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The over/under for Vikings wins is 8. The Vikings are 45-1 to win the Super Bowl and 18-1 to win the NFC.
I would keep your money in your pocket. I project the Vikings to be a 8 win team, so one bounce could put you over or under….why take the risk?
Finally the Vikings ridded themselves of a major headache. The Vikings are trying to re-build their image after the LOVE BOAT incident and don’t need any players like Robinson around. This might be the end of Robinson’s once thought to be great career as a wide receiver in the NFL.
A sad story.
Safety Dwight Smith was arrested early Saturday morning on charges of indecent conduct with a 24-year old woman in a stairwell near a dowtown night club. Coach Brad Childress was really upset and would have punished Smith harshly, but the players union has Smith’s back. On the bright side, at least Smith was messing around with a woman……unlike former Steelers QB Kordell Stewart…..LOL!
The Vikings won this game with a smothering defense, plus three huge plays. The first of the huge plays was when Fred Smoot intercepted a pass in the 2nd quarter and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown. The second huge play was when rookie QB Tavaris Jackson hit undrafted rookie Jason Carter with a 77 yard TD pass. The final huge play was when undrafted rookie offensive tackle Donald Penn returned a fumble 29 yards for a TD.
Brad Johnson has his usual steady game. He completed 9 of 15 passes for 90 yards. Tavaris Jackson completed 2 of 4 passes for 80 yards and a TD. Mike McMahon completed 2 of 5 passes for 36 yards.
Chester Taylor got some work in carrying the ball 10 times for 27 yards.
Undrafted WR Jason Carter could be making a late run for a roster spot as he caught 2 passes for 107 yards and a TD.
The Vikings defense was solid against the Ravens. The Ravens had 85 yards rushing but only averaged 3.4 yards per carry. The Vikings allowed the Ravens to complete 68.4% of their passes but held them to 196 net yards passing. Most of the Ravens passes were of the dink&dunk variety.
This will be an interesting decision facing the Vikings. When the Vikings signed McMahon they intended him to be the #2 QB for them. McMahon has been so bad in the pre-season that the Vikings might decide that they are a better team without him around. McMahon has only completed 2 of 11 passes (18.2%) in the pre-season for 51 yards and a pick-off. McMahon has an unbelievable QB rating of 8.5.
Tavaris Jackson has exceeded all expectations so far in the pre-season, but would the Vikings be confident going into a season with a raw rookie as their #2 QB? I think their answer would probably be yes, because of how bad McMahon has looked. Jackson has completed 16 of 24 passes (66.7%) for 140 yards and a TD, for a QB rating of 95.8. Jackson also is a good runner as he has scrambled 3 times for 36 yards. Jackson has alot to learn yet, like how to slide. Jackson took a big hit in the Raider game and had to leave for awhile.
The Vikings need to get the offense going, but the defense is looking sharp in the early going. The Vikings are averaging 101.5 yards rushing per game and 3.3 yards per carry. The passing offense is averaging 182.5 yards per game and has completed 58.0% of their passes.
The defense is looking good. The Vikings are allowing 105.0 yards rushing per game and 4.2 yards per carry. The pass defense is holding opponents to 199.0 yards per game and only allowing them to complete 47.2% of their passes.
The Vikings got a solid, but not spectacular win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. Brad Johnson looked good in the game, connected on 9 of 11 passes for 71 yards and a TD. Mike McMahon looked horrible and is in jeopardy of losing his #2 job. McMahon completed only 1 of 7 passes for 42 yards and a pick-off. Rookie Tavaris Jackson looked good again completing 9 of 11 passes for 80 yards and a TD.
Chester Taylor looked ok rushing 10 times for 36 yards and catching 3 passes for 15 yards. Ciatrick Fason rushed 9 times for 31 yards. TE Jermaine Wiggins caught 3 passes for 31 yards and a TD.
