Archive for Minnesota Vikings
McNabb Decision Looms Large for Eagles
Posted by: | CommentsWhat’s in store for Donovan McNabb? That seems to be the question that everyone wants to know the answer to. Recently, there has been much talk over the Philadelphia Eagles taking trade offers for star quarterback. This isn’t the first time the Eagles have had to consider the future of their QB: except this time, talks seem to be a lot more serious. Here are some reasons why the Eagles may trade McNabb:
Free Agency – At the end of the 2010 NFL season, all three of the Eagles’ quarterbacks will become free agents. The team cannot possibly satisfy the needs of all three: McNabb, Kevin Kolb, and Michael Vick. This poses a big threat to Kolb, a young quarterback who many Philadelphia fans see as the future of their franchise. The Eagles will have to make a decision between him and McNabb pretty soon.
Roster Bonus – Donovan McNabb’s contract certainly plays a role in talks of a trade. He only has one year left on his contract; like many teams who don’t have much of an interest in resigning their players, they’d like to trade them before the contract is up in order to receive something in return. Another huge factor is Donovan’s roster bonus of $6.2 million, which is due on May 5 if he is still an Eagle. In other words, if the Eagles can’t deal McNabb by May 5, 2010, they will owe him $3.5 million guaranteed from his contract, plus the $6.2 from his roster bonus. So if Philadelphia doesn’t find a way to trade him by Cinco de Mayo, we can be always assured that he will stay an Eagle, at least for another year.
Choking – Many Eagles fans, including myself, have severely criticized McNabb for not being able to win the big game. He has taken the Eagles to many winning seasons and playoff appearances, but in his 11-year career has not brought Philadelphia a Super Bowl victory. One of the turning points in this theory that he cannot and will not win the big game was when McNabb threw up in the huddle of Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005. McNabb threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns that game, but also threw three interceptions and the Eagles ended up losing to the New England Patriots, 24-21.
So now the question becomes: if McNabb is traded, when and where will he go?
Well, it is possible that we could see a deal for McNabb happen all the way into the end of April, at the 2010 NFL Draft. The Eagles have said they want a top 42 pick in the package for McNabb. No offers have been very serious at this point, but as May 5 approaches closer and closer, we should see even more details emerge.
Who is in the hunt for Donovan? Here’s a look at the main candidates.
Oakland Raiders – The Raiders, who seemed fixated with developing Jamarcus Russell into their star quarterback, may have had enough. Russell has not turned out to be the player that everyone hoped for, and Oakland’s passing game has been among the worst in the NFL over the past couple of years. As of today, they go into the 2010 NFL season with Russell, Charlie Frye, and Bruce Gradkowski as their three QBs. Those aren’t exactly the kind of guys you look for when trying to build your franchise back up. The Raiders also have two picks in the upcoming draft within the top 42 picks, and have even made it clear they are willing to part with cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha in the bid for McNabb.
St. Louis Rams – Back in February, the Rams were one of the first teams to talk to the Eagles regarding trades for their quarterbacks (including McNabb). The Rams also have the 1st pick in the upcoming draft, so they may look to draft Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford. However, if they decide not to, they could make a run for McNabb because they too haven’t quite found their guy at QB.
Buffalo Bills – The Bills are another team that fits the criteria of needing a great quarterback and having a couple of top 42 picks to give up for McNabb. They have expressed some interest in McNabb lately, however they are a little cautious about it because he is due $11 million in 2010, and is 33 years old. They aren’t sure about spending all that money for one season, and if they are going to give him a contract extension to a long-term deal, they don’t feel that would be the best since McNabb turns 34 this season.
Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings are most likely not a big candidate to land Donovan McNabb. Brett Favre has not officially stated whether or not he is coming back to play again in 2010, but if he decides to retire, that could open up the door. Donovan expressed interest in going to Minnesota earlier in the week, even though the Eagles have said that they don’t really care what McNabb wants.
