New Years Eve Preview:Giants(8-7) vs. Vikings(11-4)

Now we are entering Week 17 and the Vikes can get a seed no higher than a 2 and no lower than a 4, it just depends on how all the scenarios work out. The New York Giants have plummeted fro, its beginning season form. This sure has been a nightmare month as a Viking fan, heading into December the Vikes were 10-1. Now with December almost done we are leaving it with a 11-4 record, losing back-to-back games against teams with sub-.500 records.  The Vikes actually need to get business done and win this week, but at least it is a home game. The Vikes do not have a defeat at home yet this season. Every loss has come on the road. Last week the Vikes decided to show up for the second half and almost pulled off a win against a Bears team that played their best game of the season. With the Vikes hosting the Giants, this is not going to be an easy game by any stretch of your imagination. Minnesota still has to play BOTH halves and the Giants are not going to rollover for theVikes either. The Vikes will have to earn a win this week.What will the Vikes need to do to have at least a 3 seed for the playoffs.

With the Vikes unable to use the run to set up the pass all season. This week, they should do the opposite use the pass to set up the run. In the first half theytryed to rely on the run and the offense did very little. Everyone know what happened in the season half. So this Vikes should do the same this throughout this game. The Giants are banged up everywhere on this team. Favre has been carrying this team for most of the season. Why would it change now?If the Vikes can get the passing game started early, the Giants defense should not have much of a chance against this Vikes team.

Peterson will try to makeup for his fumble. This game should be a statement game for AD for how everything went down last week. Sure we love to see him run defenders over and fighting for the extra yard. But it is hard to watch when AD fumbling quite a bit over the past two years. So hopefully he can fix this glaring issue that he has with putting the rock on the turf.At least it is better than last season with 9. TheVikes will try to be a balanced offense this Sunday. We will see how all that goes, it all depends on who the Giants will try to stop.

On the defense side of the ball, the Giants are without Brandon Jacobs for the game(season) after being placed on IR. Without him the Giants have Ahmad Bradshaw asthier leading running running back. I have no doubt that the Vikes SHOULD take care of the ground game with no problems. Eli Manning will have beat the Vikes in the air. The Vikes pass defense is the hole on this team. The pass rush should appear this week and give Eli no time to do much of anything. If Eli has time, it might be a long game for the defense. Right now the rookie Jasper has been scapegoat of the poor performances by theVikes . This defense has been UP and down all season long.It was a matter of time since they would be exposed. This is why this team is similar to the 1998Vikes, the offense is explosive and the defense just has to do enough to not lose the game.

I am wondering what Vikings team will be showing the team that dominated a Bengals team or the one that was out schooled by Matt More.For theVikes sake they need this win, so they do not limp into the playoffs with a 3 game losing streak.

The Prediction

Vikes 33
Giants 23

SKOL VIKINGS
Have a Happy New Year everyone(well except Eagles Fan)

And There Was 8

The Pro Bowl rosters came out yesterday and there are some I expected and other happy to see make the team.The Vikes lead the NFL with 8 selections.On the offense side of the ball, the starter as expected is AD at running back. The Vikes left side of the line will be starting as well, Bryant McKinnie and Steve Huchinson. The backups on offense are QB Brett Favre and Sidney Rice.

I was kind of shocked to see that McKinnie was starting in the Pro Bowl, because of some of his performance in the last month of the season or so.I agree with ESPN, he made it on rep not overall performance. I was happy to see Sidney make the team with the type of breakout season that he is having.

On defense, the starters from the Vikes are DE Jared Allen and DT Kevin William. These are the only two from defense to make the squad.Both defenders are having a good well this season. Both led the NFC in sacks at their position. Allen and Williams are solid Pro Bowl starters.

The special teams player is Heath Farwell.He had led this group to a better year than last season.I think that Harvin would have been a better choice than Farwell.

If everything goes the Vikes way the NFL might have to find replacements due to the Pro Bowl. This season, the Pro Bowl is the week before the Super Bowl at the same location.

ImBearable: Vikes Lose

 Vikes-Bears(Boxscore)

In the Vikings Monday Night 36-30 loss to da Bears costs them home field advantage and do not control their own destiny for a first round bye anymore.In this game it was once again the tail of two halves,this something Viking fans have been accustomed to all season long. in the first half, nothing went right for the Vikes. The pass game was averaging 4 yards per attempt with 36 total passing yards.The line was getting no push up front to get AD much room to run with 28 yards on 8 carries.

The game was going down hill fast as the Bears were capitalizing on the Vikes poor special team coverage that were being shredded by the Bears returner  Daniel Manning whenever he had his hands on the ball. The unit had no answer for him(3 returns average 44.7). This group being exposed for most of the game. This what setup most of the Bears scoring drive, the Vikes inability to tackle on the special teams.

In the second half was a different story the Vikings offense trailing 16-0 to open the 3rd quarter. After watching the 1st half that was more run oriented, the play calling was more balance throughout the half. Favre was passing with vengeance and AD was was running like a freak on a leash.  In this game, it seemed that Vikes were always a step behind the Bears. Even with the game being sent to OT. Who says Favre is not a cold weather QB anymore. The t effort he put fourth in the second half was a sight with Favre throwing for 280+ yards and a TD. He picked apart the Bears in the last half. It sure is different when your QB has pass protection.

Peterson did have a good overall game with 24 carries 94 and 2 TDS as well as 3 catches for 43 yards. On one of those catches AD coughed up the ball in OT and the Bears recovered it already in field goal range. The next playJay Cutler threw a deep pass to  Devin Aromashodu ,who blew right by Antonie Winfield for the game winning TD.

The Bears pass offense was having thier way with the Vikes most of the game. His OL did a good job containing the Vikes front 4(without Phat Pat). Kevin Williams faced double teams in this game more often than not. He did not even record a tackle. Jared Allen was MIA in this game again, he had 2 tackles in this one. With Cutler having time to throw the ball most of the game, he picked apart the Vikes secondary for 286 yards and 4 TD performance. With the play of the safeties as of late has been alarming on how they have been playing in the past month. Since the loss of EJ this defense is not the same making a big play then giving up a big play.

Some advice to Chilly: just let Favre call his own play, he obviously know what he is doing with the playcalling. Let him work his magic.
It seemed that the defense was starting to gel more than they have been in past couple of games.It is going to interesting to see how the Vikes will perform again a Giants team that is going to try to know them down to a 3-4 seed.

Friday Preview: Vikings(11-3) vs Chicago(5-9)

With the Vikings-Bears game fast approaching for their date for the Monday Night Date. The Vikes are going for a sweep of the entire NFC North.The Vikings are obviously that they are not that same team that dominated the Bears in the Week 12 36-10 victory. Since that game the Vikings are have 1 win and 2 embarrassing losses.Is this the game that the Vikes need to step forward and carry it to the playoffs?

The Vikes will need to show that they can function as a team these next two week. But the VIkes need to start in the frigid Solider Field, a place that in the last decade have a record of 2-7. THe Vikes are predicted to do well in this game, but we were saying the same last week as well and look at what happened. What needs to be done in this game for the Vikes to come back to life:

In this game the Vikes should have the game plan to run the ball down the BEARS throat all game long.  The Bear rush defense is not what it once was last season with some of the key injuries they have suffered. The Bears rush defense have allowed 128 yards on the ground per game. If the Vikes can keep it 50-50 ground and pass attack. The Bear have been exposed more often on the ground this season. The Vikes will have to get AD and company involved early and often it should be smooth sailing on the ground.

