NFL historical draft a huge success in many ways

April 23^rd was finally here and with that came the first night of the NFL draft. It seems like forever since I have seen sports that is not a repeat. I had so many questions coming in such as just how would this draft work from so many sites? What would it be like not seeing the red carpet, or Commissioner Goodell not shaking and then the typical hug?


Yes 7:00pm finally was here and the Cincinnati Bengals were on the clock. I loved the way Goodell announced the Bengals were on the clock and he made a comment about bring on the booing. This pick who many thought including myself would be LSU Quarterback, Joe Burrows was finally in and with this we would get a glimpse of how each way the pick was shown. I loved seeing each pick shown and with that their families with them.


As the night went on we saw the groups of people with the player and at times showed what appeared to be too many people in the room. It appeared I saw a couple places where we saw people pushing back to spread the crowd out. It had to be hard because each player has worked for this day and these kids wanted to enjoy their day with friends and relatives.


The night itself I give an A plus to all the IT people that made this happen. It went as smooth as could ever be imagined. I give props out to Commissioner Goodell for keeping the draft on the date and making this happen with the casts of thousands.


I absolutely loved as each team name came on the screen and saying the pick was in we saw the team colors shown nice a clear. It was a win in my mind.


I loved the many war rooms and all the cameras that allowed the fans to see what was going on vs the typical year of many people in rooms working together to decide on a pick. I was so intrigued by different set ups.

The examples of I offer up are Tennessee Titans Coach, Mike Vrabel and his background. I look at Coach Mike Zimmer’s cool set up, Dallas owner Jerry Jones sitting in his yacht, and how about Arizona Cardinals Coach, Kliff Kingsbury’s pad? Wow!!! I watched NFL Network Friday morning and they actually ranked the war rooms placing Zimmer’s with 3^rd place, Jerry Jones 2^nd, and Kingsbury winning the best set up.


The draft itself was heavenly to watch as this event is my favorite every year and now this year it was historical.


I look at the teams draft and was surprised by no trades early on. The Detroit Lions and New York Giants both publicly said they were shopping the 3^rd and 5^th picks respectively.


I wanted to look at some of the picks and my thoughts starting with Miami at five taking much talked about Tua Tagovaila. I have heard so much talk about him with his injury problems yet as talented as they come. It was years ago the Dolphins passed on Drew Brees due to a concern of a shoulder injury. It was nice to see they may have learned from past mistakes. I was surprised when he was picked the lack of emotion from his family.


The San Francisco 49ers trade back with Tampa Bay and pick defensive lineman, Javon Kinlaw. The 49ers traded DeForest Buckner in the offseason and now get Kinlaw. This defensive line will be very dominant again this season. I use the phrase the rich get richer with the 49ers dominant line and they are all first round picks.


I loved the Raiders draft choice, wide receiver, Henry Ruggs and his wearing a robe and hanging out at home. Can we say comfort in our own house? The Tampa Bay pick, Tristan Wirfs if you haven’t seen his video at the swimming pool please check it out. He is in the pool and lunges out of the pool and lands on his feet. This is a big man and will be a key part to protecting Tom Brady.


The New Orleans Saints pick, center from the University of Michigan, Ceasar Ruiz and his emotional reaction to getting drafted. I loved the virtual hug by Commissioner Goodell to Ruiz.


The Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers draft picks shocked the world as Dallas needing all sorts of defensive help takes Oklahoma wide receiver, CeeDee Lamb. The Packers maybe the biggest shock of the night trade up and draft quarterback. Jordan Love. Wow was this a shock and will be talked about for days and or months to come. How does Aaron Rodgers feel about this? 


The Carolina Panthers select Defensive Tackle, Derrick Brown out of Auburn and my mind goes right to the Outback Bowl vs the Gophers. I thought the Gophers did a great job of making Brown look average. I know Carolina is on the Vikings schedule so we shall see how Brown does.


I think one of the more strange things of the night was the Commissioner announcing the Las Vegas Raiders with the pick. It was hard to hear even though I know it has actually happened. It will always be the Oakland Raiders in my mind.


The draft was in the twenties knowing pick 22 was getting closer knowing names I hoped were still available. The Philadelphia Eagles at 21 I thought for sure would take Justin Jefferson as they are in such need of help. I then heard Goodell announce the Eagles have taken Jalen Reagor my heart went back to normal beat.