The positive is the defense held the Steelers to 10 points, but they did get 338 total yards offense.
1. Steve Smith, Panthers (9) The most explosive receiver in the game. Smith can score from anywhere on the field.
2. Torry Holt, Rams (7) The best receiver on the “Greatest Show on Turf”.
3. Chad Johnson, Bengals (5) Johnson should be #1 on this list……just ask him.
4. Randy Moss, Raiders (3) Moss is healthy so look out this season.
5. Terrell Owens, Cowboys (3) Could be #1 on this list….if I knew he would behave.
6. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals (9) Plenty of passes to be split with Fitzgerald.
7. Marvin Harrison, Colts (6) He keeps churning out great seasons.
8. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (9) Not as explosive as his partner in crime.
9. Reggie Wayne, Colts (6) #2 in Indy, but would be #1 on most teams.
10. Santana Moss, Redskins (8) Can score from anywhere on the field, at anytime.
11. Donald Driver, Packers (6) Look for a Brett Favre rebound and Driver is his #1 guy.
12. Derrick Mason, Ravens (7) Mason and McNair together again.
13. Joe Horn, Saints (7) Brees will like throwing to this guy.
14. Hines Ward, Steelers (4) Tough as nails, the Steelers go-to guy.
15. Roy Williams, Lions (8) Kitna and Martz will be looking for him all day.
16. Chris Chambers, Dolphins (8) Culpepper’s new favorite receiver.
17. Eric Moulds, Texans (5) Carr has been waiting for another elite wide-out.
18. Keenan McCardell, Chargers (3) He just keeps on putting up good seasons.
19. Lee Evans, Bills (8) Know the #1 receiver in Buffalo…..look out!
20. Plaxico Burress, Giants (4) Has had some huge games for the Giants.
21. Eddie Kennison, Chiefs (3) Has emerged as #1 WR for Chiefs.
22. Joey Galloway, Bucs (4) Awesome comeback year last season.
23. Andre Johnson, Texans (5) Can’t double-team him anymore with Moulds around.
24. David Givens, Titans (7) Very productive receiver in his career with the Patriots.
25. Reggie Brown, Eagles (9) New #1 WR for Eagles.
26. Rod Smith, Broncos (4) Aging, but still producing.
27. Isaac Bruce, Rams (7) He’s healthy again….look out.
28. Terry Glenn, Cowboys (3) Coming off a good season.
29. Drew Bennett, Titans (7) Will thrive as the #2 WR once again.
30. Javon Walker, Broncos (4) If his knee is right, he will put up good numbers.
31. Nate Burleson, Seahawks (5) Could be the #1 WR for the Seahawks if Jackson’s knee keeps bothering him.
32. Deion Branch, Patriots (6) #1 WR, but Brady spreads the ball around.
33. Mushin Muhammad, Bears (7) Need someone on the other side to loosen up the coverage.
34. Braylon Edwards, Browns (6) Back early from his knee injury, is good with Frye.
35. Darrell Jackson, Seahawks (5) Would be higher but his knee is bugging him.
36. Michael Clayton, Bucs (4) He’s looking to rebound from sub-par year and is looking good in camp.
37. Donte’ Stallworth, Saints (7) Brees will light a fire under this guy.
38. Keyshawn Johnson, Panthers (9) Will get single coverage all the time.
39. Joe Jurevicius, Browns (6) Big target in the Red Zone.
40. Laveranues Coles, Jets (9) Pennington’s favorite receiver.
41. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals (5) #2 guy in Cincy.
