Five Good Questions With Daily Norseman

by LiveAdam on Nov 18, 2011 3:38 PM PST in Previews

SAN DIEGO, CA - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Oakland Raiders scrambles with the ball against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on November 10, 2011 in San Diego, California. The Raiders won 24-17. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

The Oakland Raiders have to leave the State of California for the first time in over a month, and head North to take on the Minnesota Vikings, the first of four games against the NFC North over the next five weeks.

With the suddenly resurgent Denver Broncos right on our tails, this game against the 2-7 Vikings takes on a "must win" feeling to ensure the Raiders can maintain their lead in the AFC West.

Eric Thompson of Daily Norseman, the Minnesota Vikings SB Nation blog, invited Silver and Black Pride to exchange questions and responses in their series "Five Good Questions."

Pass the jump to see Eric's answers to my question about the Minnesota Vikings.

Also be sure to check out Daily Norseman for my answers to Eric's questions about the Raiders.

Silver and Black Pride: Most NFL fans watching the NFL Draft this April were surprised the Vikings took Christian Ponder with the 7^th overall pick. Through 4 games are you pleased with Ponder’s performance, and did you agree with Coach Frazier’s decision to make a QB change and bench Donovan McNabb?

Daily Norseman: I'll answer the second part of the question first because it's the easiest to answer--hell yes we agreed with benching McNabb! Each game with Donovan under center made it more and more obvious that he just didn't have it anymore. He made a few good throws and decisions with the ball, but they were way too sporadic to create any semblance of a passing offense. When your #1 receiver is The Turf, that means it's time for a change.

As for Ponder, I think the sample size is still way too small to make any sweeping judgments. He seems to be pretty smart with the ball (unless it involves Charles Woodson) and has used his legs for some big plays. His arm strength hasn't been a concern, but I think most Vikings fans would like to see him improve his accuracy as the season concludes. The offensive line hasn't done him any favors yet either. But I think that he's definitely shown enough promise for us to think that he could be the Vikings' quarterback of the future.

Silver and Black Pride: Observant NFL fans realize the Vikings are a better team than their record indicates, especially since 5 of their 7 losses have been by 7 points or fewer. What is it about the Vikings this season that makes you think they’ve struggled to win close games?

Daily Norseman: Well remember those first three losses came after blowing double-digit halftime leads, so it's tough to lose by more than a touchdown when you're up by that much to begin with! But seriously, that has been the most maddening thing about the team this year--there's obviously a ton of talent in certain areas but it's not translating into wins. Unfortunately I don't think it's just one or two issues that hold the Vikings back. It's a combination of quite a few things--a porous offensive line, a weak/injured secondary, an inexperienced quarterback, and a relatively new coach probably top that list.

Silver and Black Pride: Adrian Peterson is undoubtedly one of the, if not the, best running backs in the NFL. With all that AD does well, what’s one thing Vikings fans wish he did better? Pass catching, blitz pickup, etc?

Daily Norseman: Both of your suggestions are spot on. He's been slightly more involved in the passing game this year, but outside of his 5 reception, 76 yard game in Carolina he hasn't been targeted much. You'd think screen passes to AP would be a great solution to a poor offensive line, but we haven't seen it in the game plan enough yet. He's still pretty shaky in picking up the blitz at times as well. He missed a couple assignments against Green Bay that led to negative plays. Other than that, in my biased opinion he's better than any other player in the NFL at what he does.

Silver and Black Pride: Are you as tired of hearing about Brett Favre as we all are?

Daily Norseman: Shh...listen. Do you hear that? No? Exactly! Because we pretty much haven't said a peep about him since the 2010 season concluded. While the 2011 season has been excruciating for Minnesota fans, one thing we definitely do NOT miss is all the Favre talk. It was a fun ride in 2009, it was a tough-to-watch fall from grace in 2010, and it's a non-story in 2011. Here's to hoping we keep it that way.

Silver and Black Pride: The Oakland Raiders play in one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL that most would not consider historic (such as Lambeau or Soldier Fields). Now that the Twins are out of the Metrodome, is it really that bad of an NFL venue, and would you really want to go to a game in an outdoor stadium?

Daily Norseman: I haven't been to many other NFL stadiums outside the Metrodome, so I can't claim to be an expert on the subject. That being said, after visiting the stadiums they have in Green Bay and Seattle, watching games in the Metrodome kind of feels like I'm getting ripped off. I personally enjoy the hell out watching a Vikings game at the Metrodome; in fact, I'll be there for Sunday's game. But compared to other venues it's incredibly outdated in a lot of aspects. The "big screen" is grainy and tough to read. The sound system has the quality of a $4.99 walkie talkie. The concourses leave a lot to be desired. Throw in the relatively small number of suites and it's simply not a modern day NFL stadium.

