The 49ers win.
The Ravens win.
When you are a Minnesota Vikings fan, and your team has never won a Super Bowl - or even been to one in 37 years, you take your jollies this time of year were you can get them.
And for some of us, that means cheering for significant ex-Vikings who happen to be playing for another team that has made the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl in two weeks will feature such a player for both teams (you already know this, I suspect). Matt Birk plays for Baltimore. Randy Moss plays for San Francisco.
I've already let it be known who I'm rooting for to get a Super Bowl ring. Still, Birk is an easy guy to root for. A multiple Pro Bowler during his time with the Vikings. He kept his nose clean when many of his teammates didn't. Minnesota Vikings Man of the Year several times over. NFL Man of the Year. But then there is his non-support for same-sex marriage (I don't agree with his stance, but at least his defense was eloquent).
As for Bryant McKinnie (aka - the man who ate and partied himself out of town) - I don't really give a shit whether he wins a Super Bowl ring or not.
We're number one in something!
If you thought the Vikings special teams played pretty well in 2012, you were correct. According to Dallas Mornings News special teams rankings, the Vikings had the NFL's best special teams unit in 2012.
But we best enjoy the kudos while we can. The Vikings will have a tough time repeating the performance. I can't find the link, but Football Outsiders has found that special teams performances vary wildly from year-to-year. Too bad the same thing wasn't true about a team's passing offense.
Big, bad Bill Belichik is shut out in the second half while his defense gives up three touchdowns. And what the hell was that clock management before halftime? These Ravens are looking like a tough out but I have to root for Randy Moss over Mckinnie. Sorry Birk.
ReplyDeleteWith Blair Walsh bombing 50 yard FG's and all those touchbacks, I wouldn't think we'd fall too far. More valuable 6th rounder: Walsh or Alfred Morris (RB Washington drafted with the McNabb pick)? Probably Morris but it is closer than you'd think for a 1500 yard back and a kicker.
Birk is certainly an eloquent guy. If only people on both sides of these controversial issues could speak as such. Many people form their opinions based on what morons say (drawing the opposite conclusion of said morons).
ReplyDeleteAlthough, Moss is pretty persuasive too. Straight cash, homey.
ETR:
ReplyDeleteVikings special teams could take a dip if the coverage units, particularly the punt team, fall off next season. Then there is the Harvin factor. If he's not back with the team, our kickoff return game will be less dangerous.