FreeBundy

2091 Boise Bison Regular Season Schedule Week Opponent 1 Kansas City Chiefs 2 Cleveland Browns 3 at Iowa Hornets 4 at Venus Velocity 5 at Hyrule Warriors 6 Seattle Sea Dogs 7 New World Forsaken 8 Gary Train Wrecks 9 Santa Cruz Heat 10 at Cleveland Browns 11 Somerville Speed Demons 12 at Chicago Weasels 13 Venus Velocity 14 at Dayton Cheesemongers 15 at Las Vegas War Pigs 16 at New World Forsaken

excerpt from Sports Illustrated DeepRoute Preview Issue, August 2091 Boise Bison 2090 Record: 9-7, 1st in Democratic East, lost in Democratic Championship round Projected Starters (2090 Stats) QB Robert Rinke, 3604 Yards, 24TD, 15INT, 61.2% RB Thomas Cochrane, 153 Yards, 3.3 AVG, 0TD Leonia Lions WR Frederick Kelly, 68 Rec, 990Yds, 9TD Leonia Lions WR Luis Totino 46 Rec, 612Yds, 7TD TE Kenneth Hollway 15Rec, 166Yds, 0TD LT Landon Glasgow LG Clayton Trujillo C Kevin Morris RG Robert Wartenberg RT Jeremy Goodrich Somerville Speed Demons DE Harry Solomon 7 tackles, 1 sack Dayton Cheesemongers DT Harold Lee 39 tackles, 15 sacks DT Robert Stinnett 42 tackles, 6 sacks DE Christopher Irani, 44 tackles, 10 sacks Winnipeg Panthers SLB John Marzili 65 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT MLB Alan Mccully no statistics, Gary Train Wrecks WLB Louis Copeland 4 tackles CB Lawrence Rodriguez 4INT, 1TD CB Al Nolan 2 FF FS Manuel Mayo 46 tackles, 2INT SS Chris Godfrey 59 tackles, 2 sacks, 4INT K Tyler Mohler 11/14 FG, 52 Long P Jacob Amoe last played in 2087 for Buffalo Wings *indicates 2090 Pro Bowl italics denote new acquisition, team acquired from Key Draft Picks: TE Donald Saulino (1st Round), DT Javier August (7th Round) Key Additions: DE Christopher Irani (10 sacks), WR Frederick Kelly (990 Yds, 9TD) Key Losses: CB Pedro Shover (was projected starter before trade) WR Jack Artis (2090 3rd overall pick) KR Henry Doss (21.6 AVG) S Steve Lamontagne (40 tackles, 2 sacks) RB William Clarke (462 Yards) RB Timothy Kelly (419 Yards, 4TD)

Twitter, August 9th, 2091. @espn @LeoniaLions trade WR Fred Kelly & RB Thomas Cochrane to @BZEBison for WR Jack Artis CB Alberto Oliver & CB Pedro Shover. #WinWin

excerpt from the April 29th, 2091 Idaho Statesman Bison Draft 7 Prospects -Dan Huttenback, lead sports columnist, Boise, Idaho Last week Thursday, at approximately 9:30 PM local time, the Boise Bison grabbed Stanford TE Donald Saulino 30th overall. Saulino is a raw prospect, but he's strong as an ox, and is quick off the ball. Saulino won the John Mackey Award as the nation's best collegiate tight end in a year that was rather unimpressive at the position; Saulino posted 53 receptions for 535 yards and 3TDs in his last season with the Cardinal. During his junior year, he was the runner up for the Mackey, hauling in a much better 68 receptions for 751 yards and 9TDs. He's more of a pick for the future than to improve the current state of the team. On Friday the 27th, the Bison selected CB Alberto Oliver and WR Larry Dodge. Both selections were odd, as the team is stacked with raw talent at both positions, but apparently they don't feel strong at either position. Oliver needs work all around, but he dominated in D II with Missouri Southern, hauling in 11 interceptions in his two years with the team (he was the JUCO player of the year for the 2098-99 season, but chose immediate starting time at Missouri Southern over other offers that would place the then-junior near the bottom of depth charts). Larry Dodge was 2nd-team All-SEC, demonstrating great hands and leaping abilities, and while he's not fast and won't beat you off of the ball, he's a good possession receiver. Dodge finished his collegiate career at Alabama with 85 receptions for 991 yards and 10 TDs, with his senior season consisting of 35 for 468 and 5TDs. Then the Bison concluded their draft yesterday. They selected another CB oddly, in Kevin Yandell of Southern Miss. Yandell started his career at Texas, but was the 12th and 11th options at CB the first two years there. After sitting out a year due to transfer rules, he debuted with Southern Miss in 2089 as the #4 CB. He was still #4 for his senior season, where he recorded his only 2 interceptions. He needs some work in tackling, and his coverage against any type of real competition is terrible. The 5th round yielded Auburn OT Raymond Garland. Garland was ineligible to play for the 2091 season due to accepting a gift from a booster, so he entered the draft a year early. He's strong, but lacks proper technique. If anything, he'll be a solid backup someday. 6th round selection WR Marcus Gibson isn't even 20 yet. Gibson graduated high school a year and a half early, and enrolled early at Nebraska. His freshman season - when he was just turning 17 - was phenomenal, and he hauled in 34 receptions for 561 yards and 7TDs in the first 4 games. He then ended up suspended for the entirety of the Big Ten portion of the season because he was caught drinking underage twice. He returned for a bowl game, catching 1 pass for 9 yards in a loss to Kansas State. His sophomore year was ruined early. He separated his shoulder on the first play of the spring game, and missed valuable time to adjust to the new Nebraska QB. He then partially tore his ACL in a July practice, and decided not to have surgery immediately. Hampered by his injury, Gibson managed 4 catches in the first 4 games, gaining just 16 yards. In the Big Ten opener at Minnesota, he turned awkwardly while running an incorrect route, and ended up tearing his ACL the rest of the way. He remained "active" for the next week at Penn State, but didn't see the field, and underwent surgery, missing the remaining 6 games. He returned last year for late August practices, but was buried on the depth chart, and struggled to find favor under a new head coaching regime. Gibson primarily spent time as the #6 receiver on the depth chart, and caught 9 of the 13 passes attempted towards him for 37 yards. Instead of transferring his final year of eligibility, Gibson went to the draft at just 19 years old, finishing his collegiate career of 23 games with just 47 receptions for 614 yards and 7TDs. He hasn't fully recovered from his ACL injury, and likely never will. 7th round pick DT Javier August is almost 24. A Texas A&M-Commerce grad, August spent two years in the U.S. Army before going to college, and while he has a great work ethic and is a tremendous weight lifter, his two years off from football left him quite rusty technique wise, and he never had adequate coaching to make up for it. August put up 33 bench reps at the Dallas-Ft. Worth regional combine.

