Vikings 24 (6-5) - Browns 12 (4-7)

Vikings Win!!! Again.

Welcome to the JUNGLE!!!!!! The Vikings have been playing with pure animal instinct and passion the past 4 games setting up an eventual showdown in Minneapolis to determine the NFC Norris divisional championshipl. There were times during this game when the fans wanted to see the defense and nothing but the defense. Myself, I began to feel a little sorry for Dilfer and the Browns, the Vikings made them look like a college team today.

Listen to Metallica's "Star Wars March" and tell me that does not summarize the mission the Vikings seem to be on right now. Angered by doubters, ready to prove themselves dominant in the face of adversity. The Vikings defense is truly in touch with the dark side now. There are no Luke Skywalkers in sight. No Yoda's to guide a passing attack against the all-powerful Vikings D. Skol.

Brad Johnson broke the 200 yard barrier for the first time this season as the offense relied upon the passing game more than the run. Johnson ws 19/28 for 207 yards and 3 TD's all of which went to Koren Robinson. The offensive line held its own for the first time this year allowing Johnson to complete these 19 passes. 5 to Taylor for 70 yards, and 5 to Wiggins for 67. Mewelde Moore was unable to back up his great performance last week as he gain 67 yards off of 21 carries. More or less it didn't really matter, the Vikings Defense was impenatrable. But there is something that has to be said about Brad Johnson. While Vikings Review has always felt that Brad Johnson was officially "the man", fear of angering the Quarterback gods by offending Daunte always loomed. From the Vikings Review archives, August 12th 2005 "Brad Johnson is back. I know he is only playing as a backup quarterback, but we tend to have great years with him as a back up. Maybe he is a good luck charm. I don't know, I try not to question it as it might make the luck turn sour." Has the profiecy come true? I don't know, I try not to question it. Brad Johnson, I don't know what you do, but don't stop doing that thing that you do so well. Skol Brad.

The Defense is awesome. That is all that needs to be said about that. And that is all that I will say about it. If you don't like the analysis . . . watch the damn game. I am not going to jinx the defense by bringing to light some insignifigant crap that obviously didn't mean anything to the game. They came, they conquered, they deserve a trip on the boat. Skol.

Vikings Review Player's of the Game

Offense - Brad Johnson (the enigma) and Koren Robinson (the guy who caught 3 TD's)

Defense - Pat Williams (the unstoppable human wrecking ball) and Darren Sharper (The gravitational center of the world for opposing defenses)

Next Week - at the 4-7 Lions.

Skol Vikings.

Vikings (5-5) vs. Browns (4-6)

Vikings 5-5 vs. Browns 4-6

Not much can be said in a preview about this game except don't screw up a good thing. The Vikings have been super hot as of late after starting out the season 1-4, they have rebounded with a 4-1 record in the last 5 games. Brad Johnson at worst has proven to be an adequate replacement for Culpepper, and at best . . . he doesn't turn the ball over. A veteran in the leauge, Johnson knows when to throw the ball and when to throw it awaay. Essentially we have traded out high powered rifle offense for a BB gun. We may not be quite as imposing as we used to be, but when we shoot ourselves in the foot . . . it doesn't hurt so much.

Our defense has started to play up to higher standards than most originally thought. A defense that was arguably one of the worst in the NFL last year, went to the off-season in an attempt to become average. In the past few weeks the defense has far exceeded the average label and has become a dominant force to be contended with. Led by the never say die attitude of Pat Williams, opposing quarterbacks are forced to throw the ball into tight spots that often end up picked. The run stop limited the Packers to a mere 21 yards last week, essentailly cornering the offense into passing all game long. The defense is back, but it a bit premature to claim the day of Dungy are back. One of the most notable things in the past 3 weeks has been how the defense has gelled together and play as one unit. Most definetly a deciding factor in a few of the recent games.

The most notable improvement over the past few weeks has been the intensity that the whole team takes into the game. How many times did I scream BOOOM during the Packers game when Minnesota laid the wood on a tackle? Too many is the answer to that question. In stark contrast from the first 7 games, the entire team is playing with intensity. They actually look like they want to win the games. What a concept. I actually think Tice has a lot to do with this. The Vikings needed time to gel after the influx of a ton of free agents in the off-season. In the past 3 weeks we have seen this team gel. . . and win.

