You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

[TheDelta]

Re: You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

I'm guessing people would record it with their video cameras and upload it..I personally haven't done it here so not really sure though..but again keep up the good work!!

Thanks, I fear I won't be doing that since I don't have a cam here that could record the plays with any kind of usable quality. At that, I really don't like pausing the game all the time for stuff like that.

If only the game would let us save replays and export them...

[TheDelta]

Re: You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Playoffs

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Wild Card Round Recaps

Texans31 @ Ravens 17

A pyrrhic victory for the Texans, who hold on to a big lead but lose quarterback Matt Schaub as he broke his ribs late in the third quarter. Backup Jake Delhomme managed the game in the last quarter and the Texans held on.

Giants 31 @ Falcons 34

A real thriller and another playoff game that sees action for the backup QB. Eli Manning got knocked out of the game with a concussion on his very first play, backup David Carr was carried by a dominant rushing attack and managed to mount a late comeback to tie the game in the last second, but the Falcons finally managed to win in overtime.

Jaguars 7 @ Steelers 26

An easy win for the Steelers who were never in danger, scored early and never gave up their lead as the Jags were unable to contain Mendenhall or stop Roethlisberger.

Panthers 0 @ Redskins 13

If someone had told you before the season that Panthers @ Redskins would be a playoff game, you would've most likely directed him to the closest mental institution. Cam Newton picked the wrong game to have a dysmal performance with a 10.4 passer rating against the John Beck-led Redskins who didn't have to do much to move on to the divisional rounds.

Divisional Round Recaps

Steelers 14 @ Patriots 20

In a game played in heavy snow neither offense looked impressive, the Steelers found their rhythm first and actually led the Patriots by 7 at halftime. But Tom Brady would have none of it, throwing a touchdown to Chad Ochocinco in the third quarter and setting up two field goals to take the win home as the Steelers failed to score at all in the second half.

Texans 13 @ Chiefs 31

As expected, Jake Delhomme was not up to the task of challenging Matt Cassell and the Kansas City Chiefs. Delhomme finished the game 10/18 for 106 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions, playing bad enough that he was actually benched for Matt Leinart in the fourth quarter, Leinart looked better, but it was too little, too late.

Redskins 16 @ Lions 23

John Beck and the Redskins couldn't pull off the miracle, even without Calvin Johnson, the Lions came out firing, scoring two quick field goals and a touchdown in the first half. It looked like the Redskins might stage a comeback in the second half, but Matthew Stafford quelled those hopes with a touchdown pass to Titus Young that sealed the deal midway through the fourth quarter.

Falcons 13 @ 49ers 27

Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers just keep on winning. The Falcons struggle on the road yet again in a winter outdoor game that saw an efficient Alex Smith passing for 282 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions, while Matt Ryan finished 21/36 for 210 yards, no TDs and two picks.

Championship Round Recaps

Chiefs 17 @ Patriots 27

The Patriots are finally going to another Super Bowl, stopping the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. Again the game took place in heavy snow which severely limited both offenses, but in the end, it was Brady who came through with two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter that sealed the deal.

49ers 9 @ Lions 27

In a game of two defenses dominating, the Lions sacked Alex Smith 6 times and neither offense managed to do much for three quarters, the score being 9-10 just before the final quarter began. But Jahvid Best came through on two big runs and the Lions put up 17 unanswered points to clinch their ticket to the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl Recap

Patriots 14 @ Lions 24

They did it. In a shocking move, Calvin "Megatron" Johnson suited up for the game, having missed all games since week 10 and being listed as doubtful and not being on the game-day roster throughout the playoffs. It was obvious the Patriots hadn't planned for him being in the matchup, as Megatron came away with 9 catches for 119 yards and 2 TDs. Even when Stafford couldn't get back out after halftime after tearing his MCL late in the second quarter, backup Shaun Hill picked up just where he had left off.

Tom Brady was completely abandoned by his running game who failed to pick up any yards on the ground, the Patriots finishing the game with less than 50 yards rushing, and it was obvious he was missing Wes Welker, as the Lions managed to completely shut down Ochocinco and Branch, leaving Brady with only Gronkowski as his go-to guy who managed to catch two touchdown passes, but it simply was not enough.

The Detroit Lions, only three years removed from an 0-16 season and only two years from having the #2 pick, have proven that they are finally a force to be reckoned with in the NFL, and maybe when we look back a decade from now, we will point to this game as the beginning of a great dynasty. The road to success for Hope Turner and her Minnesota Vikings looks to have become just the slightest bit tougher.

