Conference 7.286::sports_90

    Now the race will be down to the last week...and with the Packs
    playing Dallas........

Nothing seems to come easy this year....

Congrats to Cleveland on a well played grueling game.

daryll

    Grueling game it was.  In one form or another, the following Vikes
    are banged up:  Wilson, Merriwether, Browner, Millard.
    
    I was wrong on T.K. though, he's not over yet.  He looked very
    impressive coming in cold like that.
    
    BTW, I was describing the very trick play the Browns used just before
    it happened.  The Vikes had used that years ago to win a game in
    OT.  My friend says, "You mean like that?"  I said, "Yeah, just
    like that.  See ya later..."  :*)
    
    
    Spud

    Should be an electrifying night at the Homerdome Christmas night. A must
    win situation for the purple gang will have the home crowd rockin' the
    place like never before. In my opinion,Wilson's injury could'nt have
    come at a finer time.I have faith in Tommy and his arm,God knows he has
    better judgement than others as to when to throw the ball away when
    being heavily persued by a 250 lb. lineman 15 yds. behind the line of
    scrimmage while having a possible game winning drive take place.
      But I'm not gonna say anything. I dont know the status of Wilson or if
    he's even gonna play.I hope the man is alright,he's done faily well
    this season. I  just hope they (Burns & Crew) dont rush anything and
    make the right decision..................Tommy!!
       Go Dallas!!!! Make me believe in Santa Claus again!
    
     Merry Christmas!
     Go Vikes!
                                      

    
    Well, the Vikings won their first "playoff" test, but it was about
    90% due to their splendid defense.  I don't think Millard has been
    more fired up all season.  Doleman cops the NFL sack title.
    
    Bob Schnelker should be run out of town on a rail.  The offensive
    play calling was pitiful.  That last TD pass play had luck on its
    side.  Carter's bodysurfing catch earlier on was probably the best
    in the NFL all year, but what are the chances of anyone making a
    catch like that? 
    
    But it was a thrilling game, one of the most entertaining of the
    season.  I wonder if Jerry Glanville called Sam Wyche on the phone
    afterwards to express "condolences."
    
    Steve

    	that cinci vs. minn game was probably one of the *worst* officiated
    games of ALL time (how many fumbles were *not* called?)... it was
    sad, it was definitely not a five star game in my opinion.
    
    sean

    
    I couldn't understand why they didn't use replay at all for some
    of the fumbles that were clearly missed.  Cincy might have been
    in the game at the end, had those fumbles been called properly.
    
    The Vikes  were 2-6 on the road this year, that is not a good sign
    for a team that will play all its playoff games on the road.
    
    Bruce

    If a fumble is missed it doesn't matter because the official has
    already blown the whistle.  It's an easy cop out, but them's the
    rules.
    
    /Ed

    
    	the problem was that there were so *many* fumbles that were
    not called that were obviously fumbles!  (3 by minnesota in 1
    drive!!!!!, finally the refs had to give it to cinci! :)
    
    sean

    Bruce, the Vikes won't necessarily play all of their playoff games
    on the road.  After Philly beats SF,  :*)  the Vikes will then host
    the Eagles for the NFC Championship.
    
    As for Millard, he's been playing with a seperated shoulder the
    last three or four weeks in addition to being double-teamed for
    most of the season.
    
    
    Spud

    
    Spud, I thought the home playoff rule was changed so that the team
    with the best record is always home, regardless of whether they
    were a wild card or division winner.
    
    Bruce

    re.11
    
    The only time a wild card team can be a HOME team is in the wild card
    game.  Once the wild card winner gets into the divisional playoffs,
    they cannot be a home team regardless of the records of their
    opponents.
    
    
    JaKe
    

    The Vikes were 2-6 on the road this year. They can't score tochdowns
    once they get inside the twenty. Face it, their history.
    
                                Steve J.

    Because I like the Vikes chances, especially if we play the Giants
    in the first game.  Schnelker has decided that AC is a part of the
    offense after all.  Look for him to have big games again.  If used
    correctly, he is Rice's equal.
    