This McNabb deal may be a little more complicated than people are shooting for it to be, but in my opinion, I think that the Eagles would be doing the right thing if they trade him. A lot of young quarterbacks have become stars in the NFL after taking over for a veteran QB who has been released, traded, or injured (i.e. Phillip Rivers, Tony Romo, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers). I think it’s time for Philadelphia to move on and try Kevin Kolb on the last year of his contract. At the end of the year, if the Eagles don’t see him as the player they hoped he would become, then they can move on again. Who knows, maybe that could mean Michael Vick’s time to return to being a starter.
Richie Sliwinski, 14, is a young card collector who enjoys playing, watching, and talking about sports, hanging out with friends, going on the computer . . . and of course, collecting cards! He has been featured in Beckett Sports Card Monthly, Sports Illustrated for Kids, and was a kid blogger for Upper Deck Kids.
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Overtime Rules Change For NFL Playoffs
Posted by: | CommentsI remember watching the NFL championship game at the end of last season, and being less than thrilled that the high powered offense of the Vikings never made it onto the field during overtime. After Favre threw the pick to end regulation, the Saints took the overtime kickoff and marched deep into Vikings territory to kick a field goal and end the game. One of the best offenses in the league didn’t even get a shot to secure themselves a trip to Miami, and a lot of fans were angry. Since the game highlighted a trend in overtime wins for teams that only manage a field goal, the NFL competition committee set out to change the rules for the upcoming year’s playoffs.
On Tuesday, the NFL announced that the new rules had been adopted, and I took it as a potential game-changer come playoff time. Basically, if a playoff game ends in a tie, the coin toss will happen as usual. If the receiving team scores a touchdown in any way, the game is over – sudden death style. If the receiving team only kicks a field goal, the other team will have a shot to get on the field and score. The rules are only in effect for the playoffs, and regular season games are still subject to similar rules.
Despite the fact that the Vikings could have benefitted from this rule, they were actually one of four teams to vote against the measure. As a reason for voting against the change, the teams cited equality of wins from teams who took the kickoff to start the extra frame. What many failed to see was that for all games, the 50/50 split of winners is correct, but not since the kickoffs were moved back. Since teams began kicking from the 30, more than 55% of winning teams took the overtime kickoff. This also may be a result of more accurate kickers and better players on offense, but the fact still remains that the overtime rules favored the team who gets the ball. Thanks to the new rule change, there is a failsafe.
Is it a sure thing that the Vikings would have gotten to Miami had the rules been different? Not at all, but they would have at least had a chance. I think the new rules should support more balanced ends to the games that count, although I believe they should have taken it much further. With such a short season, I think it should have been adopted league wide to prevent cheaper wins than the new rules allow. I also think they should eventually move closer to the way college football does it, to promote equal chances that are not based on a random flip of a coin.
Overall, rule changes are always polarizing, especially in some sports. This particular rule should not affect many games, but when it does, I have a feeling the fans will get exactly what they want.
Adam Gellman runs the collecting blog Sports Cards Uncensored, and has been a collector of all things sports for over 15 years. To see more of his work, visit www.sportscardsuncensored.com (warning: strong language!).
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2009 Exquisite Collection Football Packout
Posted by: | CommentsWhen it comes to quality, Upper Deck Exquisite is definitely the standard bearer for the trading card industry. Collectors treasure the top pulls from these sets, and values of the cards reflect those demands. Aside from all that, they just look fantastic.
We’re packing out 2009 Exquisite Collection Football at this very moment, and gave our team a camera to upload images of some of the best pulls as we go. If you’re not following us on Twitter or a fan of Upper Deck on Facebook, here’s an example of what you’ve been missing:
Join us on Twitter and Facebook to see these as they’re revealed for the first time, packed and sent on their way to collectors!
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What’s Next for The Vikings and Favre?
