Coming off last Sunday's dominating victory over Jacksonville, the Vikings find themselves in a dogfight for first place atop the NFC North. Tonight's game against the Chicago Bears will be the tiebreaker for first in what has been a neck-and-neck division race. Here are a few keys to the game:
1) A Thorn In Their Side
In his three career meetings against the Chicago Bears, Adrian Peterson has rushed for an average of 141 yards and seven touchdowns. It's no doubt that No. 28 will continue to give the Bears defense fits throughout the night.
2) Pass Attack
Although he hasn't been a factor over the last couple games, Bernard Berrian put up 81 yards on six receptions with one touchdown against his former team during Week 7. Look for the Bears' 30th-ranked pass defense to struggle agaist Berrian and the improved Visanthe Shiancoe.
There's plenty more to this game, but not enough time. My apologies for the short post, but we will have more for you after the game.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Busy Day at Winter Park
Numerous reports have filtered in from Winter Park this Wednesday:
1) Left Tackle Switch
As reported in a previous post, Vikings left tackle Ryan Cook has been replaced by Artis Hicks. Hicks should have a good warmup for the Sunday night collision with Chicago in two weeks as the Vikings will take on Jacksonville on the road. The Jaguars currently rank 18th in the league in sacks.
2) Ready to Rumble?
Former Vikings wide receiver Troy Williamson told Minnesota reporters during a phone conference that "[Childress and I] could meet on the 50-yard line and we can go at it.."
In response, Childress said, "obviously he doesn't know that there is a buffer zone, which far be it from me to violate.
Williamsion will be inactive for this Sunday's matchup due to a groin injury that has plagued him since training camp.
3) Detention for Allen?
Jared Allen paid a visit to the principal's office this week. Allen met with league officials to discuss a possible suspension for two low hits to Houston QB Matt Schaub and a helmet-to-helmet hit on Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers.
The entire state of Minnesota has let out a sigh of relief today, as Allen will NOT receive a suspension, but merely a $25,000 fine for his hit to Rodgers.
4) Williams Wall to NYC
Defensive linemen will visit NFL offices in New York on Thursday to plead their cases after testing positive in October for bumetanide, a weight loss drug and a banned substance in the NFL commonly used as a steroid-masking agent. Each Vikings player's case will be heard seperately, unlike the joint hearing for the three New Orleans players who tested positive for the same diuretic.
If suspended, the Williamses will face a four-game suspension this season. We will have more information on this matter as it becomes available.
-Dan Beer
1) Left Tackle Switch
As reported in a previous post, Vikings left tackle Ryan Cook has been replaced by Artis Hicks. Hicks should have a good warmup for the Sunday night collision with Chicago in two weeks as the Vikings will take on Jacksonville on the road. The Jaguars currently rank 18th in the league in sacks.
2) Ready to Rumble?
Former Vikings wide receiver Troy Williamson told Minnesota reporters during a phone conference that "[Childress and I] could meet on the 50-yard line and we can go at it.."
In response, Childress said, "obviously he doesn't know that there is a buffer zone, which far be it from me to violate.
Williamsion will be inactive for this Sunday's matchup due to a groin injury that has plagued him since training camp.
3) Detention for Allen?
Jared Allen paid a visit to the principal's office this week. Allen met with league officials to discuss a possible suspension for two low hits to Houston QB Matt Schaub and a helmet-to-helmet hit on Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers.
The entire state of Minnesota has let out a sigh of relief today, as Allen will NOT receive a suspension, but merely a $25,000 fine for his hit to Rodgers.
4) Williams Wall to NYC
Defensive linemen will visit NFL offices in New York on Thursday to plead their cases after testing positive in October for bumetanide, a weight loss drug and a banned substance in the NFL commonly used as a steroid-masking agent. Each Vikings player's case will be heard seperately, unlike the joint hearing for the three New Orleans players who tested positive for the same diuretic.
If suspended, the Williamses will face a four-game suspension this season. We will have more information on this matter as it becomes available.
-Dan Beer
Cook Out, Hicks In
Chip Scoggins from the Minneapolis Star Tribune has just reported that Vikings coach Brad Childress announced today that Artis Hicks will be replacing Ryan Cook at right tackle.
Cook, now in his third season out of New Mexico, has been under heavy scrutiny from fans lately for numerous holding penalties and sub-par performance in the pass protection. He's been a weekly hot topic on KFAN's Vikings Fanline, with many fans begging for his replacement.
After eleven weeks of the regular season, Childress and Co. have finally answered these pleas.
“It’s a cumulative work,” Childress said. “You’re trying to put yourself in the best position to win games. That’s all I’m doing.”
Asked whether or not he was surprised by this decision, Cook said, "not really. My performance in the last two games wasn’t very good per se so I kind of saw it."
Hicks, who covered for LT Bryant McKinnie during his four-game suspension at the beginning of this season, says he is more comfortable on the left side, but is not worried about the shift to the right.