    
    Spud                          
    

    
    SPUD,
    MINNESOTA as you know  dont play well in the cold.. can ya see them
    moving against that swarming defense?
    
    dinz
    

Swarming defense?

Yup, they'll be one on the field....

They'll be coming out of the visitor's lockeroom.

daryll

    
    they didnt impress me [meaning viking defense]  mon day night
    
    and that was indoors
    
    could be fun next week if minny comes to town..
    
    dinz
    

< Note 57.17 by COBRA::DINSMORE "Mcfall=francessa , true sport wizards" >


    
   > they didnt impress me [meaning viking defense]  mon day night

    Likewise NY on Sunday.

    
   > and that was indoors
    
    and that was against the Raiders

   > could be fun next week if minny comes to town..
    
    For one of us....

    daryll
    

    Dins,
    
    Monday night's game was the first time all season that the Vikes
    D has allowed 300 yards passing.  Esiasson was the best QB we faced
    as well.  Toss in a must-win for both teams and you're not going
    to hold the #1 offense down all game long.  
    
    Think back to the Vikes-Giants Monday nighter.  The D played very
    well that night.  The special teams fumbles and Kramer's INT is
    what killed us.  Anderson was basically shut down.  I know Simms
    didn't play much, but I can't see him doing as well as Boomer or
    Majkowski did against us recently.
    
    
    Spud

    
    Well Spud you'd better look again... ;^)
    
    Simms will do whatever it takes period. Right now that's passing around
    20 times a game and handing off 35 or so. It works well. Vikes better
    score early and quick cause they ain't no second half team. Giants are
    a second half team....
    
    mike 

Anybody know the status of all the injuries?  Specifically Millard's
shoulder, Merriweather's knee, Browner's ribs, Walker's toe?  And Monday's
casualties; Thomas's knee, Carter looks like he limped off a few times,
Jones got bounced on his head.

Didn't our "feature back" go out for x-rays too?  (Fenney  ;-) ).  Hmmm, 
maybe that was against Cleveland?

If we get relatively healthy I think we can upset the overrated Giants.  
They're a much better coached team but the Vikes have more talent.
If we build a lead I think we can force them out of their no-risk offense
and cause some havoc.  Here's a prediction:  Vikes 24 (8 field goals),
Giants 17.

BTW, does anybody have any extra tickets for that first playoff game at the 
Meadowlands they might like to make a profit on??????? (*drooling sounds*)

Mike

BUFFALO BILLS - *Starting linebacker Cornelius Bennett (twisted
knee) and reserve fullback Jamie Mueller (ankle) played against
the New York Jets. *Starting linebacker Ray Bentley (knee) and
starting safety Leonard Smith (thigh) missed the Jets' game but are
expected to be available for the playoff game versus Cleveland.
Reserve linebacker Tom Doctor (knee) and reserve quarterback Gale
Gilbert (ribs) are eligible to come off the injured reserve list
but remain sidelined. Reserve cornerback Carl Mims (leg) is on the
injured reserve list and is sidelined indefinitely. Starting
offensive guard Tim Vogler (knee surgery) and reserve wide receiver
Darryl Franklin (knee) are eligible to come off the physically
unable to perform list but remain sidelined. Starting cornerback
Derrick Burroughs (neck), reserve running back Robb Riddick (knee),
reserve linebacker Richard Harvey (shoulder), reserve nose tackle
Bruce Mesner (knee), reserve offensive guard Mitch Frerotte (back
surgery), reserve defensive back Tracy Sanders (hip) and rookie
reserve wide receiver John Kolesar (torn knee ligaments) are on the
injured reserve list and will miss the entire season. 
 
