Week 4: Titans 30 Vikes 17

Titans-Vikings Boxscore

What was that?

This game was a VERY winnable game, because it did not turn out that way at all. The Vikes turned the ball over 4 times and three of those were less than 40 yards in their territory. The Vikes shot themselves in the foot all game long. I really does not matter who you have on your team, you are not going to win in this league with stupid errors like that. It was a difficult game to watch. I have to say this that BRAD CHILDRESS and the Vikes better bring their A game against the Saints or they can kiss any hope for the playoffs goodbye along with their coach. Childress is not using the tools that he had on offense the way they should be. So questions the future Burger King manager:
1. Why do you split time with Taylor and Peterson one and it works and not the next?
2. When down by two scores in the 4th quater, what is the point in punting the ball away?

The offense

The offense had it good and ugly moment in much of the game. They are showing the inconsistency they had last season again. The positive of the offense was once again Adrian Peterson he rushed for 80 yards on 18 carries and 2 touchdown runs. WE have recievers that can catch the ball this season. We had two recievers to go over 70 yards in the game in Wade and Berrian. Gus Frerotte was 26-43 266 yards, but 1 INT( On the interception Gussie hurt his hand and Tarvaris Jackson made a brief showing at the tail end of the game. ), no touchdowns and sacked 4 times. I am not that sure if he is holding on to the ball too long or is it that our line is not giving hime the protection in which is needed.We did out gain the Titans, but the defense did control the offense most of the game.

The Defense

This unit held the Titans down as well as the could. The rush defense held the 7th ranked rushing offense for under 75 yards on 28 carries. The passing defense held Kerry Collins under 200 yards passing.With the play of Antonio Winfield is two weeks in a row that the Vikes were able to stop both the run and the pass. With the offensive miscues that game the Titans great field position and they scores 3 TDs against the Vikes. Jared Aleen did pretty much nothing during this game again. I am thinking that he was just a one year wonder, what a waste of money and DRAFT PICKS so far in the season.

If the Vikes keep playing like this I will be counting down til Childress get walk out like he deserves right now.

Week 4 Preview:Vikes(1-2) @ Titans(3-0)

The Vikes are going to try to go to Tennessee will try to avoid a 1-3 start and that would the third in four seasons. This will be a game that real football fans are going to enjoy to watch. It is a going to be a defensive battle for both sides are in the top 10 in total defense. If I could watch this game I would.

What the offense needs to do?

For the Vikes on offense, it will be Frerotte to try to open up the passing game early against the Titans, so that AD will not have 8 or 9 men in the box to fend off. I believe with the Viking receivers have the ability to get open. With Frerotte at the QB, we might have a QB that can get the ball to them, instead of throwing the ball 10 yards over their head.Chilly and Bevell did a good job balancing Taylor and Peterson last week against Carolina. The Vikes will need both backs fresh all game to take on the defense that Tennesse will be throwing at the Vikes with Haynesworth and company.

What the defense needs to do?

The Viking defense will have to slow down Johnson and White that the Titans have in the backfield. If they can stop these two speedsters it makes the team one-dimensional. Then everything will be on Kerry Collins shoulders a well-seasoned vet, that has taken the reigns while Vince Young is nursing an injury. Collins is going a good job managing the offense, the Vikes will aso have to bring the house like that did against Carolina.If the Vikes can stop the running game, I believe they will leave Tennessee with a .500 record.

Vikes 20 Panthers 10

Vikes-Panthers Box Score

Gus the Bus

With all the talk about Gus Frerotte takes over the reigns this week for the Vikings offense to try to give them a passing attack. He made some great passes that I do not think that Tarvaris Jackson could have. Frerotte brought in one of out big time acquisition as a threat in the game. Berard Berrian has done nothing really in the past two games. Against the Panthers, he had 3 snatches for 79 yards including a 48 yard bomb from Frerotte when he busted through the Carolina coverage. During much of the game, he looked comfortable, poised in the pocket. He did not go for the run first type of mentality like T-Jack usually does.Frerotte passed for 204 yard on 16-28 and one TD and an INT.

Running in Balance

With Adrian Peterson having a hammy issues in the week. There was a more balance in the running game against Carolina.Childress used both Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson more 50/50 than the a 90/10. AP carried the ball 17 times for 77 yards for a long of 14 yards and Taylor carried the ball 11 times for 44 yards for a 10 yard long. This was the first game in a while that the running game was not the focal point of the offense.

