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Articles by Eric Smith
Motor Toon Grand Prix
Players Average score: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 5 ratings with 1 reviews) Tiny, Tiny, Tiny The Good A true classic Playstation game. If you ever play Motor Toon GP the music will stay with you forever. The driving physics of the cars were truely great for its time. The variety of tracks are very unique ranging from a typical track to a kids room to a haunted castle. What sets it apart from your typical racing game is its very distinct cartoon feel.
Chargers and Dolphins Declare Week 1 Inactive Players
By Eric Smith via @https://www.chargers.com/, Key points: The Chargers have announced their inactive players for Week 1 against the Dolphins LB Daiyan Henley, S AJ Finley, RB Isaiah Spiller, OL Brenden Jaimes, DL Christopher Hinton, OLB Chris Rumph II will not be suiting up for the Chargers Miami's inactives include QB Skylar Thompson, WR Cedric Wilson, Jr., DB Elijah Campbell, RB De'Von Achane, T Terron Armstead, TE Julian Hill Get the scoop on the Chargers-Dolphins inactives for Week 1 of...
From The Podium | Bolts Shift Focus to Chiefs on Short Week
by Eric Smith & Omar Navarro Below are three takeaways from podium sessions from Monday's media session: Chargers shift focus to Week 2 This Victory Monday for the Bolts will be short-lived, as the team now shifts its focus to Thursday Night Football where they will travel to take on the Chiefs. Short weeks in the NFL are always difficult and different than a regular week, but Staley embraces the challenge and is ready to get to work.
Thank You & Goodbye: Vikings Team Reporter Eric Smith’s Top 5 Memories
My first two weeks with the Vikings were a roller coaster. I was hired at the very end of the 2015 season, literally starting in Week 17 as the Vikings prepared for a prime-time showdown at Lambeau Field for the NFC North title. The Vikings won that Border Battle to secure a home playoff game, only to endure one of the coldest (and most bitter) playoff losses in team history the following week. Welcome to the NFL, I guess.
Vikings Add Jonathan Bullard to Roster
EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings added depth to the interior of their defensive line Thursday. Minnesota announced that it has signed with defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard, who has played in 70 career games with 15 career starts over six pro seasons. Bullard could offer position flexibility along the line of scrimmage for Minnesota. The Vikings are now running a 3-4 defensive scheme, so they might have Bullard work as a defensive tackle or defensive end that would be inside the edge rushers.
Monday Morning Mailbag: A Mega Vikings 2022 Draft Preview
Do you have a comment or question? Send it to the Vikings.com Mailbag! Every Monday we'll post several comments and/or questions as part of the Vikings.com Monday Morning Mailbag. Although we can't post every comment or question, we will reply to every question submitted. Click here to submit a comment or question to the Mailbag, which is presented by FedEx. Remember to include your name and town on the email. The questions below have been edited for clarity.
Irv Smith Focused on Rehab Process, Carrying Momentum Forward
EAGAN, Minn. — It was only eight months ago that Irv Smith, Jr., appeared ready to become a household name. The Vikings tight end had dominated in training camp, catching everything thrown his way and seemingly finding the end zone at least once a day in practice. Smith's breakout season never happened, as he tore his meniscus in Minnesota's preseason finale in Kansas City. The injury shelved him — and his potential — for the entire season.
Monday Morning Mailbag: A Vikings 1st-Round Trade Proposal, Fresh Starts & 2nd-Year Players
Apr 18, 2022 at 08:00 AM Do you have a comment or question? Send it to the Vikings.com Mailbag! Every Monday we'll post several comments and/or questions as part of the Vikings.com Monday Morning Mailbag. Although we can't post every comment or question, we will reply to every question submitted. Click here to submit a comment or question to the Mailbag, which is presented by FedEx. Remember to include your name and town on the email. The questions below have been edited for clarity.
Vikings Excited for Fresh Start as 2022 Offseason Program Begins
EAGAN, Minn. – At 7:59 a.m. on Monday morning, Kevin O'Connell took a brief moment to himself. The new Vikings head coach took a deep breath outside the auditorium at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, just moments ahead of his first team meeting in Minnesota. O'Connell arrived to the facility at 5:30 and got a quick ride in on a workout bike, eager to get the first day of the Vikings 2022 voluntary offseason program off and running.
Vikings Add DT Jullian Taylor to Roster
EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings have added some defensive tackle depth to their roster. Minnesota announced Thursday that it has signed Jullian Taylor, who is listed at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds. Taylor was a 2018 seventh-round pick by the 49ers and spent his first two seasons in San Francisco with Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The 27-year-old has played in 12 career games, recording one fumble recovery, four tackles for loss and a pass defensed.
2022 NFL Draft Prospects for Vikings: Wide Receivers
1 / 60 WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State AP 2 / 60 WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State AP 3 / 60 WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State AP 4 / 60 WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State AP 5 / 60 WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State AP 6 / 60 WR Drake London, Southern California AP 7 / 60 WR Drake London, Southern California AP 8 / 60 WR Drake London, Southern California AP 9 / 60 WR Drake London, Southern California AP 10 / 60 WR Drake London, Southern California AP 11 / 60 WR Chris Olave, Ohio State AP 12 / 60 WR Chris Olave,...
2022 NFL Draft Prospects for Vikings: Quarterbacks
1 / 40 QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh AP 2 / 40 QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh AP 3 / 40 QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh AP 4 / 40 QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh AP 5 / 40 QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh AP 6 / 40 QB Malik Willis, Liberty AP 7 / 40 QB Malik Willis, Liberty AP 8 / 40 QB Malik Willis, Liberty AP 9 / 40 QB Malik Willis, Liberty AP 10 / 40 QB Malik Willis, Liberty AP 11 / 40 QB Matt Corral, Mississippi AP 12 / 40 QB Matt Corral, Mississippi AP 13 / 40 QB Matt Corral, Mississippi AP 14 / 40...
Kevin O’Connell Believes Vikings O-Line is Set Except for Right Guard Competition
EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings have 15 total wins over the past two seasons and haven't been above .500 in the standings in each of those years. But Minnesota's new leadership in General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O'Connell have a strong belief in the current roster, as recent moves have shown an expectation to be playoff contenders right away in 2022.
Kirk Cousins Extension, Recent Moves Part of Vikings ‘Competitive Rebuild’
EAGAN, Minn. — As the Vikings entered the 2022 offseason, many felt Minnesota had two ways to approach the coming months. The Vikings could retain almost all of their big-name pieces from recent seasons and run it all back, hoping that wins in the margins elsewhere would produce more success than the roughly eight wins per season in each of the past four years.
5 Takeaways: Adofo-Mensah on Cousins’ Extension, Hunter’s Roster Bonus & Maneuvering the Cap
EAGAN, Minn. — Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is through his first week as the Vikings general manager. Minnesota has made a handful of moves thus far, but none were more noteworthy than the initial one, a one-year extension for quarterback Kirk Cousins. The move ties Cousins, who was set to enter the final year of his contract in 2022, to the Vikings for the 2023 season, too.
Vikings Re-Sign Quarterback Sean Mannion
EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings are getting the band back together in their quarterback room. Minnesota announced Tuesday that it has re-signed Sean Mannion, who hit free agency last week. The news of Mannion re-joining the Vikings comes on the heels of starting quarterback Kirk Cousins signing a one-year contract extension earlier this month. Minnesota also has second-year quarterback Kellen Mond, a 2021 third-round pick, on its roster.
Vikings Agree to Terms with Linebacker Za'Darius Smith
EAGAN, Minn. — One of the Vikings biggest rivals in recent seasons has agreed to join the squad. Minnesota announced Tuesday it has agreed to terms on a three-year contract with Za'Darius Smith, a veteran outside linebacker who spent the past three seasons with Green Bay. Smith, who made the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons with the Packers, played just 18 snaps in 2021 due to a back injury.
Monday Morning Mailbag: Cousins’ Extension, Hunter Thoughts & FA Reaction
Do you have a comment or question? Send it to the Vikings.com Mailbag! Every Monday we'll post several comments and/or questions as part of the Vikings.com Monday Morning Mailbag. Although we can't post every comment or question, we will reply to every question submitted. Click here to submit a comment or question to the Mailbag, which is presented by FedEx. Remember to include your name and town on the email. The questions below have been edited for clarity.
Vikings Agree to Terms with Linebacker Jordan Hicks
EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings have made their first outside addition of free agency. Minnesota announced Tuesday that it has agreed to terms with Jordan Hicks, a linebacker who spent the past three seasons with the Cardinals. Hicks was released by Arizona last week, meaning he was free to sign with any team ahead of the official start of free agency at 3 p.m. (CT) Wednesday.
Vikings 2022 Free Agency Tracker
EAGAN, Minn. — One of the NFL's most exciting times of the year is here. This Vikings 2022 Free Agency Tracker page will serve as a one-stop shop for all official transactions made by the Vikings and will include updates and analysis on every move Minnesota makes. We will also update the tracker with players who have been re-signed or acquired, plus players who have signed elsewhere this offseason.
Vikings Release Defensive Tackle Michael Pierce
EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings have moved on from Michael Pierce, ending the defensive tackle's time in Minnesota after just two years. His release helps the Vikings save money for their salary cap situation. Minnesota announced the move Tuesday. Pierce was heralded as one of the Vikings top free agent signings in the spring of 2020, but he endured an up-and-down tenure with the Vikings.
Vikings Place Tender on Kicker Greg Joseph
EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings have put a right-of-first-refusal tender on Greg Joseph, a move that means the kicker will likely hold down that spot for Minnesota for the second straight season. The 27-year-old Joseph was a restricted free agent entering the offseason, but he would have become an unrestricted free agent at 3 p.m. (CT) Wednesday with the start of the NFL's New League Year.
Vikings Roster Evaluation Plan: Collaborative Analysis & Removal of Emotion
EAGAN, Minn. — The league announced Monday that the 2022 salary cap will be $208.8 million, giving teams a number they must be at or under when the New League Year (and free agency) kicks off next week. The start of the New League Year is scheduled for 3 p.m. (CT) on March 16, which means numerous decisions await new General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O'Connell.
Monday Morning Mailbag: Examining All Vikings Options with Kirk Cousins
Do you have a comment or question? Send it to the Vikings.com Mailbag! Every Monday we'll post several comments and/or questions as part of the Vikings.com Monday Morning Mailbag. Although we can't post every comment or question, we will reply to every question submitted. Click here to submit a comment or question to the Mailbag, which is presented by FedEx. Remember to include your name and town on the email. The questions below have been edited for clarity.
The Road to 500 Wins: Vikings Share Top Moments on Way to Milestone
The Vikings 500th regular-season victory in franchise history appeared to be in the bag. Until it wasn't. But the massive milestone occurred in Week 11 of the 2021 season against the Packers. Greg Joseph capped the Border Battle with a walk-off field goal for a 34-31 win. "500 is a hell of a number," said Hall of Fame guard Randall McDaniel. The Vikings hit the mark in their 61st season and 928th regular-season game, as Minnesota's all-time record now stands at 503-421-11.
Monday Morning Mailbag: The Kevin O’Connell Era Begins in Minnesota
Feb 21, 2022 at 07:00 AM Do you have a comment or question? Send it to the Vikings.com Mailbag! Every Monday we'll post several comments and/or questions as part of the Vikings.com Monday Morning Mailbag. Although we can't post every comment or question, we will reply to every question submitted. Click here to submit a comment or question to the Mailbag, which is presented by FedEx. Remember to include your name and town on the email. The questions below have been edited for clarity.
5 Takeaways from Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell's 1st Press Conference
Feb 17, 2022 at 07:30 PM EAGAN, Minn. — Kevin O'Connell is the new head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. And the energy and excitement brought by his arrival were palpable inside Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on Thursday afternoon. O'Connell was introduced as the 10th head coach in team history, and he brought quite the positive vibe with him. "It's such an unbelievable opportunity for me to be sitting up in front of you today," O'Connell said.
Vikings 2022 Mock Draft Tracker: Version 3.0
EAGAN, Minn. — Mock draft season is in full swing. The Vikings currently have the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft after Minnesota went 8-9 in 2021 and finished in second place in the NFC North. Minnesota has drafted at No. 12 overall twice in team history, selecting quarterback Christian Ponder in 2011 and running back (and Vikings Ring of Honor member) Chuck Foreman back in 1973. The Vikings currently have eight overall picks. The 2022 NFL Draft is slated to be held from April 28-30.
5 Things to Know About New Vikings Front-Office Hire Ryan Grigson
EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings have added an experienced and respected voice to their front office. Minnesota announced Wednesday that it has added Ryan Grigson in a senior personnel role. It is the first move made by new Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Grigson, 49, has been in the NFL in various roles since 1999. Here are five things to know about the newest member of Minnesota's front office. 1.
Vikings Hold In-Person Interview with Kevin O’Connell for HC Opening
EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings on Monday confirmed they have conducted a second interview with Kevin O'Connell for their open head coaching position. This interview was conducted in-person on Monday in Los Angeles. O'Connell initially interviewed virtually with Minnesota on Jan. 21, which made him eligible for a second interview this week, despite the Rams advancing to Super Bowl LVI.
Vikings QB Kirk Cousins Named to 2022 Pro Bowl
EAGAN, Minn. — Kirk Cousins is headed to the Pro Bowl. The Vikings quarterback was named to the 2022 Pro Bowl on Monday and will replace Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is unable to participate due to injury. Cousins will participate in his third Pro Bowl, and second since joining the Vikings in 2018. He also made the game in 2019. Cousins completed 372 of 561 passes (66.3 percent) for 4,221 yards with 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 16 starts in 2021.
Monday Morning Mailbag: Adofo-Mensah’s Approach & Path to Vikings GM Job
Jan 31, 2022 at 06:00 AM Do you have a comment or question? Send it to the Vikings.com Mailbag! Every Monday we'll post several comments and/or questions as part of the Vikings.com Monday Morning Mailbag. Although we can't post every comment or question, we will reply to every question submitted. Click here to submit a comment or question to the Mailbag, which is presented by FedEx. Remember to include your name and town on the email. The questions below have been edited for clarity.
Lunchbreak: Media Credits Vikings for Hiring Adofo-Mensah as GM
The stage was set Thursday morning at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center. And shortly after the Vikings introduced Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as their new general manager, the move received plenty of kudos from Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan. Souhan opined that while Adofo-Mensah might not have a traditional NFL background, the organization should be praised for thinking outside the box. He wrote: Adofo-Mensah is as nontraditional as any general manager in NFL history.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Prefers ‘Thoughtful & Intentional’ Process Over ‘Analytics’ Buzz
EAGAN, Minn. — There was an obvious buzzword surrounding Kwesi Adofo-Mensah he was announced as the new Vikings general manager. Analytics. And that's understandable, given the roles Adofo-Mensah has worked and experiences he's gained his professional life, both on Wall Street and in the NFL. The only problem? Adofo-Mensah almost despises that term.
Vikings T Brian O'Neill Named to 2022 Pro Bowl
First-year captain is injury replacement for Tristan Wirfs Jan 26, 2022 at 08:59 AM EAGAN, Minn. — Brian O'Neill is now a first-time Pro Bowler. The Vikings right tackle was named to the 2022 Pro Bowl on Wednesday and will replace Buccaneers tackle Tristan Wirfs, who is unable to participate due to injury. O'Neill turned in the best season of his career in 2021 after signing a multiyear contract extension just before his fourth campaign with the team.
Vikings Conclude Initial Interview with Jonathan Gannon for Head Coach Opening
EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings on Thursday confirmed they have interviewed Jonathan Gannon for their open head coaching position. Gannon became the Defensive Coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021. He has worked in the NFL for 14 of the past 15 seasons, including four with the Vikings (2014-17).
Vikings Conclude Initial Interview with Eliot Wolf for GM Opening
EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings on Thursday confirmed they have interviewed Eliot Wolf for their open general manager position. Wolf just completed his second season as a Scouting Consultant for the New England Patriots.
Vikings Conclude Initial Interview with Kellen Moore for Head Coach Opening
EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings on Wednesday confirmed they have interviewed Kellen Moore for their open head coaching position. Moore is currently the Offensive Coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. He has been in his current role with Dallas for three seasons and has been an NFL coach for the past four seasons, all with the Cowboys.
Vikings Conclude Initial Interview with Ryan Poles for GM Opening
EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings on Tuesday confirmed they have interviewed Ryan Poles for their open general manager position. Poles is currently in his first season as the Executive Director of Player Personnel for the Kansas City Chiefs. He has spent his entire NFL career with the Chiefs.
Vikings General Manager Tracker
Here is the latest info on Minnesota’s search for a new general manager
Monday Morning Mailbag: Vikings Kick Off General Manager, Head Coach Interviews
Jan 17, 2022 at 08:00 AM Do you have a comment or question? Send it to the Vikings.com Mailbag! Every Monday we'll post several comments and/or questions as part of the Vikings.com Monday Morning Mailbag. Although we can't post every comment or question, we will reply to every question submitted. Click here to submit a comment or question to the Mailbag, which is presented by FedEx. Remember to include your name and town on the email. The questions below have been edited for clarity.
Vikings Hold Initial Interview with Nathaniel Hackett for Head Coach Opening
EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings on Sunday confirmed they have interviewed Nathaniel Hackett for their open head coaching position. Hackett is currently the Offensive Coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. He has been in his current role for three seasons with Green Bay and has been an NFL coach for the past 13 seasons.
Vikings Conclude Initial Interview with Monti Ossenfort for GM Opening
EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings on Sunday confirmed they have interviewed Monti Ossenfort for their open general manager position. Ossenfort is the Director of Player Personnel for the Tennessee Titans. Ossenfort has been in this role for two seasons with Tennessee and spent most of his previous NFL career with New England, where he helped the Patriots win four Super Bowls.
Justin Jefferson Earns 2nd Straight All-Pro Selection
EAGAN, Minn. — Make it back-to-back All-Pro seasons for Justin Jefferson to begin his career. The Vikings wide receiver was named an All-Pro by TheAssociated Press on Friday, landing a Second-Team spot for the second straight season. Jefferson was joined on the Second Team by Bengals rookie Ja'Marr Chase, who teamed with Jefferson at LSU. Jefferson took the league by storm in 2020, posting a then-Super Bowl-era record with 1,400 receiving yards. Chase topped that mark with 1,455 this season.
Vikings Mailbag: Fan Reaction to Departures of Zimmer & Spielman
Do you have a comment or question? Send it to the Vikings.com Mailbag! We normally run the Mailbag on Mondays, but with the departures of Head Coach Mike Zimmer and General Manager Rick Spielman being announced Monday, we have put together this unique edition. Although we can't post every comment or question, we will reply to every question submitted. Click here to submit a comment or question to the Mailbag, which is presented by FedEx. Remember to include your name and town on the email.
Mark Wilf Outlines Process for Hiring Next Vikings GM & Head Coach
EAGAN, Minn. — Monday at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center presented a moment to reflect with appreciation and begin looking ahead to a new future. Minnesota announced Monday that General Manager Rick Spielman and Head Coach Mike Zimmer will not be back in their respective roles, ending a 16-year run for Spielman and an eight-year tenure for Zimmer. The decisions, announced by Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf and Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf, were difficult.
Mike Zimmer, Rick Spielman General Manager & Coach Changes
EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings on Monday announced changes to their front office, as General Manager Rick Spielman and Head Coach Mike Zimmer will not be back in their respective roles. The 2021 season was Spielman's 10th as General Manager and 16th overall with the Vikings. Zimmer spent eight seasons as the team's head coach.
Monday Morning Mailbag: Vikings Season Finale & What Lies Ahead
Do you have a comment or question? Send it to the Vikings.com Mailbag! Every Monday we'll post several comments and/or questions as part of the Vikings.com Monday Morning Mailbag. Although we can't post every comment or question, we will reply to every question submitted. Click here to submit a comment or question to the Mailbag, which is presented by FedEx. Remember to include your name and town on the email. The questions below have been edited for clarity.
Vikings Have 12th Overall Pick in 2022 NFL Draft
EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings will hold the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Minnesota finished 8-9 for the 2021 season and in second place in the NFC North. The Vikings have picked No. 12 overall in the draft twice before, selecting offensive players both times. Minnesota selected quarterback Christian Ponder in 2011, and tabbed running back (and Vikings Ring of Honor member) Chuck Foreman back in 1973.
Vikings Activate Kirk Cousins from Reserve/COVID-19 List
EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings have activated quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Cousins, who was placed on the list Friday, missed Sunday night's loss against Green Bay that eliminated Minnesota from playoff contention. Cousins, in his fourth season as Minnesota's starter, has thrown for 3,971 yards with 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 15 games. Backup quarterback Sean Mannion started against the Packers, throwing for 189 yards and a score.
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