42. Brandon Stokley, Colts (6) Best #3 WR in the league.
43. Jerry Porter, Raiders (3) Where will he be playing this year?
44. Ernest Wilford, Jaguars (6) Looking like the #1 guy in camp.
45. Troy Williamson, Vikings (6) Has huge upside due to his blazing speed.
46. Kevin Curtis, Rams (7) Second best #3 WR in league.
47. Amani Toomer, Giants (4) More of a possession receiver at this point in his career.
48. Koren Robinson, Vikings (6) Good deep threat.
49. Matt Jones, Jaguars (6) Battling for the #1 job in camp.
50. Mark Clayton, Ravens (7) Will benefit from playing with an NFL QB this year.
51. Eric Parker, Chargers (3) Starting wide-out that is a little better than average.
52. Corey Bradford, Lions (8) Has the speed to stretch the defense at Ford Field.
53. Antonio Bryant, 49ers (7) Went for over 1,000 yards last season in Cleveland.
54. Marty Booker, Dolphins (8) Possession receiver for Fins.
55. Brandon Lloyd, Redskins (8) Playing with a real QB now.
56. Reche Caldwell, Patriots (6) One of the guys Brady will spray the ball around to.
57. Greg Lewis, Eagles (9) Somebody has to catch McNabb’s passes.
58. Samie Parker, Chiefs (3) Has the speed to stretch the field.
59. Michael Jenkins, Falcons (5) Falcons don’t pass much.
60. Roddy White, Falcons (5) Falcons don’t pass much.
61. Robert Ferguson, Packers (6) Has a slight hold on a starting position.
62. Cedrick Wilson, Steelers (4) Possession receiver for a running team.
63. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets (9) Possession receiver is running with the first team.
