Week 3: The Skol Line

Vikings 24-Lions 10

The Vikings were able to finally pull off a win, but I did not know it was going to take this long. I will take a W in win column that is for sure.


The offense continues to struggle in the beginning  part of the season. This game was the first victory of the season. It sure was tough to see at times.If not for AD having the games that he did. Would the Vikes be at 1-2 or 0-3? Adrian Peterson ripped off an 80 yard run on the way to 190 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. Percy had a decent game and had to jump for a ball that Favre overthrew on the get the TD reception.

The defense did a great job keeping the Lion defense in check for most of the game. The two Lion scores came after 2 Favre interceptions. It just makes me wonder how different the game may have been if Detroit's #1 QB would have been in there. The defense is doing everything they can the keep the Vikes in the game. it is all up to the offense to score the points.

After the first two games of sad offense now gives the Vikes and its fans a little promise of the season. With the bye coming up this week. The Vikings needs to eliminate the penalties and play sharper, more focused football.

Lets just hope that this is 1 of many wins this season.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!   

Divisional Game Recap: Vikes Roll Over the 'Boys 34-3

Does ESPN know how to pick these game or what. Only 2 of the ESPN "analysts" picked the Vikes to move on to the NFC Championship(Thanks Jaws and Eric Allen).  The network pretty much punched their ticket to the NFC Championship. It was obvious that the Network forgot something, is that the Vikes have been undefeated all season at the Thunderdome. The was suppose to dominate the Viking defense all game long with their dynamic running attack, suck the LBs in with their play action passed to Miles Austin and Jason Witten. I guess none of that worked out the way it was planned. The Vikes dominated the Cowboys in a 34-3 V-I-C-T-O-R-Y. This was one of the most satisfying wins as a Vikes fan in quite some time. One of the guys(a Pacer fan of course) told me today, that you are glowing like a pregnant chick. I told him I did not care, at least my team has made it futher than your team this season, with the QB that your GM disposed of.

 
Balanced Attack
Was Chilly really calling this game? Maybe, just maybe there is hope for him as the Vikings head coach. The Vikes called 33 rushes and 24 pass plays, now that is not to bad. Considering lately, the Vikes have been more of a pass oriented team with the stats being more passing than running. Brett Favre had a monster game and had some 1st in this game. This is the 1st time that Favre has ever passed for 4 TDs in a playoff game and the 1st playoff win over the Cowboys(it looks like the monkey is still around). The Vikes linemen did a good just from keeping Ware and James from getting to Favre. Favre was sacked 3 times, but the hogs gave him the time that any QB needs to pick apart a defense.The line played well throughout this game and had VERY few breakdown.Favre had 234 yards in the air. Now that was a pretty good performance by a 40 year old QB.

With line protecting Favre, we able to find Sid The Kid early and often. Rice had benefited the most from the Favre addiction this season. Favre connected with Rice on a 47 yard TD play. From there Viking offense did not look back, they kept the pedal to the metal. Rice finished the day with 6 catches for 147 yards and 3TDs.From the start of the season Favre and Sidney have been in sync(not a terrible excuse for a boys band). Shanks had the other TD for 11 yards grab, this was his lone catch of the game. There were 7 different receivers that were found by Favre in this game.

The Dallas Cowboys are good rush defense team. The Vikes rushed for ovr 100 yards against a team that on average gave up about 90 yards per game.  The Vikes average 3.3 yards per carry. The running game was not stop, but was not by any means a BIG part of the game. Adrain Peterson had a good game, but not Adrainesque type of a game. He had 63 yards on 26 carries, he did enough to keep Dallas on edge. The mix and success on the ground was enough to keep the defense guess what the Vikes would do next.

Where is Tony?

The Cowboys in the first two drives going down the field with ease against this Vikings defense. After a Ray Edwards forced a fumble from Tony Romo and Kevin recovered in the 1st drive and Dallas missed a field goal. This defense was all over Tony Romo and Company.With Allen and the Williams Wall getting most of the attention. This freed up, Ray Edwards pick a good game to have one of the best games of his career. He was making play after play, it was like something out of the Purple People Eaters days. Edwards finished the day with five tackles (all for loss), 6 QB hits,three sacks and a forced fumble.

The Vikes as a team sacked Romo six times. With Romo being hit time and time again and out of his element of trying to come from behind, he was getting hit on most pass plays.Romo fumbled three times (losing two) and threw an interception. Now that was a sweet sight to see the Cowboys getting totally dominated for most of this "contest". Sure it may have been 17-3 at the start of the 4th quarter, the defense was flying to the ball and tacking well in this game. It was sweet to see a Vikes team tackling well in this game, It was obvious they are motivated to keep up this type of a rampage. The defense did not let up in this game whatsoever.

The issue coming in this game was the coverage issues. The Vikes seonday came to play against a team that has been having good luck. The DBs did not allow much YAC yards in this game. When the receivers caught the ball they had a hoard of Vikes stomping them to the ground. I was pleased to see how the Vikes defense performed against this Cowboys team.