Thus ends the 2011 NFL season, but the excitement is far from over...

[TheDelta]

Re: You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Offseason

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Vikings News

-A few changes are coming for the Vikings. After offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave announced he would not renew his contract with the organistation, defensive coordinator Fred Pagac was released last week, both were rumoured to be in disagreement with some changes head coach Leslie Frazier were planning for the team. The Vikings have brought in Geoff Eddington as defensive coordinator and Isaac Cummings as the new OC. Both lack prior NFL experience but have coached with Frazier in the past, so this seems to be a case of the coach bringing in personell he feels more comfortable with. It seems as if for good or ill, the Vikings have become Frazier's team.

-Their have been talks about a possible relocation ongoing, but for the moment, the team has committed to staying in Minnesota, renewing their lease on the Metrodome that had expired after the season. Their have been further rumours, though, that the new lease has some certain opt-out clauses in it, but both sides refuse to comment on the details of the new deal.

-Concerning the contract situation, the Vikings have managed to renew the contracts with several players, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe signed a new two-year deal, even though he has lost the starting job to rookie Kyle Rudolph he seems to be content with his new role, especially as the Vikings are presumed to keep running a lot of two TE sets. Other resignings include center John Sullivan, veteran linebacker E.J Henderson who signed a one-year contract after medical issues had him miss the last part of the season, safety Husain Abdullah and maybe the key signing, cornerback Fabian Washington, a free agent addition late into the season, has signed a 4 year, 20 million dollar deal.

Players who will leave the Vikings to test the waters in free agency include running back Lorenzo Booker, wide receiver Greg Camarillo, safety Jamarca Sanford and linebacker Erin Henderson, who the team wanted to keep around but contract negotiations have broken down

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Around The League

-Several players have said goodbye to the NFL, the most notable ones being wide receivers Terrelle Owens, Donald Driver and Hines Ward as well as defensive players Ronde Barber, Ray Lewis and Jason Taylor.

[TheDelta]

Re: You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Free Agency & 2012 NFL Draft

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The offseason began with an implosion in Oakland. After a disappointing 5-11 season, coach Hue Jackson was fired and there were reports of a "player uprising" after their week 17 game. After the dust settled, quarterback Carson Palmer, who had been traded for only before the season, had been cut, and several players outright refused to negotiate with the management.

As a result, several Raiders hit free agency, and the Vikings were quick to sign two of them, kicker Sebastian Janikowski and fullback Marcel Reese. The Janikowski signing made some sense after some reports that veteran kicker Ryan Longwell has suffered a non-sports related leg injury that forced him to undergo surgery in the offseason, but the Reese signing came unexpected with lead blocker Jed Collins being the only offensive player on the Vikings to go to the Pro Bowl.

"Marcel is an outstanding talent and a matchup nightmare." Coach Frazier told reporters after the deal was made. "I have already spoken to Jed and I explained our reasons to him, he has done a lot for this team last year and we fully support him in his search for a new team now, but when a talent like Marcel comes around in free agency that fit our schemes so perfectly, we had to pull the trigger." Reese signed a 4 year contract that made him the highest paid fullback in the NFL, but both sides refused to discuss the exact numbers.

-The 2011 Draft began with several bold moves. The Denver Broncos traded with the Tennessee Titans for the #1 pick to pick up highly touted quarterback Cole Prater out of Michigan, so it is safe to say that the days of the Tebow experiment in Denver are numbered. The next big deal didn't take long, as the Minnesota Vikings traded up 13 spots with the Oakland Raiders, to make the switch, the Vikings traded away veteran safety Antoine Winfield and running back Jed Collins as well as their second round pick, the Raiders in return gave up their third rounder. Winfield struggled at CB in the first two games, but really florished after he had been moved to safety, playing a season that might've gotten him an All-Pro nod had he not played in a patchwork secondary with outmatched corners.

The Vikings then went on to use the pick on CB Jackson Bell out of Iowa, who had a dominant season and has been compared to last years top CB Patrick Peterson.

With the Raiders third round pick, the Vikings drafted safety Tiger Elliot out of Penn State, to make up for the loss of Winfield.

Minnesota made one more trade, trading down in the third round with the Houston Texans to pick up another mid-round pick for the 2013 draft.

