Nothing quite like two days of off-site divisional meetings to throw one off his game. I also dread these things and end up having a good time. This one was especially ironic since this is my busy time of year and I have no time for meetings that take me away from my work for two days. During November and December I'm the poster boy for stress management. So, the first day we spent listening to a stress relief expert from Franklin Covey.

I learned some valuable insight but I could not stop thinking that I could be getting a whole lot of work completed right now instead of being here listening how to reduce my stress. Ever feel like that?

In any event, I now am caught playing catch-up from being out two days. So this entry will be short.

In my podcast with Vikes Geek this past Tuesday, I had told everyone that I had learned Toniu Fonoit was about to be named a starter on the offensive line. Lo and behold, a few days later Chris Liwienski has been not only benched but deactivated for the MNF game at LAMEbeau.

Fonoti reported to the Vikings at 404 pounds. He is now at a svelte 385 lbs. Perhaps the Vikes think by the time a Cheesehead defensive lineman can traverse the girth of Fonoti, Mewelde Moore will have blown past and is streaking down the field. Who knows? Might work!

Also gone is assistant coach Corbin Lacina who left in a huff after a difference in opinion over the number of hours Lacina was expected to put in. No great loss there. As The Commish can attest to, I was never a fan of Lacina whether he was wearing a player’s jersey or a coach’s whistle. We've got bigger fish to fry.

The Vikings offense has scored a trifling four touchdowns and three field goals in five road games and most of that has been in the second half in fourth-quarter garbage time. On the other side, the Vikings defense has allowed seven running back touchdowns in five road games.

Throw in the fact that I'm expecting an entire broadcast filled with John Madden blowing smoke up the rectum of Brett Favre and I might just be puking half time. Either that or wear out the remote's mute button.

So, as convinced as I was last week that the Vikes would beat the Giants I am not as secure going into Monday night. I'm worried about that big win let-down. Brad Johnson may not approach 200-yards in passing yards. It may take two running backs to break the 100-yard barrier behind a new look offensive line.

But I still think the game is too close to call. Darren Sharper will be looking to smoke his old team. Ol' Pencil Ear is testy from his torn MCL and from what I hear from Winter Park, has the boys feisty as hell. The defense has been playing well the last two weeks and could be coming together for a nice second half run....one in which I still predict the Vikes to win the NFC North.

Am I ready for some football? Hell, yes!

Posted by maasx003 at November 18, 2005 08:04 AM