Conference 7.286::sports_91

    I heard that Herchel may want a break from his football duties to
    compete on the US bobsled team.  
    
    	--dan'l

    Go Vikes!  Whatta team!
    
    /Don

    re: .1,
    
    I read just the opposite.....he has asked the Olympic Committee to give
    him an exemption from some of the bobsled trials/responsibilities due
    to his 'job' commitments.  Further, the piece I read said that a
    January 12th (?) date would be scheduled for him to have a 'push-off'
    against the next guy in line to keep the spot he just earned.
    
    HTH,
    
    
    Nelly

      The Vikes,  my 2nd favorite team.....
    
      The Broncos vs Vikes in Superbowl.....
    
    	Tim

    
>>      The Broncos vs Vikes in Superbowl.....
    
   the first Superbowl to end in draw.....

       The world would end right after the '2-minute warning'!
                                           Denny

    That would be an awsome Superbowl...Id love to see a game with
    67 Faboulous Sacks and 84 Interceptions as well as 49 Fumbles...
    
    They would make a 4 tape series on the Foolies alone :-)
    								MAB

    I keep telling you guys.
    
    World ends in the bottom of the ninth, game 7, Red Sox vs Cubs.  :-)
    
    Fortunately, I think we'll see 1992 without any problem.
    
    A&W

    I saw Millard yesterday at a yuppie bar.  He sure is big.  He sure
    looks real mean.  He's way ahaid a his rehab schedule on the knee.
    
    Rich Gannon was already whining to the press before the mini-camp
    started, cuz he knows that with the wizened old drunk of a coach
    in his final year he's gonna go with Wade, who is at least somewhat
    less inconsistent and inaccurate than Rich, who embarrassed himself
    last year with 10 yard overthrows on the long balls.
    
    The single most important factor to the Vikes' success, IMNSHO, is
    the OL.  The Vikes' OL, with all their Pro Bowls, has been the most
    overrated and limiting part of the team.  They cain't run block worth
    a damn.  You don't win Super Bowls when you almost always fail on the
    4th and ones, and that's exactly what the Vikes have been doing the
    last few years.
    
    MrT

MrT --

What were you doing in a yuppie bar?

    The only way the Vike's one back offense will work is if the back
    is Emmit Smith.  Unfortunately, Dallas has him along with several other
    quality players.  Mike Lynn, Mr. Disaster.
    
    Nonethless, the Vikes finish 11-5 and win 1 play-off game......
    
    Jmike

    Who was the running back that filled in for Hercshel last week?
    
    Steve

    I think it was Terry Allen former Clemson god.
    
    Jimbo

    I wouldn't say he's filling in any more.  More like "taking over."
    A good line by one of the local columnists:  The best way to use
    Herschel?  Seldom
    
    :*)
    
    
    Spud

I thought that I heard that Jerry Burns announced that he would retire
after this season.

Jerry

    Burns did announce that he will retire after this season.  He might as
    well because he would've been fired anyway.
    
    
    Joe

    And deservedly so...  He, Like Handley, Has taken a talent laiden
    football team and dragged them kicking and screaming into the cellar
    of the national football league!  I'll be happy to see the loser go
    and I'm not even a Vike's fan.
    
    
    Big Game

    The Vikings' problem is not Burns - or Walker's or even Lynn's.  It's
    the "Curse of the NorseMen" that was put on the team for moving
    indoors.  Bud Grant muttered the curse teh day he heard about the Dome. 
    The rest is history.  Despite some passing victories (such as the
    playoff vs. San Fran) the Vikings have never recovered from getting a
    soul and heart transplant.  They went from being a manly rough and
    tumble team to a team of pampered Izod wearers.
    
    JD

    The disaggreement of Burns and Lynn over Walker certainly didn't help
    things.  The Vikings were a very inconsistant team before Walker.  But
    for Lynn to spent that much to get him, and then for Burns not to use
    him - great cooridination there guys.
    
    Scott

    Walker was not the best back for the Vikes' offense, and Lynn should
    have known that. What a stupid trade.
    