The Vikings other picks in the draft:

Jake Morgan - T, Florida
Raheem Norton - WR, Cal-Sacramento
Nicholas Sampson - G, Utah
Dea'jon Augustus - OLB, Rhode Island
Brandon Turner - C, Lane
Ego Gilbert - HB, Ball State

Overall, the draft made it obvious that the Vikings consider themselves in full rebuilding mode, with no less than three players that may be asked to start on day one on defense. As expected, there were several picks devoted to the offensive line that has struggled massively at times last year, as well as two offensive skill players with Norton and Gilbert expected to replace Greg Camarillo and Lorenzo Booker who have left the team in the offseason.

Giving up their second round pick took them out of the running for some of the better prospects at left tackle, so the move was met with some criticism, but the Vikings seem to think the chance to get a blue-chip player for their secondary is worth the risk, as well as giving the Vikings some more picks next year to get more young talent on the team.

Christian Ponder as expected re-entered the draft, being drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round and is expected to start on day one for them after Chad Henne was not resigned in the offseason.

[FaM0us Skins]

Re: You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

Congrats to Lions for having a great season and winning the championship! I hope your draft picks are good

[TheDelta]

Re: You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

My LB and WR didn't pan out quite as well as I expected, but Bell and Elliot are beasts so my secondary should be better next season.

[TheDelta]

Re: You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Preseason

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Vikings News

-The Vikings preseason began with an emotional moment, as running back Adrian Peterson was formally retired from the team in a ceremony before the first game of the 2012 season. Peterson, who had to use crutches to get on the field, thanked the Vikings fans for all they have done for him in the past years and was moved to tears by a crowd the gave him standing ovations for the better part of 10 minutes.

Team officials told Peterson that there would always be a place for him on the Vikings, telling him to take his time to get back on his feet after the disastrous injury he suffered in a car crash a year ago and offering him a position as an assistant coach whenever he felt up to it.

-With both the offensive and defensive coordinators changing, there seem to be some changes coming to Minnesota this season, and Quarterback Hope Turner seems to be in the middle of it.

"She's amazing." New offensive coordinater Geoff Eddington told reporters before the start of the preseason. "I mean, when I chose to become a professional football coach, never did I imagine that my wife might get jealous at me spending more time with a woman than her." He laughed. "But her work ethic is incredible. She's the first in the strength room in the morning, and she's been absorbing game film at a rate that I've never seen on a young player. So when you see our new offense this year, I can honestly tell you this isn't my offense, this is our offense. We have watched and analyzed every snap Hope has played for this team, we have kept what worked and changed what didn't."

When asked if there was something about his new quarterback that surprised Eddington, he was quick to point out one thing. "The swearing, definitely. I mean, you read about her, going to Columbia, graduating early from an Ivy League school, there's a certain expectation in your head... and then you show up for you first training and you see her shouting stuff at a receiver almost a foot taller dirty enough to make you blush... but I guess that's just how she is. She lives football with every fiber of her being, that much is sure."

Receiver Percy Harvin also spoke about her choice of words to a reporter and laughed. "Yeah, at first, it takes some getting used to it. I mean I guess it's true what they say, 'Hell hath no fury like a quarterback angry because you dropped a pass'. I mean, when she gets angry at you, there's always a reason, and if you make a mistake, you can be sure she'll make you know you made it."

-The adjustments on the defensive side seem to be more subtle, with the base system staying the same and the Vikings still in a 4-3 base defense with a predominant man coverage approach which does seem to play well with the strengths of rookie Jackson Bell, who has immediately won over the starting job in camp. Behind Bell, the situation remains less clear-cut, with both veteran Fabian Washington and third-year player Chris Cook taking snaps opposite Bell in the base defense.

-The Vikings haven't been spared from injuries this season, with linebacker E.J. Henderson (hip) and defensive backs Cedric Griffin (hand) (who also moved to safety for this season) and Marcus Sherels (arm) all expected to miss significant playing time in the first part of the season. Sophomore Mark Herzlich, who backed up Henderson late last season after the team got thin at the position, was resigned and is expected to substitute for Henderson, while rookie halfback Ego Gilbert has taken over returning duties for Sherels.

Other rookies who seem to have locked up starting jobs include center Nicholas Sampson and right tackle Jake Morgan as well as linebacker Dea'jon Augustus and safety Tiger Elliott on the defensive side.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Around the League

-There have been massive changes on other teams as well, with several teams starting into the season with a new signal-caller, among them the Miami Dolphins, who have become the second team to draft Christian Ponder to replace Chad Henne. This time, there were no irregularities and Ponder signed a 5 year deal with his new team. First overall pick Cole Prater has taken over the starting job for the Denver Broncos from Tim Tebow, Carson Palmer is now playing for the Washington Redskins, and the Titans have handed the reigns to sophomore Jake Locker.

