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The only tangible thing Brett Favre gave the Vikings last season with his lackluster performance was a chance to move up on the board for the 2011 NFL Draft. Even though no one is sure if we’ll even have “football” next year due to the NFLPA beefing with everyone who isn’t the NFLPA, the Draft is still on schedule and teams are still going to approach life the same way, only with a bigger sense of urgency to fill in needed gaps.
For the Vikings in particular, the biggest need is a stable star at the QB position. Tarvaris Jackson and Joe Webb simply are not reliable enough to put stock in. With the team Minnesota has in place, they’re only QB play away from the big show, so addressing their needs at the helm should be the first step the team takes.
Some speculate Minnesota may go for a defensive end, and they might if a star player like Cameron Jordan is still around for the 12th pick. But if anyone’s predictions are correct, from best online casinos and sports books to Mel Kiper’s big board, the DE’s are going to be G-O-N-E, and a player like Jake Locker may fall into the Vikings’ lap.
Of course, with the Bengals and Bills ahead of the Vikings, you cannot guarantee that Locker is going to be around, meaning they may have to settle for Blaine Gabbert, which would probably spur a DE pick first and foremost. But if Minnesota really wants to make an impact over the long haul, as their overall roster is relatively young, drafting a QB is definitely in their best interest.
A great DE can turn things around, but a great QB can instantly take a struggling team to the next level. See Sanchez in New York for the proof.
Out of Washington, Jake Locker has been one of the most consistent collegiate quarterbacks in recent memory when he’s been healthy. His past two seasons were stellar, finishing with QB ratings of 124.20 and 129.75.
His big arm, mobility and field vision perfectly suit Minnesota’s offense. It allows them to be a run-first offense still potent enough to rely on the throw on passing downs. Essentially, a great QB effectively takes the Vikings back to 2009 – something every Minnesota fan would love.
If you had to bet on it, the odds of Locker being around are actually good. Out of the 11 teams in front, only two legitimately need a quarterback, and both the Bengals and Bills are rumored to be leaning toward Newton. This means only one team out there can threaten to grab Locker or Gabbert, and that means the odds of one of these QBs falling to Minnesota are great.
We’ll call it 5:3 that the Vikings get the chance to grab Locker and 4:2—even money—that they pick him. You won’t find odds this good playing online roulette, but it’s definitely still just a prediction.
For Blaine, we say the odds are even he falls to Minnesota but only 6:1 that they’d take him over a DE.
We’ll wait like everyone else to see how it plays out. And like every other NFL fan out there, we’ll be rooting for a spectacular season and not some lockout nonsense.
Just in case you thought Brett Favre has accomplished everything there possibly is to accomplish, think again. In Sunday’s come from behind 27-24 overtime win against the Cardinals, Favre threw for 446 yards, which is the most he’s thrown in a single game throughout his storied career. He also threw two touchdown passes and two interceptions. And he threw the ball 47 times. But why? I don’t know. Once again the mind of Brad Childress astounds me.
With the Cardinals up 24-10 going into the fourth quarter, I thought the game was over. But wouldn’t you know it, Favre had a little more magic left in that golden arm of his to win it in overtime.
Some observations gathered from the game:
Adrian Peterson carried the ball 15 times for 81 yards and a pair of touchdowns, one on the ground and through the air. He should be getting 20-26 carries a game, but Favre was rolling (despite throwing two picks).
How about Greg Camarillo making that diving strip on Kerry Rhodes just yards away from the end zone to save a touchdown and Favre in the process? That was an outstanding play that ultimately saved the Vikings.
A special shout out to Ryan Longwell: that was an absolute abysmal display of your athleticism on that diving/falling attempt to tackle LaRod Stephens-Howling on his 96 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Really, you are awesome. Keep it up.
Percy Harvin has been outstanding for the Vikings this season, but that fumble returned for a touchdown to start the second half that put the Vikes down 21-10 was killer. He had a great game though, catching nine balls for 126 yards.
