It’s finally Friday, everyone, and welcome to Skoloholics! Join us for Minnesota Vikings talk, Vikings news, news from around the NFL, and virtually any other topic. On this site, the real action is in the comments, so if you haven’t checked out the comments section yet, you should join us! This is the daily back page, which is wide open. Therefore, you will see discussion of nearly ANY topic here. Our one rule here is: “Remember, be cool to one another”. Also, a word to the wise, don’t feed the trolls. SKOL!!!!!!
I TOLD you that we’d know about Donatell by Friday! Actually, that was just a bad joke that turned out to be correct, but I’ll take it. I had a feeling that this was going to happen, the writing was on the wall. I always feel bad when someone gets fired. I’m sure the decision was difficult, but for many reasons, this seems to be the right move. Donatell inherited a poor defense, but even though they had fairly good luck with injuries, he was not able to generate improvement in the defense as the year progressed. As a matter of fact, the defense seemed to worsen throughout the year, and we all know how poorly they played in the playoffs. That playoff performance, in my opinion, was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Regardless, now we can begin to discuss potential defensive coordinator candidates. The most logical starting place is Mike Pettine, who is currently on staff, but you never know, they may clean house altogether.
Minnesota Vikings News:
Mick Skoldiers let us know that Ed Donatell has been fired.
From Vikings.com, a statement from Kevin O’Connell regarding Ed Donatell.
“Today I informed Ed Donatell we will be going in a different direction at defensive coordinator in 2023. While this was a difficult decision because of the tremendous respect I have for Ed as a person and a coach, I believe it is the right move for the future of our football team.
“I want to thank Ed for his commitment to the Vikings this past season, for the positive impact he had on our players and coaches and for his role in helping me as a first-year head coach lay this foundation. We all wish Ed and his wife, Shari, only the best in the future.
“We will immediately begin our search to fill this critical role as we continue to build a championship standard for the Minnesota Vikings.”
Video of the Day:
I used to live in Jackson MS. I love this song. Enjoy!
I did put up a new thread for the weekend.
*FROST DELAY*
At the course this morning. Tee time pushed off until 8:30 est. Actually there was no frost on the ground but the old course maintenance guy said once the sun rises, the heat from the sunlight pushes the cold air down to the ground and it flash freezes the ground until the sunlight has time to warm the air. I did not know that.
Yep. Coldest part of the morning is about 20 minutes after sunrise.
This is of course during non winter climates.
It takes 8 minutes for the suns energy to reach the earth.
Yessir. Man, I remember standing in line in basic training to get our M16s. Always right before sunup, had to stand in line and COULD NOT MOVE a muscle, and that includes shivering. Don’t you dare shiver, fucker!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe it’s just me but the one consistent variable here is THE PLAYERS. We need the roster overhauled.
We actually did have a lot more talent this year than last, though.
@AT to bucs@
if he’s actually pissed about his role he’s delusional and needs to look in the mirror. No WR2 in the NFL had it easier than he did, JJ was basically double teamed the entire year, sometimes triple teamed, and Thielen still couldn’t get open consistently, he can’t beat single coverage anymore, he needs to face facts.
Exactly. He’s clearly going to need to have it smack him in the face before he faces the fact he’s not effective in this league as a 1 or 2.
He was second to last for WR2s getting separation against DBs. He sucks and I’m done with him unless he comes back for cheap.
I was big AT fan last year if you remember. I’m done with him now
Here’s some guys I’d also consider….Lovie would bring back the Tampa 2 lol…you ready for that again??
Lovie hasn’t been a good coach in a long time, pass
Eh….he had the Texans very very competitive imo and I think he had a lot to do with that. Longterm yeah he might be washed but I think young players still respect him and he has the value of experience.
Terrible at Illinois, terrible defenses at Houston before becoming HC and I don’t TiVo winning three games is competitive.
Yeah you’re probably right. I always liked Lovie and respected his football acumen.
By the way went through all the days earlier comments and I agree with you on all the Viking takes. You were on point today.
I like him too send like a good dude and has a gray beard but either the game has passed him by or he just doesn’t have the same drive anymore
Ben was level headed today for the most part. Had solid takes.
In the end, everyone is vikolitical. He leans toward the doomers but not hard doomer
He suxks
Has an awesome beard, though.
Hell yes, perfect Santa beard!
One of the best Santa beards I have ever seen
Leber said he didn’t care what scheme we played as long as we played aggressively. Said no one feared the Vikings D this year. We need guys with a mean streak who kick the shit out of the opposing players and wreak havoc in the backfield. Haven’t seen that at all in the last many years.
Lovie’s defenses are not aggressive, cover two type
No no and no.
