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!
No comments:
Post a Comment