“I played right tackle a couple snaps," Hicks said. "I think like two or three snaps in a real game situation but I’m looking forward to it. It’s not that big of a deal to me. That’s not to say that I don’t feel comfortable on the right. Naturally, I feel a little bit better on the left. So, I don’t think it will be much of a problem at all. I’ve played the right before. The plays, it’s just a matter of flipping them in your head and just going with it.”
Hicks will get to prove himself as a starter once again this week on the road against Jacksonville's 18th-ranked defense.
-Dan Beer
Cook, now in his third season out of New Mexico, has been under heavy scrutiny from fans lately for numerous holding penalties and sub-par performance in the pass protection. He's been a weekly hot topic on KFAN's Vikings Fanline, with many fans begging for his replacement.
After eleven weeks of the regular season, Childress and Co. have finally answered these pleas.
“It’s a cumulative work,” Childress said. “You’re trying to put yourself in the best position to win games. That’s all I’m doing.”
Asked whether or not he was surprised by this decision, Cook said, "not really. My performance in the last two games wasn’t very good per se so I kind of saw it."
Hicks, who covered for LT Bryant McKinnie during his four-game suspension at the beginning of this season, says he is more comfortable on the left side, but is not worried about the shift to the right.
“I played right tackle a couple snaps," Hicks said. "I think like two or three snaps in a real game situation but I’m looking forward to it. It’s not that big of a deal to me. That’s not to say that I don’t feel comfortable on the right. Naturally, I feel a little bit better on the left. So, I don’t think it will be much of a problem at all. I’ve played the right before. The plays, it’s just a matter of flipping them in your head and just going with it.”
Hicks will get to prove himself as a starter once again this week on the road against Jacksonville's 18th-ranked defense.
-Dan Beer
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Williams Wall to Meet With NFL
It was reported earlier this week by The Associated Press that Vikings defensive linemen Pat and Kevin Williams will meet with league officials this week to appeal their suspensions after testing positive for a banned weight-loss diuretic commonly used to mask steroid use.
The Williams' will be appealing a potential four-game suspension from the league along with six other NFL players, including New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister and defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith.
The story was first reported in late October by Fox Sports' Jay Glazer. Six to eight NFL players all tested positive for known steroid-masking agent bumetanide, which later was reported to be an unlisted ingredient in a weight-loss pill called StarCaps. The makers of StarCaps have since seized shipment of the product since the allegation.
Players will appeal to the NFL officials this week that they were simply taking a weight loss pill to maintain weight standards. However, the NFL policy states "the use of so-called 'blocking' or 'masking' agents is prohibited by this policy. These include diuretics or water pills, which have been used in the past by some players to reach an assigned weight. Players are responsible for what is in their bodies."
No word yet on when a league decision will be announced.
-Daniel Beer
The Williams' will be appealing a potential four-game suspension from the league along with six other NFL players, including New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister and defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith.
The story was first reported in late October by Fox Sports' Jay Glazer. Six to eight NFL players all tested positive for known steroid-masking agent bumetanide, which later was reported to be an unlisted ingredient in a weight-loss pill called StarCaps. The makers of StarCaps have since seized shipment of the product since the allegation.
Players will appeal to the NFL officials this week that they were simply taking a weight loss pill to maintain weight standards. However, the NFL policy states "the use of so-called 'blocking' or 'masking' agents is prohibited by this policy. These include diuretics or water pills, which have been used in the past by some players to reach an assigned weight. Players are responsible for what is in their bodies."
No word yet on when a league decision will be announced.
-Daniel Beer
Bears/Vikings Battle Remains on Sunday Night
The NFL announced it's final schedule for Week 13 and decided to keep the NFC North battle between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears as the aired bout.
From Week 11 through Week 17, the NFL can use "flexible scheduling" to arrange the games on NBC, FOX, and CBS to guarantee quality matchups for the viewers. The league can change the games for a particular week no later than twelve days prior to a game, with the exception of Week 17, which can be changed no later than six days prior.
-Dan Beer
From Week 11 through Week 17, the NFL can use "flexible scheduling" to arrange the games on NBC, FOX, and CBS to guarantee quality matchups for the viewers. The league can change the games for a particular week no later than twelve days prior to a game, with the exception of Week 17, which can be changed no later than six days prior.
-Dan Beer
Monday, November 17, 2008
Bucs Keep Vikings All Tied Up
TAMPA, FL. - With the hunger for first place in the NFC North fresh in their minds, the Vikings strolled into Tampa Bay to face their past NFC Central rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After many costly mistakes and questionable calls on fourth downs, the Vikings find themselves still tied for first with two other teams, hunger pangs well in tow.
“Probably the only positive is that we’ve got a chance to still win the NFC North with everybody at 5-5,” Vikings coach Brad Childress said. “We don’t focus on the past; we look at the future, [and] learn from this one. [There’s] nothing wrong with the fight of this football team.”
A crowd of 65,278 at Raymond James Stadium witnessed the Purple and Gold fall to a record of 5-5 with a 19-13 loss to the Bucs.
