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Written by Rod Simons
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Monday, 16 November 2009 18:19 |
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Every now and then, I like to look back and compare how things were as opposed to how they are now. Especially when it comes to the Vikings.
Fans are enjoying this season and what a ride it’s been. With a few major tweeks to the team, the Purple are off to an 8 and 1 start and visions of the post-season are now dancing in various heads.
Already, it’s SO different from, say, two seasons ago. The Vikings gave us four months of highs and low’s. The season-ender was a loss in a blinding snowstorm in the Colorado cold and there were 5 areas in which the Vikings would have to start to propel this team into the NFL’s elite.
Looking back, they’ve done it. Two years removed, Brad Childress has his team a heck of a lot better than 8-8 and the most important position on the field is being treated as such.
Brett Favre is reason one the Vikings are being touted for a Super Bowl visit. Tarvaris Jackson wasn’t the one to lead the Vikings there and #4 is. I said two years ago and repeat it now, the Vikings had to be proactive and bring in a veteran (not over-the-hill) who can contribute and give T-Jack some time to learn. Ok…this might be a stretch….but Tom Brady had time behind Drew Bledsoe to learn the game. It is clear, time and time again, young QB’s get tossed into the NFL game too early.
Two years ago, I said that I’d open up my fat free agent wallet and act like I’m doing Rodeo Drive, NFL style. My shopping list would be:
> Stud pass rushing Defensive End. GOT ‘EM, Jared Allen.
> Good hands, ESTABLISHED Wide Receiver. GOT ‘EM, RICE, BERRIAN
> and last but certainly not least, an offensive lineman for the right side. GETTING THERE.
Nice to see the Vikings do their second half shuffle all over the Lions. They looked good. Next up, Seattle and Chicago at Dome.
As Visanthe Shiancoe told Sports Final on Sunday, “we still have some work to do…believe it or not….and that’s going to be our focus”.
I agree. If this team manages it’s game, cuts down on the turnovers, misques and penalties, it could go down as the greatest season in franchise history.
“You Made the Team” is right. Thanks #4. So far, so great and more to come
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Last Updated on Monday, 16 November 2009 06:59 |
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Exciting Times at Sports Final |
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Written by Rod Simons
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Tuesday, 03 November 2009 22:29 |
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These are exciting days for the team that brings you Sports Final. You see, it's more than having a great editor, a videographer who points a camera and Coach Dalton and me just talk at it. It takes a team, for sure, and that's made up of marketing specialists (Potenza LLC), web experts (EJH & Associates), a hard working sales team, creative folks through and through, a few interns (UoM student Brian Johnson rocks) and there as well as numerous others who aren't mentioned. it takes a great facility to host us, like Running Aces Harness Park and all of that organizations dedicated people, from Bob Farinella and Aaron Bedessem to all of their colleagues on the floor and beyond. It also takes a great time slot on TV to be able to reach you. Sports Final is excited to be on Sunday night's @ 10pm to get you the most updated, informational and entertaining sports show in the region before you call it a weekend.
We are interactive so if you have thoughts on our product, drop us a note through our website at www.sportsfinaltv.com. We're connected with fans through the huge resources of purple pride-dot-org...the best purple fan connection to be found in the world. These guys are great! I sat with the pp-dot-org team watching and cheering the Vikes-Packers game while they were twittering to thousands. From blogs (Shocker's Locker), game day taping pictures and content delivery on the site, it's terrific teaming and great fun!
We also bring you entertainment, insight and music through our partnership with Potenza LLC. Japel Hook and his team get it too! They helped us bring you the TV version of Jack Brewer sports, Mike Roi's music connection and more. We also give you updated information and insight into the bustling world of Mixed Martial Arts with our MMA INsider, Ross "the boss" Ogden.
In the next month, I'll bring you exclusives with Hollywood movie giants and celebrities, Pro Football unforgettable's and with our new relationship at CW/TC's-23, we're teaming up to deliver stadium information and insight that you deserve to see.
It's years of experience, passion for profession and our love of sports and our dedication to doing the best we can do that will hopefully make Sports Final can't miss TV to you. As always, suggestions are welcomed. Click the -help- icon on our home page and we'll get back to you!
Thanks again for watching! rod |
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Last Updated on Sunday, 15 November 2009 06:16 |
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Good Times for the Vikings |
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Written by Rod Simons
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Monday, 12 October 2009 21:56 |
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These are good days for the Minnesota Vikings. One of those starts to a season that the future Hall of Famer Brett Favre will not soon forget.
And I didn’t know this…but Favre’s NEVER started a season with five wins and no losses. NEVER.
After a week of unforgettable sports in our town, we have good reason to be on the bandwagon and enjoying the ride.
