Viking Nation

Vikes Slaughter Da Bears 36-10

2009-11-30T21:06:00.000-06:00

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)

2009-11-27T09:51:00.000-06:00

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

2009-11-22T23:52:00.002-06:00

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)

2009-11-20T09:51:00.000-06:00

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

2009-11-17T20:51:00.001-06:00

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

2009-11-16T23:47:00.000-06:00

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)

2009-11-13T22:34:00.000-06:00

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

2009-11-12T08:13:00.000-06:00

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

2009-11-11T08:41:00.000-06:00

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

2009-11-09T08:49:00.001-06:00

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

2009-11-08T16:56:00.000-06:00

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

2009-11-02T21:41:00.002-06:00

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

2009-10-30T19:54:00.001-05:00

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

2009-10-30T09:54:00.001-05:00

More of this to come this week.

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

2009-10-30T09:53:00.000-05:00

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

2009-10-25T17:34:00.000-05:00

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)

2009-10-23T07:03:00.001-05:00

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!!!!!!!!

Not Good News

2009-10-22T10:32:00.001-05:00

According to (PFT):
Minnestoa Vikings Pro Bowl Cornerback Antoine Winfield, will be a long shot playing against the Steeler in this SUndays game. Winfield sprained his foot in last weeks game against Baltimore in the second quarter and did not return. He has also been wear a boot all week long.

Right now it will be either:

Karl Paymah, Benny Sapp, Asher Allen are the candidates of players that will be replacing Winfield for this weekends game against the Steelers.

Viking(Barely) Triumph: Vikies 33 Ravens 31

2009-10-19T21:05:00.005-05:00

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

Friday Preview: Ravens(3-2) @ Vikings(5-0)

2009-10-16T07:40:00.000-05:00

The upcoming game this Sunday looks to be a good one. The Viking will be hosting the Baltimore Ravens at home. This is going to be an interesting game, the Ravens are better than what their record displays. Baltimore is 3-2, but they are so much like the Vikes in every category from offense to defense. So this is a team that is not to be taken lightly. Some keys of the game for the Vikes to come out on top:

Fluster Joe’s Feathers. The improvement that Joe Flacco has made from year one to year two is reason enough for the Viking fans to be worried. Jared Allen and Co. will be on lookout to keep the pressure on Flacco, so that he does not find comfort in the pocket. If he does it is going to be a LONG day for the secondary. Considering the Vikes defense has been getting picked apart by mediocre to average QBs the past couple of weeks. The Vikes passing defense has a HUGE hole between the LBs and secondary. To compete in this game, the Vikes will have to conquer this task at hand.

Play Complete Offense. To win at home on Sunday, the Viking will also need to do well in both phases of offense run and pass. Ray Lewis and his bruisers are a great defense. The Ravens will be trying all they can to stop AD from start to finish. This is something every team has been aiming to do all season long, so I do not see any changes this week. If Favre can keep the Ravens guess what the Vikes will do next. Then the Vikes will have a much better chance sustaining drives and scoring more points. The Vikes are 5-0, the problem is that the Vikes have faced teams that are average to poor this season, thus far. Here is the 1st real test for the Viking offense to show the NFL that they are for real.

The Viking O-Line will also have a job to try to keep the blitz friendly defense from sitting in Favre’s lap for the afternoon. As long as the Vikings cam limited the times Favre gets hit, then passing game should be fine.

Keep Em In Check. The Vikes defense will also need to limit the Raven rushing attack. Ray Rice has become the running back of choice in his second season. He is a speedster averaging over 5.5 yards a carry. The front 7 of the Vikes will need to get after this kid early, so that he is not able to get into a rhythm. With the way the Ravens OC calls his plays while a head (unlike the Vikings) the run the ball down your throat to run out the clock. So this is going to be a good matchup, plus Matt Birk will be back in Minnesota since leaving this past offseason.

Looking over both teams this sure would be a great game to watch, this is going to be a good ole fashion smash mouth football. These are the game I enjoy to see. In the end I think the team with the fewest mistakes will be the Victors.

The Prediction:
Vikes 30
Ravens 23
SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!

