Best NFL Running backs of all-time

Here's my list of the Top 10 running backs in NFL history (in my most humble and contrite opinion):

10. Curtis Martin- Martin was one of the most consistent backs in NFL history. The University of Pittsburgh alum ranks fourth on the all-time rushing yards list and was only the second player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in his first 10 seasons. He only rushed for 735 in his final active season before retiring because of nagging injuries. Martin played for 11 seasons- two with the New England Patriots and nine with the New York Jets. In that time Martin amassed 14,101 yards on the ground and scored 90 career touchdowns. He averaged 4.0 yards per carry on 3,518 career attempts. Martin was unable to get a Super Bowl ring, however, as the Patriots fell in Super Bowl XXXI to the Green Bay Packers.

9. Tony Dorsett- Sticking with another University of Pittsburgh alum, Tony Dorsett is perhaps best known for going the distance against the Minnesota Vikings. Dorsett's 99 yard touchdown run on January 3rd, 1983 is an NFL record that can only be tied, never broken. Dorsett sits at 7th on the all-time rushing list with 12,739 yards rushing and 92 career touchdowns. Dorsett spent 10 of his 11 seasons played with the Dallas Cowboys from 1977 to 1987. In that time Dorsett was a 5-time All-Pro selection and helped Dallas to a victory in Super Bowl XII. Dorsett played for one season in 1988 with the Denver Broncos before calling it quits. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.

8. Eric Dickerson- Eric Dickerson was the workhorse of the NFL. Straight from Southern Methodist University's famed "Pony Express", Dickerson was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1983. That season he rushed for 1,808 yards and 18 touchdowns. He followed that with an NFL single season record 2,105 rushing yards. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and scored 14 touchdowns that year. Dickerson also became the fastest player to reach 10,000 career rushing yards doing it in 91 games. He was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 1987 and then spent the 1992 season with the Los Angeles Raiders and the year after with the Atlanta Falcons before calling it quits. Dickerson finished with 13,259 rushing yards, which is 6th best all-time. He also scored 90 career touchdowns. Dickerson retired in 2nd on the all-time rushing charts and was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

7. LaDainian Tomlinson- He is the only active player on this list, but is every bit deserving. LaDainian Tomlinson has the best chance of any active NFL running back to make a push for Emmitt Smith's all-time rushing record. Tomlinson currently sits in 15th on the all-time list with 11,279 yards, but he has also only played eight seasons in the NFL. He's also averaging 4.5 yards per carry career-wise. Then there's the guady number of NFL records he has already set.
Tomlinson, a Texas Christian University alum, holds NFL records for:
-most points scored by a player in a single season (186)
-most consecutive games with a rushing touchdown (18)
-most single season touchdowns (31)
-most single season rushing touchdowns (28)
-most consecutive multi-touchdown games (8)
-fewest games to reach 100 touchdowns

The list goes on. Tomlinson is also one of the most versatile backs in NFL history as he already has 3,629 receiving yards as well and is only the seventh player in NFL history to run, catch, and throw for a touchdown.

6. Gael Sayers- He was a man ahead of his time and he only spent six years in the NFL. Gale Sayers, the Kansas Comet, came to the Chicago Bears in 1965 as one of the most elusive running backs in college football history. He would leave the NFL as one of the most elusive running backs in the National Football League's history. Sayers only rushed for 4,956 yards, but averaged 5 yards a carry and scored 48 touchdowns. Sayers was also the original Devon Hester. He has six kick return touchdowns and holds the NFL record for return average at 30.56 yards. Sayers also has the rookie season rushing touchdown record with 22 and is tied for the most rushing touchdowns scored in a single game with 6. Sayers was a 5-time All-Pro selection and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977 as the youngest player ever to be voted in.

5. Marshall Faulk- The all-around running back. Marshall Faulk was the definition of the dual threat back. The San Diego State University alum stands at ninth on the all-time rushing list with 12,279 yards and 100 career touchdowns, but also amassed 6,875 receiving yards and 36 touchdowns. Faulk started out with the Indianapolis Colts, where he would play for five seasons, before being traded to the St. Louis Rams in 1999. That year Kurt Warner bursted onto the scene and he, Faulk, and the "Greatest Show on Turf" became instant icons when they captured a victory for the ages in Super Bowl XXXIV. Faulk was a three time Offensive Player of the Year, the 2000 NFL MVP, and the 1994 NFL Rookie of the Year. He was also a 6-time All-Pro selection. Faulk retired after the 2005 season.

4. Emmitt Smith- This is a hard call to make. Emmitt Smith always gets a bad rap and it's usually never explained why. My thoughts were that Smith stuck around a little too long past his prime. He inflated his rushing numbers with the Arizona Cardinals during the end of his career, but was not the same running back throughout the final several years of his career. Smith entered with a boom, though, as he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1990 taking NFL Rookie of the Year honors later that same season. He became the first player to rush for over 1,400 yards in his first five seasons. Smith was also a main cog in the Cowboys run of three Super Bowls in four years ('92, '93, and '95) that reinvented the "America's Team" image and made the early '90s Cowboys dynasty one of the NFL's greatest of all time. Smith is the All-Time leading rusher in NFL history with 18,355 yards and is first all-time in rushing touchdowns with 164. His 175 total touchdowns is second only to Jerry Rice. Smith was the 1993 NFL MVP and was an 8-time Pro Bowl selection. Smith spent his final two years (2003-2004) with the Arizona Cardinals.