“It’s tough because we gave the game away,” Vikings defensive end Jared Allen told reporters. “Obviously, credit goes to them, but I don’t think they did enough to beat us. Turnovers killed us. We had chances to win the game and we just didn’t capitalize on it. We’ve got to start finishing opponents off. We get stuck in these fistfights that come down to the last minute, and it doesn’t need to be that way. We are capable of going out and dominating a team, and it’s about time we start doing that.”
The Vikings entered halftime with a ten point lead over the Bucs -- thanks to a four-yard touchdown from Bobby Wade and two Ryan Longwell field goals -- only to be shut out completely during the second half. The Buccaneers claimed the lead and victory with a 1-yard TD from Tampa fullback B.J. Askew and two Matt Bryant field goals.
On the Bucs' final offensive drive, Bryant had a chance to give the Bucs a nine-point lead and increase the chances of victory, but came up wide right on the 46-yard attempt.
With 1:55 left in the game, Gus Frerotte and the Vikings offense took the field. What little hope the Vikings had left was shattered when Chester Taylor fumbled the ball on short pass up the middle from Frerotte. The ball was recovered by cornerback Ronde Barber and the Buccaneers secured the win.
The Vikings now find themselves in a three-way tie atop the NFC North with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers after the Packers toppled the Bears 37 to 3 at Lambeau Field.
The Tampa Bay defense (ranked 7th overall in the league coming into the game) held Adrian Peterson to only 85 yards on 19 carries, ending his four-game streak of 100+ yards rushing.
-Daniel Beer
“Probably the only positive is that we’ve got a chance to still win the NFC North with everybody at 5-5,” Vikings coach Brad Childress said. “We don’t focus on the past; we look at the future, [and] learn from this one. [There’s] nothing wrong with the fight of this football team.”
A crowd of 65,278 at Raymond James Stadium witnessed the Purple and Gold fall to a record of 5-5 with a 19-13 loss to the Bucs.
“It’s tough because we gave the game away,” Vikings defensive end Jared Allen told reporters. “Obviously, credit goes to them, but I don’t think they did enough to beat us. Turnovers killed us. We had chances to win the game and we just didn’t capitalize on it. We’ve got to start finishing opponents off. We get stuck in these fistfights that come down to the last minute, and it doesn’t need to be that way. We are capable of going out and dominating a team, and it’s about time we start doing that.”
The Vikings entered halftime with a ten point lead over the Bucs -- thanks to a four-yard touchdown from Bobby Wade and two Ryan Longwell field goals -- only to be shut out completely during the second half. The Buccaneers claimed the lead and victory with a 1-yard TD from Tampa fullback B.J. Askew and two Matt Bryant field goals.
On the Bucs' final offensive drive, Bryant had a chance to give the Bucs a nine-point lead and increase the chances of victory, but came up wide right on the 46-yard attempt.
With 1:55 left in the game, Gus Frerotte and the Vikings offense took the field. What little hope the Vikings had left was shattered when Chester Taylor fumbled the ball on short pass up the middle from Frerotte. The ball was recovered by cornerback Ronde Barber and the Buccaneers secured the win.
The Vikings now find themselves in a three-way tie atop the NFC North with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers after the Packers toppled the Bears 37 to 3 at Lambeau Field.
The Tampa Bay defense (ranked 7th overall in the league coming into the game) held Adrian Peterson to only 85 yards on 19 carries, ending his four-game streak of 100+ yards rushing.
-Daniel Beer
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Nitpicking Frerotte
It would be excessive to call him a savior, though calling him "just some backup" would be off-base. However, over the last seven games as a starter, Gus Frerotte is 5-2, ranked ninth among quarterbacks with 1,619 yards passing, tied for 8th with 10 touchdown passes, and is tied for first with seven scoring throws of 20-plus yards. It's hard not to love the guy, especially while glancing at the bench and realizing who could be taking the helm instead.
Despite all these exhilarating numbers, there is one statistic that has kept me from tattooing "In Gus We Trust" on my left butt cheek. In his seven games as the leader of the Viking offense, Frerotte has thrown 11 interceptions, tied for second with Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger and Denver's Jay Cutler who have started all nine games this season, and San Francisco's J.T. O'Sullivan who has started eight. Frerotte stands only one interception shy of tying Brett Favre at 12. What's worse is that eight of those 11 interceptions have come in the last three games.
Frerotte is averaging roughly 1.57 interceptions a game (Favre averages 1.33, Cutler and Roethlisberger average 1.22 per game). At this rate -- at least statistically -- he could finish this season with a league-leading 21 or even 22 interceptions on the season. Fortunately for Gus, he's not likely to break the record for most passes intercepted in a season (currently held by George Blandas of the Houston Oilers in 1962), but it's certainly a statistic that one can't ignore.
"The number one thing is that you have to take care of the football, and you can't give up those interceptions at half-field or obviously one that goes back in the other direction," said Vikings coach Brad Childress during his Monday press conference.
During their 28-27 victory over the fan-hated (understatement) Green Bay Packers, Frerotte was picked off three times by the Packer secondary, one of which was returned for a 59-yard touchdown by safety Nick Collins.
