Wide receiver Bernard Berrian, who joined the Vikings in the off-season as a free agent from Chicago, has become a big play producer including last Sunday against Arizona when he returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown and also had a 41- yard touchdown reception. The Bears had the opportunity to put the franchise tag on Berrian and keep him. Instead the Bears are being second guessed including by chicagotribune.com writer David Haugh who wrote the following earlier this week:
“Of all the regrets that eventually could define this Bears season, the biggest one popped up Sunday on your TV screen. Don’t adjust your set if it happens again. Bernard Berrian is right where the Vikings programmed him to be, dominating the NFC playoff picture with big plays. The guy the Bears didn’t do enough to keep around last winter won’t go away now, and it will be his image more than any other that haunts the Bears this off-season if they miss the playoffs. …”
Savvy rookie quarterback Matt Ryan of the Falcons, here to play the Vikings on Sunday at the Metrodome, TiVo-ed press conferences of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning while at Boston College to better himself for media relations, according to a story in the December 15 issue of Sports Illustrated.
The Vikings and Arizona, with four players each, have the most starters on the first team NFC offensive and defensive Pro Bowl teams. Chicago, competing for first place in the NFC North with the Vikings, had just one player (linebacker Lance Briggs) who made either the first or second teams. Not only do the players enjoy a trip to Hawaii in February, those on the winning team receive $45,000 each while losers pocket $22,500, according to the NFL Players Association website.
Vikings executive Steve LaCroix reported by e-mail that playoff ticket invoices for season ticket holders are due today and general public sales (via Ticketmaster) will start immediately “upon qualifying for the playoffs.”
An MIAC officiating crew will work the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, the Division III national championship gme, tomorrow at Salem, Virginia. Mount Union will play Wisconsin-Whitewater. Officiating will be Twin Citians Pat Whalen, Tom Tucker, Dan Pelletier, Dave Wittman, Scott Mitchell, Bill Nelson and Bill Merritt.
St. Thomas junior center Josh Ostrue and Carleton senior safety Drew Ziller have been named to the American Football Coaches’ Association (AFCA) Division III All-America team. Only 25 players nationwide were named to the team. The pair was also named to the D3football.com All-West Region first team last week. D3football.com’s All-American team will be announced tomorrow.
Breck wide receiver Bryce McNeal is the only Minnesota prep selected for the January 3 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio. The game will be telecast on NBC.