 The Offensive Line
. The line will be looked at under a microscope in this game with what happened to them last week against the Panthers. The unit had too many mental errors in loss against Carolina, between the penalties\missed assignments. The line was shredded for most of last weeks' game giving up 4 sacks and Julis Peppers to run free all game.It is time to earn the team and fans confidence back. The line will need to protect Favre all game long so that the Vikes can pass effectively against a decent Bears pass defense. It also looks likr the VIkes will have back their X-factor in Percy Harvin. He has been not 100%, so he has been missed by the offense in the pass and rushing game. I am kind of excited to see him back in the lineup and used not just on special team or late in the game.

The defense will need to focus on tackling in this game. They have been terrible the 2 losses in the past 3 game. The defense has to wakeup in this game and stop pass game of the Bears to win. The Bears do not have a rushing game this season averaging 88 yards A GAME. The Vikes will key on Jay Cutler-pressure him with the pass rush that Vikes have. It is Cutler his bond to throw an INT, he is leading the league after all.

I can see the Vikes bouncing back this week against the Bears and hope for an Eagle loss.

The prediction
Vikes 27
Bears 13

The King of Drama

With the drama this week between Favre-Chilly this week was the news in Viking Nation. Here is a take on the situation. Taking the gamble the Favre has its baggage, but it was a matter of time that the King of Drama has finally come out of the closet. According to Favre, the tiff is resolved. I am not convinced after seeing that Favre has been running the every team since Homgren left the Packers.

More to come with the Drama and and post game happened on Tuesday.I hope that everyone had a great Christmas!!!

Shocking

Is there tension between Favre-Chilly now. With news coming out Chilly tried to bench Favre late in the third quarter. Simple enough: McKinnie complied and road the pine pony for the remainder of the game.  Chilly found out quickly who is wearing the pants in this 2 year relationship. It certainly is not Chilly. After Favre told him that he was not going to be pulled and continued to play with the off key offense for the rest of the game.

What good what it have done in the first play to take out Favre for Jackson. Well at least Jackson could run away from the defender before the brittle Fave could that is for sure. It is going to be good to listen to this ALL game for the Monday Night game.The Drama Queen is here that is for sure.

With Favre leading this organization sure he is still a good QB, but is he worth the headaches that he is causing?? It depends if he can bring the Vikes down to Miami for the Super Bowl.

Vikes Look Off In Primetime Loss

Vikings-Panthers Boxscore

The Vikings Sunday Night 26-7 loss to the Panthers was a disappointing game to watch.Sure the Vikes have won the 2nd straight division title(first time since Bud Grant), it was all thanks to the Steelers. After this game there are so many questions left unanwered. Are the Vikes a Super Bowl caliber team?I do not really know, they come to play against a 9-5 team last week and this week the team go not even bother showing up.

The offense to nothing more than a beep on the scanner last night. The team have seven 3 and outs in this game. The Panthers defense was ready for whatever the Vikings offense threw at them. Julius Peppers has the key defender in this game. The Viking O-Line could not stop this beast on the edge. He was disrupting plays left and right. The Viking could not get anything establish as an offense passing or running. The playcalling was crapping again for running the ball. Giving your All-Pro running back 12 times in the game, what does one expect from his output. Most of those plays were between the guard-center gap. The line was not blocking anyone, thus give Favre no time to throw the ball. It was often that Favre was peeling himself off the ground after being laid out by a Panthers defender.  The O-Line failed to do anything in this game. The unit could not pass block(giving up 4 sacks), or run block (average 2.9 yards per rush). Something needs to be done on the offense side of the ball this week.

The defense held their own for most of the game until the Panthers offense came alive in the 4th quarter allowing 20 points. The 4th quarter has never been friendly to the Vikings, this year or any year. The defense had another UGLY game of tackling, it was like that thoughout the game. There was a reason why the Panthers had the ball 12 more minutes than the Vikes did.The Vikes front four did not get that much pressure on backup QB Matt Moore only being sack twice in the game. The Panthers did establish a ground attack ater DeAngelo Williams went down with Jonathan Stewart ran through the Vikes rush defense for over 100 yards in the game.The rush defense sure does miss EJ Henderson in the middle of the field. After this Matt Moore was make the passes he needed and Vikes pass defense was dismal at best.

With the Vikes losing the second time in the three week is tough to see. Especially, when this is the time when the team needs to be playing their best football. I do not see Chilly resting anyone these next two weeks. The team will need to reestablish a balanced offense, with what happened against a poor Carolina team. Getting crushed by the Panthers was a tough one to see. So where does the VIkes rank in the NFC??

Friday Preview: Vikings(11-2) @ Panthers(5-8)

With the game coming upon us this week is a Sunday Night Contest with the 11-2 Vikes facing the 5-8 Panthers. The 2009 Panthers team does not have balance on either side of the ball. On offense, they have a good power running game ranking them 4th in the league with nearly 150 yards per game, but passing their rank is 28th with 169 yards per game. On defense it is the same story, the Panthers are a good pass defense allowing 192 yards per game 6th in the NFL, but on the ground they allow 126 yards per game giving them an NFL rank of 26th. With the areas that this team are bad in I just do not see how they can compete with the Vikings this Sunday.

Power Run Stoppers

The Vikings still have one of the leagues best run stop defense in the league again this season. The last running back that has topped 100 yards in a game was Ryan Grant back in 2007.  The Panthers have a power running back in DeAngelo Williams with over 110 yards this season is pair with Jonathan Stewart is a good mix in the backfield. The Creatures of Havoc(the front 4) have been disrupting the running back point of attack season long. I just do not see anything changing this Sunday either.  A team needs more than a good running game get the Viking defense on their heels.

A team needs a passing game and this is something that Carolina has been lacking all season long. With or without Jake Delhomme have been unable to produce in the air. It looks like will be starting for the Panthers this week it wil be his 3rd start of the season. With the pressure that Vikes have put on opposing QBs, I see that trend to continue for this game.

The AD Show

With Peterson going to be facing one of the lower tier rush defense this season, is a plus this week. He is coming off of a good game against the Bengals last week with with about 140 total yards and 2 TDs . The running game with be vital in this game, because the Panthers have one of the best pass defenses in the league. As long as AD and Taylor can get the chains move and running out the clock everything will be good for Viking fans at least.

Protect Favre

The Vikes will be facing one of the top pass rushers in the league in Julius Peppers. He is a game changers. if you give him an inch, he is a living hell. The Vikes may need to double him up if needed in this one. So the Vikes will need to keep Favre upright in game so he can try to scorch the Panthers with some deep balls to Rice or Berrian.

Overall in this game, I see Viking fans cheer and Viking team dominating the Panthers from the opening drive to the final whistle.The Vikes are trying to do thier part in winning the NFL North for the second consecutive year. I hope everyone has a great week.

The Prediction:
Vikings 37
Panthers 20

SKOL VIKINGS!!!

What the Hell Erin

A week after losing the good Henderson for the season with a broken femur. Now we lost the other brother Erin. The younger Henderson has suited up for 2 games this season. He has been used mostly in the special teams. Damn we sure will be missing him after, he test positive of a banned substance.
Erin Henderson will miss the last 3 games as well as the 1st playoff game.

With this event taking place, the Vikings promoted linebacker J Leman from their practice squad to take Henderson’s place on the 53-man roster.