The Vikes had all the Thunderdome behind them and the Cowboys could not hear much of anything. The sweet taste of Victory. The Vikes stayed aggressive from start to finish, some people think that last TD was running up the score. You get paid to win and not to care if hurt the other teams' feelings. Keith Brookings was crying about the last TD pass by Favre saying the it was classless. Do not know what is classless rubbing Bernard Berrian's nose into the turf after making a catch. Where is Mr. Intensity Now?? Sitting at home crying about how their defense was schooled by a 40 year old QB.

Now the Vikes will be getting ready to visit the Saints and be listening to Darren Sharper talking smack all week long on how he has Favre number and such. There will be more to come this week.

SKOL VIKINGS.

Vikes Dominate Giants 44-7

With the Vikes denying the Giants of spoiling the Vikes chances at being the #2 seed in the NFC. The Vikes took it the Giants all game long in a 44-7 thumping of the Giants. The Giants did however have some key starters on IR or the bench. The Giants team was flat in all phases of the game. The Giants just lost their mojo in the last quarter of the season. It was all down hill for the Giants in this game. The Vikes took advantage from the first drive and did not look back.

In this game the pass set-up the run for much of the game. It looks like that the Vikes continued the type of play calling they starting in the second half of last weeks MNF game vs. da Bears. It was extremely effective throughout the game. At halftime, the Vikes had a 31-0 led and Favre  had 3 TDs(1-Shanks, 2-Rice) and 271 yards passing. Favre was pulled with about 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. To end the game Favre had 316 yards passing, 4 TD, 0 INTS, 0 SACKS- and a passing ratting of 148.7(perfect passing rating-158.3). With the way that Favre has played in the past couple of weeks, I do not see much fading in his game late in the season. As long as the line can protect him, theVikes offense will be just fine.

The Vikes receivers could not be stopped in this contest. Sid the Kid is very comparable to Moss, he has great hand, speed and the leaping ability the displays each week. Rice has come into his own and has shown the NFL he is a BIG play receiver week after week. In the game,Rice caught six passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns.
Percy Harvin is the little engine that could. He does not go down very easy, he has displayed that all year long. This season, Harvin has amassed over 2,000 all purpose yards this season in his rookie season.Harvin had 7 catches for 59 yards and a rush for 22 yards. I still think that that Vikes offense, just is not that same without him in the lineup.

The Viking as a unit were relentless all game long. The Giants OL had no answers for the Vikes defensive scheme in this one. Eli Manning was being pressured by the Vikes all game and was sacked 3 times(Allen,Robison,and Edwards). The Vikes had 2 forced fumbles, 1 of which was recovered. The DL tipped a Manning pass and Chad Greenway intercepted Manning. Overall, this group was clicking and allowing nothing from a depleted Giants team. This is the way the Vikes need to tackle and play against every team for the playoffs.

With this victory the Vikes have won 12 game this season, the most since the '98 season of 15. It was not an easy regular season. It is good that this team had ups and downs this year. With the Cowboys giving the Vikes a gift later in the day beating the Eagles 24-0, so that means that the Vikes earn a 1st round bye. I for one just hope that Vikes can continue this type of play throughout the playoffs from the Vikings team.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!! 

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.

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??

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

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!!!!

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

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

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.

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!!!!!

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.

Viking(Barely) Triumph: Vikies 33 Ravens 31

Ravens-Vikes Boxscore

The victory that Vikes won on Sunday was that a W that many Viking fans are happy about, especially that the team will be traveling Pittsburgh next week. A win a win and I will take it.  The Vikes were completely dominating the game until the 4^th quarter and then the Ravens pass game just killed the Vikes, passing over 200 yards in that quarter and 3 TDs. The Ravens had a chance to win the game in the closing seconds of the game and Ravens kicker missed a 44 yard field. The Vikes sure did have luck on their side in the Thunderdome.

Adrian had a great game against a great run defense. Many of the Beloved Purple were getting worried about AD the past couple of weeks with his “lack of production.” He was ready for the challenge to run over the Ravens defense. He did just that. He carried the ball 22 times and ran for 143 yards, but TDs. As we sit right now Peterson is averaging more yards per game than he was last season at this time. SURPRISED!!! I thought so. With this game, now AD is now back where he belongs leading the NFL with rushing yards.

Favre is having a great start to the season leading the Vikes 6-0, but it was almost not enough. Favre was solid for much of the game; he threw for 278 yards 3 TDs and ZERO interceptions. His offensive line did a decent job on keeping the pressure away from him for much of the game. He was sacked 3 times for 18 yards. Right now it is looking like Chilly move in acquiring Favre was a good move on his part. I just hope that the passing game and rushing game can be like for every game, like a 2 headed monster and defenses are sitting there guess which should they stop.

