NFL. Just chatted with NFL-related film watcher as was given some takes because as Vikes' VOX I don't get to red-one channel my way to takes. CAMERON NEWTON is missing too many open guys and "doesn't look like he studies the game the way a quarterback should." ... PEANUT TILLMAN is playing like a Defensive Player of the Year Candidate. His jams at the line always have been league-best, he sees the game clearly due to his veteran equity but "his man coverage never has been better and he also is running better than he has the last five years." ... AARON RODGERS is playing mad. Seemed he needed that loss at Indy and some criticism put on his team to look like the MVP-type he should be every year. My guy said he'd "still take him over any player in the NFL."
We should move to 6-and-2 after tomorrow-night's game. The 'Dome-field advantage will be huge, the short week sucks for Tampa, the Bucs desperately miss physical CB AQIB TALIB, the OT's should be overmatched by JARED ALLEN and BRIAN ROBISON, and our ball-control bit will keep a very nice offense off the field. There are times this year we have been killed in the T.O.P. and this cannot be one of those games. That means no early drive picks by CHRISTIAN PONDER, who better eyeball RONDE BARBER because the 16-year safety is playing very well and has a pick six this year.
Some stuff from the game-call depth chart:
-- Jared Allen has four safeties, which is tied for most in NFL lore.
-- Jared Allen has scored four tochdowns in his career, including two via receptions while with K.C.
-- CHAD GREENWAY is third in the NFL in tackles with 68 according to NFL.com.
-- EVERSON GRIFFEN had zero tackles versus Arizona.
-- The Vikings have allowed 309 rushing yards the last two games.
-- Minnesota has allowed 17.7 PPG offensively, which is fifth in the NFL.
-- The Vikings 22 sacks is tied for third most in the NFL.
-- VINCENT JACKSON -- 586 receiving yards, fifth most in the NFL. He had 216 yards last game versus New Orleans, including a 95-yard TD catch. He has 10 receptions of 20 yards or more, second most in the NFL. He received a $27 million signing bonus to play in Tampa. He averages 21.7 YPC this seaosn, third best in the NFL. Beast.
-- DALLAS CLARK had 46 TD's during nine years with Indy. He has one in his first season with Tampa and had his best game of the year last week (5-51-1).
-- JOSH FREEMAN has thrown six TD's and one pick the last two. Kid only has been sacked nine times (fifth best in the NFL) and has 11 TD's against just five picks.
-- Minnesota's average starting position off kicks is the 26, which is best in the NFL.
-- K BLAIR WALSH has 27 touchbacks, most in the NFL. The team record is 40 set by MITCH BERGER in 1998.
-- Walsh is 3-for-3 from 50 and beyond.
-- Bucs K CONNOR BARTH has two game-winning FG's. His long is 57, he never has missed an extra point and never had a FG blocked.
-- WR MIKE WILLIAMS averages 19.4 YPC, fourth in the NFL. he has six receptions of 20 yards or more, 12th most n the NFL.
-- Tampa has generated 28 negative run plays, most in the NFL.
-- Tampa allows 76 RYPG, third fewest in the NFL.
-- LANCE MOORE is a slot machine for New Orleans. He went for 9-121 at Tampa last week. "ItoldPERCY!"
-- Tampa only has eight sacks, 29th in the NFL.
-- Their leading tackler is LB LAVONTE DAVID, a rookie second rounder from Nebraska.
-- Ronde Barber has 28 sacks and 46 interceptions during his career. He has scored 15 defensive touchdowns, including one this year against Kansas City, He has played 206 consecutive games and has three picks this year.
-- MLB MASON FOSTER had 10 tackles, a sack and a FF against us last year.
-- TOBY GERHART has two carries the last two games.
-- Tampa has beaten the Vikes five consecutive times.
-- ADRIAN has 29 100-yard games, tied with ROBERT SMITH for most in team lore.
-- WR MICHAEL JENKINS is a Tampa native.
-- Bucs assistant OL coach is STEVE LONEY, formerly with Minnesota as OL coach and weekly guest on the "P.A. and Dubay Show." Aw.
-- Minnesota has 12 plays this year at 20 yards or more, second fewest in the NFL.