Favre continues to throw dumb passes. He does it with the best of them. His first interception was horribly under-thrown and an easy pick for Rhodes. His second one in the end zone was even worse as he tried to make a play while getting clobbered…again. He is one of the worst/best quarterbacks to ever play this game. That is the conclusion I have come to and I’m sticking to it. Does it make sense? Not really.
When it comes to red zone offense, particularly inside the ten yard line, there should be no other alternative then for Favre to hand the ball off to AP. He’ll find a way into that end zone. They should have done that on the drive where Favre threw his second interception. Childress finally came to his senses and gave it to him with inside of four minutes to go in the game down 24-10. And what do ya know, he got in.
Visanthe Shiancoe will be a go-to receiver once again with Randy Moss off the team. He caught the tying touchdown in stride, finishing with four catches and 66 yards.
The overtime drive was big time. First AP’s big run, then… wait for it… a Bernard Berrian sighting! Wow! Where have you been all of my life? Berrian had nine catches for 89 yards. Wait, let me double check that… yup, 89 yards! It’s amazing! Those two plays set up the game winning field goal from Longwell, redeeming his sorry excuse for a tackle earlier.
Sorry, I’m still dumbfounded at the sudden spike in Berrian’s production! Through seven games he a whopping 87 total yards receiving. Unbelievable.
Favre’s chinstrap contraption was absolutely epic. That thing was so bulky and uncomfortable. You could tell it was irritating Favre.
In addition to getting treated to Berrian’s good day, Jared Allen had 2.5 sacks after getting just one in the previous seven games! He’s finally coming alive! Or it could just be because they are playing the Cardinals.
The Vikings took a step in the right direction Sunday. The win wasn’t pretty, but they got a win. At 3-5, they aren’t out of it. They just have to work harder to make up some ground. Next Sunday’s game against the Bears should be an accurate gauge for both teams.
By Josh Delp of the Sports Fan Blog Network
“This decision was made based on what we thought was in the best interests of the Minnesota Vikings, both in the short and long term. We wish Randy the best as he moves forward in his career.”
Hmmm…. Now where have I heard that one before?
Those all too familiar words were uttered out of the mouth of Vikings Coach Brad Childress upon releasing Randy Moss from the team after playing in only four games. Moss’ second stint with the Vikings fell short simply for being his usual outspoken self. Apparently Childress didn’t get the Randy Moss 101 memo and decided to can him.
The Vikings traded a third-round draft pick to reacquire Moss from the Patriots, which begs the question: why did they trade for him if they knew what they were getting into? A draft pick was wasted in what was the ultimate desperation move for this team. They are rapidly circling the drain, and this decision provides more evidence of that fact.
Now the Vikings fan base is calling for Childress’ head, and rightfully so. In a poll taken by a local Minnesota newspaper, over eighty percent of the ticket buying public wants Childress fired immediately. This move is the last straw for Childress. His coaching skills were questioned in the past (most recently in the Packers and Patriots games), and now that he has ousted Moss so quickly, he is done for. A loss to the Cardinals this weekend spells doom for Childress’ career in the NFL.
Before all hell breaks loose on Childress (although it may have already happened), let’s examine the motives for releasing him to see if they were credible.
Moss is forthright with his words. That is one of the things I love about him. He doesn’t sugarcoat things. He is also incredible self-centered. In his press conference after the loss to the Patriots, Moss gave a lengthy speech about missing playing with Tom Brady and the rest of the Patriots.
Moss was fined $25,000 by the league for neglecting to talk to the media. In the same press conference, Moss expressed his frustration by saying he wasn’t going to answer any more questions from the media for the rest of the year. I certainly don’t blame him. It is unquestionably dumb to fine a guy for not talking to the media.
He also threw Childress under the bus by saying the Vikings didn’t heed his advice on certain plays the Patriots would run against them. This isn’t the first time he disagreed with Childress.
Remember the end of the first half against the Packers in which the Vikings had two timeouts and thirty seconds to get down field for a score but Childress decided to let the clock run down? Favre had just completed a bomb to Moss on the previous play, though it was called back for pass interference. Childress has supplied the ammo for criticism. As a result, Moss and Favre have cocked and loaded it and pulled the trigger.
