I haven't been on this in a while, about three years. Problem with having a blog is I don't always have something to talk about ad nauseum . In the past I've used this for sports talk and a little on home improvement. But now I am going to start using it for a new purpose: weight loss journal. I don't know if anyone will read this, but this is for me and if someone gets something out of reading these posts, then added benefit.
I have struggled with my weight since junior high. I've never been "morbidly" overweight but I've always been the chubby kid. I've gotten motivation and relapsed so many times that I've lost count. I get lazy and food is my weakness. The biggest problem I have with food is I'm a boredom eater. I'll be watching TV or reading a book and get hungry. I start exercising and do well for a few weeks, then lose motivation and stop going back. I always find excuses not to go and then feel bad about it when those trying to motivate me are disappointed. I appreciate anyone who ever pushes me but I have to realize I am only hurting myself by not going. So this all ends today.
I am 28 years old, I weigh 280 pounds, I have had surgery on both my knees, and I couldn't run a mile if Freddy Kruger were chasing me. I started running this summer however pain in my knee forced me to stop. I was advised by my doctor to stop running until I could strengthen my leg up. However as I mentioned earlier, I used this as an excuse to just stop working out.
When I was younger, my doctor told me that I am "big-boned". My "ideal" weight is around 190, but he told me he would consider me perfectly healthy if I could get to 210-220. So I am settings my goal at 200. That's 80 pounds. I have a long way to go and am just starting, but its time for a change. I'm not doing this to impress anyone, I'm not looking for a 6-pack and bulging biceps (though I'm not opposed to the idea). I just need to be healthier. As I get older, this will only get harder so the time is now. I'm not setting a goal date, just looking for positive progress.
September 24, 2013. I hope this is the day that I can look back on as the day I turned my life around. Future me: hope you look better in a swimsuit than I do.
-Allen
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Home Improvement
That's right: I am doing a blog entry not sports related (don't get used to it)
For the last month or so, with the help of my parents, I have turned into a Home Depot weekend warrior. I have had a lot of projects in mind that I would like to do to this house of mine, finally decided that project one would be to update the basement. I will try to do updates on this in segments as they come.
Step one was dis-mantling what was already there. The ceiling was an outdated drop tile ceiling with borders that looked like 70's wood paneling. The Tiles themselves were actually in decent enough shape, but it looked pretty terrible so it had to go. Getting the tiles themselves off wasn't too difficult, although it was messy and became covered in dust. The difficult part was removing the framing as every piece was attached to the ceiling with wire. It was a pain in the butt, but relatively easy compared to the work that the walls required.
The walls had two components on them: The top section was drywall that had wallpaper stuck right to it, and the bottom was a cheap wood panelling. The panelling was relatively easy to remove. The hard part was the dry wall. First we had to remove the old wallpaper which, as I said earlier had been stuck to the drywall with seemingly no primer so it was difficult to remove. Once the wallpaper was removed we were able to access the nails to remove the dry wall pieces themselves. Once we had all the pieces removed we had a picture of what was behind.
Now, neither myself nor my father are licensed carpenters, but I believe the people who built the house had no idea what they were doing. Many times when examining the structure we find ourselves saying "Why the heck would they do that?"
As mentioned, the top half was sheet rock, so behind that was just the studs and insulation. Since the bottom layer of panel was thinner, they had to put a layer of shims all around the room so that the two levels would sit plush. So I had to go around with a hammer and pull out every single shim, probably about 50 total. And then go back and find the residual nails. Some of the Styrofoam insulation was damaged, but nothing terrible. Our other major discovery was a third window that had just been covered. At first when we saw it we figured the window was gone, but had just left the frame. Upon further inspection, we discovered that the pane itself was still in there.
Kind of a random ranting about what we've done. Next step we are working on is the expand the duct work before the ceiling goes up. As of right now, there are only two grates and they are both on the primary duct, so we are going to extend out in both directions to get better circulation in the room.
All I can say is it is a good thing my dad is good at this stuff, because otherwise if it were just me, it would end up looking like it was before we took it down. More to follow as it develops.
For the last month or so, with the help of my parents, I have turned into a Home Depot weekend warrior. I have had a lot of projects in mind that I would like to do to this house of mine, finally decided that project one would be to update the basement. I will try to do updates on this in segments as they come.
Step one was dis-mantling what was already there. The ceiling was an outdated drop tile ceiling with borders that looked like 70's wood paneling. The Tiles themselves were actually in decent enough shape, but it looked pretty terrible so it had to go. Getting the tiles themselves off wasn't too difficult, although it was messy and became covered in dust. The difficult part was removing the framing as every piece was attached to the ceiling with wire. It was a pain in the butt, but relatively easy compared to the work that the walls required.