excerpt from the April 1st, 2091 Idaho Statesman Join Our 'Herd' -Dan Huttenback, lead sports columnist, Boise, Idaho The Boise football team carried us through highs and lows in 2090, giving us an exciting first season of professional football, and culminating in an overtime loss in the Democratic Conference Championship, just minutes from being able to taste a league championship game. Owner/GM FreeBundy noticed how much the region - not just Boise, not just Idaho, but the entire American West - caught on to the team, and he decided to reward us with a mascot much more fitting to the region. Gone are the Boise Buntings, who in truth, were born of a data entry error at the jersey manufacturers. In - and coming at the gentle price of $90M for the rights of the trademark - come the Boise Bison, who now share the name, mascot, and uniform of the early Oklahoma City Bison, a team of a different league who were owned by a relative of our owner. The Bison have invited us to become a part of "The Herd," which consists of every player, coach, and fan of the team. "We all were in this together last season, the team, the fans - we felt the support of everyone, and it was just such an exciting time," said Bison QB Robert Rinke, embracing the new mascot. The Bison also hit free agency hard, signing 15 players to contracts totaling $71.25M over 46 salary years. We'll detail more about them later in the week as the later rounds of free agency continue, leading up to our draft breakdown special.

The new Boise Buntings were immediately transformed when I took the helm of the team. Gone were the losing ways of the Titans, and with them, the prior coaching staff. I hired a former arena football assistant, Mark Montagu, as the interim head coach. Mark and I went way back to my high school coaching career; after leaving the arena league, he coached his son's high school team, and his final high school season was my first season. The next year, he recruited two of my players to go to a D-II school, and we remained in contact ever since. Along with the coaching staff, I severed ties with a few different players before the move from Tennessee. Rookie and 2090 4th round selection Danny Ingram hadn't seen the field in the regular season, and while the kid had heart, it seemed he would never be more than a 3rd string option. LB Derek Ogden had been drafted by the Titans in the 6th round of 2089, and while he hadn't seen any preseason action in either of his two offseasons, he did manage to make it on the field 7 times in 4 games during his rookie season, recording no stats. In 2087, the Titans franchise (then located in Fresno, California) drafted guard James Mckinney, and he only saw the field in four 2090 preseason games and 1 2090 regular season game. RB James Mclean had been with the team since 2088, for their first season in Tennessee, and he played in 32 games over the 2.3 years he was there, rushing 346 times for 1163 yards and 10 TDs. However, he managed only 16 rushing yards through 4 2090 games. This team didn't have a punter or kicker on it when I took over. I quickly signed undrafted rookies Tyler Mohler of Kansas and Steven Pippin of McGill to take those respective roles. I also added two rookie WRs who had been cut from their teams, Glen Peery, a 7th round pick by the Texas StormTroopers out of St. Mary's Canada, and Russell Speaker, a 7th round pick by the Winnipeg Panthers out of Tennessee. (They both would combine for 1 reception, 12 yards, and a TD on 12 plays over 4 games.) UDFA TE John Testerman of Clemson was signed as well, but he was never active before being released during the playoffs. Over the remaining games, RB Mike Knuth was signed and later released, rushing 16 times for 42 yards and 2TDs in 6 games played. UDFA Gene Krahulec was picked up when starting FB Steven Taylor was lost to injury, and he rushed for 15 yards on 4 carries in his lone regular season game. We started off hot, beating the Texas StormTroopers, New World Forsaken, Kansas City Chiefs, and L.A. Conquistadors over a 4 game home stretch, and added a 5th consecutive win in Cleveland over the Browns, igniting a passionate Boise fanbase. The Winnipeg Panthers and San Francisco Hell defeated us in back to back weeks, and we were down to 5-7, with an outside shot at the playoffs. We finished the season on a 4 game win streak, but to make the playoffs, it came down to division rival Cleveland needing to lose to the Venus Velocity. Venus won it! Boise was going to the playoffs! Quarterback Robert Rinke was on fire. He went 19 of 29 for 220 yards and 2 TDs in a 27-24 Wild Card round victory over the Dayton Cheesemongers, and 25 of 37 for 283 and a TD in the divisional round at the #2 seed Leonia Lions, contributing to the 22-15 upset. And the wild card Gary Train Wrecks beat the 1 seed, making the Democratic Conference Championship being played in Boise! Rinke finished with 286 yards, 2TDs, and a pick, but it wasn't enough, and the Buntings fell 24-21 in overtime. 2090 was a huge first step for me and this young franchise. But my grandfather also experienced similar early success, and I knew where that had gotten him. Boise had been a great team in 2090, but big changes were coming for 2091.

50 years ago, my grandfather FreeBundy was part of a small group of owners who were competitive in what was known as League 41 of DeepRoute, a football league that struggled to keep owners and viewers alike. He single-handedly turned around a failing franchise, but the reason he moved the team to Oklahoma City from Kansas City had been the promise of a new stadium; that stadium never came. He purchased two minor league teams in other sports, with hopes of creating a large enough fortune to build his own multi-sport complex, with all of his remaining funds; baseball's Des Moines Dragons, and hockey's Milwaukee Robins. Both of them failed within the first year of ownership, and to make matters worse, it sunk the Oklahoma City Bison. The League took away the bankrupt Bison, and relocated them to League HQ in Brooklyn, New York. FreeBundy was devastated, and the family had no money. His single son watched as his father spiraled out of control. My father didn't know what to do about his father's despair, so he left home at the age of 18, in 2040. He eventually earned enough money on his own, to go to college. It was there where he met my mother. My father went into oil, and quickly rose the ranks to the top position of one of the finest Texas oil refineries. After some time, I was born, in 2052. Just a few months later, my father abandoned my mother, moving to somewhere in Europe; he told her he "wasn't fit to be a father," and he left most of his fortune to a bank account that would more than support me in my youth. My mother, young and now alone, and having no remaining family of her own, moved from Texas, to the house of FreeBundy, my paternal grandfather. We lived with him in a small apartment in Iowa, where he had once owned his minor league baseball team, and now had a job announcing all of the local high school sports games. It didn't pay well, but it was something. FreeBundy isn't my christian name, but I spent so much time with my grandfather that people started calling me a replica of him. We watched all of the local games together, football, hockey, baseball, basketball, whatever - and he would tell me stories of his GM position, all of the athletes he'd met, etc. I was hooked. My mother remarried when I was 10, but she left me to stay with my grandfather. All of this time, the wealth my father had set aside for me remained untouched in a high interest account, and it was accumulating rapidly. When I was 18, I moved out of my grandfather's home and went to a D3 college, where I tried out for the football team. I didn't make it, as I was very undersized for a lineman, under 6 feet tall and barely 190lbs soaking wet. But this didn't deter my love for the game. I ended up coaching locally for a high school while going to college, and ended up the head coach by the time I graduated at age 23. After three seasons and a state semifinals loss, I regrettably had to move on from the position, as I was advancing through the ranks of my job and no longer had the time for football coaching. I left the company at age 28 to form my own startup company in video production, and lived in L.A. for half a decade, expanding to owning my own record label and being in charge of some of the top movie and TV sets in the world. When I was 33, my grandfather began declining in health, and while I still own my production companies, I took a step away from the daily activities. I moved to Oklahoma City, where the winters would be warmer for my grandfather, and it would be a familiar location for him. In 2086, he passed away at the age of 91, but before he died, he asked me if I ever wanted to own a football team some day. I told him "that would be amazing," and he gave me some contact names for the areas he'd once tried to relocate the Bison to, though most of them were no longer alive. I began investing all of my own time into finding a team to own, and halfway through the 2090 season, the sale went through for me to purchase the struggling Deep Route League 13 Tennessee Titans. If you remember my grandfathers purchase history of the Droids, then this Titans team would be the Droids to my own team. I tried to get a team in Oklahoma City or L.A., but it was much too short of notice for either. I eventually got permission to move the Titans to Boise, Idaho, sharing the field (and famously blue turf) with the Boise State Broncos. This Titans team was 0-5 when I purchased them. I wanted nothing to do with their failing name, and so I asked around about what would be a good representation of the region. Someone suggested I go with a fierce bird or the state bird, and so I put some research into it, and I decided that the Mountain Bluebird would be a good symbol (and it was blue, so it would match Boise's turf). We had a logo sketched up, and I loved it, the bird's beak was wide open and screaming, and the Boise "Ballistic Bluebirds" were here to stay... or so I thought. While I was on the phone ordering jerseys, I accidentally got in a discussion about fierce birds, and I'd once seen an Indigo bunting fight two much larger crows and a blue jay away from a bird feeder in my youth. In the discussion, the person placing my order had a mix up, and wrote down "Buntings" as the team name for the uniform. This would have been fine and all, but there are no Buntings in Idaho. I kept the jerseys through the 2090 season, and the Boise Buntings were born! (though there is a competition running to come up with a more appropriate team name.)