Vikes Dominate Bengals 30-10

Bengals-Vikings Boxscore

The Vikes were back at the Thunderdome and dominated the Bengals in a 30-10 win this week. The defense dominated the Bengals in this game. If the Bengals offense was shutdown for 210 total yards for the game. The Vikes allowed 4 yards per play in the game.
This was a good all-round performance by the Vikes offense and defense. It was a good victory coming off that 30-17 thumping the Cardinals put on the Vikes. The Vikes dominated a quality opponent this week. The offense scored 30 point on a defense that has been on average 16.7 points per contest. The 3rd down efficiency was there converting on 8-14 to keep dives going. It was a good day to be a Viking fan. With this victory the Vikes have clinched a playoff berth the second straight season.

Dont Sleep On AD

Peterson has a good game against the Bengals. He had 97 yards on the ground and 47 receiving(yes he can catch the ball to). This is probly his best game this season against a good defense this season. Peterson did not have that many LONG runs he was steady churning out 5-7 yards against a defense that is ranked 3rd against the run. Some of those whole the line was making, Peterson could have drove a Mack truck through it. This is a performace that Peterson needed after the game that he had last week.

Where was the Bengals running game

Besides the couple long run by the Bengals, the Vikes dominated the Bengals offensive line at the point of attack. The front four were in the back field often disrupting the running backs from getting anywhere.  The Bengals also helped the VIkes out in this game as well. With all the penalties in this game, this was a factor that killed some of the Bengals drives from going anywhere.

The Replacements

The Vikes had two new players starting for the defense in this game. They did a pretty good job. Starting in place of EJ Henderson was Jasper Brinkley. Brinkley was drafted in the 5th round in past April's draft. Brinkley has 3 tackles in his first start in his carrer. I wa pleased on the way that he played in this game. Sure he is no Henderson YET.
Jamarca Sanford played in place of Tyrell Johnson. Johnson has been a weak link in the Vikes pass defense. Sanford has 5 tackles in the game. He was a considerable upgrade with the way that he played against Cincinnati.

He Is Back

Antonie Winfield said that he was not going to come back until he was 100%. He is the energizer that the Vikes defense missed on his 6 game absence. He has all over the field hitting batting doen ball and causing fumbles. In the game, AW had 9 tackes to lead the defense. He showed yesterday that he is still one of the best tackling DBs in the game.  With AW return the Vikes did not allow a passing play for more than 15 yards all game long. THis is the perfect time to have him back in the secondary making plays. There is a reson why is a fan favorite.

With this victory the Vikes are now in the playoffs. Next week the Vikes will be going to face Carolina in enemy territory on Sunday Night Football. This was a good win against a playoff team, now the Vikes can cruise into the playoffs with a #2 seed, if all goes right maybe #1 seed.
The Vikes are now 11-2, so everyone is happy, well except Packer fans.

SKOL VIKINGS

Vikings Game Preview: Bengals(9-3) @ Vikings(10-2)

With the Vikings coming off of a shocking loss to the Cards last week. Now so many nah-sayers are happy to see Favre have a bad game and are convinced that this will be another Favre decline. The Vikes have the Bengals at home for the noon game. The Bengals come into this game having a 3 game lead in the AFC north. This is one of NFL's Cinderella teams this season. The Bengals come to the Thunderdome will a balanced attack on the ground and in the air. What do the Vikes need to do to eliminate the possibility of the Vikings losing their 2 consecutive game this season(it would be the 1st time this season).

How Will Favre Respond

Coming off Favre's worst game this season as a Minnesota Viking last week against the Arizona Cardinals. This week is not going to be an easy task by any means for Favre and the passing offense. The Bengals have one of the best CB tandems in the league in Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall. With the receiving corps that the Vikings have. it is going to be match-up that is going to highly anticipated this week. The Viking have so many weapons and find different ways to get their receivers the football, depending how the Bengals respond is going to be the key of the game.

Containing Cedric

The Vikings will be need to stop the Bengals 6th ranked rushing offense this season in the NFL. The Vikings stopping Cedric Benson is going to be key for this defense. The Minnesota Vikings are 3rd in the league in rush defense. With Williams Wall along with Edwards and Allen on the edges. If the Vikes will be able to stop the Bengals ground attack, then it will force Carson Palmer to beat the Vikings. The Bengals are 21st in passing offense and the Viking pass defense are 21st in the league as well. It sure is going to be interesting to see if the Vikes can get a pass rush. The Bengals OL has given up ONLY 22 sacks this season on 365 dropbacks and that was about 6% of each dropback ends in a sack. Jared Allen and Company will need to disrupt every aspect of the Bengals game plan on offense to win this one.

Where has Adrian Gone?

With Vikings All-Pro running back struggling immensely the past 3 weeks with an average of a measly 3 yards a carry. Is it that the play calling is to blame? With the Vikes abandoning the run last week was a poor decision by the Chilly last week. The 11th ranked rush offense will need to get the chains move early and often averaging 123 yards per game. This will going against a Bengals rush defense that is ranked 2nd in the league allowing 81 yards per contest. So which side will win the epic battle in the trenches? Whomever wins this battle will decide whether Favre will have a good game or bad game. Peterson will need to get back to his old smash mouth running this week, Run Adrian Run.

With this game will be depend on which ground game will out perform the other. It is going be a good match-up in the Thunderdome on Sunday.After this game the Vikes get da Bears.

The Prediction:
Vikes 24
Bengals 17

SKOL VIKINGS

If you have not seen this yet

Caution---This is not for the weak stomached views.

Vikes Get Dominated in Arizona 30-17

Vikings-Cardinals Boxscore

The game that Vikes played at the University of Phoenix Stadium was an ugly one hands down against a good Cardinals team. The Vikes lost the game 30-17. The last time that in memory that Vikes played a game that terrible was the Week 10 game back in 2007, when the Vikes lost to the Packers 34-0.

Warner Comfort

The Cardinals offensive line did a great job against one of the best defensive lines in football. The Vikes came into the game with an NFL high 40 sacks for the season. The Cards did not give up a sack in the game. With that Kurt Warner was able to pick apart the Viking defense at will with 3 TD throws to his troublesome twosome in Fitzgerld and Boldin. This shows that the Vikes need to get to the QB so they do not get into a rhythm. If the QB gets into any kind of a rhythm, the can pick apart the Vikings average secondary.

The Cardinals have shown how average the Viking DBs are especially without Winfield. With the way receivers ran through the Vikings was not enough. The Vikes could not tackle whatsoever on any stage(DL, LB, and DBs). The defense was successfully nailed by the Cards in this one.

Favre Back

Brett did not look at all comfortable in the "pocket" in this game at all. The ball was going everywhere in this game. I just hope that everyone did not think that he was going to go the season with 3 INTS, considering that his season average is 15 per year.he was not using his check offs in the game and not seeing the defenders in the area. The Cards could have had 3-4 INTS in this contest easy.
With this type of a game man of my co-workers were thinking here is the collapse(all Packer fans) again this year. It was just ONE GAME, I am not going to overact over this game. The Cards were ready to throw the kitchen sink in this one.

EJ Henderson

With the Vikings middle linebacker getting back to his old form was lost again this season with a broken femur this time. With the Vikes losing Henderson is going to hurt them personal wise. Now who will the Vikes be putting there in his place: maybe Jasper for the remainder of the season. Chilly might do some juggling to get the best players on the field all at the same time.

What Were You Thinking Chilly

The Vikings play calling was questionable at best in this game. It seemed that Chilly was being to conservative in this game. The 3 and 4 call in the red zone, why not play action pass, instead of a shovel pass. If AD is getting stuffed at the line get him the ball someway. It was just frustrating know exactly what the Vikes were going to do next. Sure the run was not working, but do not abandon it completely.