64. Ashley Lelie, Broncos (4) Could move up this list with a bullet if traded to the right team.
65. Antwan Randle El, Redskins (8) Exciting player, but doesn’t score many points.
66. Santonio Holmes, Steelers (4) Moves up this list if he can beat out Cedrick Wilson.
67. Doug Gabriel, Raiders (3) Moves up this list after Jerry Porter gets traded.
68. Dante Hall, Chiefs (3) If Edwards is really gonna make him his #3 WR, then he moves up the list.
69. Travis Taylor, Vikings (6) Solid #3 WR for the Vikings.
70. Marcus Robinson, Vikings (6) Very good in the Red Zone.
71. Keary Colbert, Panthers (9) Will rebound from down season last year.
72. Chris Henry, Bengals (5) Pure talent that just needs a few more passes thrown his way.
73. Chad Jackson, Patriots (6) Has the talent to beat out Caldwell for starting position.
74. Ronald Curry, Raiders (3) Was just coming around when he blew out his knee last year.
75. Bobby Engram, Seahawks (5) Nothing flashy, but solid.
76. Sinorice Moss, Giants (4) Not as good as his brother…..yet.
77. Bryant Johnson, Cardinals (9) Gets scraps from the table.
78. Shaun McDonald, Rams (7) Very good wide-out on a very deep team.
79. David Boston, Bucs (4) This is not a misprint. He’s blowing people away in camp.
80. Greg Jennings, Packers (6) Could give Ferguson a run for his money.
81. Derek Hagan, Dolphins (8) Rookie is looking good in camp.
82. Travis Wilson, Browns (6) Another rookie that’s making a good impression.
83. Ike Hilliard, Bucs (4) Not much left in the tank.
84. Devery Henderson, Saints (7) Could be the year he breaks out of his shell.
85. Glen Martinez, Lions (8) A Mike Martz favorite.
86. Derrick Armstrong, Texans (5) #3 WR.
87. Dennis Northcutt, Browns (6) Having a battle for his #3 spot.
88. Justin McCareins, Jets (9) In Coach Mangini’s doghouse.
89. Kelly Campbell, Dolphins (8) Deep threat from Culpepper’s past.
90. Jabar Gaffney, Eagles (9) Switches cities, but still a #3 WR.
91. Kassim Osgood, Chargers (3) Could be #3.
92. Patrick Crayton, Cowboys (3) Could be #3 if healthy.
93. Rod Gardner, Packers (6) Looks like #4 guy in GB.
94. Reggie Williams, Jaguars (6) #1 job was open, but he doesn’t look like he wanted it.
95. Darius Watts, Broncos (4) Still having problems with drops.
96. Peerless Price, Bills (8) Bills are grasping at straws.
97. Antonio Chatman, Bengals (5) Has a chance at the #3 job.
98. Troy Brown, Patriots (6) Old reliable.
99. Wes Welker, Dolphins (8) He does a little of everything.
100. Brandon Jones, Titans (7) Did ok as a rookie.
101. Roydell Williams, Titans (7) Had almost identical numbers that Jones did last year.
102. Josh Reed, Bills (8) Put up or shut up time for Reed.
103. Todd Pinkston, Eagles (9) The man with alligator arms.
104. Vincent Jackson, Chargers (3) Getting a chance this year.
105. Dane Looker, Rams (7) Possession receiver.
106. James Thrash, Redskins (8) Low on the depth chart.
107. David Patten, Redskins (8) Below Thrash on the depth chart.
108. Tim Carter, Giants (4) Good speed, but little chance.
109. David Tyree, Giants (4) Good speed, but little chance.
110. Terrance Wilkins, Colts (6) Any Colt is worth mention.
111. Andre Davis, Bills (8) Played with Holcomb on Browns.
112. Mike Williams, Lions (8) First round bust.
113. Mark Bradley, Bears (7) Second year wideout on a running team.
114. Clarence Moore, Ravens (7) Wins jump balls.
115. Kelley Washington, Bengals (5) Is a good wide-out but has problems staying healthy.
116. Justin Gage, Bears (7) Bears getting tired of waiting for him.
117. Brandon Williams, 49ers (7) Rookie could catch a few.
118. Tim Dwight, Jets (9) Always fun to watch play.
119. Quincy Morgan, Steelers (4) Good speed but hands of stone.
120. Demetrius Williams, Ravens (7) Rookie could get a few grabs.
121. Skyler Green, Cowboys (3) Rookie could battle for #3 WR position.
122. Jerome Pathon, Falcons (5) Could be Falcons #3 WR.
123. Troy Edwards, Jaguars (6) Edwards back to the scene of his best year.
124. Derrick Hamilton, 49ers (7) Could be #3 WR for 49ers.
125. Brad Smith, Jets (9) Converted QB…..could catch a few.
126. Charles Rogers, Lions (8) Just trying to stick in the NFL now.
1. Shaun Alexander, Seahawks (5) Alexander is a TD machine and a great back for yardage.
2. Larry Johnson, Chiefs (3) Johnson exploded on the scene last year and won’t have to share time with Priest Holmes anymore.
3. Ladainian Tomlinson, Chargers (3) Workhorse that can score receiving, rushing OR passing!
4. Tiki Barber, Giants (4) Awesome season last year, but beware…he’s in his 30’s.
5. Clinton Portis, Redskins (8) Can go the distance on any carry and is the focal point of the Redskins offense.
6. Rudi Johnson, Bengals (5) A battering ram that will be more busy than usual until Carson Palmer is 100%.
7. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins (8) Good blend of speed and power, and he doesn’t have to share carries with a pothead anymore.
8. Cadillac Williams, Bucs (4) Will have an awesome season as long as Gruden doesn’t run him into the ground again.
9. Edgerrin James, Cardinals (9) Weaker offensive line this year, but still an elite back.
10. Lamont Jordan, Raiders (3) The big guy catches alot of passes to go with his rushing yards.
11. Stephen Jackson, Rams (7) Coach Linehan will use the run alot more than Martz did.
12. Domanick Davis, Texans (5) Can catch or run with the best of them….as long as he stays healthy.
13. Jamal Lewis, Ravens (7) In training camp this year instead of the pokey. Should bounce back strong.
14. Willis McGahee, Bills (8) If passing game keeps extra guys out of the box, he should have his best season.
15. Corey Dillon, Patriots (6) Might have to split carries with Maroney, but he’ll still the the majority of the carries.