The walls had two components on them: The top section was drywall that had wallpaper stuck right to it, and the bottom was a cheap wood panelling. The panelling was relatively easy to remove. The hard part was the dry wall. First we had to remove the old wallpaper which, as I said earlier had been stuck to the drywall with seemingly no primer so it was difficult to remove. Once the wallpaper was removed we were able to access the nails to remove the dry wall pieces themselves. Once we had all the pieces removed we had a picture of what was behind.
Now, neither myself nor my father are licensed carpenters, but I believe the people who built the house had no idea what they were doing. Many times when examining the structure we find ourselves saying "Why the heck would they do that?"
As mentioned, the top half was sheet rock, so behind that was just the studs and insulation. Since the bottom layer of panel was thinner, they had to put a layer of shims all around the room so that the two levels would sit plush. So I had to go around with a hammer and pull out every single shim, probably about 50 total. And then go back and find the residual nails. Some of the Styrofoam insulation was damaged, but nothing terrible. Our other major discovery was a third window that had just been covered. At first when we saw it we figured the window was gone, but had just left the frame. Upon further inspection, we discovered that the pane itself was still in there.
Kind of a random ranting about what we've done. Next step we are working on is the expand the duct work before the ceiling goes up. As of right now, there are only two grates and they are both on the primary duct, so we are going to extend out in both directions to get better circulation in the room.
All I can say is it is a good thing my dad is good at this stuff, because otherwise if it were just me, it would end up looking like it was before we took it down. More to follow as it develops.
Monday, January 4, 2010
NFL playoffs - Wildcard round
Wow, so it's been about 3 months since my last post. New years resolution #1, actually do this this year. And I will hopefully do something other than sports, but being the first entry of the year and the playoff season is at hand, its football talking time :-).
So the teams stack up like this:
NFC AFC
#1 Saints (z) #1 Colts(z)
#2 Vikings (z) #2Chargers (z)
#3 Cowboys #3 Patriots
#4 Cardinals #4 Bengals
#5 Packers #5 Jets
#6 Eagles #6 Ravens
The teams denoted with a (z) have a first round bye. So that leaves the first round match-ups as: Cowboys/Eagles, Cardinals/Packers in the NFC and Pats/Ravens and Bengals/Jets in the AFC. Oddly enough, with the exception of the Pats and Ravens, the other three games are a repeat of last weekend. Cowboys beat the Eagles 24-0, Packers beat the Cardinals 33-7 and the Jets beat the Bengals 37-0.
Cowboys vs. Eagles.
As I said above, the Eagles got shut out in Dallas last night, 24-0. They looked absolutely lost offensively and with the exception of a heads-up interception, did virtually nothing on defense. That all being said, this is an upset pick. Philly will win. Dallas won the first meeting of the year 20-16, then destroyed them last night. It is awfully difficult to beat a team three times in a season, let alone twice in two consecutive weeks. Philly was on of the hottest teams in the NFL going into last week, winning their last six games. They are an extremely good post-season team, where as Dallas hasn't won a playoff game since 1996, despite home-field advantages. They haven't yet found a kicker they can rely on, releasing Nick Folk a few weeks ago and their new kicker, Shaun Suisham was released by Washington earlier this year, and then missed a 30 yd field goal yesterday. It didn't ultimately matter, but an unpredictable kicker going into the playoffs is scary. Andy Reid is too good of a coach to be out coached by Wade Phillips three times this season. Prediction: 24-17, Eagles
Cardinals vs. Packers
I expect another turn around in this game, in that it won't be another blowout. That being said, and as much as it hurts me to say this, the Packers will win again. Green Bay started the year 4-4, including two losses to the Vikings and one to the hapless Buccaneers. But since then, they have won 7 of their last 8 games, and had it not been for some late game heroics by Ben Roethlisberger, they would have won that game too. The Packers actually finished with a better record than the Cardinals, but since they are a Wild-card team, they are forced to travel. I believe it will be a closer match-up than last night's game, since the cardinals seemed to just be preparing for the playoffs. Kurt Warner only threw 6 passes then handed the ball over to Matt Leinart, who continued to show that he is one of the biggest busts ever. AZ back Hightower and Wells only combined for 12 total rushing attempts, though credit for that can be given to the increasingly impressive Packers defense. Cardinals will be in further trouble due to the probable loss of wideout Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie who appears to have blown out his knee. One more not on this game is the continued progression of Aaron Rodgers into one of the NFL's premier quarterbacks. He really shows what a QB can become if he is given time to ride the bench and learn the system and the league before being forced to play. Ryan Leaf . When he actually has time to stay in the pocket, he is a devastating passer. That being said, the Packers offensive line is atrocious. Rodgers took more sacks (50) than any other QB in the NFC, the closest was Jay Cutler with 35. Everything aside, Packers win again. Prediction: 27-14, Packers.