Some Thoughts

• I thought that Phat Pat had a good game in this one being the one in the front 4 making plays on a consistent basis. He was exciting to watch as out offense was sputering.
• Percy making his case for rookie of the year. Harvin did not quit in this game. he was making play, but he had a garbage time TD. He was moving the stick s consistenly in this game. I am glad that Vikes looked past his issues in college.

Friday Preview: Vikings(10-1) @ Cardnials(7-4)

The Vikings will be traveling to the NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals this Sunday for the Night game. With the Saints being one game up on them for home field advantage, the Vikes need to keep the pressure on the boys down south. The Saints have the advantage because of the Vikings loss to Pittsburgh, if the Saints lose any of these next games and the Vikes win out. Then the Vikes will have home field advantage. You also have to consider that the road to the Super Bowl whomever gets it will be through a dome. So anyways lets get to business.

Warner or Leinart

The Cardinals QB Kurt  Warner suffered a concussion a  couple of weeks ago. After missing last weeks game, Warner is hoping to be back in the lineup. Both QBs have been getting the same amount of reps with the first team depending on who will be playing  against the Vikes this weekend. Leinart played a solid game with 220 yards passing  last week but not good enough to put away Tennessee. The Cards have one of the better pass offenses, but no running game. Who is the signal caller on Sunday will have their hands full with Allen and Company. If not Allen someone will be breathing down the QBs neck on every passing play. Whoever the Cards decide to go with is going to in for a long game from the Vikes defense that is leading the league in sack with 40 , so let the number keep going high with more sacks.

All Day

With what Peterson did to the Cards last year, I can see them giving him more attention this year. In that game, he rushed for over 165 yards on the ground. With the amount of fire power that the VIkes have, I can see Peterson having another big game. He has shown time and time again that a crack in the line he can take it to the house. Hopefully, we can see Peterson in the end zone a couple time Sunday Night. Glimpse of men in red chasing him all game around the field while his steam rolling over them. This is week everyone is considered with his fumbling trouble, but many of yhe great had problems keeping the rock off the turf.

Go Deep

In this game Favre will breaking the record for non-QB starting the most consecutive game with 283. This is still mostly the same defense that was LIT UP by Tarvaris Jackson last year. It was his first start since his benching after Week 2. If Jackson can do that to a team, just imagine what Favre can do. With the receiving corps that the Vikes have in Rice, Berrian, Shanks, and the X-factor in Percy Harvin. Just on passing down, who will the Cards double team in this one. With Favre still having his long ball in his tool belt, the Cards are giving up on average 258 yards per game. This is perfect for the passing offense to have another big game.

Overall, I think that this is a good game for the Vikes. Arizona is not a poor team this season beating some decent teams.The Vikes have been facing teams that do not have adequate credentials in their portfolio. I just hope that Vikes have another great game this week against a poor Arizona secondary, but with Favre under center this season. The Vikes should be fine with the balanced attack  they have on offense. On defense, the pressure the DL will be bringing with the rhinestone cowboy to make the Cards make ill-advised passes.
The Prediction:
Vikes: 30
Cards:21
SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Who Needs To Blitz?

With the Minnesota Vikings having one of the best front 4 in all of the NFL.Everyone knows that the Vikes have been one of the best in the NFL for the past 3 years now against the run. With the Williams Wall in the middle along with Jared Allen and Ray Edwards on the edges, they sure can turn wreck havoc on opposing offenses. The Vikes defense leads the league with 40 sacks so far this season.

It is still the fact that the Vikes front office went out and purchased the best DE in the league in Jared Allen. This has been a great asset to the team. In the 2007 season, the year before they acquired Allen. The Vikes year total was 28 for the season. It was obvious that the Vikes did not have ends that could get to the signal callers.
With this constant pressure also help out the DBs as well. Back in 2007 the Vikes DBs were getting torched for 264 yards a game with the lack of pressure up in front being the worst in the league. Now in 2009, the Vikes passing defense ranks 19th with 221 yards per game.
These stats are high due the fact the the teams NEED to pass in the second half, because the Vikes are up by 2 TDs plus.

I credit that the Vikes missing piece was at the defensive end to make this Viking defense complete and a force to me reckoned with.

Vikes Slaughter Da Bears 36-10

Bears-Vikes Boxscore

With the Vikings continued their dominate trend this past week against a sub-par team in the Bears. The Vikes did dominate this entire game, but it was not a flawless game wharsoever. The Bears were outmatched in this game. The Vikes were far more superior in every aspect of the game than the Bears.

Brett Favre

Brett Favre had decent protection against this Bears defense. The Vikes just picked apart this Bears team, the Vikes through for 392 yards on 32-48 and 3 TDs.The most important stats is he had no INTs again.  Favre was sacked once in the game. Favre was 10 yards away from having his most career passing yards in a single game. He also had 4 receivers(Harvin,Rice,Taylor, and Berrian) having 6 catches each in this game. The Vikes had 21 first downs in air in this game. Favre had a QB rating over 112 in this game. Favre and the passing offense was impressing in this game. This is something that we as fans could not have said last season.

The Rushers

The Vikes also had a splendid day on the ground as well. Peterson,Taylor and Harvin had over 160 yards on the ground as a unit. Peterson has a good game against the Bears 25 carries with 85 yards 1 TD(5 yds). The problem is that he put the ball on the turf 2 times in this game, but lost one of them. So far in the career he had trouble with holding onto the ball, maybe Barry Sanders can give him some pointers or something.
Chester Taylor had 4 carries with 33 yards on the ground and Percy No Mercy Harvin 2 carries for 45 yards, along with his 1st career 100 yards receiving day.

The Defense

There are so many key players that made a play in this game against the Bears. So I decided to just discuss what D did as a unit. The Vikes allowed :

• Bears offense had the ball for under 20 minutes in the game
• 8 first downs in the game
• 25% 3rd down conversions
  
• 6 three and outs
• 4 QB sack
• Allowed 169 total yards
• 126 total passing yards
  
• 3 INTs
• 43 rushing yards on 11 carries

This is an example of total domination on the defensive side of the ball.

The problem in this game is the Vikes committed penalty after penalty in this contest. This is an aspect the Vikes were good at before the bye week. Currently the Vikes are number 12 in the league in penalty yards. Dropping 10 spots from before the bye. Most of the pentalties this game were ones that could have been avoided as well, like the McKinnie being down field. The Vikes need to start playing more cleanly and crisp down the stretch.

With the Vikings now at 10-1 for the season and 1 more game against the Bears to run the table against all NFC North teams. If the Vikes can click on all cylinders and no stupid penalties, they should be fine for the remainder of the season.

SKOL VIKINGS

Preview Friday: Da Bears(4-6) @ Vikings (9-1)

With the Vikes coming off of a dominate performance last week against the Seahawks. This was the first game all year that Vikes play a full game and did that fizzle whatsoever in this game.This week they have the Bears, this will the first match-up of the team this season. The 9-1 Vikes will be hosting the 4-6 Bears. It just does not matter what the records re the Vikes-Bears game are always a good ole fashion back and blue division game. This is what I am going to be expecting come Sunday afternoon.

