

Tackle (5)

Christian Darrisaw

Brian O’Neill

Blake Brandel

Oli Udoh

Vederian Lowe

Guard (3)

Ezra Cleveland

Ed Ingram

Chris Reed

Center (2)

Garrett Bradbury

Austin Schlottman

Defense (27)

Defensive Line (7)

Harrison Phillips

Dalvin Tomlinson

Jonathan Bullard

Ross Blacklock

James Lynch

Esezi Otomewo 

Khyiris Tonga

Outside Linebacker (6)

Danielle Hunter

Za’Darius Smith

D.J. Wonnum

Patrick Jones II

Luiji Vilain

Benton Whitley

Inside Linebacker (4)

Eric Kendricks

Jordan Hicks

Brian Asamoah II

Troy Dye

Cornerback (6)

Patrick Peterson

Cameron Dantzler Sr.

Chandon Sullivan

Akayleb Evans

Andrew Booth Jr.

Kris Boyd

Safety (4)

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Special Teams (3)

Kicker

Greg Joseph

Punter

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper

Nick DePaola

***

Practice Squad

David Blough, QB

Dan Chisena, WR

Ryan Connelly, LB

Myles Dorn, S

Chris Garrett, OLB

Tay Gowan, CB

Kyle Hinton, OG

Trishton Jackson, WR

Bryant Koback, RB

William Kwenkeu, LB

Nick Muse, TE

Blake Proehl, WR

Duke Shelley, CB

T.J. Smith, DL

Josh Sokol, C

Injured Reserve

Ty Chandler, RB

Lewis Cine, S

Ben Ellefson, TE

Thomas Hennigan, WR

Olabisi Johnson, WR

Irv Smith Jr., TE

Kenny Willekes, DE

Flea Flicker NFL Midseason Awards

Byes and a 17-game season make it impossible to pick a middle of an NFL season. This Thursday between Weeks 9 and 10 is close enough. Here’s a look at some of the players and coach that have made the first nine weeks of the NFL’s 2022 so damn much fun.

Most Valuable Player

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

It’s a toss-up between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen with Jalen Hurts real close. It’s always about the quarterbacks for the MVP award. I have Mahomes here simply because it feels like he has to do so much more than other contenders to keep his team at the top of the league. 

Offensive Player of the Year

Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins

Tyreek Hill should be in the MVP conversation but he doesn’t play quarterback. In only nine games, he already has 1,104 receiving yards. 

Defensive Player of the Year

Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys

Micah Parsons is another player that should be in the MVP conversation. When watching Parsons play, the player that often comes to mind is Lawrence Taylor. I never thought I’d see, say, or think that. 

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Kenneth Walker III sneaks past fellow runner Dameon Pierce and receiver Chris Olave. With all due respect to Geno Smith’s fine play, I see Walker’s tough running as the main offensive reason that the Seahawks are one of the season’s most surprising teams. 

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Sauce Gardner, CB, New York Jets

Sauce Gardner is already in the conversation for best cornerback in the league. 

Comeback Player of the Year

Za’Darius Smith, LB, Minnesota Vikings

I’m sure that the “real” award will go to an offensive player. Running backs Saquon Barkley or Christian McCaffrey or quarterback Geno Smith. Barkley and McCaffrey came back from limb injuries. Smith came back from what? Not starting? Za’Darius Smith came back from a back injury. There are few less certain injuries. Smith came back from a back injury that took away a season to be one of the league’s best pass rushers this season. His play and personality has been infectious and he’s one of the biggest reasons for the Vikings 7-1 record. 

Coach of the Year

Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings

Preseason predictions had the Vikings competing for a top-10 pick in the draft. Kevin O’Connell has the Vikings competing for the playoff’s #1 seed. Perhaps, I’m a homer on this but few teams have so thoroughly exceeded expectations than the Vikings. O’Connell is a big reason for that.

Minnesota Vikings Week 9 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings played another tense game in Week 9. They pulled out a 20-17 win over the Washington Commanders. The Vikings started fast, ambled their way through the middle of the game, and pulled it together at the end. They’ve used that nerve-thrashing pattern to win six straight games. Here are some of the players that made the Vikings seventh win possible. 