    Put Herschel in the run and shoot, or the I, or the Skins' one back
    attack, and he'd be a consistent 1,200 yd rusher.
    
    And I agree with JD 100% about the Dome. When I was a kid, I was a big
    Vikes fan, and loved watching Foreman, Tarkenton et al in Met. They had
    the biggest home field advantage in December (ask the LA Rams) with the
    elements ... now if they aren't playing in Tampa, they fall apart on
    grass.
    
    Bring back Bud Grant !
    
    Doc

    
    Serves those Minnesotans right!  The BaggieDome may have given the 
    Minnesota Twins the biggest home field advantage in modern baseball
    history, but at least the FauxFans' windfall came at the expense
    of true-blue Vikes (and even Goofs) fans.  At least someone's paying
    the fiddler...
    
    glenn
    

      Glad to see him going!  Now maybe my #2 team will play ball!
    
    	Tim

    It sure as hail hasn't been Burns fault.  This "talented" team was traded
    away, got older and layed down like dogs to be brutally honest.  Thank
    God Burnsie doesn't play Walker much.  If he's not tip-toeing around
    waiting to bump into someone and fall down, he's fumbling the ball
    away.  Course we have Lynn to blame for that killer trade.  The loss of
    Millard the last two years has been devastating as well.  Doleman, who
    was supposed to be so great, has been below average since.  Even
    Browner has been benched this year becuase he looks awful.  There's
    bickering and public back-stabbing that have morale real low,
    especially in the defensive unit.  They lack a pro QB among other
    things.
    
    What has now become a national story has been known here for months. 
    In fact some people thought Burnsie might call it quits after about the
    third game this year.  
    
    Geez, to hear people still complaining that the Twins have the
    "greatest home-field advantage" reminds me of two things:  Whiney
    Herzog in '87 and how jealous they are.
    
    
    Spud

      Well I for one am glad to see Burns gone.  Hershel was under
    utilized,  the players don't seem to be "pumped" up to play, like 3-4
    years ago.
    
      Yes the Vikes need a top QB.  Gannon is ok,  but nothing spectacular.
     
    
       There was someone commenting last night (Thiesman?) saying he didn't
    think Hershel will play for vikes next year.   We will see since Burns
    will be gone.
    
    
      I hope the vikes can get in the playoffs,  though its very unlikely.
    
    
    	Tim

I thought the comments by the broadcast team last night about what
Burns had to work with were pretty good.

The line isn't such that you can run Walker out of the I formation.  The
Vikes have no #1, 2 or 3 draft pick this year.

Look for a new coach, but several years of rebuilding.  They paid too
much to get Walker considering how he's been used....


'Saw

    
>   Geez, to hear people still complaining that the Twins have the
>   "greatest home-field advantage" reminds me of two things:  Whiney
>   Herzog in '87 and how jealous they are.
    
    Not jealousy, Spud; fact.  I've readily acknowledged the Twins proved
    themselves to be the best team in baseball this past year (I don't
    think even the the most diehard Twins fan would make that claim
    about 1987) and defended them against doubting critics (who said the 
    Twins hadn't proved themselves until they won a World Series game on 
    the road), but I'm referring to the Twins' demonstrated
    *regular-season* home field advantage since they moved into the 
    Metrodome.  Look it up.  The home/road split is huge.  It's undeniable...
    
    glenn
    

Spud,

Have to disagree, Gannon is going to be one of the best.

Give him time.

daryll

    Now that Jerry Burns is gone (thankfully), the Vikings can really look
    to get a fresh start next year. 
    
    I've heard (from Will McDonough) that they were interested in Ross, but
    moved too slowly and they are now interested in Erickson. Anyone hear
    anyone else mentioned for the Viking job?
    
    I think Sam Wyche would be a good choice. I still think he's a pretty
    good coach. Does anyone know what ever happened to Jim Stanley?
    formerly of the Steelers and then of the Michigan Panthers. I always
    thought he was a good coach.
    
    The vikes are hurting from the loss of all the draft picks, but I still
    think they have a good nucleus and the talent is there for the next few
    years.
    
