The Vikings are too talented at receiver, too well coached and too versatile defensively to dismiss. They are also too uncertain at quarterback, center, safety and defensive-line depth to declare a championship contender. The most reasonable prediction is 10-7.
DULUTH — The Minnesota Monsters have named Willie Howard general manager after signing him to a two-year contract to oversee the arena football franchise’s football and business operations. Howard, who recently joined the Monsters as a senior consultant, will oversee player personnel, organizational development, strategic planning, sponsorships, business operations
Willie Howard, the former NFL linebacker recently named the Monsters’ senior consultant, understands that the AF1 carries responsibilities beyond winning. Most of its players are still chasing something. They need film, exposure and an opportunity to demonstrate that they can play professionally.
"Watch what Harrison Smith decides to do. If he thinks the team is a legitimate contender, he will come back to help out. If he does not, he will retire. His appraisals of talent and the Purple's immediate potential are far more informed than all the fans and journalists combined." -- Fred Friedman
The Vikings don’t need comfort. They need a general manager who understands that this roster is not one tweak away. It is several foundational players away. Anyone who doesn’t see that immediately is lying — or worse, believes otherwise.
McCarthy didn’t just remove himself from a game. He removed himself from a moment. And moments like that don’t come back. Not in January. Not in training camp. Not with a clean injury report.
Ham will show up somewhere that needs someone dependable, respected, and comfortable doing the hard work without applause. Which, if we’re being honest, means he’ll still fit right in around here.
Every move is sold as “strategic.” Every mistake is “part of the process.” Every loss is “valuable learning.” It’s a corporate PowerPoint in shoulder pads. This isn’t football anymore. It’s asset management in cleats.
Respect the game? That would mean staying home, keeping the shield where it belongs, and remembering that football is supposed to be a sport, not a traveling carnival. But the owners can’t hear you. They’re too busy counting the money.
Minnesota is being snuffed out for deception. The “quarterback lab” is nothing more than cheap business theater. The Wilfs chose accountants over ambition. Jefferson deserves better, and deep down, he knows it. We all know it.
The Vikings are dangling hope like Lucy holding the football for Charlie Brown. Perich was a turnover waiting to happen in Berkeley, costing the Gophers the W.