Offensive Player of the Game

T.J. Hockenson, TE

Justin Jefferson is probably more deserving. Another touchdown. Another 100-yard game. I’m going with the new guy in his first game. T.J. Hockenson had a four day crash course in the Vikings offense. He looked like a quick study as he collected nine catches for 70 yards. If not for some horribly ineffective screen plays, he would’ve had a more efficient debut. He brings a terrific new element to the Vikings offense. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Danielle Hunter, OLB

Harrison Smith, S

The “old” guys were the biggest reasons for a solid defensive performance. Danielle Hunter had two big sacks and seven important tackles. Harrison Smith’s interception and 35-yard return was huge in the comeback from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Greg Joseph, K

Greg Joseph gets the nod simply for making the field goal that decided the game. He made all four of his kicks (2 extra points, 2 field goals). Actually, he made all five of his kicks as he kicked the game-winner twice. 

Flea Flicker Week 9 Power Rankings

Here’s a look at how the 32 NFL teams rank after nine weeks of football. 

1.   Philadelphia Eagles (8-0)

2.   Buffalo Bills (6-2)

3.   Kansas City Chiefs (6-2)

4.   Minnesota Vikings (7-1)

5.   Dallas Cowboys (6-2)

6.   Baltimore Ravens (6-3)

7.   Los Angeles Chargers (5-3)

8.   San Francisco 49ers (4-4)

9.   Cincinnati Bengals (5-4)

10. Miami Dolphins (6-3)

11. New York Giants (6-2)

12. New York Jets (6-3)

13. Seattle Seahawks (6-3)

14. Tennessee Titans (5-3)

15. New England Patriots (5-4)

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5)

17. Los Angeles Rams (3-5)

18. Arizona Cardinals (3-6)

19. Atlanta Falcons (4-5)

20. Washington Commanders (4-5)

21. Cleveland Browns (3-5)

22. New Orleans Saints (3-6)

23. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6)

24. Las Vegas Raiders (2-6)

25. Green Bay Packers (3-6)

26. Chicago Bears (3-5)

27. Indianapolis Colts (3-5-1)

28. Denver Broncos (3-5)

29. Detroit Lions (2-6)

30. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6)

31. Houston Texans (1-6-1)

32. Carolina Panthers (2-7)

Until next week. 

Vikings - Commanders

Whew.

The Minnesota Vikings got out of their own way in the fourth quarter and pulled out a 20-17 win over the Washington Commanders. The Vikings scored the final 13 points of the game and that was the difference. 

Another one-score game. It’d sure be a nice change if the Vikings could get some comfortable distance between themselves and an opponent. At least the Vikings are winning these close games. It’s their sixth consecutive one-score win. 

The Vikings offense has had a maddening pattern of starting fast and then slipping into some sort of hibernation for a quarter or more. Against the Commanders, they took the opening kickoff and sailed down the field. Nine plays, 78 yards. The final play was a nine-yard toss from Kirk Cousins to Justin Jefferson. On the drive, Jefferson accounted for 48 of the 78 yards. The Vikings followed that beautiful opening drive with four first half punts. The third quarter was just as ineffective. The Vikings offense ran only nine plays in the third. The middle 45 minutes of the game was mostly offensive futility. They must put an end to these long stretches of doing nothing. A reason for these stretches is a stunning inability to get the ball to Jefferson. A reason for that inability against the Commanders was a very handsy Benjamin St.-Juste. The big corner grabbed, pulled, and pushed his way through his tough assignment. For some reason, the officials allowed it. The Vikings briefly broke out of their offensive funk and managed a terrific scoring opportunity at the end of the first half. 2nd-and-15 from the Commanders 25-yard line with seconds to play, Cousins gave Jefferson an opportunity in the end zone. St.-Juste grabbed, pulled, and pushed his way to a pass break-up. The deflection ended up in the hands of Commander corner Danny Johnson for an interception. The Vikings came up empty when they should’ve had at least a field goal. 

The officials? The officiating crew showed a great reluctance to throw flags, especially for pass interference. One official even went out of his way to hand the Commanders their first touchdown. On the opening drive of the second half, Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke tossed the ball fifty yards into triple coverage. A clueless official ambled into the path of Camryn Bynum. The Vikings safety had an easy interception headed his way. Instead, the official knocked Bynum to the ground and the ball somehow ended up in the hands of Commanders receiver Curtis Samuel. He stumbled past Harrison Smith and Patrick Peterson into the end zone. Instead of a Vikings takeaway, an official that lost his place on the field handed the Commanders a seven-point gift. I get that officials are part of the field but they have to realize their place on it. It was a ridiculous play. It should forever be part of official tutorials on what not to do on a football field. 