The Vikes have a Pass Rush

In the first quarter and a half the Panthers QB Jake Delhomme did not have much pressure and he was having way too much time to throw the ball. All of a sudden the Vikes just stepped it up and Delhomme and the Panthers could not protect their QB because the Vikes recorded 5 sacks in the game and 3 Delhomee funbles, which he lost.Maybe this is a something the we Viking fans are going to see more of QB pressure, so that our secoday does not get burnt as much.

Same 'ol Rush Defense

The Vikes did what they usually do stop whoever the ball carrier was during the game again. I like that we kind of expect that the Vikes will stop the opponenets running game with ease.The run defense is so smothering we take it for granted: for the most part, a team running the ball against the Vikings just isn't going to succeed. The gruesome foursome is doing their job well week in and week out.

Winfield Time

It was late in the 2nd quarter and the Vikes were down 10-0. Antoine Winfield goes delay blitz the Panthers and he changed the game.He recorded a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown on a single play. THe Vikes had the momentem going into halftime and the Vikes did not look back and won the game 20-10.

Panthers(2-0) @ Vikes(0-2)

The Vikings made a much needed change in at the quarterback position. The Vikes replaced the struggling Tarvaris Jackson with Gus the Bus Frerotte. Everyone will see if he is the answer for the Vikings this year to save the season. What really got T-Jack to go from the helmet to the head set was his inability to capitalize(score a TD) in the Indy game.Enough with the QB drama what do the Vikes need to do against the fast starting Panthers team.

What does the offense need to do?

With Adrian Peterson not able to practice on Thursday.Childress may be playing it safe or Chester might get a little more action. The Vikes may need to pass a little more than they have in the past two games.Considering in the first have in both games we ran with ease against the Packers and Colts. After halftime, both team put 7+ men in the box to stop AD and did so.More efficient passing, will keep the Panthers defense honest. The defense is average in both the pass coverage and run stop. With better passing , the Vikes should be able to exploit the Panthers.

What does the defense need to do?

With the Viking ability to stop the run as usually with the impressive 7. The run stop is 7th in the NFL thus far this season. With this happening, the opposition has to rely on the pass. This something the Vikes have been terrible at for the past couple of years, ranking at the bottom during this time. The match up that has been talked about most of the week is Winfield vs. Smith. Being his first game, Winfield will try to make his game back not a happy one. The Vikes, have to stop the big plays. As long as they can do that, I can easily see them being the victor.

Gus at the Helm

After the loss to Indy, and T-Jack inability to capitalize on an offensive drive on Sunday.Brad Childress was leaning toward making a change at the QB position in the next couple of weeks. When I saw the article that Gus Frerotte had taking over to try to revive the Vikes dismal passing game.I cannot really seeing it get much worse. I was surprised with the move so soon, but not shocked.I believe it was too soon for the change. Childress has indicated that Frerotte will be the quarterback for the rest of the season. However, Childress added he hasn't given up on the Jackson as an option for the team's long term.It is time that Tarvaris Jackson learn from a seasoned vet. We shall see if it helps out Adrian Peterson league leader in rushing yards.

Here is a stat comaprsion:

Tarvaris Jackson this year for the Vikings:

2 games - 30/59 (50.8%) - 308 yards - 1 TD - 1 INT - 64.8 rating

Gus Frerotte last year for the Rams:

8 games - 94/167 (56.3%) - 1014 yards - 7 TDs - 12 INTs - 58.3 rating

I hope that this is what is good for the team.

Week 2: Colts 18 Vikes 15

It was just so hard to watch another loss like this. The loss that the Colts handed the Vikes in a game that could have been over for the Colts, but the Vikes did not capitalize. The Vikes were winning this game 15-0 midway in the third quarter. The Vikings choke once again this season. The defense did a decent job on containing Peyton Manning much of the game. It was only a matter of time before he was going to get hot and did he ever. He finished the game 26/42 311yards 1TD pass.The game that really changed the game was when Manning found a wide-open Anthony Gonzalez for a 58-yard completion on third-and-6 at his own 24. Gonzalez lateraled to Reggie Wayne as he went down, and the ball was eventually spotted at the 1 The defense did have 2 INTs against Manning. All the offense could do was making 3 points out of that. The defense contained Joseph Addai allowing 15 carries 20yards for the game 1TD. That TD came in the 3^rd quarter and cut into a Viking lead 15-7. In the fourth, Manning moved the Colts from their 39 to the end zone with passes of 3 passes -- the last a touchdown to Wayne. Dominic Rhodes sneaked through the pile on a two-point conversion to tie it at 15.To put the nail in the coffin, the final minute; Manning zinged a pass up the middle to Wayne on third-and-9. Vinatieri, who missed a 30-yarder earlier, made a 47-yard kick to win the game.

