SI's NFC Team on the Rise

**Displaced_Viking** · 07-13-2006, 08:31 PM

Sports Illustrated had a favorable impression of the Vikings. It's nice to hear. I especially like the "biggest splash of the offseason" on the second page.

I did a search, but didn't come up with anything. I hope I'm not double posting this article from a different thread. I'm sorry, if I did... first time starting a topic.

**ChiTownVike** · 07-13-2006, 08:40 PM

I like the article. I like to have some good and bad crtitcism going into the season that way the expectations are mixed

**tastywaves** · 07-13-2006, 08:44 PM

Good find d_v. Nice to see some positive press on the Vikes.

Also good to see possible malcontent with the Bears:

Regarding Nathan Vasher:

He's set to earn just $425,000 in the third season of his four-year rookie deal. According to Vasher's agent, Mike Sullivan, 130 cornerbacks (about four per team) are in line to make more in '06.

A contract is a contract, but, these dudes have limited life spans in the NFL and I wouldn't blame him for trying to get more.

**Mr. Purple** · 07-13-2006, 08:46 PM

This is result when you have a writer who knows what the hell he is talking about. I'm tired of hearing "Minnesota is in a rebuilding mode and thier gonna suck and be below .500 blah blah blah" This team is far from being in a rebuilding mode..just like Childress said we're in a "re-tooling" mode.....anyways good article.

**COJOMAY** · 07-13-2006, 08:46 PM

The most hopeful move the Vikings made in their busy offseason was hiring first-time defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin, who will install the tried-and-true Cover 2 scheme that has worked so well in Tampa Bay, Chicago and other NFL venues. If Childress' run-oriented version of the West Coast offense clicks, with lead running back Chester Taylor carrying the mail and quarterback Brad Johnson smoothly delivering the ball all over the field, the Vikings could be a dangerous entity in the NFC playoff race.

I like this quote from the article. While the local newspaper bemone the fact that Tomlin has no experience and therefore will be a failure, SI sees something positive about his hire. I also like the fact that most of the defensive players are saying he's a great coach, too. Guess the Star/Tribune and the Pioneer Press know more than the players and SI.
Good find!

**Mr. Purple** · 07-13-2006, 09:00 PM

5 years Tomlin has been coaching the Bucs D-backs.Thier secondary has ranked in the top 5 the past 5 years.Tomlin was my favorite move this offseason.

**mr.woo** · 07-13-2006, 09:15 PM

thank you god for don banks

**shockzilla** · 07-13-2006, 09:16 PM

Yeah, nice to see the boys get some positive press for a change.

**Potus2028** · 07-13-2006, 09:20 PM

Pay no attention to . . .
The Bears' "easiest schedule in the league' advantage. True, Chicago's 2006 opponents were 114-142 last season, for a winning percentage of just .445, but that will be deceiving in retrospect. Chicago faces no picnic in the season's first four weeks, opening at Green Bay -- where the Bears historically struggle -- before going to Minnesota in Week 3 and facing defending NFC champ Seattle in Week 4. Then there's that killer three-game November road trip to the East Coast: Back-to-back games against the Giants and the Jets, capped by a journey to New England. Down the stretch Chicago faces all three of its division opponents in the final five games and draws a visit from Tampa Bay and a trip to St. Louis.

Potential land mine
The defense was the backbone of Chicago's return to the playoffs last season, and nobody's performance was more pleasantly surprising than cornerback Nathan Vasher, who made the Pro Bowl in his second season and turned in the play of the year with that 108-yard return of a missed 49ers field goal. But now Vasher has a contract beef, and you can't blame him. He's set to earn just $425,000 in the third season of his four-year rookie deal. According to Vasher's agent, Mike Sullivan, 130 cornerbacks (about four per team) are in line to make more in '06. When you factor in that both Bears linebacker Lance Briggs and running back Thomas Jones are also unhappy with their deals, there's a chance the discontent will carry over to the field.

That's right! It isn't all easy for Da Bears. The Vikes will soon be back atop the division. We just need to get everybody else to realize it.

**NodakPaul** · 07-13-2006, 09:32 PM

Finally some positive press! Although I don't being underestimated this year. We can just rub it in everyone's face when we make the playoffs this year.