What I think I think...

[purplefaithful]

I'm not holding out for post-season play this year, dont think its in the cards. So for me? Its all about JJM development, beating GB and hoping to pull out some wins here or there overall till new years. 

The players arent (cant) think like that and shouldn't..

But thats not my point...

My point is (finally) that I think this weeks game vs Bears is really important in terms of keeping that locker room engaged..Lots of vets in there who are used to winning and this season has got to be taxing. 

Jefferson was just the brightest symptom bubbling to the surface publicly.

[MAD GAINZ]

I also heard Jefferson was sick last Sunday. Had a fever and flu so I'm guessing it wasn't just losing that was affecting his body language out there.

But yes, we need JJ McCarthy to keep playing and getting reps. Maye, Caleb, and Nix all started rough or had rough stretches last year. Now they all have 20-40 starts under their belts. McCarthy has 4 starts.

Let's hope he ends up with 12 at the end this season and see if he can start showing some consistency. The ceiling is high, we've seen it twice. Now it's just raising the floor and playing consistently well.

[greediron]

I also heard Jefferson was sick last Sunday.  Had a fever and flu so I'm guessing it wasn't just losing that was affecting his body language out there.

But yes, we need JJ McCarthy to keep playing and getting reps.  Maye, Caleb, and Nix all started rough or had rough stretches last year.  Now they all have 20-40 starts under their belts.  McCarthy has 4 starts. 

Let's hope he ends up with 12 at the end this season and see if he can start showing some consistency.  The ceiling is high, we've seen it twice.  Now it's just raising the floor and playing consistently well.

Interesting.  I kinda thought his energy looked like a guy not feeling well.

[pattersaur]

For me the #1 priority is the growth of JJ McCarthy. Yes, probably even moreso than squeaking into the playoffs.

The kid needs reps and it's another reason why I'm hesitant to kill KO over the lack of consistent run game.

If we allow as fans that we likely aren't winning the Super Bowl this year, then what's more important: Getting JJM live reps passing the football or getting Aaron Jones a few more touches in the twilight of his career?

I don't think I was fully prepared for the Rookie QB Fan Whiplash from week to week.

[StickierBuns]

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I don't think I was fully prepared for the Rookie QB Fan Whiplash from week to week.

X caters to the volatility and pumps your feed full of it now. Very, very hard to find any level-headed commentary that isn't ridiculously positive or stupidly negative. For me, I have weaned myself away from 70% of it. Its almost basically just watch the games and little else. I've even reduced my post count here.

[Mattyman]

2000 Daunte Culpeper year 2
16 games 11-5
62.7 % completion
33 tds passing
7 tds rushing
16 ints

[Zanary]

I think today stands as an important marker for JJM and the team.

Rough loss to a very tough team last week, largely due to self-inflicted issues. Coaching has to step up.

JJM had good and bad, looked every bit his age. He has to implement these lessons, ASAFP.

The defense held Lamar and Henry to very low numbers, really, and can hopefully have a good plan to flummox Caleb today.

Our offense and coaching will define themselves, today, while the defense needs to stay tough and ST needs to shake off the fumbles.

This is a very winnable game, and if that's accomplished...it'll be a big step forward. If not, it does seem like a development year for McCarthy.

[purplefaithful]

I think today stands as an important marker for JJM and the team.

Rough loss to a very tough team last week, largely due to self-inflicted issues. Coaching has to step up.

JJM had good and bad, looked every bit his age. He has to implement these lessons, ASAFP.

The defense held Lamar and Henry to very low numbers, really, and can hopefully have a good plan to flummox Caleb today.

Our offense and coaching will define themselves, today, while the defense needs to stay tough and ST needs to shake off the fumbles.

This is a very winnable game, and if that's accomplished...it'll be a big step forward. If not, it does seem like a development year for McCarthy.

^^At the bold...

If it walks like a duck? Quacks like a duck? Shits like a duck?

I think thats exactly what it is; a developmental year - win or lose.

[MaroonBells]

Unfortunately, we've put ourselves in a position where this is a must-win game. If we drop this one, then the playoffs hopes are nanoscopic, considering the Vikings would be three games behind the Lions and Bears, and two games behind the bottom of the playoff field. 

If we win and McCarthy plays well, playoff hopes are still alive and next week will just be the next in a series of must-win games. If we lose, the rest of the season 100% shifts to just a JJ watch for me. 

Anything can happen in a divisional game, and Flores vs. Caleb can go either way, but I think with both TJ Edwards and Jaylon Johnson missing from the Bears' defense, the Vikings should be able to move the ball in this one and remain undefeated in the division. 

Vikings run the ball well and stop the run. Vikings defense has more big plays than Caleb Williams. God knows they're due. JJ has a solid game and the Vikings win 27-17.

[purplefaithful]

Bears have won 6 of their last 7. This is a big game for them!