The passing offense is vacant for the past two games. With Tarvaris Jackson looking down right terrible for the second straight game this season. I thought that he was supposed to be improved from the last season. I for one have yet to see it yet this season. I WAS really excited to see what the Vikings were going to do this season. Here are his total number for this game against the Colts 14/24 130yards 0TDs. It is just sad that Adrian Peterson has a QB like to “run” the offense. Considering that Peterson had more yards on the ground than Jackson had throwing. In the first half, Peterson had 118 of his 160 yards in the first half. The Vikings (0-2) wasted more dominant defense, done in by a handful of critical lapses and repeated failure to figure out that pesky old forward pass. I am not sure what the problem is with the Vikings. Is it the inability of Jackson to execute the plays called or it the play calling in itself? With the Vikes having eight possessions get on the Colts side of the field. What happened with those drives:Five field goals by Ryan Longwell and three punts.

If the Viking coaches do not wake up SOON and show the fans it was 80 million well spent. It is going to be a long season of boos for Jackson. He has yet to show the fans that he deserves to be on the field every Sunday. Looking at the play the Vikes have put forth these past 2 weeks, I see then winning 4 games for the season IF THAT.There was a reason why the Colts came back from 15 down on Sunday.

On tap: Carolina@ Thunderdome

Pregame:Viking-Colts

Colts-Vikings

With the Vikings hosting the Colts on Sunday, maybe the Vikes got them at the perfect time. With both teams coming into the game 0-1, this is something the Colts are not use to considering they have started the past 3 season 7-0.One of these two teams are going to try to take a step forward in this game.Viking Keys:

The Vikes need bring the pressure. The Vikings have keep the pressure on Peyton Manning, so he does not find comfort in the pocket as Aaron Rodgers did in the past game. The front 7 of the D have to keep Manning surround or it may be a long game.If you can stop the pass the Vikes will have no problem with the running game.

Do what you do best.The Vikes lead the league in rushing last week, gaining 187 yard on the ground with the Peterson and Taylor.So keep it up and run the pass efficiently to setup the pass for Tarvaris Jackson.Just look at what the rookie running back for the Bears did to the Indy run defense. It is not getting much better for the Colts having to face AD.

With all the critics not even giving the Vikes a shot to win this game. I hope we can get a victory after all it is at the Thunderdome.

The Prediction:
Minnesota 21
Indy 18

Week1: Packers 24 Vikes 19

With hoping to go into Green Bay and avenge the 34-0 slacking that went through last time they were at Lambeau Field. But that prospect was not meant to be. The Purple People fell to Aaron Rodgers and company 24-19.This marks 5 times in a row that Vikes have been downed by the Packers. It is getting a little sickening watching the same tune over and over.

The Offense:

The Vikes in the 1st half, the playcalling was not balanced whatsoever.Considering Tarvaris Jackson was 2-of-7 for 16 yards in a rough first half. He seemed to find his rhythm in the second half, directing two fourth-quarter scoring drives.He finished 16-of-35 for 178 yards with a touchdown and an interception. There are a lot of the fan base that wants his head on a pole. He did not get the much needed reps that were much needed when he went down in preseason game number 2.
The leading reciver for the Vikes was Berrian..no, Rice...no, Shank...no. The backup Tight end Garrett Mills 3 catches for 49 yards.
The running game was lead by Adrian Peterson getting the rock 19 times and amassing 103 yards and 1 TD. Peterson paid the guy who took him out last season while steam rolling Al Harris on a 34 yard yard gain. That run was a nice sight to see.

The Defense:

With the acquisition of Jared Allen, he was suppose to bring the pressure on the QB. I guess, he did not get this important memo. The Viking pass-rush looked as it did last year, nonexistent. Aaron Rodgers went 18-of-22 for 178 yards with passing and rushing touchdowns. Now those stats say it all, Allen and Ray Edwards did not back up their words. It will be one long season AGAIN, this kind of defense continues.
The Packers rushing was not there until Ryan Grant gained 57 of the 139 in one play.The Willaimses were all over Grant most of the game.