"He was just staring down his receivers, and once you see a quarterback doing that, you have a great chance to pick him off. So we took advantage of that," boasted Collins after recording the league-leading sixth interception for a touchdown by the Packers' defense this season.
In defending his QB, Childress said "he usually does a very, very good job with his eyes, and I thought he did a good job with his eyes [on Sunday]. It's just that when he swung his eyes back to where he was throwing, he didn't do a very good job. But he's not a guy that stares down his target. He tries to move people with his eyes and perhaps in a couple of situations maybe was doing a little bit too much."
Nevertheless, Frerotte remains poise. The 15-year veteran makes his fair share of mistakes, yet you can't deny the fact that he possesses the immense ability to rally his team to overcome adversity on the field. Down by six points on a critical 3rd down play in the final offensive drive on Sunday, Frerotte hit Bobby Wade for five yards and the first down. Later in the same drive, he completed a 16-yard toss up the center to Adrian Peterson to set up his game-winning rushing TD.
"He's excellent at it," expressed Childress. "He's up there as good as any I've been around. It's not that he doesn't care, but he's not going to let a play beat him twice. I think that's very important. It's not going to make him less aggressive because if you don't keep shooting, you got no chance to play this game."
Frerotte's next big challenge comes this week in the form of the fifth-ranked pass defense of Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers are tied for fourth in the league with 12 interceptions (two of which have been returned for touchdowns) and are ranked seventh in overall defense.
-DAN BEER
Despite all these exhilarating numbers, there is one statistic that has kept me from tattooing "In Gus We Trust" on my left butt cheek. In his seven games as the leader of the Viking offense, Frerotte has thrown 11 interceptions, tied for second with Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger and Denver's Jay Cutler who have started all nine games this season, and San Francisco's J.T. O'Sullivan who has started eight. Frerotte stands only one interception shy of tying Brett Favre at 12. What's worse is that eight of those 11 interceptions have come in the last three games.
Frerotte is averaging roughly 1.57 interceptions a game (Favre averages 1.33, Cutler and Roethlisberger average 1.22 per game). At this rate -- at least statistically -- he could finish this season with a league-leading 21 or even 22 interceptions on the season. Fortunately for Gus, he's not likely to break the record for most passes intercepted in a season (currently held by George Blandas of the Houston Oilers in 1962), but it's certainly a statistic that one can't ignore.
"The number one thing is that you have to take care of the football, and you can't give up those interceptions at half-field or obviously one that goes back in the other direction," said Vikings coach Brad Childress during his Monday press conference.
During their 28-27 victory over the fan-hated (understatement) Green Bay Packers, Frerotte was picked off three times by the Packer secondary, one of which was returned for a 59-yard touchdown by safety Nick Collins.
"He was just staring down his receivers, and once you see a quarterback doing that, you have a great chance to pick him off. So we took advantage of that," boasted Collins after recording the league-leading sixth interception for a touchdown by the Packers' defense this season.
In defending his QB, Childress said "he usually does a very, very good job with his eyes, and I thought he did a good job with his eyes [on Sunday]. It's just that when he swung his eyes back to where he was throwing, he didn't do a very good job. But he's not a guy that stares down his target. He tries to move people with his eyes and perhaps in a couple of situations maybe was doing a little bit too much."
Nevertheless, Frerotte remains poise. The 15-year veteran makes his fair share of mistakes, yet you can't deny the fact that he possesses the immense ability to rally his team to overcome adversity on the field. Down by six points on a critical 3rd down play in the final offensive drive on Sunday, Frerotte hit Bobby Wade for five yards and the first down. Later in the same drive, he completed a 16-yard toss up the center to Adrian Peterson to set up his game-winning rushing TD.
"He's excellent at it," expressed Childress. "He's up there as good as any I've been around. It's not that he doesn't care, but he's not going to let a play beat him twice. I think that's very important. It's not going to make him less aggressive because if you don't keep shooting, you got no chance to play this game."
Frerotte's next big challenge comes this week in the form of the fifth-ranked pass defense of Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers are tied for fourth in the league with 12 interceptions (two of which have been returned for touchdowns) and are ranked seventh in overall defense.
-DAN BEER
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Vikings Top Punt Returner Carted Off
Minnesota Vikings punt returner Charles Gordon was carted off the field in the 28-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers after a horrendous ankle injury received on a punt return in the second quarter.
Gordon, also the teams nickel cornerback, snagged the punt inside the 10 yard line and was met shortly by two Packers defenders. After planting his left leg to change directions, one of the defenders rolled onto his leg, causing the ankle to give. The injury was so gruesome, the announcers of the game refused to show a replay.
Laying motionless on the field, trainer Eric Sugarman and coach Brad Childress rushed out to the field to check on Gordon as his teammates took a knee to pray.
After being lifted by several Vikings players onto the cart, Gordon was met by a group of Packers to say a few words before being carted off to the locker room.
Check back for more updates on this injury.
Gordon, also the teams nickel cornerback, snagged the punt inside the 10 yard line and was met shortly by two Packers defenders. After planting his left leg to change directions, one of the defenders rolled onto his leg, causing the ankle to give. The injury was so gruesome, the announcers of the game refused to show a replay.
