Club Members,
 
Team News:
The bye week is over and the good guys won even when they didn’t play – with everyone in the division loosing. The bye came at a good time for us; 50% of the season behind us, a few people can heal and every player would like to have a rest half way done with the season. I expect the Vikes to hold anyone back from playing Detroit that could use another week to heal – mostly Antoine Winfield, we’ll need him healthy for the final push.
 
I listened to a lot of talking heads this week and I’ve come to the conclusion either they’re a whole lot smarter than me or maybe I’m just different (or both). In my humble opinion; the Vikings are playing with respect, similar to the days of Marshall and company. By this I mean – it looks like all 53 players are playing to earn the respect of the other players in the locker room – they’re playing for the team, they’re playing for themselves, they’re playing for the coaches, they’re playing for the respect of each other. I think the leadership of the elder statesmen (and Favre is one of these) helps, but, something else is happening. Every player, when on the field, looks like they’re closer to being a single unit. A better example can’t be given than the special teams units. They changed from being one of the worst units in the league last year to being arguably the best units this year. To me they earned (or are earning) the respect of their fellow teammates. Some people wanted to call this a swagger, but, I didn’t hear any of the players sounding or acting cocky – in fact I’ve heard the opposite. I believe every player for the Vikes believe they haven’t played their best ball and in fact, I’ve heard more players say there not happy with aspects of their game and intend on improving. If this team continues to improve and stays healthy, watch out; the final 8 games will be fun.
 
It’s also worth talking again about the O-line. This unit is also coming together – remember we’re starting two new guys this year. The pass blocking is clearly tons better than the Packers (and yes we have to mention the Packers – we beat them twice). (OK comparing our guys to the Packers guys is an insult; I just wanted to mention beating the Packers twice is the definition of a great year.) But back to the line – McKinnie is having a Pro Bowl season (by the way go and vote), Hutch is playing great even with his back injury and Phil looks like the real deal at right tackle. The opposing defenses are still stacking the box to stop Adrian and the O-line has had some difficulties opening the running lanes. But, think about this the Vikes are 7 and 1 and the passing game is working – teams aren’t going to stay with a game plan where they continually loose, watch for the line to open more holes in the second half of the year. The line is also playing better as a unit and as they reduce their thinking, of what they need to do, and just do it – this unit will be fine and I expect the Vikes to keep winning and I wouldn’t be surprised if Adrian had a big second half.
 
And because I’m in such a bold feeling – let me give you my prediction. If the Vikings are fortunate enough to play the Steelers again this year – they win by 10 and control the game from beginning to end. Think about this prediction and you know where I’m at.
 
Club News:
We’ll be starting our Helmets for the Holliday’s this week. This year we’re going to try something a little different – we’re going to have a set of mini helmet and football with Adrian Petersons autograph on them. A once in a lifetime chance to win both at one time – OK if you guys like our different approaches to the Helmet for the Holiday’s we’ll considerate it again in the future. We’ll also be having a Fran Tarkenton full size authentic helmet as the other prize this year.
We’ll also be having our canned food drive on November 22nd (the Seahawks game) to support the Orange County Food Bank. Please help us help our neighborhood by supporting this event.
 
The winter stuff is in – you can expect to see sweat shirts, fleece, jackets, calendars and some Christmas ornaments this week at the club.
 
Alert – I found another Life Magazine with the original Vikings on the cover – the club drawing will be spiked with good stuff this weekend.
 
Players Corner:
 
Chad Greenway
Number 52
Outside Linebacker
Height: 6-2
Weight: 242
Born: 1/12/1983 in Mount Vernon, SD
College: Iowa
 
Steve Hutchinson
Number 76
Guard
Height: 6-5
Weight: 313
Born: 11/1/1977 in Fort Lauderdale, FL
College: Michigan
 
NFL Hall of Famers:
Thurman Thomas In 1989, after an impressive rookie season that included a division title for the Bills, the multi-dimensional Thomas rushed for 1,000 yards, caught 60 passes, and scored 12 touchdowns in his second season.
 
His ability to catch the ball as well as run with it was a key ingredient to the Bills' "No Huddle" offensive attack. The team improved to 13-3 in 1990 as Thomas led the NFL in all-purpose yards. He rushed for 1,297 yards and scored 11 touchdowns while catching 49 passes for 532 yards and two touchdowns. With the versatile back leading the way, the Bills marched through the playoffs to the first of their unprecedented four straight Super Bowl berths.
 
In 1991, Thomas amassed more than 2,000 all-purpose yards, just the 11th player ever to do so. He reached the 2,000-yard total again the following season, which marked a record fourth straight season of leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage.
 
Named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1990s, Thomas was selected first- or second-team All-Pro and All-AFC five times, and was voted to the Pro Bowl five straight years. Thomas retired as the NFL's ninth ranked rusher with 12,074 yards and added another 4,458 yards on 472 catches.
 
Fun Facts and Quotes:
Did you know Lionel Taylor of the Denver Broncos was the first to have 100 receptions in a season (1961).
 
Jack Tatum: "I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault."
 
Tom Landry: "Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable."
 
See you all at Northwood,
 
Wm. R. Martin
President
Southern California Viking Club