As for whether a new stadium is outdoor or indoor, I could personally care less. I just want a stadium in Minnesota! I've been to a handful of Minnesota Golden Gopher football games in TCF Stadium and those have been a lot of fun (despite the terrible quality of the home team). I also understand that being indoors during December in Minnesota is usually much more pleasant. Whether we get a new stadium or become your team's neighbors is an entirely different issue that we've been talking about, but I think I'll stop there. Talking about a 2-7 team at length like this has been depressing enough.

A special thanks to Eric Thompson for contributing to this exchange between Silver and Black Pride and Daily Norseman. Please feel free to ask other questions here, or go onto Daily Norseman and see what the Vikings fans think our my responses to their questions.

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Comments

Great, candid breakdown of your team. Thanks for the time

I believe one of the reasons we will play our best football in this game is that we have the utmost respect for your football team, how dangerous they can be when everything works, and what a challenge we have laying before us.

I read what AP had to say about Darren McFadden, and coming from him, it was pretty impressive stuff. You guys deserve a strong football team, and we wish you the best. Looking forward to a hard fought sixty minutes of football from both sides.

""The massive Raider Nation is beyond doubt the sleaziest and rudest and most sinister mob of thugs and wackos ever assembled."--Hunter S. Thompson
"In football, I root for the Oakland Raiders because they hire castoffs, outlaws, malcontents, and fuck -ups, they have lots of penalties, fights, and paybacks, and because Al Davis told the rest of the pig NFL owners to go get fucked. Someday, the Raiders will be strong again, and they will dip the ball in shit and shove it down the throats of the wholesome, white, heartland teams that pray together and don't deliver late hits." - George Carlin.

Follow @brhynno

by brhynno on Nov 18, 2011 4:23 PM PST reply actions

Post

Always happy to see a picture of number 3 in a post. Reminds me of the Raiders glory days when Jeff George proudly wore number 3.

by Mallard Davis on Nov 18, 2011 4:35 PM PST reply actions

LMAO!!! What a surprise..... half way through your comment i just knew you was going to say Daryle Lamonica!

George Blanda / Daryle “Mad Bomber” Lamonica / Kenny “Snake” Stabler

"THE TIME TO WIN IS NOW" - Coach Hue Jackson

Raider Nation, all hand's on deck or get the hell off the ship! That's the way it's gonna be around here from now on! If a 7th & 5th round pick gets you Aaron Curry (a former 4th overall 1st rd. pick) instead of a couple of crap-shoots a year later, then fine and if dealing away a couple of first rounder's gets you a proven franchise quarterback like Carson Palmer and a legitimate shot at the playoffs, then great, you know why? Because our team is standing behind it's motto & legacy, "Just Win Baby!" and "Commitment to Excellence" instead of "Suck for Luck" and "Give Up". Imagine if you were a fan of a team that actually bought into that!?!

Cheers,

- Saint

http://sportsnspacetalk.freeforums.org/

by The MoonMan 804 on Nov 18, 2011 5:04 PM PST up reply actions

OK..I Found It...1970 Season.....

Blanda-43…ManBomber-29….Snake-25

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 18, 2011 9:13 PM PST up reply actions

Good 1 Panty......

"THE TIME TO WIN IS NOW" - Coach Hue Jackson

Cheers,

- Saint

http://sportsnspacetalk.freeforums.org/

by The MoonMan 804 on Nov 19, 2011 6:53 AM PST up reply actions

rotflmao ...

Reminds me of the Raiders glory days when ~~Jeff George~~ Daryl Lamonica proudly wore number 3.

Fixed!

Thanks for joining us and providing your insights, Erik!

The Vikings will always have a special place in my heart, being that they were our foe in our first, glorious Super Bowl victory … um … yeah … sorry to rub it in ;)

by Brett J Valjalo on Nov 18, 2011 5:05 PM PST up reply actions

i can't help but LOL everytime i read his comment.....

"THE TIME TO WIN IS NOW" - Coach Hue Jackson

Cheers,

- Saint

http://sportsnspacetalk.freeforums.org/

by The MoonMan 804 on Nov 18, 2011 5:39 PM PST up reply actions

And "GB" Was Our 1st Loss In The Big Game....But Like Today They Whopped Everyone!!!

I’m really looking for wards to that week but for now it’s the Vikes!!!

