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