There is talk out there about firing Tice, and there is also talk about Tice for coach of the year. In Vikings Review's opinion, if Tice makes the playoffs . . . he keeps his job. If Tice makes the NFC Championship game . . . coach of the year. If we win the Super Bowl . . . rename the Lombardy trophy to the Tice Trophy. Tice has had to deal with a lot of crap this year. In the past 3 games, Tice has shown that he has the ability to rally the troops in the darkest of times in a manner befitting George Washington. Don't sell your Tice stock for magic beans quite yet, we may have a real winner on our hands.

The Browns come into this game struggling throughout the whole year. While their record indicates 4-6, they are the only team to lose to the Texans this year. Included in those losses is the loss to the 3-7 Ravens, and the team that everyone thought was the big time this year . . . the "Paper Lions". (terrible attempt at a pun, sorry. I know . . . I'm fired.) They were able to beat the Packers. . . but just barely. But then again, so were we. (Our games are rivalry games though). The Browns are 1-4 on the road this year, going up against a Vikings team that is 3-1 at home. Foxsports.com's power rankings have the Browns at #22, and the Vikings greatly underranked at #23. With Trent Dilfer having to contend with the rejuentated Vikings faithful in the Dome this week, I would expect him to make a few bad decisions and increase his interception numbers from 10 to . . . well more than 10.

Keys to the game - Offense.

Get Moore the damn ball. We win when Moore runs the ball. I read a stat somewhere that the Vikings have yet to lose a game when Moore ran for 90 or more yards. Pound the ball, keep that defense on the field, get them tired and score. Our defense should be able to provide a few 3 and outs, thus putting a tired Browns D back on the field for some more work. If we keep the Browns D working overtime this week, a win should come pretty easily. If we struggle, then we must leave the winning up to the Defense.

Keys to the game - Defense.

3 and outs. The offense's best friend is a D that can get them back out on the field. How to accomplish this? Run stopping. Plug up that running game, force Dilfer to pass, let Pat Williams hurry him, then watch Brian Williams or Devonte Edwards (Player of the game last week) run a TD back. Keep Dilfer on his toes and things will work out fine

Most importantly though, the Vikings need to come into this game with the eyes burning of fire and brimstone that we have seen in the past few weeks. Heart wins football games. (I am pretty sure I stole that off of Rudy) Anyways, Skol Vikings.

Final Score Prediction - Vikings 24 Browns 17.

Skol Vikings

Top Eleven Moments From Last Nights Game

Yesterday's game was just another installment of the greatest rivalry in sports. Listed below are the top 11 moments from that game.

11) Wiggins "lords a leaping" catch where he hurdled the Packers defense in a big gain. What an athlete!

10) Even though it didn't count, Moore's big run up the middle that was called back for a phantom holding call. Minnesota won despite the terrible job by the officials.

9) Brad Johnson somehow defying logic and escaping a sack throwing a completion to Travis Taylor (spectacular catch).

8) Mewalde Moore's 24 yard run off the right tackle setting up an Edinger field goal.

7) Favre most likely playing his last game against the Vikings. . . and losing in Lambeau.

6) Tice running down the clock after Robinson's big play in the 4th quarter, essentially taking away any comeback heroics from Favre.

5) Dovonte Edwards and his fantastic attempt to break up a reception on the 5 yard line, thus making the Packers tie the game with 3 minutes to go.

4) Edinger's last second field goal. All Vikings fans across the nation had only one thought in thier mind . . . please be a good snap.

3) Koren Robinson's wide open catch with 1 minute left to play in the 4th quarter

2) John Madden continuing to praise Favre after his second interception. Love is truly blind.

1) Dovonte Edwards Interception and subsequent touchdown return. Especially sweet since he was telling the pres he wanted Brett Favre to throw his way so he could pick him off and make a name for himself. Nice back flip Edwards, Nice back flip.

Skol Vikings Skol

Vikings 20 - Packers 17, Series at 45-44-1 (Vikings)

Vikings 20 Packers 17
Great game tonight as Vikings edge out the Packers and the poor calls by the refs to take the 1 game advantage in the overall series, sweep the regular season, and emerge from the ashes to make a run at the playoffs. Skol Vikings.

4-1 since starting 1-4. A great turn around and signs that the defense is starting to gel. Things are starting to look playoffy in Minnesota.

Another great performance by the Vikings defense secured this Monday Night win against the Packers. Young buck Edwards was given an oppurtunity prove his worth against Favre on Monday, and that he did. An interception returned for a touchdown, and a pivitol pass break up in the 4th quarter as the Packers were driving proved to be the biggest defensive plays of the game. Both were by Edwards. Thus the nomination for Vikings Review defensive player of the Week. Congrats Devonte Edwards.