-For several players, the season is over before it has really begun as they have been placed on IR, among them Steelers SS Troy Polamalu (compound fracture), Redskins HB Roy Helu (torn tricep) and Jaguars LB Clint Session (PCL tear)

[TheDelta]

Re: You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

2012 Season

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

DEPTH CHART

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart - 2012
Regular Offense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
WR	P. Harvin	M. Jenkins	E. Arceneaux	R. Norton
TE	K. Rudolph	V. Shiancoe
LT	C. Johnson	B. Turner
LG	S. Hutchinson	D. Dinwiddie
C	N. Sampson	J. Sullivan
RG	C. DeGeare	D. Love
RT	J. Morgan	P. Loadholt
QB	H. Turner	J. Webb
FB	M. Reece
HB	N. Devine	T. Gerhart	E. Gilbert
Base 4-3 Defense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
LDE	V. So'oto	J. Banks
LDT	K. Williams	C. Ballard
RDT	B. Robison	R. Ayodele
RDE	J. Allen	E. Griffen
WLB	D. Augustus	D. Moch
MLB	E. Henderson	M. Herzlich
SLB	C. Greenway	B. Hayes
CB	J. Bell	F. Washingon	C. Cook	C. Vaughn
SS	C. Griffin	H. Abdullah
FS	T. Elliott	B. Burton
Special Teams
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
K	S. Janikowski
P	C. Kluwe
PR	E. Gilbert
KR	E. Gilbert

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SCHEDULE

Minnesota Vikings 2012 Schedule
DATE	OPPONENT	RESULT
Sep 9	at Jacksonville Jaguars
Sep 16	vs Indianapolis Colts
Sep 23	vs Houston Texans
Sep 30	at Chicago Bears
Oct 7	vs Seattle Seahawks
Oct 14	vs Detroit Lions
Oct 21	at New York Giants
Oct 28	at St. Louis Rams
Nov 11	vs Green Bay Packers
Nov 18	at San Francisco 49ers
Nov 25	vs Chicago Bears
Dec 2	vs Carolina Panthers
Dec 10	at Detroit Lions
Dec 16	vs Green Bay Packers
Dec 23	at Tennessee Titans
Dec 30	vs Arizona Cardinals

[TheDelta]

Re: You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Week 1: at Jacksonville

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Vikings News

-After a mixed preseason that the Vikings finished 2-2, with limited playing time for starting quarterback Hope Turner and many other starters, there hasn't been much indication yet of how this team might look this year. The offensive playbook as been completely revamped, and the defense is looking even more flexible concerning their use of different player packages, the secondary definitely looks stronger with cornerback Jackson Bell completely shutting down his assigned receiver in the snaps he played in preseason, and safety Tiger Elliott looking like a strong addition in coverage as well as in the run defense.

When asked what she had done in the offseason to improve, Hope Turner had a lot to tell. "Well, most of all, of course, there were my mechanics and watching film. I mean you can practice all you want, in the end, you'll get nowhere if you don't understand the game film because you can never see everything when under center... especially when you're as short as I am. Mechanically, I worked a lot on my release... I guess there's not a QB in this league that needs a high release as much as I do. I went back to do some track & field stuff in the summer, too, I never believed before how much this would help me improve my balance and footwork and being able to run away from all those pesky pass rushers doesn't hurt, either."

-In light of their recent injuries to Marcus Sherels and E.J. Henderson, the Vikings have brought back cornerback Cassius Vaughn who was not resigned in the offseason but is expected to play in some dime packages, as well as linebacker Jovan Belcher, who was released by Kansas City during preseason and will challenge sophomore Mark Herzlich for the MLB spot as long as Henderson is out injured.

-Two new players who didn't look they had a lot of trouble adjusting to their new offenses are Sebastian Janikowski and Marcel Reese. Both former Raiders have of course taken over the starting spots at their positions, with Reese being used in a lot of short-yardage and third down situations as well.

-Another new face as a starter is defensive end Vic So'oto, who has been named the starter after Brian Robison has been moved to the inside of the line to make use if So'otos speed as an edge rusher opposite Jared Allen.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Around the League

-The Jacksonville Jaguars have finally given the reigns to sophomore Blaine Gabbert, who sat most of last year behind David Garrard. Gabbert has a lot of new weapons to work with, with the Jaguars drafting wide receivers Vidal Holliday and Uche Joseph in the 1st and 3rd round as well as signing the former Cardinal free agent Early Doucet, it looks as if veteran Mike Sims-Walker has to take a place on the bench for the time being.

