Apparently I was locked out of my blog because their auto-detector said that my blog site was spam. I submitted my appeal and the minute that I get my blog back I will be putting this up as my next post.
The Vikings won 30-27 over the Saints. To say the game was crazy is an understatement. As always, my goal with these posts is not to recap a game. I make the assumption that anyone reading this saw at least most of the game or read a recap. If you have haven’t, follow this link for this week’s game. http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap?game_id=29602&displayPage=tab_recap&season=2008&week=REG5&override=true. Nfl.com does a good job of providing a recap for all the games each week, just in case someone is looking to research some other games as well.
First, I must start my analysis with my gut feeling after the game. The Vikings got away with one. Realistically, that game should have been over by the second half. The Vikings defense was getting shredded early on and the offense didn’t look too effective in their first handful of drives. The Vikings offense had 35 net yards in the first quarter (5 yards of which were penalty yards given by a Saints penalty) as compared to the Saint’s 133 Net yards offensively. However, the end of the first quarter had the score tied at 10. The second quarter the Vikings offense had a long drive coupled with more miscues by the Saints. Consider this; the Saints had four drives in the second quarter with the results as follows: fumble, fumble, interception, end of the quarter. The Vikings went into halftime up 20-10.
There is reason to be excited about this win. Obviously, a win is a win and wins don’t come easily in the nfl. Just ask Houston who blew a big lead to Indy late in the game.
Fast-forward to the fourth quarter and Gus did what needed to be done to win the game. He threw for 90 yards in the fourth quarter which doesn’t include the big interference penalty against K. Kaesviharn (Saints) for 42 yards which setup the game winning field goal. Of course, he did all of this with no running game either. That’s big time play by a quarterback.
Negative impressions.
The Vikings have many things to address after this game. First, they need to take a look at the special teams. Two punt returns for touchdowns is unacceptable to say the least. The kickoff coverage wasn’t good for much of the game either. The blocked field goal was a great play. It was extremely heads up by Winfield (who is the MVP of this team thus far in the season). However, don’t expect the Vikings to be blocking too many kicks again as that kick was way too low which is what gave our guys the opportunity to block it. Nonetheless, you have to take what’s given to you. The kick was low, Kevin Williams blocked it, and Winfield returned it all the way.
The offensive line looked surprisingly vulnerable. The return of McKinnie was supposed to make our offensive line more formidable. Unfortunately, they looked more vulnerable than I have ever seen them this season. It wasn’t just McKinnie either. I looked like a team effort to make sure that Adrian had nowhere to run and Gus was would get hit on every play. That’s an area that needs to tighten up again for the upcoming game against Detroit.
The offense had few answers for the Saints defense. I can’t pin this one on coaching either. I saw the play calling trying to use Adrian as the focal point of the offense. Then I saw the play calling try to use Adrian as decoy. None of it was working. I think the offensive line play was a big factor. They would run up the middle with little success. Many plays to the outside went for losses as the Saints defense was able to string the play out all the way to the sideline. The passing game showed signs of improvement when Gus had a chance to throw, but he took some vicious (not dirty though) hits.
Positive impressions.
Gus Frerotte. The man is so old that they didn’t record time when he was born. No fear though, as he hung in there and kept trying to make plays regardless how many shots he took during the game. I do believe that Gus is good enough to make a serious playoff run for the Vikes. The biggest question is can he stay healthy all season long?
Leslie Frazier. The defensive coordinator for the Vikings did a great job of making adjustments. After the defense did little to slow the Saints on the first drive, he made adjustments and started blitzing frequently. He brought everyone from everywhere at some point or another. He allowed his unit to get in the head of Drew Brees. Then the Vikings D took what was given to them; a bunch of turnovers.
Antoine Winfield. I’m saving the best for last. Winfield had a career day against the Saints. As I mentioned earlier, he is the MVP of the Vikings team this year. Both wins have come due to huge momentum shifts that came from Winfield plays. The man plays hard and shows up every game.
Well, that’s all for now. As always, cheer loud and enjoy the game. Detroit is up next.
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