It was awesome to see Commissioner Goodell do the SKOL chant before announcing the Vikings pick. I hoped with the 22^nd pick I would hear the Minnesota Vikings take Justin Jefferson my team did not disappoint. Can you say fired up, wowed, joyous for a few words to describe my mindset?


I was even happier when the Vikings took with the 31st pick, Jeff Gladney a much needed cornerback for the Purple. I actually was nervous because the Vikings traded out of 25 and at the time I was not sure what pick we got. I was not sure if the team would trade out of the 1^st round and save 1^st round money.


First round Vikings cornerbacks have not worked out lately as we saw Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes both gone. I add with the last first round wide receiver pick, Laqoun Treadwell a bust I feel confident in saying I believe Jefferson and Gladney will make it. It’s a gut feeling and I will roll with that.


The draft in closing saw a record 15 SEC players go in the first round and 5 from the Big 10. I look forward to the next two days of the draft and see how Rick Spielman and Coach Zimmer pan out.

The teams I thought had a great night besides the Vikings were the Miami Dolphins and the San Francisco 49ers.


Thanks for reading

Purplestick

My thoughts on the 2020 Vikings draft

The NFL draft is getting closer and closer in fact it starts April 23^rd as you know. The world we live in with so many unknowns will impact the NFL draft as well.


Yes it was going to be in Las Vegas who even would have closed a main street so hundreds of thousands of fans could jam in. The Covid 19 has shut that down as well. It will be strange not seeing a draft pick introduced and in turn meet the Commissioner and give him a hug. There will be no red carpet with limos dropping of players. There will be no NFL experts sitting at a table and breaking each pick down or what they think the next team will do.


This whole thing is a unreal unknown as pro days we few if any so how will the scouts know these players. The chance to talk face to face is gone. Yes technology will help so face timing, using zoom or any other means to talk to the potential picks.


It was announced Sunday Commissioner Goodell will announce each pick from his basement. It will be strange not to see the normal war rooms as they are strategizing their picks. I have read that the picks will be from several different homes. 
The talk of not so many trades will be interesting to see if that comes true. I think the first two rounds of player’s people will know of but as the rounds keep coming because of the lack of pro days could potentially hurt players. I believe the combine in Indianapolis is a good thing to happen before all things have escalated to social distancing.


This will be the first year my wife and I won’t attend the Vikings draft party and I am ok with that is health is everything. I will assume one day things will get into the norm again.


As for the Vikings draft and know for now they have 12 picks including two first round picks thanks to the Stefon Diggs trade to Buffalo.


I am real interested to see if the Vikings make a trade to obtain disgruntled Washington Redskin, Trent Williams. I know he is 32 years old and has been a dominant tackle earlier in his career, I would not mind a trade but please don’t give up the bank for him.


If the Vikings do not trade for him I would not be surprised to package one first round pick and a later pick to move up. The thing is move up to get what would be the question. My thought on pressing need is defensive back, Offensive tackle and wide receiver and I would say in that order or flip the tackle and defensive back around.


The fact I have more time than normal due to our fun stay home order gives me time to watch way more football than I ever have as far as the draft. This time of the year by far and away is my favorite time of the year. I always feel like a little kid waiting for Christmas I say every year almost a copy and paste.


I saw a mock draft that had us taking Wide Receiver, Justin Jefferson from LSU who had a huge National Championship game this recent January at pick 23. I saw then at pick 25 an Offensive Tackle Austin Jackson out of Southern California University. If this would go down I would be one ecstatic Vikings fan.


If not there are two players I am very high on and they are Wide Receiver, Denzel Mims out of Baylor and safety, Grant Delpit from the National Champion LSU Tigers
.

It’s funny because in the mock draft that has us taking Jefferson and Jackson while Mims is slotted to be taken by Green Bay with the 30^th pick and 31^st pick by the San Francisco 49ers would take Delpit.

The mock draft no one knows for sure especially this year with the craziness of the virus.
 I will throw one thing out and my prediction the Vikings will take a quarterback with the 2^nd or 3^rd round. The draft has some real god quarterbacks and an intriguing one out of Utah State, Jordan Love.