I will do the AFC if i find the motivation, but I doubt it. If my predictions hold true, the division round games will be: Saints v. Eagles and Vikings v. Packers. Go Vikes :-).
So the teams stack up like this:
NFC AFC
#1 Saints (z) #1 Colts(z)
#2 Vikings (z) #2Chargers (z)
#3 Cowboys #3 Patriots
#4 Cardinals #4 Bengals
#5 Packers #5 Jets
#6 Eagles #6 Ravens
The teams denoted with a (z) have a first round bye. So that leaves the first round match-ups as: Cowboys/Eagles, Cardinals/Packers in the NFC and Pats/Ravens and Bengals/Jets in the AFC. Oddly enough, with the exception of the Pats and Ravens, the other three games are a repeat of last weekend. Cowboys beat the Eagles 24-0, Packers beat the Cardinals 33-7 and the Jets beat the Bengals 37-0.
Cowboys vs. Eagles.
As I said above, the Eagles got shut out in Dallas last night, 24-0. They looked absolutely lost offensively and with the exception of a heads-up interception, did virtually nothing on defense. That all being said, this is an upset pick. Philly will win. Dallas won the first meeting of the year 20-16, then destroyed them last night. It is awfully difficult to beat a team three times in a season, let alone twice in two consecutive weeks. Philly was on of the hottest teams in the NFL going into last week, winning their last six games. They are an extremely good post-season team, where as Dallas hasn't won a playoff game since 1996, despite home-field advantages. They haven't yet found a kicker they can rely on, releasing Nick Folk a few weeks ago and their new kicker, Shaun Suisham was released by Washington earlier this year, and then missed a 30 yd field goal yesterday. It didn't ultimately matter, but an unpredictable kicker going into the playoffs is scary. Andy Reid is too good of a coach to be out coached by Wade Phillips three times this season. Prediction: 24-17, Eagles
Cardinals vs. Packers
I expect another turn around in this game, in that it won't be another blowout. That being said, and as much as it hurts me to say this, the Packers will win again. Green Bay started the year 4-4, including two losses to the Vikings and one to the hapless Buccaneers. But since then, they have won 7 of their last 8 games, and had it not been for some late game heroics by Ben Roethlisberger, they would have won that game too. The Packers actually finished with a better record than the Cardinals, but since they are a Wild-card team, they are forced to travel. I believe it will be a closer match-up than last night's game, since the cardinals seemed to just be preparing for the playoffs. Kurt Warner only threw 6 passes then handed the ball over to Matt Leinart, who continued to show that he is one of the biggest busts ever. AZ back Hightower and Wells only combined for 12 total rushing attempts, though credit for that can be given to the increasingly impressive Packers defense. Cardinals will be in further trouble due to the probable loss of wideout Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie who appears to have blown out his knee. One more not on this game is the continued progression of Aaron Rodgers into one of the NFL's premier quarterbacks. He really shows what a QB can become if he is given time to ride the bench and learn the system and the league before being forced to play.
I will do the AFC if i find the motivation, but I doubt it. If my predictions hold true, the division round games will be: Saints v. Eagles and Vikings v. Packers. Go Vikes :-).
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sports memories
I haven't posted in a while, life has been pretty crazy lately. Today I went to the final regular season baseball game in the Metrodome, and although there will be one on Tuesday, with hopefully subsequent play-off games, it was amazing to be a part of the fare-well ceremony. As I was driving down, I started thinking of the great sports experiences that I have been a part of through the years. I've devised a list of the ones that I have actually attended, not watched on TV. Hopefully there are many more to come. :-). Here are my top 5:
#5. UMD Hockey/Football/Basketball 2004-2007. My gophers/non-band friends will groan at this prospect, but those who joined in it with me can attest that it was a thrill of a life-time to be a part of something like this. The basketball and football carry good memories, but the for those 3 years, life revolved around Hockey. I got to attend games, travel with the band and just be all-out crazy. The UMD team wasn't the greatest through those years, posting some disappointing seasons, and finishing with an overall record in those years of 39-63- 15. The winning wasn't important, it was the feelings of being a part of something bigger. "Don't blame us if we ever doubt ya, you know we couldn't live without ya."