Give the Ball to AD

Adrain has had trouble keep his hands glued to ball this season. How is this different from any other season for Peterson. I am sure that the Bears games are highlighted on Peterson schuedule. It seems that Peterson always comes alive when facing da Bears. In his career Peterson has averaged 138.5 yards and 2 touchdowns per game per game. With Bears run defense having trouble find a leader on the field since Brian Urlacher was lost for the season earlier in the year. The Bears have been stripped of their identity. he Bears on ground are on average allowing team 122.3 yards per game on the ground. This ranks them 23 in the NFL among 32 teams. As long as the Vikes can get it started on the ground it should be a good day for the Vikes.

Pace vs. Allen

With Jared Allen getting so much attention from teams now with his play in the first half of the season. He has not had a QB sack since before the bye week. I think he is due for a breakout game. The Bears acquired future Pro Bowler Orlando Pace this past offseason to protect Jay Cutler's back side. He is going to be a dog fight on the edge between these two All-Pros, but I think that Allen will have the edge in this game. Cutler will be calf roped a couple times in this game. As long as the Vikes get pressure on Cutler it is going to be a usual inaccurate for the Bears passing game. The Bears OL has had trouble with teams rushing the QB and thus is a one reason why their QB is topping the league in INTS(the other is his decision making).

Favre and the Bears

Throughout Favre's career he has had success against da Bears with a 22-10 record against them. The Bears pass defense is one of their strengths this season. But the Vikes have a good pass attack with Favre under center and his go to receiver Sidney Rice. If you are looking for a big play these two will be connecting throughout this game. In the red zone Favre goes to Shanks, he leads the team with 7 TDs and most have come i the red area.It is going to be a good challenge for the Vikes against thid Bears pass defense. Favre is seeing that he has the weapons to his disposal and has been using them wisely. There is a reason why he has 21 TDs and only 3 INTs this season.

Overall, the Vikes have the edge in this game against the Bears especially with it being at home. I see the VIkes to contiune their success against teams within their division.

The Prediction:
Vikes 33
Bears 13

Vikings Shutdown Seahawk 35-9

Seahawks-Vikes Boxscore

This was a great game for the Vikings today. As a team the Vikes did not veer off the task today whatsoever. The Vikes looked completed for the first time this season. The Vikes dominated the Seahwks all game in a 35-9 victory at the Thunderdome. The Vikes now stand at 9-1 for the season.

Brett Favre has a great day, he was doing so well Chilly and company yanked him out at the end of the 3rd quarter. While he was in the game, he went 22-25 213 yards and 4 touchdowns(he broke Marino's record for most 4 TD games). He also completed 88% of his passes and 7 different receivers had a reception.Rice, Berrian, Harvin and Shanks all had a TD reception in the game, but no receiver went over the century mark against the Hawks pass defense. What a great game for Favre and the passing attack.


Adrian Peterson has a good day as well gaining 82 yards on 24 carries, but not endzone dancing today. Peterson was also part of the passing game with 4 catches for 16 yards. Peterson also went for the 1000 yard mark for the 3rd straight year, but he lost it in the fourth quarter so he is at 999 yards. It is looking unlikely for AD to have 2000 yards this season. As of right now he would have to average over 166 yards per game for the remainder of the season.

Chester did see the ball more in this game with 73 yards on the ground on 11 rushes and 12 yards receiving. This is something the Vikes need to is to get Chester involved early and throughout the game. He has different tools than Peterson has.

The offensive line did a great job in pass protection limiting the hits that Favre took in the game.They allowed 2 sacks in the game, but it did not stop the pass game at all.

The defense plain out dominated the Seattle offense all game. The run game for Seattle was nonexistent allowing 4 yards of rushing all game on 12 carries.The Vikes front 7 were solid on the ground not giving the Seahawks room to get anything going on the ground.It did not matter who was taking the hand offs from Hasselbeck.

The Seahawks did not get a passing game established until the game was well in the Vikings hands.Overall, I was glad yo see how the secondary played in this one and Asher Allen had the games only INT Congrats.Ray Edwards led the team with 6 tackles and EJ Henderson has 4 tackles and a sack, he was in the backfield for most of the game wrecking havoc on the Seahawks offense.

Overall, this was an enjoyable game to listen to makes tomoorow a great day.Wih this victory the Vikes moved to 9-1 and they will host Da Bears next week. The Vikes will more than be getting Winfield gack next week. It looks like everything is falling into place for the Vikes.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!!!

On the Extension:
As everyone knows by now, Vikes coach Chilly and the Vikes agree to extend his contract to 3 more years on his existing contract.This means he could be the Vikes head coach til 2013.Chilly is the happiest Favre fan right now. If it were not for Favre he would be sitting on a heated seat right now instead of an ice bucket.

Preview Friday: Seahawk(3-6) @ Vikings (8-1)

    The 8-1 Vikings will be playing host to a struggling Seahawaks team. For the Seahawks not to much has changed from the last year of Mike Holmgren to the debut season of Mora Jr. The  Seahawks come rolling into town to try to upset the number #2 team in NFC. With the rusty start the Vikes had last week in the 27-10 win against the Lions. I think that Vikes will be ready to play some ball come Sunday.

Stop The Pass

The Vikings defense, will need to key on QB Matt Hasselback, sure he is not the QB he use to be. He can still find was to pick apart a secondary. To me that is the Vikes weakest link is their pass defense, they currently 23rd in NFL giving up 231.1 yards per game. It looks very likely thins week that Winfield will finally be back in action this week. TheVikes did a decent job replacing him in his absence, but they did miss his leadership in the secondary. TJ Houseyamama is coming back to town. The first time since his brief visit during free agency. It was a blessing that he did not sign with the team. If theVikes were to land him, then the Vikes probably would not have drafted Percy.  If the Vikes can take away the passing game for the Seahawks. Then the Vikes should have no problem with the visitors.

Run Game

The Vikings have a dual threat this season on offense with a good pass and run attack. The Seahawks have a poor pass defense ranking them 22nd in the NFL. The key will be is to run the ball down the throat to Seahawks front 7. AD will be the key as he is EVERY week. Peterson good game last week rushing over 130 yards and 2 TDs, but 2 fumbles (1 a sure TD). Please Chilly no trick play, just pound it with Peterson or Taylor against Seattle. Just us AD the way he meant to be, running over the defense. Run AD Run.

Sid The Kid

No i am not talking Sidney Crosby, but I am talking about Sidney Rice. He has benefited most from Brett Favre being the Vikes QB. With all the attention that he drawing this season, with the types of games that he has been having. I see this trend to continue this week against Seattle. Rice and Favre should light up the Seattle secondary for most of the game. With Rice, Berrian Harvin will be in the mix as well. In the red zone Favre favorite receiver is Shanks. It should be a nice day for pass attack of the Vikes come Sunday.

Overall, the Seahawaks have a chance to upset the Vikes. I do not see it happening. The Vikes just have way to many options to go to and Seattle will have to commit to one of them. The Vikes should cruise in this game with a victory.

Prediction:
Vikes 36
Seahawks13

Rice receives Award

With Rice's stellar performance against the Lions this past Sunday, with 201 receiving yards. Rice earned the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.He is the first Viking receiver to earn the award since Randy Moss did way back in 2001. He was 10 yards shy of the Vikings single game receiving record. He and Favre have clicked an both rely heavily on each other. Currently Rice is in the top 5 in catches and receiving yards.It looks like those off season workout with Cris Carter and Larry Fitzgerald are pay off.

