Purplepride.org Minnesota Vikings Message Board http://www.purplepride.org/ Purplepride.org is the leading Minnesota Vikings fan site featuring fan analysis, forums, Vikings history, stats, live game information and more. en Sun, 19 May 2013 00:28:33 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.purplepride.org/images/x-purple/misc/rss.png Purplepride.org Minnesota Vikings Message Board http://www.purplepride.org/ Active Vikings Players Best Of All-Time http://www.purplepride.org/f2/active-vikings-players-best-all-time-1111406/ Fri, 17 May 2013 18:02:02 GMT I thought this would make for an interesting thread. Which current player warrant a a consideration as the Vikings' greatest player throughout history at his position, or even the all-time greatest throughout the whole league's history?

The two first players that come into mind is RB Adrian Peterson and DE Jared Allen.

ADRIAN PETERSON

Adrian Peterson as Vikings greatest running back of all-time: Yes, definitely.

In Adrian Peterson's case, the question is not even worth to be up to discussion after last year's "MVP 9-yards-shy-of-single-season-rushing-record" season. What further helps his case is that the Vikings don't have a very proud history at the running back position to give him strong competition. Adrian is statistically already light-years in front of previous Vikings running backs.

Adrian Peterson as NFL's greatest running back of all-time: No, but getting there.

Peterson is already among the top 5 running backs of all-time. How can you argue against the single game rushing record holder and the single season rushing 2nd place record holder?

People who try to argue against Peterson will bring up the career rushing yard list where Emmitt Smith is the all-time leader in career rushing yards, but lets be honest here! Who would you rather have on your team for one game or one season; Adrian Peterson or Emmit Smith? Emmit Smith was lucky to play on a superb offense and to stay healthy for such a long time. The career rushing yard list not a good way to crown the best running back in my opinion.

It's uncertain how long Adrian Peterson will stay elite. Heck, there's a chance he's only halfway throughout his career. Peterson is 28 years old now and might play until he's 34 years old. Emmit Smith was effective until he retired at 35. What's positive is that from physical tests, Peterson's body seems to be physically much younger than his current age, and definitely considering how much work he has put on the field.

JARED ALLEN

Jared Allen as Vikings greatest defensive end of all-time: No, but getting there.

In strong contrast to Adrian Peterson, Jared Allen has fierce competition in this category. The Vikings might have the most impressive history of defensive lineman than any other team in history. We have two Hall of Fame defensive ends in Carl Eller and Chris Doleman, plus Jim Marshall who might be just as good as the aforementioned. Thus, crowning Jared Allen the best Vikings DE will immediately put him in the discussion of being the greatest of all-time.

After the 2012 season, Allen has 117 career sacks which places him at number 16 on the all-time list. If Allen average 15 sacks per season (Allen's average over the past 6 seasons) for three more seasons, Allen will be 3rd on the all-time list behind only Reggie White and Bruce Smith.

Allen is not the Vikings' all-time best defensive end yet, but if Allen plays another 3 or 4 years at the same level then it would be hard to argue otherwise. He's "only" 30 years old so it's a realistic scenario. The thing is, when you look at Allen's sack numbers, you'll see that he's improving season after season since his freshman year in college. Remember that Jared Allen practically broke the singe season sack record just two years ago.

- - - - -

Are there other active players who warrant a consideration?

Percy Harvin, albeit no longer with the team, makes a strong case for the best Vikings returner of all-time. Actually, I would say he is the best kick returner the Vikings have ever had. Harvin holds the Vikings record with 3 career KO returns and very rarely get negative yards. He might be the best returner currently in the league right now.

When speaking of pure tackling, Chad Greenway is moving up the Vikings' all-time list pretty fast.

Just take a look at his last three seasons:
2010 - 4th most tackles in the NFL
2011 - 3rd most tackles in the NFL.
2012 - 2nd most tackles in the NFL.

However, as a linebacker he's far from beating the great Scott Studwell.