The defense was downright scary stopping the Ravens with ease in the 3 quarters. Sure the Vikes had 3 sacks in the game, but they gave up way too many big play that almost lost it for them. The Vikings were not able to stop the Ravens in the 4^th quarter; there was no answer for the Ravens passing game. Joe Flacco had well over 200 yards passing, and he tore apart the secondary. It has hard to see that this was the same team that was dominating the Raven for the entire 1^st half. If the Vikes can get a complete game plan and not let the opposing QBs tear them apart in the second half. Then this defense would be a hard team to score on.

Sidney Rice had his 1^st big game as a Viking is getting in sync with Favre. He had 176 yards in this contest. He has shown the Vikng that he is a reliable reciever and has Fitzgerald like leaping ability. I hope that he can continue this type of play this season. 

It was an exciting game, but i would rather have a game that they Vikes have well in control. SKOL VIKINGS

Viking Triumph: Vikes 38 Rams 10

 Vikes-Rams Boxscore

The Vikes and the Rams face off on Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome. The game was not as bad as the 38-10 score indicates in the Vikings victory. The Vikes forced 4 turnovers(3 fumbles), 3 inside the Vikes 10 yard line. The turnovers were what plagued the Rams offense in this game and is a reason why the Rams have yet to scratch out a victory this season. The Vikes did play well all 4 quarter from the 1^st drive to the last. It was in dominating fashion. If not for all the Ram turnovers, the game may have been a horse of a different color. The Rams offense was their own worst enemy.

Who says that Favre is too old to play the game? Brett Favre had another solid performance with his receiving corps, in which is getting more acquainted with as the season goes on. Favre complete a pass to 8 different receivers on this day..including himself. Harvin and Shanks caught 4 passes each and Berrian/Rice and Taylor had 3 nabs a piece.As well as Peterson and Tahi also were added to the mix.

This offense seems to be switching from a run-pass offense to a pass-run the past couple of games. Considering that our star running back had 15 carries the entire game. Usually he gets the rock almost that many times in a half. Sure Peterson had 2 TDs in the game, but had nearly 70 yards in the game on the ground. With is was up with 4.6 yards per carry, which is up from his 2.2 last week. With Peterson production down thus far this season. He still is giving the Vikes a decent running attack. Wigh the weapons that the Vikes have, I think that they could take down anyone right now as long as everyone is on the same page.

Jared Allen has been turning some head as of late at the defensive end position. He had 2 fumble recovers, one of which he went in for a 52 yard score on the Rams first drive of the game. He shows why team need to keep their eyes on him even if he does not get to the QB.

Some things the Viking defense still needs to work is the screen and short passes, teams are having no problems with these plays. The opponets will be getting tougher down the road and will expose the VIkes if this problem is not fixed soon.

Sure is sweet to be a Viking fan, sitting at 5-0.

SKOL VIKINGS

Viking Triumph: Vikes 30 Packers 23

Vikings-Packers Boxscore

The game sure was not a running attack that many expected from the Viking on this day. AP came out of the games running with ease. After the first quarter, Peterson was unable to run the ball. Whenever he got a handoff it seemed like that there were 2-3 Packers in the backfield to greet him. So Peterson sure did have a LONG day running the ball. He had 25 carries for 55 yards 1 TD, his yards per carry was a whooping 2.2 OUCH.As well as fumbling the ball one and Clay Matthew went the distance for a Packers score with the ball.I just do not know what happened to Peterson against a poor Packer run defense. He just did not have his AP awesomeness against the Pack on Monday Night that is for certain. Before this game, AP was average over 6 yards a carry in his career against the Pack. With the hole that the Vikes were giving Peterson, he should have had over 120 yards easily. Hopefully Week 9, Peterson will redeem himself.

With this game was being billed by media as Favre’s first game of revenge of the divorce, the Packers and him went through 17 months ago. With the Packer defense shutting down Peterson for most the game. Favre had ALL Day to pass for pretty much all game long. Favre went 24-31 271 yards and 3 TDs passing in the 30-23 Vikings victory. In the game 8 different receivers were on the other end of a Favre laser. Favre sure was zipping those balls in there. With the Vikes winning the game on passing side of the ball is something many fans have not seen since the Culpepper days. Those days sure do seem to be eons ago. After a game like this it sure make a Viking fan thrilled to know for now we do have a balanced attack. Even without our two playmakers in Peterson and Harvin being a nonfactor for the game.

On defense, Aaron Rogers sure did move the ball efficiently against the Vikings throwing for 384 yards and 2 TD passes. The secondary gave up some big plays that are enough to drive a fan CRAZY. It was the linebacking corps that needs work on covering the tight ends now that is two games in a row that the LBs have been scorched. Right now, I think that this is the defenses’ lone weakness. What the Viking pass rush did to Rodgers was great in its own right was a great sight to see. The Packers QB was under pressure for most of the game. Rodgers was sack 8 times, a safety (after a McCarthy challenge); two needed turnover in the Vikes territory and a goal line stand. As a unit the defense was very good. The defense player of the game is Jared Allen he was a monster out there on the field. He recorded 6 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble. I am sure glad to have him on my fantasy team.