The Vikings were also able to shut down the Packer running attack all day long, holding Green Bay to 21 total yards rushing. On top of that, every time the Packers dared to run the ball, there was a Vikings waiting to put a good lick on him. For a team that came into the game giving up an average of 127 yards rushing per game, the 21 yards gained today was a total suprise. The basic idea that this stat indicates is that the Vikings were ready for this game today. The defense came to play, as evidenced by the hard hitting, and they executed all game long. The pass defense was also top-notch today (save that long Driver TD) forcing Favre to throw 2 critical interceptions. It was a great way for the Vikings defense to send Favre off into the land of retirement, 2 big picks and a tissue for crying on the road home. GREAT JOB DEFENSE!!!!

The offense was not great, they were not terrible either though. The line looked a little pourous in the first half, allowing Green Bay to reach Johnson way too many times. After a few half time adjustments and some new linemen, the Vikings kicked the running game into high gear and recievers started getting open. Wiggins had a hell of a game with 7 catches for 67 yards. Not bad for a tight end. Robinson made up for a huge dropped pass, with a spectacular diving reception on 3rd down to keep the 8 minute drive alive. Mewalde Moore really broke loose in the second half and ended the game with 122 yards on 22 carries. (Moore is the Vikings Review offensive player of the game) He would have had more (no pun intended) yards had the refs not thrown a ticky-tack holding flag after a sweet 30 yard run. All in all, the Vikings relied upon the run in the second half, and they came through when it counted.

Mr. Brad "I am only good when I need to be" Johnson was 18/30 for 196 yards. The most important play being a 4th quarter, one minute to go, pass to Koren Robinson that set up the short field goal by Edinger. For some reason the Vikings have been winning with Brad Johnson. The offense is looking weaker and weaker, but we dont turn the ball over all that much. Brad has no arm, but he doesn't make many mistakes. It is great to see Brad back in purple leading the team to 3 straight victories and putting us right back in the playoff hunt.

One thing that everyone should have noticed about this game is that the Vikings are starting to look like a football team. Gone are the days of the deep bomb, but the days of the defense are back. The running game is back, and we are turning the ball over less and less. In addition to that, we are playing together. The offensive line played great in the second half, opening up holes for Moore and allowing huge gains on offense. The defense is holding up thier end of the deal and shutting down every aspect of the opponents offense. Special teams are playing extra special also. Things are starting to look up, and with a weaker schedule coming up, the Vikings have a real chance of facing the Bears in week 17 (in Minnesota) to determine the divisional winner.

By the way, when I called 10-6 for a final record, the Vikings have yet to lose. Still calling 10-6. In Brad we trust. In Edinger we trust. In Koren Robinson we trust. In Devonte Edwards we trust. In Sharper we trust. In Moore we trust. In Zygi we trust. In Tice we Trust.

Offensive Player of the Week - Mewalde Moore, 122 yards rushing off of 22 carries

Defensive Player of the Week - Devonte Edwards, 1 Int, 1 TD, 1 touchdown saving broken up pass.

SKOL VIKINGS SKOL

Vikings at Packers, MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

While neither team has had a season for the record books, it is still the greatest rivalry in sports. Vikings vs. Packers. With a great last second win in the Dome this year, the Vikings evened the all-time mark between the two teams. What is at stake in this game? Bragging rights until next year. With the series tied at 44-44-1, this game means an incredible amount to the fans.

What is better than a Vikings Packers game, in Lambeau, in November, on Monday Night Football? Nothing. While it is not a rematch of the proportions of 1998, the Vikings are picking up some steam in recent weeks going 3-1 since starting out the season 1-4. Coming off of a decent defensive performance where the offense was non-existant, and super special teams, the Vikings look to the tried and true leadership of Brad Johnson to engineer a season redeeming win against the Packers. Brian Williams had a decent week against the Giants (shocker), but Sharper stole the spotlight. Look for the defense to continue its great play against an aging Favre prone to throw stupid passes.

There is a bit of a shake up on the offensive line also (it's about time). Fortini (sp?), the trade pickup from the Chargers, will be starting this week in an effort to bring a little life to arguably one of the worst lines in football. Brad Johnson is going to need some protection back there this week. In addition, Johnson will have to make pinpoint passes as the defense will most likely be guarding the recievers very closely because BJ has no arm. Look for a weak Vikings running game because the defense will be playing close, but also look for a few big chucks downfield if they play too close. Short precise passes will be the key for the offense in this game

The majority of the pressure rests upon the shoulders of the defense. As scary of a thought as that may have been a few years ago, the Vikings have climbed back up to normalty with a few signs of brilliance. Look for the Packers to test out thier new toy running back if the pass defense shuts down Favre. The key's for the defense will be to shut down the running back, forcing Favre to pass. Keep Favre in the pocket also. He makes his best throws when shit breaks down. Make him stay in the pocket and force him to make throws he thinks he should have made 10 years ago. He will eventually throw a pick or two.