Blair Walsh had arguably the best season a kicker has ever had, but the fact that he was a rookie makes him simply ineligible for this discussion.

With that being said, Walsh holds several impressive NFL records:
Most Field Goals of 50 yards or more in a season - 10 (On top of that, he did it all without missing a single kick over 50)
Highest Field Goal Percentage in a season by a rookie - 92.1%.
Most Field Goals made in a season by a rookie - 35.

In addition, Walsh already holds Vikings franchise records:
Longest Field Goal - 56 Yards.
Most Field Goals of 37+ yards in a game - 5.

The future is bright! ]]> vikings fan forum HEY http://www.purplepride.org/f2/active-vikings-players-best-all-time-1111406/ Top 100 Players Of 2013 http://www.purplepride.org/f2/top-100-players-2013-a-1111405/ Fri, 17 May 2013 16:09:51 GMT Number 70: Vikings linebacker, Chad Greenway Click here for video (http://www.nfl.com/top100/2013#video=0ap2000000169201) PRESENTED BY: Chad... Number 70: Vikings linebacker, Chad Greenway
Click here for video PRESENTED BY: Chad Greenway, Jared Allen, Harrison Smith, Kyle Rudolph

Happy to see Greenway get some recognition. Like they say in the video, he's a tackling machine.
2010 - 4th most tackles in the NFL
2011 - 3rd most tackles in the NFL.
2012 - 2nd most tackles in the NFL.
... and nothing could be more fitting than 1st place this upcoming season. That would be perfect.

Percy Harvin also made the list at number 90.

I'm expecting to see Jared Allen and Adrian Peterson on this list as they count it down, but I also think that Matt Kalil, Blair Walsh, and John Sullivan should be there too. Kyle Rudolph might also have a chance. He led the NFC tight ends in touchdowns afterall. I will not be surprised to see Adrian at number one. ]]> vikings fan forum HEY http://www.purplepride.org/f2/top-100-players-2013-a-1111405/ Top 5 DT duos http://www.purplepride.org/f16/top-5-dt-duos-1111404/ Thu, 16 May 2013 21:16:15 GMT Top 5 defensive tackle tandems in the NFL (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000203072/article/top-5-defensive-tackle-tandems-in-the-nfl) ... Top 5 defensive tackle tandems in the NFL

Quote:
1. Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, Detroit Lions: Even if you disagree, it's hard to argue that the Lions don't have the NFL's best pass-rushing interior tandem.
Quote:
5. Henry Melton and Stephen Paea, Chicago Bears: Paea still has room to grow; you get a sense he doesn't use his incredible strength just yet. Melton emerged as one of the NFL's best interior pass rushers.
After this season, there will be another NFC North team on that list! It's time to reclaim the title of best DT tandem in the NFL. It wasn't too long ago since the Vikings' Williams Wall dominated for many years.

- - - - -

While we're on the subject of defensive linemen, of all the positions in the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings have perhaps the NFL's most proud history at that position. With Hall of Famers like Allan Page and John Randle who both make a good case for the "greatest of all-time" title, it's hard to argue otherwise. Allen Page is probably the best DT there has ever been. He's the only defensive lineman to have been the NFL MVP. John Randle is my all-time favorite DT and perhaps the greatest pass-rushing DT of all-time, arguably even better than Allan Page.

As for the best defensive tackle duos of all-time, Gary Larsen and Allen Page have my vote. I also believe Pat Williams and Kevin Williams make a strong case as the best duo of the 21st century. I really believe the Vikings can reclaim the tittle they had a few years ago. ]]> general nfl discussion HEY http://www.purplepride.org/f16/top-5-dt-duos-1111404/ <![CDATA[Vikings Stadium Financing Plan 'B' Announced]]> http://www.purplepride.org/f2/vikings-stadium-financing-plan-b-announced-1111403/ Thu, 16 May 2013 19:33:13 GMT Governor Dayton Announces "Secret Plan" To Fill Void in Stadium Fundraising | Vikings Blog - KFAN Sports Radio FM 100.3 - The Fan