That’s all for now

Thank you for reading

Purplestick

My thoughts on the Vikings schedule with the additions of NFL Free agent signings

The sports world has shut down and events coming have either been postponed or cancelled including of my top five events I love and that is the NFL Vikings draft party. I absolutely understand but I can be honest and admit disappointment.


The Minnesota Vikings continue to mystify me with all the players that have left via free agency although know with the salary cap is an issue it is still sad to see guys leave. I see the last two to sign elsewhere were Xavier Rhodes signing a one year deal with the Indianapolis Colts as what has been deemed a prove it contract. 
I then saw Friday morning that Andrew Sendejo signed with the Cleveland Browns. Yes I knew neither player was coming back but still to know its official is strange.


I was relieved to see the Vikings sign some guys as I watch NFL Network every day and see team after team seemingly sign so many yet I see no Vikings activities.


I like the addition of Michael Pierce from the Baltimore Ravens as I know the Ravens defense typically is very good so this should be a potentially nice replacement for Linval Joseph. The team also signed WR Tejae’ Sharpe and Anthony Zettel (DE) from Tennessee and San Francisco respectively. 
I have seen so far the Vikings resigning Dan Bailey, Rashod Hill, and Friday they resigned Ameer Abdullah and Brett Jones. In my opinion none of the names I have listed as free agent signings or resigning is earth shattering news but at least it’s something to read about and study the new guys.


I read on twitter Commissioner Goodell announced the NFL draft will go on as plan but obviously a way different format. I can’t wait to watch how this goes down. I have heard theories make it a seven night draft which I would be in heaven. I don’t think it would go to that but will be strange to see the picks coming from different facilities or wherever they draft from. It will be strange not to see the player in the backstage room come out and hug the commissioner in getting his jersey with the number one on it and having hit team hat on. 


My thought on the draft does not waiver as I know the team has two first round draft choices so I can see a package deal to trade both first round picks to move up and get a very good defensive back. I would not be upset if they don’t trade so take an offensive tackle and a defensive back.


I saw the schedule like most of you have and yes we don’t know the dates or times only know the home and away opponents. This will be my 20^th year of tickets as I was thinking last year was. It must be my old age but know this the schedule is as tough as I have seen and after the Free agent signings I am even more concerned. I think even if none of the players had left it would be tough but since they are gone my stress level just got a little higher thinking what are we going to do?


The home schedule includes: Detroit, Green Bay, Chicago. Jacksonville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Carolina and Dallas.


Green Bay will always be tough as long as Aaron Rodgers in quarterback although I saw left tackle Bryan Bulaga left via free agency. Detroit signed former Viking, Jayron Kearse and appear to be the New England Patriots dumping ground as Jamie Collins and Danny Shelton both signed. The Chicago Bears acquiring quarterback, Nick Foles will be a real interesting story to see him compete with Mitch Trubiskey.


Jacksonville will be my least worry on the home schedule although this is the time I should worry. The Tennessee Titans come in with Derrick Henry and his tough running style and with the loss of some of our starters gone will be a more worrisome problem.


Atlanta Falcons come in with new running back, Todd Gurley. Yes he has been injured the last couple of years but you know he will come in with a chip on his shoulder. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones must be relieved with no more Xavier Rhodes as Jones always seemed to struggle vs Rhodes. The Carolina Panthers come with new quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater. I am so happy for Teddy but the day the Vikes play him will be my only day not cheering for him. 


The Dallas Cowboys come to town and with that their fans will flock US Bank Stadium. They signed Amari Cooper to the 100 million contract and see Tight End, Jason Witten leave for the Las Vegas Raiders. The Cowboys did add Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and defensive tackle, Gerald McCoy.


The road schedule sees the Vikings travel to Chicago, Green Bay, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, and Seattle.


I start with looking at the quarterbacks will face highlighted by Deshaun Watson (Houston), Phillip Rivers (Indianapolis), Drew Brees (New Orleans), Tom Brady (Tampa Bay) and of course Russell Wilson (Seattle). Wow what a challenge for the Vikings defense and yes I can’t forget Aaron Rodgers although I would like to one day.


