Game Thread W1 - Minnesota V Washington (1 Viewer)

[Andy Hicks]

Welcome to the start of the 2006 season.

Once the game kicks off this thread will be pinned, but for now it will run on its own merits.

Please provide your thoughts, pre, during and after the game.

Remember that not everyone will be watching this game, so if you could provide detailed analysis it would be much appreciated.

Things like 'Go Reggie' aren't what we are looking for.

Why will team X win?

Who is the QB targetting?

How are the lines looking?

Who's running the ball well?

Who looks in over his head?

Who's injured (also reference this in the injury thread which will be created once the sunday games are live)

Anything that you think will be of benefit to someone not watching the game or who doesn't care about your fantasy team.

Post game analysis, in particular is what we want to see.

Go for it

 

[lod2005]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

 

[fatness]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

The Redskins were a playoff team last year. The Vikings think they've improved their defense and running game enough to be a playoff team this year. Those would be 2 reasons I can think of.Of course, it would have been nice to see the Jaguars beat the Cowboys with a big Monday night audience.

 

[aldelgreco]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

The Redskins were a playoff team last year. The Vikings think they've improved their defense and running game enough to be a playoff team this year. Those would be 2 reasons I can think of.Of course, it would have been nice to see the Jaguars beat the Cowboys with a big Monday night audience.

ANYONE ELSE TAKE THE UNDER? 36

 

[jurb26]

I don't know. I'm looking forward to seeing this game tonight.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I don't know. I'm looking forward to seeing this game tonight.

Me too. For one, I might actually be able to stay up & watch the whole thing. Two, as a Maryland fan, I'd like to see E.J. Henderson play well. Three, I'm fascinated by how poorly the 'Skins looked in preseason. I've been teasing my friends who are Redskin fans that Gibbs has been sandbagging it (all the while I'm trying to talk them off of ledges). I'm the furthest thing from a 'Skins fan, but I really respect Gibbs & want to see what his all-star team of coaches will do.

 

[NoCheese]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

Anniversary of 9/11 in the nations capital comes to mind

 

[redman]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

The Redskins were a playoff team last year. The Vikings think they've improved their defense and running game enough to be a playoff team this year. Those would be 2 reasons I can think of.Of course, it would have been nice to see the Jaguars beat the Cowboys with a big Monday night audience.

ANYONE ELSE TAKE THE UNDER? 36

With Shawn Springs out, I wouldn't do that. I think Brad Johnson may have a pretty good night passing.

 

[redman]

I don't know. I'm looking forward to seeing this game tonight.

Three, I'm fascinated by how poorly the 'Skins looked in preseason. I've been teasing my friends who are Redskin fans that Gibbs has been sandbagging it (all the while I'm trying to talk them off of ledges).

You ain't joking. I've been a proponent of the sandbagging theory, but the truth will come out tonight.

 

[reg]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

The Redskins were a playoff team last year. The Vikings think they've improved their defense and running game enough to be a playoff team this year. Those would be 2 reasons I can think of.Of course, it would have been nice to see the Jaguars beat the Cowboys with a big Monday night audience.

ANYONE ELSE TAKE THE UNDER? 36

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Since it starts at 6:00 CENTRAL, I hope all you grandpas can stay awake.

I'm interested in seeing the Vikes run left for a change.

 

[reg]

Since it starts at 6:00 CENTRAL, I hope all you grandpas can stay awake.I'm interested in seeing the Vikes run left for a change.

they better behind the billion dollar line.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Since it starts at 6:00 CENTRAL, I hope all you grandpas can stay awake.I'm interested in seeing the Vikes run left for a change.

they better behind the billion dollar line.

They didn't much during the preseason. Which is why Chet, and the running game in general, has so many question marks.

 

[redman]

Whatever else you say about the 'Skins defense, they're fanatical about stopping the run and that as opposed to pass rush is really their line's strength. It'll be a good test tonight for the revamped Vikings running game.

 

[saintfool]

if the redskins offense hadn't gone MIA through the preseason, i wouldn't imagine anyone would be thinking this would be a contest.

 

[eoMMan]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

The Redskins were a playoff team last year. The Vikings think they've improved their defense and running game enough to be a playoff team this year. Those would be 2 reasons I can think of.Of course, it would have been nice to see the Jaguars beat the Cowboys with a big Monday night audience.