CLEVELAND BROWNS - *Starting running back Eric Metcalf (minor toe
fracture) was injured against the Oilers and is questionable for
the playoff game versus Buffalo. *Starting cornerback Hanford Dixon
(thigh), starting offensive tackle Cody Risien (eye) and starting
offensive guard Ted Banker (torn rib cartilage) all played against
the Oilers. *Starting linebacker Dave Grayson (neck) missed the
Oilers' game but is expected to be available for the playoff game
versus Buffalo. Reserve offensive tackle Mike Graybill (leg) and
reserve safety Stephen Braggs (foot surgery) are eligible to come
off the injured reserve list but remain sidelined. Starting
offensive guard Dan Fike (knee surgery), reserve defensive end
Marlon Jones (broken thumb) and part-time starting defensive end
Darryl Sims (knee surgery) are on the injured reserve list and will
miss the remainder of the season.  

DENVER BRONCOS - *Starting strong safety Dennis Smith (neck),
reserve wide receiver Ricky Nattiel (knee) and reserve cornerback
Mark Haynes (ankle) missed the Chargers game but are expected to
be available for the playoffs. *Reserve linebacker Scott Curtis
(back) played against the Chargers. Reserve defensive end Jake
McCullough (hip), starting running back Tony Dorsett (knee
surgery), starting center Bill Bryan (knee surgery), reserve
linebacker Randy Thornton (knee) and reserve nose tackle Andrew
Provence (hip) are on the injured reserve list and will miss the
remainder of the season.  
 
HOUSTON OILERS - *All-Pro defensive end Ray Childress (fractured
right fibula) missed the Browns' game and is doubtful for Sunday's
game versus Pittsburgh. *Part-time starting defensive end Richard
Byrd (back) and reserve tight end Chris Verhulst (knee) are
questionable. Reserve defensive end Mark Garalczyk (foot) is on the
injured reserve list and will miss the entire season.  
 
LOS ANGELES RAMS - *Starting defensive end Mike Piel (dislocated
shoulder), starting defensive end Shawn Miller (groin), starting
offensive lineman Tony Slaton (ankle) and reserve linebacker Brett
Faryniarz (hamstring) are all listed as questionable for Sunday's
game versus Philadelphia. Starting defensive end Doug Reed (ankle)
is on the injured reserve list and will be sidelined until at least
the fourth week of the playoffs. Part-time starting safety James
Washington (thigh) is eligible to come off the injured list but
remains sidelined. Reserve cornerback Anthony Newman (fractured
elbow), part-time starting defensive end Bill Hawkins and reserve
offensive tackle Mark Schmidt (leg) are on the injured reserve list
and will miss the remainder of the season.  

MINNESOTA VIKINGS - *Starting defensive tackle Henry Thomas (knee)
was injured against the Bengals and is questionable for the
playoffs. *Reserve linebacker David Braxton (hamstring) was
activated from the injured reserve list Sunday and played against
Cincinnati. *Starting quarterback Wade Wilson (twisted knee) and
starting defensive tackle Keith Millard (shoulder) started against
Cincinnati. *Reserve running back D.J. Dozier (knee) and starting
linebacker Mike Merriweather (ankle) missed the Cincinnati game and
are questionable for the playoffs. Reserve running back Allen Rice
(knee), reserve cornerback Daryl Smith (hamstring) and reserve
tight end Carl Hilton (neck) are eligible to come off the injured
reserve list but remain sidelined. Reserve offensive lineman Randy
Rasmussen (back) is on the injured reserve list and will miss the
entire season. 
 
NEW YORK GIANTS - *Starting wide receiver Odessa Turner (knee)
missed the Raiders' game but is expected to be available for the
playoffs. *Starting wide receiver Lionel Manuel (bruised knee) and
starting offensive guard William Roberts (ankle) played against
the Raiders. *Starting defensive end Eric Dorsey (broken foot) was
moved from the injured reserve list to the developmental squad and
is expected to be available for the playoffs. *Starting kicker Raul
Allegre (hamstring) is on the injured reserve list but is expected
to be ready for the playoffs. *Starting tight end Mark Bavaro
(knee) is eligible to come off the injured reserve list but is very
questionable for the playoffs. Starting offensive guard Damian
Johnson (back surgery), starting running back Joe Morris (broken
foot) and reserve linebacker Mike Hooten (knee) are on the injured
reserve list and will miss the entire season.  
 