While the Vikings offense spent most of the game not doing much, their defense played well. Excluding the touchdown gifted by the officials, the Vikings defense gave up 10 points. The biggest play of the game was probably Harrison Smith’s interception in the fourth quarter. That takeaway triggered the comeback. The Vikings had just scored a field goal, cutting Washington’s lead to 17-10. Smith intercepted the ball at the Commanders 47-yard line and returned it to the 12-yard line. Two plays later, Cousins found Dalvin Cook in the end zone for a touchdown. In three minutes of game time, the Vikings scored 10 points and tied the game at 17-17. They had successfully come back from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit. 

Then came the final six minutes and a really stupid penalty that changed the game. 

The Vikings defense followed up Smith’s interception with a three-and-out. With 6:12 to play the Vikings offense had the ball. 15 plays, 44 yards, and six minutes later, Greg Joseph kicked a 28-yard field goal. With 12 seconds to play, the Vikings had a 20-17 lead. It was the second field that Joseph made on the drive. The first one made it 20-17 with 1:52 to play. The Commanders should’ve had a decent opportunity to tie or win the game. Instead, John Ridgeway made the stupid mistake on the field goal attempt of roughing up Vikings long snapper Andrew DePaola.This penalty took away the Commanders opportunity to respond. Instead of the Commanders offense getting the ball, the Vikings offense returned to the field and drained most of the remaining time on the clock. Thankfully, Joseph was successful once again when he returned to the field. 

The Vikings still had to survive one desperation play. They did. 

The new guy. 

On Tuesday, the Vikings made a trade deadline deal with the Detroit Lions to acquire tight end T.J. Hockenson. From Tuesday night to game time, he had a crash course on the Vikings offense. Apparently his book and field work was effective, Hockenson made a difference in this game. He had nine catches on nine targets for 70 yards. His day would’ve been even more efficient if it weren’t for some very ineffective screen plays. The Vikings offense would’ve been much better off if they’d scrapped all screen plays before the game. Tight ends, running backs, didn’t matter. The Commanders wrecked every screen play the Vikings attempted. In his first game, Hockenson presented a terrific intermediate target for Cousins. His role is only going to grow. I still can’t believe that the Vikings were able to add a player like him in the middle of the season. Hockenson made a difference in this game and should make an ever bigger difference moving forward. 

I hoped that this game would be an easy one but I doubted that it would be. The Commanders defense is a problem. Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is a beast and he spent most of the game in the Vikings backfield. He was probably the best, most impactful player of the game. Fellow defensive tackle DaRon Payne can also be a problem. Defensive end Montez Sweat, linebacker Jamin Davis, safety Kamren Curl. All are problems. The corners can be effective if the officials allow them to assault receivers like St.-Juste repeatedly did to Jefferson. Defensive end Chase Young is close to returning from last season’s ACL injury. The Commanders have a formidable defense. On offense, they have a load of playmakers. I knew this game was going to be difficult. It was probably even more difficult than I anticipated. 

The Vikings win streak continues. Six games. The record climbs to 7-1. Next week is a big one. Next week brings a trip to Buffalo and a game with the Bills. The Vikings offense can not sleep through half a game against the Bills. 

Flea Flicker Week 9 Predictions

It’s suddenly November. Here are some guesses at the Week 9 games. 

Byes: Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers

Minnesota Vikings @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings must get win #7 in advance of games against the Bills and Cowboys.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Chargers

The Falcons have been frisky. The Chargers are better.

Miami Dolphins @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Dolphins

I don’t think that the Bears can slow the fleet Dolphins.

Carolina Panthers @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Bengals

I’m guessing that the good Bengals show up this week.

Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions

Pick: Lions

The Packers keep losing. The Lions get win #2.

Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots

Pick: Patriots

Both teams are a puzzle. Both flip flop between tough and terrible. How did this Colts team beat the Chiefs?

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets

Pick: Bills

The Bills should roll over the Jets.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Jaguars

Just going with the home team.

Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals 

Pick: Cardinals

The Seahawks have been tough. The Cardinals find a way at home.

Los Angeles Rams @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Rams

The winners of the past two Super Bowls have six wins between them. 

Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

The Titans can’t keep up with the Chiefs.

Baltimore Ravens @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Ravens

Through eight games, the Ravens have been inconsistent. If they have any hope of staying with the Bills and Chiefs, they have to find some consistency.  