Get a young guy that has potential and has never been true DC before.
All these peeps are one and done and leave. Need some continuity
Busy as heck for a Friday. Gonna have a beer or two tonight
Sounds like a plan, having my 2nd beer right now.
Two deep as well, love taking breaks during shoveling for a beer
Tomorrow is my birthday (Jack Nicklaus’s too). My wife is taking me dinner tonight because tomorrow I’m playing in a golf tournament that’s 2 hours away. Will leave at 7 a.m. and be home by 7 p.m.
I wish you and Jack a Happy Birthday. I also am golfing at 7:15 tomorrow morning. Going to be about 39 here to start but warm up quickly. Still cold weather golf, ball won’t travel nearly as far.
I’m living Northwest of Tampa now. Overnight low is supposed to be around 57. Only a high of 66 expected tomorrow with a chance of rain. Not as cold as you, but will be wearing a jacket and a sweater.
Hit-’em straight…wait you do that already, Hit-em’ far!
I’ve worked a lot this 1st 1/3 of winter in a simulator room everyday. Mostly 7 iron shots which is the fitting club and 5 hybrid and driver. I’m retooling my 7 iron swing to make it longer and in tighter standing closer to the ball. Requires a slower tempo but accuracy is much improved. Hard to go slow back and not try and rush the downswing to get back to the ball but it’s working. Excited to test it out on the course.
I don’t hit the ball far, but I do hit it straight. I make good contact pretty regularly which makes my buddies mad. They can all hit the ball 50 to 75 yards farther than me, but I keep the ball in play and make pars and bogeys. Steady Eddie.
Remember it’s a game, and we’re “playing” not working. Enjoy the round. Take pleasure in it.
I just got the ball and a 12 as of beer as hard as I can, no matter what I win!
Have some drinks, smoke a cigar, tell bad jokes and hit the ball with some level of abandon. Whatever will be, will be.
Yeah, always a good cigar too, I take out all my aggression in the ball
*hit the ball
Yes….thank you for reminding me of that. I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting this week (ignore the political comments I post, that’s all for effect) on how fortunate we are in this country and the pleasures we have at our finger tips.
Compared to those in other parts of the world who’s entire existence has been destroyed or is completely comprimised or under attack we have a very good life here. I’ve taken great appreciation in that over the past few weeks.
I’ve lived in 26 countries and fought in about a dozen more. Nothing in the world beats the USA. We won the lottery being born here. God bless America.
Amen, Brother!
Sounds like fun, have a great Birthday!
Two things men do that upset women…
Lie and tell the truth…
Not directed at you, I know you’re a really good guy, but in general men can be so obtuse. A little advice, you can’t lie about important things, can’t have a relationship without trust. That doesn’t mean you have to crush her spirit over little things. She comes home with a new hair do or dress that you don’t like. You don’t have to lie and tell her you love it. You can do what I call “punt”. I love you no matter what, if this new thing makes you happy, that’s all I care about. Later (weeks, not hours), I really loved the style before, but I understand styles change and girls like to try new things. If you’re happy, I’m happy. If it’s a dress, after some time, I’ve always loved that red dress (any dress other than the new one you don’t like) on you, it’s my favorite.
I try to be more acute
Haha! I LOVE your humor.
It’s too late to be working on a Friday. I’ll be around occasionally for the games, maybe out ice fishing.
Y’all have a wonderful weekend, drive fast & take chances.
they did
I see what you did there…
She aged well…..
The Braves have the #1 and #2 vote getters for NL rookie of the year. Harris in CF and Strider, a P. That’s a good sign of things to come.
Get the F out of here you stupid braves fan lib.
Now that the twins have Correa the sky is the limit…both he and Buxton will stay healthy all year…our 2s and 3s in our rotation will turn into 1s and 2s, and our bullpen will be feared by all.
And Irv Smith is going to become a top 5 TE next year.
And a parade of ice-cream shitting unicorns will be passing by my office any minute now.
That seems plausible. I’ll keep my eye out for them.
This tweet is a pretty good summary of the case Tucker recently made that Nixon was framed by the CIA. Add that it was on tape that Nixon told then CIA Director “I know who shot John”. Also, Bob Woodward was an intelligence guy who got hired at Washington Post (with no journalism background) to plant the initial Watergate story. Woodward’s source was Deputy FBI Director.
@KelemenCari
The CIA murders JFK.
The Warren Commission absolves the CIA.
Nixon knows the CIA murdered JFK.
4 of the 5 Watergate burglars work for the CIA.
The CIA frames Nixon for Watergate.
Ford is chosen as Nixon’s replacement.
Ford was on the Warren Commission.
Wouldn’t shock me.