    I think Wilson is better than Gannon. Something is wrong when you're
    only throwing 10 yard slants to Anthony Carter because you don't trust
    your quarterback. I wish they had gotten Walsh, maybe New Orleans would
    consider dealing him now that they're sticking with Herbert. Walker for
    Walsh? I'd do it if I were the Vikings. They don't need Hershal Walker,
    they've got plenty of talent with Allen, Finney, Anderson, and co.
    
    -dennis

    All of you who are glad Burns is gone aren't quite reading this right.
    Jerry pretty well said last year that this would be his last, so it was
    no shock to us that it came.  Burnsy did a decent job with what he had.
    Fact is, this team just doesn't have much talent.  They have a minor
    league QB who can't throw to two of the best receivers in football,
    they (had) a lame duck RB in Walker who showed a flash that he actually
    cared about trying about every third game and they have one of the
    oldest teams in the league.  
    
    Randall McDaniel is their best player, which says a lot about the
    defense.  The consensous on Browner is that he'd bring a second or
    third round draft pick today.  Doleman was a player made by Millard and
    has done diddly since that injury two years ago.  They went 8-8 against
    a last place schedule and have no early draft picks again next year.
    
    This team has NOT hit rock bottom yet, which is why the top coaching
    candidates right now are assistants.  Grudgingly, I admit that this is
    a football town, but that is changing.  The Vikings were good for so
    many years and always drew sellouts.  Now things are changing, they had 
    no-shows of 10,000 and 15,000 for their last couple of games.  People
    couldn't give away thier tickets.  I'll predict right now this team
    will win six games at the most next year.  Sad thing is that may not be
    the bottom either.
    
    
    Spud

 Later, Hersch ... It's been real, dude.   Don't forget to clear out your
 locker before you go and please turn in your training room keys and your
 playbook to the clubhouse attendant.   Need directions outta town ???
 
 Vikings traded 5 players and 8 draft picks ... and didn't even win a
 single 'offs game with him let alone the Supe.  Meanwhile, the Pokes went
 from 1-15 to a wild card slot.   One of the all-time worst trades in
 sports history.
 
 Bob Hunt

    One of the all-time worst trades in history for the Vikings, not the
    Cowboys.  :^)

It could arguably be one of the all time worst trades period, in terms of
one team getting so little and one getting so much....


'Saw

    Roger Craig paid for himself Sunday, the touchdown run (and the one
    before it) was the play that Hershel could not make for the Vikings.
    
    The Vikes can match up with anyone, I think, ultimately, they'll
    go as long as Gannon can stay under control. If they had a solid QB,
    I think they could make a serious run this year, but then again,
    Hostetler has a ring...
    
    -dennis

    dennis,
    
    As a rabid Bears_Fan, and not taking anything away from the Vikes
    comeback...  I think "match up with anybody" is a stretch.
    
    The Vikes looked sick against a not-so-good Bears team in MN.  It
    took Jim Harbough to give the Vikes momentum on what may be the
    worst audible of the '92 season.
    
    You better hope for a Vikes team that play the last 13:00 and not the
    other 3 quarters (especially the 3rd quarter).
    
    I think they have allot of proving to do before I'd consider them a 
    "contenda".
    
    (Plus they still have to come to Chicago)
    
    ;-)
    
    Chip_GSH_Bach 
    

Ah, nothing warms my heart more than seeing Mr. Ditka lose his 
mind on the sidelines...

Made this VIKINGS fans day.

The road to the NFC Central goes through Minny this year.

daryll

Yep, Momentum is everything. The vikes have a lot to learn mentally
as well.  I think they have enough talent to play with anyone, but
they do tend to get in ruts when things aren't going well. I'm 
hoping that this victory will give them the confidence they need
to be able to win consistantly.

As for the Bears game, they played pretty well for the first 3 quarters
if it wasn't for the 2 interceptions and 2 fumbles.  As soon as
they got some momentum, they were able to play a great fourth quarter.

You can blame Harbaugh for the first 7 points, but the other two
scores were a result of inspiared play by the vikings and overreaction
by Ditka. If your coach acts like the game is over (even though you're still
ahead by 13 points), then players tend to think (and act) the same way.

