Purple Pride Ponderings 9/19/2011

Purple Pride Ponderings 9/19/2011

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Minnesota Vikings
Vikings - 20
Buccaneers - 24

Finish what you started. Something we learn at a very young age, something the 2011 Vikings need to learn now. The Vikings could easily be 2-0 right now, tied with the Packers and Lions for the Division lead, if they could only figure out how to finish. One play here, one play  there. One decision here, one decision there. That makes all the difference in the league and I hope Frazier finds a way to change the fortunes of this team when it comes to the second half.

A Tail of Two Halves

Yes, I do know the difference between Tail and Tale. In the first two games of the season, the Vikings have come out of the locker room with their proverbial tails tucked between their legs. They played an almost flawless first half of football against the Bucs. I'm not going to discredit the coaching staff of the Buccaneers and ignore the amazing adjustments they made during halftime, but the Vikings did everything possible to lose this game in the second half. No defense in the NFL can sustain the type of great play the Vikings D had in the 1st half when the offense is barely on the field in the 2nd half.

Take a Timeout!

Was I the only one that noticed the Buccaneers methodically taking their time once they got inside the 10 during the game winning drive? After giving up a critical first down when it was 3rd down and 4 to go, the Vikings had a chance to stop the clock with a timeout. There was 1:12 on the clock at this point and the Vikings had all three timeouts. The Bucs just marched down the field once again and the defense was gassed. Stop the clock! Take a timeout, regroup, and hope for a stop. If not, at least you leave yourself with more time on the clock to attempt a game winning drive. Instead, the clock continued to tick at this point and the Bucs knew what they were doing, taking their time before running the next play. Result of said play, a touchdown with only 31 seconds left. Frazier simply got out coached by the youngest coach in the league.

Stud and Goat of the Week

Stud: Adrian Peterson - Showing he's worth every cent of his new deal (unlike another star RB in Tennessee), Peterson's 120 yard, 2 TD effort unfortunately goes to waste in this game.

Goat: Vikings Coaching Staff - Perfect game plan in the first half, completely out coached in the second half. This staff needs to find a way to keep the offense on the field in the second half of games.

What's on Tap

The once laughable Motor City kitties are now looking like a team that's ready to shock the football world. Since getting rid of Matt Millen, the Lions have been capitalizing on their usual draft position. Their front four is looking set to send shudders throughout the NFC North for years to come and a healthy Stafford appears to be the real deal. Going back to the 2010 season, the Lions have now rattled off six straight wins. Yes my friends, "the roar has been restored" is a saying the Lions fans can actually say with conviction instead of sarcasm.

Final Thoughts

The Vikings can't start this season 0-3, going 0-2 at home. They have a daunting task ahead of them with the new look Lions coming in but they need to dig down deep and win this game. With the Metrodome lease coming to an end and the constant fight for a new Stadium, this team has to win on the field. The Wilf's are doing what it takes by keeping fan favorite players like Peterson and Greenway, but that won't be enough should this team continue its losing ways.

Quick Hits from Around the League

- Fitzpatrick tosses three more TD's while leading the Bills to their second straight victory in comeback fashion.
- The Chiefs second straight blowout loss came with a hefty price as they lost All-Pro RB Jamaal Charles for the season.
- The Saints "Brees" to an easy victory over Da Bears in their home opener.
- Peyton scores two TD's in the Browns/Colts game. Sorry Colts fans, that would be Peyton Hillis who led the Browns to their first victory.
- The Champs keep their cool after being down early against the Panthers and pull off the victory. Cam Newton throws for over 400 yards again!
- Pittsburgh bounces back after last weeks embarrassing loss to the Ravens, shutting out the Seahawks who look to be embarrassing all season long.
- Titans get an impressive win over the Ravens with yet another mediocre day by CJ.
- The Redskins narrowly beat the Cards in the final minutes. Grossman 2-0, McNabb 0-2, ouch.
- The Jets made it look easy against the Jags. Perhaps Jacksonville jumped the gun a bit letting Garrard go?
- Romo redeems himself leading the Boys to a hard fought OT win in Frisco.
- Former Gopher Eric Decker had a big game for the Broncos as they squeak out a win against the Bengals.
- Brady cools down this week throwing for only 423 yards as the Pats win yet another home opener in Foxboro.
- Miami drops to 0-2 as the Texans win again while only getting only a little from Foster.
- Vick's return to Georgia didn't go as planned as the so called "Dream Team" loses already in week two.

Who I like on Monday Night
As banged up as the Giants are on defense, I think they are more healthy where it counts compared to the Rams. I'll take the Giants.

Till Next Week,
SKOL Vikings!