Tag Archives: Minnesota Vikings

Nov 15 2011

Noonan: The Pack Continue To Impress

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers picked up an impress victory on Monday against the Minnesota Vikings!

By Matt Noonan 

It’s official, Week 10 of the NFL season is in the books, and now, we’re left with seven significant weeks to go. It’s been a topsy-turvy season, but once it’s over, I’m expecting a few more surprises, as well as a title game that should certainly live up to its hype.

Of course, the front-runner at the moment is the Green Bay Packers, a team that has flattened their opponents, and made it look too darn easy. They have a quarterback by the name of Aaron Rodgers, who’s technically on pace to shatter Tom Brady’s record of 50 touchdowns, along with a group of “cheese-heads” that posses speed, endurance, quickness, as well as a defensive linebacker that needs a haircut, (sorry, Clay Matthews, but it’s the absolute truth).

The Packers are destined to win their remaining seven matchups, but against the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions, anything’s possible, right?

America won’t be too happy if this season’s Thanksgiving clash between Green Bay and Detroit doesn’t live up to its hype, especially since many thought both squads would enter Ford Field with undefeated records.

However, if the Packers finish the season undefeated, what’s their chances of winning the Super Bowl?

Well, again, they’re the number one squad in the NFC, and I doubt any team could truly challenge or beat them, but again, that’s just an educated guess. I’d presume New Orleans or San Francisco might have the best shot of dethroning the former NFC champs, but again, that’s just a thought.

I’d consider mentioning Chicago, Detroit, Dallas or New York as contenders, but I’m not entirely sure if any of those squads could play consistent football against Green Bay. Sure, they might pressure Rodgers or force the Packers to make a few mistakes, but in the end, Green Bay would most likely prevail.

No one probably assumed that the Packers, excluding themselves, would experience this much success. Green Bay has outscored their opponents this year by a score of 320-186, and leads the conference with 39 touchdowns. They’ve won seven conference matchups, two AFC meetings, three divisional contest, and five road games.

They’re also on pace to shatter Bill Belichick’s ’07 records, and become the second NFL team to cap off a season with no losses, (the Miami Dolphins in ’72 finished their season, 17-0, as well as beat the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII), but again, nothing is certain, especially in the NFL.

The Packers have been a great story, but what would make their magical season even more memorable would be winning Super Bowl XLVI, and stretching their current winning streak, which started on December 5, 2010 to 28 games.

Nov 15 2011

Daily Noontime – November 15, 2011

Don't expect anything drastic to occur for the NBA anytime soon!


Alright, it’s Tuesday, which means the current week is motoring along, right? Here’s the latest news, headlines and more! 

Headlines: 

* In case you haven’t heard, the NBA Players Association rejected the Owners proposal on Monday, which means the Lockout has shifted to a “nuclear winter,” according to commissioner David Stern.

* The Green Bay Packers pulverized the Minnesota Vikings on Monday evening, as well as earned their ninth win in a row.

* According to multiple sources, Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel have suffered serious injuries, and will most likely miss the remainder of the season.

* On Monday, the Philadelphia media confirmed that Eagles quarterback Michael Vick played Sunday with two broken ribs, and also hurt two more too.

* Former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky proclaimed on a recent NBC interview that he is innocent.

* Apparently Aaron Rodgers is on target to shatter Tom Brady‘s 50 TD record this season. Rodgers currently has 28 TDs, and certainly is on par to tie the record.

Games to Watch: 

* New Jersey at Boston (NHL) – 7:00pm eastern 

* Ottawa at Calgary (NHL) – 9:00pm eastern 

* No. 2 Kentucky at No. 11 Kansas (NCAA Basketball) – 9:00pm eastern 

Video of the Day: 

Wow! Here’s Aaron Rodgers talking after a community college football game! 

Oct 18 2011

Analyzing Three NFL QB Controversies

Can Tim Tebow save Denver's season? We'll find out on Sunday against Miami!

By Brian Willwerth 

We’re just past the one-month mark of the NFL season, and several teams are either changing their starting quarterbacks, or thinking about it.

Here’s a look at three such cases.