This:

“There are no trap games in the NFL,” Jackson said. “When you lose, you lose. When you win, you win. If we lose, it won’t be because it’s a trap, it’s because that team whipped our butt.”

We have to go take it…There are NO give’me games in the NFL…Ask the Jet!!!

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 18, 2011 9:06 PM PST up reply actions

Hey now

Rub in the Super Bowl victory all you want—that was before my time. But do not spell my name with a K! :)

Proud contributor to Daily Norseman and SB Nation Minnesota.
Follow @eric_j_thompson

by Eric J. Thompson on Nov 18, 2011 9:42 PM PST up reply actions

Thanks for having me

I’ve really enjoyed the back and forth with Raider fans this week. Lots of good information, mutual respect, and good-hearted ribbing here and there. Like I said, I’ll be at the Dome on Sunday so I just want a better game than last week!

Just promise me this—if you beat the Vikes on Sunday, you better win the AFC West. I do not want to deal with Tebowmania in the playoffs. Like the guy as a person, like how he plays, hate how much the media over-covers him. Deal?

Proud contributor to Daily Norseman and SB Nation Minnesota.
Follow @eric_j_thompson

by Eric J. Thompson on Nov 18, 2011 9:41 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

Understood...I'm Sick Of That Damn ASS As Well And All Those Fanatical Supporters!!!

Damn "Mediot"s included!!

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 18, 2011 9:46 PM PST up reply actions

This: Tebow begins assault on Elway's legacy...Give Me A Freakin Break!!...NFL.com "Mediot" Stupidity!!

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 18, 2011 10:42 PM PST up reply actions

But Here's An Ugly Thought: Indy May Take And Trade Luck??...Would That "Donkey" Be The Buyer??

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 18, 2011 10:50 PM PST up reply actions

But Here's An Ugly Thought: Indy May Take And Trade Luck??...Would That "Donkey" Be The Buyer??

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 18, 2011 10:50 PM PST up reply actions

please keep Luck out of our division....

between him & tebow the media hype will never end….

"THE TIME TO WIN IS NOW" - Coach Hue Jackson

Cheers,

- Saint

http://sportsnspacetalk.freeforums.org/

by The MoonMan 804 on Nov 19, 2011 6:56 AM PST up reply actions

LoL!!..Meanwhile "CP3" Is Executing The Playbook After Only 3 Short Weeks But On The Back Page...

Go Figure!!!

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 19, 2011 7:06 AM PST up reply actions

(sigh)

when it seems like the RAIDERS are ready to fail, they get all the media coverage in the world!

Soon as we have a bit of success, or defy the odds, not one word of it is mentioned for longer than 1 min. on any national sports shows (NFL network, ESPN, etc.)

it’s ok sometimes, because as a RAIDER we have become accustomed, to it being The RAIDERS vs. The World, but still, i cant wait till the day our continued success forces all “MEDIOTS” worldwide..(Warren Sapp, Colin Cowherd, Skip Bayless, etc) to kneel in respect to what AL Davis built & the RAIDER NATION they often disrespected…

"THE TIME TO WIN IS NOW" - Coach Hue Jackson

Cheers,

- Saint

http://sportsnspacetalk.freeforums.org/

by The MoonMan 804 on Nov 19, 2011 7:19 AM PST up reply actions

And Especially That Clone "Mediot" Rhome Fuck Nuts!!..Talk About Talkin Absolute Shit!!

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 19, 2011 7:35 AM PST up reply actions

oh yeah! i can't believe i left out Jim Rome! i really really, don't give him the time of day... but yeah he is mos def. one of them....

"THE TIME TO WIN IS NOW" - Coach Hue Jackson

Cheers,

- Saint

http://sportsnspacetalk.freeforums.org/

by The MoonMan 804 on Nov 19, 2011 8:07 AM PST up reply actions

I have to beg to differ here...

I listen to Sirius NFL radio almost 24-7 in my vehicle and sometimes online too. I watch NFL network almost as much. I stay away from the ESPNs knowing what to expect. But I have noticed that it takes very little for a lot of folks from different media to jump right on our bandwagon.

Granted, the volume of coverage is never what it is about others, and it’s funny how on Friday following our Thursday night air show that most cable networks are talking about the Sunday and Monday games instead, but I think if we actually put a streak together—one of the final obstacles this team needs to hurtle to become legit—you’ll be amazed at how much coverage we’ll get and how many folks will be swinging from our proverbial jocks.

It’s a new era, and some of that past stigma we have continues because we still remain haunted by the roller coaster dynamic. Should we finally put that behind us, we’ll be the topic of conversation with playoff teams, and maybe then we’ll be deserving of it.

