San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Vikings 27
49ers 24
Here in the Twin Cities, Fall officially blew into town yesterday, literally. For a football fan, it's easily the best time of the year. Having spent nine years in Georgia and Florida from 1991-2000, Fall just never had the same majestic aura that we have here in the Upper Midwest. You should be watching Saturday College Football and Sunday NFL Football with the windows open and a nice cool breeze blowing in. Jeans and Sweatshirts should be required, and some kind of warm meal in the Croc pot stewing in anticipation for kickoff. That's the fall magic of football, and magic is what Favre provided in the Dome, this time for the Vikings.
The Reason He's Here
By now we all know the drama centered around Favre's arrival in Minnesota. Plenty of controversy surround said topic and many still feel he does not have what it takes anymore to lead the 2009 Vikings. His last second heroics at the Dome against the 49ers yesterday might have some of the nay-sayers doubting themselves, whether they openly admit it or not. Was he perfect, or even consistent (as I labeled him after week one and two) in this game? Absolutely not.Is he still a gamer when it's on the line and you need next to a miracle to win? Without a doubt, yes.
So on a day when Favre finally throws more than just check-downs, he now gets blasted for several incompletions (and let's face it, his over all passing yardage would have been considerably higher just off of Berrian's drops alone). The numbers that stand out to me though, are those in the 4th quarter where Favre went 16-27 for 192 yards and a touchdown. The final drive alone was 80 yards in under two minutes with no time-outs. That right there is the reason you take a chance on bringing him here. Besides, he's the 1st Viking QB to toss for over 300 yards since Daunte Culpepper and no Viking QB has ever provided a instant NFL Films game winning touchdown like the one he threw to Greg Lewis.
Three for Three
Percy Harvin is making a early case for NFL Rookie of the Year. He's had a touchdown in each of his first three games as a pro and his 101 yard kick-off return yesterday was nothing short of spectacular.Harvin was not even touched on the play, remarkable when you really think about it. The red flags that went up during the week because he missed practice - once again due to illness, momentarily got erased from everyone's mind. I know the wild-cat formation is getting old for some in the NFL, but I'd like to see more exotic offensive packages that get Harvin the ball in open space.
Still haven't played anybody?
Another negative remark I hear in regards to the Vikings are that they've played three crappy teams so far. Personally, I think Mike Singletary and the 49ers deserve more credit than that. He's quickly changing the dynamic and level of play in San Francisco and has them playing harder than they have in years. They are still the only team to truly contain Adrian Peterson and frustrate him to no end. Then there's the first two games, which were road games. While neither game started out the way one would hope, they both ended with strong second half performances and this team now finds itself sitting at 3-0. So I don't really want to hear that they haven't beaten anybody. Not in a league where the defending champs, a team many have picked to repeat, just lost to the Bengals and now sits at 1-2. And definitely not in a league where the Detroit Lions have already won a game this season!
Mistakes a plenty
The game on Sunday for the Vikings overall was sloppy. They are lucky they had Brett Favre's miracle throw to help them pull this win out. With a myriad of penalties, missed blocks/containment (see blocked field goal returned for a touchdown), and dropped passes (one of which lead to Favre's only INT thus far), they were very fortunate to win this game. Favre does not get a free pass in this area either. On a day where Peterson was contained, he slid back into the old gunslinger mentality and made a few questionable throws, one of which should have been intercepted. This team started off hot in the first quarter and then lost its swagger along the way. With a big game against the Packers on Monday night coming up, they need to find some chemistry that enables them to play four quarters of solid football. Looking ahead to the near future finds the Vikings playing the Ravens at home followed by the Steelers on the road and I guarantee that's three games in particular where these mistakes and lulls in play will equate to losses.
What's on Tap
It's Packer week, just another game, right!!?? Let's break this down a bit and see just how big this game truly is:
- Game against your hated Division rival....check
- Nationally televised on Monday Night Football....check
- 1st place in the Division on the line.....check
- Brett Favre playing against the team he led for 16 seasons....check
Yeah, I think this could be considered a pretty big game for both teams. I'm not even going to break this one down, we'll let the drama unfold next Monday night.
SKOL VIKINGS!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Purple Pride Ponderings 9/21/2009
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
Vikings 27
Lions 13
Normally I'd like to have this done the evening of a day game, but my two and a half year old daughter's fever had other ideas. Let's just say that it lead to a sleepless night and a call in to work this morning as I stayed home to take care of her. You gotta love being a father in these moments, right? I wouldn't have it any other way when it comes to her. No on to some Purple Pride Ponderings.