Laying motionless on the field, trainer Eric Sugarman and coach Brad Childress rushed out to the field to check on Gordon as his teammates took a knee to pray.
After being lifted by several Vikings players onto the cart, Gordon was met by a group of Packers to say a few words before being carted off to the locker room.
Check back for more updates on this injury.
Vikings Win Tiebreaker, End Losing Streak to Green Bay
In a game oozing with rivalry and tension, the Vikings welcomed the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome and sent them packing in a 28-27 victory, shortly after the Bears lost to the undefeated Titans. The Vikings are now tied for first place in the NFC North at 5-4.
While Bernard Berrian had zero catches on the day, Adrian Peterson rushed for 192 yards on 30 carries and one TD. This brings him in the lead over Washington's Clinton Portis with 1,015 yards this season.
Gus Frerotte completed two TD passes during the game, along with three interceptions -- one of which was returned for a touchdown by Nick Collins. With Frerotte completing 15 of 28 passes for 151 yards and Aaron Rodgers going 15/26 for 142 yards, the game came down to defense and the run.
In their first offensive drive of the game, the Vikings shot first with a three yard TD pass to Sidney Rice, his only catch of the game. The next two drives went scoreless after Rodgers found himself sacked two plays in a row -- first by Napoleon Harris and immediately after by Brian Robison. Packers followed up shortly after when Charles Woodson picked off a pass intended for Bobby Wade, taking it downfield nine yards.
Green Bay, from Minnesota's 48 yard line, lead a 3:15 drive to even the score after a Ryan Grant TD of one yard.
After a six minute drive to bring the game into the 2nd quarter, Ryan Longwell clears a 54-yard field goal to bring the lead to 10-7.
To capitalize on their lead, Kevin Williams makes Rodgers fumble at the two yard line into the end zone. Rodgers picks up the ball and throws it away. Intentional grounding call spotted in the end zone for a safety giving the Viking s a 12 to 7 lead.
00:52 until the half, Rodgers is sacked by Jared Allen for a loss of nine yard and another safety, bringing the game to 14-7. Allen came into the game wearing a harness on his injured right shoulder, finishing the game with two tackles and one sack.
Packers responded with an interception by Tramon Williams with only 22 seconds left in the first half. After a short four-play drive, Packers kicker Mason Crosby brings the score to 14-10 Vikings at the half.
With less than five minutes ticked off the clock in the third quarter, Frerotte completes a short left pass to Chester Taylor for 47 yards and a touchdown, the longest reception of the game. Taylor finished the game with four receptions for 84 yards (the leading receiver of the game) and one TD. He also made ten rushing attempts for a total of 29 yards.
Vikings up 21 to 10 with 7:12 left in the third, Longwell misses wide right on a 47-yard attempt. It doesn't stop there. After a failed drive, the Packers punt away to Minnesota. On the first play of the drive, Frerotte misses his target, Visanthe Shiancoe, and hits free safety Nick Collins who returns it for a 59-yard touchdown, shortening the Vikings lead to 21 t0 17.
Next drive, Vikings punter Chris Kluwe has his fourth punt returned for a touchdown this year by Will Blackmon, a 65-yard return to bring the Packers into the lead at 24 to 21.
On a critical 4th and 1 situation, Adrian Peterson fumbled the ball and it's recovered by Nafahu Tahi for no gain, giving possession to Green Bay. Crosby follows it up after four plays with a 40-yard field goal to increase the Packers lead.
Vikings take the ball on their own 31 with less than six minutes left in regulation. Peterson cuts left for a gain of four to bring up 2nd down and six. Peterson takes the handoff again, this time improving five yards to the Vikings 40. On 3rd and 1, Frerotte takes the snap from Matt Birk and passes to Bobby Wade for a gain of five at their own 45 for the first down. Two plays later, Frerotte makes a short pass up the center to Peterson for a gain of 16 yards and a first down.
Next play, from Green Bay's 37 yard line, Peterson takes another pass for a gain of 8 yards. With only 2:30 left in the game, Frerotte took the snap and handed off to #28. Peterson fought his defender along the sideline for a 29-yard stretch across the goal line. While reaching across the goal line for the score, the ball popped out and rolled out of the end zone. Packers coach Mike McCarthy challenged the play, but the ruling was upheld, giving the Vikings a one-point lead.
With 00:31 left in the game at Minnesota's 34 yard line, McCarthy calls out the kicking team. Crosby's 52-yard attempt is wide right, giving the Vikings their first victory against Green Bay in the last six clashes.
Next up: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road.
While Bernard Berrian had zero catches on the day, Adrian Peterson rushed for 192 yards on 30 carries and one TD. This brings him in the lead over Washington's Clinton Portis with 1,015 yards this season.
Gus Frerotte completed two TD passes during the game, along with three interceptions -- one of which was returned for a touchdown by Nick Collins. With Frerotte completing 15 of 28 passes for 151 yards and Aaron Rodgers going 15/26 for 142 yards, the game came down to defense and the run.
