HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Continue following this blog in 2013 and see a different side and perspective on sports. Who would have thought we would be heading into 2013 with some interesting teams playing in the NFL playoffs.

The Vikings in a 6 day rematch with the Packers this time on the frozen tundra of Lambeau.
The Redskins led by two rookies and Seahawks led by Wilson and Lynch should be quite a match-up

The amazing Colts versus the sliding Texans. Will the rookie continue to shine in the playoffs?
Can the Bengals beat the Ravens? Can Flacco be trusted or will Dalton be the QB to shine.

This years NFL season was a spectacular ride with AP coming 9 yards short of mortality. Still his feat is more remarkable considering he was coming off of knee surgery. Never underestimate the power of hard work and dedication in a sport.

Payton Manning showed he still has what it takes and there was a rise in young guns in the league with Wilson, Luck and RGIII leading the way.

The playoffs will prove to be just as exciting. Buckle up for a football ride to the Superbowl.

What Is Wrong?

What is wrong with the Minnesota Vikings? I contend it is not Percy Harvin being out for a couple weeks. It is not Christian Ponders difficult times although that doesn't help. It isn't their defense or special teams. It definitely isn't Adrian Peterson. It is my contention that it is the coaches and especially the play calling.

A prime example came in the game yesterday against the Bears. The Vikings had a 3rd and two from the 6 and instead of running AP for a mere 2 yards they call ponder to throw into the end zone. Of course it didn't work so now they have 4th and 2 and they do the exact play instead of call AP's number. Wouldn't it have been easier to call AP's number on that 3rd and 2 and if he doesn't make it then throw.

The Vikings have the best running back in the game and they don't use him on third down and rarely in the red zone. What kind of play calling is that. If something isn't done soon AP will not want to play here anymore he will want to play where he is used and where he will win.

I know, teams put 8 in the box to stop AP. If that is the case obviously he still beats the odds because he leads the league in rushing. Why not keep giving him the ball and make the other team actually try to stop the runaway train.

This week they play the Packers, one of the worst run defenses in the league. I bet the Vikings try to air it out and not even use AP. But if they make the right calls and play good defense they can beat the Packers. We'll just have to see what happens.

Preseason Football

Preseason football has started. The Vikings had their opening game tonight at San Francisco and it is currently sitting at 17 - 6 with 2:19 left in the game. I didn't get a chance to watch much of the first half of the game. My expectations however are very low. I hope they do well and I hope Adrian Peterson can bounce back from his injury and play the whole season.

The Vikings are still in rebuilding and learning mode. The NFC North is going to be a tough division with the Packers, Bears and Lions all very tough teams to beat and the Vikings have to play each of them twice.

My hope is that Christian Ponder has improved as a Quarterback and we will see some great plays and some exciting games. If they can go 8 - 8 that would definitely be major improvement.

Here is my order for the NFC Central finish no records.

1.   Packers
2.   Lions
3.   Bears
4.   Vikings

Sorry Vikings. I just don't think you have it in you to overtake any of those three. I hope you do but I just don't see it happening.

Look for my predictions on other divisions as we lead up to the opening kickoff. Share yours with me as well by leaving a comment.