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES - *Reserve wide receiver Gregg Garrity (broken
clavicle) has been practicing and is expected to be activated from
the injured reserve list in time for Sunday's game versus the Los
Angeles Rams. *All-Pro cornerback Eric Allen (sprained ankle)
played against the Cardinals but was ineffective due to his injury
and is very questionable for  the Rams' game. *Reserve offensive
tackle Ken Reeves (ankle), starting running back Keith Byars
(ribs), starting offensive guard Ron Solt (sore knees), reserve
tight end David Little (knee), starting defensive tackle Jerome
Brown (shoulder) and reserve cornerback Eric Everett (ankle) are
all officially listed as questionable but are expected to be
available for the Rams' game. *Starting offensive tackle Matt
Darwin (knee and back) was placed on the injured reserve list last
week and will miss the playoffs. *Starting punter John Teltschik
(knee surgery) is eligible to come off the injured reserve list but
his injured knee swelled after practicing last week and he is
doubtful for the start of the playoffs. Reserve linebacker Ty
Allert (sprained knee) and reserve wide receiver William Osborn
(hernia) are eligible to come off the injured reserve list but
remain sidelined. Starting wide receiver Mike Quick (double knee
surgery), starting strong safety Todd Bell (broken leg) and reserve
linebacker Mike Sullivan (knee) are on the injured reserve list and
will miss the remainder of the season.
 
PITTSBURGH STEELERS - *Starting nose tackle Gerald Williams (minor
concussion) is probable for Sunday's game versus Houston. Reserve
running back Rodney Carter (knee) was placed on the injured reserve
list last week and will miss the playoffs. Reserve running back Ray
Wallace (knee) is eligible to come off the injured reserve list but
remains sidelined. Reserve running back Warren Williams (foot) and
reserve linebacker Vinson Smith (broken foot) are on the injured
reserve list and will miss the remainder of the season. 
 
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS - *Starting quarterback Joe Montana (sore ribs)
started against the Bears. *Starting linebacker Keena Turner
(calf), starting wide receiver John Taylor (two sprained ankles),
reserve cornerback Eric Wright (groin) and reserve cornerback Tim
McKyer (groin) all missed the Bears' game but are expected to be
ready for the playoffs. Starting nose tackle Michael Carter (foot)
is on the injured reserve list and will be sidelined until at least
the third week of the playoffs. Starting offensive guard Jeff
Bregel (back) is eligible to come off the injured reserve list but
remains sidelined. Starting linebacker Jim Fahnhorst (foot),
special team's captain Harry Sydney (broken arm), starting free
safety Jeff Fuller (neck and arm), starting linebacker Riki Ellison
(broken forearm), reserve wide receiver Terry Greer (knee) and
reserve linebacker Chris Washington (broken left leg) are on the
injured reserve list and will miss the remainder of the season.
Reserve wide receiver Mike Sherrard (broken leg) is on the
physically unable to perform list and will miss the entire season. 

NOTE:  Any player not listed in the injury report is probable for
that week's game.

    It sounds like all of the injured Vikings will be back for the playoff
    game next week.  Even DJ Dozier, who has been out a few weeks is
    supposed to return.  Merriwhether had his leg banged up pretty good
    in the Cleveland game, but was jogging by the end of last week.
    The extra week off will really help this team get ready for the
    playoffs.
    
    
    Spud

From:	MSBOS::DINSMORE     "i would rather laugh with the sinners,than cry with saints"  3-JAN-1990 13:32
To:	SALEM::DODA
Subj:	re: You're a secret VIKING fan aren't you?



you know  it.. go ac, go herschal  what a team

    re Daryll:
    
    If the Giants get by the Rams, the NFC title game would be at
    Candlestick if the 49ers beat the Vikings, or at the Meadowlands if
    the Vikings beat the 49ers.  No knock on the Vikings, but I'd imagine
    most Giant fans would prefer the latter. 
    
    
    py

    
    Not this fan PY. in the imortal words of Rick Flair:
    
    "to be the man, you got to beat the man".
    
    to me the 49 ers equal the MAN not the Vikes.....
    
    mike

Mike,

Agreed, the road to the SB goes through SF....