    Aw geez, if no one else is going to say it:  The Vikes came, they saw
    and they kicked the Bears butts lasted night.  :*)  Ya gotta love it!
    
    If the Vikes go 4-4 the rest of the way (with a somewhat tough
    schedule) the Bears will have to pull off a 7-1 to win the division.
    Tiebreaker is with the Vikes.
    
    The ol' gray Bears ain't what they used to be, ain't what they used to
    be...
    
    Herschel who?
    
    
    Spud
    

Hey Spud, wha's happenin'??????


Have you heard from ol MorT at all?


'Saw

    
    >                      -< Rich Gannon! Whatta QB! >-
    
    Yep, a regular Flutie, too small and not good enough to play for the
    Patriots...
    
    glenn
    

Rich Gannon  wt/ht 202/6-3

C. Miller wt/ht 200/6-2
R. Cunningham wt/ht 203/6-4
J. Kelly wt/ht 218/6-3
W. Moon wt/ht 210/6-3
N. O'Donnell wt/ht 217/6-2

Never let the facts interfere and all that.....

daryll

    Darryl,
       Actually the Pats should be kilt for letting him go. They drafted
    him!!
                                 Denny

    
    >                      -< Pats would kill for him >-
    
    The Pats *had him*.  I was being sarcastic...
    
    glenn
    

    'Saw & all,
    
    Haven't seen hide nor hair of MrT.  (Consider me lucky  :*)
    
    Hey Daryll, I've upgraded my feelings about Gannon.  I don't hate him
    anymore, but I still don't necessarily think he's the guy.  He still
    has the quickness after the injury, though.  Did remind me a little of
    Fran with his scrambling last night.
    
    
    Spud

    I don't know if anyone has heard, but former Viking Alan Page was
    elected to the Minnesota Supreme Court on Tuesday.
    
    Congrats!  (for JimWa  :*)
    
    
    Spud

Spud -
That's interesting.  Any troof the rumour that criminals can now choose
between community service, jail time, or getting sacked repeatedly by
Judge Page  ;-)

JD

    Yeah I heard that yesterday, but forgot to mention it after being
    tempted.

    Vikes are in the process of becoming the "'78 Red Sox."  This team was
    9-3 and led the division by four games.  I'll predict they'll lose
    their last two and Green Bay will become NFC Central champs.  Vikes
    might still get in as a wild card, but they have lost to both Washington
    and Philly.
    
    If only we had a QB.
    
    
    Spud

Spud,

We got Bubby next week. It's a lock.

daryll

    Daryll,
    
    So, you're saying our defense will outscore their defense?  It does
    sound like we would have the advantage there.  Salisbury's back, at
    least we'll have a chance, now.  
    
    
    Spud

    	If Salisbury can steak the Vikings to an early lead the defense
    will rare up and scrap the tender Brister...
    
    				/Don

    Yes, if the steak man can carve up the Steel Curtain by either giving
    the ball to Allen or Craig so they can slice through some of those
    sides o' beef like a skewer through shish kabob, we'll finally meat our
    expectations. 
    
    
    Spud

    
    The Crazy Met
    

	Here's to hoping the "steak man" shatters his Ginso and the
	Steelers turn things around before the "real season" starts.


	Bill

I hope Salisbury knows what is at steak this week, and steers the Vikes to
victory.  No doubt the Steelers will turn up the heat on Salisbury, trying to
scorch and burn him - they will be out to give him a thorough grilling.  But 
he's got lots of gristle and can, IMO, meat all that the Steelers throw his
way.  As long as he doesn't get embroiled in listening to the taunts, he
should carve up Pitts.   He's got some rare skills, and should get a 'well
done' at the end of this game.   If he watches the flank, and doesn't end up
on his rump, he'll show why he deserved to be picked in a top round, and that's
he a choice QB!

JD

re: .56

	I hope you are wrong, JD, but it sure is funny!

	Bill

    re: .56
    
    Your saucey note was A-1 !

