Good morning everyone! There will be no new posting today, at least nothing of note. I apologize for that. It was an interesting weekend though. I went bowling on Friday night, and I rolled a 119 and a 133. Pretty pathetic, but I haven't bowled in a few years. I'm horrible.

 

     Saturday, I was on my way to the cities, and along the way, I got some real sharp pain in my stomach and lower back. I don't know how it happened, but I was able to drive for about another half hour, to the emergency room in St. Cloud. I went in there and said, "Hi, I don't know what's wrong with me!" Anyway, they took my blood pressure, which of course, was high. They took other vitals and they took me to a room. I gave a bunch of information, waited awhile, someone else came in and drew a LOT of blood. A while later another guy came in and pretty much gave me a physical. That was invasive! Ha!  I went and did a CT scan, which was kind of interesting! Finally, I talked them into giving me some pain reliever through an IV. That helped. The pain went away and I was able to relax and enjoy the Gophers big win against Michigan State (without Laurence Maroney, no less). Awhile later, they came back and had verified that I have a kidney stone. Apparently it is a large one (5 mm... UGGH!) As I am typing this, I still have said kidney stone, and it isn't fun! I just have to drink a bunch of water and wait for it to "pass." Pass. Yeah, that is a nice way of saying something that will cause a lot of pain for me! So anyway, four hours later, I was able to leave. Picked up plenty of pain relievers and headed home.

 

    So, that's probably way more information than you would want to know, and I didn't even go into detail. Hopefully, as the saying goes, "This soon will pass" and I'll be back to normal. Until then, please take a couple of minutes and check out some of the other Twins blogs on the left of the screen. First though, be sure to check out Pat Neshek's site and find out what he has been doing since the New Britain season finished a couple of months ago. Pat took a much deserved break from his site, but he is back now. Also, be sure to check out Stick & Ball Guys' new format! And finally, be sure to go 9 Innings with The Baseball Savant today!

 

     I do have just a couple of thoughts on the Vikings incredible, unlikely win in New York against the Giants. First, quit listening to anyone who tells you that Brad Johnson had anything to do with the reason that the Vikings won. Yes, he led the final drive that resulted in the long field goal to win the game, but Johnson is not the reason that the Vikings won. Defense and Special Teams were it. Darren Sharper turned a Giants scoring opportunity into a 92 yard interception return for a touchdown on the first play of the 2nd quarter. On the first play of the third quarter, Koren Robinson returned the kickoff 86 yards for the touchdown. Later in the quarter, Mewelde Moore returned a punt 71 yards for the teams third touchdown. That's 21 of 24 points. Three can be attributed to the offense, so let's please stop the Brad Johnson is the answer talk. Please!

 

    Secondly, we can say that he "managed the offense" well. I believe that means that he didn't turn the ball over, but it isn't like he actually moved the offense either. One of the problems was that the team rushed for a combined 12 yards on 21 rushes on the game (and still won!). They had just 11 first downs! They were 2-14 on third down conversions! 125 net yards passing! Not good!

 

    One problem was the inexplicable non-use of Mewelde Moore in the running game. He did not have a carry. Tice, or whoever, can say that he wanted to protect Moore's wrist, but if that was the case, he would not have been returning punts, and he obviously did just fine with that. Michael Bennett rushed 19 times for 16 yards! I just don't get it.

 

    Darren Sharper was the story though with his three interceptions. I was actually quite impressed by the play of Erasmus James as well.

 

    A great win for the Vikings, even if they did not play great, or even well. A win is a win, and a win on the road is something that just doesn't happen with the Vikings.

 

    So anyway, I have updated the NFL "Expert" Picks below. I couldn't stay up for the end of the Pittsburgh/Cleveland game, but I cam guessing that the Steelers will win. I will try to further update it tomorrow.

 

    I will be back tomorrow with another Q&A. I'll just say this. I think it is really good, and really informational, and I think you'll really enjoy reading it. So, be sure to stop by tomorrow, and hopefully I'll have a bunch more!

    Have a great Monday, and if you would like to, send me an e-mail and we'll talk baseball, football, or whatever you'd like!