Vikes Tame Lions 27-10

Lions-Vikes Boxscore

Is this why I love the Vikings? Sure they did win 27-10 at the end, but was not a pretty game by any means. Considering they are in a four way tie for worst record in the NFL. TheVikes were not behind anytime in this game, so why the worry. Maybe it was due to the fact it seemed like the Vikes were letting the Lions stay within reach for to long in this game. With this victory the Vikes now have swept 2 of the 3 teams in the division, the Vikes have yet to face da Bears.

AD had a good game punishing the defense, but he had a case of fumble bumbling this this game. One was a gadget play that AD took the hand off and was to pitch it to Harvin. There is a reason why AD is a running back and not a QB. Peterson did carry the ball 18 times for 133 yards and 2 TDs. It would have been 3TDs,  but Lions DB Phillip Buchanon punched the ball out of AD hands near the end zone.Peterson was a monster on the ground an game that he needed to have. The line did a good job handling the Lions front 7 and creating some running room for Peterson.

In the passing game Favre and Rice sure are clicking. Rice has become Favre's favorite receiver. The way that Rice was cutting through the Lions secondary it sure did remind me of the Moss days. In the game, Rice had 7 catches for 201 yards.  Rice is in single coverage most of the time with Berrian, Harvin and Peterson get more attention than he does from the defense. Rice has become the Vikes #1 receiver, he a reliable, great hands, good speed and route running and has an eye for the ball. This Rice and Favre connection is a sweet thing to see.

Favre had good game throwing the ball against the Lions on Sunday. He was 20-29 344 yards and 1 TD(Jeff Dugan) 0 INTS. He hit his 100th game in his carrer to have a 100 or over passing rating in the game.In the game, 7 different Vikings had a reception. This is something that Favre has always been able to do it spread the wealth. Favre had done a great job this season "managing the game",he has done a great job leading the Vikes with the dual threat of passing and running the ball. It keep team on their toes and guessing what the Vikes offense is going to do next.

The defense as a whole did a great job bottling the Lions for most of the game. The pressure that the Vikes put on Stafford was from the first snap until end of the game. The player that stood out in this game is the forgotten man on the line, Ray Edwards. He had  5 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 recovered fumble and it seemed like he was living in the Lions backfield all game long. The Lions were set to stop the Williams Wall and Jared Allen in this game. Edwards was not being blocked by tackles, but TEs and FBs. He was plowing over these "blockers all game long and Stafford was running from number 91 much of the time.

With this pressure the Lions did not have much time to pass with the rookie being pummeled in the game being sacked 3 times in this contest. He threw for 224 yards on 29-51 with 1 TD. The Lions had 93 total rushing yards in this game. Kevin Smith accounted for 55 of those yards. Smith did a good job against theVikes tough rush defense.

This victory was not a pretty on but a win is a win. It does not matter if it is by 17 or 50 points.Hopefully, the Vikes get everything fine tuned before they host the Seahawks next week.

Friday Preview:Lions(1-7) @ Vikings(7-1)

With the Vikes coming off of their bye week. They come into this week at 7-1 and will be hosting the 1-7 Lions. Both teams are playing for something different, the Lions will try to upset the Vikes because that is all they have for the remainder of the season. The Lions will be a LONG shot in this game, but I do not see the Lions being able to much on either side of the ball against the Vikes. The Vikes will dominate every aspect of the game. Even if they do come out a little rusty.The Lions do not have me or many other Viking bloggers worried this weekend. So what are the keys for the Vikes to add another W in the wins column:

Pressure the Rook

With a team that is leading the league in sacks with 31 and 10.5 coming from Jared Allen. As long as Frazier keep up the aggressive play calling and not allow the Lion rookie QB Matt Stafford breathe it will be a great day for the Vikes on the defensive side of the ball. 5-6 sacks as a team would be a good overall day. With no time to pass the ball means the rook will make mistakes as he did last week throwing 5 INTS in the game vs the Seahawks. Keep Stafford out of rhythm will be great, so the DBs (No Winfield again this week)are less likely to get burnt by Calvin Johnson. As long as the defense can keep up the pressure it will be good day 

Keep it Simple

The offense just need to keep doing what they have been doing all season. There is a reason why the team is 7-1 and leading the division thus far into the season. Keep the offense balanced on the attack of the Lions front 7. TheVikes have a more passing attack now than they did back in week 2 of the season when these two team faced off. So far every team is trying to stop AD, but the passing game is getting teams in trouble. So which aspect of the game with Detroit try to stop the pass or the run? We shall see, AD will have a good game this week with all gears full force ahead. Favre is now meshing more with his receivers knowing what their tendencies are.The OL is doing a great job protecting Favre as of late, the times he is getting sack is mostly coverage sack. The group in front are doing well keep the DL off their aging QB. Do not over think what the offense is trying to accomplish with play calling. Call a play that best fits the situation.

Percy No Mercy

Get the ball the Harvin however you can. He is a special player and makes plays whenever he gets his hands on the ball.Right now it looks like he is going to the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. With the Vikes excelling in the special teams this season with help from Harvin. It is a great week to have a game breaker like him returning kicks. Lions are one of the wost teams giving up nearly 30 yards per kickoff. Be ready to see big plays from Harvin and Johnson on Sunday.

Prediction
With everything weighed in for this game. I do not think it is going to be good for the Lion whatsoever. The Vikes should be in control of this game for majority as it looks on paper at least. The Vikes need to stick to their game on Sunday and everything will be great for the beloved purple.

The Prediction:
Vikes 44
Lion 13

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!!

Vikes Game Moved

In the Week 12 contest between the Vikes and  the Bears has been moved up tp the 3:15 spot according to PFT. Fox is hoping that the game will have more meaning for the division. The Bears and the Vikes have yet to met this season. If everything bounces the Vikes favor, it is possible the Vikes may win the division on that night at the Thunderdome.

Not Extended

There were rumors that the Vikes try to extend Brad Childress stay in the Minnesota by the bye week. So that time has past and no contract was signed. The Viking owners may want to wait and see what the second half brings. With the Viking history of second half collapses.The Wilf group maybe waiting to see how the season turns out before contract talks are started and finalized.

What A Sunday

With the Vikings being off with a bye all they could do do is sit back and watch some football. It was a great Sunday, the Vikes gained more ground in the NFC North.

The Packers lost to the Bucs 38-28

The Bears lost to the Cards 41-21

The Lion lost to the 'Hawks 32-20

With all division foes losing this week, this gives the Vikes a 3 game lead on the Bears and 4 game lead on the Packers (with the series sweep).Six games on the 1-7 Lions. With what happened to all division foes, the Vikes should thinking about the playoffs.

Mid Season Report

With the Vikings heading into their bye week this week with a 7-1 record. I think that it would be a good time to grade how each unit of the team has performed so far in the 2009 season.