The Texans will be a challenge with the likes of JJ Watt and Watson but the subtraction of all world receiver, Andre Hopkins which might be the strangest trade all off season.


The Indianapolis Colts as I said earlier Rivers will be the quarterback but now add former Viking, Xavier Rhodes. How will he play? Will he be his former Pro Bowl self? My luck he will be very noticeable and not in a bad way.


The New Orleans Saints oh where do I begin? The playoff losses suffered to the Vikings and in New Orleans sets up for potential ugliness. Their offense is already wow but now add Super Bowl champ wide receiver, Emmanuel Sanders. I say the rich get richer!!!!!


Tampa Bay I mean Tampa Tom will be the story of the year as Brady signed the two year 50 million guaranteed contract. Yes, the next Super Bowl is in Tama and Brady there will be a nonstop talker. The weapons he has are not like he had in New England. The NFC South will be the most watched Division in football. I love the Vikings division I will watch honestly a lot more. Brees, Ryan, Brady and Bridgewater what a powerhouse of quarterbacks although I know Teddy is not necessarily proven.


The Seattle Seahawks and the 12^th man is always a challenge for the Vikings and like the Packers until Russell Wilson retires the Seahawks will always be in contention for the playoffs. Seattle signed Tight End, Greg Olsen who always been a top tier tight end and just another challenge for the Vkings defense.


The Vikings have very good skill players with Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, Kyle Rudolph and I look Bisi Johnson. The offensive line to make an obvious statement is truly concerning, 


The defense is concerning so with Coach Zimmer and the defensive staff we will see just what they get for production.


I am a fan so I want to and have to believe in my favorite team, the Minnesota Vikings.


Thank you for reading

Stay safe everyone please 

Purplestick

Rebuilding mode needs to start quicky for the Vikings

It was not that long ago I was jumping off my couch when I watched Kyle Rudolph catch the game winning touchdown in overtime to upset the New Orleans Saints. It was then the next week I wanted to roll off my couch feeling sick after watching the Vikes get destroyed by the 49ers and I did want to get up.


I look at the my favorite team and love them for many reasons but I knew watching the game in San Francisco we were not even on the same level as the 49ers beat us and I don’t mean the scoreboard. We were beat in all three phases by a superior team.


I got asked by many as they know my passion and the question was, “what do we need in the draft?” I responded and no joke “we need one of everything.”


I know the salary cap is a huge issue and so players will be leaving but who I thought. I have loved Xavier Rhodes play up to a year ago where it seemed this last season something was terribly wrong. I heard like many of you the likes of Trae Waynes, Linval Joseph, Everson Griffen were the three I heard most often and add Xavier Rhodes.


I absolutely love NFL Free Agency Frenzy every year as it is like Christmas for me as I see what kind of toys we will get to add to the roster I mean players.


This first two days have been crazy and I know it was not official until 4:00pm on Tuesday but all these deals were announced Monday although not official
.

Stefon Diggs has been a very popular talking point anywhere from last season to this offseason. I know I read many people felt the Vikings would deal him but I did not see it coming. Yes, I was wrong as I see Diggs to the Buffalo Bills. I was stunned no only by the announcement but even more so seeing all we got back for him. I read someone called it a Herschel Walker deal except this time the Vikings got the best of the deal. I loved Diggs as a receiver but his attitude seen on TV and read about was very concerning to me. I wish Diggs the best in Buffalo and thank him for his years and will never forget the Minneapolis Miracle.


I read earlier the Vikings terminated the contracts of Xavier Rhodes and Linval Joseph ending the speculation of whether they would stay or not. It’s the NFL and stands for not for long but also the salary cap needs relief. I believe the loss of Joseph is way more painful as I loved his stuffing the middle on the run. I saw Tuesday night the Los Angeles Chargers signed Linval to a two year deal. I have not seen anything on Rhodes as of yet.


The name Trae Waynes was a talking point after the season on would he return and I saw Cincinnati Bengals gave him a three year contract for 42 million so I got my answer on would he be on the 2020 roster.


Everson Griffen’s contract was voided but I feel he will be back but for a much lesser amount so we will see what goes down.


I do really love the new contract for CJ Ham and feel he is worth every penny. A young man out of Augustana College making the squad as a rookie free agent back a few years ago is doing alright proving his worth.