The Jaguards are missing OLB Clint Session for this matchup as well as starting guard Uche Nwaneri, but otherwise start in the season at full strength.

[TheDelta]

Re: You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Game Recap

Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars
Sep 9, 2012	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Minnesota Vikings (1-0)	0	7	7	21	35
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)	3	7	0	7	17

Team Stats Comparison
	MIN	JAC
Total Offense	510	294
Rushing Yards	272	207
Passing Yards	238	87
First Downs	18	10
Punt Return Yards	10	6
Kick Return Yards	100	0
Total Yards	620	300
Turnovers	2	1
3rd Down Converstion	4-7	5-11
4th Down Conversion	0-0	0-1
2-Point Conversion	0-0	0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	1/0-2	1/1-2
Penalties	2-16	2-15
Posession Time	22:06	21:54

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		MIN	JAC
0:30	(JAC) J. Scobee, 29 Yd FG	0	3
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		MIN	JAC
2:50	(MIN) K. Rudolph 46 Yd pass from H. Turner (S. Janikowski kick)	7	3
1:59	(JAC) M. Jones-Drew, 79 Yd run (J. Scobee kick)	7	10
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		MIN	JAC
5:11	(MIN) N. Devine, 94 Yd run (S. Janikowski kick)	14	10
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		MIN	JAC
9:49	(JAC) B. Gabbert, 4 Yd run (J. Scobee kick)	14	17
6:57	(MIN) E. Arceneaux 52 Yd pass from H. Turner (S. Janikowski kick)	21	17
1:08	(MIN) P. Harvin 3 Yd pass from H. Turner (S. Janikowski kick)	28	17
0:08	(MIN) T. Gerhart, 21 Yd run (S. Janikowski kick)	35	17

Minnesota Vikings PASSING C/A YDS TD INT H. Turner 14/17 238 3 2 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD N. Devine 16 175 10.9 1 T. Gerhart 8 67 8.3 1 M. Reece 7 21 2.9 0 H. Turner 3 9 3.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD P. Harvin 9 112 12.4 1 K. Rudolph 3 67 22.3 1 E. Arceneaux 1 52 52.0 1 N. Devine 1 7 7.0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG S. Janikowski 0/0 5/5 5 0 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 C. Kluwe 2 80 40.0 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD E. Gilbert 4 100 25.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD E. Gilbert 2 10 5.0 0

Jacksonville Jaguars PASSING C/A YDS TD INT B. Gabbert 8/17 106 0 1 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD M. Jones-Drew 22 174 7.9 1 B. Gabbert 3 30 10.0 1 R. Jennings 2 8 4.0 0 U. Joseph 1 -5 -5.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD M. Lewis 3 32 10.6 0 U. Joseph 2 50 25.0 0 V. Holliday 1 7 7.0 0 E. Doucet 1 3 3.0 0 E. Mason 1 15 15.0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG J. Scobee 1/1 2/2 5 30 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 A. Podlesh 3 152 50.6 1 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD U. Joseph 1 6 6.0 0

The Vikings and Hope Turner begin the 2012 season with a statement win on the road. This team is young and hungry, and they are able to put up points if you let them.

The revamped Vikings offense looked explosive from the first snap, with Turner finding Rudolph and Harvin for several short completions as well as Noel Devine picking up good yardage on the ground. A sack on Turner put an end to their first drive, though it should remain the only one the Jaguars would score this day.

The defense looked much improved as well, severely limiting Maurice Jones-Drew for pretty much all of the first half, and especially rookies Jackson Bell and Tiger Elliott had great games, Bell not giving up a single completion all game long, completely taking receiver Mike Thomas out of the game. It was veteran Fabian Washington who looked more like the beginner, giving up a 40 yard completion to rookie Uche Joseph even though he had good position on the ball.

Blaine Gabbert looked lost, especially in the face of constant pressure the Vikings threw it him from all angles, Jared Allen and especially sophomore pass rusher Vic So'oto were on to Gabbert all game long, So'oto coming away with 3 sacks and soon they had Gabbert running for his life as his line simply couldn't hold the Vikings defensive front out of the backfield.

For all that they dominated the game, the Vikings left a lot of points on the field because of two crucial interceptions Turner threw in the first half, both deep in Jaguars territory, one inside the endzone on a play where she could've easily ran the ball in herself.

"Yeah, we still have to work some of the kinks out..." Turner said after the game. "The kinks being me throwing the ball to the wrong guy, I really got to work on that. I mean, I made two bad decisions all game long, but those can be two too many in another game."