ANYONE ELSE TAKE THE UNDER? 36

No.Vikes +4.5 =

 

[Andy Dufresne]

if the redskins offense had gone MIA through the preseason, i wouldn't imagine anyone would be thinking this would be a contest.

You mean "hadn't gone MIA?"I'm telling you, the Vikes D is going to surprise a lot of people this year. The last few they've just had the wrong system for the guys on the roster. The front four is going to be very good.

Here's a name that will become part of league vocabulary - Erasmus James.

 

[datonn]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

Anniversary of 9/11 in the nations capital comes to mind

I think I would have rather seen the Giants/Colts on Monday night, but it'll be fun to watch my Vikings see what they can do against a better-than-average Redskins team in D.C. during an emotional opener. The main thing I am looking for tonight is:1. How Chester Taylor looks running the ball behind that line.2. How many carries Fason/Moore/Pinner/??? end up seeing (my money is on Fason getting his 5-6, and the rest will be Taylor).3. WR targets from Brad Johnson. I think Travis Taylor will lead the team in targets/receptions, while Williamson will lead the team in receiving yards. Chester Taylor will also likely catch 4-5+ balls out of the backfield too, but we'll see how it all shakes out.

 

[saintfool]

if the redskins offense had gone MIA through the preseason, i wouldn't imagine anyone would be thinking this would be a contest.

You mean "hadn't gone MIA?"I'm telling you, the Vikes D is going to surprise a lot of people this year. The last few they've just had the wrong system for the guys on the roster. The front four is going to be very good.

Here's a name that will become part of league vocabulary - Erasmus James.

yes, you are correct. you can tell i visited my family in Nashville over the weekend, can't you?James will be matched up with Samuels or Jansen, right? That's a good measuring stick for him, I think. regardless, duckett is not of the same quality RB as portis but i think he can more than handle the load tonight. there is nothing about the minnesota offense that scares me even a little. it's all unproven or pedestrian. sorry, andy, but i predict a rout.

 

[Keys Myaths]

Irvin's tie is ridiculous.

Take the guy off the air.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

James will be matched up with Samuels or Jansen, right? That's a good measuring stick for him, I think. regardless, duckett is not of the same quality RB as portis but i think he can more than handle the load tonight. there is nothing about the minnesota offense that scares me even a little. it's all unproven or pedestrian. sorry, andy, but i predict a rout.

Mark Brunnell is still the starting QB in Washington, right? My confidence would ALWAYS be tempered if that were the case.I have an almost irrational dislike for the guy as a football player.

 

[huskerd911]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

Anniversary of 9/11 in the nations capital comes to mind

Knowing that the NFL setup the brotherly matchup for the debut of SNF on NBC, I'm willing to bet that they noticed that MNF would fall on 9/11, so they put the game in Washington, D.C.

 

[reg]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

Anniversary of 9/11 in the nations capital comes to mind

I think I would have rather seen the Giants/Colts on Monday night, but it'll be fun to watch my Vikings see what they can do against a better-than-average Redskins team in D.C. during an emotional opener. The main thing I am looking for tonight is:

1. How Chester Taylor looks running the ball behind that line.

2. How many carries Fason/Moore/Pinner/??? end up seeing (my money is on Fason getting his 5-6, and the rest will be Taylor).

3. WR targets from Brad Johnson. I think Travis Taylor will lead the team in targets/receptions, while Williamson will lead the team in receiving yards. Chester Taylor will also likely catch 4-5+ balls out of the backfield too, but we'll see how it all shakes out.

Mewelde got bumped up to #2. Not sure if he will be healthy come gametime, but....

 

[Keys Myaths]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

Anniversary of 9/11 in the nations capital comes to mind

Knowing that the NFL setup the brotherly matchup for the debut of SNF on NBC, I'm willing to bet that they noticed that MNF would fall on 9/11, so they put the game in Washington, D.C.

How do they set these up?I know, at one time, each network was given an order to pick which game goes when, and on what network. Is that still the same, and does MNF still get first pick?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Mewelde got bumped up to #2. Not sure if he will be healthy come gametime, but....

Really? Dude has to stay healthy. He's got to be almost out of chances.