Then there is the food tirade heard round the practice facility. Apparently Moss disrespected a post-practice team meal that was catered by a local St. Paul restaurant. As his teammates lined up to chow down, Moss went off on the quality of the food and refused to eat it.
The unnamed player who witnessed Moss’ outburst characterized it as an uncomfortable moment. He also felt that Moss deserved to be cut because of it. Really? For complaining about food? Okay.
The bottom line remains: the Vikings, especially Owner Zigy Wilf, knew what they had with Randy Moss and they traded for him anyway. I am interested to hear Wilf’s side of this. Did he want Moss gone or was this all Childress’ doing?
Moss’ absence on the field will have a huge impact on Percy Harvin. He flourished in the natural slot position with Moss on the field. Now that there is no more deep threat on the field, Harvin’s effectiveness shrinks. Add to the fact that Harvin might not play next week as he nurses his injured ankle, and the Vikings receiving core consists of Bernard Berrian, Greg Camarillo, and Greg Lewis. Great…
As harsh as it may sound, Childress needs to be fired immediately. He has lost all confidence and credibility in his locker room. Favre’s differences have been well chronicled, but Moss’ qualms solidifies Childress’ status with this team. It’s time to promote Leslie Frazier and try to salvage what little life is left in this disappointing season. Wait a second, there isn’t any life left anymore. What a waste.
By Josh Delp of the Sports Fan Blog Network
Tis a sad day to be a Vikings fan. With a 2-3 record and a matchup against a hurting Packers squad, the Vikings had a shot to get to .500 for the first time this season. Then Brett Favre happened. I said it last week and I’ll say it again, as it rings ever true: live by the Favre, die by the Favre. The Packers won this game 28-24 on the whim of Favre’s gimpy left ankle and the ensuing desperation that spawned from it.
After consecutive three-and-outs for the Vikings offense, Favre and the boys finally got it going, as Favre finally completed some passes. The drive culminated in a Percy Harvin touchdown run. The two offenses performed evenly in the first half, as the Vikings led at halftime 17-14.
The second half is where everything fell apart for Favre. He could not overcome three drive killing interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. After two touchdowns in one minute, the Vikings had lost their halftime lead and found themselves down 28-17.
The Vikings had one more comeback bid down 28-24, but Favre’s follies proved to be too much in the end, including the final two throws of the game that were intended for Harvin and Randy Moss but were overthrown. Another close one and another letdown.
Some observations from the game:
Adrian Peterson ran like an animal possessed, as usual, gaining 131 yards on 28 carries to go along with a touchdown. He also caught a little dump-off pass for 26 yards on the final drive. He totaled 41 yards receiving. The Packers had no answer for AP and the Vikings could a great job of capitalizing.
Brad Childress never had a place in my heart, but after this game, I think he does; and for all of the wrong reasons. First of all, why, in all that is good in the game of football, did he not challenge Andrew Quarless’ touchdown catch in the back of the end zone in the second quarter? He was clearly out of bounds! That was on third down! They could have been held to a field goal had he challenged the catch! Unbelievable. The score gave the Packers a 14-7 lead, which ended up being crucial.
Secondly, what are you doing running the clock out on the first half with a chance to increase the lead? You have two timeouts to use; AP just ran the ball 14 yards to the Vikings 38 yard line with about 20 seconds left; Moss just caught a bomb downfield, albeit it was called back (still not sure if that little nudge Moss gave warranted offensive pass interference)… So what is the point of running out the clock?!?! 20 more yards and Ryan Longwell could have attempted a field goal. Watching the game, I had my hands spread to the side, wondering what Childress was thinking. Then I see the camera shift to Moss, who is doing the same thing I was. Those were two golden opportunities to improve the Vikings’ chances, but they were wasted.
