Minnesota Vikings at Arizona Cardinals
Cardinals 30
Vikings 17
One thing that's been needed for this blog is some kind of original graphic to signify it. As you can see above (or on the news reel at Sports Rumor Mill), I've finally got one. I'd like to extend a big thanks out to Saltn4Dollars - the graphic designer guru at Sports Rumor Mill. While at the Mill, I happened to toss a shout out to him about getting such a graphic. The very next day, there it was. The pictures, the film reels, the pen, the coffee, and the X's and O's all sum this up perfectly. So thanks again Saltn, your work is very much appreciated. Now on to a more somber topic, the game in the desert.
It Starts up Front
Leading up to this game, the talk was about how the Vikings front four on defense and entire offensive line would/should dominate the Cardinals. Instead, the Cardinals line's on both sides of the ball not only dictated the pace of the game, they were the dominant force. Adrian Peterson and the Vikings running game in general, never got on track. Favre didn't have anywhere near the time to pass as he's had the past few weeks and suffered three sacks. Defensively, Jarred Allen was held in check and the Williams wall was busted up for 113 rushing yards (though the single back held under 100 yards streak is still alive).
Run First Offense?
Remember when this was a run first offense? Remember when Brett Favre was signed, that it was still going to be a run first offense? Favre's "pitch count" has been getting a little to high as far as I'm concerned and we are seeing more passes on 1st and 2nd down than expected. While this particular game seemed to get out of hand, it was still way too early to get pass happy. I don't care if Peterson appears to be getting bottled up, you still have to pound it with him. 13 carries is half of what he should get in any game. He's a game breaker and will wear down a defense. While Favre has been playing well this year, he simply cannot continue to have 35 - 50 attempts per game.
Calm Down
This game was bad, no other way to spin it. Let's not get too carried away with the panic button though. This is not the start of a Favre downward spiral like last season with the Jets. He is not playing hurt, he just had a off game for the first time all season. That is attributed to failure in coaching by abandoning the run too early. Favre was far from being the only reason for this loss and I addressed that above when talking about the line play.
This was the perfect time to have a meltdown game like this. Now they've gotten it out of their system and know what needs to be worked on as they strive to hold on to the number two seed in the Conference. Last year's Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers lost in week 16 to the Titans 31-14. That was at a critical time when the Ravens were right behind them in the standings fighting for the division and more importantly, they were on the heels of taking over the number one seed in the AFC from the Titans.. I fully expect this team to bounce back at home against the Bengals and once again show that they are one of the league's more dominant teams. You simply can't take away anything from the Cardinals in this one though. They came into this game with their backs against the wall and something to prove in the National spotlight while playing at home.
Tough Break
That was one of the most unfortunate injuries for EJ Henderson to suffer. The femur is the largest bone in the human body and one of the most painful bones to break. EJ was just starting to show the return of his Pro Bowl form after missing most of last year due to a foot injury. He's become the General on the field for the defense and will be missed dearly. Early word is that this could be a career threatening injury, but don't count him out just yet. Former Wild defenseman Kurtis Foster suffered the same injury last March, and is now on the ice again for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Here's hoping Henderson finds himself back on the field and Godspeed to him and his recovery.
Stud and Goat of the Week
Stud: Kurt Warner - What a game after sitting out last week for concussion precautions (I don't care what anyone says, when dealing with the head, he made the right move last week). Warner has been unstoppable in his last four games. His ball placement and accuracy in this game was something to behold.
Goat: Brad Childress - Brad finally makes his way here because of his reluctance to pound the ball with Adrian Peterson. Not sure if it's his way of punishing him for the fumbles last week or the 109mph speeding ticket he got in Edina on 62 last Saturday. Either way, you simply can't abandon the run, it's a major part of what makes this offense tick and become unstoppable at times.
What's on Tap
At the beginning of the season the Bengal game looked like a easy win. A 9-3 record and all but locked up AFC North leading Bengal team later, it's not looking so easy now. Look for the Bengals to do what Childress didn't do against the Cardinals, pound it out with Benson, even against the vaunted Vikings rush defense. The Vikings need to feed off the energy in the Dome get back on track in this one and I have a feeling they will.
Final Thoughts
"I feel the need, the need for Speed!" Adrian Peterson and Bernard Berrian pulled their best Maverick and Goose impersonations last week getting speeding tickets in the Twin Cites at speeds over 100mph. Stupid? Yes. But I'll take it over the infamous Bang Boat and running over a traffic cop incidents. Perhaps Peterson's upset that every one's talking about how fast Chris Johnson is these days. As for Berrian, he's supposed to be the speedy deep threat guy and every one's nearly forgotten his name thanks to Rice and Harvin. Since both will potentially be losing their licence for up to six months, I'm hear to say that I'll quit my job and drive either around for what I'm getting paid now. Tough time of the year for that kind of ticket, think the state will let them pay it off in installments?
Till Next Week,
SKOL Vikings!
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