Vikings stadium approved. Now what?

Pioneer Press
"State and local funding for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium has been approved on paper. Now, the work begins.
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak said one of the first steps will be the creation of an implementation committee to examine key details of the stadium plan, such as local hiring for construction jobs and ways to connect the stadium to the West Bank and the surrounding community.
The stadium legislation requires the creation of a five-member sports facility authority, with two members chosen by the mayor and three chosen by the governor's office. Rybak's spokesman, John Stiles, said those members will be picked within the next two weeks.
Jeff Anderson, a spokesman for the Vikings, said he envisioned architectural design and planning for a new stadium would take 10 months to a year. A construction firm would be hired through a public process. Crews could break ground on a stadium next spring.
"We've been anxiously awaiting this vote for a couple of weeks," Anderson said.
Minneapolis City Council member Elizabeth Glidden said many hope to see the sports facility authority evolve into a regional body, scheduling concerts and conventions at the stadium, the Minneapolis Convention Center, the Target Center and perhaps even the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. "

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Peterson officially out for Sunday's game

 November 26  Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Adrian Peterson won't play against the Falcons on Sunday. His status on the injury report was changed from doubtful to out this morning before the team left for Atlanta.
Peterson has a high ankle sprain suffered on his left leg against the Raiders last Sunday at the Metrodome.
The Vikings also activated tight end Allen Reisner from the practice squad and waived receiver Stephen Burton to make room for Reisner."

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Ponder will start the rest of the season

 October 19, 2011  Star Tribune

"It's a done deal. And permanent too. That's the hope at Winter Park anyway.
On Wednesday morning, Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier stopped delaying the inevitable and made the official declaration. Rookie Christian Ponder is now the starting quarterback. And barring injury or some other unforeseen circumstance, Ponder will start the team's final 10 games.
The first start comes Sunday versus the undefeated Packers at Mall of America Field.
"This does not mean that I am giving up on the 2011 season or that our coaching staff if giving up on the 2011 season," Frazier said. "The decision was made purely on what will gives us the best chance to win on Sunday. That's why the decision was made. I didn't feel or sense that staying status quo was going to get us a win on Sunday. Based on that, along with some other things that I looked at, I decided this was the direction we needed to go at this point in our season."
Realistically, it's far too late for Ponder to revive a 2011 season that has the Vikings at 1-5 and ahead of only the Rams in the NFC standings. But it's certainly not too early to start getting the 23-year-old some much-needed game experience. And while Frazier insisted repeatedly Wednesday that he promoted Ponder over Donovan McNabb to give the Vikings the best chance at winning Sunday's home game with Green Bay, there's far greater long-term value for the franchise in making the switch now.
"There's no question that the fact that he'll get a chance to start playing in Week 7 of our season, it should help him in the future," Frazier said. "But that was not a part of my thinking."

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Christian Ponder's sports agency: Vikings' rookie QB will start against Packers

October 18  St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Minnesota Vikings first-round draft pick Christian Ponder will start at quarterback against the Green Bay Packers Sunday at the Metrodome, according to his sports agency. Sports Trust Advisors, which represents Ponder, tweeted the news this afternoon: "Congrats to #Vikings client @cponder7 for earning the start for next week's game." Ponder, who was the 12th overall pick in the draft, completed 9 of 17 passes for 99 yards during the fourth quarter of Sunday's 39-10 loss to the Chicago Bears. Ponder takes over for Donovan McNabb, who was 19 of 24 for 177 yards against the Bears. For the season, McNabb is 94 of 156 for 1,026 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions. Fading fast at"

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Vikings coach Leslie Frazier says he stands by Donovan McNabb as starting quarterback

September 26 - St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Three games into Donovan McNabb's tenure with the Vikings, he remains winless and coach Leslie Frazier is being asked whether he has considered benching the veteran quarterback.
Frazier dismissed a postgame question about McNabb's status as the starter, with first-round pick Christian Ponder waiting on the sidelines, after Minnesota's 26-23 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions, which dropped the Vikings to 0-3 on the season.
"I don't think the quarterback position is our problem right now," Frazier said. "No. We're not thinking about anything at the quarterback position."
McNabb completed a season-high 22 passes and discovered some chemistry with receiver Michael Jenkins, who caught nine balls for 88 yards. He finally connected with tight end Visanthe Shiancoe for an 8-yard touchdown strike to give the Vikings a 20-0 halftime lead.
But McNabb finished with only 211 yards and misfired badly on several attempts - imprecision coming under greater scrutiny."