...APPROXIMATELY 50 YEARS PASS...

THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS MIDSEASON REPORT The Vikings have had an up-and-down season so far, upsetting the Patriots, getting destroyed by the Pack, and barely squeaking by the Buccaneers. Injuries have plagued the Vikings, as well as a lack of depth at positions that seem to be injured. Offense In the 1st half of the season, Teddy Bridgewater has looked like the rookie he is, but he’s also had some “All-Pro” moments. Teddy is 172/262 (65.64%), with 1699 yards, 14TDs, and 9 picks. The Vikings have only rushed for 3 TDs on the year, and one of the guys who scored one (Matt Asiata) is no longer on the team. Adrian leads the team with a 4.19 average and 494 yards, with 2 scores, while Jerick McKinnon is 4.18 and 92 yards, and CJ Anderson 187 and a 3.4 average. Cordarrelle Patterson leads the team in receptions, with 37 for 361 and 3 TDs. Greg Jennings has 27 for 259 and 2. Defense Jasper Brinkley leads the D with 46 tackles. Anthony Barr has 15 assisted tackles, and Everson Griffen has 7.5 sacks. Marcus Sherels and Xavier Rhodes are tied with 3 INTs. Special Teams Cordarrelle is exciting with his returns, though he has a 15.3 AVG, which is 6th in the league. Greg Jennings has a 29.1 AVG on kickoff returns, currently good for 7th in the league. Blair Walsh is 8/10 on FGs with a 43 Long. Dennis O’field has the 16th ranked punting average at 44.7, and Wendell Jenson is 18th at 44.4. Josh Robinson is 2nd in the league with 20 special teams tackles. Outlook The 4-4 Vikings have to step it up in a few areas. The Vikings have allowed the 8th most rushing yards, and the 5th highest rushing average. They’ve also allowed the 4th most passing yards. Offensively, they have the 12th ranked rushing offense for yards, but 20th for average. They have the 24th ranked passing yards offense, and are 25th in yards per passing attempt. The Vikings have been scoring 19.625 points per game, and allowing 22.875. In 5 road games, they are 2-3, scoring 17 points per game and allowing 23.6. The remaining schedule could be tough, but there are only 3 road games left. Week 9 they host the Redskins (4-3-1), Week 10 is a bye, Week 11 they go to Chicago (5-3) before hosting Green Bay (5-3) and Carolina (4-4), finishing at Detroit (3-5), at Miami (2-5), and then home against Chicago (5-3). The first half of the schedule featured a SOS of just .475, while the second half is .518.

The Vikings mid-week Report, Week 8, 2014. The Vikings opened the week announcing that Vlad Ducasse was cleared to return… and released, signing 5th year pro Alex Boone after his release from the 49ers. There were no Vikings injured this week, and Captain Munnerlyn will return to action. The Vikings take on the Buccaneers in Tampa this week, and the Buccaneers have yet to win a game. Week 8, 2014. At Tampa. Vikings inactives: WR Gustavo Reck, G Brandon Fusco, G Wally Flood, LB Brandon Watts, CB Jabari Price, FS Harrison Smith, SS Antone Exum. Injured reserve: Rhett Ellison, Jeremy Gallon, Jerome Felton. Scoring Summary Q1 1:47 Buccaneers 3, Vikings 0 Patrick Murray 18 yard kick Q3 0:05 Buccaneers 3, Vikings 3 Blair Walsh 29 yard kick Q4 13:54 Vikings 10, Buccaneers 3 Xavier Rhodes 85 yard INT return (Walsh kick) FINAL: Vikings 10, Buccaneers 3 The FreeBundy Show Post Game Report, Presented by Coon Rapids Hunt Club Each team had 4 turnovers in a really sloppy game. Other than the Packers, the Vikings have played to the level of their opponents, but that’s not a good thing when you’re playing the winless Buccaneers. Adrian Peterson and C.J. Anderson both saw work this week, totaling 97 yards on 29 carries between the two. Teddy went 20/27 for 153 yards, no TDs, and 2 picks. Cordarrelle led with 5 grabs for 48 yards. In addition to the Rhodes pick, Sherels and Sendejo also had picks. Wendell Johnson had an average day at the office punting. The Bucs were limited because of Mike Glennon’s 3 INTs, but Glennon finished 29/45 for 329 yards. Vincent Jackson had 8 catches for 99 yards. Adrian sprained his knee in the game, and we’re waiting to hear finite results.

