Here We Go

Hello Nation, Tark here with some happy thoughts for a change about the purple. What a day yesterday, Huh? Everything was clicking along just like Tark thought it could. This was the team that we thought we had coming off an OK preseason. There were a few bumps along the way, which we will discuss as the scroll continues. But, overall a good game and a good start to some victories in the future for the purple.

Tark was on fire at the start of the game. After an 0-2 start we could have laid down. No way, not at our house. A superior play to get the ball and go up 7-0 before even deflating the ship after the player intros. And the intensity continued. 17 points in the first quarter is outstanding. Tark was so proud of the offense. Here are some more reasons why: Moore's 100 yard plus rushing day, Williamson's 58 yard touchdown. Edinger going 4 for 5 in fieldgoals. And all the other little things that went right. With the good comes the bad. Here are some things Tark did not like. The seven sacks given up by the O line. Pepper is tough, but even seven sacks takes a toll on a guy sometime. And one play call. Let's see third and one on the sixth yard line. Even Tark knew the QB sneak was coming, but no we go for the money shot and end up with three instead of seven. Coaches need to think about field location before calling bone head plays like this. Over all though, Tark was very happy and elated with yesterday's action.

Tark was also impressed with the Defense. Everyone knows Tark makes a living out of standing on the rail on third down, and helping the defense. Well, when the defense stops them every time except twice, Tark really feels like the job got done. Nice pressure fellas. Turnovers, it is about time. The secondary is playing great finally. But every one knows it comes from the pressure on the quarterback. It was sure nice to see Brooks running for his life yesterday, and throwing away passes. Very good outing for the "D"as far as Tark is concerned. Oh yea, Tarks player of the game, Antoine Winfield. An interception, a fumble recovery and a whole lot of tackles make this guy an asset to have, especially yesterday.

Well that should wrap it up from Tark. Not much to say because nothing bad happened yesterday. A great day to be purple. Tark, as always, wants to thank Don and Bev and the whole gang for letting us take part in the best tailgating party in the area. Always fun to sit in the war wagon and toast everything from no rain to Tark's new boxers. Good times. Tark also sends a shout to his favorite Maytag repair man in Nebraska. Keep the faith, and keep making the drive up here. Tark has one more well wish. This goes to the new readers in the Oklahoma City area. I heard it is hard to get good, true, tainted home bias information on the purple. Well, my friends, you have found the best purple website on the whole thing. Keep reading and don't be scared to shout a reply to Tark. Take care.

Skol,
Tark

Rappin' With PA (Voice of the Vikings)

Tonight at Vikings GameDay Live, in addition to DE Kenechi Udeze (pictured with Abby & myself) and RB Mewelde Moore, we were lucky to have Vikings play-by-play specialist Paul Allen sit in for Rich Gannon who was on assignment (I think I heard he was covering the Tampa Bay game this weekend).

If you watch NFL Films (I love my NFL Network - DirecTV channel 212) or listen to Vikings games on the radio, you know Paul Allen's voice. (If you don't know PA, check out his bio on KFAN.com.) Weekly, the NFL will play sound bites from NFL games and I was surprised to hear PA often. Not only does his voice accompany Viking highlights, but his enthusiastic calls often complement plays by opposing teams. Yes, he's that good.

For me, his most memorable call was Arizona scoring to end the 2003 season for the Vikings. The touchdown by Arizona eliminated the Vikings from the playoffs and handed the division title and playoff spot to the Green Bay Packers. Though it was Arizona scoring, you did not hear the voice of the Cardinals celebrating. No sir. On NFL Films, you heard PA's agonizing call. His passion wrapping every word, his call reaching out to all.

I was excited about this chance to talk to the voice of the Vikings. Does he mimic anyone else? After all, he's as distinctive as Kevin Harlan of the Timberwolves (an ex-announcer, Kevin called both sides of the ball with enthusiasm and his greatness took him away from Minnesota to the national stage - TNT then FOX, I believe).

Talking to PA, he says he isn't emulating anyone. He's just being himself. I complimented his style but he admits some people don't like it. He compared his style to Howard Cossell - 50 % liked him, 50 % disliked him, and 100 % listened. PA just wants the same thing. He enjoys what he's doing and hopes his style is heard.

Do you like PA's calls? Sound off in our blog.

Bleed on,
Don

Unknown

Hello, faithful. Tark here. Just got back from the game today. Tark titled this "Unknown." That is how Tark feels right now - Unknown. The good thing about an 80 mile ride home is that you think a lot. Tark thought about the title to this scribe and came up with "Unknown." There are many issues Tark could write about. The main thing is the Purple are 0-1 with a lot of games left. Instead of 12-4, Tark is now going with 11-5. Yes, Tark had this written in as a win, but, is grateful that, for a change, we are going to talk about the Offense's bad game. There are a few issues that Tark is going to touch on. so here we go.

