Skol Vikings

Sometimes there is so much to write about it is hard to get started. After the first few minutes of today’s game I thought I would just write “Kick-a** offense….I have been humbled”. But, from there on out this column could have been all over the map. It could have been about AP breaking out against a proud team that I am certain was determined not to give up 100 yards to a single back for the second time in 41, and in 2, games. It could have been about Harvin’s toughness and how tough it will be to win without him – assuming he has to miss some time. But, then again, we came back to win without him today. It could be about Longwell and how important it is to have a great kicker. Isn’t it nice to feel confident every time he lines up for a kick? If not, just ask the Ravens!!!!!

But, today it really comes down to the fact that the better team won …..AND….the better teams get the breaks they need to win. The Vikings today won about 3.5 quarters of play. And, yet, they were truly lucky to win. But, the best team did win today. We did not win pretty. But we got the win after another great offensive performance and solid, if not spectacular special teams. The defense, well, they did just enough to win. And, without one man that proved today to be the heart of the unit – Antoine Winfield. I watched the game on CBS and somehow their announcers never commented on Antoine Winfield being out. As a fan, I first had questions when Paymah got beat deep at the goal line. I wondered, why is Paymah in there? Later I kept seeing Paymah and realized I had not heard Winfield’s name called even once. We learned today just how important he is to the Vikings.

Favre the difference maker – how nice is it when the defense jumps offside and Favre finds a way to go deep. Whether it be to Berrian, Rice or anyone else he gets the ball there for a catch, interference or both. Rice more than doubled his career high in yards today and had almost 30 yards a catch. Speaking of Rice – WOW. He looked incredible today. Faster than in the past even if he could not put it in. That late catch, while being pulled and mauled, was incredible.

On the negative side, we have to work on scoring when we have big plays to get us deep into opposing territory. We have to score touchdowns. We still did pretty well in the red zone but we should have put more home. After AP’s run, after Rice’s catch etc. and so on.

Back to the positives – specifically the first two drives. The Vikings offense has not looked that good since 2004 if not 1998. We moved the ball at will and made it look easy. What a blast. But, you have to give credit to Baltimore for hanging in there and coming back. I think the Vikes, and even the fans, got a bit complacent. But, give us credit – throughout the game we were the better team and the better team won. Now let’s see how we can do with Harvin, Hutchinson, Loadholt, Peterson and Winfield nicked up. Hopefully taking the safe route with Winfield today, when he wanted to come back in, will pay off with him back against the Steelers. We will certainly need him.

Until then a familiar mantra – Skol Vikings – with a two game lead in the NFC North!!!!

SB