In their first offensive drive of the game, the Vikings shot first with a three yard TD pass to Sidney Rice, his only catch of the game. The next two drives went scoreless after Rodgers found himself sacked two plays in a row -- first by Napoleon Harris and immediately after by Brian Robison. Packers followed up shortly after when Charles Woodson picked off a pass intended for Bobby Wade, taking it downfield nine yards.
Green Bay, from Minnesota's 48 yard line, lead a 3:15 drive to even the score after a Ryan Grant TD of one yard.
After a six minute drive to bring the game into the 2nd quarter, Ryan Longwell clears a 54-yard field goal to bring the lead to 10-7.
To capitalize on their lead, Kevin Williams makes Rodgers fumble at the two yard line into the end zone. Rodgers picks up the ball and throws it away. Intentional grounding call spotted in the end zone for a safety giving the Viking s a 12 to 7 lead.
00:52 until the half, Rodgers is sacked by Jared Allen for a loss of nine yard and another safety, bringing the game to 14-7. Allen came into the game wearing a harness on his injured right shoulder, finishing the game with two tackles and one sack.
Packers responded with an interception by Tramon Williams with only 22 seconds left in the first half. After a short four-play drive, Packers kicker Mason Crosby brings the score to 14-10 Vikings at the half.
With less than five minutes ticked off the clock in the third quarter, Frerotte completes a short left pass to Chester Taylor for 47 yards and a touchdown, the longest reception of the game. Taylor finished the game with four receptions for 84 yards (the leading receiver of the game) and one TD. He also made ten rushing attempts for a total of 29 yards.
Vikings up 21 to 10 with 7:12 left in the third, Longwell misses wide right on a 47-yard attempt. It doesn't stop there. After a failed drive, the Packers punt away to Minnesota. On the first play of the drive, Frerotte misses his target, Visanthe Shiancoe, and hits free safety Nick Collins who returns it for a 59-yard touchdown, shortening the Vikings lead to 21 t0 17.
Next drive, Vikings punter Chris Kluwe has his fourth punt returned for a touchdown this year by Will Blackmon, a 65-yard return to bring the Packers into the lead at 24 to 21.
On a critical 4th and 1 situation, Adrian Peterson fumbled the ball and it's recovered by Nafahu Tahi for no gain, giving possession to Green Bay. Crosby follows it up after four plays with a 40-yard field goal to increase the Packers lead.
Vikings take the ball on their own 31 with less than six minutes left in regulation. Peterson cuts left for a gain of four to bring up 2nd down and six. Peterson takes the handoff again, this time improving five yards to the Vikings 40. On 3rd and 1, Frerotte takes the snap from Matt Birk and passes to Bobby Wade for a gain of five at their own 45 for the first down. Two plays later, Frerotte makes a short pass up the center to Peterson for a gain of 16 yards and a first down.
Next play, from Green Bay's 37 yard line, Peterson takes another pass for a gain of 8 yards. With only 2:30 left in the game, Frerotte took the snap and handed off to #28. Peterson fought his defender along the sideline for a 29-yard stretch across the goal line. While reaching across the goal line for the score, the ball popped out and rolled out of the end zone. Packers coach Mike McCarthy challenged the play, but the ruling was upheld, giving the Vikings a one-point lead.
With 00:31 left in the game at Minnesota's 34 yard line, McCarthy calls out the kicking team. Crosby's 52-yard attempt is wide right, giving the Vikings their first victory against Green Bay in the last six clashes.
Next up: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road.
Week 10: Vikings (4-4) vs. Packers (4-4)
As we roll into Week 10, we find the Purple and Gold battling for second place in the NFC North -- lead by the Chicago Bears -- against the Green Bay Packers. With the Bears going head-t0-head with the undefeated Tennessee Titans, the Vikings could find themselves ties for first in the division. Here are some key points for this week's match-up (this will be updated throughout the week, so keep checking back):
1) The D Factor
The Vikings defense ranks 11th overall this week (302.5 YPG allowed) after allowing 389 total yards from the Houston Texans'. Despite the high volume of yards allowed, the Vikings pulled out a 28-21 victory, ending Houston's three-game winning streak. After holding both RB Steve Slaton and WR Andre Johnson to 62 yards each, the Vikings rush defense hangs on to second place (69.2 YPG) behind the Baltimore Ravens.
The Vikings secondary caused three turnovers Sunday, including a key interception in the endzone by Madieu Williams. This game was Williams' first game of the season after injuring his neck in training camp. Hopefully, we shall see more from him and possibly Darren Sharper's first interception of the season.
With the placing of MLB E.J. Henderson on injured reserve, the potential four-week suspension of DT Kevin Williams and NT Pat Williams in the bumetanide scandal, and shoulder injury for Jared Allen, the Vikings could see these numbers fall drastically. In a crucial match-up against the Packers, this could be ugly.
Worst case scenario: we see Ellis Wyms, Fred Evans, Brian Robison, and and Ray Edwards as the starting D-line. Not HORRIBLE, but not the Pro Bowl performance we'll be used to seeing.
Update: Jared Allen (shoulder) is listed as doubtful. Kevin and Pat Williams ARE expected to play today against Green Bay.