The secondary was shaky all game long. They gave up 107 yards on just four catches to a third or fourth option in James Jones. Greg Jennings caught his fair share of balls, one for a touchdown. On the other hand, the pick in the end zone at the end of the first half by Madieu Williams that started with a tip by backup corner Frank Walker was huge. Too bad they chose not to get anything going afterwards…
The Vikings defense went sackless. Aaron Rodgers was untouched the whole game. The Packer offensive line did a spectacular job on Jared Allen and Co. After a while, the Vikings lineman just dropped back to play the pass after failing to get to Rodgers. That proved to be successful. Allen got an intreception and two pass deflections utilizing this strategy.
Harvin was huge again. With the right quarterback, he can be explosive. He had 41 rushing yards and a touchdown as well as 65 yards receiving on five catches. He also gained 81 yards on kickoff returns, giving the Vikings good field position on a couple occasions. Moss’ presence continues to have a positive impact on Harvin. The Packers safeties played 15-16 yards back from the line of scrimmage on a number of plays to prevent the deep ball, which opened up the middle of the field. Harvin is making the case for MVP of this team. That is, after Adrian Peterson of course.
Bernard Berrian caught a pass for 30 yards!!! Bernard Berrian caught a pass for 30 yards!!! Bernard Berrian caught a pass for 30 yards!!!
All three of Favre’s picks were costly. The first one where he re-injured his left ankle is understandable because he was getting hit from behind. The hit changed the trajectory of the ball right into the hands of A.J. Hawk. The second one was just awful. As he was about to get hit, he panicked and through it right into the waiting arms of Desmond Bishop. Take the sack and move on to the next play. This was the worst one of them all, as it was returned for a touchdown. The third one came in the fourth quarter after the Vikings stopped Brandon Jackson on fourth inches. Nick Collins simply leaped in front of Harvin to make the airborne pick.
Visanthe Shiancoe’s diving catch in the end zone was ruled a touchdown, then was overturned because he apparently used the ground to catch the ball. The Vikings settled for a field goal. But check this out. This is absolutely awesome. Childress called the vice president of officiating Carl Johnson specifically about the call (among others). He acknowledged the call was a mistake, stating that he was disappointed that the call was reversed. Excellent.
Allow me to rant here for a little bit. I seem to recall this happening before, such as Calvin Johnson’s overturned touchdown catch in their last second defeat in Week 1. How about the Dolphins-Steelers situation this week? What about the other calls on the field of the Vikings and Packers game? What is going on with officiating? It’s a good thing replays have been implemented into today’s game. Half of the calls being made on the field are horrible ones. Something has to be done! The Vikings, based on Quarless’ “touchdown” and Shiancoe’s called back touchdown, should have won this game. And imagine if Harvin’s touchdown catch at the end of the game actually stood, despite clearly having one foot out of bounds? Replays have saved officials in the NFL. Officials in the NFL either need to be fired or get a new pair of glasses. They truly are the worst in the four major sports.
The Vikings had the ball for the final six minutes. Penalties and errant throws doomed their comeback bid. Phil Loadholt’s 15-yard facemask penalty on Shiancoe’s reception in Green Bay territory was killer. Favre put the icing on the cake with the two overthrows, although he did his best to stay on his own two feet. He played pretty much the entire second half on one leg.
I clapped and carried on the loudest I have when watching a football game since the NFC Championship Game after Harvin made that miraculous catch after Favre fell down. If only replay didn’t exist! The Vikings would have won this game!
Regarding all of this backlash from Childress supposedly trowing his quarterback under the bus: that’s bull crap. Childress had every right to do that. He, coupled with the officials, lost the game for them (oh, and don’t leave out coach). You can’t always be Mr. Sunshine when your hall of fame quarterback costs you a winnable game. Childress expressed his frustration, unmasked and unfiltered.
Tarvaris Jackson should start next week against the Patriots. I don’t care what Favre says, he is not playing next week. Childress needs to take a stand and announce the starter immediately. I can’t take this anymore. Favre is ruining my drinking habits (but not really)!