QBs: The Vikings are better off this season with the acquisition of Brett Favre this past offseason. I feel if it was not for him under center the Vikes would not be on top of the divison right now. Favre has shown that he is a proven leader no matter what jersey he wears. With his performance so far this season has been magical, I cannot even account the last time Favre threw for 3 INTs in 8 games. That must be some kind of a personal best.  Enter this week Favre in a three way tie for the most TDs in the NFL with Brees and Schaub with 16. Who would have thought the Vikes would have a passing offense in the Chilly era. Jackson and Sage have had very limited time on the field this season, but Jackkson has been getting the reps when called upon.
Overall Grade:  A-

Running Backs: With the offense now at a balance, the running game does not need to win the games this season. So AD and Co. will not have to handle the ball as much so far this year. Last season Vikings running back averaged 32.4 attempted per game and this season it is 28.6 attempted per game. This means that Viking running backs will stay fresh throughout the season and will not burn out at seasons end. With less carries Peterson is still running with authority currently tied for 2nd in the NFL for total rushing yards. His average is the same as last season as well.Peterson has 9 rushing TDs this season considering the most in his career is 12 in a season.  The Vikings are finding more ways to punished defenders catching the ball out the back field. He has been getting involved this season more so that the last couple of years. The Vikes other running back Chester Taylor has limited exposure to running the ball this season 45 carries for 123 yards and 1 TD. Sure his average is not that great, but when he does see the ball it is usually 3 and short or a goal line situation. Taylor is used as a receiving back in the Vikings offense. As a whole the Vikes running backs are a great balance with the passing game. In the upcoming games, I feel the running game is going to running over everyone.
Overall Grade:  B+

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends:  Over the couple of years the VIkes have aquired  a good corps of recievers. The Vikes have big play guys and guys that can caught the ball in the middle of the field, a place not many receivers like to do so. With the Favre under the helm these recievers do not have to worry about that many inaccurate throws as they had to deal with with Jackson last season. The receivers that has benefited the most has been Sidney Rice. Rice has has a great year in his third season. Right now it looks like Rice has Moss like talent.He has great hand something that former Gamecock Troy Williamson did not have in him. Bernard Berrian, the Vikes big play guy has been forgotten and slowed down in injuries this season. He is steady and reliable for the slant routes this season. The Vikes number draft pick this season Percy Harvin has exploded on the scene so far in his rookie season. He has been a monster on the special teams return kick-offs averaging over 30 yards per returns, sure does help the offense out.  Harvin has been a good and steady reciever that Favre has taken under his wing. Right now I and many other Viking bloggers can see Harvin hoisting the NFL Rookie of the year at the end of the year. Greg Lewis has had limited exposure on field. Everyone is the sports world saw the video his reception with 2 secondsleft to beat the 49 ers.
This is a West Coast offense that Chilly runs after all. It does not shock me the relationship that Favre and his TE Visanthe Shiancoe have. Shanks is a nice target in the Red Zone for Favre. Shanks in second in NFL with 6 TDs.
Overall Grade: B

Offensive Line: The line has some question going into the season about the two new starters in John Sullivan and Phil Loadholdt(rookie). The left side of the line with McKinnie and Hutchinson have been one of the best NFL side for a couple of years now. The right side has been the issue, I think that it going well. With Phil Loadholdt claiming the starting right tackle spot back in training camp. Has been doing a good this season at the position. He is doing better than Ryan Cook would have. Sullivan had to fill the shoes of Pro Bowler center Matt Birk. Sullivan has picked up well without much of a drop off from last season. It looks that Vikings line is doing a good job protecting the QB and opening holes for the Viking running back. Thus far in the season the line has done its job. For the Vikings offense to continue their success, this group will need to keep winning the battles in the trenches.
Overall Grade:  B+

Defensive Line: The face of the Vikes front four has been Jared Allen this season. Allen has been the on the edge for most of the season, he is currently on top of the list with sacks(10.5). Jared Allen does a great job breaking down the pocket and keeping the pressure on the QB or running backs trying the escape is grasp. The Williams Wall has not missed a beat this season even with all the distractions. Kevin and Pat have been ripping through the offensive line like a hot knife on butter. The running backs have not love in the middle either having tho deal with the Williams Wall either. Kevin is on pace to have double digit sacks for the season and Pat is coming around from the slow start he had in the beginning of the season. Ray Edwards had metal lapses at time, but is a solid DE mirrored by Jared Allen. He is reliable, but no Pro Bowler this season.
Overall Grade : A-

LBs:  This corps is one of the best run stoppers in the NFL. They had issues with covering the TEs or running backs out of the backfield in the beginning of the season. Chad Greenway is the leader of this unit leading the team with tackles a couple of INTs as well. I think that he is the leader of this team and plays like Jared Allen 100 miles per hour every play.He is an exciting play the watch on Sunday especially how he started his NFL career off a couple of years back. Leber and Henderson have has a okay first part of the season. Sure both player play with intensity, but have been lacking in production thus far this season. Henderson has been getting more into his old self slowly over the course of the season.
Overall Grade: C+

Secondary: The Vikes secondary are constantly under attack in every game. Every teams knows that they have to pass to win the game, because of their rush defense. This group can be frustrating to watch at times.The Vikes have a solid group in place to stop the passing attack, but have struggled this season. When Antonie Winfield has been on the field he had done a good job taking away thereceiver on his side. The Vikes have done a decent job while he has been out. Cedric Griffin has great talent, but forget his coverage assignment or cannot tackle. He drives me crazy at time and other times he is shutdown.The weakest link are our safeties in Tyell Johnson and Madieu Williams. These safeties look like a couple of chicken with the head chopped off back in the secondary. Johnson is in his 1st season a starter ad still learning. Williams is vet and has been through this before, he needs to step and start playing some ball and cover the flipping receiver. The defense is going go as far as the pass defense takes them.
Overall Grade:  C

Here is the mid season report for the Vikes. Hopefully that all phases of the team can mesh together more especially on the defense and start shutting more teams down.

Viking Triumph: Vikes 38 Packers 26

Vikes-Packers Boxscore

  The Vikes did something for the first time since 2005 with the 38-26 victory. That is sweep the Packers in the season series. All Vikings fans were just thrilled to see the Beloved Purple up 24-3 at halftime. TheVikes were downright dominating the Packers at their home field take the fans out of the game. i think that you could have heard a pin drop atLambeau Field at halftime. With the 3rd quarter, the Vikes had bonehead mistakes and pass defense was letting Rodgers pass at will. The Vikes secondary missed Winfield in the second half that was apparent.With the Vikes heading into the bye this week, we all hope that Winfield will be back for Week 10.

With this game being highly anticipated by everyone in the football work. After Favre signed with the Vikings back in July, this was the game that everyone looked forward to. This was Fave's first visit since since He and the Packers organization parted ways. The Viking fans sure are getting spoiled with the play that they have been getting from the QB position. This is something that we are not accustomed to.Favre had 4 TDs(21st time in his career) in the game with 244 yards passing on 17 -28 and most importantly ZERO INTs.

This game sure was different for Peterson compared to the game at the Dome. Peterson found running room in this contest. AD got the rock 25 times and ran for 97 yards and 1TD as well as a catch for 44 yards, 141 yards from scrimmage.With AD getting less carries just means that he will be more fresh in the later part of the season. Run AD Run.

Percy No Mercy Harvin. Harvin torched the Packers  on special teams for most of the game. He averaged 35 yards on 5 kickoff returns in the game including a 77 yard return.He returns set up 2 TD drives for theVikes in the game.He also led the team in receiving yards with 84 yards with 1 TD(51yards). It looks like Chilly and company knew what they were doing when they selectedharvin in this past years draft. He sure is a special player and can help the Vikes in so many different ways. It is scary that they Vikes have two game changers on the team.

Bernard Berrian has been having issues with his hamstring for much of the season. He re-injured it against the Steelers last week. He came out and started in the game and play well with3 catches for 47 yards but he caught Favre’s fourth touchdown pass, which sealed the victory for the Vikes.He produced in this game considering that he was not 100 percent for this game. Berrian displayed that he thinks he can contributed he will be on the field.

