A big thanks to you too Joel. Without Rusty and yourself, we would
be a ship without a sail. It is always sad when the season comes to
a close, and even sadder seeing the naysayers come right to the board
to declare how much the Vikings suck. I need to take a few days
before I can read anything from the Buffster because it is like
adding salt to an open wound.

Here is my take on the last game. The Eagles had a game plan to stop
our run, and they did. They lost Peterson twice, but mostly we were
3 and 7+ most of the game. The blitzing was too much for our O-Line
and that made it bad for Tarvaris to find time for an open receiver.
The Eagles showed why they are one of the best defenses in the
league, and we just don't have the game planning coaches to keep them
on their toes. We made 2 huge mistakes, the INT for a TD and the
screen pass to Westbrook and if we were able to avoid those 2 plays
we could've won. Our Punt return coverage sucked again and gave them
3 field goals in the 1st half. Yes, Tarvaris looked like a rookie
out there, but not many QBs have looked good against the Eagles this
year. Romo, Eli both struggled recently against them and to put all
the blame on Jackson is downright stupid. He wasn't good by no
means, but a lot of what the Eagles did and what we didn't led to a
bad game. The game planning is bad with no adjustments in the 2nd
half. You can't win when the coaches don't know how to change with
the game.

Tarvaris is still learning, and it was nice to see him garner the
experience and I (Yes it is true Buffster) want to see him back as
the starter next year. Cassell is out unless we trade for him, and
he could be a flash in a pan. I doubt that McNabb will be treated
since he is under contract for 2010, so their isn't anyone other than
possibly Garcia that we should consider.

We need to improve the right side of our O-Line, that is the biggest
issue. Joel has a few good points with our WRs. We just don't have
really good wideouts, and once again we will be looking to improve
here. Seems like this might be a yearly problem. Berrian is good,
but not worth that money. Wade is a bust at the price we shelled
out. Rice is a huge disappointment and the rest are virtually
invisible. Shiancoe was the most improved player on Offense.

We could lose Frazier and that could crush us, but Dunbar might be
ready to succeed him if given the shot and the transition might be
smoother than it would be with a new face in the Def Coordinator
spot. I think what happens with Frazier will make or break our
defense next year. Our Defense looks pretty strong regardless, but
we still could use a replacement to Sharper and more ways to bring
Robison onto the field.

Our defense might lose the Williams brothers early if they get any
type of suspension which could put us in a deep hole real fast. It
will be interesting to see if this is concluded by the time the
scheduling is done. Will the NFL take the court case out on the
Vikings and schedule tough matchups early on? Remember we get the
1st place teams next year...Here is the 2009 schedule: Chicago (2),
Detroit (2), Green Bay (2), at Arizona, at St. Louis, vs. San
Francisco, vs. Seattle, vs. Baltimore, vs. Cincinnati, at Cleveland,
at Pittsburgh, at Carolina, vs Giants. The schedule isn't that bad
with some of the worst teams in the league, but the NFL could stick
Pittsburgh, Giants, Carolina and/or Baltimore at the front of the
schedule just to show who the boss is in hopes the Williamses will be
suspended in some form.

I will be back to Tortoise & Hare for our annual April NFL draft
party just to get a taste of next year, but until then I am hopeful
as always. SKOL VIKES!



--- In novavikes@yahoogroups.com, "Joel Robertson" <jrobert915@...>
wrote:
>
> Thank You!! to everyone who watched the games at T&H this year. We
had
> exceptional crowds all year long! Most games we had over 100
Vikings
> fans in the place. You are the best fans! Thanks to Eric and
Brian
> and all the staff at Tortise and Hare. Thanks to Rusty and Al for
all
> of their help.
>
> The Vikes made a few strides this year, but still have a long way
to
> go. The Defense is headed towards a top 5 ranking next season.
Allen,
> Williams brothers Edwards Robison and Evans make up a nice
rotation,
> some depth is needed at both DT and DE. The linebackers are solid,
EJ
> coming back will help. Greenway close to Pro-Bowl caliber and Leber
> very consistant and versitle. Hopefully Farwell is back for special
> teams. The DB's are a good group. It'sll be interesting to see if
> Sharper is back. I thought he had a sub-par season for him.
Winfield
> and Griffen solid, Griffen much better after Madieu was
back..Johnson
> should be much better next year.
>
>
> The offense is another matter. Peterson is a beast,but he does
take
> a beating. Taylor is awesome and would start for 70% of the rest
of
> the teams in the NFL. TJ improved but still has a long way to go.
> Free Agents and Draft very thin at QB this year... If I were to bet
I'd
> say Vikes stick with TJ (sorry buffster). The offensive line is
> overrated and needs to improve, espescially RT, and will Birk be
back?
> Shancoe showed he could be a good TE, hopefully he continues to get
> better. Wade and Rice not Physical or fast enough. Berrian played
> reasonably well, but needs to be used for more than slants outs and
go
> routs. Allison???
>
> Special teams Longwell great. Kluwe very good with the exception of
the
> Saints and Eagles game. Return game average at best. Coverage
sucked
> all year long. Need better return man for Kicks and Punts..Renaud
may
> be a possibility, but other than that find someone new...
>
> So another long offseason and a "wait til next year" for the Viking
> faithful. The good news is it looks like the Vikes are improving,
and
> headed in the right direction.
>
> Hopefully we can keep some chatter on the board this offseason.
>
>
> Thanks again to everyone!!
> See ya for the draft in April
>
> Joel
>