Quote:
The plan-b option will pin a one-time warehouse stocking fee for cigarettes. If the tax hike is approved it would push tax on a pack of cigarettes to $2.52 per pack (same as Wisconsin) and is projected to raise $24.5 million this year to cover the void in the original funding plan.
]]> vikings fan forum NodakPaul http://www.purplepride.org/f2/vikings-stadium-financing-plan-b-announced-1111403/ How good is Kyle Rudolph? http://www.purplepride.org/f2/how-good-kyle-rudolph-1111402/ Thu, 16 May 2013 15:02:48 GMT I liked Kyle Rudolph when he broke records in college at Notre Dame and (naturally) I liked him even more after he was drafted by the Vikings in... I liked Kyle Rudolph when he broke records in college at Notre Dame and (naturally) I liked him even more after he was drafted by the Vikings in 2011. Kyle stands out when he's on the field with his monster 6'6", 260 pounds frame. Almost identical to Patriot's tight end and NFL's best, Rob Gronkowski, and that's not the only thing they have in common. Both have long arms and huge hands (at exactly 10' 3/4") which they clearly know how to put to good use. As evident by leading the league's tight ends in touchdowns with 11 (Gronkowsi) and 9 (Rudolph) just this past season.

Rudolph and Gronkowski were also both drafted in the second round (Gronk in 2010 at 42, and Rud in 2011 at 43, just one spot after Gronk) and they both have injury questions that caused them to slide in the draft. Gronk is 24 years old and Rudolph is just 23 years old.



Where am I going with this? Well... besides many interesting comparisons to NFL's best tight end who is one of the most dominant players in recent years... imagine if Kyle Rudolph had Tom Brady throwing him the ball. Kyle was 3 TD's away from setting a franchise record last year with Ponder at QB. I truly believe that if you replace Gronkowski on Patriots with Rudolph, Rudolph might as well have the NFL record for TD's by a tight end.



Kyle Rudolph needs two things: more balls thrown to him, but more importantly, how the balls are thrown to him. Throw the ball in the right spot and we have seen time and time again that Rudolph will get the ball. That's his forté! He has superb receiving skills with incredible strong hands combined with excellent size which he effectively use against defenders.



I think the last season's Pro Bowl MVP is a top tight end who unfortunately is being vastly underutilized. Sure, Kyle has already proven that he is an elite red-zone target and he led the NFC tight ends in TD's last year. However, he didn't have impressive number of receptions. I envision that Rudolph can be similar to Jasson Witten moving the chain. If Ponder can improve this year, I think Rudolph will instantly be in the "NFL's elite" conversation. ]]> vikings fan forum HEY http://www.purplepride.org/f2/how-good-kyle-rudolph-1111402/ Pistol offense in Minnesota? http://www.purplepride.org/f2/pistol-offense-minnesota-1111401/ Thu, 16 May 2013 10:49:44 GMT *Vikings had interest in Chris Ault* *Packers, Vikings had interest in Chris Ault* Packers, Vikings had interest in Chris Ault - NFC North Blog... Vikings had interest in Chris Ault

Packers, Vikings had interest in Chris Ault

Packers, Vikings had interest in Chris Ault - NFC North Blog - ESPN ]]> vikings fan forum singersp http://www.purplepride.org/f2/pistol-offense-minnesota-1111401/ Are we too pumped up about the Vikings? http://www.purplepride.org/f2/we-too-pumped-up-about-vikings-1111400/ Thu, 16 May 2013 10:45:49 GMT *Are we too pumped up about the Vikings? * Faceoff: Are we too pumped up about the Vikings? - PostBulletin.com: Local Sports... Are we too pumped up about the Vikings?