The Vikings win two games in the week, starting with the huge Monday night match up with the Packers in the Dome. Tuesday the Twins thrilled us with their division winning classic against the Detroit Tigers in game #163. The Wild win their home opening game against the Anaheim Ducks. Then, the Gophers get busy against Purdue and play a terrific game on Homecoming to make TCF Bank stadium look very cozy. The Purple then cap off the week-to-remember by beating the hapless Rams in St. Louis. The Lambs 13th straight regular season loss in a row.
It’s a game that coach Brad Childress watched his team play well enough to beat a bad team. The Vikings, on defense, didn’t look overpowering but they were good. You gotta’ love the turnovers. The Jared Allen plays, from fumble recovery to grab and run for a touchdown.
The defending NFC North champions are putting years of frustration and lackluster play in the rearview mirror. Granted, a 5-0 start is not a Lombardi trophy. But it’s a start and the entire country, Thanks in great part to Favre but also how prolific this team is, from defense to Adrian Peterson and the now 40-year old quarterback as well (b-t-w, Happy belated birthday! It snowed on your birthday…sorry I forgot).
This week, the Vikings face their toughest opponent this season in the Baltimore Ravens. Losers of two games already (this Sunday to the Cincinnati Bengals), the Ravens come to town loaded to unload their frustrations on the home team and it marks the return of former Vikings all pro center Matt Birk. No “lolly-gaggin” into this one folks. Bring it or be ready to lose to Baltimore…as Birk always use to say, they better bring “60 minutes of hard fought, exciting football” to faithful fans.
So far, so good. Just a reminder, it’s Baltimore, then off to Pittsburgh and then GREEN BAY before getting to their bye week. THIS will show us how strong the Vikings are. I believe this team is more than ready for the tests ahead.
The more and more we watch this season unfold, like it or not, “America’s new Team” is sitting here. Sure as the snow is flying and winter has arrived.
Don’t forget, check us out on KARE-11 Sunday night’s. Great guests, we focus on kid’s during our show with our “Little Heroes” segments and break down the games like no one else.
More to come. Have a good time and drop us a note! |
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Last Updated on Sunday, 15 November 2009 06:18 |
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Written by Rod Simons
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Sunday, 04 October 2009 00:00 |
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One rough home game down, one more to go before heading to St. Louis. NOT getting ahead of myself but so nice to have the Packers in and such a strong wave of sports -love- happening in our area.
The MNF game, the Twins extending their season to a 163rd game. Lost in the shuffle is the Wild and the Wolves are already playing pre-season "exhibition" games. Special thanks to former WCCO TV personality and Emmy winning anchor Jeanette Trompeter for joining us on Sunday. Great personality, a nice crowd to welcome her and the Vikings starters in attendance, Defensive Lineman Ray Edwards and game winning pass catcher Greg Lewis.
More to report on Tuesday after a Purple victory. A big night for fans, for the Vikings (and the Packers for that matter) and the NFL. |
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Last Updated on Sunday, 15 November 2009 06:19 |
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Written by Rod Simons
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Monday, 28 September 2009 20:03 |
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The Vikings dramatic win over the San Francisco 49ers at the dome opener was memorable and it was one of those games you'll simply never forget. People have been saying it over and over, "finally, Favre wins a game like that FOR US and not for the other guys". True! Just why the Vikings went out and got him.
There's reason to be optimistic as the rival Packers come to town. The offense is STILL trying to find it's footing together, Adrian Peterson is a bit banged up but all in all, the Purple is playing good football. Remember, the Lions and 'Niners are better football teams than last year. Don't discount that perfect 3-0 record.
From Peterson to the dynamic play of Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice's wake up call to Ryan Longwell's reliable foot. The Defense is sturdy and making plays and coaches...yes, coaches....are making good calls themselves. A year ago, we were all bellyaching about the play calling but in Four's hands, the offense is moving and making plays.
What a weekend to come. The Pack comes to town, the Badgers visit the Gophers at "the Bank", the Wild season starts with their opener on the 6th against Anaheim and the Wolves open camp in Mankato.
We'll look forward to seeing you for a great Sports Final taping and the return to local TV of "JT", Jeanette Trompeter formerly of WCCO-TV. Congrats to JT for winning a NATAS Emmy recently! Delighted she'll be joining us.
And congrats as well to Gary Babineau. He's the Blaine native and BIG Vikings fan who survived the I-35W bridge collapse. I was covering that tragic event and met Gary coming off the bridge. He's tied the knot and the wedding of Gary and Elizabeth was fabulous! God bless this terrific family and many happy years to come!
Thanks to you for checking us out and see you Sunday for Sports Final! |
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Last Updated on Sunday, 15 November 2009 06:19 |
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