Special Teams:

The Vikes had a field goal and two extra points from Ryan Longwell.The returnmen for the Chester Taylor 1-21 yards and carried the ball 5 times for 19 yards. He caught 3 passes for 21 yards and Aundrae Allison returned 3 punts and 2 kick-offs.

The return that made the difference was for the Packers, when Will Blackmon took a punt to the house for 78 yards.

Pregame: Vikes @ Pack

The season is here and the time is now.Let us get the ball rolling--what do the Vikes need to do to have a 1 in the W column at the end of this day.

Keep a balanced attack.
The Viking offense needs to keep the Packer defense honest. So we need to be able pass the ball during the game. With T-Jack trying to find his 1st victory agaonst the Packers. Why not now?The question is if Artis Hicks can keep keep good protection for T-Jack as well as creating some good running lanes. With the acquisition of Bernard Berrian(B2). T-Jack actually as a true number 1 receiver to pass to. With our run game being the number one in the NFL last season, I do not see us slowing down much.
Pressure A-Rod.
The defense needs to keep the pressure on Aaron Rodgers all game long, so he is unable to be comfortable in pocket. I have seen what he can do if left enough time back there. Leslie Frazier has to bring to boys and keep him running around like a deer in head lights.
Stop the run what we do best.
The stuffen seven have to contiune with stopping the run as they have in the past couple of years. As long as we can stop Ryan Grant, we will be safe. We cannot allow him a cut back lane or he will kill us.
Play 4 quarters.
The Vikes cannot not let up whatsoever during the game. Play hard from the start to the end of the game. If they do that, I cannot see them losing this game.

The prediction:
Vikes 24
Packers 13

Viking News

• Coach Brad Childress said today that Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson (offense), middle linebacker E.J. Henderson (defense) and kicker Ryan Longwell (special teams) were elected captains by their teammates last week. Those three will wear a “C” on their jersey. Unlike last season when it was week-to- week decisions.
• Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson said it has not been decided if he will wear a brace on his right knee in Monday night’s game. Jackson suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in the Vikings’ second preseason game against Baltimore and did not play in the final two exhibitions.

Here is some other Viking news:

• Former Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper has announced his retirement, according to reports. Here is the story from ESPN.He is one of my favorite Vikes all-time, I do not care what people say about him. i still wear his jersey with PRIDE.

Pass that over here

After reading Gene Wojciechowski preseason picks of the award and how the teams will finish. I wonder what the hell. I would not mind if he would give me some of his med or whatever he is smoking. Gene must not be thinking to clearly. He picks the Packers to win the division surprise surprise.;) In my unprofessional opinion if Minnesota does not win the division it will be the Lions. I agree with Gene T-Jack having some injury issues. The rest of of his ranting was mostly the recieving corps was weak as hell. With the upgraded recievers, maybe team will stop putting nine men in the box or it might be a long day for the D's this season.

Red Listed

Here are the following players that were red listed on saturady aka cut by the Vikes on Saturday.

#3 Steve Hauschka - K - Rookie - North Carolina State
#9 Brooks Bollinger - QB - 6th Year - Wisconsin
#11 Jaymar Johnson - WR - Rookie - Jackson State*
#13 Nate Jones - WR - Rookie - Texas
#15 Martin Nance - WR - 1st Year - Miami (OH)
#24 Marcus Walker - CB - Rookie - Oklahoma*
#32 Dee McCann - CB - 1st Year - West Virginia
#33 Brandon Sumrall - CB - Rookie - Southern Mississippi
#34 Albert Young - RB - Rookie - Iowa*
#47 Braden Jones - TE - 1st Year - Southern Illinois
#55 J Leman - LB - Rookie - Illinois
#57 Rufus Alexander - LB - 1st Year - Oklahoma
#61 Martail Burnett - DE - 1st Year - Utah*
#63 Brian Daniels - G - 1st Year - Colorado*
#66 Chris Norwell - DE - Rookie - Illinois
#67 Dan Mozes - C - 1st Year - West Virginia
#68 Tim Mattran - C - Rookie - Stanford*
#75 Chase Johnson - T - 2nd Year - Wyoming
#82 Darius Reynaud - WR - Rookie - West Virginia*
#99 Leger Douzable - DT - Rookie - Central Florida*

S Michael Boulware was placed on IR.

* these players were named to the practice squad on Sunday.