The Vikings mid-week Report, Week 7, 2014. The Vikings couldn’t escape injury against the Lions, as Harrison Smith and Antone Exum both were hurt. Smith had an ab strain and could miss up to a month, and Exum pulled his groin. Jarius Wright should return this week, after missing the last couple games. The Vikings released ILB Audie Cole, who hasn’t been active yet, and signed UDFA from Florida State FB Seth Kagan. The Vikings travel to Buffalo this week. The Bills are 2-4 (1-2 at home, scoring 21 per home game and allowing 22). The 2-4 Vikings are 0-3 on the road, scoring 16 and allowing 32.6 per away contest. Week 7, 2014. At Buffalo. Vikings inactives: WR Gustavo Reck, G Vlad Ducasse, G Brandon Fusco, LB Michael Mauti, CB Captain Munnerlyn, FS Harrison Smith, SS Antone Exum. Injured Reserve: Rhett Ellison, Jeremy Gallon, Jerome Felton. Scoring Summary Q2 9:48 Vikings 7, Bills 0 Teddy Bridgewater 11 yards to Kyle Rudolph (Blair Walsh kick) Q2 2:50 Vikings 7, Bills 7 EJ Manuel 3 yards to Sammy Watkins (Dan Carpenter kick) Q2 1:07 Vikings 14, Bills 7 Bridgewater 39 yards to Jarius Wright (Walsh kick) Q3 7:07 Vikings 21, Bills 7 Adrian Peterson 20 yard run (Walsh kick) Q3 1:52 Vikings 21, Bills 10 Carpenter 49 yard kick Q4 11:56 Vikings 24, Bills 10 Walsh 42 yard kick Q4 7:04 Vikings 24, Bills 17 Manuel 24 yards to C.J. Spiller (Carpenter kick) Q4 0:07 Vikings 27, Bills 17 Walsh 21 yard kick FINAL: Vikings 27, Bills 17 The FreeBundy Show Post Game Report, Presented by Coon Rapids Hunt Club Another week, another win! Adrian had 23 carries for 107 yards, Teddy went 17/22 (77%) for 190 yards and 2 scores, no turnovers, and the defense came away with 2 interceptions. Wright finished with 4 grabs for 79 yards and a score. Teddy Barger had another pick, and Sherels added one. Wendell Jenson finished with a 47.0 average, a big improvement from last week.

The Vikings mid-week Report, week 6, 2014. Jeremy Gallon and Jerome Felton have officially been placed on IR. Former Eastern Kentucky WR Gustavo Reck has been signed, as has Sam Houston State punter Wendell Jenson. Both will see immediate action. The Vikings host Detroit this week. The Lions are 2-3, and on the road average just 14 points per game, allowing 34. The Vikings score 18.5 at home, allowing 25.5. Week 6, 2014. Vs Detroit. Vikings inactives: WR Jarius Wright, CB Captain Munnerlyn, S Andrew Sendejo, LB Michael Mauti, LB Audie Cole, G Vlad Ducasse, G Brandon Fusco. Injured reserve: Rhett Ellison, Jerome Felton, Jeremy Gallon. Scoring Summary Q1 7:44 Vikings 7, Lions 0 Cordarrelle Patterson 85 yard punt return (Blair Walsh kick) Q2 13:57 Vikings 14, Lions 0 Teddy Bridgewater 4 yards to Gustavo Reck (Walsh kick) Q2 6:59 Vikings 21, Lions 0 Bridgewater 6 yards to Adrian Peterson (Walsh kick) Q2 5:05 Vikings 21, Lions 7 Matthew Stafford 31 yards to Golden Tate (Matt Prater kick) Q2 2:07 Vikings 28, Lions 7 Bridgewater 44 yards to Lamar Wishek (Walsh kick) Q3 10:22 Vikings 28, Lions 14 Stafford 12 yards to Reggie Bush (Prater kick) Q3 4:37 Vikings 35, Lions 14 Bridgewater 6 yards to Patterson (Walsh kick) FINAL: Vikings 35, Lions 14 The FreeBundy Show Post Game Report, Presented by Coon Rapids Hunt Club What a game for the Minnesota Vikings! No turnovers, they forced 3 of their own, and just an exciting game overall! Whatever coach Zimmer said last week, along with the miserable loss to the Packers, it really lit a fire under this team this week. Adrian had his first 100 yard game of the year, getting 101 yards on 24 carries. Teddy finished 20/26 (76.9%) for 211 yards and 4 TDs! Four touchdowns! Adrian added 5 catches for 55 yards and a score, Xavier Rhodes had 2 picks, and Teddy Barger added another. The only facet the Vikings struggled in was punting again, with Windell Johnson not showing much improvement over Dennis O’Field’s latest slump. The Vikings held the Lions to 26 rushing yards on 14 carries. Stafford finished 33/57 for 347, with those 2 TDs and 3 picks.

The Vikings mid-week Report, Week 5 Add Andrew Sendejo and Rhett Ellison to the list of banged-up Vikes. Rhett has a severe wrist sprain, and is out 5 weeks. He could be an IR designation. Sendejo could also see the IR, though he only has a bruised ribcage. The Vikings have signed TE Jason Herriman, an UDFA out of South Carolina. The Vikings have also signed ILB Larry Tietsworth, an UDFA out of Northwestern, G Wally Flood of Colorado, and released RB Matt Asiata, OT Mike Harris and WR Adam Thielen. A late signing of former Montana State WR Lamar Wishek was also reported. This week the Vikings are at Green Bay. Week 5, 2014. At Green Bay. Vikings inactives: WR Jarius Wright, G Vlad Ducasse, G Brandon Fusco, LB Audie Cole, LB Michael Mauti, CB Captain Munnerlyn, CB Andrew Sendejo. Injured reserve TE Rhett Ellison. Scoring Summary Q1 8:17 Packers 7, Vikings 0 Aaron Rodgers 6 yards to Jordy Nelson (Mason Crosby kick) Q2 9:24 Packers 14, Vikings 0 Rodgers 7 yards to Nelson (Crosby kick) Q2 6:01 Packers 21, Vikings 0 Rodgers 20 yards to Nelson (Crosby kick) Q2 2:15 Packers 28, Vikings 0 Rodgers 30 yards to Eddie Lacy (Crosby kick) Q2 0:03 Packers 28, Vikings 3 Blair Walsh 37 yard kick Q3 9:23 Packers 28, Vikings 10 Adrian Peterson 1 yard run (Walsh kick) Q3 4:32 Packers 31, Vikings 10 Crosby 19 yard kick Q4 15:00 Packers 38, Vikings 10 Rodgers 22 yards to Randall Cobb (Crosby kick) Q4 14:45 Packers 38, Vikings 17 Teddy Bridgewater 80 yards to Jerome Simpson (Walsh kick) Q4 9:07 Packers 45, Vikings 17 Rodgers 5 yards to Lacy (Crosby kick) FINAL: Packers 45, Vikings 17 The FreeBundy Show Post Game Report, Presented by Coon Rapids Hunt Club The Vikings hardly stood a chance today. Rodgers did whatever he wanted, and apparently he wanted to throw for 399 yards and 6 TDs. Eddie Lacy added 85 yards on 18 carries. There’s not much positive to say for the Vikings. Teddy… looked bad, at 59% (25/42). 276 yards and a TD, but the TD (and 80 yards) were kind of fluky, and were way beyond the competitive part of the game. Adrian scored his first TD of the year, so there’s that. 13 carries for 71 yards. Dennis O’Field had another bad day. This was just truly a miserable game. Oh, and we suffered a ton more injuries, losing John Sullivan for a couple weeks, Jerome Felton is done for the year with a herniated disk, Jeremy Gallon is out with a strained tennis elbow, and Sharrif pulled his groin.

