Author Archive

Hock’s Take: Top Five Stories Thus Far in the Vikings’ Off-Season

Posted: 13th March 2010 by Matthew Hocking in NFL
1. LaDainian Tomlinson Doesn’t Sign Tomlinson left Minnesota without a deal, and is off to visit the Jets. I still think that he’ll sign with the Vikings after testing the market. I don’t have to explain why this would a big deal for both parties, but it’s a great fit for the Vikings. A Hall of Fame-caliber running back capable of mentoring Adrian Peterson through a difficult ...
The offseason has barely started, but already thereÆs some excitement brewing with two of the NFLÆs longest tenured running backs being cut loose from their respective teams. The releases of LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook has set off a firestorm of rumors and speculation about where the two backs might end up next year. Both have a little gas left in the tank, so itÆs just a matter of ...

Hock’s Take: Vikings Mailbag

Posted: 16th February 2010 by Matthew Hocking in NFL
We're in that lull between the Super Bowl and the Combine, and there's not really that much to talk about in terms of football that isn't idle speculation. And even idle speculation will get you in trouble, God forbid you bring up the name Tim Tebow, and suddenly people show up offering up Michael Vick as a suitable, lovely compromise at quarterback. For what it's worth, I even offered at the beginning ...

Hock’s Take: NFL Power Rankings For Week 17

Posted: 4th January 2010 by Matthew Hocking in NFL
Playoff Power Rankings, plus New YearÆs Resolutions for the teams on the outside looking in. 1. Indianapolis Colts Last Week: 1 TheyÆre still the team to beat, but itÆs interesting that the Colts of all teams didnÆt learn that you should go into the playoffs with a head of steam. 2. San Diego Chargers Last Week: 3 Another team goes limping into the Playoffs, ...

Hock’s Take: NFL Power Rankings Week 17

Posted: 29th December 2009 by Matthew Hocking in NFL
1. Indianapolis Colts Last Week: 1 Oh no! They lost a meaningless game! How ever will Peyton Manning recover from that humiliation in time for the Playoffs?! 2. New Orleans Saints Last Week: 2 TheyÆre in this position only because theyÆve got home field advantage wrapped up throughout the Playoffs. Unlike the Colts, theyÆre backing in on their own accord. 3. San Diego Chargers ...

Hock’s Take: NFL Power Rankings for Week 14

Posted: 15th December 2009 by Matthew Hocking in NFL
1. New Orleans Saints Last Week: 1 The Saints, like the Patriots during their 18-1 run, are looking more and more beatable as they head down the stretch. I wonder if Sean Payton has the chops to pull this off. 2. Indianapolis Colts Last Week: 2 The Colts' run continues, but the elephant in the room has clearly become what theyÆre going to do for these next few games ...

Hock’s Take: NFL Power Rankings for Week 13

Posted: 8th December 2009 by Matthew Hocking in NFL
1. New Orleans Saints Last Week: 1 The Saints were exposed a bit by Washington, but luck is on their side. So long as Drew Brees stays healthy, they're the team to beat. 2. Indianapolis Colts Last Week: 2 Technically, Indy was the first team into the playoffs this year. TheyÆve got their fair share of problems, but wins arenÆt one. 3. Minnesota Vikings ...

Hock’s Take: NFL Power Rankings For Week 11

Posted: 2nd December 2009 by Matthew Hocking in NFL
1. New Orleans Saints Last Week: 1 No questions about it now, this team is 100 percent for real. Well, one question, can they keep it up through the playoffs? 2. Indianapolis Colts Last Week: 2 The Colts are getting all the lucky breaks so far this year. TheyÆre certainly the most lackluster 11-0 team in recent memory. 3. Minnesota Vikings Last Week: 3 ...

Hock’s Take: NFL Power Rankings For Week 12

Posted: 24th November 2009 by Matthew Hocking in NFL
1. New Orleans Saints Last Week: 1 Are Thankful For:á A cushy first-half schedule that has basically put them in the playoffs already. 2. Indianapolis Colts Last Week: 2 Are Thankful For:á Peyton ManningÆs new best friend Justin Timberlake teaching them all their hot new dance moves. 3. Minnesota Vikings Last Week: 3 Are Thankful For:á Somehow being able to add Jared ...

10 Greatest Moments in Minnesota Vikings History

Posted: 24th November 2009 by Matthew Hocking in NFL
Since their inception in 1961, the Vikings have been part of some classic games and rivalries. Between the meteoric rise of the Purple People Eaters in the 60s and 70s to the historic 1998 Vikings offense, to the rise of Adrian Peterson and, yes, Brett Favre, the team has been a part of more NFL history than non-fans might realize. They've had some of the most electric offensive ...