#4, Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox, September 25, 2008. The American League Central race was becoming tight, the Sox had a division lead for 2 weeks, forcing us into a must win situation. Coming into the three game series, the Sox held a 2.5 game lead with 6 games left, putting the Twins in a virtual must sweep situation in order to have a shot at the post-season. Twins won the first two games: 9-3 and 3-2. Game three started out in a despairing manner, with the Sox jumping out to a 6-1 lead and Twins SP, Kevin Slowey, getting pulled after3 1/3 innings pitched. But the Twins fought back, scoring two runs in the 4th, one in the 6th, and two in the 8th on a Denard Span Triple. Two scoreless innings brought is to the bottom of the 10th. Two walks, a few ground outs and a wild pitch landed Nick Punto at 3rd base, with Alexi Casilla at the plate with 2 outs. Casilla, who batted .243 all year, blooped a single over the second basemen to plate Punto for a 7-6 victory, putting us 0.5 games ahead. The Dome erupted. I've spent years standing in front of trumpets, and that was nothing compared to the roar. The Twins would ultimately tank against the Royals, then lose a 1-game play-off in Chicago, but the one game we gave us hope and filled us with excitement. Plus...we beat the Sox!
#3 Retiring Brett Hull's jersey. Duluth, MN, February 3, 2006. This is the one memory on the list where my team didn't win, ultimately losing to Wisconsin, 7-2. But to be present during the retirement of the jersey of the greatest Bulldog, and one of the greatest Wingers in NHL history was victory enough. In his two seasons with UMD, Hull set schools records that still stand today: Most goals in a season (52), goals by a freshman (32), Hat Tricks in a season (7), Career Hat Tricks (10) and Most PPG in a season (20). It was a definite thrill to see the 29 lifted to the DECC rafters, and a once in a lifetime opportunity for any UMD fan. To watch the ceremony, http://www.sportsoundproductions.com/Hidden.html. "LET'S KICK SOME BADGER BUTT!"
#2 Metrodome Farewell and the last regular season Twins game in the Dome. October 4, 2009. Ok, so I know this just happened today, well yesterday now, but I don't know if I have a Twins memory to top this. It's the same principle as the Brett Hull retirement, to be a part of something this special, with a team that has mean so much to me throughout the years and the only major league stadium I've ever seen a game at. The game was riveting: a 13-4 victory over the Royals which secured a playoff game with Detroit. Sure it would've been incredible to win outright, but it was still something. Jason Kubel and Delmon young each hit two HR, and the place was rocking in a playoff atmosphere. But it was the ceremony after the game that cements it into the #2 spot. Twins greats from the Dome era such as Kent Hrbek, Jack Morris, Gary Gaetti and Frank Viola lined the base-paths with current Twins. Video montage of the 10 greatest Dome moments, a video tribute to Kirby Puckett, and the selection of the all metrodome team. It was capped off by Tony Oliva, Rod Carew and Harmon Killebew raising the flags at Target field, followed by a Kent Hrbek speech in which he promised to come back on Tuesday and "Drink more beer". Go Twins!
#1 2009 WCHA Final Five. Xcel Energy Center, March 19-21, 2009. Of all the sports moments I have experienced, this is stands alone above them all. The Bulldogs, who were 7th in the conference going into the tournament after getting swept by last placed UAA, beat #3 Colorado College in two games to earn a Final Five bid. They went on an unbelievable run, outscoring their opponents (Minnesota-Twin Cities, North Dakota and Denver) by a combined score of 9-1. Alex Stalock, who won the tournament MVP, was a wall, stopping 91 of 92 SOG. This on top of scoring prowess by MacGregor Sharp, who topped off an amazing tournament with a hat trick. Fans of more legacy programs will try to berate the win as it was only the conference championship and not the national title. But for a program like this, who has gone through years of disappointment, to pull out a win like this is truly amazing. And to do it through three of the conferences biggest teams as well. No team has ever won the tournament as the low seat, no team has even come from the play-in game to win. The ability to walk with some swagger, to celebrate my teams victory, after the years of anguish they have put me through, to see all the other teams fans become UMD fans, if just for one night, makes this the greatest sports experience of my life.
