I know, I know. It is Monday which should mean another podcast. But I did two, count 'em, two extra ones last week so I'll let y'all catch up first. Besides, I was very busy this weekend at the Irish Fair watching my wee one participate with his dance school at three performances.

More podcasts are coming. Don't you worry your Vikings horns off. The extra two from last week, in case you are behind are:

Viking Underground Podcast Seven: Direct from Mankato and Vikes training camp you'll hear some sounds from practice, Mike Tice and Daunte Culpepper address the media, and you'll hear an exclusive Viking Underground interview with Chuck Foreman.

Viking Underground Podcast Eight: I spoke with two great Kansas City Chefs, er, I mean Chiefs fans about the opening preseason game Friday (8/12) night. They are Weirdwolf and First Down Elvis. Great guys, give a listen!

And my podcast now ranks #10 out of 222 sports podcasts on Podcast Alley. Wow! I'm in the Top Ten. Thank-you everyone who has taken the time to cast a vote there. If you haven't voted yet, please take a moment and do so! Every vote helps my podcasts become more visible and reach a greater audience.

Today's topic is beta testing. You know, beta.

beta ( bā ' te) - preliminary or testing stage of a software or hardware product; "a beta version"; "beta software".

Mike Tice rolled out the beta version of his team this past Friday night. Tice calls it tough guy football. We saw this crack at tough-guy football in the first quarter after the Vikes scored on their first series. The offense sent running back Michael Bennett and three tight ends to pound into the Chiefs' defense. The results? A pair of no-gain runs for Bennett and eventually a punt.

I jusy hope that Coach Tice, stubborn as he can be, doesn't try to stick with something during the regular season just to prove the point. I mean, if the team is down by 16 with 3 minutes left in the game is he still going to be pushing the tough-guy football set-up and run, run, run?

I don't think we have to worry. Tice is seasoned enough to go with Plan B if need be.

But that doesn't mean that I don't think there are things that shouldn't be changed in time for the game against the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets this week.

Please, remove Keenan Howry from kick returns and punt returns. I'm sorry, he's a nice guy and great team player but he does not have that spark. You know what I'm saying? Take the poll to the left and tell me who you think should be returning kicks this week.

Another thing that left me insatiated was the run defense. Yes, it was Priest Holmes and the high powered Chiefs offense. But geez Louise, I mean haven't you had enough already seeing RB's go virtually untouched for 15-yards!?!?

The defense did have a very nice goal line stance near the end of the first quarter that I thought showed a lot of promise. But I do not want to hear "the Vikes defense bends but does not break" being uttered by the media this season. Do you? Just break the opposing teams offense balls at the line. Three and out.

The offense was clicking, though, wasn't it? Daunte had it running like a friggin' Swiss watch out there. And I felt very comfortable when Big Bad Brad came in to relieve him. I liked the play calling and seeing all the WR's getting the ball. The running game needs some work. But remember, Mr. Birk is still out. The O-line WILL gel and the running game will improve. I thought Michael Bennett looked in fab shape.

The kicking game will be the most intense fight in camp. Kickers Paul Edinger and Aaron Elling both made long kicks....though I have to say Ellings was butt ugly. Give Edinger the edge right now. Punter Darren Bennett looked horrible. Just horrible. Travis Dorsch is ahead at this stage. Why? Let me flush this out for you.

Back at mini-camp, I saw Dorsch booming some kick-offs. The Vikes will keep Edinger and cut Elling. They'll then cut Bennett and keep Dorsch to punt and kick-off. Edinger will be strictly field goals and back-up for kick-offs. Brad Johnson is the holder so no need to keep Bennett around as his age is very much evident at this point. What do you think?

And didn't rookie Ciatrick Fason look great? Yea, like Mewelde Moore, he was running against the second and third string Chiefs defense...but the rook has some moves. Let's move him up the depth chart for one of the upcoming preseason games and see what he can do. Another great late round draft pick for the front office.

Speaking of beta testing, here are some blog beta tests of my own. Let me know how you like (or not like) these by leaving a Comment at the end of this entry. Based off of feedback from my training camp report, I wanted to try some new things out:

Video:
:: Daunte Tosses the Ball at Camp ::
A quick clip shows Culpepper drop back and rifle the ball

Click photo or HERE to view file

Training Camp Photo:

:: Ferrari::
Daunte’s Ferrari



Click photo or HERE to view image suitable for 8x10 print

Training Camp Photo:
:: Ferrari::
Daunte’s Ferrari

Click photo or HERE to view image suitable for 4x6 print

Training Camp Photo:

:: WRs::
Nate Burleson & Travis Taylor



Click photo or HERE to view image suitable for 8x10 print

Training Camp Photo:
:: WRs::
Nate Burleson & Travis Taylor

Click photo or HERE to view image suitable for 4x6 print

Calling All Writers

I plan to be on vacation August 26 - September 7. During this time, I will be taking leave of this blog as well. I mean, I am on vacation and all! So, if you are an aspiring sports writer and want to see your thoughts posts here, e-mail by August 25 and I will make sure your entry gets posted. Send a mug shot too, so your adoring fans can see your cute face. You can talk about the preseason, training camp, players...what ever suits your fancy as long as it is Vikings (or a Packer put-down). My e-mail address can be found at the top right of this blog.

Get writing!

Posted by maasx003 at August 15, 2005 11:37 AM | TrackBack