Vikings to be without Williamses when Cards-Vikes meet

by Blitzburgh on Dec 3, 2008 5:17 AM MST Comment 23 comments

Kevin and Pat Williams of the Vikes were suspended for the final four games of the season by the league today. The suspension was for the banned substances they and four other players around the league tested positive. Anyway, those dudes make the Vikings rush defense go. They're the second best rush defense in the league up to this point, and there's no doubt theyre going to be missed sorely. Not that the Cards will likely tear it up against them on the ground, but their absence will definitely help the team's chances beat them at home in two weeks.

It's possible that the Vikes and Cards could be wrangling for seeding in the NFC playoffs too. Possible that the difference between a loss and a win in that game is the difference between the #3 and #4 seed.

Anyway, there's plenty of court room and legal stuff to transpire behind the scenes with the Williamses and the other players involved, but for now it looks like they're gone for the remainder of the regular season.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Revenge of the Birds' (ROTB) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of ROTB's editors.

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This could be huge

Not only does that help the Cardinals chances next week but it’s a huge blow to a team that’s currently fighting for playoff seedings with the Cards. The Vikes have a cupcake game this week (DET) before a tough three game stretch that includes a road game against our very own Cardinals and two home games against the Giants and Falcons. It’s not a stretch to think that they could go 1-3 to finish the season (and they might still win the North).

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Dec 3, 2008 8:36 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Opens the door for Orton and Co.

Which all may be moot anyways. The NFC Norse is likely the #4 seed unless the Cards completely implode (unlikely) which means they’re hosting the #1 Wild Card team who will likely have a one or two game victory advantage. That doesn’t bode well for the home team but plays wonderfully into the Cardinals’ scheme if they can take care of the #2 Wild Card team…who could be a team equal to the Cardinals’ victory total. I like our chances at home…but so have the Cowboys for several post-seasons.

We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!

by Hawkwind on Dec 3, 2008 8:56 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

yea no doubt

I didn’t realize but after Thursday’s loss, the Cardinals are actually the 4th seed right now. They’ve got the same record as the Vikes but a worse record in the conference. We should take care of that in about 10 days but for now we’re sitting at #4.

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by cgolden on Dec 3, 2008 9:07 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Even though we got the worst rushing game in the league. These next two opponents may help the cause. I believe the Rams have given up a 100 yard rusher in every game so far. Now the force on this Vikings defense is gone. This may just be what we need.

by Andrew602 on Dec 3, 2008 10:08 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

This could be the opening that Whiz was waiting for

Whiz was talking about pushing the running game in the next couple of weeks because it is necessary to be effective in the playoffs. I think the Cards will push it against the Rams, but now push it against the Vikings as well. If it works it might be what is needed to create the confidence that that OL and our backs need to start making it work.

by CardsFan08 on Dec 3, 2008 12:52 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Did you guys see this?

Article by Sando about the running game.

by CardsFan08 on Dec 3, 2008 1:13 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Running game

I haven’t thought about it in a while, but I would really like to see Smith get more blocking opportunities. With a two back set we might be able to set Tim or JJ up for some nice dump passes and leave our FB to pick up the blocks for Warner.

by CardsFan08 on Dec 3, 2008 1:16 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

yea using a great blocking FB like Smith wouldn't be a terrible idea

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Dec 3, 2008 1:26 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That is a bad ass article!

Approaches the situation from every angle. I think a big part of our break down over the past 2 games is predominantly due to our obvious game plan, play calling, and approach. Defensive coordinators have seen what they do and have adjusted accordingly. If the coaching staff doesn’t change up there play calls and figure out how to disguise the run better the Cardinals are destine to mediocrity.

by badmatty53 on Dec 3, 2008 1:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

yea good point

I can’t stand how often they’re running the shotgun draws right now.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Dec 3, 2008 1:39 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I hate seeing that shotgun draw. They need to get the right personnel in there and run an old fashioned I-formation run.

by Andrew602 on Dec 3, 2008 2:22 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

JJ Arrington

Throwing JJ in the mix more frequently would really help with this. He is a treat running or receiving. The offense would have so much more versatility and be more elusive if he were starting predominantly and Hightower where used on third and short and goal line situations.

by badmatty53 on Dec 3, 2008 1:46 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you Matt...

but I said that a week and a half ago copier:-)

Who would win in a fight, Whisenhunt, or God?
Daaaaaaaaaa Cards, Da Cards Da Cards Da Cards Da Cards!!!

by boogatt66 on Dec 3, 2008 2:06 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I know we've talked about this before...

But maybe with the TE’s healthy again the Cards can start running like the Giants and have a RB committee. Always have a fresh back in. Make the run always a threat. If for nothing else but check downs.

by CardsFan08 on Dec 4, 2008 12:10 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

You were talking about starting JJ

But not for the reasons I mentioned…Blowheart

by badmatty53 on Dec 3, 2008 2:12 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Please define blowheart??? Blowhard!

Who would win in a fight, Whisenhunt, or God?
Daaaaaaaaaa Cards, Da Cards Da Cards Da Cards Da Cards!!!

by boogatt66 on Dec 3, 2008 3:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Think its obvious to everyone what I meant

Just saying…

by badmatty53 on Dec 4, 2008 9:25 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

LMAO

still love you bro…
You want to try to get those tickets?

Who would win in a fight, Whisenhunt, or God?
Daaaaaaaaaa Cards, Da Cards Da Cards Da Cards Da Cards!!!

by boogatt66 on Dec 4, 2008 10:09 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

This will be a legal mess…figure they’ll be playing for the rest of the season:

Judge Steps In, Williams’ Suspensions Delayed

We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!

by Hawkwind on Dec 3, 2008 10:39 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Think that Minneapolis Judge is a Vikings fan?

by AJ BirdWatcher on Dec 4, 2008 5:36 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I wasn't getting my hopes up...

Oh well, we can still kick their ass if we come to play!

Who would win in a fight, Whisenhunt, or God?
Daaaaaaaaaa Cards, Da Cards Da Cards Da Cards Da Cards!!!

by boogatt66 on Dec 4, 2008 8:34 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Better practice for our running game

They’ll need it in the playoffs.

by AJ BirdWatcher on Dec 4, 2008 9:14 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Restraining order wont last. NFL is going to step in and fight against it. The only chance they MAY have at playing will be this weekend against the Lions.

by Andrew602 on Dec 4, 2008 10:10 AM MST reply actions 0 recs