Consistency at QB
Something I and many other Vikings fans have been clamoring for since Adrian Peterson and a stout defense arrived is consistency at quarterback. After two games, it's clear that Favre fits that must needed mold to a tee. No, he's not going down field and hitting the big bombs, but instead is hitting the quick slants, check downs, and taking sacks rather than trying to force something. As his numbers show, he's managing the game with efficiency and has no issue taking a backseat on Peterson's team. Since most of us are men, and we are known to be visual, look at these numbers and see for yourself what consistency at the qb position for the Vikings looks like:
Week 1 - 14 for 21 | 110 yards | 1 TD | 0 INT | 66.7% | 95.3 QB Rating
Week 2 - 23 for 27 | 155 yards | 2 TD | 0 INT | 82.5% | 115.3 QB Rating
Season - 37 for 48 | 265 yards | 3 TD | 0 INT | 77.1% | 110.2 QB Rating
EJ's biggest fan
There's one guy in particular that missed EJ Henderson's presence more than anyone, Chad Greenway. Chad had a huge game with two interceptions, a fumble recovery, three tackles, and a recovered on-sides kick. He showcased how great his hands are with the picks and the fact that he's on the "hands team" for on-sides kicks. What's even more impressive is how humble he was when asked about his big game mentioning that EJ's return to middle linebacker allows him to make these plays.
Starting slow won't always be the way to go
2-0 looks good, but the reality is that it's been against the Browns and Lions, and in both games, the Vikings trailed in the first half. As the quality of opponents increases, digging out of a early hole could prove to be more of a challenge. The Vikings need to find some rhythm in first half and start setting the tone early if they truly want to be a Super Bowl contender. Is there something positive to take out of this in the first two games? Well sure, they were both road games to start the season with a quarterback that's only been with the team for one month and is still trying to establish a connection with his receivers. So in the end, this is an area I expect to become a non-issue as the season progresses.
Special Teams
Last week I ripped the special teams for giving up another touchdown even though they played solid aside from that mishap. Against the Lions, the special teams were solid and the return of specialist Heath Farwell was more than apparent. I'll be keeping a close eye on this unit all season. So far I have them at 1-1.
What's on tap
Next week the Vikings are finally at home against the 49ers. While I feel the 49ers are a much improved team and have a legit chance at making a run for the NFC West division, I think the Vikings offense will open it up a bit more. This could be the game where we see Favre toss a few deep balls and start making teams think about stacking the box to stop the run - which still doesn't work when you've got AD in the backfield. I expect the Vikings to win this one and go 3-0 to start the season.
Vikings 27
Lions 13
Normally I'd like to have this done the evening of a day game, but my two and a half year old daughter's fever had other ideas. Let's just say that it lead to a sleepless night and a call in to work this morning as I stayed home to take care of her. You gotta love being a father in these moments, right? I wouldn't have it any other way when it comes to her. No on to some Purple Pride Ponderings.
Consistency at QB
Something I and many other Vikings fans have been clamoring for since Adrian Peterson and a stout defense arrived is consistency at quarterback. After two games, it's clear that Favre fits that must needed mold to a tee. No, he's not going down field and hitting the big bombs, but instead is hitting the quick slants, check downs, and taking sacks rather than trying to force something. As his numbers show, he's managing the game with efficiency and has no issue taking a backseat on Peterson's team. Since most of us are men, and we are known to be visual, look at these numbers and see for yourself what consistency at the qb position for the Vikings looks like:
Week 1 - 14 for 21 | 110 yards | 1 TD | 0 INT | 66.7% | 95.3 QB Rating
Week 2 - 23 for 27 | 155 yards | 2 TD | 0 INT | 82.5% | 115.3 QB Rating
Season - 37 for 48 | 265 yards | 3 TD | 0 INT | 77.1% | 110.2 QB Rating
EJ's biggest fan
There's one guy in particular that missed EJ Henderson's presence more than anyone, Chad Greenway. Chad had a huge game with two interceptions, a fumble recovery, three tackles, and a recovered on-sides kick. He showcased how great his hands are with the picks and the fact that he's on the "hands team" for on-sides kicks. What's even more impressive is how humble he was when asked about his big game mentioning that EJ's return to middle linebacker allows him to make these plays.
Starting slow won't always be the way to go
2-0 looks good, but the reality is that it's been against the Browns and Lions, and in both games, the Vikings trailed in the first half. As the quality of opponents increases, digging out of a early hole could prove to be more of a challenge. The Vikings need to find some rhythm in first half and start setting the tone early if they truly want to be a Super Bowl contender. Is there something positive to take out of this in the first two games? Well sure, they were both road games to start the season with a quarterback that's only been with the team for one month and is still trying to establish a connection with his receivers. So in the end, this is an area I expect to become a non-issue as the season progresses.
Special Teams
Last week I ripped the special teams for giving up another touchdown even though they played solid aside from that mishap. Against the Lions, the special teams were solid and the return of specialist Heath Farwell was more than apparent. I'll be keeping a close eye on this unit all season. So far I have them at 1-1.