UPDATED Update: Jared Allen WILL be active for today's game. It's reported that he will be playing with his shoulder in a harness.
2) Gus "Get Us Somewhere" Frerotte
Gus Frerotte will walk into the Metrodome today 4-2 as a starter, a definite improvement over the 0-2 record of Tarvaris Jackson. Although his new(-ish) role as starter hasn't been miraculous, he has managed to level off a season that was clearly plummeting. After six games, Frerotte has 8 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, a QB rating of 77.6 and has thrown for a total number of 1,468 yards. On top of that, Frerotte has a 90.8 QB rating at home this season.
Frerotte has connected with Bernard Berrian 27 times this season, resulting in 583 yds and 4 touchdowns. With Frerotte under center, Berrian has averaged 25.31 yards per catch, including an 86 yard TD pass against Detroit in Week 6. Overall this season, Berrian leads the NFL in yard per catch at 20.7 among receivers with at least 20 catches and Frerotte is 4th in yards per completion at 12.88.
And if anyone was curious, TE Visanthe Shiancoe is currently 2nd among tight ends in touchdowns at 4 for the season.
3) On The Run
Currently ranked 27th against the run in the NFL, the Packers have undoubtedly been planning all week for Adrian Peterson. With Peterson the 2nd ranked rusher in the league, this is more-than-likely the main focus of this Packer defense. When the teams last met in Week 1, Peterson rushed for 103 yds on 19 attempts (averaging 5.4 yds per carry) and 1 TD. The outlook is much improved for Peterson having the homefield advantage.
Prediction: With a 100-yard rusher and a 100-yard receiver, I expect the Vikings to take this one at home in a 21-17 victory over Green Bay.
Injury Updates:
Vikings - DE Jared Allen (shoulder) is listed as doubtful. LB David Herron (hip) and TE Garrett Mills (ankle) are questionable.
Packers - CB Charles Woodson (toe), LB Desmond Bishop (hamstring), QB Aaron Rodgers (right shoulder) and LT Chad Clifton (knees) are all probable.
1) The D Factor
The Vikings defense ranks 11th overall this week (302.5 YPG allowed) after allowing 389 total yards from the Houston Texans'. Despite the high volume of yards allowed, the Vikings pulled out a 28-21 victory, ending Houston's three-game winning streak. After holding both RB Steve Slaton and WR Andre Johnson to 62 yards each, the Vikings rush defense hangs on to second place (69.2 YPG) behind the Baltimore Ravens.
The Vikings secondary caused three turnovers Sunday, including a key interception in the endzone by Madieu Williams. This game was Williams' first game of the season after injuring his neck in training camp. Hopefully, we shall see more from him and possibly Darren Sharper's first interception of the season.
With the placing of MLB E.J. Henderson on injured reserve, the potential four-week suspension of DT Kevin Williams and NT Pat Williams in the bumetanide scandal, and shoulder injury for Jared Allen, the Vikings could see these numbers fall drastically. In a crucial match-up against the Packers, this could be ugly.
Worst case scenario: we see Ellis Wyms, Fred Evans, Brian Robison, and and Ray Edwards as the starting D-line. Not HORRIBLE, but not the Pro Bowl performance we'll be used to seeing.
Update: Jared Allen (shoulder) is listed as doubtful. Kevin and Pat Williams ARE expected to play today against Green Bay.
UPDATED Update: Jared Allen WILL be active for today's game. It's reported that he will be playing with his shoulder in a harness.
2) Gus "Get Us Somewhere" Frerotte
Gus Frerotte will walk into the Metrodome today 4-2 as a starter, a definite improvement over the 0-2 record of Tarvaris Jackson. Although his new(-ish) role as starter hasn't been miraculous, he has managed to level off a season that was clearly plummeting. After six games, Frerotte has 8 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, a QB rating of 77.6 and has thrown for a total number of 1,468 yards. On top of that, Frerotte has a 90.8 QB rating at home this season.
Frerotte has connected with Bernard Berrian 27 times this season, resulting in 583 yds and 4 touchdowns. With Frerotte under center, Berrian has averaged 25.31 yards per catch, including an 86 yard TD pass against Detroit in Week 6. Overall this season, Berrian leads the NFL in yard per catch at 20.7 among receivers with at least 20 catches and Frerotte is 4th in yards per completion at 12.88.
And if anyone was curious, TE Visanthe Shiancoe is currently 2nd among tight ends in touchdowns at 4 for the season.
3) On The Run
Currently ranked 27th against the run in the NFL, the Packers have undoubtedly been planning all week for Adrian Peterson. With Peterson the 2nd ranked rusher in the league, this is more-than-likely the main focus of this Packer defense. When the teams last met in Week 1, Peterson rushed for 103 yds on 19 attempts (averaging 5.4 yds per carry) and 1 TD. The outlook is much improved for Peterson having the homefield advantage.
Prediction: With a 100-yard rusher and a 100-yard receiver, I expect the Vikings to take this one at home in a 21-17 victory over Green Bay.