She was right with her assessment, other than the two interceptions, Turner was outstanding, making throws all over the field, finding Percy Harvin for 9 catches who proved again that he can't be shut down even if the defense keys in on him. Kyle Rudolph showed that he has improved his rapport with Turner, catching a pinpoint pass over the middle in the second quarter for the Vikings first touchdown of the season. She showed great mobility in the pocket, evading the rush and rolling out to extend plays, thinking quick on her feet and showing very good accuracy outside of the pocket.

But even as they dominated the Jaguars, the Vikings still managed to go into halftime down by 3, the reason being Maurice Jones-Drew. MJD, having scored less than 20 yards up to this point, suddenly broke free of a tackle when he again looked like he was going down in the backfield, shaking of another tackler and then he was gone, turning the game upside down with a huge run covering most of the field. The Vikings came back with a decisive two-minute offense that took them all the way to the 2 yard line, but with only seconds on the clock, Turner threw her second pick of the day.

In the second half, MJD now suddenly seemed more like himself, making big plays and tiring out the defense, keeping the Jaguars in a game and Gabbert actually scored a rushing TD to get his team up by 4 just at the beginning of the 4th quarter. But, once again, Hope Turner and Noel Devine proved too much for a defense to contain late in the game, both of them picking apart the Jaguars on the way to no less than three 4th quarter touchdowns as the Jaguars fell apart. Rookie safety Tiger Elliot even got a late interception that pretty much sealed the deal, with Toby Gerhart scoring the final touchdown that had Jaguars players upset, accusing the Vikings of running up the score.

"We were in the heat of it, you know." Turner explained the actions of her team. "Things were clicking, we were all feeling it, we just wanted to play. I mean, there were only seconds on the clock, maybe we should've taken a knee, but we all wanted to go on, just play. I mean, it's not like we threw deep bombs on them, we just ran some inside running plays, we didn't think Toby would actually score on that."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Week 1 Results

Saints 14 @ Buccaneers 17
Browns 26 @ Giants 27
Cowboys 24 @ Ravens 17
Eagles 27 @ Rams 24
Seahawks 13 @ Panthers 26
Redskins 17 @ Falcons 23
Titans 22 @ Patriots 21
Chargers 7 @ Bengals 14
Texans 45 @ Steelers 22
Bears 17 @ Colts 37
Vikings 35 @ Jaguars 17
49ers 14 @ Cardinals 0
Jets 10 @ Raiders 20
Lions 26 @ Packers 37
Bills 24 @ Dolphins 27 (OT)
Chiefs 20 @ Broncos 27

NFC North Standings

Packers (1-0)
Vikings (1-0)
Bears (0-1)
Lions (0-1)

[tiloj]

Re: You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

So just out of curiosity did AP have an actual career ending injury of some kind that you role-played, or did you decide to reduce his ratings or something out of pure role-playing to make the franchise harder?

Apologies if you answered this somewhere, but I just started reading the dynasty and haven't gotten through it all quite yet.

[TheDelta]

Re: You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

No apology needed. AP did not really suffer an injury, I just lowered his ratings and didn't play him, now I cut him in the preseason since his contract takes up a ton of cap space, I just thought it a nice twist to make the franchise tougher.

[TheDelta]

Re: You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Week 2: vs Indianapolis

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Vikings News

-After a great start into the season, the Minnesota Vikings expect the Indianapolis Colts, who also started out 1-0 and hope to rebound after a very mediocre season last year. Rookie cornerback Jackson Bell, who did not give up a single reception against the Jaguars, was not impressed by the prospect of having to cover Reggie Wayne and defending passes thrown by Peyton Manning.

"Do I respect the guys? Of course, I don't think there's anyone who doesn't. But impressed? You can't be impressed when you go out there, you have to be able to say "I'm the best, I'm the greatest, even if he's Peyton Manning, that guy's not gonna beat me." and you can't do that when you're busy drooling over the pretty passes he throws."

-The Vikings offense, meanwhile, still seems to be a work in progress, even after a very impressive showing against the Jaguars last week. "There's a ton of stuff we'd like to put in there, and we're working on a lot." Hope Turner told reporters during the week. "But there's only so much you can do in one offseason, and we're really building something here, so it may take a while."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Around the League

-The season didn't start out well for the Arizona Cardinals, getting shut out by the 49ers at home and losing star receiver Larry Fitzgerald to a foot injury, he's expected to miss half the season at the very least. Other key injuries in week one included Packers TE Jermichael Finley (PCL), Panthers C Ryan Kalil (arm), Chargers G Louis Vasquez, Lions DT Ndamukong Suh (ACL), Giants DT Chris Canty (hip, placed on IR), Lions OLB Justin Durant (arm, IR) and Lions CB Nate Clements (also on IR)

-The Colts are missing starters MLB Gary Brackett (ribs) and CB Terrence McGee (arm), but their offense remains on full strength and will most likely put the Vikings coverage unit to a tough test.