All - Time Boston Braves/Boston Redskins/Washington Redskins/Washington Commanders Team

The Minnesota Vikings travel this weekend to play the Washington Commanders tomorrow. The Commanders have a long, often troubling, sometimes successful history. The team carried a wildly racist name for most of it’s history. Perhaps all the heat now is punishment for that. On the field, Washington has had some great teams with great players. They won NFL titles in 1937 and 1942 and Super Bowls in 1982, 1987, 1991. They had a knack for winning Super Bowls during seasons with work stoppages. On the eve of their big game with the Vikings, here’s a look at some of the best players in the 90 year history of the Boston Braves/Boston Redskins/Washington Redskins/Washington Commanders. 

Offense

Quarterback

Sammy Baugh

Halfback

Cliff Battles

Fullback

John Riggins

Wide Receivers

Bobby Mitchell

Charley Taylor

Art Monk

Tight End

Jerry Smith

Offensive Tackles

Trent Williams

Turk Edwards

Offensive Guards

Dick Stanfel

Russ Grimm

Center

Len Hauss

Defense

Defensive Ends

Dexter Manley

Charles Mann

Defensive Tackles

Diron Talbert

Jonathan Allen

Linebackers

Chris Hanburger

London Fletcher

Chuck Drazenovich

Cornerbacks

Darrell Green

Champ Bailey

Safeties

Ken Houston

Sean Taylor

Special Teams

Kicker

Mark Mosley

Punter

Sammy Baugh

Returner

Brian Mitchell

Trading Frenzy

Tuesday was the NFL’s Trade Deadline. Despite great buildup by media and fans, the deadline has often been a modest event. This year was different. This year was closer to the dream deadline of media and fans. 

Deadline Day Trades since 2012:

2012: 1

2013: 1

2014: 2

2015: 0

2016: 1

2017: 3

2018: 5

2019: 2

2020: 2

2021: 3

Especially compared to the past decade, 2022 brought a trading frenzy. The following players changed teams on Tuesday.

T.J. Hockenson - Vikings

Chase Claypool - Bears

Bradley Chubb - Dolphins

Chase Edmonds - Broncos

Calvin Ridley - Jaguars

William Jackson III - Steelers

Jeff Wilson - Dolphins

Jacob Martin - Broncos

Nyheim Hines - Bills

Zack Moss - Colts

Rashad Fenton - Falcons

Dean Marlowe - Bills

Bradley Chubb and Chase Edmonds were part of the same deal. Nyheim Hines and Zack Moss were part of another deal. 12 players changed teams in ten deadline deals. Those ten trades doubled the previous decade high. 

The biggest deal is obviously the one that sent tight end T.J. Hockenson from the Detroit Lions to the Minnesota Vikings. The general belief, certainly my belief, was that Hockenson was a building block player for anything that the Lions are trying to do. Now, he’s a building block player for the Vikings. Tight end was a need for Minnesota. It was a need even before Irv Smith Jr. went on the injured reserve list on Tuesday with a high ankle sprain. Production from the tight end position had been a season-long issue. The Vikings could’ve found a modest boost at the position with a street free agent signing or a ho-hum trade for a promising third-stringer. Instead, first-year general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made a team-changing deal. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that Hockenson was an option. He might not be in the elite tight end class of Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Mark Andrews but he has the talent and potential to be. This is one of the rare in-season deals that should be a boost for this season and future seasons. Hockenson is only 25. His best years are in front of him and he should be a Vikings offensive fixture moving forward. 

The only trade that involved a first-round pick was the trade that sent pass rusher Bradley Chubb from the Denver Broncos to the Miami Dolphins. The details of the trade:

Dolphins receive:

Bradley Chubb

2025 5th-round pick

Broncos receive: 

2023 1st-round pick

2024 4th-round pick

Chase Edmonds

Much has been made of the fact that the first-round pick that was the focus of this deal was the final first-round pick acquired from the San Francisco 49ers in the Trey Lance deal. Much has been made of these picks because the Dolphins turned the three first-round picks into Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, and Bradley Chubb. That’s quite a haul. 

12 players moving in 10 deadline deals. All of the 10 deals involved players in their prime. The 2022 NFL Trade Deadline is more like what the fans, the media, and the league have been dreaming. It was a trading frenzy. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 8 Superlatives

I was distracted by the big deal for T.J. Hockenson. 

The Minnesota Vikings outlasted the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9. 34-26. It was an anxious fourth quarter but the Vikings defense was the difference. The offense scored five touchdowns but it was the defense that sealed the win. The Vikings are now 6-1 on the season. They keep doing enough, making the needed plays, to keep stacking up wins. Here are some of the players that made the sixth win possible. 

Offensive Player of the Game

Dalvin Cook, RB

Dalvin Cook had his first 100-yard game of the season.