The Vikings mid-week Report, Week 4, 2014. The Jets beat the Bears 29-2 last week, while the Lions beat Green Bay 37-28. Detroit is in the sole possession of the NFC North, and the Packers are now at the bottom due to tie-breakers. The Vikings continue to fight injuries, this week having lost Vlad Duccasse and Jarius Wright. Duccasse has a strained rotator cuff, and could probably play if need be. Wright is out, though, with a hyperextended knee. The 49ers have also been fighting injuries. With “repetitive concussion syndrome”, Antoine Bethea is listed as out for 129 weeks, and Quinton Patton is out 39 weeks with a torn patellar. This week, the Vikings host the Falcons. The Falcons are 2-1, but are 3rd in the NFC South because the Panthers and Saints are both 3-0. Week 4, 2014. Vs Falcons. Vikings inactives: RB Matt Asiata, WR Jarius Wright, G Vlad Duccasse, G Brandon Fusco, LB Audie Cole, LB Michael Mauti, CB Captain Munnerlyn Scoring Summary Q1 4:41 Vikings 3, Falcons 0 Blair Walsh 43 yard kick Q2 12:58 Falcons 7, Vikings 3 Matt Ryan 5 yard run (Matt Bryant kick) Q2 7:52 Falcons 10, Vikings 3 Bryant 35 yard kick Q2 3:13 Falcons 17, Vikings 3 Ryan 6 yards to Jacquizz Rodgers (Bryant kick) Q2 0:30 Falcons 17, Vikings 10 Teddy Bridgewater 4 yards to Greg Jennings (Walsh kick) Q3 7:25 Falcons 24, Vikings 10 Ryan 5 yards to Eric Weems (Bryant kick) Q3 3:05 Falcons 24, Vikings 13 Walsh 42 yard kick Q4 12:15 Falcons 24, Vikings 16 Walsh 28 yard kick Q4 9:20 Falcons 31, Vikings 16 Ryan 3 yards to Roddy White (Bryant kick) FINAL: Falcons 31, Vikings 16 The FreeBundy Show Post Game Report, Presented by Coon Rapids Hunt Club This is quickly turning into a tough season for the Vikings. Other than week 1, they’ve played very good teams very closely, but ultimately, they haven’t had things go their way. A missed field goal and an interception, both in the second half, really gave this game away. Adrian only carried 6 times for 39 yards, and CJ Anderson added 27 yards on 8 carries. Teddy went 24/35 (68%) for 187, 1TD, and 1 pick. Jeremy Gallon had two really big catches totaling 50 yards to lead the Vikes. Dennis O’Field had a sucky day, only getting 43.8 yards per punt, and 32 NET. Everson had another 2.5 sack game, and Robison added another 1.5. Jacquizz Rodgers ran all over the Vikings, with 141 yards on 24 carries. Matt Ryan finished 21 of 30 for 3TDs and 233 yards. Julio Jones had 5 grabs for 106 yards. It is going to be a rough week at practice, especially for these linebackers.

The Vikings mid-week Report, Week 3, 2014. Coming off of that wild win, the Vikings will have to check themselves before heading to New Orleans this week. Captain Munnerlyn and Brandon Fusco will both miss the next month of playing time, Munnerlyn with a separated shoulder and Fusco with a strained foot ligament. To add another corner, the Vikings released Lorenzo Alexander, who had struggled through an injury and was buried on the depth chart at ILB. They signed UDFA rookie CB Teddy Barger, who played at Missouri. This is the Saints home opener, and they’re coming off of two big wins in which they allowed only 13 total points. Week 3, 2014. At New Orleans Vikings inactives: RB Matt Asiata, WR Jeremy Gallon, G Brandon Fusco, DE Corey Wooton, LB Audie Cole, LB Michael Mauti, CB Captain Munnerlyn Scoring Summary: Q1 10:48 Vikings 3, Saints 0 Blair Walsh 40 yard kick Q1 5:24 Vikings 3, Saints 3 Shayne Graham 53 yard kick Q1 0:56 Vikings 10, Saints 3 Teddy Bridgewater 8 yards to Greg Jennings (Walsh kick) Q2 2:49 Vikings 10, Saints 10 Drew Brees 18 yards to Marques Colston (Graham kick) Q3 9:32 Saints 17, Vikings 10 Travaris Cadet 46 yard run (Graham kick) Q3 4:36 Saints 17, Vikings 17 Bridgewater 8 yards to Cordarrelle Patterson (Walsh kick) Q3 4:01 Saints 24, Vikings 17 Mark Ingram 68 yard run (Graham kick) FINAL: Saints 24, Vikings 17 The FreeBundy Show Post Game Report, Presented by Coon Rapids Hunt Club The Vikings played a tight game with another top contender, but it was all for naught, as they drop to 1-2 on the season. Bridgewater had his first turnover-free game, and looked impressive at times. What hurt the Vikings was that they had to punt 11 times. 11 times! Teddy finished 22/42 (just 52%) for 232 yards and 2 TDs. Adrian had his best game of the season, but still looks pretty average, getting 89 yards on 24 carries. Cordarrelle had a great game, with 8 grabs for 93 yards and a score, and Jennings added 5 for 69 and a score. Defensively, this Vikings team continues to be terrible at run-stopping, though they allowed the bulk of their yards on the two TD runs (114 of 156 rushing yards). Drew Brees looked bad against the Vikings secondary, though, with just 21 completions on 46 attempts (45.6%!) and 3 interceptions (Harry Smith twice, and Exum once).