Posted by: | CommentsThe epic run of Brett Favre started in August and ended in disappointment during Championship Weekend. Although Favre was brought in by the Vikings to get to and win the Super Bowl, the team only reached as far as they did thanks to his leadership. Whether it was the amazing finish to the week three match-up with San Fransisco, or the divisional round stomping of the hottest team in the NFL, Favre accomplished everything BUT reaching the actual Super Bowl. He may not have ended his last game on top, but he is going out with a bang like no 40-year old player ever has.
Now, the retirement dance begins again, as it has for the last three years. However, unlike previous years, coach Brad Childress is not worried. Favre may have said that his return is “highly unlikely,” but from him, that statement basically means maybe. It’s tough to think that he wouldn’t try at least one more time, given the success he had in Minnesota this year, especially with the Vikings not being shy about telling the press they are happy to have him back.
It’s also hard to believe that a competitor like Favre would want to end his career after one of the craziest games he has ever played. Fumbles galore, interceptions, and a horrible decision late in the game brought the Vikings’ season to an end, something many detractors had been predicting since the preseason. The blame may lie squarely on Favre’s shoulders for the last drive, but it wasn’t like Peterson, Harvin, and Berrian didn’t also contribute to the loss with their comedy of errors.
That game may have been the second overtime championship loss for the Vikings in the last 3 tries, but it was far different from the 1998 loss to the Falcons that crushed my dreams as kid. This time, the Purple were away at a stadium booming with noise and not favored to win, unlike the previous team that lost at home while being favored by a touchdown. The 2009 team fumbled their way to a loss that should have been a win if played mistake free; the 1998 team blew it on a missed kick by a perfect kicker.
Don’t get me wrong – the Vikings have the tools and the resources to get back to the NFC Championship next year, with or without Favre. Backup QB Tarvaris Jackson has shown in minimal time on the field that he has improved enough to be considered for the starting job should Favre not come back, and the draft is ripe with promising QBs to build on for the future. The Vikings are still without a franchise player in that respect, but they may not need one if Adrian Peterson, Sidney Rice, and Percy Harvin continue to play at an elite level.
I also don’t want to discount a Saints team who looked to be in Super Bowl form during the game. The defense played like vultures, circling the Vikings players looking for places to punch the ball out. Tracy Porter and company also did their job in the secondary, playing a great game against a Pro-Bowl level receiving corps. Drew Brees has grown into a player on the same level as Brett Favre in his prime, tearing up a Vikings secondary that wasn’t able to stop his huge plays.
Lastly, as a Vikings fan, it’s just another disappointment to add to the list of horrible breaks that never seem to go our way in the playoffs. I was on cloud nine for almost the entire season and look to be back there come 2010. With the salary cap lifted due to issues with the collective bargaining agreement, hopefully the Vikings can find a way to stack the deck even more in their favor. They have a few players that may not be joining them for the ride in Favre, Pat Williams, and Cedric Griffin, but those holes can be filled from their deep bench and a loaded 2010 draft.
Brett Favre may have only played one year for the Vikings, but it was one for the books, and I am satisfied with the whole result despite the individual let-downs. I will wait patiently to see what he decides and will be raring to go regardless of his decision. The Vikings will bounce back, and I will be there with horns on.
Adam Gellman runs the collecting blog Sports Cards Uncensored, and has been a collector of all things sports for over 15 years. To see more of his work, visit www.sportscardsuncensored.com (warning: strong language!)
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NFL Conference Championship Round Preview
Posted by: | CommentsWow, what a week of playoff football! We saw total blowouts from the Saints, Vikings, and Colts, and then another upset from the Cinderella New York Jets team. As the 2009 NFL season heads into conference championship weekend, let’s take a closer look at this week’s games, as well as the always-fun-to-watch Pro Bowl:
2010 AFC Championship Game
New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts
Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010 3:00 PM EST
On paper this looks nothing like a conference championship game. When the Colts and Jets met in Week 16, the Colts were 14-0 and the Jets were a mediocre 7-7 looking for a chance at making it to the postseason. The Jets ended up having an easy pass into the playoffs thanks to the Colts benching their starters, and the Bengals’ disgraceful performance in Week 17. To prove the Jets’ 37-0 beating of the Bengals was no fluke, they came back in the first round of the playoffs to beat them again, 24-14, thanks to two rookies: Mark Sanchez and Shonn Greene. Then last week, they held on against the Chargers, 17-14, and again Shonn Greene was key in grinding out the game.