At least for one more week :-)

daryll

    Actually some of the Vikes wanted to play the Giants first.  If/when
    they get by SF (and it will be a good game despite many picking
    a SF blowout) the Vikes will have their shot at the Giants.  I wouldn't
    mind that, because we know they are better than they showed in that
    Monday night (vs. the Giants).  But on the other hand the Rams playing
    at the cozy Dome wouldn't be so bad either.  The Rams will give
    the Giants all they want and more.  Both games should be close.
    
    
    Spud                         

    
    no such thing as ****** victories unles the donks are involved... ;^)
    
    what I want is revenge for the Giants. I don't want to hear all year
    how they couldn't beat this team or that team so they didn't earn...
    Unfortunately they can be no revenge against Philly until next year..
    
    mike

A total dismantling of the #1 defense in the game.

Those left in the playoffs should mail it in. 

daryll

    This "team" should now be write-locked.  What a sad, sad display.
    All these Pro-Bowlers and they could give a damn about what the
    word "team" means.  Give me my individual stats, my big contract,
    the hell with you.  Why did he win that award, I deserved it?
    Good going guys, have fun watching the rest of the playoffs. 
    
    
    Spud

Kinda down Spud? :-)

One thing is obvious, the VIKINGS have to devise an offensive 
game plan that will utilize Walker AND they're passing game.
A semi-I offense if you will. To do this, I think they have to 
find a QB that's mobile. If Gannon isn't the answer, although I 
do think he deserves a shot, then go out and get one.

It's sad that Lynn went through with the trade and didn't have an 
offensive scheme to use him in planned ahead of time. Schenkler 
has got to go, no doubt about it. The man is an imbecile, he's 
proven it all year as well as last year.

Certainly the defense didn't play up to their potential, but the 
offense has been pathetic most of the year. There's no way the 
VIKINGS could have expected that they'd be able to waltz through 
the playoffs on Karlis FG's. Not against SF, that's for sure.

If the Rams can't stop them next week, mail it in.

daryll

    
    Certainly didn't help Floyd Peters' chances of becoming a Head Coach...
    
    mike

    	Big (340 lbs) Bubba Paris did an outstanding job on Doleman
    Saturday.  Chris got so frustrated he attempted to kick Bubba in
    the "groinal area".
    
    				/Don

    
    Where has this guy Gannon been all season ?
    Vikes moved ball well on first drive, then Herschel was history,
    and so was the game.
    
    Steve

    On the bench where he belongs.  Anyone could put up decent numbers
    when the other team is up 41-3 and their defense is playing soft.
    
    
    Spud

     Exactly Spud. The Pats had the 5th best offense this year. But
    they scored ONE TD in the 1st quarter after week 1. They did all
    their scoring when the game was decided.
                                    Denny

    Spud,

       Whats going on in Viking land? Whats the scoop on Doleman and Browner,
       are they free agents? Do they still want out of Minny? Any other free
       agents on the team?

    Chuck

    As far as I know, Lynn is going to keep all the free-agents.  Doleman
    is really about the only one actively pursuing his free-agency right
    now.  He most likely will be offered megabucks from someone, but
    Lynn says he will match that offer.  Nothing new on Browner.
    
    As for Walsh, all the locals still say he is either already a Viking
    or will be shortly.  We should know in a 2-3 weeks.
    
    
    Spud

    Hey Spudsie ... I heard a rumor Jim "Wrong Way" Marshall is coming out
    of retirement! Any truth to this?
    
    -- JB

    I believe Mr. Hunter is a Donko fan, isn't he?  Well, I'll tell
    you, most of us Vikes fans are as happy as spit the Donks made it
    to the bowl.  After you lose your record tying fourth bowl, you'll
    make the Vikes appearances seem more justworthy.  In a few years,
    the pain all goes away.
    
    Be ready to be laughed upon for awhile,
    
    
    Spud

    You know, I'm starting to feel real good about the Vikes appearances
    in the Super Bowl.  
    
    Thanks Denver, I think you trashed any futile record that we owned.
    