The loss of Waynes and Rhodes is shocking only because we lost both cornerbacks so I am real curious how the team will handle filling these huge openings. I have seen more than my share of mock drafts but what I see universally is a defensive back with the first round pick.


I was shocked Tuesday when I saw the Vikings announce they terminated the contract of Josh Kline. I am by no means an offensive lineman expert but I thought Kline might have been the 2^nd best behind tackle, Brian O’Neil.


The Vikings have always stressed in my mind the defensive side of the ball but this offseason might be one of the most important in years addressing and trying to figure out how to replace these veterans.


The Tom Brady saga is by far the biggest story line thus far as I watched two hours on NFL Network watching the NFL experts giving their opinions.  I am of the mind that did not see Brady leaving. This story of Tampa Tom will be beat to the ground. Yes the Super Bowl is in Tampa so will Brady be able to take his team to be the first team ever to play in their home for the Super Bowl?

I love the division he is now in as he will face Drew Brees twice, Matt Ryan twice and now Teddy Bridgewater twice. I can’t wait to watch these matchups. I add in the Vikings get to play in Tampa Bay this year. The Bridgewater signing in Carolina I could not be happier for Teddy and wish him so much success.


It’s been a great TV watch the first two days seeing Phillip Rivers signing with the Indianapolis Colts and Marcus Mariota signing with the Las Vegas Raiders as quarterback headliners.


How about former Cowboy, Jason Witten signing with the Raiders? Who will sign Andy Dalton, Cam Newton, Jameis Winston? Who will be the New England Patriots starting QB?


The question did Bill Belichick need Tom Brady or Brady need Bill? The question that has been out there for years will now get answered. I love the Buffalo Bills are now getting the love that they are favored to win the AFC East.


I love football for so many reasons and this week of Free agency is one of many reasons I do. The draft coming in April in Ls Vegas will it go down with the virus seemingly everywhere? I hope so because I can’t wait to see what Vegas looks like with their main street closed.


I close by saying if the draft goes down I believe the Vikings will take a defensive back. I can’t wait for draft night because it’s like for me a kid waiting to open a present.


Thank you for reading

Purplestick

Vikes season comes to a painful end in San Francisco

It’s Sunday January 12^th the day I am writing this one day after the Vikings season ended on a terrible note. It had been all week I heard comparisons of 1987 playoff run as the Vikes shocked the Saints them the 49ers before falling to the Washington Redskins in the NFC Championship game.


I watched last week all the experts take the Saints and then the Vikes shock the world beating the Saints in OT. I watched again the pregame to the San Francisco and the majority of the experts picked the 49ers.


I really felt the 49ers defense was much better than the Saints especially the 49ers front seven. I came in optimistic with nothing to lose as one again the Vikes faces tough odds taking on the one seed 49ers.


It had been a long day waiting for the game at 3:35 as I watched countless hours on TV of game breakdowns and listening to facts and figures.


It was finally game time and once again the Vikings start the game with the ball. I thought this would be a great chance to show the 49ers we came to play. I guess I was wrong three very painful plays to start with little or no yards and the Vikings were forced to punt.


Ok, defense it’s your turn to show the 49ers you mean business and you will stop the 49ers. One problem the 49ers did not follow my hope in fact they moved the ball so easy it was if we had no defense even on the field. I was very upset, mad and confused on just how easy 49ers quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo took his offense right down the field and it’s 7-0 49ers.


Great a terrible opening Vikings drive followed by an easy touchdown by the 49ers is a fan’s nightmare especially in a game of this magnitude.


The Vikings brought hope back into my life as I see Kirk Cousins throw a very nice deep ball down the left sidelines, and maybe even a better adjustment by Stefon Diggs to catch the ball and he walks into the endzone. My world is back in order as the game is tied 7-7


It seemed all day the 49ers could run the ball whenever they wanted and even a Vikings defender tripping the back and they still fell forward 3-4 yards. I know the commentators had mentioned that 49ers coach, Kyle Shanahan would love to have 50/50 with pass and run but I believe at one point of the game the 49ers had 30 straight runs. Their running game is impressive and even more so using a three headed attack.


It seemed the Vikings run game as soon as the handoff the 49ers were not very good hosts as they rudely met Dalvin Cook at the point of handoff.