Full Article Here

Expect More Playing Time For Kyle Rudolph

The Vikings second round draft pick Kyle Rudolf should expect more playing time earlier in the regular season than anticipated.  With Visanthe Shaincoe nursing a pulled hamstring  that has kept him out of the first two preseason games, the Vikings will be counting on Rudolph to pick up the offensive slack that is left void without Shaincoe on the field.  Shaincoe tweeked his hamstring early on in training camp and has since been scratched in the Vikings home opening pre-season game against the Cowboys.  The goal of keeping Shaincoe out of the first three preseason games, and probably the fourth and final preseason game, is that so Shaincoe is ready to suit up for the first regular season game. 

Most player’s young and old don’t bounce back quickly from hamstring problems and with Shaincoe being 31 years old it’s especially important that he doesn’t come back too soon.  If Shaincoe comes back too soon, or plays too much too soon, and pulls his hamstring again he could easily miss 3 to 4 games, or more.  So while Shaincoe will probably be good to go for the first regular season game, look for Rudolph to be getting more reps than earlier anticipated. 

Rudolf will do alright in his place.  Although Rudolf isn’t known as a great blocking Tight End, he does have speed, size and great hands.  These skills should keep opposing defensive linebackers honest in respect to their preference to zone in on Peterson and give McNabb a big target to throw at in Rudolph.  Rudolph has caught four passes earning him 32 yards thus far in his first two preseason NFL games.  

Ponder sees more, learns more - 08-22-2011

“The education of Christian Ponder continued Saturday night in Seattle.

Playing with the second-team offense, the rookie quarterback completed six of 12 passes for 63 yards during a stint that began in the second quarter and ended after the third.

"I think so," Ponder said when asked if things went a little more smoothly for him Saturday than in his preseason debut the previous week at Tennessee. "Got a chance to do two-minute stuff and got to [be] put in different situations, which is good. Got in with the twos, and I think they still had their one defense out there. So I thought it was OK. Could have made some more plays but played pretty well."

Ponder actually had better stats against the Titans, completing eight of 13 passes for 84 yards. But in that instance he replaced Joe Webb at quarterback and was with the third team going against a third-team defense.

"I think the biggest thing has been getting used to the speed of the game and on top of that learning this offense and building team chemistry," said Ponder, the 12th pick in the April draft. "I think the biggest adjustment is the windows aren't as open as they were in college, and you have to make the reads a lot faster and get the ball [out] a lot quicker than last year. It's an adjustment, and I'm part of that learning curve right now but it's been fun.””

Star Tribune - August 22

Bryant McKinnie was a waist of talent - 08-03-2011

"Bryant McKinnie ate himself off the team.
He showed up at training camp fat and out of shape and looked like Jabba the Hutt in a No. 74 jersey.
Apparently, playing on the Vikings' offensive line was less important to McKinnie than grazing at a buffet line.
So the Vikings cut him just one day after signing another left tackle, Charlie Johnson, who protected Peyton Manning's blind side the past couple of seasons.
If McKinnie had turned more of a blind eye to food and did some conditioning during the offseason, he likely would be a Viking. But based on his frequent Twitter posts chronicling his whereabouts, McKinnie was more inclined to go clubbing along Miami's South Beach and working on a music career.
McKinnie isn't a bad guy. Truth is, he comes off like a fun-loving kid. Trouble is, he liked fun and food more than playing football with the Vikings.
Of course, the Vikings didn't have to release him. They could have made him try working off the tonnage, and maybe that's what Brad Childress would have done. But it was a smart move by Leslie Frazier to unload the load. It sends a message to everyone on the team that Frazier expects players to be accountable for their actions and their weight, and he won't tolerate conditioning scofflaws. "

8-3-11 St. Paul Pioneer Press columnist Bob Sansevere

ESPN - Vikings In Talks With Donovan McNabb

With the NFL lockout now over there is chatter coming from ESPN that the Minnesota Vikings are in talks with Redskins quarterback,  Donovan McNabb. The Vikings are reportedly in serious talks with the Redskins trying to work a deal to bring the veteran quarterback to Minnesota for the 2011 - 2012 season.  McNabb turns 35 this November and was benched twice last season by the Washington Redskins in their 6-10 season.  Most would agree that McNabb still has a year or two of good football left in him.

Is this a good indication that Frazier will definitely bring in a veteran quarterback this year?

If the Vikes bring in McNabb is he the right fit to mentor Christian Ponder and Joe Webb, or does he simply give the Vikings their best chance to win this year and at the same time giving the young quarterbacks time to learn?