It is easy to say that the Vikings have the best Defensive Line in the NFL. They shut down the Packers for most of the game. Jared Allen had yet another monster game against the Packers with 3 sacks(7.5 in both games) and 5 total tackles. He has an engine that does not stop and makes play after play. He is in the running for the best Defensive player this season. Ray Edwards had a solid game on the opposite side of Allen in the game. Edwards had 2 sacks in the game and 3 tackles. The Williams Wall did their job stopping the run 90 total yards, but 35 yards on a flukes Rodgers run late in the game.

The pass coverage of the Vikes allowed the Packer back in this game in the second half. The Vikes defense shut down the Packer with less then 50 yards of total offense in 1st half. The secondary remains to be the question mark of theVikes thus far this season. This unit allowed 3 passing TDs in the 2nd half (2 TE Spencer Haver). It was getting frustrating watching this again. If this keeps up this season. The

With the victory the Vikes are now 7-1 for the first time since 2000. The Vikes are now in control of the NFC North with a 2 game lead. I hope everyone enjoys watching the re-aired game on NFL Network this week.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!

Chilly

There was news that Chilly dress as a flight attendant on the fight for the road trip according the Shanks. I guess it is true, boy Chilly sure does make one scary stewardess.Happy Halloween!!!!

Adrian Peterson runs over William Gay

More of this to come this week.

Friday Preview: Vikings(6-1) vs Packers(4-2)

With all the hu ra about Favre going back to Green Bay. This is going to be the 1st time back since the bitter divorce between him and the Packers(Ted Thomson). The homecoming of Favre sure will be watched by many people of football nation. There are so many people wondering if he will get booed as much as expected. The media train has been writing about this all week about the homecoming of the Packers once football god. With this being the second between the two teams this season already, I cannot believe it. in the first game, both teams showed great defense at certain times in game.SOme things that the Viking faithful can count on  in this contest.

AD Denied. Adrain Peterson was shutdown in the last game averaging 2.2 yards per carry, that was once of lowest averages in his NFL career. I do not expect the Packer defense to school Peterson for a second. I cannot see a team let alone the Packers to stop Peterson two times in a single season, especially with all the attention being on Brett for this game. Run for the daylight Adrian .

Coverage. The Vikings DBs did a great job with thier coverage assignments, holding the Steelers to 175 yards for the ENTIRE game last week. This was a great accomplishment even without their Pro Bowl cornerback Antonio Winfield. The Packer are a deep threat offense, if the Vikes can stop to long completions. Make the Packers earn the yards, then it would work more in the Vikings favor in this game.

Getting to Rodgers. This is going to be something that defense will need to do again, so Rodgers does not pick apart the Vikes again this season. The game at Minnesota the Vikes almost gave up 400 yards in the air.  The Packer line will try to stop Jared Allen in this one, especially when he had 4.5 sacks in the last game. If they do stop him, the Vikes have the Williams Wall and Ray Edwards on the other side. With Packers linemen issues, it seems that it may be a long day at office for Rodgers on Sunday. Keep the rush on him and make him make bad decisions.

This is a game that Vikes need, only leading the division by 1.5 games. it would be sweet to go into their bye week 7-1. Favre is going to take it to his old team on thier turf, ley the rockets start to fly.

Prediction:
Vikes 31
Packer 24

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Viking Despair: Vikes 17 Steelers 27

Vikes-Steelers Boxscore

The Vikings were given chances to walk away with the victory in Pittsburgh. Instead they were handed their 1st defeat of the 2009 season, 27-17 loss to the Steelers. Luck had been with the Vikes for some game thus far this season, but today was not their day. The Vikes lost the turnover battle and the poor officiating did not help matters in this battle either. The Steelers defense made too many big plays in this one. This was a very winnable game for the Beloved Purple there was just so much going against them.

I think that the Viking defense as a whole played well though out the game. The drive before half time was one that really stuck out at me. Why would Frazier have a vanillia defense in thier. That drive was the ONLY offensive TD given up by the Vikes. The secondary did a pretty good job stopping the pass allwing 175 yards in the air. It also helped front 7 keep pressure on Big Ben. I am pleased that the secondary was able to stop stay and cover receivers even without Pro Bowler Winfield being out for 4-6 week with a foot injury.

The Viking offense had no luck at all on Sunday. In the previous week, the Vikes were luck to be where they were perfect. Favre had a rough game, the Steelers kept pressure on him for much of the game. The VIkes were behind all game long. This is a reason why they passed so much more than running the ball. Favre had 51 attempts for 334 yards NO TDS and 1 INT and 1 FUMBLE(Both were Steelers defense TDs). Favre had a TD that was nullied to Rice for a phantom tripping penalty by TE Jeff Dugan. This play changed the whole game. wo plays later, Favre fumbled the ball and LaMarr Woodley returned Favre's fumble 77 yards for a touchdown.
The ensuing kickoff, Percy Harvin took the ball to the house for an 88 yard TD return, that is his 2nd of the season. That pulled the Vikes within 3  points and 6 minutes left in the game.The Viking defense did its job and stopped the Steeler offense and the Vikes got the ball back with 321 left in the game. The Vikes were driving down the field with ease, and Chester Taylor tipped a Favre pass to Keyaron Fox, who ran back an interception 82 yards for another score during the closing minutes and Keyaron Fox ran back an interception 82 yards for another score during the closing minutes.That was the game 27-17.It sure was a tough one to swallow.

Sidney Rice had yet another big day having 136 yards recieving on 11 catches.Him and Favre sure have been gelin the past couple of week.
Peterson had a decent day with 69 yards on 18 carries and 60 yards on four receptions with 1 rushing TD in the 1st half.

Friday Preview:Vikings (6-0) @ Steelers(4-2)

After surviving a 44 yards missed FG by Baltimore when time expired last week to earn a victory.This coming after the Viking pass defense collapsed in the 4th quarter and let Baltimore slip back into the game. This week is another week, the Vikes have to travel to Terrible Towel country to take on the Steelers. This is a major assignment for the Vikes this week, because the first part of their schedule was against average team. Now this week it is going to be against Super Champs. Some of the keys of the game for the Vikes this week:



Pass Defense. With the Viking secondary possibly without Antonio Winfield this week is BAD news for the Vikes. The last couple of games the Viking defense plays great, but then the 4th quarter comes rolling. The coverage team just gets torn apart by teams that need to pass. Against the Steelers ranking 2th in the NFL is pass yards a game is going to be a tall order for Minnesota. The Vikes need to address the issues in the secondary and fix them quick or it may be a long day for us . Big Ben will have another big day passing to Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes on Sunday.


Favre Being Tested. Brett Favre and offense have an another tough AFC North defense to contend with this week. The Steelers have another good defense this season, ranking 3rd in the NFL. Favre will be pressured in this game, so it will be the OL to try to limit how often the Steelers knocking him down. The Steelers have a great pass rush in its 3-4 defense that they run. Favre has thrown for 12 TDs and 2 INTS so far this season and averaging over the first 6 games. If Favre and Viking running game can get the party started early and not let up, this game may surprise. With the balanced attack the Steelers will need to try to stop both side of the dual threat the Vikes have on offense.


Pressure 'Em. The Steelers have had trouble with turnover so far this season. The Vikes pass rush will have keep the pressure of Big Ben and the running game to continue this trend.Jared Allen and Company need to sack him to stop the momentum of some of the long Steeler drives, they thrive on ball control Big Ben is also a running threat, so the VIkes need to contain him while they are sacking him.

This is a very difficult one for the prediction, because I do not see the Vikes being 7-0 after this Sunday.


Prediction:

Vikes 23
Steelers 27

I surely hope that I am wrong.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!!!!