It was a strange first half as the 49ers had gone up 14-7 but thanks to a Eric Kendricks giving the Vikes good field position which they get three out of. It’s halftime and as badly as I felt we got outplayed it’s only 14-10.


The second half was as ugly as it gets watching the Vikings offense do absolutely nothing as I believe 9 drives and there were 7 three and outs.


The 49ers offense didn’t necessarily light it up but they really did not have to as they played a great ball control offense and let me feeling sick to my stomach.


It was a day of not only terrible performance but also see things happen to the Vikes that left me shaking my head. I look back at the first half with the 49ers in 3^rd down and long the Vikes get great pressure. I see Garoppolo throw a wounded duck with three Vikings defenders around and somehow a 49er dives and makes a sick catch.


It was again the Vikings defense stepped up in one key drive forcing a three and out and a punt. I see the ball punted and I could tell Marcus Sherels struggled finding it with and it hits Sherels bounces and 49ers recover. Oh no wee had a small chance for a glimmer of hope of maybe finding a spark. It wasn’t meant to be and the 49ers cash in with a touchdown really ending my dreams of a trip to a potential Super Bowl.


It was just the 2^nd to last home game vs the Green Bay Packers on national TV where the Vikings offense totaled an embarrassing 7 first downs for the game and less than 200 yards in offense.

It’s not even a month later and as I am watching the game and really never realizing the Vikings had five first downs for the game in the 4^th quarter. I then see a stat put up on the TV screen that six was the worst in NFL history in post season play.


I now have to worry because in my mind the game was lost but please oh please do not set an NFL record.


I thank the San Francisco 49ers for allowing us to get the first downs by playing their backups and also playing more zone defense. The Vikings finished with a measly 7 first downs which is good for 3^rd worst so at least it’s not the worst.


The offense was absolutely miserable and made me want to get sick. It seemed every drop back Cousins was either sacked or harassed causing terrible throws.


As I mentioned the 49ers put their backups in and they even got two sacks. It was an ugly day and left me wondering what the offseason moves that need to be made.


It was also a loss which was the 30^th playoff loss in Vikings history which puts them #1 in playoff losses.


There is so much blame for yesterday’s loss but won’t point the finger at anyone as it was a terrible and embarrassing loss.


I always ask myself if we are going to lose is it easier to deal with in an OT loss or getting dismantled?


The answer is a very easy getting dismantled although I never want to see the team lose. It’s hard to not like the 49ers chances of going to the Super Bowl because if they play like that next Sunday I can’t see either Seattle or Green Bay beating them.


Thank you for reading

Purplestick

My life as a Vikings fan

The life of a Vikings fan is hard to know just where it started. I have loved football my whole life yet never played a down as it is too physical and at times looks painful. 


I think in my opinion is when I moved to Owatonna in 1987 knowing the team was training 45 minutes away in Mankato. Is this the reason?


I f so I am not sure why I did not make my first ever trip to Mankato until 1994. It was an experience going but I was shy yes I said shy meeting players and just getting to know what the experience of Training Camp was all about. I learned year after year it’s not just going to practices its meeting fans from not only the United States but indeed fans come from all over the world such as Germany and England is what I met.


I am not sure how I decided to approach the venture of being a season ticket holder but I guess you talk about it enough you get guts and plunge in and has it ever been worth it with so many memories good and bad


I was able to go to a few games through the year’s one or two and loved it but it wasn’t season tickets. I remember in 1997 my dad called and said he had a coworker who had season tickets but couldn’t use them that year for unknown reasons so I bought them from her just for the one season.


I will never forget it as I bought two so each week I brought someone with. It was crazy because it was in the Metrodome and I don’t remember the section number but they were row one on the end zone. I would never do these seats again for two reasons and one is cost and two is when the team was right in front of me it was awesome but when they were going the other way I found myself watching the big screen seeing what yard line they were on.


In 1998 was the year I decided to make a commitment to season tickets and that was the year never to forget. Anyone remember a certain number 84? Yes, Randy Moss’s rookie year. It was a season where the Vikings offense broke an NFL record of point by a team. It was a 15-1 year and playoffs all in my first year as a committed season ticket holder. 


