That is Sobering

In today's edition of the Startribune the three beat writers that cover the Vikings have all picked the Saints to win. The Saints apparently have two very good cornerbacks and their offense is well known. All three writers think the Vikings will struggle with the noise on the road. I am surprised that no one has mentioned the running game, but then I didn't read each article in detail. Still, it is a little disheartening to read that the guys who know the team the best don't think we can win in New Orleans. Sighhh...

We shall see.

Encased in Ice

As I sit here in the freezing rain....time to think about this weekend's football games.

So, last week I went three for four in football predictions. My one loss was I thought the Cowboys would steam roll the Vikings. I am not sure why - entirely - but the Vikings hung tough and then played very well. The Cowboys had chances early, but missed chances to take the upper hand. So there you go.

This week the Viking travel to the Saints. At first glance this game looks like a better

opportunity for the Vikings. The Saints are ranked 21st in run defense. I would think that

would give our running game a chance to help keep the Saints offense off the field. On the

other side, the advantages look

to favor the Saints. I have seen Sean Payton and Drew Brees dismantle teams on the field. They say that, "Defense wins championships," but I am not so sure. I am going to be a homer and pick the Vikings to win in a squeaker.

Last week I picked the Jets to beat the Chargers largely because I don't

like Norv Turner as a head coach. Jim Caldwell is a tougher call. I admire him for sitting Peyton to prepare for the playoffs and taking the guff that came from that. Mr. Caldwell seems to have his eyes on the prize. This is kind of brains vs brawn. I guess I like the Colts chances this week (although the Jets have the traditional tough defense and big

running game that is supposed to be the winning ticket.)

Hmmm

This afternoon I finished the second of Steig Larsson's three books. I found this story very gripping - often reading much later at night to see how the plot would twist and turn. There were many turns that I did not see coming, which made reading so much fun.

Still, as I finished the last few pages earlier today I couldn't help but have the feeling that Mr. Larsson "jumped the cow" a bit with his ending. He has great characters - but I thought the way this part of the trilogy ended was a bit beyond belief....

I still recommend the book, and I can't wait to start the next one. I love the characters that Mr. Larsson has created.

Thank You

So here it is, the seventeenth of January and it has been a great day.

Early this morning I took Chris and Erik to the airport after a week of fun. The boys were fun to have around for the last week, and it was a great visit from Erik all around. Some how I need to worry less and trust people more. I won't be disappointed.

Later this afternoon, after a short nap, I had a great time watching the Vikings eek out a win versus the Cowboys. I am still surprised we won. Out of the four football games this week, the Vikings vs. Cowboys game was the only one I missed. I thought the Cowboys defense would shut down the Viking's offense - and it was close. We never did run the ball with authority. But we won. Go figure. Nice job gentlemen. Next week in the Big Easy.... great fun.

Four Degrees and Eighty Minutes

This morning I thought I would try the bike....the trip to school took from 6:11 to 7:30 - which is a new personal record. On the whole, I would say the experience is more nerve-wracking than it is worth. I find it hard to just relax and enjoy the challenge of it all. I don't know if I will bike home tonight or wait and go home on another day....

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This weekend we have the second round of playoff games and I have some predictions. First, if the Cardinals gave up 45 points to the Packers, I don't see them beating the Saints (especially in New Orleans). Here is the tough one....the Cowboys have looked very solid the last two weeks. I think the Vikings have a better defense than the Eagles, but I am not sure that we are playing at the same level they are right now. I hate to say it, but I suspect the Cowboys have the edge here, even though we are at home in Minnesota.

On the other side, Indianapolis should beat the Ravens and the Chargers have the Jets to contend with. I am going to pick the Jets and the Colts to advance.

We shall see....