The Vikings have lost six of the last seven games after a bye week. They’ve at least competed in those losses under this coaching regime, being outscored 52-39 in three post-bye games (1-2 record) coached by Zimmer. They’ll further test that poor trend on Sunday in Washington.
“I think people look too far into that stuff,” receiver Adam Thielen said. “We’re a totally different team this year than we have been in the past. I don’t think [previous losses] had anything to do with coming out of the bye week.”


http://www.startribune.com/don-t-call-th...455676633/

Cornerback Xavier Rhodes executed perfect press coverage on a reporter’s tossup question Monday about optimism and the 6-2 Vikings. The inquiry, not unlike an opposing receiver, was jammed at the line.
“Too early,” Rhodes said.
The Vikings returned from the bye week to ramp up preparations for Sunday’s game in Washington, where last year the Vikings’ stout defenders allowed 26 points and 388 yards in a loss. So until the Vikings shut down offenses in the NFC playoffs, Rhodes doesn’t want to hear superlatives like “elite” about their defense. They heard plenty of all-time great comparisons after last year’s 5-0 start, which ended in watching the Lions and Packers make the playoffs.
“We can say that when it’s Week 17, the season is over and we’re in the playoffs and we’re going for the Super Bowl,” Rhodes said. “That’s when we can say we’re an elite defense. Right now, we’re still just trying to establish ourselves.”
http://www.startribune.com/don-t-call-th...455676633/

No, Keenum hasn’t been perfect and occasionally reminds you of why he’s been a backup. But he also has made critical throws and played winning football, not just rode the coattails of a stifling defense, though Zimmer’s ferocious crew is capable of making every game winnable regardless of who is at quarterback.
Keenum provided a steady hand when the sky appeared to be falling on Winter Park again after Bradford’s knee failed him. The Vikings are riding a positive wave right now, which shouldn’t be taken for granted given the NFL’s unpredictable nature. So why disrupt that good vibe prematurely with a decision that can wait?
That doesn’t mean Keenum has a higher ceiling than Bridgewater, or should be considered a long-term answer. All things being equal, give me Bridgewater. But this isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison. It’s apples-to-uncertainty.
The long view shouldn’t be part of this discussion. Only the present.
The Vikings are 6-2, the offense is clicking, Keenum and his receivers have found chemistry and confidence inside the team is soaring. Let it play out and see where it goes.
If adversity hits and Keenum regresses, Plan B is an exciting option. Maybe even a better option. Nobody knows for sure, but Zimmer holds that card in his hands if and when that time comes.
http://www.startribune.com/there-s-no-re...455725703/

Maybe he never heard the story.... or saw the movie... 



https://youtu.be/7qnwxn1t5Ho 


(Okay, there is supposed to be a YouTube video there but it's not working for me today)

It doesn't end well Cam.

I've read this again and again periodically somewhere since Teddy came back to the team for practice:

Andrew Krammer‏ @Andrew_Krammer  5m5 minutes ago

One of my favorite sports movie moments is in Rocky III when his trainer Mickey is hanging out in small venues watching Clubber Lang crushing opponents even though his fighter defeated the unbeatable Apollo Creed and had multiple title defenses after that.

It's a very 'Head Coach' thing to do. And it's something I do every Sunday watching the Redzone.

Now don't get me wrong, the Skins are no Clubber Lang. And the Vikings aren't resting on their laurels ala Mr. Balboa. But I have some concerns.

First, that win in Seattle is better than anything the Vikings currently have on their resume. And it was on the road. In sloppy conditions. Missing what seemed like virtually their entire O-Line.

Second, that Defense has playmakers at all 3 levels in Kerrigan, Brown and Gordon.

Third, their ancillary weapons are finally starting to develop. The Skins and particularly Cousins really looked like they missed Garcon and Jackson early in the year and things got worse when Reed went down.

But Vernon Davis' ghost had his chains rattled and came back to life. Doctson, Grant and Pryor are starting to produce. That run game with Kelly as the hammer and Thompson as the home run threat including as a pass catcher can be dangerous.

Finally, Cousins is a legit Tier 2 QB. It's not always pretty, but he can get the job done.

Bottom line though is that they are missing a chunk of their O-Line and have a rash of injuries elsewhere. Washington will need to play a lot like Minnesota on Sunday; win the turnovers, field position and Special Teams game and not self-destruct with untimely penalties.

My key matchups are their #2 CB Breeland vs. Thielen or Diggs and Waynes vs. everyone. The team that gets the better CB play from that spot should have the upper hand. Honorable mention goes to Mac Ax against their shifty Slot WR Crowder.

And a few Wide Rights or Lefts from their FSU alum kicker wouldn't hurt either! Should be a great game.

so yes,   I was thinking about where things stand right now in the playoff picture and while we are all planning on winning the division so we really shouldnt be to concerned about not making it in... I think  home field will be huge this year if we really wanted to make a serious run at a Lombardi.   I know things will change a lot between now and January,  but we really should be looking at the likelihood of needing to win out to have a legit shot at home field the way the Iggles are playing.

I know that we have talked it to death about letting Case play until the wheels fall off,  but can we really afford a loss at this point,  let alone a loss within our conference?  

http://www.nfl.com/playoffs/playoff-picture


This has us currently as a 3 seed (although I am not sure how that is possible since they have nawlins as a 2 and we beat them head to head which is IIRC always the first tie breaker)  but we can easily see how congested it is right now. 

I think I am flipping again on who should start... I dont care how Case has done, if the coaches thing Teddy is the better option then they need to get him in there as soon as they think hes ready.

https://scout.com/nfl/vikings/Article/Mi...-110047971

Vikings Fan Experience in London – Should I stay or should I go
Our very own member Nichelle gives us a fantastic 26 page tour of her stay across the pond where she was able to see the Minnesota Vikings in action against the NFL Browns. Complete with pictures t…

Read the full story here

I mean, the dude is starting to lose it. The whole huddle was completely silent afterwards, lol....somebody please post it, its everywhere.