The Vikes get a bye then win at home and host the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Title game with winner moving on to the Super Bowl. I was so confident we were going to Miami I started getting airline, hotel and anything else I could get lined up. 


I will never forget the game including taking a knee before half which I did not like. The Falcons make a comeback and we go to overtime. I remember before OT Gary Anderson lining up to kick the win that would guarantee a trip to Miami. I remember myself along with 65,000 plus other fans chanting Super Bowl, Super Bowl, Super Bowl. The snap, the hold the kick and I was jumping up and down because I swore it went in but I saw the refs motion no good.  It was a gut wrenching moment. It’s easy to blame Gary but I look at so many missed opportunities in a team sport.


It was awful watching Falcons kicker, Morten Anderson drill the game winning kick in overtime and I watched Falcons’ Coach Dan Reeves doing the dirty bird on the Metrodome stage.


It was an absolutely devastating day in my life as a Vikings fan but time does heal and the next season soon will be here.


I mentioned heart break earlier and yes plenty such as the 1987 NFC Championship game and seeing Darrin Nelson drop a touchdown in the end zone and the season was over. I went to St. Louis for a playoff game s the tea known as the fastest team on turf and yes they were as I made the long trip home from St. Louis after being eliminated.


My wife and I went to the Superdome in 2010 and watched the Saints kick the game winning field goal in overtime to send the Saints to the Super Bowl making a long flight home from Louisiana.

My wife and I went to Green Bay for the playoff game when Christian Ponder was hurt and Joe Webb was the quarterback. It was my first and only time to Lambeau and again made for a long trip back to Owatonna.


I am a lifelong and proud Vikings fan and losing definitely stinks and hurts like hell but the next day I get out of bed and life does continue maybe a little slower sometimes but it does roll on.

As they say with all bad comes good and I have had plenty of that and just keeps my purple blood flowing,


1998 seeing Randy Moss come onto the scene and being at the games seeing it in person was incredible. 2009 seeing Brett Favre quarterback the Vikings including watching him play at home vs the Green Bay Packers with the Vikes winning. It made him the first quarterback ever to beat all 32 teams and I was there.  


The 49ers game that year with Favre dropping back with 49ers all over him and he find Greg Lewis in the back of the end zone for a catch I will never forget.


The San Diego Chargers game when Adrian Peterson broke the all-time rushing yards in a game with a monster 2^nd half.


The game this season with the Vikings being down 20-0 to Denver at halftime and the Vikings come back to win.


I have had season tickets 19 years and been in all three stadiums: (Metrodome,TCF Bank and US Bank) and proud to say I have only missed four games ever. My daughter got married on a preseason game day, my other daughter’s traveling soccer team made and won the state championship and I had foot surgery costing me two games. You can see these are four very good reasons to miss a game.


I have been to 27 straight years of Vkings Training Camp and have a basement room loaded from floor to ceiling in Vikings gear. I am not the biggest Vikings fan in the world but I do love the team with all my heart.


It was just last Saturday the Vikings traveled to New Orleans and I knew we had a little hope with the odds so stacked against us. I see Adam Thielen fumble and have a bad feeling but the more you watched the more you believed. The touchdown catch by Rudy and all was right in this purple world of mine. It’s an emotion that can’t be described.


Saturday vs the 49ers will be tough but the way this whacky season has gone all things are possible. I am a fan win or lose and winning pf course really helps but no matter what whether the Vikings are Super Bowl champs I be ready and geared up for 2020.


Thanks you for reading
Purplestick

Vikings march out of New Orleans with an incredible OT win

The Minnesota Vikings came into Sunday’s game on a two game slide and both games were home disasters so the Vikes get sent to New Orleans as a six seed. Oh my the Vikings are facing one of the hottest teams in the NFL in New Orleans who are just averaging 40 points in a game.


I watched Fox Pregame like I do every Sunday I am home and watched the Pregame hosts all picks the Saints and Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long even went so far as saying the Saints will win by 17. Terry Bradshaw even made a comment where the Vikings have no chance and the way the Vikings had looked the last two weeks it made me worry.


I watched Saturday the Houston Texans make an incredible comeback and win in OT and then Tennessee knocks out New England. Is this the weekend slanting to a Vikings win with the mentality of the Vikings vs the world?


