Vikings Message Board.Com

I think the Bears defense takes a step back this year... I sitll think they are really going to miss Lovie Smith on D.

MelanieMFunk wrote: You have very valid concerns, but the thought of trading Peterson is traumatic! You do have a pretty strong argument here, though. I just hope Ponder develops into who the Vikings thought he could be when they drafted him so we can put these depressing thoughts behind us.

I know, it would be traumatic to say the least!!!!! But if Ponder flames out this year and they let Jared Allen and KWill go, and then draft a rookie QB, the Vikes will be several years away from contending so while difficult it might be the most logical thing to do. It would be an interesting decision next offseason if Ponder does flame out......stick with AD and go after a decent QB with some experience and try to win now, or go back to the drawing board! I suppose they could do both.

Anyway, as you said, hopefully Ponder develops and becomes a decent QB this year.

mansquatch wrote:I think the Bears defense takes a step back this year... I sitll think they are really going to miss Lovie Smith on D.

I've been feeling the same way. Still, it will be hard to get that Soldier Field monkey off our backs. I say it falls this year.

The Breeze wrote: I've been feeling the same way. Still, it will be hard to get that Soldier Field monkey off our backs. I say it falls this year.

FWIW, Bostic has looked pretty good thus far. Early returns on Chicago's draft have been very positive (unfortunately).

dead_poet wrote: FWIW, Bostic has looked pretty good thus far. Early returns on Chicago's draft have been very positive (unfortunately).

I've been reading similar accounts. I don't especially doubt their personel that much. Cutler is poised to have a big season....think it might be a contract year for him. I put my opinion in the hands of the coaching change as far as them stumbling. It could be more hope than the reality of things, however~

The Breeze wrote:I've been reading similar accounts. I don't especially doubt their personel that much. Cutler is poised to have a big season....think it might be a contract year for him. I put my opinion in the hands of the coaching change as far as them stumbling. It could be more hope than the reality of things, however~

If they stumble due to the coaching change, I think it's more likely to happen on offense than defense since the biggest changes in system and philosophy are on offense. Defensively, they're sticking with the same system and they hired a proven coordinator (Mel Tucker) so I suspect they'll be fine.

Maybe it's good that the Vikes play their road game against the Bears early in the season. With luck, the Bears won't be fully comfortable with Trestman's system yet and that will work to the Vikings benefit.

^One player who looks extremely comfortable in Trestman's system so far is Matt Forte. One would think he is the focal point seeing as how much they're using him in the passing game this preseason. Given that the swing pass route for RB's was usually stopped dead in its tracks by Antoine Winfield, it has me a little worried that Forte destroys the Vikings defense in Week 2. Harrison Smith better put wings on his Nikes.

Mothman wrote: If they stumble due to the coaching change, I think it's more likely to happen on offense than defense since the biggest changes in system and philosophy are on offense. Defensively, they're sticking with the same system and they hired a proven coordinator (Mel Tucker) so I suspect they'll be fine.

Maybe it's good that the Vikes play their road game against the Bears early in the season. With luck, the Bears won't be full comfortable with Trestman's system yet and that will work to the Vikings benefit.

That's exactly what I'm banking on. Plus Trestman and staff don't have the familarity within the division like Musgrave in his first season. Regardless, our D just needs to beat them down.

Mothman wrote: Especially the game at Soldier Field. The Vikes haven't won there since 2007 and their previous win at Soldier Field was in 2000! I hope they win that one because I'm tired of going to those games and watching them lose!

I see the problem now. For the love of Pete, Jim: DON'T GOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

Just Me wrote:
I see the problem now. For the love of Pete, Jim: DON'T GOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

No doubt....lol

Mothman wrote: If they stumble due to the coaching change, I think it's more likely to happen on offense than defense since the biggest changes in system and philosophy are on offense. Defensively, they're sticking with the same system and they hired a proven coordinator (Mel Tucker) so I suspect they'll be fine.

Maybe it's good that the Vikes play their road game against the Bears early in the season. With luck, the Bears won't be full comfortable with Trestman's system yet and that will work to the Vikings benefit.

I'm really worried about the Bears this year - I think it will be an exciting race for 1st in the NFCN between the Pack and the Bears. Maybe even as exciting as the 9ers and Seahawks in the west.

I think the Bears D will be younger and faster and Bostic has looked great so far. Also, thier OLine should be SIGNIFICANTLY improved with 2 new young starters who again both look good so far. I hate to say this, but I think the Bears are a legit superbowl contender this year.

Just Me wrote:I see the problem now. For the love of Pete, Jim: DON'T GOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

It can't be me! I've been there for for Vikings wins too.

Until Trestman proves otherwise, the recipe for success is to avoid turnovers. Make the Bears score their own points... Also, their OL is still an unproven commodity, yes they drafted a G and added Bushrod, but the rest of the group is still a mess. I like our defense as a difference maker in this game, assuming Ponder and Co. can avoid the turnover.

I have to say 8-8 or 9-7 only because of a wicked looking schedule. I actually think we'll improve our quality of play, though not our record, this year.

I'm a little worried that the Vikings could be 0-4 going into the bye week. Few observers will be surprised if the Vikings lose the two opening games on the road, nor the game in London against the Steelers. I think Cleveland this year will be much improved and will surprise a lot of people. If they come into Minnesota and defeat the Vikings at home, the season will suddenly look pretty dismal.

Then, of the four games following the bye, two are on the road and one is against the Packers at home. The Vikings' chances of being 2-6 or even 1-7 at the halfway point are a little too good.

I think scraping together 8 wins will be very difficult.

7-9