This week’s matchup pits a team of rookies versus a team of seasoned veterans. Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne have been working it together for nine years now, and they’ve brought the Colts a Super Bowl title and a plethora of playoff appearances. As I mentioned earlier, two of the Jets key offensive players are rookies; Sanchez hasn’t been asked to do much all season and the team has relied on their running attack, powered by Greene and Thomas Jones. The Jets do have the number one defense in the NFL, which could play a factor in this game as they try and stop the 4-time MVP quarterback Manning from taking the 15-1 Colts to another Super Bowl. However, I think the Colts will be too much for the rookie quarterback to handle, and Peyton Manning will step up his game, finding a way past the dominance of Darrelle Revis and the Jets defense. In the end, it looks like the Cinderellas of the 2009 NFL playoffs won’t be able to beat Indianapolis again, and the Colts will win 20-10.
2010 NFC Championship Game
Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints
Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010 6:40 PM EST
This game should certainly be another offensive battle in the NFC. The Saints, who arguably have the best offense in the NFL, led the league in yards per game and points per game throughout the regular season. Drew Brees might be the best quarterback in the NFL right now, and they showed all their weapons against the Arizona Cardinals last week. The Saints aren’t known for having a great defense, but they were still able to blowout Arizona. I think New Orleans, if they can get a hot start, will keep streaking like they did last week and win the game.
On the other hand, the Minnesota Vikings have quite a few weapons of their own. They are led by future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre and hot-shot running back Adrian Peterson. Minnesota also has nine Pro Bowlers this year, including two starting offensive lineman, wide receiver Sidney Rice, Favre, and Peterson. They also have a solid defense, led by All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen. This team is loaded with talent, and should not disappoint this week in the Big Easy. As tough as this game should be, I see Brett Favre leading his team to a Super Bowl. Vikings win 31-24.
2010 NFL Pro Bowl Game
AFC vs. NFC
Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010 7:20 PM EST
Before the game even starts, it is already making history. For the first time ever, the Pro Bowl will be played before the Super Bowl! Personally I liked the game better when it was after the Super Bowl, but at least now you don’t have to go a week without football anymore. It is also being played in Florida this year instead of Hawaii, a move I don’t like. Hawaii doesn’t have a professional football team, so when the Pro Bowl comes along, all the fans on the little islands in the Pacific Ocean finally get to enjoy a game, and a special one. But it is what it is, and the game will stay on the mainland.
Anyway, this game should also be interesting to watch. But when I look at these rosters though I think one thing: AFC! The AFC looks very strong this year with studs like Peyton Manning, Chris Johnson, and Andre Johnson leading the offense. Their defense is also very strong with sack-king Elvis Dumervil and other stars such as James Harrison, Ray Lewis, Darrelle Revis, and Dwight Freeney. Expect a lot of pressure on the NFC quarterbacks and even a few sacks. I think the NFC has another very strong defense with Darren Sharper, Charles Woodson, and Asante Samuel manning the secondary. Patrick Willis, DeMarcus Ware, and Jared Allen should act as a wall to many of the AFC’s moves, too. Since there is so much talent in these all-star games, it is very tough to predict, but I’d have to give my edge to the AFC, 27-24.
Good luck to all the teams you guys are rooting for and feel free to leave your feedback on who you think will go dancing into the Big Game.
R.I.P. Gaines Adams (1983-2010)
-Rich
Richie Sliwinski, 14, is a young card collector who enjoys playing, watching, and talking about sports, hanging out with friends, going on the computer . . . and of course, collecting cards! He has been featured in Beckett Sports Card Monthly, Sports Illustrated for Kids, and was a kid blogger for Upper Deck Kids.
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