Faceoff: Are we too pumped up about the Vikings? - PostBulletin.com: Local Sports ]]> vikings fan forum singersp http://www.purplepride.org/f2/we-too-pumped-up-about-vikings-1111400/ Minnesota vs New England: a draft day battle http://www.purplepride.org/f2/minnesota-vs-new-england-draft-day-1111399/ Wed, 15 May 2013 22:49:50 GMT ---Quote--- by Bill Barnwell at Grantland.com Minnesota acquires the 29th overall pick from New England for the 52nd, 83rd, 102nd, and 229th...
Quote:
by Bill Barnwell at Grantland.com

Minnesota acquires the 29th overall pick from New England for the 52nd, 83rd, 102nd, and 229th picks.
Quantitative winner: New England (59.5 percent more in return)
Real-life winner: New England

Note the dramatic gulf between what Stuart's model thought of the difference in value across the first four trades and what it thought of this one. The Patriots, simply put, took the Vikings to the cleaners. It's incredible that Bill Belichick seems to pull this off every year, but it's even more impressive in this draft. Chase's model estimates, historically, that the 29th overall pick has delivered about 40 percent more value than the 52nd overall pick during their first five seasons in the league. That's really not that much, and in a flat draft like this year's, it's undoubtedly a smaller figure, probably closer to 10 percent or so. For that tiny chance of getting a better player, the Vikings gave up third- and fourth-round picks that could end up producing valuable contributors.
Bill Barnwell on day one of the NFL draft - Grantland ]]> vikings fan forum Minniman http://www.purplepride.org/f2/minnesota-vs-new-england-draft-day-1111399/ Say what? If Ponder falters .... http://www.purplepride.org/f2/say-what-if-ponder-falters-1111398/ Wed, 15 May 2013 22:26:42 GMT This? Image: https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/246565_439066176168346_1344174726_n.jpg This?

]]> vikings fan forum Minniman http://www.purplepride.org/f2/say-what-if-ponder-falters-1111398/ Erin Henderson “Pissed” About Lack of Respect http://www.purplepride.org/f2/erin-henderson-pissed-about-lack-respect-1111397/ Wed, 15 May 2013 22:10:43 GMT ---Quote--- *Erin Henderson “pissed” about lack of respect* by Darin Gantt on May 15, 2013. It was supposed to be Manti Te’o. Then it was...
Quote:
Erin Henderson “pissed” about lack of respect
by Darin Gantt on May 15, 2013.

It was supposed to be Manti Te’o. Then it was supposed to be Brian Urlacher.

But at the moment, the Vikings middle linebacker appears to be Erin Henderson, and he’s tired of hearing about everyone else.

“Coach told me all the time, ‘Play angry. You’re too nice sometimes. Play angry,’” Henderson told Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com. “I haven’t been more pissed in — I couldn’t tell you. I don’t think I’ve ever been this pissed in my entire life, to just hear people talk about stuff that they have no idea what they’re talking about.

“I guess it’s getting to a point now where it’s like, ‘Dang, I just want a little bit of respect.’ I’m not asking you to call me the greatest linebacker to ever play the game yet. Maybe one day we might get to that point, but show me a little bit of respect for what I’ve done and what I’ve accomplished in this league.”

Erin Henderson “pissed” about lack of respect | ProFootballTalk ]]> vikings fan forum Minniman http://www.purplepride.org/f2/erin-henderson-pissed-about-lack-respect-1111397/ Vikings players make an impact http://www.purplepride.org/f2/vikings-players-make-impact-1111396/ Tue, 14 May 2013 10:42:35 GMT *Minnesota Vikings players make an impact* Minnesota Vikings players make an impact | StarTribune.com... Minnesota Vikings players make an impact

Minnesota Vikings players make an impact | StarTribune.com ]]> vikings fan forum singersp http://www.purplepride.org/f2/vikings-players-make-impact-1111396/ Hitler reacts to Jennings signing http://www.purplepride.org/f2/hitler-reacts-jennings-signing-1111395/ Mon, 13 May 2013 02:07:08 GMT Didn't see this posted here earlier. Perhaps it was....

Hitler reacts to Greg Jennings signing with the Vikings.