The Vikings Mid-Week Report Week 2, 2014 The Vikings suffered two knee injuries in their game at St. Louis last week, and it seems like star running back Adrian Peterson and DE Corey Wooton could miss the game versus New England. Both were officially cleared by the team doctors for practice, but have been limited all week by the coaches. “New England… they’re banged up, too, and they’re for sure missing Dominique Easley, for sure missing Jamie Collins, and they’ve got a couple guys doubtful (Kenbrell Thompkins and Don Jones) and another questionable (James Develin). They’re in the same ship as us. We just need to field the best team we can, and it should be a competitive game,” said Mike Zimmer. The Vikings released TE MarQueis Gray in order to sign an additional running back (C.J. Anderson, formerly of the Broncos). Jerome Simpson should see snaps this week, with Jeremy Gallon likely being deactivated. The Vikings have also signed for Rams QB Sam Bradford, and released QB Christian Ponder. Week 2, 2014. Vs. New England Vikings inactives: RB Adrian Peterson, WR Jeremy Gallon, G Tony Rucker, DE Corey Wooton, LB Lorenzo Alexander, LB Audie Cole, LB Michael Mauti The Vikings looked weak to start out the game, allowing 20 straight points, but this game was a very exciting finish. Scoring Summary Q1 8:06 Patriots 3, Vikings 0 Stephen Gostkowski 37 yard kick Q1 4:40 Patriots 6, Vikings 0 Gostkowski 43 yard kick Q1 1:30 Patriots 13, Vikings 0 Tom Brady 17 yards to Rob Gronkowski (Gostkowski kick) Q2 12:40 Patriots 20, Vikings 0 Darrelle Revis 79 yard INT return (Gostkowski kick) Q2 3:40 Patriots 20, Vikings 7 Teddy Bridgewater 3 yards to Jerome Felton (Blair Walsh kick) Q2 2:01 Patriots 20, Vikings 14 Matt Asiata 2 yard run (Walsh kick) Q4 2:16 Vikings 21, Patriots 20 Bridgewater 16 yards to Kyle Rudolph (Walsh kick) FINAL: VIKINGS 21, PATRIOTS 20 The FreeBundy Show Post Game Report, Presented by Coon Rapids Hunt Club What a finish that was, the defense showed up in the second half and Teddy led the Vikings to his first ever 4th-quarter comeback! Teddy finished 29/42 (69%) for 260 yards, 2TDs, and 2 picks (bringing his season totals to 44/68 (64.7%) with 4 TDs and 6 picks). C.J. Anderson finished with 36 yards and Jerick McKinnon 38, and the two averaged 3.36 yards per carry together, which isn’t impressive, but is very much an improvement on last week. Jarius finished with 5 grabs for 69 yards, and Jerome Felton had 4 for 53 and a score. Marcus Sherels had a really nice interception return, and the team got after Brady with 6 sacks (2.5 by Everson Griffen and 1.5 by Brian Robison!). The Vikings still have some holes on defense, allowing 102 yards on 14 carries between Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, but it was a big finish, and showed we can compete with the best of them! Skol! Coon Rapids Hunt Club Trophy Player of the Game: Vikings FB Jerome Felton (4 grabs, 53 yards, 1TD) Charging Rhino Safaris Offensive Player of the Game: Patriots RB Stevan Ridley (10 carries, 76 yards, 3 receptions, 26 yards) Jeff’s Home Security Defensive Player of the Game: Vikings DE Everson Griffen (4 tackles, 2.5 sacks) Around the league, Green Bay over the Jets (31-6), 49ers over Bears (24-14), and Panthers cream the Lions (40-14).

Week 1, 2014. At St. Louis. Injury Report: Rams (Kendall Langford, torn thumb ligament, questionable. Mike Person, strained hamstring, questionable). Vikings (Lorenzo Alexander, strained triceps muscle, probable. Jerome Simpson, hyperextended elbow, probable.) Vikings inactives: TE MarQueis Gray, WR Jerome Simpson, G Tony Rucker, LB Michael Mauti, LB Lorenzo Alexander, LB Audie Cole, S Andrew Sendejo. Scoring Summary The Coon Rapids Hunt Club First Blood of the Season: Q2 11:01 Vikings 7, Rams 0 Teddy Bridgewater 1 yard to Jarius Wright (Blair Walsh kick) Q2 8:45 Vikings 7, Rams 3 Greg Zuerlein 40 yard kick Q2 3:05 Vikings 14, Rams 3 Bridgewater 48 yards to Cordarrelle Patterson (Walsh kick) Q2 0:03 Vikings 14, Rams 6 Zuerlein 53 yard kick Q3 11:30 Vikings 14, Rams 13 Austin Davis 13 yard run (Zuerlein kick) Q3 4:07 Rams 16, Vikings 13 Zuerlein 55 yard kick Q3 1:56 Rams 19, Vikings 13 Zuerlein 40 yard kick Q4 9:17 Rams 26, Vikings 13 Davis 2 yards to Kenny Britt (Zuerlein kick) Q4 2:03 Rams 29, Vikings 13 Zuerlein 33 yard kick FINAL SCORE: Rams 29, Vikings 13 The FreeBundy Show Post Game Report, Presented by Coon Rapids Hunt Club Around the league, Chicago beat up on Buffalo (20-7), Seattle beat Green Bay (24-17), and Detroit beat the Giants (24-14). It’s important to remember, conference games carry a lot of weight, and this Vikings loss won’t be taken lightly. Teddy played like a rookie today. He was really exciting early, but the second half for the entire team was depressing, and 4 of our 6 second half drives resulted in interceptions, and the other two were punts. Blair missed a field goal early, and those missed points gave the Rams some inspiration. Teddy finished 15/26 (57%) for 190 and 2 TDs and 4 picks. He connected most with Jarius Wright, 4 catches for 33 yards, and connected for the most yards with Cordarrelle, 3 for 69. Our ground game was off, with Adrian struggling to 41 yards on 14 carries. Jerick McKinnon looked nice on his 2 runs, gaining 32 yards with a 27 long, and we’ll see if he gets more work in the future. Coon Rapids Hunt Club Trophy Player of the Game: Rams K Greg Zuerlein (17 points, 5/6 FGs, 55 Long, 2PAT) Charging Rhino Safaris Offensive Player of the Game: Vikings WR Cordarrelle Patterson (3 catches, 69 yards, 1TD) Jeff’s Home Security Defensive Player of the Game: Rams CB Janoris Jenkins (3 Interceptions) We’re on to New England!

Final Cuts, 2014 QB Matt Cassel RB Joe Banyard WR Rodney Smith LG David Yankey RT Darrell Clancy (waived with injury settlement) ILB Eric Willig CB Shaun Prater SS Mistral Raymond Final Signings QB Connor Rubisch, UDFA Ohio State Rubisch signed on as a backup in the CFL after going undrafted in the NFL. He finished the season going 16-18 for 127 yards and 2 TDs, playing in garbage time for the Toronto Argonauts. He tried out with the Cleveland Browns before signing with the Vikings.

Preseason Week 4 2014, at Tennessee Scoring Summary 12:19 Q2 Titans 3, Vikings 0 Succop 18 yard kick 0:41 Q2 Titans 10, Vikings 0 Jake Locker 7 yards to Justin Hunter (Succop kick) 9:28 Q3 Titans 17, Vikings 0 Jake Locker 8 yards to Shonn Greene (Succop kick) 12:35 Q4 Titans 24, Vikings 0 Jake Locker 9 yards to T.J. Graham (Succop kick) The Vikings managed just 223 yards, and Matt Cassel looked terrible, going 11 of 32 for 112 yards and a pick. Ponder finished 5 of 6 for 49 yards. Jerick McKinnon led the Vikings with 32 yards on 7 carries, while Jarius Wright caught 6 passes for 50 yards. Audie Cole and Eric Willig both played nicely on the inside. They held Shonn Greene to under 3 yards per carry on 33 carries, a feat the Vikings had been hoping to accomplish much earlier.