16. Reggie Bush, Saints (7) Will line up all over the field and might have more yards receiving than rushing.
17. Rueben Droughns, Browns (6) Will score more TDs this season due to an improved line and receivers.
18. Willie Parker, Steelers (4) If he gets to run near the goal line he shoots up this list.
19. Ahman Green, Packers (6) Injury risk, but one worth taking.
20. Fred Taylor, Jaguars (6) Injury risk, but is a dominator when healthy.
21. Dominic Rhodes, Colts (6) Has a good shot to be the main man for the Colts.
22. Brian Westbrook, Eagles (9) Weak receiving corps in Philly will mean more work for Westbrook.
23. Kevin Jones, Lions (8) Could rebound from an off-year, but will Martz let him run the ball enough?
24. Julius Jones, Cowboys (3) Would rank alot higher if he could stay in one piece.
25. Deuce McAllister, Saints (7) I still have a feeling that Deuce will lead the Saints in rushing, and get all the goal-line carrries.
26. Chester Taylor, Vikings (6) Finally get his chance, he could put up numbers like Lamont Jordan did last year.
27. Warrick Dunn, Falcons (5) Alot of yards, but not alot of TDs.
28. Chris Brown, Titans (7) Who knows what to expect out of the Titans running game?
29. DeShaun Foster, Panthers (9) Brittle, but effective when he plays.
30. D’Angelo Williams, Panthers (9) Waiting for Foster to get hurt so he can take his job and never give it back.
31. Thomas Jones, Bears (7) In the Bears doghouse, but he did go over 1,000 yards last season.
32. Cedric Benson, Bears (7) Banged up in camp, but was listed ahead of Jones on depth chart.
33. Frank Gore, 49ers (7) A warrior that only needs to stay healthy to show off.
34. Curtis Martin, Jets (9) Near the end of his Hall-of-Fame career because of bad knees.
35. Kevan Barlow, 49ers (7) Neck and neck with Gore for the starting job in San Fran.
36. Cedric Houston, Jets (9) Started in Martin’s place last year, and will be first in line this year too.
37. Joseph Addai, Colts (6) Never was a full-time back at LSU.
38. Tatum Bell, Broncos (4) Team thinks he’s too small to be an everydown back, but he’s effective when he plays.
39. Michael Pittman, Bucs (4) Should get more carries to keep the Cadillac fresh this year.
40. Marion Barber, Cowboys (3) Plays behind injury-prone Jones and gets a lot of carries near the end zone.
41. Samkon Gado, Packers (6) Power runner that showed alot last season. Will get a ton of carries if Green isn’t all the way back.
