Vikings Message Board.Com

PurpleMustReign wrote:Good Lord.

Webbfann wrote: it can't get any worse.

GBFavreFan wrote:... and it all eminates from the switch to Matt Cassel. Cassel has played very good and very bad in the past, so predicting either performance is legitimate, but here's why I think this will work out for us:

--Urgency. Matt Cassel surely understands this is likely his last chance to start in the NFL. Not only that but a chance to take over a team that was just in the playoffs and contains the NFL MVP, so its not like taking over the Jaguars, he's taking a team that can hang with the best of 'em. And with the bye coming up, Ponder would be ready for the next game, so Cassel might not get another chance. If anyone has a full grasp of how important his performance will be this Sunday its Matt Cassel. He's had mega games before, I think he'll turn it on this Sunday.

--Receiving group. You'll notice all of Ponder's passes for more than 5 yards were to receivers who were wide open. Ponder's ability to throw a pass that can be caught on the run is zilch. The receivers know this and will work that much harder to get open and stretch the field.

--oline and defense. I guarantee a spark and 150% effort. Not only because we are 0-3, but they realize the ceiling of success with Ponder, and will be hopeful and supportive that Cassel can be the strong passer the Vikings need. I believe the defense and o-line will play that much harder to give Cassel every chance to succeed. While a fan might believe that all players give 100% effort 100% of the time, unfortunately that's not reality. Motivation causes players efforts to go up and down. I believe it will be at a high point this Sunday.

--Belief. From what I gather the players seem to believe in Frazier and realize 0-4 not only kills their season but might get their HC fired and my impression is they don't want him fired. And while all the players seem to like nice guy Ponder, and therefore never pushed the issue and never spoke against Ponder in public, I have a feeling they realize Ponder already hit his ceiling and they want to go farther and realize if they lose this game, things will revert to Ponder-ball to finish the season in preparation for next year's draft. I believe the team will give 150% effort to avoid this scenario.

I am aware of some injury issues, so this will hardly be a cake walk, and I'm also aware the Steelers are facing the reality of their first losing season since forever, but I think we have that edge because of the QB switch and uncertainty of our QB future. however because of our injured secondary, I would expect the Vikings to win in a shootout, not a shutout.

Texas Vike wrote:Doesn't anyone realize anymore what "per cent" means anymore? Etymologically, 100 is the limit by definition.

As for the predictions, who knows man? The Vikings are an enigma. Part of me wants them to be in the running for a top QB next year cause it's a great class, but I don't want to throw in the towel on this entire season. I'd love to see Cassel flourish and to see CP84 turn into a superstar.

Mothman wrote: You are 100% correct about that!
If it really is a great QB class, the benefit should be that they won't need a top pick to get a good one.

Texas Vike wrote:Doesn't anyone realize anymore what "per cent" means anymore? Etymologically, 100 is the limit by definition.