#5. UMD Hockey/Football/Basketball 2004-2007. My gophers/non-band friends will groan at this prospect, but those who joined in it with me can attest that it was a thrill of a life-time to be a part of something like this. The basketball and football carry good memories, but the for those 3 years, life revolved around Hockey. I got to attend games, travel with the band and just be all-out crazy. The UMD team wasn't the greatest through those years, posting some disappointing seasons, and finishing with an overall record in those years of 39-63- 15. The winning wasn't important, it was the feelings of being a part of something bigger. "Don't blame us if we ever doubt ya, you know we couldn't live without ya."
#4, Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox, September 25, 2008. The American League Central race was becoming tight, the Sox had a division lead for 2 weeks, forcing us into a must win situation. Coming into the three game series, the Sox held a 2.5 game lead with 6 games left, putting the Twins in a virtual must sweep situation in order to have a shot at the post-season. Twins won the first two games: 9-3 and 3-2. Game three started out in a despairing manner, with the Sox jumping out to a 6-1 lead and Twins SP, Kevin Slowey, getting pulled after3 1/3 innings pitched. But the Twins fought back, scoring two runs in the 4th, one in the 6th, and two in the 8th on a Denard Span Triple. Two scoreless innings brought is to the bottom of the 10th. Two walks, a few ground outs and a wild pitch landed Nick Punto at 3rd base, with Alexi Casilla at the plate with 2 outs. Casilla, who batted .243 all year, blooped a single over the second basemen to plate Punto for a 7-6 victory, putting us 0.5 games ahead. The Dome erupted. I've spent years standing in front of trumpets, and that was nothing compared to the roar. The Twins would ultimately tank against the Royals, then lose a 1-game play-off in Chicago, but the one game we gave us hope and filled us with excitement. Plus...we beat the Sox!
#3 Retiring Brett Hull's jersey. Duluth, MN, February 3, 2006. This is the one memory on the list where my team didn't win, ultimately losing to Wisconsin, 7-2. But to be present during the retirement of the jersey of the greatest Bulldog, and one of the greatest Wingers in NHL history was victory enough. In his two seasons with UMD, Hull set schools records that still stand today: Most goals in a season (52), goals by a freshman (32), Hat Tricks in a season (7), Career Hat Tricks (10) and Most PPG in a season (20). It was a definite thrill to see the 29 lifted to the DECC rafters, and a once in a lifetime opportunity for any UMD fan. To watch the ceremony, http://www.sportsoundproductions.com/Hidden.html. "LET'S KICK SOME BADGER BUTT!"
#2 Metrodome Farewell and the last regular season Twins game in the Dome. October 4, 2009. Ok, so I know this just happened today, well yesterday now, but I don't know if I have a Twins memory to top this. It's the same principle as the Brett Hull retirement, to be a part of something this special, with a team that has mean so much to me throughout the years and the only major league stadium I've ever seen a game at. The game was riveting: a 13-4 victory over the Royals which secured a playoff game with Detroit. Sure it would've been incredible to win outright, but it was still something. Jason Kubel and Delmon young each hit two HR, and the place was rocking in a playoff atmosphere. But it was the ceremony after the game that cements it into the #2 spot. Twins greats from the Dome era such as Kent Hrbek, Jack Morris, Gary Gaetti and Frank Viola lined the base-paths with current Twins. Video montage of the 10 greatest Dome moments, a video tribute to Kirby Puckett, and the selection of the all metrodome team. It was capped off by Tony Oliva, Rod Carew and Harmon Killebew raising the flags at Target field, followed by a Kent Hrbek speech in which he promised to come back on Tuesday and "Drink more beer". Go Twins!
#1 2009 WCHA Final Five. Xcel Energy Center, March 19-21, 2009. Of all the sports moments I have experienced, this is stands alone above them all. The Bulldogs, who were 7th in the conference going into the tournament after getting swept by last placed UAA, beat #3 Colorado College in two games to earn a Final Five bid. They went on an unbelievable run, outscoring their opponents (Minnesota-Twin Cities, North Dakota and Denver) by a combined score of 9-1. Alex Stalock, who won the tournament MVP, was a wall, stopping 91 of 92 SOG. This on top of scoring prowess by MacGregor Sharp, who topped off an amazing tournament with a hat trick. Fans of more legacy programs will try to berate the win as it was only the conference championship and not the national title. But for a program like this, who has gone through years of disappointment, to pull out a win like this is truly amazing. And to do it through three of the conferences biggest teams as well. No team has ever won the tournament as the low seat, no team has even come from the play-in game to win. The ability to walk with some swagger, to celebrate my teams victory, after the years of anguish they have put me through, to see all the other teams fans become UMD fans, if just for one night, makes this the greatest sports experience of my life.