3rd Preseason game 2014, at Kansas City The Vikings started the week with a few injuries in Arizona, losing Lorenzo Alexander to a strained triceps, and Jerome Simpson to a hyperextended elbow. They join Jarius Wright (sprained thumb, probable) and Anthony Barr (hyperextended elbow, questionable) on the injury report. Wright will likely play, while Barr, Simpson, and Alexander will not. The Vikings also released P Jeff Locke, meaning Dennis O'Field has won the punter position. They also signed receiver Jeremy Gallon, formerly of Michigan. It was a very close game with the starters out there. The Vikings finally put up some yards (327), with Adrian Peterson in action. The Chiefs did jump out to an early lead, but it turned into a nail-biter of a game. Scoring Summary: 11:19 Q1: Chiefs 3, Vikings 0 Santos 34 yard kick 10:25 Q1: Chiefs 10, Vikings 0 Cyrus Gray 55 yard run (Santos kick) 7:39 Q1: Chiefs 10, Vikings 7 Teddy Bridgewater 16 yards to Greg Jennings (Walsh kick) 2:42 Q1: Chiefs 17, Vikings 7 Alex Smith 7 yards to Cyrus Gray (Santos kick) 13:41 Q2: Chiefs 17, Vikings 14 Teddy Bridgewater 31 yards to Kyle Rudolph (Walsh kick) 8:22 Q2: Chiefs 17, Vikings 17 Walsh 18 yard kick 5:41 Q2: Vikings 24, Chiefs 17 Josh Robinson 49 yard INT return (Walsh kick) 12:51 Q3: Vikings 24, Chiefs 20 Santos 43 yard kick 8:37 Q3: Vikings 27, Chiefs 20 Walsh 37 yard kick 3:56 Q3: Vikings 27, Chiefs 27 Aaron Murray 3 yards to Anthony Fasano (Santos kick) 13:34 OVERTIME: Vikings 30, Chiefs 27 Walsh 44 yard kick In what seemed like the first legitimate action for the Vikings, the team came out excited. "We had some missed opportunites, with 3 interceptions and a missed field goal, but they missed one and threw 2 picks, so it evened out." said coach Zimmer. "We didn't hit the ground game like we had wanted, but we got Adrian some touches, and we'll see where it goes from here." Teddy Bridgewater went a perfect 9 of 9 for 165 yards and 2 TDs. "Teddy is going to be our starter, no question," said GM Bundy. "Tonight's performance just blew us away, he was accurate, and mature, and exciting." Things did not bode so well for Christian Ponder, who went 14/25 for 143, 3 picks, and was sacked 3 times. Next week players will fight for the fringe roster spots, with some notable highlights being Matt Cassel vs. Ponder for the #2 QB spot, Jeremy Gallon vs. Rodney Smith for a fringe roster spot, and Audie Cole and Jacob Reed for the #2 ILB spot.

2nd Preseason Game 2014, at Arizona Last week, the Vikings held their own against the Raiders. This week, they struggled mightily at the Cardinals. Scoring Summary: 6:17 Q1: Cardinals 7, Vikings 0 Ellington 4 yard run (Catanzaro kick) 1:27 Q1: Cardinals 7, Vikings 3 Walsh 41 yard kick 8:06 Q2: Cardinals 10, Vikings 3 Catanzaro 29 yard kick 2:06 Q3: Cardinals 13, Vikings 3 Catanzaro 20 yard kick 8:46 Q4: Cardinals 16, Vikings 3 Catanzaro 45 yard kick The Vikings continue to struggle moving the ball down field, managing only 174 yards. They only completed 53% of their passes, going 21 of 39 for 180 and two picks. The Vikings also gave up 6 sacks for 36 yards, and managed just 30 rush yards on 17 carries. "It was not a good day for him," Zimmer said, referring to Vikings QB Matt Cassel. "He did have a nice 13 yard run, but towards the end of the game, he had a chance to go win the game for us, and he ended up picked off twice." GM Bundy had this to say: "His performance this week certainly gave us something to think about. We don't currently have plans to end his contract, but it certainly took him out of the running for the starting role." Jacob Reed continues to be a force, recording 6 tackles and a pick, and could lock a roster spot up. Antone Exum played well at SS, and could fight Robert Blanton (who was inactive this week) for the starting job. The Vikings continued to struggle defensively, and hopefully it will be resolved next week when the starters play the majority of the game. Jonathan Dwyer managed 89 yards and a 5.93 average against the Vikes, while Andre Ellington had 52 yards, a TD, and a 5.2 average.

In our last Purple Reign story, the Vikings had either been very dominant, or crippled by the injury bug. This injury bug must have carried over to my Xbox, and the old Purple Reign is no more. But this time, we're ready to re-write the script, with GM Bundy at the helm of the 2014 Vikings again, ready again to take on the NFL and bring the Vikings their first (of hopefully many) Lombardi trophy. 1st Pre-Season Game, 2014 The Vikings absolutely dominated the Raiders, though at times the score board didn't show that. Scoring Summary 6:24 Q1: Raiders 3, Vikings 0 Janikowski 41 yard kick 1:16 Q1: Vikings 7, Raiders 3 Ponder 6 yards to Patterson (Walsh kick) 13:05 Q2: Vikings 14, Raiders 3 Munnerlyn 68 yard INT return (Walsh kick) 7:08 Q2: Vikings 14, Raiders 6 Janikowski 38 yard kick 2:14 Q2: Vikings 14, Raiders 13 Carr 11 yards to James Jones (Janikowski kick) 6:21 Q4: Vikings 17, Raiders 13 Walsh 48 yard kick The Raiders had 22 first downs to the Vikings 14, but the Vikings rested Adrian Peterson and other key starters. The Vikings were outgained 391 to 186 in offensive yards, but they managed to go 20-28 for 105 yards passing, which coach Zimmer and GM Bundy considered to be a good showing. "We punted more than we wanted to, but it was a good game for being our first preseason game," noted coach Zimmer. "We saw a lot out of the young guys and new acquisitions, so we're just looking forward to how this preseason will go." Teddy Bridgewater led the Vikings with a 15/20 for 75 yards performance, with no TDs, no picks, and was sacked once. Jerick McKinnon also starred as a rookie, rushing for 82 yards on 18 carries, and hauling in 6 passes for 16 yards. Jerome Simpson also had a good day, with a 4 catch, 47 yard performance. Punting for the Vikings was undraftee Dennis O'Field. O'Field punted 6 times, finishing with a 48.0 average and a 41.7 NET. Defensively, undraftee inside linebacker Jacob Reed led the Vikings with 9 tackles, while Tom Johnson and Linval Joseph each recorded a sack. The last notable thing for the Vikings offense was that they were only truly successful running to the left, averaging 5.1 yards per carry there. The Vikings run defense needs work, as Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew combined for 130 yards on 21 carries (6.19 avg), but the pass defense only allowed 62% of passes to be completed, for just over 6 yards for attempt.