Jared Allen TD

2009-10-13T10:30:00.001-05:00

Here is Jared Allen's recovery for a TD.

Viking Triumph: Vikes 38 Rams 10

2009-10-13T10:26:00.005-05:00

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

Vikes-Rams Preview

2009-10-08T16:15:00.004-05:00

With the Vikes coming off two big victories over the 49ers and Packers. Both games is where Favre came to life abd throw over 250 yards each game. Before that Chilly did pass all that much especially the deep ball.
With Vikes travels to St.Louis to take on the Rams on Sunday. Both team are on the opposite sides of the spectrum. The Vikes currently sit at 4-0 and the Rams are struggling with an 0-4 record. I would not be the first to think of this, but I could see the Vikes screwing up this game. With their history, sure they can beat the good teams and the next week lose to a poor football.

What to expect in the game:

Adrian to forget the past two week. Peterson was shutdown for him the past two games. He has one TD(1 yard score against the Pack) and 140 yards. I would expect to see Adrian to get back into his old form against the games rush defense this week. The Rams have given up 135 yards per contest so far in this young season. So why no AD add torture on the ground.

Pass Defense. It just seems that the Vikes defense are not all gelled together yet and we are entering Week 5. The Vikes pass defense is Achilles heel right now. The Rams are not potent passing team that they were a couple of years ago. It would be a start especially after what Aaron Rogers did to the pass coverage of the Vikings in the last quarter and a half of Mondays game.
Steven Jackson. This Rams offense right here. The Vikes rush defense will need to stop him early so that he does not get his motor running. Jackson is the ype of back that thrives on smash mouth football. So if the front 7 can take care of business, then the Rams will be in for a long game on Sunday.

The prediction:
Vikes 27 Rams 10
SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Viking Triumph: Vikes 30 Packers 23

2009-10-06T20:29:00.007-05:00

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.

Vikes Preview: Packers(2-1) vs. Vikings (3-0)

2009-10-01T22:55:00.004-05:00

This week, the Vikes will be playing host to the Green bay Packers, the Packers are hoping the get a W before their bye week. The Packers sure do a have a decent offense, in which they bring to the Dome. The Vikes will have to do what most of the other teams have been doing to Aaron Rodgers for the majority of the 1^st quarter of the season. That would be is sack him and rub his nose in it. He has been the most sacked QB this season, thus far at 12.The Packer offensive line has had trouble protecting him and keeping him upright. With the Vikes pass rush coming from their front 7, they should not have much trouble rattling Rogers early.

The Vikes will have to disrupt Rodgers timing with his receivers early and often. If Rogers has time, he sure can pick apart a secondary in a hurry.

In Packers running back, Ryan Grant’s career vs. the Vikings, he has had good games running the ball against them. That is surprising to most, because the stiff rushing defense that has been an NFL best for the past 4 years of so. The Williams Wall will need to get started early and stuff Grant at the line for most of the game. Then the Packers will need to rely on the pass to win this one.

The Vikes have has close games, in every game so far this season. Last week sure was a nail biter, with Favre throwing a TD pass to WR Greg Lewis with 2 seconds left in the game. Favre claims that he will not be seeking revenge on the Packer organization. Fans and media have their doubt, with Favre trying to get back at Thompson and McCarthy for not taking his back. Favre is now a Viking and showing the NFL that he can still manage the game as a QB and win when the team is relying on him to make a play.

With the passing game with Brett Favre under the helm, now teams have to worry about the Viking passing the ball. Dear god no!!!!! Last week, something strange happened the 1^st 300 yard passing game under Brad Childress. Favre should be effective throwing the ball on Monday, but let us just hope that he look more like the QB from the first and fourth quarters in the 49er game.

I think the Peterson will be start of the show on Monday Night; the Packer defense has been giving up nearly 130 yard a game on the ground. This is great news for the Vikings to hear, with the West Coast Offense that they thrive on running the ball down the defenses’ throat.

With how the Packer defense is going right now, I do not think that this game will be close what so ever.

Vikings 33

Packers 10

SKOL VIKINGS!!!