What's on tap
Next week the Vikings are finally at home against the 49ers. While I feel the 49ers are a much improved team and have a legit chance at making a run for the NFC West division, I think the Vikings offense will open it up a bit more. This could be the game where we see Favre toss a few deep balls and start making teams think about stacking the box to stop the run - which still doesn't work when you've got AD in the backfield. I expect the Vikings to win this one and go 3-0 to start the season.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Purple Pride Ponderings 9/13/2009
Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns
Vikings 34
Browns 20
What a weekend of football for the State of Hockey - Minnesota. Before I get going with the Purple, I have to express my joy for the return of outdoor football to the University of Minnesota. It's been 28 long years that the Golden Gophers have been stuck playing inside the Metrodome, which is located a few miles away from the campus - directly in downtown Minneapolis. The Gophers won their home opener against Air Force in the new, beautiful TCF Bank Stadium and it was wonderful to see a true collegiate atmosphere on campus again. Enough about the Gophers, let's talk some Purple now.
Gunslinger to Game Manager
Brett Favre has always been known for his gunslinger mentality, something this Vikings team actually does not need, and something Favre showed in week one that he can steer away from. Many questioned whether Favre's ego would allow him to become just a game manager and after week one, it's clear that he understands his role. One play in particular showcased this where Favre just sucked it up and took a sack - a scenario where he would normally try forcing a play. Because Adrian Peterson had the day he did, Favre was not expected to do much but he still seemed more in control of this team than Tarvaris Jackson ever did.
All Day Destined to be All-Time Greatest
I grew up watching a couple of the greatest running backs ever, Walter Payton and Barry Sanders. I'm more than aware of Jim Brown's illustrious career. With that said, I've never watched a running back possess an entire package as Adrian Peterson does. Speed, Power, Elusive, Smart, Strength, he's got it all and his 64 yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter showcased it all. We are witnessing something special in Adrian Peterson, to put it in PGA or NBA terms, think Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan. Peterson will take the pressure off the now aging Favre and has a great chance of achieving his personal goal of 2,000 yards this season.
Let's not get too carried away
It was a good win, a road win, but it was the Browns. No disrespect to the Browns organization, but they are expected to be one of the bottom teams in the NFL this season. Aside from that, this segment is for those that think Favre is no better than Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels. Favre has been with the team for about a month now and this is the first full game he's played with these players. Give him a few games to get into a rythm with his new receivers and I think you'll be changing your tune. One thing's for sure, he's already on page with Percy Harvin, a rookie that I think will be putting up big numbers as the year goes on.
Special Teams still not so Special
The Vikings gave up seven touchdowns on Special Teams last year, an area they clearly wanted to improve on this year. Well, first game into the season and they've given one up already. Forget worrying about Favre's arm or Childress' not-so-kick-ass offense, this glaring bruise of a unit needs to rectified immediately. It's these kinds of plays that can either take you out of a game or allow a team like the Browns to breathe some new life and gain confidence.
Garbage TD
This is not something I'm proud to complain about, but come on! Why do the Vikings have to be the team that gives up the Browns' first offensive touchdown since last November? I know it was during "garbage" time, but it's still a touchdown in the books. What's next, the Vikings provide the Lions their first win in a couple of years? God I hope not, and I highly doubt it.
Well that's all I've got for tonight, like the Vikings, I'm still in early season form and hope to make that game one to game two improvement. Next week the Vikings are in Detroit, can't sleep on them, and surely can't lose to them, right!!??
SKOL VIKINGS!
Vikings 34
Browns 20
What a weekend of football for the State of Hockey - Minnesota. Before I get going with the Purple, I have to express my joy for the return of outdoor football to the University of Minnesota. It's been 28 long years that the Golden Gophers have been stuck playing inside the Metrodome, which is located a few miles away from the campus - directly in downtown Minneapolis. The Gophers won their home opener against Air Force in the new, beautiful TCF Bank Stadium and it was wonderful to see a true collegiate atmosphere on campus again. Enough about the Gophers, let's talk some Purple now.
Gunslinger to Game Manager
Brett Favre has always been known for his gunslinger mentality, something this Vikings team actually does not need, and something Favre showed in week one that he can steer away from. Many questioned whether Favre's ego would allow him to become just a game manager and after week one, it's clear that he understands his role. One play in particular showcased this where Favre just sucked it up and took a sack - a scenario where he would normally try forcing a play. Because Adrian Peterson had the day he did, Favre was not expected to do much but he still seemed more in control of this team than Tarvaris Jackson ever did.
All Day Destined to be All-Time Greatest
I grew up watching a couple of the greatest running backs ever, Walter Payton and Barry Sanders. I'm more than aware of Jim Brown's illustrious career. With that said, I've never watched a running back possess an entire package as Adrian Peterson does. Speed, Power, Elusive, Smart, Strength, he's got it all and his 64 yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter showcased it all. We are witnessing something special in Adrian Peterson, to put it in PGA or NBA terms, think Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan. Peterson will take the pressure off the now aging Favre and has a great chance of achieving his personal goal of 2,000 yards this season.