[TheDelta]

Re: You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Game Recap

Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings
Sep 16, 2012	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Indianapolis Colts (1-1)	0	14	3	6	23
Minnesota Vikings (2-0)	14	17	0	10	41

Team Stats Comparison
	IND	MIN
Total Offense	428	376
Rushing Yards	56	158
Passing Yards	372	218
First Downs	20	13
Punt Return Yards	4	11
Kick Return Yards	0	89
Total Yards	432	476
Turnovers	5	0
3rd Down Converstion	6-12	2-8
4th Down Conversion	0-1	0-0
2-Point Conversion	0-1	0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	3/1-5	2/1-3
Penalties	0-0	1-15
Posession Time	22:43	21:17

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		IND	MIN
4:16	(MIN) N. Devine, 5 Yd run (S. Janikowski kick)	0	7
2:44	(MIN) P. Harvin 58 Yd pass from H. Turner (S. Janikowski kick)	0	14
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		IND	MIN
10:14	(IND) P. Garcon 4 Yd pass from P. Manning (A. Vinatieri kick)	7	14
5:16	(MIN) S. Janikowski, 42 Yd FG	7	17
4:26	(MIN) N. Devine, 8 Yd run (S. Janikowski kick)	7	24
2:25	(IND) J. Addai 12 Yd pass from P. Manning (A. Vinatieri kick)	14	24
0:00	(MIN) P. Harvin 82 Yd pass from H. Turner (S. Janikowski kick)	14	31
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		IND	MIN
4:08	(IND) A. Vinatieri, 37 Yd FG	17	31
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		IND	MIN
10:12	(MIN) J Allen, returned fumble 52 Yds (S. Janikowski kick)	17	38
4:08	(MIN) S. Janikowski, 28 Yd FG	17	41
1:58	(IND) C. Benson, 1 Yd run (2 pt conversion failed, P. Manning pass)	23	41

Indianapolis Colts PASSING C/A YDS TD INT P. Manning 27/42 409 2 2 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD C. Benson 14 62 4.4 1 J. Addai 2 -6 -3.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD P. Garcon 9 216 24.0 1 R. Wayne 8 46 5.7 0 J. Tamme 5 89 17.8 0 A. Collie 3 27 9.0 0 L. Brooks 1 19 19.0 0 J. Addai 1 12 12.0 1 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG A. Vinatieri 1/1 2/2 5 34 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 P. MacAfee 2 95 47.5 1 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD B. White 2 4 2.0 0

Minnesota Vikings PASSING C/A YDS TD INT H. Turner 13/19 229 2 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD N. Devine 14 121 8.6 2 T. Gerhart 7 26 3.7 0 M. Reece 3 16 5.3 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD P. Harvin 5 186 37.2 2 K. Rudolph 3 17 5.6 0 E. Arceneaux 1 10 10.0 0 V. Shiancoe 1 15 15.0 0 M. Reece 1 5 5.0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG S. Janikowski 2/2 5/5 11 43 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 C. Kluwe 4 164 41.0 3 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD E. Gilbert 4 89 22.2 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD E. Gilbert 2 11 5.5 0

Are these Vikings for real? They sure look to be, if you ask Peyton Manning. "We were outplayed today, fair and square. I'm gonna say it now, and yes, maybe I'll get some heat for it, but I'm just honest here, and I think a lot of people thought the same way, a year ago, when I first heard of her, I thought this was nothing but a publicity stunt. And yes, if you had asked me if I could see myself ever lose against a team led by a female quarterback, I'd have had my doubts. But I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong, Hope Turner is for real, she's an NFL quarterback and right now, she's leading a team as good as any other in the league." Manning calmly told reporters at the postgame press conference.

For all his praise of Turner, the Colts downfall today had two names, Noel Devine and Percy Harvin. Both had outstanding games unable to contain them, especially Devine kept chewing up big chunks of yardage, keeping the clock under control and the ball out of Mannings hands for most of the first quarter.