Vikings Review is terribly worried about this game

(a) Packers are coming off a good win against the Falcons

(b) Vikings have not had a lot of offense with BJ

(c) Lambeau

(d) I have to listen to John "Ace the Hardware place, Tough Actin Tinactin, Turducken" Madden

Seeing as how Thanksgiving is this week, I expect Madden to go into a big speil about what a Turducken is. (a mutalated Turkey, Duck, and Chicken with way too many legs) He does it every year, and each and every year it is the same damn thing. We got it John, it was clever the first time I heard it, now it needs to be relagated to rest of the moronic phrases that you continually spew out each game. GO TO HELL JOHN MADDEN. Stick that mic up your Turduck-end (I can be clever too).

Finaly Prediction

Vikings 24 Packers 17

Vikings Review

Back from my Hiatus. SP? screw it.

Screw spelling, you know what I mean. After a lengthy break from actually writing about the Vikings, I am back. For any aspiring law students out there, law school is no joke. I actually feel guilty for taking the time to write this right now.

Great win last week against the Giants . . . I guess. All praises must be given to the special teams. Every one else except Brian Williams (shocker) and Darren Sharper seemed to play like shit. Yes, I am saying that the defense was not up to par. They went against a very young quarterback prone to making bad decisions, hence the numerous interceptions. Included in the farce was many passes that are normally catchable, dropped by Giants receivers. But something that was disturbing was that once a drive started to get some steam, the Vikings defense could not stop it. There were 2 picks in the red zone, and a missed field goal. When it came down to the end of the game, the Vikings D got steam rolled by the Giants. It was not our worst performance of the year, but it was not the best either. There is still alot of work that must be done in order to entertain deeper playoff hopes.

The offense just sucked. Serioulsy, I am thinking we should put a Pop Warner offensive line on the field to see if they can block anyone. Brad Johnson was rushed all day long, he hardly had any time to drop and set, let alone get off a good pass. Bennett actually had an excuse for a change why he only gained 16 yards rushing on 19 attempts. I think he was lucky to get those 16 yards. Add to this the weakness of Johnson's arm. Seriously, 9 year old girls can throw further than Johnson. It cost us a few touchdowns. Basically, we have no line, we have no running game, and we could replace our quarterback with the powder puff bench warmers. We have recievers, but no one can get them the ball.

Special teams on the other hand are brilliant. In Edinger we trust. In Koren we trust. In Moore we trust.

What is especially distrubing about this game is that we won it with individual efforts. There was no team out there on the field except for the last minute and a half. We are more than halfway through the season and have yet to gel as a team. The defense is looking better, the offense is looking worse, and the Special teams lived up to thier name. But we cannot rely upon Sharper to pick 3 balls a game, 2 in the redzone. We might be able to expect Koren to return a Kickoff everyweek though. That guy is a stud. But we cannot continue on this anemic offensive run. I would be lying if I said I didn't fear the Packers this week. In Green Bay, on grass, on the road, with Brad Johnson, a super pathetic offensive line, and they just beat the Falcons. But the defense is looking better, but not yet good.

We will see what happens. Anyways, sorry about the delay. . . been very busy.

Skol Vikings Skol

Culpepper Hurt? Out for the Season?

Screw it. Vikings Review midseason prediction: 10-6.

You did read that right, I am calling 10-6 right now, right here. Why? Not Brad Johnson. Not the brilliant coaching (tounge in cheek), not the fantastic offensive line (tounge in other cheek). None of these things. I call 10-6 because the team must step up in order to recover from this most devastating of losses. They don't have Daunte to blame anymore. They can only look to themselves for losing games.

The Vikings right now are backed into a corner, claws fully extended and ready to fight back all the off field crap, the on field crap, and the loss of thier leader. Look for a team with new life, a team that steps up the play, a team that has to do things on thier own without big momma bird around. We will literaly see this team grow up before our eyes in the next few weeks.

The Vikings have to step up and will step up. If they don't, I say trade every last one of them. This is the point were boys become men. If we ever had a team worth a championship this is thier trial. They either have the heart of lions, or the hearts of cowards. We do not need cowards on this team.

One more time, just so everyone know that on November 1st, Vikings Review predicted a 10-6 finish for the Minnesota Vikings.

Skol Vikings Skol