The Vkings win the coin toss and how many times do we see the team defer to the 2^nd half well the Vikings shocked me and took the ball to start. I love this call on the road being a huge underdog. The way the first series started for the Vikings saw a nice run by Dalvin Cook but then the unthinkable catch by Adam Thielen and fumble only to see the Saints return and start at the Vikings 37. I believe a lot of big defensive series by the Vikings but maybe the biggest was holding the Saints to a Field Goal. What a win for the Vikings defense.


I thought the Vikings offensive line played their worst game at home vs the Green Bay Packers but Sunday’s performance was simply awesome. The running game was awesome by Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison each gauging big runs but again can’t run without the blocking. I also thought the Vikings overall pas protection was unbelievable with a few exceptions. The first half Saints Cam Jordan was really a non-factor.


I am usually worried about Drew Brees but Sunday the player who succeeded too much was Tayson Hill who killed the Vikings defense alone which I can’t believe as Brees had historical low first half.

The Saints go up 10-3 but the Vikings come back to get a Field goal which to me is huge getting any points on the hostile environment.


The Vikings and Dalvin Cook drive and get the most important touchdown of the season putting the purple up 13-10. I had mentioned earlier the defense coming up with an early big stop well this time Saints kicker, Will Lutz misses a field goal wide right giving the Vikings a huge break as it could have been 13-13 at halftime.


The Vikings come out and stop the Saints and take the ball and drive going up 20-10. I am feeling better but by no means comfortable as I have been a fan so long and know my heart can be ripped but I must believe. 


The defense was short both Mackenzie Alexander and Mike Hughes coming in which gave me extreme stress as I feared the Saints will open it up throwing left and right and I knew the Vikings defensive line had to play of their lives. I could not be happier with the effort as I saw Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen both played a monster game.


Drew Brees had not fumbled all year until long armed Hunter knocks the ball free and the Vikings recover. Is this a sign the upset is going to happen? The Saints only had 8 turnovers on the year and the Vikings force two with the first half interception by Anthony Harris and then the fumble.

I still can’t believe as I type this just how good the Vikings did look most if not all of the game. The running game, the passing game and pass rush were incredible.


There was so much I loved but players concerned me and that was Stefon Diggs and his tantrums and Xavier Rhodes blowing up on the sideline after getting burned badly on a touchdown.

Diggs in an incredible athlete and love his catches and Rhodes played as good as I have seen in quite a while but we obviously do not need this especially in crunch time.


The fourth quarter is as much as my heart can take as I turn 55 on January 13^th but when it’s 20-17 and Drew Brees decided to get hot and there they go to get a regulation ending field goal sending the game to Overtime.


The Saints big three, Brees, Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas were all non-factors in my opinion for much of the game making me still continue to wonder if this would be the upset of the new decade.


I do look back and wonder about the Saints clock management and the end of regulation not using a timeout nut instead a 10 second run off they were ok with. I am in shock sitting on my couch feeling the worst is to happen but we survived and the field goal ties it


It was 2009-10 I was at the Saints-Vikings NFC Championship and overtime it went. I remember watching the Saints win the coin toss and taking it for the game winning field goal. It was the next year the rule was changed and both teams get the ball unless the first drive ends in a touchdown.

The Vikings Everson Griffen calls heads on the coin toss and here we go a Vikings touchdown and it’s over.


My hands always sweat game but this overtime I could have wrung my hands out. What a drive including a play call that shocked the heck out of me. I see Kirk Cousins drop back and throw it deep and see Thielen make an unreal over the shoulder catch and off my couch I came screaming, “He caught it.” I still can’t believe a pass play was called.


The Vikings are on the two and my heart is beating out of my body and then I see two runs to the left by Dalvin. Its 3^rd and goal and I see Kyle Rudolph up on top one on one I prayed to myself to please throw it up Cousins because Rudolph will not be denied.


Boom game over and the Vikings match out of New Orleans with their first ever overtime win in playoff history.


I am still shocked an offensive genius, Sean Payton looked like he was in shock most of the game with the game plan Coach Zimmer came up with. I have been so critical of no adjustments well Sunday was a game of adjustments.


Thank you for reading

Purplestick