Injury Updates:
Vikings - DE Jared Allen (shoulder) is listed as doubtful. LB David Herron (hip) and TE Garrett Mills (ankle) are questionable.
Packers - CB Charles Woodson (toe), LB Desmond Bishop (hamstring), QB Aaron Rodgers (right shoulder) and LT Chad Clifton (knees) are all probable.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Jared Allen Injury Update
News this morning on Jared Allen is that he may have a third-degree shoulder sprain in his right shoulder. For a first- or second-degree shoulder sprain, the treatment would just be rest. Allen was reported saying that the degree of this injury is a "three or something." He could potentially miss two to four weeks due to this injury.
Allen has said he is not sure whether he will play or not, and we will see as the week progresses.
For those who don't remember, Allen was injured when sacking Matt Schaub of the Houston Texans for one of his two sacks this past Sunday. The team rallied to a 28-21 victory after the star DE received a painkilling injection at halftime.
With Allen out on Sunday, we very well could see Brian Robison stepping in to fill Allen's maniacal shoes.
Update: Jared Allen -- as well as wide receiver Robert Ferguson -- were not on the field during the portion of practice the media is allowed to attend.
As more information comes along, we will be updating this blog.
Allen has said he is not sure whether he will play or not, and we will see as the week progresses.
For those who don't remember, Allen was injured when sacking Matt Schaub of the Houston Texans for one of his two sacks this past Sunday. The team rallied to a 28-21 victory after the star DE received a painkilling injection at halftime.
With Allen out on Sunday, we very well could see Brian Robison stepping in to fill Allen's maniacal shoes.
Update: Jared Allen -- as well as wide receiver Robert Ferguson -- were not on the field during the portion of practice the media is allowed to attend.
As more information comes along, we will be updating this blog.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Allen Status Still Unknown, Robison Could Step Up
As the Vikings gear up to take on their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers, this Sunday, fans are holding their collective breath on the status of Jared Allen's shoulder.
Allen injured the AC joint on his right shoulder Sunday when he sacked Houston QB Matt Schaub for a loss of nine yards in the 28-21 victory. Despite heading to the sidelines short time after the initial injury, Allen received a painkilling shot during halftime and returned to sack Texans' backup QB Sage Rosenfels in Houston's final effort to tie the game. Allen's sack was followed by one from Kevin Williams to end the Texans' run.
Sporting a wrap on his right shoulder after the game in the locker room, he told reporters he expected to play in the coming battle with Green Bay. When asked about the Pro Bowl DE's status for next Sunday, Coach Brad Childress told the Star Tribune "I don't know what exactly he will be able to do this week, or if he will be able to make it to next weekend. We'll just have to evaluate that as we go."
The loss of Allen could make a profound impact on the Vikings defense, especially when coupled with the loss of LB E.J. Henderson and the potential suspension of Pro Bowl defensive linemen Kevin and Pat Williams. So far this season, the 6'6" 270 lb. sacking machine accounts for 7.0 sacks -- tying DT Kevin Williams for the team lead -- two forced fumbles and 25 tackles after a rocky start in the first few weeks.
If coaches deem Allen unable to play on Sunday, fans could see Brian Robison taking the starting position. Robison, a second-year veteran out of Texas, has seen his share of action this season. On Sunday, he took 22 snaps across all four line positions. "The thing about this league is, the more things you can do, the better it is," he told the Star Tribune on Tuesday.
The Vikings are 0-5 in the last five games against the Packers and look to end that streak this Sunday with a refreshed passing game, both on offense and defense.
Allen injured the AC joint on his right shoulder Sunday when he sacked Houston QB Matt Schaub for a loss of nine yards in the 28-21 victory. Despite heading to the sidelines short time after the initial injury, Allen received a painkilling shot during halftime and returned to sack Texans' backup QB Sage Rosenfels in Houston's final effort to tie the game. Allen's sack was followed by one from Kevin Williams to end the Texans' run.
Sporting a wrap on his right shoulder after the game in the locker room, he told reporters he expected to play in the coming battle with Green Bay. When asked about the Pro Bowl DE's status for next Sunday, Coach Brad Childress told the Star Tribune "I don't know what exactly he will be able to do this week, or if he will be able to make it to next weekend. We'll just have to evaluate that as we go."
The loss of Allen could make a profound impact on the Vikings defense, especially when coupled with the loss of LB E.J. Henderson and the potential suspension of Pro Bowl defensive linemen Kevin and Pat Williams. So far this season, the 6'6" 270 lb. sacking machine accounts for 7.0 sacks -- tying DT Kevin Williams for the team lead -- two forced fumbles and 25 tackles after a rocky start in the first few weeks.
If coaches deem Allen unable to play on Sunday, fans could see Brian Robison taking the starting position. Robison, a second-year veteran out of Texas, has seen his share of action this season. On Sunday, he took 22 snaps across all four line positions. "The thing about this league is, the more things you can do, the better it is," he told the Star Tribune on Tuesday.
The Vikings are 0-5 in the last five games against the Packers and look to end that streak this Sunday with a refreshed passing game, both on offense and defense.
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