42. T.J. Duckett, Falcons (5) Beast near the goal-line for Atlanta.
43. Mewelde Moore, Vikings (6) Good back-up running back.
44. Mike Anderson, Ravens (7) Had a huge season in Denver and should steal some carries from Jamal Lewis this year.
45. Duce Staley, Steelers (4) Could be the goal-line back for the Steelers this year.
46. Laurence Maroney, Patriots (6) Could steal alot of carries from Corey Dillon.
47. Antowain Smith, Texans (5) Could get alot of carries this season to keep Domanick Davis fresh and healthy.
48. Ron Dayne, Broncos (4) Can Mike Shanahan really make a good running back out of anybody?
49. Maurice Morris, Seahawks (5) Good back that’s biding his time until free-agency.
50. Lee Suggs, Browns (6) Will give Droughns a few breaks this season.
51. Chris Perry, Bengals (5) Good back-up running back that catches alot of passes.
52. Brandon Jacobs, Giants (4) TD machine in goal-line offense.
53. LenDale White, Titans (7) One of Coach Chow’s favorite players at USC.
54. Mike Bell, Broncos (4) Undrafted rookie that’s rising up the depth chart in Denver.
55. Justin Fargas, Raiders (3) Third-down back for Raiders.
56. Ladell Betts, Redskins (8) Betts always produces when he plays.
57. Michael Turner, Chargers (3) Turner is a great back-up, but Tomlinson never comes out of the game.
58. Kevin Faulk, Patriots (6) Good pass catching third-down back.
59. Shawn Bryson, Lions (8) Coach Martz likes his receiving skills.
60. Derrick Blaylock, Jets (9) Could get a lot of carries if Martin hangs up the cleats.
61. Michael Bennett, Chiefs (3) Bennett could produce as a third-down back for Chiefs.
62. Jerious Norwood, Falcons (5) Has been impressive in camp.
63. Maurice Hicks, 49ers (7) Productive when he plays.
64. Najeh Davenport, Packers (6) Coming off an injury, but a load to bring down.
65. Greg Jones, Jaguars (6) #2 behind fragile Fred Taylor.
66. Jerome Harrison, Browns (6) Good skills, could be ideal third-down back.
67. Nick Goings, Panthers (9) Always seems to get alot of P.T.
68. Travis Henry, Titans (7) Tough guy, but probably #3 in line for carries.
69. Moe Williams, Rams (7) Tough runner with a nose for the goal-line.
70. Marcel Shipp, Cardinals (9) Had his chance last season and blew it.
71. Adrian Peterson, Bears (7) #3 in Chicago.
72. Maurice Drew, Jaguars (6) A little small, but he has skills.
73. Ryan Moats, Eagles (9) The Eagles will run more this year and Moats is the #2 guy.
74. Brian Calhoun, Lions (8) Was a great runner in Wisconsin and could push Jones for job.
75. J.J. Arrington, Cardinals (9) Had a decent year as a rookie, but backing up the Edge now.
76. Tyson Thompson, Cowboys (3) #3 in Big D.
77. James Mungro, Colts (6) Could be Colts goal-line back.
78. Vernand Morency, Texans (5) #3 in Houston.
79. Anthony Thomas, Bills (8) Could get carries near the goal-line for the Bills.
80. Sammy Morris, Dolphins (8) Ronnie Brown’s caddy.
81. Verron Haynes, Steelers (4) Could battle Staley and Parker for goal-line carries.
82. Rock Cartwright, Redskins (8) Averaged over 7 yards per carry last season.
83. Tony Fisher, Rams (7) Duking it out with Moe Williams for back-up job.
84. Aaron Stecker, Saints (7) #3 behind McAllister and Bush.
85. Darren Sproles, Chargers (3) Kick-returner and #3 running back for Chargers.
86. Musa Smith, Ravens (7) Big back that is injury-prone.
87. Ciatrick Fason, Vikings (6) Could be goal-line back for Vikings.
88. Travis Minor, Dolphins (8) Good receiving back.
89. Shaud Williams, Bills (8) Small, #3 back for Bills.
90. Kenny Watson, Bengals (5) Always productive when he plays, but doesn’t play much.
91. Dee Brown, Chiefs (3) Brown is #3 in KC.
92. Rashard Lee, Raiders (3) At least he can return kicks.
93. Josh Scobey, Seahawks (5) Kick-returner and #3 back for Seattle.
94. Bruce Perry, Eagles (9) Coming back from injury-filled rookie season.
95. Ernest Graham, Bucs (4) Sits on bench every week.
96. Derrick Ward, Giants (4) Suffered broken foot in camp.
Robinson, who has been suspended multiple times by the NFL for substance abuse, was arrested early Wednesday morning on DWI charges. The Vikings have behavior clauses in Robinson’s contract that could allow them to cut him loose because of his actions this morning. It is likely that the NFL will suspend him for the whole season soon.
Robinson is a sad story. He has so much ability on the football field and has wasted it on drugs and alcohol. This leaves a huge void in the Vikings passing game. Troy Williamson must step up or the Vikings will have a hard time passing the ball.