     
    
     Gotta pull for the Squeelers this week...  The Packers can still win
    the Central...  Now, Wouldn't that be GREAT !!!!  Farve is looking
    pretty sharp and Sterling even sharper.  This would be great for
    football !!  baldy deserves a `ship

    As a fan of neither the vikings or the Packers, I want them going into
    the last game of the season, head to head, to decide who goes to the
    playoffs and who stays home with the rest of the division.  I hate it
    when games have no meaning, and if Green Bay loses this weekend or
    Minnesota wins this weekend then that game will have NO meaning other
    than respect of the other team.
    
    Marc

    As a Vikings fan, I hope you're right.  Don't get me wrong, I hope they
    win in Pitts this weekend.  But if they don't, I don't want them
    backing into the playoffs.  They should earn it.  
    
    The Packers-Vikes games are always special and no matter the records,
    it's usually a battle.  I was trying to think back, have the Pack won
    the division since 1972?  I was thinking they've done it one time
    since, possibly.
    
    
    Spud

>    The Packers-Vikes games are always special and no matter the records,
>    it's usually a battle.  I was trying to think back, have the Pack won
>    the division since 1972?  I was thinking they've done it one time
>    since, possibly.

     No.  They had the best record of all central division teams in the
     9-game season of 1982, but in that year divisional standings were not
     counted, only conference standings.  (Except, of course for scheduling
     for the following year).  They were ranked third that year in the NFC,
     behind Washington and Dallas, and played the Cardinals at Lambeau Field
     in their only home playoff game since their Super Bowl II victory.

    Packer/Vikings or Packers/Bears games are some of the best football
    game you can watch.  Always a battle and always bitter cold (til the
    pansy assed vikes went indoors).  Went to many a game at Lambeau 
    field with my dad on days that Polar Bears stay in on.  I remember one
    year at a Bears/Greenbay game in Green Bay...  We had beers (cans) in our
    pockets (I was 12 or 13 but dad was cool and besides it's the way things 
    are up there) it was so damn cold the beers froze next to your body.
    The snap on the neck of my snowmobile jacket froze to my neck and took
    a huge chunk of skin off when pulled.  It was killer !!!
    
    BG

    Ouch!!

    BG,
    
    You're REALLY making me long for those -20 temps we'll be getting in
    the next few weeks.  Maybe I'll go put my tongue on the mailbox to
    re-create your adventure.  
    
    :*O
    
    
    Spud

    Well, here it is ten days later and we have the tongue on mailbox
    weather.  They're talking -15 to -20 tonight.  High today of zero,
    if we're lucky.
    
    Looks like this has turned into a baseball town.  Vikes make the
    playoffs for the first time in three years and can't sellout the game.
    They asked the NFL and received an extension to 5pm tonight to try and
    get the sellout in order to have the game on local television.
    
    The local station carrying the game will probably buyout the remaining
    tickets and show it here, but it's really turning out to be an
    embarrassment.
    
    
    Spud

    
    > The local station carrying the game will probably buyout the remaining
    > tickets and show it here, but it's really turning out to be an
    > embarrassment.
    
    Where's MrT and his bigoted anti-Pittsburgh pro-Minnesota fan support
    sewage when you really need it?  ;-)
    
    glenn
    

    Mebbe we should call him?
    

    Well it's not as bad as Pittsburgh, where they had 15,000 empty seats
    and would've had a lot more except for all the Atlanta fans.  It might
    have something to do with options for Saturday:
    
    Vikes game at Dome 11:30am (TV if soldout)  60,000+
    Gophers BB at Williams arena 1pm (cable TV also) 13,000+
    Gophers hockey at Mariucchi 7pm 7,500 sellout probable
    Timberwolves at Target 7pm 17,000+
    North Stars 6:30 TV @NYI
    
    Not to mention simulcast horse racing at Canterbury and dog racing at
    the Meadows.
    
    Sooooo, maybe it's not such a surprise.
    
    
    Spud
    

    Where's "T" when we need him.
    
    >>Well it's not as bad as Pittsburgh, where they had 15,000 empty seats
    
    Actually, just short of 9500 was tha actual count.  But, a
    "non-sellout" is an non-sellout, so I guess Minnysoda fans suck bigtime
    cause they don't support their team and the team should move somewhere
    where they'd be liked like Iraq where Sadaam would proclaim them Champs
    and they wouldn't even have to play a game and Khaddafi would get to be
    head coach.
    
