THANK YOU!
On the final day of 2010, let me say thank you!
After years chatting on my personal blog about the Vikings, I decided in August to start a blog devoted exclusively to my passion for football and the only team I’ve ever called my own, our Minnesota Vikings.
I love talking football but the fact that I can share my passion with all of you, the fact that all of you are willing to visit this blog, subscribe to the newsletter, chat it up on Facebook and Twitter with me, has been delightful.
I’m happy to report that along with our daily newsletter subscribers, the Minnesota Vikings Chat community boasts 3,700 blog visits a month, 1,700 Facebook fans, nearly 400 Twitter followers and countless more who have used the #VikingsChat hashtag in the Twitterverse during the season.
Back in August we were all hoping for another Super Bowl run but the fact that I’ve found you all, that you have all supported this Vikings community we have built for the past six months, is more than enough consolation for me.
The plan for Minnesota Vikings Chat for 2011 is to continue as we have, throughout the offseason, and into next season. We can always find something to talk about where football is concerned, so even though the pickings might be thin as far as real Vikings news is concerned, we’ll find a way through the offseason. 🙂
Again, thank you so much for sharing my passion and for making Minnesota Vikings Chat what it has become.
Happy New Year, and Skol Vikings!
THE DEETS
The Vikings visit Ford Field for the second time this season on Sunday, this time to play the Detroit Lions. Kickoff is at Noon CST and the game will be broadcast on FOX nationally and FOX 9 locally.
Your play-by-play guy will be Bryan Biederman and John Lynch will be your analyst.
The radio broadcast is on KFAN-AM 1130/KTLK 100.3-FM locally with your usual crew of play-by-play guy Paul Allen, analyst Pete Bercich and sideline reporter Greg Coleman. Pre-game shows starts at 10 AM CST.
AWARDS
Cornerback Cedric Griffin has been awarded the Ed Block Courage award by his teammates for overcoming his ACL injury to return to the active roster this season before, sadly, incurring another injury that returned him to the Injured Reserve list, for inspiring his teammates with his rehab efforts, and for his active role in the community.
Antoine Winfield was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his amazing performance against the Philadelphia Eagles.
FAMILIAR FACES
There will be some familiar faces on the opposing sideline on Sunday: The former Vikings on the Lions roster include former Vikings offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Scott Linehan, who is the Lions’ offensive coordinator; wide receiver Nate Burleson was the Vikings third round pick of the 2003 draft; quarterback Shaun Hill was a Viking from 2002-2005. Linebacker Vinny Ciurciu was supposed to be a special teams standout for the Vikings in 2007 and 2008.
WALKING WOUNDED
Vikings: Quarterback Brett Favre, wide receiver Sidney Rice, safety Madieu Williams and linebacker Erin Henderson all did not practice due to concussions; nor did cornerback Asher Allen (abdomen) and fullback Naufahu Tahi (ankle).
Safety Tyrell Johnson (knee) was limited but running back Adrian Peterson (knee) participated fully.
Lions: Wide receiver Calvin Johnson (ankle), cornerback Chris Houston (shoulder) and linebacker Landon Johnson (concussion) did not practice.
Running back Jahvid Best (toe), defensive end Lawrence Jackson (groin) and quarterback Drew Stanton (left shoulder) were limited.
OPPOSITION RESEARCH
We got your back, as usual. All the links you’ll need to scout out this week’s Hated Opponent can be found at Minnesota Vikings Chat’s Detroit Lions News page.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday today to linebacker and special teams rock star Heath Farwell (29)!