Week 2 2016 Panthers at Vikings The pregame hype surrounding this game was all about Tajh Boyd. After his important role in dismantling the Packers, there was a small push amongst the Viking fanbase for him to remain the starter even after Teddy Bridgewater would be available in Week 3. If Boyd would dominate the Panthers, the Vikings would certainly have to consider him. Boyd didn't necessarily disappoint, but he was very average, making the mistakes a player with his on-field experience should. He finished 24 of 38 (63.15%) for 342 yards, 5TDs, and 5INTs. Panthers QB Jameis Winston struggled, though the stats didn't really show his story. Winston went 21 of 27 (77.77) for just 165 yards, no TDs, and a pick. After a Winston injury early in the 4th, 1st year QB Jude Boyett entered, and became the first QB to pass for a touchdown on the Vikings this season. Boyett finished 6 of 7 (85.71) for 94 yards and 2TDs, with no picks. LaBrece Britt finished with 21 carries for 59 yards (2.80) and Jonathan Dwyer added 11 yards on 9 carries (1.22). David Cobb had 16 carries for 72 yards (4.50) and a TD, while Denard Robinson added 66 yards on 12 carries (5.50), and T.J. Yeldon 62 on just 3 carries, nearly breaking for a touchdown. Andre Roberts led the Panthers with 7 grabs for 78 yards, rookie TE Davis Fields had 7 for 46, Pierre Garcon 4 for 49, rookie Durrel Geathers 2 for 13 and a TD, and Mike Tolbert a 12 yard TD grab. Vincent Jackson led the Vikings with 6 for 78, Stefon Diggs had 5 for 51 and 2TDs, Jermaine Gresham 4 for 81, Michael Floyd 3 for 44 and a score, Jared Abbrederis 2 for 32 and a score, and Larry Fitzgerald a 25 yard TD catch. Rookie linebacker Matt Stokes, originally buried on the depth chart at edge rusher for the Vikings, played just 2 downs in the Green Bay game, registering 2 QB pressures. Against the Panthers, he had 4 sacks, and looks to be a more permanent fixture in the Vikings defense. A late round-4-3 defensive end, the switch to 3-4 backer has been tough for him. Meanwhile, Leonard Williams added 3 sacks, and Sharrif Floyd 1. Stokes' emergence could spell Anthony Barr, who has been reportedly placed on the trade block, with the right outside duties locked up by Thomas Davis and Bruce Irvin. Xavier Rhodes had the lone Vikings interception, and Mike France returned a kick 89 yards for a score, adding 55 yards on 5 punt returns. Final: Vikings 58, Panthers 20 Other notable games around the league: Kansas City 24, Oakland 21 Dallas 34, Green Bay 24 N.Y. Jets 31, Chargers 24

Week 1 Recap Vikings at Packers The Vikings, down Teddy Bridgewater for the first two weeks, came in as an underdog, with many expecting Aaron Rodgers to rip their young secondary apart. Rodgers ended the day looking miserable after what was his worst game as a pro: 26 of 40 (65%), for 312 yards, no touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. For the Vikings, Tajh Boyd was the next man up at QB, and the team opted not to release any players to make room for any reserve QBs, so they were all in on him. Boyd had a solid game, finishing 29 of 50 (58%) for 345 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Boyd was supported heavily by the ground game. Starter David Cobb carried 19 times for 109 yards (5.73 average) and a touchdown, and Denard Robinson surprised everyone with 67 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries (5.15 average). Robinson also broke 4 tackles. Mike France, returning home to Wisconsin for the second time in his pro career, had 14 yards and a TD on 2 carries. For the Packers, Eddie Lacy was held to -5 yards on 10 carries, and the Vikings switch to a 3-4 defense seemed like a success. 1st year tight end Geoffrey Hughes had 7 grabs for 94 yards to lead the Packers, and Eddie Lacy added 6 for 62, with DaVante Adams adding 5 for 46. Vincent Jackson led the Vikings with 5 grabs for 53 yards and a score, Stefon Diggs had 4 for 46, Jermaine Gresham 4 for 43 and a score, Mike France 3 for 34 and 2 TDs out of the backfield, and Michael Floyd 2 for 50 and an impressive TD. Rookie Vikings end Taqwuan Baker made two sacks, while Eric Kendricks, rookie Tamarcus Hennings, Bruce Irvin, Leonard Williams, Anthony Barr, and Sharrif Floyd each added a sack a piece. Xavier Rhodes picked Rodgers off twice, while Harrison Smith and Captain Munnerlyn also had interceptions. Josh Boyd had a sack for Green Bay, while Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Casey Hayward both had picks. Hayward returned his for a touchdown. Mason Crosby finished 4 of 5 with a 53 long on field goals, while Randy Bullock went 1 of 1 with a 37 long. Ty Montgomery returned a kick for a touchdown and had 151 kick return yards. Mike France returned 2 punts for 72 yards and a touchdown. Final: Vikings 66, Packers 26 Other notable game around the league: Oakland 27, Atlanta 21 Tampa Bay 36, Kansas City 19 Detroit 34, San Francisco 28

2016-17 Draft Class - Initial Report - Defense DE Joe Espinosa, Michigan State (2) Dennis Franklin, USC (14) Holmes Omodu, Oklahoma (27) Chissom Odom, Miami (33) Tommie Blake, UCLA (48) DT Kashawn Banks, Pittsburgh (17) Jarod Blue, UCLA (25) Simuel McBride, USC (49) Rodney Phillip, Pittsburgh (54) Tarus Freeman, Tennessee (55) NT Russell Vincent, Georgia (7) Tobias Maclin, Ohio State (39) Dalton Bostic, Wisconsin (110) Khairi Carey, Auburn (113) Coty Pickett, Oklahoma (122) EDGE Harvey Goodwin, Alabama (15) Sydney Bass, UCLA (43) Keon Walters, Rutgers (108) Aldrin Penn, Oklahoma State (134) Jahmeek Hurd, Temple (180) OLB Sherrod McCown, LSU (13) Glenn Pickett, Florida (28) Octavious Hansen, Michigan State (30) Forrest Walker, Ohio State (38) Marquez Holmes, Indiana State (83) ILB Tuni Carter, Michigan State (18) Alton Maggitt, USC (47) Tres Morgan, Mount Union (113) Jordan Boenzi, Kent State (144) Blake Cosby, Texas A&M (178) CB Rico Garrett, Pittsburgh (3) Cedric Curry, Wisconsin (19) Oliver Redmon, Wisconsin (20) Brian Mosely, Nebraska (24) Quinterrius Heard, Alabama (26) FS Devyn Adams, Pittsburgh (9) Daryl Britt, Penn State (21) Kadaryl Hunter, Wisconsin (35) Abdulai Alli, Virginia (81) Malik Dunn, Ole Miss (138) SS Jay Redmond, USC (36) Bernard Howell, Nebraska (46) Lewellyn Swope, Texas A&M (85) Rayquez Wells, Butler (95) Curry Ramsey, Clemson (151) K/P Skylar Mayes, Indiana State (200) Ryan Vega, Butler (unranked) Gordon Goodwin, Texas A&M (unranked) Jason Pope, USC (unranked) Dexter Richardson, N.C. State (unranked