    
    Spud

    As bad as the Broncos have performed in their superbowl appearances
    nothing is as SHAMEFUL as the Vikings past appearances.  The Vikings
    were favored in at least THREE of their games.  A choke is when a
    favored team especially HEAVILY favored team loses to lesser opponent.
    No one has CHOKED moreso than the Vikings!!!!!
    
    HTH
    
    Frank "9er" Mendez
    

    THe Vikings were favored in their first superbowl.  They nexted
    three times, they lost to Miami, who were favored, the Raiders (who
    were favored), and the Steelers (who were favored).  The Vikings
    played very,very good teams in the Superbowl.  The first one they
    were favored vs. the Cheifs, but a lot of that was the publics
    perception that the NFL was superior to the AFL.
    
    JD

    Does that mean that the Cowboys, Giants, Redskins, and 9ers were not
    very, very good teams in the superbowl.
    
    Lets face it a loss is a loss no matter the score.  The fact remains
    that Minnesota lost 4 superbowls just like Denver.
    

    Doesn't mean that at all.  I was merely saying that the Vikings
    weren't favored, as you said.  The broncos played good teams,
    the Vikings played good teams.  Both lost all 4 games.  They are
    even, 0-4, at the bottom of the heap.  
    
    That's all.  From a bettor's point of view, the Broncos are 0-4
    vs. the spread, as are the Vikings (I believe....).
    
    

    
    The Vikes-Steelers and Vikes-Raiders games were pretty much toss-up
    games, though.  Wasn't Denver favored versus Washington, too?
    
    I can't say that the Vikings "choked" more than Denver, however.  
    As much as we may be influenced by the Vegas line, the point 
    spread is nothing more than an opinion, and not necessarily even a good 
    one.  There have been several instances where the results of the game 
    proved that the underdog was the better team, and not just the
    beneficiary of a fluke.  A team should be judged strictly on how they
    played the game, and both the Broncs and Vikes have been dominated in 
    each appearance.
    
    glenn
     

	Seems to me there are also quite a few teams that are 0 for 0!

And some more that are 0 for 1.

	Winning the SB is great, but just getting there is also quite an
accomplishment. Getting there four times is VERY good. Falling through your ass
and breaking your neck is no fun, but I still have to think its better than not 
even getting to try.

Mike JN

    
    JD, I don't know who your bookie was but against the Steelers the Vikes
    were a 3 point favorite and against the Raiders they were a 2 1/2 point
    favorite. How do I know because I remember full well winning 100 on
    Pitt one year and loosing 200 on the Vikes two years later. 
    
    Can't say that the low lines are a wash because there is no homefield
    advantage worked into the equation here.
    
    Yes the Donks were 2 point favorite against the Skins....
    
    mike
    

>	Winning the SB is great, but just getting there is also quite an
>accomplishment. 

Being a bridesmaid is a real accomplishment??? Don't worry Big John will win
it for you !!1 hahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahjhahahahahahahhahahahahahhahah
hahahahahahahah8^)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))0

    In this case, "just getting there" was probably a whole lot worse
    than losing beforehand.  I'm living much easier with the 16-6 losses 
    and the like rather than being humiliated beyond reason.
    
    Hey, all I'm doing is thanking you,
    
    
    Spud

    re .52
    
    Mike you got taken to the cleaners. The Vikes were 4pt 'dogs to
    the Raiders in CA., and may have been favored against the Steelers,
    but I doubt it. the only reason why the Vikes could have any advantage
    was due to the fact that they had SB experience.
    
    doc
    
    p.s. The Broncos really didn't have much of a chance in their 1st
    and 4th appreances. Dallas and SF were clearly superior teams.
    
    The middle two trips, they simply were overpowered by two much more
    physical teams. In that regard, they bear a close resemblance to
    the Vikes (who I used to root for pretty fervently as a child),
    who got flat out run over by the Dolphins, Steelers, and Raiders.
    
    

    Minnesota RB DJ DOzier has signed a Minor League baseball contract
    wif the New Yawk Mets.
    
    JD