By Josh Delp of the Sports Fan Blog Network
The Vikings have won their second game of the season, and it took five games to get it. The Vikings outlasted the Cowboys on Sunday 24-21. As ugly a win as it was, I was satisfied with their performance to an extent. They only turned the ball over once on the botched hand off exchange between Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson. I thought the fumble was attributed to Peterson, but they gave it to Favre, so technically Peterson is still fumble free this year.
Another plus is the fact that Favre did not throw an interception. That’s his first game this year without at least one pick. However, he only threw for 118 yards and one touchdown. He completed 14 passes in 19 attempts, which I was happy to see. Favre throwing 30 to 40 passes is something I don’t want to see too often if they can help it.
The offense still needs some work, that much is true. The Vikings gained a measly 188 yards of total offense to the Cowboys’ 314. Credit the Cowboy defense for keeping Peterson in check throughout the game. He had 24 carries for 73 yards and one touchdown, averaging just three yards per carry.
Favre and Randy Moss hooked up on a number of occasions, but none on long balls. Moss finished with five catches for 55 yards. The Cowboys would often drop back their safeties deep to ensure protection in case of a deep route. Favre had to say this about he and Moss: “We got Randy Moss. Everyone thinks I’m going to throw for 400 yards.” That’s what the perception seems to be. Moss has to get into the flow of the new offense before he can really be effective. (On a side note, Bernard Berrian had one catch for four yards. I had to throw that in there. He’s such a disappointment this year.)
Once again Percy Harvin saves the day for the Vikings. He did it against the Jets last week and he has done it once more against the Cowboys. Trailing 14-7 after halftime, Harvin ran back a kick return 95 yards into the end zone, breaking two tackles in the process. His receiving stat line was a meager 3 catches for 21 yards, but the impact play of the game was the kick return. This guy has a chance to be special. He is already showing flashes of it.
I have to say, Jared Allen is my favorite defensive player on the Vikings defense, but E.J. Henderson is not far behind. I love the physicality and leadership this guy brings to the table. He had two interceptions yesterday, leading to 10 points for the offense. They came in a timely manner, both in Dallas territory that stalled drives with the game still up for grabs. His production was another key in preserving the win.
It was another sub-par day for the Vikings secondary. Lito Sheppard was supposed to be a guy could step up in a starting role and defend the number two or three receiver. Instead, he got burned three times last night, all resulting in scores. Roy Williams scored twice on him, and Dez Bryant scored after Sheppard’s dive attempt to break up the pass failed. Something needs to happen soon if this team wants to go far. Maybe a trade or more practice. Something. Antoine Winfield can only atone for so much.
All in all, they got the win that both teams so desperately needed. The bright side: they are 2-3 as opposed to 1-4 in a conference where all 16 teams have at least two losses. The not-so-bright side: they have a tough schedule the rest of the way and the offense, particularly the passing game, is still sputtering. We’ll see if Favre can keep his success streak against a depleted Packers team going at Lambeau next week. Absolutely anything goes in this year’s NFC.
By Josh Delp of the Sports Fan Blog Network
Live by the Favre, die by the Favre. That has been the motto for the Vikings ever since he joined the team over a year ago. Brad Childress has catered to his wants and desires and it has generally been successful. Childress has basically acted like Favre’s puppet. Anything Favre wants, give it to him. They took such a dogmatic approach in bringing him in. They figured, hey, he’s done this before in Green Bay and he can do it here in Minnesota (despite the shaky wheels and sporadic gunslinger mentality). The hopes of this franchise winning a Super Bowl have been rested solely on the shoulders of Brett Favre. But don’t be surprised if he lets you down.
Last year, the Vikings hopes of a Super Bowl berth ended as quickly as they had started. You all know how the game went. Everything was looking up in a 28-all tie with the eventual champion Saints. The Vikings could win the game despite a number of fumbles from Peterson and Co. Then, wouldn’t you know it, another turnover from the guy who was supposed to be the salvager at the worst possible time. And just like that, game over.