DENVER BRONCOS – It’s Tebow time, as the much-hyped QB will start for the Broncos on Sunday against the winless Dolphins in Miami. The fans have been screaming for Tim Tebow since day one. Kyle Orton was doomed from the start, and his performance against the Chargers, (6-of 13 for 34 yards) was the icing on the cake. Head coach John Fox had to do something to spark his team. Denver is ranked 27th in passing offense and 22nd in rushing. Tebow has the ability to improve both of those numbers. He’ll be returning to the state where he had so much success in college.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS – The Vikes are 1-4, and Donovan McNabb may have seen his last action for quite some time. He was benched in the second half of Sunday night’s blowout loss to the Bears in favor of rookie Christian Ponder. Of course, you can’t blame McNabb for letting Devin Hester do what he does best, and you can’t blame him for letting Jay Cutler light up the secondary. That said, Minnesota has already blown two big leads already this season vs. Tampa Bay and Detroit. Head coach Leslie Frazier is expected to decide Wednesday whether Ponder will make his first career start against the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS – Washington is over .500 [3-2] but when you have Rex Grossman on your team, well I think you know where I’m heading with this. After playing decent football through the first four weeks of the season, Grossman threw four interceptions in the loss to the Eagles – three of them to Philadelphia safety Kurt Coleman. Mike Shanahan benched Grossman in the second half in favor of John Beck. Will this be a permanent change? We’ll see who lines up under center on Sunday in Carolina.

Oct 11 2011

NFL Surprises and Disappointments Through Week Five

Did anyone really expect the Lions to be this good?

By Brian Willwerth 

We are just over a month into the 2011 NFL season. Most teams have played five games, while a few have played four due to byes.

Here’s a look at the biggest surprises – and disappointments – through the first month:

PLEASANT SURPRISES

DETROIT LIONS [5-0] – The Lions are THE story of the league right now. A lot of the so-called experts thought they’d be improved over last year, but this?  They’ve averaging over 31 points per game. Matthew Stafford has thrown 13 touchdowns and only four interceptions, while nine of those strikes have gone to Calvin Johnson. Their defense is middle-of-the-pack (12th), but the offense has more than made up for it. Detroit and Green Bay are the only two unbeatens remaining. Guess who the Lions host for their annual Thanksgiving game? Could both teams still be perfect on November 24th?

BUFFALO BILLS [4-1] – The AFC East is not a New England Patriots or New York Jets division anymore, at least for the moment. Buffalo is averaging over 32 points a game. The Bills have come back from huge second-half deficits twice to win, against Oakland and New England. Running back Fred Jackson is almost halfway to 1,000 yards already. This is a fun team to watch, but the question is can the Bills keep it up? We shall see.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS [4-1] – How about the job head coach Jim Harbaugh is doing out west? Behind a strong running attack led by Frank Gore, and a solid defense, San Francisco has an early two-game advantage in the NFC West. And based on how the competition has looked so far, the ‘Niners definitely have to be considered the favorites in that division right now. Next week, they go to Detroit.  Before the season began, who thought that would be the marquee game on the Week 6 schedule?

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES [1-4] – We can only imagine what sports radio must be like In Philly these days. The Phillies get knocked out of the playoffs in the first round, and now the Eagles have lost four straight after a season-opening win against the winless St. Louis Rams. There is a lot of talent on this team, but they’ve been doomed by mistakes. Quarterback Michael Vick has been picked off seven times and lost three fumbles, while head coach Andy Reid remains on the hot seat. He’s turned seasons around before, but this may be his biggest challenge yet.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS [1-4] – They finally broke into the win column last Sunday against Arizona, but it’s a rough opening act for the Vikes. They blew a 17-0 lead and lost to Tampa Bay. Then the next week, they blew a 20-0 lead against the Lions. Both of those games were at home. Adrian Peterson is just about halfway to 1,000 yards and has found the end zone six times, three of them coming against the Cardinals. Maybe he should be getting the ball more?

Sep 16 2011

Drew Bledsoe Highlights from WEEI’s Dennis & Callahan Morning Show

Drew Bledsoe joined WEEI's Dennis & Callahan Morning Show on Friday to discuss his career!

By Matt Noonan 

Former New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe joined WEEI’s Dennis & Callahan on Friday morning to talk about his career. Bledsoe will be honored on Saturday afternoon at Gillette Stadium, as one of the newest members of the Patriots Hall of Fame, along with center Jon Morris. Here are some highlights from the discussion.

* Bledsoe expressed his sincere enjoyment of being a member of the Patriots organization. He didn’t state anything negative, but admitted there were some teams that struggled compared to others, yet one of the finest moments he recalled was a game against the Minnesota Vikings in ’94. Against the “Purple People Eaters,” Bledsoe completed 45-of-70 passes for 426 yards, which helped the Patriots pull out an emotional overtime win.

* He’s certainly pleased about the recent success of the Patriots, as well as his former co-worker, Tom Brady. Although, Bledsoe admitted that he would have loved to have his job back in ’01, but again, he’s happy that his former team remains competitive and continues to be one of the marquee squads to watch every year.

* When asked about his current life in Oregon, Bledsoe commented by saying, he keeps busy doing a variety of things, such as working out, skiing, and spending time with his family. He’s currently involved in the wine business that he, as well as his childhood friend Chris Figgins launched in ’08.

* Throughout his career, Bledsoe sported the number 11 on his chest, which is now worn by wide receiver Julian Edelman. The former quarterback chuckled when asked about Edelman wearing his number, but stated, he’s holding up the legacy.  