Monday, September 21, 2009
More Sports
Hey everyone,
It's been a crazy week so I haven't had a chance to write much. I have some topics other than sports I wish to rant about, just haven't had the chance yet. So for today, more Vikings talk.. Also, congrats to Alex and Danielle on their wedding :-D.
Was anyone else getting as nervous as I was during the Vikings/Lions game on Sunday? I, like the other Vikings faithful, fancy the Vikes as a Superbowl contender. They sure did not look like it though trailing the Motor-City Kitties, who have now not won in 19 games, 10-7 at half time. And our seven points came at the end of a late second quarter drive, capped off by a Favre-Shiancoe hook-up. I was feeling a little nervous.
But, with what seems to be the pace for the Vikings this year, they went on a 20-3 scoring streak to win the game with a final score, 27-13.
Some Highs and lows from the game: Adrian Peterson got off to a rough start, fumbling the ball in the Vikings first posession. Peterson flubbed the hand-off from QB Favre and it went rolling right to the waiting Lions. It was a fumble clearly on Peterson, as watching the replay he took his eyes off it before it was in his arms, looking for a good cut-back lane. Just like baseball, you have to watch the ball in before you do anything else with it. AP, like the rest of the Vikings, had a slow first half, but recovered in the second to finish with 92 yards and a touchdown. Including one very AP-like touchdown scamper for 27 yards.
Favre looked good, I really have no complaints with him thus far. He is taking quite a few sacks, which I would blame more on the offensive line. But being 40 years old and possessing litle ability to scramble, I'd rather him tuck the ball in and not try anything crazy that winds up in an interception. But you really cannot complain about 115.3 passer rating. This was Favre's 271 consecutive start, breaking former Viking Jim Marshall's record. To give you an idea of this length of span, to break This record, the Lions rookie QB Matthew Stafford would have to start every game from now until 2026. Yeah.
Speaking of the offensive line, Bryant McKinnie looked pretty terrible again. There were miscues all-around, and maybe I just focus on McKinnie's, but for someone who is a leader on the line, he needs to step up and protect his aging QB.
Defensively we were alright. Too much over-pursuit in the first half lead to some big gains by Lions RB, Kevin Smith. Jared Allen and company, seemingly trying to retaliate for a chop-block last year that landed Allen on the side-lines, looked angry and flabber-ghasted trying to stop the Lions in the first half, even taking some un-ncessiary penalties. They did settle down, getting two sacks throughout the game. Including one by Jared Allen, marking his first of the year. The other note-worthy player, Chad Greenway, had a funble recovery and two interceptions in this game, doubling his career INT total. He did miss a couple key tackles early, but made up for them with big plays. This also marked the 25th consecutive game in which the Vikings have not allowed a 100-yard rusher, though we might have some problems next week again Frank Gore.
Not much else to say except that Percy Harvin continues to look good, I would look for him to get at least one kick return TD this year. The Vikings have fared well against these weak teams, but will need to figure out a way to get some first-half potenc or they are going to have problems keeping pace with teams such as the Steelers and Packers later in the season.
Thats about it on the Vikings and for the post, later in the week I hope to post some thoughts on the Twins and Wild. As well as some other topics not sports related.
It's been a crazy week so I haven't had a chance to write much. I have some topics other than sports I wish to rant about, just haven't had the chance yet. So for today, more Vikings talk.. Also, congrats to Alex and Danielle on their wedding :-D.
Was anyone else getting as nervous as I was during the Vikings/Lions game on Sunday? I, like the other Vikings faithful, fancy the Vikes as a Superbowl contender. They sure did not look like it though trailing the Motor-City Kitties, who have now not won in 19 games, 10-7 at half time. And our seven points came at the end of a late second quarter drive, capped off by a Favre-Shiancoe hook-up. I was feeling a little nervous.
But, with what seems to be the pace for the Vikings this year, they went on a 20-3 scoring streak to win the game with a final score, 27-13.
Some Highs and lows from the game: Adrian Peterson got off to a rough start, fumbling the ball in the Vikings first posession. Peterson flubbed the hand-off from QB Favre and it went rolling right to the waiting Lions. It was a fumble clearly on Peterson, as watching the replay he took his eyes off it before it was in his arms, looking for a good cut-back lane. Just like baseball, you have to watch the ball in before you do anything else with it. AP, like the rest of the Vikings, had a slow first half, but recovered in the second to finish with 92 yards and a touchdown. Including one very AP-like touchdown scamper for 27 yards.