20 carries, 111 yards, and a touchdown.

He also added 30 yards on five receptions. Cook paced a rushing attack that totaled 173 yards. Hopefully this 100-yard is the first of many moving forward. The Vikings offense is better when the run game is setting up nice second downs. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Za’Darius Smith, OLB

The Vikings defense played well but this one’s easy. Za’Darius Smith was brilliant. He was the most dominant player on the field. 

3 sacks

7 tackles

4 tackles for loss

1 tipped pass

Smith went down with an injury. It was a scary moment as his impact on the game had been huge. Fortunately, he soon returned to the game and continued to ruin the Cardinals day.

Special Teams Player(s) of the Game

Troy Dye, ST

One of the big plays of the game came when Cardinals punt returner Greg Dortch botched the handling of a Ryan Wright punt. Troy Dye recovered the loose ball. It set the offense up nicely on the Cardinals 25-yard line and led to the touchdown that was the difference in the game. 

Vikings Swing A Deadline Deal

The Minnesota Vikings approached yesterday’s NFL Trade Deadline with a nifty 6-1 record. They had a 3.5-game lead over their nearest division rivals. They were in a good place. To compete for something better than a nifty Week 8 record they had to get better. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has been the Vikings general manager since January. There’s no way to know how bold he might be with his first trade deadline. Does he stand on a good situation? Or, does he try to make it better? I believe that we got our answer. Adofo-Menash took a big swing at his first trade deadline. 

The Vikings acquired tight end T.J. Hockenson from the Detroit Lions. When it comes to trying to improve the team, Adofo-Mensah has no issue dealing with division rivals. This is a big deal and the Vikings are a much better football team because of it. 

The particulars of the big trade:

Vikings receive:

T.J. Hockenson, TE

2023 4th-round pick

2024 conditional 4th-round pick

Lions receive:

2023 2nd-round pick

2024 3rd-round pick

The conditional 4th-round pick becomes a 5th-round pick if the Vikings win a playoff game this season. Here’s hoping for that 2024 5th-round pick.

The Vikings didn’t have much salary cap space. They are responsible for less than $600,000 of Hockenson’s 2022 salary. This is the final year of his rookie deal. The Lions already picked up the fifth-year option. So, the Vikings have Hockenson under contract next year for $9.4 million. This is no short-term rental. It wouldn’t be a surprise if there’s a long-term deal in the offseason. Hockenson is a potential franchise cornerstone player, a building block, a player to keep. 

The Vikings have needed more from the tight end position. Irv Smith Jr. has been slow to return from missing last year to a knee injury and training camp to a thumb injury. Johnny Mundt was signed in the offseason to be a nice second tight end. With Smith’s slow return to form, Mundt has had to play a bigger role than was probably intended. I thought that the Vikings might look to add a tight end at the trade deadline. Tight end became an even greater need when Smith injured his ankle during Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. That injury put him on injured reserve. It also made tight end an even greater need. The high end tight end target was probably Mike Gesicki of the Miami Dolphins. He reportedly has been on the market. While I was never a fan of his blocking, his pass catching has always been among the best. After Gesicki, the options never felt great. With the way that Ryan Poles has been cutting ties with players like Robert Quinn and especially Roquan Smith, I jokingly thought about taking Cole Kmet from the Chicago Bears. I never thought for even a moment that T.J. Hockenson was an option. I only ever thought of him as a fixture of the Lions present and future. He’s one of the best young tight ends in the league. He’s one of the best tight ends in the league. 

With all respect to Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson is the Vikings best offensive player. At times, opponents have been able to throw enough resources at Jefferson to slow him. When that’s happened the Vikings offense has often stumbled to pedestrian levels. They have too many playmakers to ever be pedestrian. Some have thought a consistent deep threat is needed. A little more speed would be nice. Perhaps a little more speed is already on the roster. I wouldn’t mind seeing rookie Jalen Nailor get some snaps. A much greater need was a tight end that could threaten the defense at all levels. Hockenson is a threat. He’s a threat at the line, off the line, intermediate depths, and deep. He can drop 179 yards in a single game. He can also block. He changes the Vikings offense. He makes it more versatile. He makes it more dangerous. 

Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison, Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, K.J. Osborn, Jalen Reagor, and now T.J. Hockenson. An improving offensive line. I’d like to see Kene Nwangwu and Jalen Nailor added to that fun group of playmakers. Kirk Cousins has everything he could possibly need. 

The Minnesota Vikings definitely aren’t sitting on that nifty record.