* When asked about Tedy Bruschi’s comments toward Patriots wide receiver Chad Ochocino, Bledsoe commented by saying, “When you’re in it, your part of that thing – you don’t sit back and watch it.” Also, he stated Ochocinco shouldn’t be a fan, but instead, a football player.

* Finally, the conversation concluded with the former signal caller expressing his love for the late Myra Kraft, who past away this summer after her long battle with cancer. He said, “That woman was truly a unique person in the world.”

Sep 8 2011

NFL 2011: NFC North Predictions

Can Aaron Rodgers and his Green Bay Packers win another Super Bowl?

By Matt Noonan 

One of the toughest divisions in the NFL just got a tad bit better. In fact, all four teams will compete against one another, but when it’s all said and done, Chicago and Minnesota should rue the day, while Detroit leaps past them in the standings. Green Bay is most likely the favorite, however, any injuries or Super Bowl hangover could allow the Lions a chance to sneak into the top spot.

1.) Green Bay Packers [11-5] – It’s hard to think that the Packers won’t experience a “Super Bowl” hiccup, but then again, anything’s possible. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is primed to improve this year, as well as build off the success he experienced last year. The Packers also get a few key components back to their offense, tight end Jermichael Finley and running back Ryan Grant, who sustained serious season ending injuries last season. Expect the defense to ramp up their intensity, as well as support their offense too, especially if they’re in trouble, but all in all, the Packers are certainly a lock to make a run toward Super Bowl XLVI.

2.) Detroit Lions [9-7] – The key for the Lions is to remain healthy. Quarterback Matthew Stafford hasn’t finished an entire season, so here’s hope that he, as well as running back Jahvid Best can overcome any bumps and bruises this year. Also, expect their defense to provide loads of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, especially defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

3.) Chicago Bears [8-8] – Does anyone truly believe that Jay Cutler is a legit quarterback in this league? Seriously, who thinks he’s amazing? Cutler isn’t exactly a leader or Mr. Clutch, but this season, expect him, as well as his Bears teammates to take a step backward. There are injuries and other issues, as well as linebacker Lance Briggs’s “trade drama.” Also, does anyone expect Roy Williams to make a major impact on offense? Overall, it should be another typical year in the “Windy City” for the Bears and their fans.

4.) Minnesota Vikings [6-10] – Who truly believes that Donovan McNabb is the answer for this team? Anyone else believe that Christian Ponder will earn the starting job mid-way through the season? The Vikings have a lot of questions marks on offense and defense, but hopefully first year head coach Leslie Frazier can salvage six or seven wins.

Aug 2 2011

Noonan: An Ode to Randy Moss

 

By Matt Noonan 

Does this seem right, Randy Moss retiring?

Hmm… Again, I can’t seem to wrap my head around this, but then again, does anyone have an idea about why “the freak” decided to hang up his cleats for good?

If you have an answer, please speak now or forever hold your peace.

When news broke Monday about Moss’s retirement, I was stunned, especially after his agent, Joel Segal announced to the world that his client was in the best shape of his career. Although, I do wonder, did I miss something? He did state those exact words, right?

Randy Moss shocked the sports world on Monday, as he announced his retirement from the NFL, but really, should we expect him to return this season?

Segal, who was quoted in numerous media outlets about Moss’s decision to walk away from the NFL, uttered the following on Monday: “After weighing his options and contemplating offers, he’s decided to retire.”

OK, what exactly was Moss considering or pondering the past few weeks or months? Did he truly think that New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was going to call or text him?

Perhaps, Brett Favre was going to consider asking him if he’d like to play catch with him and his friends from high school?

Again, what exactly was Moss thinking these past few weeks? I’m not quite sure, but do have a hunch that he was hoping the Minnesota Vikings would contact him and say, “Hey, Randy, come back and play with our new quarterback, Donovan McNabb!” Yet, that didn’t happen.

Although, speaking of the Vikings, there was a rather interesting report on Monday from TwinCities.com (Pioneer Press), as players and coaches expressed their true feelings toward Moss’s decision and yes, they were all rather kind and wonderful words. In fact, first-year head coach Leslie Frazier compared Moss to Michael Jordan, but that’s a little bizarre, right? I mean, hey, Jordan might indeed be the greatest athlete of all time, but that’s a debate for another day.

So, where does Moss go from here? Perhaps, he’ll join FOX Sports, CBS or ESPN? Maybe he’ll do some male modeling? Should he become the next great movie star? Might he consider writing a book like New York Jets head coach, Rex Ryan?

Hmm… once again, I ask that you keep your wild, strange and outrageous fantasies to yourself, OK?