Me neither Washington has been swampy for a long time.
If you have any doubt whatsoever that the CIA was behind the assassination of Kennedy, check out the extensive work done by the folks at americas untold stories on youtube. Evidence is overwhelming.
I never paid much attention to the JFK stuff until these guys appeared with Robert Barnes, who recommended their work on the subject and also said there was no doubt it was CIA and other intelligence agencies. I then watched their stuff, which is excellent. BTW, I don’t watch their “Free Form Friday” stuff, which is entertaining, but jumping from one subject to another.
I would be more inclined to believe it than not to believe it…and then Ruby shot Oswald….
Wasn’t that convenient
Watching the first one right now.
This is the first one I watched. Plenty enough in just this one.
But Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman did such a great job in All the President’s Men
Hollywood is mostly propaganda and social engineering. But that is known.
Lol stupid librals
Well, it was a good movie, lol.
Wtf twins.
Is this a good thing or bad?
I don’t know. It’s not like MN teams to trade players who are valuable.
New era in Mn sports?
They got a good not great starter and a highly rated prospect
Right.
traded someone with value and got a decent return
That sounds like a good thing then.
Yep, I mean if Lopez is consistent with his last two years he is most likely more valuable than Arraez. He’ll probably blow his elbow out the first month though.
He looks like he could be a solid #2 starter…which would be great. I didn’t look too closely but seems like he averages around 7 Ks per 9 innings…you have to have some stuff that misses bats to get the big boys out.
Yeah he’s solid, he was about 9ks per last year and 10ks per the year before. Twins still don’t have a real #1, I’m guessing Gray takes the hill opening day.
No, no number #1s for the twins…have to make due with 2s and 3s…but its possible.
Yeah, Ryan, Gray, Mahle, Lopez is pretty good, wonder when Maeda will be back, maybe Paddock can contribute something by the end of the year.
If Maeda comes back and is effective, and if the rest of the rotation stays fairly healthy they could be good.
Staff will fall apart in normal fashion.
Lopez has been a good pitcher over the last couple years.
Arraez a minus defender
LACKS power
hits for good average with no stats with that average
hit his ceiling
good trade imo
He’s a good player but has limitations, also has had chronic knee problems
I liked Arraez very much…but every thing Pence’s son said is true.
Right.
its surprising is all. They don’t normally sell high.
I don’t hate the trade.
didny see it coming thoigh.
now we need to Vikings to make some moves
Yepper. I’m interested to see how they go about creating draft capital, because they need it badly with little/no cap room to work with.
Tons of cap to work with
Sure, but it’ll take some work to create it.
Read a number of articles on how the Vikings can create all the cap space they need. One article showed how they could create $100M in cap space without blowing up the team (basically keep whoever they want).
They CAN, that’s what I mean. I’m interested to see how they approach, who they trade, which moves they make. They have a lot to make before the draft.
They have a lot of work to do. As of right now, they have negative $27 million in cap space.
We need Pitching. Arraez has a hell of a bat and hits many singles. Defensively he’s a massive liability basically everywhere. This is a good thing.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. and Yes.
Summary:
Northwoods questions Pat Pete’s grasp of the english language
Actual football discussion
To the surprise of everyone Lifer posts stupid political anti Republican tweet, says Benjammin is a douche who likes to disagree because he is fat
BSF posts picture of a truck owned by a guy who eats shit bullets and librals
Politics discussion, shockingly people only argued, nobody learned anything new, and no opinions were changed
Bob Barker is not dead
Lifer puts in extra hours inflating balloons at the air compressor plant ahead of Valentine’s Day and the big spring balloon blowout sale
Lifer reflects on how truly lost and fucked the new generations are because the illiterates at the air compressor plant never heard of David Crosby
Skoldiers likes bungholes
DE opposes hiring people with hearing impairments
NoDak shares the following scripture from Leviticus: “If thou art a male and a dick, and if thou therefore stirs anger amongst the tribes of men, go forth in all of your dickiness and thou shalt be called Alpha male” He also thinks more education occurs at Skoloholics than at most universities.
Skoldiers demonstrates that in addition to horrible grammar skills he also lacks understanding of basic math, can’t figure out percentages.
GF thinks Vikings win multiple SBs by hiring Gus Bradley, trading Kirk to SF and signing Wentz
Bowbunch says leaving a nun’s clothes on is wrong
Freezey’s pastor is a “pervy perv perv perv”, he and BSFs childhood pastor would get along well
Lifer says Rami Malek can’t have lunch with another woman, also, Mike Pence tried to have Lifer killed
NoDak congratulates freezy on being the son of Mike Pence
Packer fan Lifer was glad the Vikings lost to NYG, says go pack go
GF admits he’s a dumb hick, not an ultra smart and enlightened city dweller
Northwoods still beating dead horse
Lifer likes snitches
Everyone agrees with firing Donatell, except those that don’t care
Bowbunch’s Idol is Kirk Cousins, Surly admires Kirk as well
According to BSF water is not wet if she is married to Kodiak
LOL, well done!