NFL Tickets

Minnesota Vikings Tickets

Vikings will offer refund with interest if games are cancelled

Zygi Wilf and his brother Mark have sent a letter to season ticket holders of the Minnesota Vikings and the club will offer interest on refunds if the NFL’s work stoppage causes games to be cancelled this season.
Fans can choose to have a refund or have money applied to future games. In the event they request a refund, interest calculated at an annual rate of 1 percent will be paid. The interest will be calculated from the date a game is cancelled through the date which a refund is processed, so we’re talking about small change here. Still, it’s the right gesture for the organization to make, especially for an organization desperately seeking funding for a new stadium.

It’s a critical time for the Vikings. New coach Leslie Frazier is in the process of trying to reshape one of the oldest rosters in the league. Minnesota doesn’t have a quarterback and trying to build a young team around a new and potentially young quarterback is challenging under normal circumstances.
“The Vikings ownership group, coaches and front office staff are working extremely hard this offseason to return the Minnesota Vikings to the top of the NFC North and compete for a Super Bowl, as well as build upon the pride and passion you have for this organization,” the letter states.
Here is a full look at the letter:
Dear Vikings Season Ticket Owners,

Due to the expiration of the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement and the breakdown in mediated negotiations between the National Football League and the players, it is the sincere commitment of the Minnesota Vikings to keep our most important stakeholders in this franchise, our Season Ticket Owners, as informed as possible throughout the process. We wanted to write to you today in an effort to keep you informed on how the expiration of the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement may impact the 2011 NFL season.

The NFL is working hard to reach a new agreement with the players' union, and we hope the negotiation process does not disrupt the 2011 season. In the event any games are cancelled, we want to remind you of the Vikings Season Ticket Owner refund policy for your 2011 season tickets. The specifics of the policy are as follows:

1. We will provide you with a full refund for any cancelled preseason or regular-season home games.

2. You may choose to receive your refund either in the form that you paid for your tickets (e.g., cash, credit card) or in the form of credits toward future games with this credit applied to your season ticket account.

3. Simple interest, calculated at an annual rate of 1%, will be paid on refunds. Interest will be calculated for the period beginning on the date that a game is cancelled through the date that the refund is processed. You will be entitled to interest only if you have paid for your season tickets in full by the final season ticket payment deadline of May 23, 2011.

4. For any cancelled games, refunds will be paid no later than 30 days after final determination of how many games will be played during the 2011 season.
5. You may also click here to review the Vikings Season Ticket Owner refund policy that accompanied your 2011 invoice.

The Vikings ownership group, coaches and front office staff are working extremely hard this offseason to return the Minnesota Vikings to the top of the NFC North and compete for a Super Bowl, as well as build upon the pride and passion you have for this organization. We greatly appreciate your support of the Minnesota Vikings and will continue to keep you informed of our plans for the 2011 season. If you have any questions about the refund policy, or any other matter, please feel free to contact the Vikings Ticket Office at (612) 33-VIKES. Also, please feel free to read a letter sent last night from NFL Commissioner Goodell to all NFL fans at vikings.com or follow the latest on the NFL labor situation at NFLLabor.com.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We look forward to helping the Minnesota Vikings return to the top of the NFC North and then achieving our ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl.
Sincerely,

Zygi and Mark Wilf

Article Via Yahoo Sports

Pat Williams May Return To Vikings

Pat Williams may still return to Vikings - 06-20-2011

"Vikings NT Pat Williams put the chances of him returning to the team at 50-50 after it appeared the two sides would part ways. Williams said he worked some things out with head coach Leslie Frazier during the window when the lockout briefly was lifted in late April, and the team still has a need at defensive tackle, so a reunion can't be ruled out completely."

Info. via prosportsdaily.com

Brett Favre: 'I can still throw the ball as well as I ever have'

Brett Favre: 'I can still throw the ball as - 06-15-2011

Brett Favre insists he can still sling the rock.
But the retired quarterback reiterated what we already know – he has no desire to put his body through the rigors of another NFL season.
Favre is holding a 7-on-7 passing camp at Southern Mississippi and the Biloxi Sun Herald caught up with him.
“I don’t want to put my body through that anymore,” Favre said. “I’ve been beat up enough.”