Moss is certainly a legend. Seriously, the man finished his 13-year career with 954 receptions, 14,858 receiving yards and 153 touchdown catches, so I guess it’s an obvious that he’ll join the true legends and hero’s of the game in Canton, Ohio, (NFL Hall of Fame) right? Again, he’s a legend and one of the best receivers, but sadly, he’ll also be remembered as the guy who didn’t win the “big one.”

All right, enough rambling, it’s time to bring my Randy Moss rant to an end, so, I’ll go out with a bold prediction and state, he’ll be back this season and yes, there’s a little bit of Michael Strahanin him because seriously, he’s a 34-year-old man who doesn’t want to practice or commit himself to two-a-days, but instead, just the game of football.

Jul 28 2011

Daily Noontime – July 28, 2011

The New England Patriots have officially acquired, Albert Haynesworth!

Happy Thursday everyone! Welcome to yet another Daily Noontime. Here’s the day’s headlines and news, so enjoy! 

Headlines: 

* The New England Patriots made a bold move, as they traded for Washington Redskins defensive end, Albert Haynesworth in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in 2013.

* It’s been an exciting past few weeks for Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury, who have been major contributors for the Boston Red Sox offense.

* Well, apparently Carlos Beltran is going to leave the New York Mets and heading west to join the defending World Series champions, San Francisco Giants.

* For the first time in his career, Ervin Santana pitched a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians on Thursday. Yep, the Los Angles of Anaheim Angels were rather happy once the final out was recorded.

* According to reports, the Miami Dolphins will acquire former New Orleans Saints running back, Reggie Bush.

* Donovan McNabb must be  a happy man these days, as he was acquired by the Minnesota Vikings.

Games to Watch: 

* Florida at Washington (MLB) – 12:35pm eastern 

* Los Angels of Anaheim Angels at Detroit (MLB) – 1:05pm eastern 

* Kansas City at Boston (MLB) – 1:35pm eastern 

* San Francisco at Philadelphia (MLB) – 7:07pm eastern 

Video of the Day: 

I’m sure Tom Brady will be happy to have Albert on his side this time! 

Jul 12 2011

Daily Noontime – July 12, 2011

With your Dad, victory tastes a little more sweeter, right?

Good Tuesday to everyone and welcome into yet another Daily Noontime! Here’s the headlines and news, so enjoy! 

Headlines: 

* New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano looked fantastic on Monday, as he beat Boston Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez in the home run derby by a score of 12-11.

* Well, apparently former Boston Celtic guard Nate Robinson has admitted that he’d love to play in the NFL. Hmm… is this a good or bad move? Wouldn’t he be too small?

* If the NFL were to end the lockout on Tuesday, they’d save the “Hall of Fame Game,” but as of recently that particular exhibition contest looks like it won’t happen.

* It’s possible, but highly doubtful that the NFL will see Brett Favre un-retire again for yet another season, but again, who knows, right?

* According to police, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward failed his “field sobriety test,” which isn’t good news.

* Good news came on Monday for the Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade, which is that he’ll be able to do a commercial while the NBA is locked out.

Games to Watch: 

* 82nd MLB All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona – 8:00pm eastern

Video of the Day: 

There was nothing better than watching father and son, (Cano and his father) at the MLB All-Star Game, what a moment! 

May 25 2011

Daily Noontime – May 25, 2011

The Heat are now one win away from the NBA FInals, which is hard to believe!

Happy “Hump Day” everyone and welcome to yet another Daily Noontime! Here is today’s headlines and news, so enjoy and as always, be good!

Headlines:

* The Miami Heat appeared unstoppable against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, as they won Game 4, 101-93 in OT.

* Yes, the Minnesota Vikings are in the news and it isn’t because of Brett Favre, but instead, their brand new stadium. Although, could they be relocating to another city? Could happen!

* We officially have a winner from the NHL Western Conference and it is the Vancouver Canucks. They’ll face either the Boston Bruins or Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup.

* Was it a good or bad thing that the NFL cancelled the “Rookie Symposium” on Tuesday?

* With a 3-1 series lead against the Chicago Bulls, some wonder if the Miami Heat are destined to win the NBA Finals, which could happen.

* Finally, the Boston Red Sox earned an important win against the Cleveland Indians at Jacobs Field on Tuesday.

Games to Watch: 

* Boston at Cleveland (MLB) – 12:05pm eastern

* Atlanta at Pittsburgh (MLB) – 12:35pm eastern 

* Cincinnati at Philadelphia (MLB) – 7:05pm eastern

* Boston at Tampa Bay (NHL Playoffs) – 8:00pm eastern

* Oklahoma City at Dallas (NBA Playoffs) – 9:00pm eastern

Video of the Day: 

The NHL Playoffs are slowly winding down and with just three teams remaining, Noontime Sports needs to get our readers, PUMPED UP!