Favre looked good, I really have no complaints with him thus far. He is taking quite a few sacks, which I would blame more on the offensive line. But being 40 years old and possessing litle ability to scramble, I'd rather him tuck the ball in and not try anything crazy that winds up in an interception. But you really cannot complain about 115.3 passer rating. This was Favre's 271 consecutive start, breaking former Viking Jim Marshall's record. To give you an idea of this length of span, to break This record, the Lions rookie QB Matthew Stafford would have to start every game from now until 2026. Yeah.
Speaking of the offensive line, Bryant McKinnie looked pretty terrible again. There were miscues all-around, and maybe I just focus on McKinnie's, but for someone who is a leader on the line, he needs to step up and protect his aging QB.
Defensively we were alright. Too much over-pursuit in the first half lead to some big gains by Lions RB, Kevin Smith. Jared Allen and company, seemingly trying to retaliate for a chop-block last year that landed Allen on the side-lines, looked angry and flabber-ghasted trying to stop the Lions in the first half, even taking some un-ncessiary penalties. They did settle down, getting two sacks throughout the game. Including one by Jared Allen, marking his first of the year. The other note-worthy player, Chad Greenway, had a funble recovery and two interceptions in this game, doubling his career INT total. He did miss a couple key tackles early, but made up for them with big plays. This also marked the 25th consecutive game in which the Vikings have not allowed a 100-yard rusher, though we might have some problems next week again Frank Gore.
Not much else to say except that Percy Harvin continues to look good, I would look for him to get at least one kick return TD this year. The Vikings have fared well against these weak teams, but will need to figure out a way to get some first-half potenc or they are going to have problems keeping pace with teams such as the Steelers and Packers later in the season.
Thats about it on the Vikings and for the post, later in the week I hope to post some thoughts on the Twins and Wild. As well as some other topics not sports related.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Easy Start
Alright, I started this blog which is something I have wanted to try for a while. I want a spot where I can rant about things that I feel like ranting about, so we'll see if anyone gets interested. For my first blog post ever I am going to talk about something I know very well: Minnesota Sports. Specifically the Vikings and Twins. I'll start with the Vikings tonight.
The Vikings beat a sub-par Cleveland team yesterday 34-20, although this game was not as close as the score would indicate. The Vikings offense lead by the aging Brett Favre took some time to get going, trailing 13-10 at halftime. Cleveland's first-half touchdown came on a punt return touchdown in which return-man Joshua Cribbs went 67 yards virtually un-touched. Special teams, along with poor quarterback play, was a real achilles heel of the Vikings team last year, a hole that was hoped to have been filled. With the exception of a few field goals and some good running by Adrian Peterson and his Cleveland counter-part Jamal Anderson, the first half shaped up to be a defensive battle. A battle in which the Browns should not have stood a chance.
The second half played out much more like expected. Brett Favre, though still having some trouble communicating with his receivers, apeared comfortable in the pocket, zipping the ball like the Brett Favre of old. He took four sacks, altough frustrating from an offensive line that prides itself as one of the better ones in the league, Favre did a good job of tucking the ball and not trying to force anything with his 40 year-old, bionic, NFL interception record holding arm. Cannot really complain though about 14/21 and two touchdowns. Including one to the ever-more impressing Percy Harvin.
Back to the offensive line, I expect some inadequacies from the center and right side. Phil Loadholt (RT) will be an excellent lineman down the road but is still a rookie in his first regular season game. Anthony Herrera (RG) in his sixth season out of Tennessee, who has never been too impressive and is a substitute teacher at best played to expectation. And 2nd year center John Sullivan, same as Loadholt, looked about as good filling Matt Birk's shoes as could be expected. The disappointment came on the left side of the line, in the mountain of a man: Bryant McKinnie. McKinnie is big and strong and can be an able Tackle, but he just looked slow and lost against the blitz, once even being beaten by a safety.
Adrian Peterson looked back to usual form, getting stuffed a couple times when trying to run against the blitz. He seems to be doing a better job of admitting defeat on running plays and just diving forward instead of dancing around and losing more yards. Other than that, you can't get upset over 186 yards and 3 touchdowns. Especially if he happens to be on your fantasy team...
Defense looked good, pass defense still needs a little work, but over-all was a good effort. Jared Allen got close to a sack on a couple plays, I look for him to have another outstanding season, as with the rest of the line. The Williams wall I have no complaint about, except the whole diuretic issue. Even Ray Edwards, with whom I have never been too impressed, managed a sack. Cedric Griffin had an excellent game with an interception, a forced fumble and a pass deflection. The only other thing I have to add on the defense is this: I love Antoine Winfield, but I hate how everytime I watch a vikings game, they only thing the announcers can do is talk about how hard he hits. We get it.