This year in their Week 5 matchup with the New York Jets, down 22-20 with under two minutes left, Favre and the offense had the ball and a chance to drive down-field in order to set up a game-winning field goal. And what happens? Three of the worst throws I have ever seen out of Favre on a potential game-winning drive. First and ten, Favre throws a quick one to Randy Moss, but it sailed way over his head with no chance of a completion. Did it slip out of his hands? Did he expect Moss to turn on the jets and leap out of his shoes to get it? I have no idea. Second and ten, Favre spots a wide open Percy Harvin who eluded Darrelle Revis in the middle of the field. Favre overthrows him. There was nobody behind him. He could have bolted up the field for a 40-yard gain or even a touchdown, but Favre threw it over his outstretched hands. After an offside penalty, it was third and five. Favre rolls out and tries to hit Visanthe Shiancoe but instead throws a pick to Dwight Lowery who undercut the throw and took it in for six. That’s it, game over. Jets win 29-20.
Win or lose, one thing is for sure: Brett Favre will play his heart out no matter the situation or ailment. That was evident in the NFC Championship Game where he played the second half with a bum ankle and it was evident again. Last night, Favre played with tendinitis in his throwing elbow. He grimaced and grasped it multiple times last night. The rain didn’t help the joint either. There is no doubt it had an effect on his throwing capabilities. He was still able to throw with velocity on the ball, but the pass intended for Shiancoe that was picked was flat and looked like a lob pass.
Not only did the tendinitis effect his passing, but even in ball security. Favre fumbled twice in the first half last night, helping the Jets to a 9-0 halftime lead in which they later stretched to 12-0. Sometimes you have to wonder if Favre is going to make it through the season in a 41-year-old body that has had its fair share of punishment over the last half of his life in football.
Some observations and additional notes from the game last night:
Why do games get delayed for thunder and lightning? They play the games through every other element, but thunder and lightning is a red flag. Why? Do people think lightning will strike down on the field or on someone? Is it safety protocol? And if so, why not apply it in heavy snow storms or rainstorms? I don’t get it. If anyone knows, please inform me.
Randy Moss’ stat line: four catches for 81 yards and one touchdown. Not too shabby, considering he had only three plays to practice with the team. I expect Moss to have a firm grasp of the intricacies in the offense for next week. Former Viking Cris Carter made a great point last night about Moss’ route running preferences. His lone touchdown catch was one in which Favre threw it up towards the corner of the end zone and Moss ran under it and caught up to the ball. Those are the types of passes he made a living with in his first stint with Minnesota.
Favre looked more emotionally invested in this game than I have seen in any other game this year. Perhaps it was due to the arrival of a certain big play, deep threat receiver…
Favre reached a number of milestones last night including 500 touchdown passes and passing for 70,000 yards. He also broke records for the most interceptions and fumbles. I suspect that is bound to happen when you are around for 20 years. I also suspect that will happen when you play injured as much as he does.
Favre threw his seventh interception of the season last night through four games. He threw seven picks all of last year. Not good.
Percy Harvin looks at home in the slot. With Moss’ arrival, he can revert back to that position. He flourished in it last night, catching five balls for 97 yards and two touchdowns. He could have had more if it wasn’t for Favre’s overthrow at the end of the game. I’m looking forward to bigger and better things for him with Moss in town.
The Vikings defense kept the Jets offense out of the end zone on all but one drive. I thought the multiple three-and-out drives in the first half killed the defenses ability to be more effective than it could have been. As a result of constantly being on the field, it was the first time the Vikings defense gave up 150+ rushing yards in 51 games.
Adrian Peterson did a decent job against one of the best defenses in the league, rushing 18 times for 88 yards. He definitely should have gotten more carries though. Childress did a poor job of play calling in the first half. The offense was focused on the run. They dug themselves in a hole by the second half that was too deep for Favre to pass out of.
No catches, not even any looks for Bernard Berrian, who continues to disappoint me this year.
Jared Allen had no sacks once again last night. He has one on the season. D’Brickashaw Ferguson did a good job in one-on-one matchups with him. I was hoping he could have gotten one so he could do his cow-roping celebration and stick it to the NFL’s increasingly ridiculous and asinine rulebook. “I think we need to take away first pumping and arm raising too. There’s no room for that.” Give me a break.