Let's not get too carried away
It was a good win, a road win, but it was the Browns. No disrespect to the Browns organization, but they are expected to be one of the bottom teams in the NFL this season. Aside from that, this segment is for those that think Favre is no better than Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels. Favre has been with the team for about a month now and this is the first full game he's played with these players. Give him a few games to get into a rythm with his new receivers and I think you'll be changing your tune. One thing's for sure, he's already on page with Percy Harvin, a rookie that I think will be putting up big numbers as the year goes on.
Special Teams still not so Special
The Vikings gave up seven touchdowns on Special Teams last year, an area they clearly wanted to improve on this year. Well, first game into the season and they've given one up already. Forget worrying about Favre's arm or Childress' not-so-kick-ass offense, this glaring bruise of a unit needs to rectified immediately. It's these kinds of plays that can either take you out of a game or allow a team like the Browns to breathe some new life and gain confidence.
Garbage TD
This is not something I'm proud to complain about, but come on! Why do the Vikings have to be the team that gives up the Browns' first offensive touchdown since last November? I know it was during "garbage" time, but it's still a touchdown in the books. What's next, the Vikings provide the Lions their first win in a couple of years? God I hope not, and I highly doubt it.
Well that's all I've got for tonight, like the Vikings, I'm still in early season form and hope to make that game one to game two improvement. Next week the Vikings are in Detroit, can't sleep on them, and surely can't lose to them, right!!??
SKOL VIKINGS!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Williams Wall Stands Tall, All Season Long
A day after the Wade release negativity, the Vikings got some of the best news of the season. The Williams Wall have won their case and will be playing the entire season. The Bears and Packers offensive line and backs did a collective shudder today.Not the case in the Big Easy however, due to state regulations that differ from Minnesota, the four game suspensions will be handed out this year.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Bobby Wade Released, Greg Lewis Added
The Vikings released WR Bobby Wade today, just a week or so after he offered to restructure his contract for this season, cutting his salary from 3M to 1.5. After the release they added WR Greg Lewis......yep, you guessed it, another former Eagle (and Pat of late).
I don't understand this move at all. Wade was a class act on and off the field. He was a solid leader on offense and led the team in receptions the past two years. I realize that Harvin is going to be the slot guy, but surely there was room for Wade (as they picked up Lewis), a guy Harvin could learn from and perhaps look up to.
The Vikings have made some awesome moves the past two years, but this one is asinine.
I don't understand this move at all. Wade was a class act on and off the field. He was a solid leader on offense and led the team in receptions the past two years. I realize that Harvin is going to be the slot guy, but surely there was room for Wade (as they picked up Lewis), a guy Harvin could learn from and perhaps look up to.
The Vikings have made some awesome moves the past two years, but this one is asinine.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Back from Europe, Kick Off Sunday coming soon!
So I spent two weeks in the Netherlands for work, and I'm glad to be home. Don't get my wrong, the country was nice, but it's football season here!
The 1st official Purple Pride Ponderings will be up sometime after the game on Sunday. Here's hoping its got a positive vibe to it. For now, here's a couple of quick hits:
- Looks like the Quinn will be the starter for the Browns. Oh they are so sneaky - it's the Browns, don't care who's at QB.
- The Williams Wall will be playing this Sunday for sure.
- Adrian Peterson is The Sporting News' third ranked player in the NFL. Seven Vikings made the top 100.
-Former Viking QB Daunte Culpepper shows some refreshing class upon being dubbed the backup in Detroilet.
- I did not win the Star Tribune's Fan Blogger for this season. Oh well, their loss, I still have this - and no one reads it!!! Sigh.....
- Brett Favre is a Viking.......lol, just kidding.
Check back and I'll post anything of interest leading up to the game, and perhaps a game preview if I'm up to it.
The 1st official Purple Pride Ponderings will be up sometime after the game on Sunday. Here's hoping its got a positive vibe to it. For now, here's a couple of quick hits:
- Looks like the Quinn will be the starter for the Browns. Oh they are so sneaky - it's the Browns, don't care who's at QB.
- The Williams Wall will be playing this Sunday for sure.
- Adrian Peterson is The Sporting News' third ranked player in the NFL. Seven Vikings made the top 100.
-Former Viking QB Daunte Culpepper shows some refreshing class upon being dubbed the backup in Detroilet.
- I did not win the Star Tribune's Fan Blogger for this season. Oh well, their loss, I still have this - and no one reads it!!! Sigh.....
- Brett Favre is a Viking.......lol, just kidding.
Check back and I'll post anything of interest leading up to the game, and perhaps a game preview if I'm up to it.
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