The NFC North will be a tough division this year, SI picked the Bears to win the division with Minnesota and Green Bay taking the two NFC wild-cards. I was at work so I didn't catch the entire Packers/Bears game, but what I saw Jay Cutler looked terrible. Not to take anything away from the Packers defense, which has only gotten better since an impressive year last year. But Cutler did not look competant at all, if the Bears are looking later in the season, maybe we dangle Tavaris Jackson to see what we can get. I maintain that the divison race will come down to a tight race between the Packers and Vikings. And hopefully the Motor-City Kitties can win something this year...hopefully a game against the Packers :-).
Well, that about wraps up my first blog post in a long winded fashion. To those of you who actually read through the whole thing, thanks. To those who just skimmed to the end looking for the conclusion, thanks for looking anyways. I hope to put these up in fairly common order. (Don't worry, they won't ALL be sports related, just most of them.)
That about wraps up my first blog post in a
The Vikings beat a sub-par Cleveland team yesterday 34-20, although this game was not as close as the score would indicate. The Vikings offense lead by the aging Brett Favre took some time to get going, trailing 13-10 at halftime. Cleveland's first-half touchdown came on a punt return touchdown in which return-man Joshua Cribbs went 67 yards virtually un-touched. Special teams, along with poor quarterback play, was a real achilles heel of the Vikings team last year, a hole that was hoped to have been filled. With the exception of a few field goals and some good running by Adrian Peterson and his Cleveland counter-part Jamal Anderson, the first half shaped up to be a defensive battle. A battle in which the Browns should not have stood a chance.
The second half played out much more like expected. Brett Favre, though still having some trouble communicating with his receivers, apeared comfortable in the pocket, zipping the ball like the Brett Favre of old. He took four sacks, altough frustrating from an offensive line that prides itself as one of the better ones in the league, Favre did a good job of tucking the ball and not trying to force anything with his 40 year-old, bionic, NFL interception record holding arm. Cannot really complain though about 14/21 and two touchdowns. Including one to the ever-more impressing Percy Harvin.
Back to the offensive line, I expect some inadequacies from the center and right side. Phil Loadholt (RT) will be an excellent lineman down the road but is still a rookie in his first regular season game. Anthony Herrera (RG) in his sixth season out of Tennessee, who has never been too impressive and is a substitute teacher at best played to expectation. And 2nd year center John Sullivan, same as Loadholt, looked about as good filling Matt Birk's shoes as could be expected. The disappointment came on the left side of the line, in the mountain of a man: Bryant McKinnie. McKinnie is big and strong and can be an able Tackle, but he just looked slow and lost against the blitz, once even being beaten by a safety.
Adrian Peterson looked back to usual form, getting stuffed a couple times when trying to run against the blitz. He seems to be doing a better job of admitting defeat on running plays and just diving forward instead of dancing around and losing more yards. Other than that, you can't get upset over 186 yards and 3 touchdowns. Especially if he happens to be on your fantasy team...
Defense looked good, pass defense still needs a little work, but over-all was a good effort. Jared Allen got close to a sack on a couple plays, I look for him to have another outstanding season, as with the rest of the line. The Williams wall I have no complaint about, except the whole diuretic issue. Even Ray Edwards, with whom I have never been too impressed, managed a sack. Cedric Griffin had an excellent game with an interception, a forced fumble and a pass deflection. The only other thing I have to add on the defense is this: I love Antoine Winfield, but I hate how everytime I watch a vikings game, they only thing the announcers can do is talk about how hard he hits. We get it.
The NFC North will be a tough division this year, SI picked the Bears to win the division with Minnesota and Green Bay taking the two NFC wild-cards. I was at work so I didn't catch the entire Packers/Bears game, but what I saw Jay Cutler looked terrible. Not to take anything away from the Packers defense, which has only gotten better since an impressive year last year. But Cutler did not look competant at all, if the Bears are looking later in the season, maybe we dangle Tavaris Jackson to see what we can get. I maintain that the divison race will come down to a tight race between the Packers and Vikings. And hopefully the Motor-City Kitties can win something this year...hopefully a game against the Packers :-).
Well, that about wraps up my first blog post in a long winded fashion. To those of you who actually read through the whole thing, thanks. To those who just skimmed to the end looking for the conclusion, thanks for looking anyways. I hope to put these up in fairly common order. (Don't worry, they won't ALL be sports related, just most of them.)
That about wraps up my first blog post in a
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