I can’t say I was expecting the Vikings to win this game, but I definitely thought they could. Maybe next week against the Cowboys… *Crossed fingers* Maybe Favre won’t cost the Vikings the game. Once this offense gets rolling, they will be dangerous. The Vikings are the definition of a second half team. Once Sidney Rice returns, the offense will be even more potent. I’m looking forward to how the season plays itself out, especially in the wide open NFC.
By Josh Delp of the Sports Fan Blog Network
I don’t know about you guys, but I am psyched to see Randy Moss back with the Vikings. His acquisition will be a monster pick-me-up for Brett Favre. I can’t wait to see the chemistry these two build with one another. Once Sidney Rice comes back, boy watch out. I think the Vikings offense has just become one of the best in the league again. I hate to speak prematurely, but things are looking up for the fist time this season.
There are a number of reasons to think Moss will prove to make the Vikings a championship contender again.
Moss didn’t get the ball nearly as much as he should have throughout the first couple of games with the Patriots. He will be the primary receiver with the Vikings. He is sure to catch a lot of balls and have a number of plays specifically for him. He simply did not have his fair share of passes in his direction.
Don’t forget, the Patriots offense was spuddering in the first half against the Dolphins last week. It wasn’t until their special teams made some big plays when they broke the game wide open. Moss had only one ball thrown his way and they were down 7-6 at halftime. They could have been down a lot more if it wasn’t for Chadd Henne’s two drive-killing interceptions. Moss is more valuable to the Patriots than they think. He spreads the field for that team. Now they have a cluster of slot receivers and no primary threat. Are Julian Edelman, Wes Welker, and Brandon Tate going to be open on the short under routes as much? No, because there’s no equalizer in the receiving corp anymore.
Moss’ arrival allows for Percy Harvin and Bernard Berrian to lineup in their natural positions. Moss will be the number one receiver with Berrian at the two and Harvin at three in the slot. Moss’ big play ability will draw a number of double teams, thus resulting in Berrian and Harvin getting open more frequently and easier. Once Rice comes back, he and Moss can wreak havoc on defensive secondaries. The Vikings could run variations of four-receiver sets with Adrian Peterson in the backfield and confuse the heck out of opposing defenses. Which brings me to my next point…
The Vikings have one of the best, if not the best, running back in the game with in Adrian Peterson (who has yet to fumble, by the way). Anytime Moss is smothered in the passing game, he can check it down to Peterson, who is an excellent receiving back. On third down, Favre doesn’t have to throw the ball. Basically, the Vikings have a killer passing and running game right now. Tight end Visanthe Sihiancoe has been Favre’s favorite target this year. I expect him to continue to get a number of touches because of the added firepower to the offense.
I just want to see Moss back in the Vikes purple and gold. I wanted him to go with his old number 84, but it looks like he’s sticking with 81. I can’t wait for Monday Night’s matchup with the Jets. If only Rice were playing too. Then who do you cover, Darrelle Revis? Pick and choose. In the end, you still lose. Let’s go Vikes!
By Josh Delp of the Sports Fan Blog Network
As sloppy as it was, the Vikings pulled out the 24-10 victory, despite three turnovers, against the longtime division rival and annual bottom feeder in the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Adrian Peterson played a monster of a game, rushing for 160 yards on 23 carries to go with two touchdowns. This was expected against the Lions suspect defense, but it was still sweet to see.
I continue to be amazed at Peterson’s running style. He really runs with power and anger, never expecting to hit the dirt. Peterson is eight yards shy of 400 rushing yards on the year through three games and sits behind only the Texans’ Arian Foster for most rushing yards.
What I wasn’t amazed by is Favre’s continuing struggles with establishing chemistry with this team. There aren’t many new pieces, it’s just that Sidney Rice isn’t there to throw to. His first interception was awful. I don’t know what he was looking at when the Lions’ defensive end Corey Williams picked him off and put them in scoring position. Ndamukong Suh pretty much ripped Favre’s face mask prior to fumbling which was not called. Suh continues to impress on the defensive frontline. That man gets after the quarterback.