My favorite line of the day was BSF’s water line…not that I have anything against Kodiak but that was funny….
I like that, my favorite was Skoldiers saying, “I like bungholes”
That was funny as well, I don’t know for sure if Skoldiers was angling for humor….
Always appreciate your summaries….
Hahah
well he is dead so thanks, ben…..
My mistake, *was
LOL
Still pissed off about the loss, but, I will always love this Team. SKOL!
Only eight months till kick off! SKOL!!!
Same here, I hate the fact that we have to talk offseason moves already because the Vikes managed to lose to a mediocre Giants team, at home. It is what it is… SKOL!
I feel the same. Looking at off-season strategy is the only way I can keep from becoming pissed. It helps.
I have some government reports you can work on for me if you need a distraction.
Oh, no thanks.
It does, keeps one occupied and reminds one that there´s always next season. I think I still will have a hard time watching football this weekend.
I won’t watch actively, I’ll have it on in the background probably.
Might do the same, background noise while I play video games.
Amen.
I saw it coming. Was over it 30 min after the game.
Yep. I think I watched the first 3 drives then went outside and worked on my pickup. I had the game on my phone but didn’t do much more than listen to it.
Were you replacing a battery?
Asking for a frozen face
Fuel filter.
Wonder how long it would take freezey to do that and how much the auto parts store clerk would yell at him
I won’t tell you how long it took me or if I ran into any problems. Just assume it went smooth and there were no issues.
This was kinda funny
Rob Gronkowski calls out Aaron Rodgers: Retired star criticizes QB for not having his NFL priorities straight
In summary – Rodgers thinks he can win another MVP “in the right situation.” Gronk’s response:
Kirk Cousins is my hero.
he has definitely done a great job of getting paid.
That is admirable.
Actually, the more I think about it, I admire his ability to get paid, but I can’t have a hero that doesn’t know how to run a smoker and grill. He probably can’t even pull a trailer.
Thats why he is my hero…I cant run a smoker, I make my wife grill, and I definitely can’t pull a trailer…I can drive a dodge caravan with the best of them though….chicks dig guys that drive minivans.
I love the giph…to be honest I don’t own a Minivan, they don’t guzzle enough gas…I own a Sequia instead….
We have a Chic-Fil-A now. Just opened yesterday. Billings might be refined some day.
We need to start our own preposterous statement tournament at Skoloholics.
To be fair I have only ever spent time in Billings when we played there in college FB…but it doesn’t give off a great first impression.
I always thought it was a dirty looking city, all I saw was refineries. After I got married and actually spent time in Billings, it isn’t as bad as it looks from interstate.
It’s by design. Stick the refineries, sugar beet plant and a couple crappy neighborhoods next to the interstate so out of staters don’t stop and when they drive through they think Billings is a dump so they hopefully don’t move here.
It seems to be working.
Although, I must say that the crime there is becoming alarming.
Must be a lot of stupid librals moving there
Tons. Need some guys there who will eat the librals and the shit bullets.
LOL, guys like five no doubt
Where is big 5? Ban him too?
Not banned. He needed a break.
Time out for BabyFingers
I do not have the power to ban anyone
No, not you.
He can’t hold a candle to Matt Kalil though. Guy was outta the league for years and Carolina was still paying he him millions. That’s something to aspire to.
Bobby Bonilla started getting 1.9 mil/year every June in 2011, he will keep getting that annually until 2035. The Mets chose to do this instead of just paying the 5.9 mil buyout in 1999.
That one still blows my mind.
What a sweet gig if you can get it.
Yeah, the Wilpons were heavily involved with Bernie Madoff at the time and thought they were getting major returns on investment so they figured putting the 5.9 mil in Bernie’s hands would increase in value much more than the 1.9 mil for 24 years for Bonilla, lol were they wrong.
Put a bunch of work into looking at contracts and you go and make a new page. I might have to be productive and work on those stupid reports I’ve been procrastinating on.
I do wish these threads could hold 1,000, but some folks say it gets boggy for them.
1st…now going to lunch…
First auto rec
Mahlzeit!
Mahlzeit…a new word for me with a few slightly different meanings…
Do you use it as “Enjoy your meal” (primarily Austrian)
Or do you use it “I’m off folks” (Northern Germany)?
Definitely “Enjoy your meal”, that´s about the only meaning of the word in Austria.