February 01, 2006
Zygi's Approval Rating

As many of the readers of the VU know, I ran a Tice Approval Poll all season long. Ol' Pencil Ear ended up hovering around the 46% approval mark by and large for the season. The poll seemed to be well received and a lot of merriment for everyone, so I decided to continue it, but change the targeted person to new owner Zygi Wilf.

Each month, you will have the chance to vote on Wilf's approval rating. The February poll is now up and you can vote just to the left. And the January rating is now in, and I must say even I am staggered given the somewhat chaotic month. The final number was an astounding 94% approval rating for the new owner.

Wow!

What do you think of that number? Warranted? Have a comment? Leave one at the end of this entry and don't forget to vote in the February poll!

New Poll

Last week, I alerted you to a quote from new head coach Brad Childress:

In his Fox radio interview, Childress indicated the Vikings might not be inclined to seek a premier running back.

"We've kind of looked at the free agents that are out there. They're kind of journeyman guys. I know there's Edgerrin James out there. He'll come with a big-ticket price. Jamal Lewis. He'll come with a big-ticket price," Childress said. "What we've done in Philadelphia is kind of done it by committee. So if we can't find that guy, that's the lead dog, that can do it 25 or 30 times a game, we'll go ahead and spread it around a little and keep everybody fresh."

What do you really think about that? You have an opportunity to vote in a new poll off to the left and let everyone know how you feel about the RB situation.

Trip Down Memory Lane

I received a nice e-mail from Shane of Nashville, TN this week with the following message:

Brian,

I was going through some "old" pictures that I took and came across a series of these from the Packers game on 11/22/1998. It's a picture of you, as your "evil" twin Mr. COD, atop his Jeep Cherokee whipping us into game shape. I thought I would pass this on to you and you may do whatever you wish with it. I wasn't sure if you had any pictures of you in action during this time or not. Take care and stay warm.

COD_1998.jpg

Man, that brought back some memories of the 1998 season and the fun we all had pre and post game in the ol' tailgate lot. I'm just glad I didn't fall off the top of a icy Jeep roof as we got late into the season!

Thanks for sending Shane!

Posted by maasx003 at February 1, 2006 01:11 AM
Comments

Did you see Coach Mikey supposedly signed with Jacksonville for an "unspecified position"?

Posted by: Dave at February 1, 2006 04:49 AM

Brian, I haven't voted in your new Zygi poll yet because I think you should add one more option. Neutral. I don't really agree or disagree yet with what the Zygmeister has done with Our Vikings as my opinion is still forming and I'm sure it will flesh itself out as things progress. I don't disagree with firing Tice and I don't really know what to think of Childress until after we see how the situation with PQ#1 transpires and what kind of personnel we pick up in the draft. It's your poll but I think a neutral option would be warranted.

Posted by: Bill Poganski at February 1, 2006 08:30 AM

Bill: I hear, and obey.

Posted by: MrCheerOrDIe at February 1, 2006 09:38 AM

As far as the running back issue is concerned, I feel that Mewelde can become one of the more elite backs in the league. (hear me out) You've probably heard the announcers talk about Moore's shiftiness and escapability, and that's exactly what I like about him. He doesn't have crazy speed but is very quick and agile and is VERY tough to bring down. If he can stay healthy, get better at pass protection, and learn and incorporate Childress' new offense, I would like to see him as our guy. (or at least given a chance) Besides, he certainly is no big ticket back right now and does not carry a big ticket price. Lets spend some of that $ on our O-line and get whoever our back is some holes to run through.

Posted by: Jeremy at February 1, 2006 10:02 AM

I love Mewelde. But until he proves otherwise he's going to be a third down or change of pace back. I figure Bennett will be some place else next year. I hope we stop using Fason as the goal line back. It's not working so give it a break. Onterrio Smith has the best chance to be a 25 to 30 carry back. I think Brad Childress said that Smith has a "clean slate with him" or something like that. However, Zygi might have other thoughts on the subject.

I'm hoping we can get an upgrade in the draft. LenDale White would be a dream come true, but that's probably not going to happen. D'angelo Williams might be there at #17. He looks like he can carry the load.

If the top backs are gone, then let's take the best available linebacker. We're probably destined for a running back by committee again anyways.

Posted by: pa viking at February 1, 2006 05:01 PM
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