]]> vikings fan forum singersp http://www.purplepride.org/f2/hitler-reacts-jennings-signing-1111395/ 2014 Draft http://www.purplepride.org/f2/2014-draft-1111394/ Sun, 12 May 2013 20:29:02 GMT Aw heck, we beat this years draft to death already and don't have much to talk about until they put the pads on but it seems the biggest ? we have right now is at the QB spot. I have been on the side that the nucleus of the team is strong and that as long as the QB develops we are going to do well.Me? I want him to become our Franchise QB. I want him to be the guy we can watch under center for the next decade BUT if that doesn't happen then lets delve into the prospects.

This is the first 2014 Mock draft I came across and interestingly it has us picking 18th,which I think is too high for where we will finish barring a trade, but the guy does have us picking Johnny Football so he must know what he is talking about lol.

2014 NFL Mock*Draft | Audibles - SI.com

Quote:
18. Minnesota Vikings — Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M: Manziel’s a tough one to peg. He doesn’t have great size or an elite arm, and his live-it-up lifestyle might scare some teams away. And yet, if he dominates the SEC for a second straight year, it would be tough to drop him very far. And Minnesota, barring a Christian Ponder breakthrough, could be ready for another change at QB.
]]> vikings fan forum Purple Floyd http://www.purplepride.org/f2/2014-draft-1111394/ Grading The 2013 Roster http://www.purplepride.org/f2/grading-2013-roster-1111393/ Sun, 12 May 2013 01:44:22 GMT Each part of the roster is assigned a grade on a scale from "A" to" D".
"A+" is equal to the very best in the NFL and "D-" is equal to the very worst.

I base the evaluation heavily on previous performance of the players, but also partly on realistic predictions.

Quarterback: C (sorry Ponder)
Halfback: A+ (best there is!)
Fullback: A-
Wide receiver: C (Only one really proven)
Tight end: B+
Outside offensive lineman: A
Inside offensive lineman: B

The whole offense: B+
I was gonna give a slightly lower grade because the QB is so important, but then I realized we managed to make a successful playoff run on pretty much the running game alone (no pun intended). Amazing what AD can do.

Safety: B (Harrison is solid, but the other spot is questionable)
Cornerback: B
Linebacker: B (many question marks because of big makeover at Mike and Will)
Outside defensive lineman: A+ (No team has better 4-3 ends!)
Inside defensive lineman: A

The whole defense: A-
The bad: Big question marks exist on all position groups except defensive end and mostly because of limited starting experience in the NFL.
The good: The defense will most likely feature 3 rookie starters with immense potential.

Kicker: A+ (Best in the bizz!)
Punter: B+ (rookie starter, but was great in college)
Returner: A- (Patterson can return both punts and kickoffs)

The whole special teams: A

- - - - - -

The complete team: A-

Afterthought: The final overall grade equals well to how the Vikings finished last year, but I think the Vikes will be much better now. I feel that I'm being a little harsh on the newcomers this year as I think there's a good chance they'll play better than I gave them credit for in the grades. Plus, the depth is no very good so lets wish for a healthy season for our players.

I seriously think the team will go from good to elite if all the rookies plays to the potential they have shown in college. We have an astonishing amount of rookies that might be future All-Pro's.

I'm super-excited for the Vikings in 2013!



What's your opinion on the Vikings' team this year. Feel free to leave your breakdown on here as well. ]]> vikings fan forum HEY http://www.purplepride.org/f2/grading-2013-roster-1111393/ Stadium design unveiling http://www.purplepride.org/f2/stadium-design-unveiling-1111392/ Sat, 11 May 2013 13:47:31 GMT *About 200 tickets available for Vikings stadium design unveiling* About 200 tickets available for Vikings stadium design unveiling |... About 200 tickets available for Vikings stadium design unveiling

About 200 tickets available for Vikings stadium design unveiling | StarTribune.com ]]> vikings fan forum singersp http://www.purplepride.org/f2/stadium-design-unveiling-1111392/