Rookie corner Jackson Bell had another outstanding game, almost completely negating Reggie Wayne for most of the game, in three quarters, Wayne had only 3 receptions for 21 yards, one of them on a play where he wasn't covered by bell. His other catches came late when the Vikings played a softer coverage and allowed the short underneath completions.

Still, Manning managed to score, and it was Pierre Garcon and Jacob Tamme he turned to, Fabian Washington again struggled in coverage and after safety rookie safety Tiger Elliott had to leave the game for two quarters, the Vikings also had trouble covering Tamme. New feature back Cedric Benson picked up some solid yardage on the ground, but with his team being down by at least two scores almost all game long, there simply wasn't much he could do.

While they gave up some big plays, the Vikings defense did a great job creating turnovers, with Washington and sophomore linebacker Mark Herzlich picking off passes in the first half on throws Manning had to let go before he wanted to because Jared Allen and Vic So'oto had another great game creating pressure, coming away with 5 sacks before they eased off a bit in the second half.

The second quarter saw a myriad of scores, and it looked as if the Colts might actually cut down the lead to 10 points before halftime, with the Vikings having the ball at their own 18 yard line with seconds to go. But Hope Turner again proved that she is not to be underestimated, hitting Percy Harvin with a pinpoint deep lob, allowing him to catch the ball in stride with half a step lead on the corner and then he was gone.

In the second half, ball control was the name of the game, the Vikings sitting back and playing more zone coverage than we have seen from them in more than a year, keeping the clock running and trying to throw pressure at Manning when he least expected it. They succeeded in forcing another two turnovers, one that pretty much sealed the Colts fate as Vic So'oto managed to get into the backfield in a flash and knock the ball out of Mannings hand for Jared Allen to scoop it up and take it home.

Afterwards, even though the Colts managed to score and recover an onside kick, there wasn't much to be done, the lead was insurmountable and the Vikings covering the deep routes too well for Manning to exploit and in the end, they forced another fumble on a punt return that didn't do much to change the outcome of the game.

"I really don't know what to say." Hope Turner was in a good mood after the game, obviously. "I mean, yeah, I guess I looked good out there, but it's pretty easy to look good with my boys playing such a great game out there, this win's on them, Noel, Percy, and of course our defense who did a great job all game long."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Week 2 Results

Ravens 14 @ Bills 21
Colts 23 @ Vikings 41
Texans 23 @ Titans 20
Dolphins 10 @ Jaguars 30
Panthers 28 @ Buccaneers 38
Steelers 27 @ Browns 24 (OT)
Packers 24 @ Cowboys 27 (OT)
Bears 24 @ Eagles 21
Chiefs 17 @ Saints 34
Jets 29 @ Seahawks 14
49ers 14 @ Patriots 21
Broncos 6 @ Chargers 25
Bengals 13 @ Raiders 17
Rams 13 @ Cardinals 20
Falcons 24 @ Lions 17
Giants 24 @ Redskins 37

NFC North Standings

Vikings (2-0)
Packers (1-1)
Bears (1-1)
Lions (0-2)

[TheDelta]

Re: You gotta have Hope! - Minnesota Vikings Franchise (Madden 12)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Week 3: vs Houston

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Vikings News

-The Vikings are rolling, and the team that's been playing red-hot so far in two games is determined to keep the win streak alive against the Houston Texans that are coming to Minnesota this Sunday.

"It's early in the season, so please, don't ask me about the division, playoffs or whatever." Hope Turner told reporters during the week. "Right now, our team is clicking, on offense as well as defense, Noel, Percy and Kyle are playing great making it easy for me to look good, so we'll just take it a week at a time, hopefully a win at a time."

-Jackson Bell is having a huge impact on defense so far, shutting down the opponents top receiver two times in a row now, so far, he's definitely looking to be worth what the Vikings gave up to get him, especially since Tiger Elliott has been playing on a level that quickly filled the hole the departure of Antoine Winfield left.

One of those players who have stepped up on defense and receive less public attention is Mark Herzlich. The linebacker who entered the league last year as an UDFA has looked great in two games, substituting for the injured E.J. Henderson.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Around the League

-Superbowl hangover much? The Lions don't seem to be the same team that lifted the Lombardi last year, starting out 0-2 into the season with losses to the Packers and Falcons, they look to quickly right the ship this week with a home game against San Francisco. The NFC North seems to becoming tougher and tougher by the minute, with each team looking at a playoff run as a realistic target for the season.

-No huge new injuries to report, but the Texans have a few players out for this matchup, among them backup HB Ben Tate, LT Duane Brown and DT Earl Mitchell