Follow @brhynno

by brhynno on Nov 19, 2011 10:47 AM PST up reply actions

Yup

Al is gone, so they can’t bag on that. Good coach, good RBs , good QB, leading the AFC West. Just keep winning and they have to talk about the Raiders.

by Mallard Davis on Nov 19, 2011 1:11 PM PST up reply actions

Thanks for being persistent

I know we didn’t respond to your request immediately, so I’m glad you followed up so that we could exchange some knowledge about a team and fanbase we don’t touch base with that often.

We’re all with you on Tebow. My experience may even have been worse – I was living in Jacksonville when he was winning @ Florida, so I was already fatigued even before he entered the NFL, then he had to go to the franchise I hate the most in the Broncos, it was just a double-whammy. Even now that I’m in Miami there are a ton of Tebow fans, and by proxy Broncos fans, it’s sickening.

Also, I’m not able to post on Daily Norseman yet, but I wanted to respond to the questions posed about my comment on Jared Allen. I was thinking about that at work yesterday and couldn’t decide whether I was thinking of Manning, Schaub, or someone else. All I remember is that Allen put a questionable hit on a QB, then came back the very next play and put his helmet right on the QB’s knee. The QB got up (slowly) and was absolutely screaming at the ref. Ring any bells?

Enjoy the game tomorrow!

"When we play tough, and we play physical, and when we play the way we're supposed to play, can't nobody beat us." - Richard "SeaMonster" Seymour

by LiveAdam on Nov 19, 2011 6:59 AM PST up reply actions

This?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcqjClE7cuk

by rightnasty on Nov 19, 2011 8:44 AM PST up reply actions

wow. that's a blatantly wicked cheap shot

the slo mo really demonstrates. Allen recovers, and very calculatedly launches for his planted foot lower leg.

Follow @brhynno

by brhynno on Nov 19, 2011 10:53 AM PST up reply actions

looks like football.

by pac4eva5 on Nov 19, 2011 4:30 PM PST up reply actions

You approve of knee shots on QBs?

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"I made a trade for Seymour. ..I thought it was a great trade. Still do. [Al Davis 1/2011]
"I love to win, even against my daughters, I want to win" Hue "Action" Jackson 8/19/11

by Sons-of-Blanda on Nov 19, 2011 7:18 PM PST up reply actions

eric

u couild beat us both OAK and DEN the thing holding minn back is their coach souild beat SD TB Det and GB at the dome

okay i have cerebral palsy arthris and chronic fatigue as well i have a great life and loveing folks some days are better than other days i got a make-a-wish in 2001 and saw my favorite team the broncos it was the trip of a lifetime i wish everyone couild have gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that okay but i bleed organ and bule for my mnr fans but i bleed orange and blue denver will rise again resident broncos fan for every blog resident broncos for stampede bule thanks shvd98z24 real name jeremy woodard nettleton high class of 02 yes i am a raider Stay humble in victory respect all fear none and finish larry soprano

by j-man on Nov 19, 2011 4:18 PM PST up reply actions

eric

see u in about 10 days

by j-man on Nov 19, 2011 4:20 PM PST up reply actions

Here Is A Post From Another Board That Really Sums Things Up In My Opinion And Applies Here:

This teams job is to entertain. Gladiators, they win the crowd, and then die fighting. Win or lose, that is all I ask. Excellent fighting doesnt usually equate to wins… But to hearty fightin. Raiders wo read this.. go get em!

Yes!!…Exactly Right and I will add:

Fan Responsibility!!…To keep right on fighting and dieing with that team threw thick and thin…NOT to promote “Mutiny” and jump ship when the "V"s fail to appear!!!

This is where I live!!…And where I will die!!…This is where Mr Davis spent his life and died doing it…There’s NO “EXCUSE” for those who shy away from battle or drown themselves in tears!!!

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 18, 2011 9:50 PM PST reply actions

Also I Will Add:

Back in July just 4 months ago we were all wondering if there would even be a football season to enjoy and what other options there were to wast our time…Now the season is treating us very well as we’re on top of the AFCW with our sight firmly placed upon “PO” hopes despite all the adversities we have had to endure….Now take a look at that roster and the coaches…All the positive deals that have been made to make this a productive franchise….

To a man this team has “Earned” our respect and support NOT a slap in the face for some “V” not realized…I would feel great shame in myself if I failed to honor them with what is rightfully theirs…

PantyRaider…I Shall Live And Die With This Team…My Raiders!!!/_

"Tebowphobe"!!!

by PantyRaider on Nov 19, 2011 1:50 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs