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Tue Dec 31, 2019 1:43 pm
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EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. Patrick Weigel Jersey . - The Minnesota Vikings defence cant stop anybody. Theres a different quarterback under centre every week. The star defensive end is the subject of trade rumours. And the coaching staff is stepping out onto thinner and thinner ice with each successive blowout loss. Other than that, things couldnt be going better for them. The Vikings (1-6) have already lost as many games as they did all of last season while making a surprising run to the playoffs. After getting hammered by the Green Bay Packers in a 44-31 loss on Sunday night that was nowhere near as close as the final score indicated, coach Leslie Frazier finds himself trying to come to grips with a season that looks all but lost. "There was no scenario going through my mind that would put us at 1-6 in this juncture," Frazier said. "Looking at the way our games have transpired, I do understand why we are where we are. I do believe we can get some things fixed and get going here. Theres definitely some things we have to work on to get done, but I do believe its possible to get it done." If Frazier has exhibited one defining characteristic during his three-plus seasons on the job, its an unshakable sense of calm even in the most difficult moments. In the wake of an embarrassing loss to their NFC North rivals at the Metrodome on Sunday night, his resolve is being tested yet again. Aaron Rodgers dissected the defence, converting over 72 per cent of the Packers third downs and directing scoring drives on every possession but the last one, when he took a knee to mercifully run out the clock. For the season, opponents are converting 51 per cent of their third downs against the Vikings, by far the highest number in the league. "Were so bad right now on third down on defence," Frazier said. "Youve got to look at how were doing it, what were doing schematically, and also the people that youre asking to do certain things. Can they get it done? Do we need to be doing something different based on the people that were asking to execute the defence?" The NFLs trade deadline is Tuesday afternoon, and several Vikings have heard their names come up in the rumour mill. Defensive end Jared Allen and seldom-used backup running back Toby Gerhart are two of the players mentioned most often. "Honestly, Im not even going to address it," Allen said after the game. "Im not going to speculate on something that I havent had a conversation about. And Im not going to speculate on something that hasnt happened. I cross all bridges when I get to them and right now Im trying to figure out a way for us to make this defence better." Frazier said he knows players read reports on the internet, but coaches would buckle down on them this week to make sure theyre focused going forward. "Were going to try to continue to keep them focused on the task at hand, and in this case, its trying to prepare as well as we can for this ballgame against Dallas," he said. "Thats whats most important." Frazier declined to identify a starting quarterback for the Cowboys game. The Vikings have changed starting quarterbacks, either because of injury, ineffectiveness or both, five times in their last six games, and all indications are another change will be made this week. Christian Ponder started against the Packers because the recently acquired Josh Freeman had a concussion. But Ponder failed to seize the opportunity after being benched a month ago, looking skittish in the pocket and unable to work through his progression of receivers with any efficiency. Veteran Matt Cassel is the only quarterback to win a game for the Vikings this year, but Frazier said Monday that Freeman or Ponder will start against the Cowboys. "Hes done everything weve asked him to," Frazier said of Cassel. "Hes practiced well, prepared well. He was ready yesterday if needed be, and hell continue to work as hard he can. I dont know if theres any one thing I can point to and say why its Christian and Josh in this determination." As long as Freeman is fully healthy, he is the likely choice to face the Cowboys. He had a terrible debut against the Giants two weeks ago, but the Vikings want to get a long look at him to see if he could be their quarterback of the future. And while Frazier has heard fans calling for his ouster, the team still seems to stand firmly behind him. "Coach cant get out there and throw a pass or run, or block," Adrian Peterson said. "Its on us as players to make this turnaround." ___ AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org ___ Follow Jon Krawczynski on Twitter: http://twitter.com/APKrawczynski Sean Newcomb Jersey . -- Miguel Angel Jimenez quickly shifted his focus back to the Ryder Cup after winning his first Champions Tour event. Steve Avery Jersey . RAPTORS STRUGGLING: The bottom line is the true test in sports isnt just how you handle failure, but how you handle success. http://www.custombravesjersey.com/custom-julio-teheran-jersey-large-1067z.html . The league announced Thursday that Tom Higgins is leaving that post effective immediately.Having been on the verge of closing, Wimbledon greyhound stadium has now agreed a guaranteed six-month extension with owner Galliard Homes. And there is a two-year rolling contract in place, in case the next London mayor rejects AFC Wimbledons plans to build a new ground on the site. Clive Feltham, MD of the Greyhound Racing Association, told the Racing Post: We have a done deal, and its structured in a way to keep greyhound racing alive as long as is possible.And, who knows, it could prove long term iff the new Mayor comes out in our favour. Dansby Swanson Jersey. Im grateful to both Risk Capital and Galliard Homes who have agreed the extension, and the potential length is encouraging.It has obviously been very stressful for all our trainers and staff, but the loyalty they have shown is incredible. There is real determination to make it work if possible and the support we have had from the greyhound community is tremendous.The Leger and Puppy Derby will take place this year at Wimbledon, and possibly the Derby next year. ' ' ' |
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