 

[reg]

tonight we get to hear the new vikings song too !!!!

http://www.vikings.com/BringtheHorns.html

 

[sinatravolta]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

Keep in mind, to some extent at least:new Monday night games = old Sunday night gamesnew Sunday night games = old Monday night gamesMany of the Sunday night games haven't been determined yet, to avoid the problem we had the last couple of years on Monday night - where non-contending teams were on the big Monday night game.Now - that could still happen on Monday night, but at least not on Sunday and Monday nights.Note - it does look like the new Monday night games are better on average, than the old Sunday night games. But still - I think the Sunday night games are supposed to be most similar to the old Monday night games.

 

[Keys Myaths]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

Keep in mind, to some extent at least:new Monday night games = old Sunday night gamesnew Sunday night games = old Monday night gamesMany of the Sunday night games haven't been determined yet, to avoid the problem we had the last couple of years on Monday night - where non-contending teams were on the big Monday night game.Now - that could still happen on Monday night, but at least not on Sunday and Monday nights.Note - it does look like the new Monday night games are better on average, than the old Sunday night games. But still - I think the Sunday night games are supposed to be most similar to the old Monday night games.

Did NBC pay more for the Sunday night games than ESPN paid for Monday night?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

tonight we get to hear the new vikings song too !!!!

http://www.vikings.com/BringtheHorns.html

PEACE! How low can you go? Death row, what a brotha know.Turn it up! Bring the Horns!

 

[Andy Dufresne]

tonight we get to hear the new vikings song too !!!!

http://www.vikings.com/BringtheHorns.html

PEACE! How low can you go? Death row, what a brotha know.Turn it up! Bring the Horns!

Wait. They're not serious are they? Are this the actual lyrics (taken from Reg's link):

Bring in the Horns!!

------- Lyrics -------

Yo! We hit that gridiron and we do run-run

I said, we do run-run, Yeah we do run-run I said we Smash, we Hit now you run-run

I said now you run-run, yeah now you run-run

BRING IN THE HORNS

We never slow down

Purple & Gold now

Yeah it's going down

BRING IN THE HORNS

You Better Squad Up

Go head Line em up

We're getting fired up

BRING IN THE HORNS

Yo Gimme some purple yeah now, put some gold in it That NFC pedigree and there's no limit

To the end zone with it You won't defeat us

Since the days of Tarkenton and the Purple People Eaters

Yeah, We can depend on Coach Childress to lead us

Get rowdy in them bleachers yeah, we getting live now

We bring that fire now, we never lie down

Step aside now, slacking is not allowed

Let's reveal the stats, they never held us back

We're bringing in the horns And the Helga Hats

A wrecking ball before, we're even harder now

I say we make Alan Page and Cris Carter proud

It's The Vike's not no random crew

Ask Mr. Cunningham and John Randle too

The MVC says from the East to The West

That we're something like the Best, Yes!

BRING IN THE HORNS

We never slow down

Purple & Gold now

Yeah it's going down

BRING IN THE HORNS

You Better Squad Up

Go head Line em up

We're getting fired up

BRING IN THE HORNS

We never slow down

Purple & Gold now

Yeah it's going down

BRING IN THE HORNS

You Better Squad Up

Go head Line em up

We're getting fired up

BRING IN THE HORNS

I said we hit that gridiron and we do run-run

I said, we do run-run, Yeah we do run-run I said we Smash, we Hit now you run-run

I said now you run-run, yeah now you run-run

Gimme some purple now, sprinkle a lil bit of gold in it We're in the zone now, Come on yall it's no limit This ain't nothing new under the sun Ever since ‘61 we've been getting it done I'm like whose that there? Coming through this year More drama to bring, it's the V-I-Kings Now yall already know get set ready go Throw them horns up high, cause your boy say so Yo it's that real as soon as we hit the field As soon as the whistle blows, look for that purple and gold Yo when the lights come on, we play lights out Why they let the Vike's out? Come on

BRING IN THE HORNS

We never slow down

Purple & Gold now

Yeah it's going down

BRING IN THE HORNS

You Better Squad Up

Go head Line em up

We're getting fired up

BRING IN THE HORNS

We never slow down

Purple & Gold now

Yeah it's going down

BRING IN THE HORNS

You Better Squad Up

Go head Line em up

We're getting fired up

BRING IN THE HORNS

Oh good lord, no.

