The Vikings got Moss from New England on Wednesday for a 3^rd round pick in the 2011 draft.  They were able to scoop up the seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver and bring him into what has been a below average passing game to this point.  I still have plenty of fond memories of Moss’ electrifying performances, colorful comments, and erratic behavior.

As many of us remember, Moss spent his first seven seasons in Minnesota, where he set all kinds of records and became one of the most exciting playmakers in the league.  He racked up 9,142 yards and 90 touchdowns during his first stint with Minnesota and led them to the to NFC title game during the 1998 and 2000 seasons. (Both of those games still make me cry.)

This move could not have come at a better time for the Vikings.  Get a look at their schedule.  This week they play on Monday night versus the red hot New York Jets, after which they come home to match up against the Dallas Cowboys.  The Cowboys passed on Moss twice during his 1998 draft day and Moss has never forgotten that.  After the “boys” come to town, Moss and the Vikings go to Lambeau Field on a Sunday night to face the Packers, a team that Moss has torched in the past.  Finally, Moss gets to travel back to New England to face the team that ousted him after 3 very productive seasons.

None of us ever thought this could happen, but are loving that it did.  I cannot wait for Monday night to hear the words, “Favre back to pass… he throws it deep to Moss….TOUCHDOWN!”

Image courtesy of reubendn

When I first began writing this blog a little over a week ago the Minnesota Vikings were unsure of this years starting quarterback.  Bret Favre:  QB or not QB?  My how things can change in a week!  As I watched my favorite sports team, the Minnesota Vikings, in their first pre-season game and witnessed Sage Rosenfels throw for a total of 310 yards, three touchdowns, and made 23/34 completions it made me ponder the thought of him possibly becoming the Favre of the 90’s.  Then I woke up!  I realized that Sage was last years third string quarterback and that Tavaris Jackson was currently holding the starting quarterback position.  What a dreadful thought.

Now back to Favre who has decided to complete the final year of his two year contract with the Minnesota Vikings. He is once again sure that this year, his 20^th in the NFL, will be his last.  2009 was one of the best in his career.  First off he has played a stellar 309 consecutive games, more than any quarterback in NFL history.  Last year he threw for 33 touchdowns, had only 7 interceptions and was knocking on the door of yet another return to the Super Bowl.  However, The New Orleans Saints had a different idea.  Call it faith or fate but 2010 was the year of the Saints.  They went on to win the Minnesota Vikings in overtime and advance their team to their franchise’s first ever Super bowl appearance.  Last year was truly destiny for the New Orleans Saints.  Their team had rallied back from one of the worst hurricanes in history and with much hard work and determination had kept their dream alive and became Super Bowl champions.

So is it possible that this year could be the year for the Purple People Eaters?  With one of the best quarterbacks driving our team I believe we have a shot at making it to our 5^th Super Bowl appearance.  After all with Brett having a career best 2009 with a 68% completion percentage, fewest interceptions in a year, and throwing for 4,202 yards I believe it is more than possible to keep my dream alive.   So grab the remote, settle back into your recliners and stay tuned as the Minnesota Vikings make a drive that will hopefully take us to Arlington, Texas in February.  My husband always tells me I’m a dreamer!

1.     “The NFC”- The Vikings play in the much weaker of the two conferences and could easily make a run deep in the playoffs (see Arizona Cardinals).

2.    “The Metrodome”- If the Vikings are able to get through the season healthy and have a good record they would be able to play one or two games at the HHH Metrodome.  This is a huge advantage for the Vikes because of the crowd noise and the perfect weather conditions needed for their offense to be effective.

3.   “Visanthe Shaincoe”- This veteran Viking tight end is poised to have a career year with the additions of a veteran quarterback and the best running game in football.  As defenses rotate players into the box to stop the running game Shaincoe should find himself open or single covered in the center of the field matched up with a player that cannot effectively cover him.

4.   “Heath Farwell”- Most people are saying, “Heath Who?”  This Viking Special Teams captain is one of the best special teamers in the league.  Farwell’s return from injury will make a dramatic difference in a special teams group that looked lost and incompetent a year ago.

5.   “The Best Run Defense in Football”- The Vikings sport great run-stoppers including Pat Williams, Kevin Williams, Jared Allen, EJ Henderson, Ben Leber, Chad Greenway, Cedric Griffin, and Antoine Winfield.  The old adage that defense wins championships should bode well for this elite group.

6.   “Adrian Peterson”- The best player in football will have another excellent year.  He should again be at the top of the league in rushing and will see his touchdown production improve over last year.  Every time Peterson touches the ball he is a threat to reach the end zone.

7.   “Brett Favre”- While it pains me to write this, Favre makes a dramatic difference for the Vikings because of his leadership, knowledge, and big play ability.  He will make teams pay for keying on Peterson and the Vikings running game.  Favre does not have to do it all for the Vikings and only has to be effective for the team to be successful.

Check out the Vikings schedule for the 2009-2010 season.

Here is information on some of our local Fargo Moorhead sports centers and facilities.