The 41-year-old Favre played his last game for the Minnesota Vikings last Dec. 20 when he was knocked out of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota following a sack by rookie Corey Wootton. One day, that will be a good trivia question for a bar bet. The game was moved to the college after the Metrodome roof collapsed.
But could he still play?
“I can still throw the ball as well as I ever have,” Favre said. “No question about that.”
Don’t expect another comeback.
** Article From NationFootballPost.com

Christian Ponder Review

1

12(12)

Christian Ponder

QB

Florida State

What he brings: Ponder has had problems staying healthy and there are concerns about his durability going forward, but he has had the opportunity to show his toughness and there is a lot to like about his willingness to play through pain. He doesn't have the strongest arm and will have some trouble driving the ball downfield, but he does an excellent job of anticipating and delivering the ball in stride on short-to-intermediate routes. He is also light on his feet and can buy time within the pocket. Video analysis: Todd McShay How he fits: One of the big questions regarding the Vikings was whether they would go the veteran QB route or bite the bullet and start over with a rookie -- and we still don't know the answer, despite this pick. Right now, with Tarvaris Jackson and Brett Favre gone and Joe Webb unproven this is an offense that simply can't line up at QB. Is Ponder the immediate answer? Will the Vikings still go out and try to get a veteran to bridge the gap? Bill Musgrave is the new coordinator and he will run a West Coast offense that emphasizes the run with Adrian Peterson and his philosophy will emphasize rollouts, bootlegs, half reads and play-action -- all things Ponder can do well.  ....................... Review Per Insider.Espn.Go.com

Who Did The Vikings Draft In 2011?

2011 MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT PICKS

RD	PK(OVR)	PLAYER	POS	SCHOOL
1	12(12)	C. Ponder	QB	Florida State
2	11(43)	K. Rudolph	TE	Notre Dame
4	9(106)	C. Ballard	DT	Iowa
5	8(139)	B. Burton	-	Utah
6	3(168)	D. Love	OT	Arkansas
6	5(170)	M. Raymond	-	South Florida
6	7(172)	B. Fusco	-	Slippery Rock
6	35(200)	R. Homan	-	Ohio State
7	12(215)	D. Reed	DE	Arizona
7	33(236)	S. Burton	WR	West Texas A&M

Christian Ponder Highlights

Vikings 2011 NFL Draft Pick Order - News & Rumors

Minnesota Vikings 2011 NFL Draft Pick Order

ROUND         PICK #
1                        12 
2                        43
3                        NA
4                        106
5                        139
5                        150
6                        172
7                        215
7                        236                        

Notes:  3 out of 4 Mock Drafts On NFL.Com/Draft/2011 Have The Vikings Taking Cameron Jordan With The 12th Pick In The First Round Of The 2011 Draft. Cameron Jordan Is A DE From The University Of California

Rumors: The Vikings May Trade Back In The 2011 Draft. Per StarTribune.com "Spielman: Vikings would consider trading back"

2011 Minnesota Vikings Unrestricted Free Agents

2011 Minnesota Vikings Unrestricted Free Agents

Ray Edwards
Brett Favre
Ben Leber
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Moats
Sidney Rice
Pat Williams
Patrick Ramsey
Hank Baskett
Frank Walker

Minnesota Vikings 2011 Needs

The Minnesota Vikings Need To Fill The Following Positions:

Quarterback - Starter Needed
Center - Starter Needed 
Defensive End - Starter Needed (signed Robinson.. but c'mon)
Defensive Tackle - Starter Needed
Outside Linebacker - Starter Needed
Strong Safety - Starter Needed
Free Safety  - Starter Needed

Positions That The Vikings Need To Add Depth:

Wide Receiver
Offensive Tackle
Offensive Guard
Kicker

Work begins to replace snow-damaged Metrodome roof

Vikings Linebacker Chad Greenway Signs One-Year Tender

The Vikings chose to put the "Franchise Tag" on Pro Bowl lineback Chad Greenway instead of Sidney Rice.  On March 1st, Greenway signed a one-year tender with the Mn Vikings and by doing so Greenway is guaranteed around $10 Million if there is a 2011 NFL season.  The Vikings' likely goal is to sign Greenway to a long term deal. We should expect to see Greenway's talents grow and mature further under the coaching of Hall Of Fame Lineback Mike Singletary.

The decision for the Vikings to put the franchise tag on Greenway rather than Sidney Rice was a decision that caused much grumbling among Vikings fans and long time Vikings ticket holders.  We all want Sidney Rice back, but with the Vikings young defense in 2011 Greenway's leadership will be priceless.

Either way it was a tough decision.  What if the Vikings fail to fill the quarterback position, chose to franchise Rice and loose Greenway to free agency?  Then, we would have a top paid receiver with nobody qualified to throw him the ball.  With the given circumstances, Greenway was the right choice for the Vikings.