Right off the bat, Tark wants to know, where was #19. We drafted him number 7, you don't let a #7 pick watch the game. Tark feels this guy is a game breaker and should have been out there today. Williamson has speed and good hands, when you can't run the ball PASS. Troy was there for the asking, all game. Why not play him. He is the future, and the heir to #84. Give the 64,000 plus what we came to see, and what we drafted. Tark is very upset with this decision. Play him, that is why we passed up on Mike Williams. You want speed, he has it. This is what Tark feels. If you don't agree, write a comment. As fans, we should be upset to have all that money tied up as a spectator. Hell, if he isn't going to play next week, Let him come up to 237 and watch the game with Tark and all the crazies. Enough about that, if you don't know by now, Tark is a big fan of #19.

Next, If Bennett can't cut the mustard, Let Faison carry the ball. Once again, lots of players on the bench, if one can't cut it, switch them out. Tark believes we draft these players for a reason. Pre-season is not a reason. If they can contribute, and you are going to pay them a gazillion dollars, PLAY THEM. Faisom has a lot on his mind. Why was he taken so late in the draft. Why were the other running backs taken in front of him? Williams is his enemy, do you think Faison wanted to prove something today? Yes he did. He had a great preseason, let him earn his check. Moving on.

For once, great job by the defense. This crew was on fire. Nice stop on the runs, and nice interception by Mr. Sharper. I am glad you are here. Also, hats off to the Williams boys, you guys are great. Nice tandem. Tark could watch these two all day. Tark has nothing bad to say about this group.

Tark has one last beef, then Tark will close out. Mr. Withrow, is going to be OK. Tark is proud to say Cory is a friend, through church, Tark has gotten to know Cory. He is a great guy, and will get better. Cory has been through a lot, and finally got his break. He is a starter in this league, and deserves it. Good Job Cory. By the way, Tark likes this guy so much, Tark named his second daughter, Kori. Good job.

Tark is going to close out now.Tark has to say, it was great seeing everyone in 237 again. Special shout to Don and Bev and the crew from Center City. You guys are great, and it is always good to see you. Oh yea, Tark has to say one thing to the readers in Pittsburgh. This was one game. All it means is Tark can get more money for his ticket when the Steelers come to town, because now, home field for the play-offs just tightened up. But, the purple will be there.

Quarterback is King in NFC North

Well, NFL season kick off is less than 63 hours less away (no I don't count the Raiders at Patriots) and I've been looking ahead at 2005. The NFC North has tons of potential. Most experts pick Minnesota to win the division with the trendy picking being the Detroit Lions again. I don't know about Detroit or Green Bay but it is obvious to me that Minnesota is easily the divisional pick and it's all because of the quarterback.

Looking at the NFC North, there are many questions and so many factors we could consider. But for me, it's easy: The quarterback is king in the NFC North. Daunte continues to improve, Brett Favre is a silouette riding into the sunset, and Chicago and Detroit are looking for one. Yes, quarterback is king and the true king will determine who will run the land.

Let's look at the quarterback situation and this will clear up quickly:

• Leading the pack by far is Minnesota. Not only has Daunte Culpepper improved over the years but if a disaster occured, the Vikings has a great backup in returning quarterback Brad Johnson. Culpepper is king in this department but he has competition.


• Green Bay has something to say when it come to quarterback. Brett Favre will undoubtedly be going into history as a great quarterback but the best of Brett can be seen on highlight films and DVDs sold at most retail outlets. Rumor is that this is the last year we'll see the green number 4 on Lambeau Field. Brett Favre is certainly riding into the sunset but he's not gone yet. Anyone who wonders if Brett can take his offense to the postseason need only look at the Green Bay receivers who earned Super Bowl rings with Brett Favre. Super Bowl Brett helped Antonio Freeman, Andre Rison, and Mark Chmura earn rings. All these players were good but without Brett, do you seriously think any of these players could win it all? Green Bay's ball-catching threats were good but not Super Bowl great.


• The most promising quarterback in Detroit was backup Jeff Garcia. When he was injured in the preason (he is lost for 6 to 8 weeks), I saw the Lions' hopes for postseason play disappear. I honestly thought the Lions could do some damage in the NFC but it wasn't behind starting quarterback Joey Harrington. With Garcia joining Detroit, I saw a man who could use the many weapons in Honolulu blue. I have seen potential in Joey but do not seen him taking them far.


• The biggest quarterback debacle is in Chicago. Things are so bad in Chicago that one of last year's starters, Chad Hutchinson is gone (cut August 30th) and the Bears' depth chart lists Kyle Orton, Jeff Blake, and Kurt Kittner. Looks like the Bears will be the cellar-dwellers in 2005.

That's my NFC North preview. It's short & sweet with two kings and two pretenders to the throne. There's a lot we could talk about but for me, it's simple: Quarterback is king in the NFC North.

Bleed on,
Don