    JaKe
    

    Well ok, 9500 plus about 5000 Atlanta fans still equals 15,000.
    
    Hey I not here to defend the Vikes, I'm first and foremost a baseball
    fan.
    
    Looks like the Vikes'll be saved anyway.  900 tickets remain and should
    be gone by Sat.  As you said, a sellouts a sellout.  ;*)
    
    
    Spud

      The Vikes still choked against the skins.  No run defense?  I didn't
    see the game (was working),  but it appears that the skins ran the ball
    at will!?!?
    
      O'well,  they still had s great year for having a new coach,  so
    expect them to do just as good next year, if not better!
    
      Tim

    Former Viking Alan Page was sworn in as Associate Justice of the
    Supreme Court for the State of Minnesota today.  Previously he was
    Assistant Attorney General here.
    
    He studied Law during his playing days and I remember Bud Grant
    allowing him to show up late for camp to complete studies.
    
    
    Spud

    
     Look at Spud trying to come up with some positives...  The Vikes blew 
    their last easy walk through the Central...  The Packers are gonna be a
    force next year !!!  
    
    BG
    
    P.S.  I was pulling for the V-Kings
    

    Check out the Raider note for more positives.
    
    ;*)
    
    
    Spud

�     Look at Spud trying to come up with some positives...  The Vikes blew 
�    their last easy walk through the Central...  The Packers are gonna be a
�    force next year !!!  
 
Hope you're right about the Pack, BG.  I'm not so sure, however, that this 
year's record wasn't a product of an easy schedule, and that nexted year 
they will be mediocre.

=Bob=

    
    They're on their way up Bob...  Count on it.  An with the Minisoda
    Chokers at the top and the Bears in disarray the Pack will charge to
    the forefront of the NFC Central much like the Chargers did in the AFC
    West.  Look for a big year from the Pack next year !!!
    
    BG
    
    P.s.  I heard from a friend that knows some folks in the GB
          organization that Magic (Don Makowski) is Gay...  Have 
    	  you heard anything like that ??
    
    

re: Pack

As I say, I hope you're right.  I recall reading something about all the fifth
place teams from lasted year had winning records thised year.  Don't remember 
who was included, other than SD and the Pack.  As for Minny, they have a pretty 
good amount of talent, and an excellent coach, so I suspect they will be in the 
hunt next year.  Also, with an easy schedule, Detriot(tm) could cause some 
problems.  They were good a couple of years ago, but had the injury bug thised
season.

=Bob=

      I've been hearing the pack is back for the last what 4 years?  What
    are they back to?
    
     Tim

    Alright TJ...  Thats about enough outta you.  First you question 
    my sources in the Faiders note now you slam the Pack...  You're 
    looking for trouble...
    
    BG

    Re:  "Pack is Back"
    
    Try listening to that for the last 20+ years.  Every year it's the
    same:  "The Pack is Back!  Last year was no fluke.  Really, this time
    we're a contender.  No really, the Pack is Back.  I'm serious, the Pack
    is Back...
    
    No division titles in the lasted 20 years.  Prove it boys, then I'll
    believe ya.
    
    
    Spud

     Spud...  The Pack will man handle the V-Kings nexted(tm) year

    Don't know about that, Farve looked pretty ugly in the last game when
    it was all on the line.  Poor cheesehaid fans were so despondent they
    hit the exits early.  Even the purple mascot (whatever the hail it is)
    had a cheesehaid hat on with a fork in it.
    
    The Pack plays well enough to break their fans hearts.  Even if they
    beat the Vikes nexted year, they ain't goin' to win the division.
    
    
    Spud

re: -1

I dunno Mark.  That division remains pretty weak.  By right, the Vikes should 
repeat nexted year, but there is no outstanding team.  The Pack is a couple of 
players away from being playoff quality (like just aobut every other team, 
they need linemen on both sides of the ball), but with the calibre of the 
NFC central, they just may sneak in.

=Bob=