I was excited to see Percy Harvin lay out for the touchdown. He needed that to boost his confidence in himself and for Favre to boost confidence in him. He caught six balls for 62 yards.
The defense did a good job in keeping rookie standout Jahvid Best in check. He accumulated a measly 39 total yards.
I liked seeing Jared Allen get into it with quarterback Shaun Hill. I don’t know why, I just did. It was good to see some emotion and some of that drive to win a game and avoid the dreade 0-3 hole.
At the end of the day, Favre was responsible for two more turnovers. That brings his total to six through three games. Favre will not be able to get away with those mistakes against the elite teams in the league. That is one of the big things that need to be addressed over the bye week. The Vikings October schedule is not easy, to say the least. They’ve got the Jets, Cowboys, Packers, and Patriots. If the Vikings want to survive with a 2-2 record or better, Favre needs to alleviate the turnovers. Peterson is yet to fumble, which is definitely a good sign, considering his past problems. The big question mark is Favre in all of this. Who would’ve thought?
By Josh Delp of the Sports Fan Blog Network
As an avid Vikings fan, it is quite painful to recall last year’s NFC Championship Game and not think “what if.” What if the Vikes didn’t fumble six times? What if Favre would have stayed out on the last drive and Tarvaris Jackson stepped in to run a couple yards to set up the go ahead field goal for the win? What if, what if, what if… That’s all I have to go on right now.
But tonight, a new season starts. It’s another chance to make a run at the big game. Brett Favre is back, for better or worse. Sidney Rice is out for at least half the season, leaving Percy Harvin, Greg Camarillio, and Bernard Berrian to pick up the slack. Adrian Peterson gets a chance to prove the days of fumbling are over. It all starts tonight against… who else but the Saints.
The Vikings top ranked defense returns in tact this season, including the reinsertion of linebacker E.J. Henderson. He was sorely missed in last year’s playoffs and not too many people took notice. Jasper Brinkley did a decent job of filling in for him, but he missed some specific assignments on particular plays.
I am amped up to get this thing underway. Rice will surely be missed, but if you might recall, no one knew who he was before last year until he had a quarterback that could get him the ball so he could showcase his talents. This year, I think Harvin, Camarillo, or Berrian can emerge to be that guy. I’m just hoping Favre’s ankle holds up. In the end, I have the Vikings finishing at 11-5, a win less than last year and second in the NFC North.
By Josh Delp of the Sports Fan Blog Network
The NFC North is all about Brett Favre. If Favre plays this season for the Vikings, It will be a tough race between the Vikings and Packers. Do the Bears and Lions have a better team then last season? Maybe they will compete for a wild card spot… read on to find out.
1. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings may have the best offense and defense in the league. It is a toss-up between the Vikings and Saints as the best team in the NFC this season. The Vikings need Brett Favre to come back to have the best team in the league status. Favre announced last week that he will be retiring because his ankle isn’t well enough to play on. The season is still a little more than a month away though, there is still plenty of time for Favre to get back in shape. Like usual Favre is making his decision too soon, most people are expecting Favre to come out of retirement for the third straight year. With Favre the Vikings will be dangerous once again, their offense is lethal. Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin, Visanthe Shiancoe, and Adrian Peterson round off the best all-around offense in the NFL. With Favre the rest of his offense will flourish, without him they will be wasted talent, Tavaris Jackson already tried to lead the Vikings and failed. The Vikings defense is solid with Jared Allen, Kevin and Pat Williams, Chad Greenway, Lito Sheppard, and Antoine Winfield. Even without Favre their defense will help them win a lot of games. The Vikings have a good chance of making it to the Super Bowl if favre comes back, if he doesn’t the Vikings will be lucky to make the playoffs. I will have to make two predictions for the Vikings, with Favre 13-3, without Favre 8-8.
Click here to read the full article – By Eric Heyer of Sports Fan Blog Network
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