 

[saintfool]

James will be matched up with Samuels or Jansen, right? That's a good measuring stick for him, I think. regardless, duckett is not of the same quality RB as portis but i think he can more than handle the load tonight. there is nothing about the minnesota offense that scares me even a little. it's all unproven or pedestrian. sorry, andy, but i predict a rout.

Mark Brunnell is still the starting QB in Washington, right? My confidence would ALWAYS be tempered if that were the case.I have an almost irrational dislike for the guy as a football player.

yeah, i think he's pretty awful. however, this is still the same team that stunk it up for all but like 2 minutes of a road game in dallas last year and still managed to win. say what you will about brunell but they still have plenty of weapons. i just don't think johnson - a guy who i never liked either - has any real quality weapons around him.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

It`s games like this that makes me appreciate fantasy football even more...otherwise i would have zero interest.

 

[Keys Myaths]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

It`s games like this that makes me appreciate fantasy football even more...otherwise i would have zero interest.

I actually want to see it. I want to see how Minnesota's new OL fares. I want to see how Washington's offense does without a 100% Portis. I want to see if Brunell and Moss are the same as they get older. I want to see the trainwreck that is ESPN's coverage of MNF.Remember, today's the day it all changed. I'm going to be telling my kids about how when I grew up, it wasn't Sunday night that we all looked forward to, it was Monday night.

 

[Woz]

I'll start this one off with: How the heck does this game rate as a Monday night game????? This game could put an insomniac to sleep.

The Redskins were a playoff team last year. The Vikings think they've improved their defense and running game enough to be a playoff team this year. Those would be 2 reasons I can think of.Of course, it would have been nice to see the Jaguars beat the Cowboys with a big Monday night audience.

ANYONE ELSE TAKE THE UNDER? 36

Reg, I think you'd bet on anything.

 

[fatness]

I don't think Minnesota will have much success rushing. The Redskin pass rush (or lack thereof) will determine if Minnesota has any luck passing. Shawn Springs is out, and if Johnson gets plenty of time to pass he will have an open receiver that Kenny Wright is supposedly covering.

Washington will have trouble rushing. I think Minnesota's D-line is improved. If Brunell gets any time at all I think the Skins will be able to pass, assuming Brunell doesn't go back to chucking one-hoppers.

Really, it's tough to know what to expect from the Redskins after this crap preseason. Based on what they did last year and in the offseason, they should win by 10 or more here. Based on preseason it'll be a close, low-scoring game.

The Redskins win close games.

 

[Wheelhouse]

Based on what the Bucs, Panthers, Seahawks, Patriots, Chiefs and Broncos did yesterday, we're not sure what either team is going to do.

 

[fatness]

How about pinning this one?

 

[njxbean]

Based on what the Bucs, Panthers, Seahawks, Patriots, Chiefs and Broncos did yesterday, we're not sure what either team is going to do.

lol very true!

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I just puked in my mouth.

Tom Cruise will be flipping the coin tonight.

Do you think he'll use a car jack or a moving company's J-bar?

 

[phrozen]

I just puked in my mouth.

Tom Cruise will be flipping the coin tonight.

Do you think he'll use a car jack or a moving company's J-bar?

I should have gone to the game tonight I could have had the chance to yell obsenitites at Tom Cruise

 

[snogger]

Bump up the Redskins passing game with Dwight Smith being made an example of and sitting this one out.

 

[Wheelhouse]

Where's HK so we can talk about Chester Taylor?

 

[Keys Myaths]

I just puked in my mouth.

Tom Cruise will be flipping the coin tonight.

Do you think he'll use a car jack or a moving company's J-bar?

The coin will be sucked up by soul sucking machines from an alien planet and inserted in humans everywhere.

 

[falconeyed]

Our Governator could totally kick the #### out of everyone else's governor.

 

[Twilight]

Gotta love having Dwight Smith in the intro...

 

[Chaos Commish]

I'm boycotting pregame stuff. Let me know when it's safe to turn the game on.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Hi.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I'm boycotting pregame stuff. Let me know when it's safe to turn the game on.

 

[falconeyed]

Did Suzi just say that WAS's playbook is 700 pages long?

 

[phrozen]

Hi.

KRS > Hi