3. Jim Brown- Brown is the original iron man running back. Brown redefined the game with his bruising style and ability to break tackles and make people miss. He is one of the most iconic figures in the game of football. Brown spent nine years with the Cleveland Browns (1957-1965) after an outstanding career at Syracuse. In those nine seasons he managed to rush for 12,312 yards (8th best all-time and 124 touchdowns. When Brown was finished, he held the record for single season (1,863) rushing yards and career rushing yards. He also averaged an unbelievable 5.2 yards per carry Both records have since been eclipsed, but what Brown did was at least two decades ahead of his time. He was a 9-time All-Pro selection, a three-time NFL MVP and was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1971. Oddly enough, Brown was also inducted into the Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

2. Walter Payton- 16,726. It was a number that many felt was unbreakable. Even more were asking, "who?" Who would be the one to break Walter Payton's career rushing record? It became the most recognizable record in the NFL, comparable to baseball's home run record, or the NBA's points record. Such a deal was made of it when Walter Payton broke Jim Brown's career rushing record. "Sweetness" became immortalized. Emmitt Smith would end the debate in 2002, but many still believe that Walter Payton is the greatest running back in NFL history. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1975 out of Jackson State, Payton brought an elusiveness and determination in his running style few had seen before. He was also credited for reviving the use of the stiff arm. Payton garnered NFL MVP honors in 1977 and was NFC Player of the Year in 1977 and in 1985, when the Bears won Super Bowl XX over the New England Patriots. Unfortunately, the thing that is remembered the most about that game was that Payton never scored a touchdown as that would be the only time the Bears would reach the Super Bowl in his career. Payton would hang up his cleats in 1987. He finished with 110 touchdowns and was a 9-time All-Pro selection. Walter Payton tragically passed away in 1999 due to illness. He was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1993.

1. Barry Sanders- He only played for 10 seasons. Those 10 seasons came and went so fast and just like that, he was gone. One of the greatest athletes in sports history decided to end his career in his prime. Barry Sanders, the record-breaking running back from Oklahoma State, hit the NFL like a hurricane. His running style was idolized. His presence demanded respect from opposing defenses. And his time spent in the NFL could best be described as: record-setting. Sanders was selected All-Pro all 10 years of his career. He was the 1989 Rookie of the Year, a 2-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and the 1997 NFL MVP. Sanders's greatest season was also his last. He rushed for 2,053 yards and averaged 6.1 yards per carry. Sanders finished with 15,269 rushing yards, which was 2nd best at the time and only 1,457 away from Walter Payton's record. Sanders finished with 109 touchdowns (99 rushing) and won 4 NFL season rushing titles. He was the first back to rush for 1,000 yards in 10 seasons and set a record with 25 games where he rushed for 150 yards or more. He also set a record by rushing for 14 straight 100-yard games. Sanders also provided us with dozens of highlight reel runs giving many athletes of the future examples to learn from. Barry Sanders was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Good news/Bad news- Vikings fall to Bucs

With any good news there's usually bad news that follows. With that said we're gonna start with the bad news today.

Bad news: Minnesota fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-13. That drops the Vikings to 5-5 on the season while Tampa Bay improves to 7-3. Minnesota actually led throughout most of this game, taking a 13-6 lead into halftime, but the Buccaneers' defense stymied the Vikings offensively in the second half. The Buccaneers even used their own offense as a way to stop Minnesota's offense as they put together a drive that lasted for over nine minutes in the 4th quarter. Tampa Bay got a field goal out of it, but Minnesota's offense was cold by then.

Good news: The Bears got obliterated by the Packers, so that means that while there's a three-way tie for first place in the NFC North division Minnesota is still in first place so-to-speak.

Bad news: Adrian Peterson did not touch the ball once in the 4th quarter. This is just plain terrible. Credit goes to the Tampa Bay offense for keeping their long drive going. By then Minnesota had to resort to passing the football, but for some reason Gus Frerotte was just never on in this game. Peterson finished with only 85 yards, which ends his streak of conescutive games over 100 yards rushing at four.
Minnesota also only rushed for 99 yards as a team, which coincidentally is the amount that the Buccaneers have been allowing per game. The Vikings defense also gave up 108 yards rushing, though none of the Buccaneer backs (six players carried the ball for positive yardage) really picked up any guady numbers. Just enought to be effective on offense.

Good news: Peterson still leads the NFL in rushing yards with 1,100. He is on pace to eclipse his total from last year (1,341). he also needs six rushing touchdowns to top his 12-TD performance from his incredible rookie season.

Bad news: Turnovers. Minnesota decided to cough the ball up when the game mattered the most, fumbling it twice in the 4th quarter- once on a kick return and then on Minnesota's last drive when Chestor Taylor fumbled a pass from Frerotte near midfield. Costly mistakes and a stagnant offense continue to haunt Minnesota throughout this 2008 campaign.

Good news: Gus Frerotte did not turn the ball over. He also completed 14-of-20 passes, which is good for your completion percentage, but....

Bad news: Frerotte passed for 111 yards total on the day with one touchdown to Bobby Wade in the 2nd quarter. The Vikings passing game was very limited and ineffective despite only six incompletions from Frerotte. Minnesota was also 5-of-12 on third down conversions, so that factored into Minnesota's staleness on offense as well. The Vikings were also 0-for-2 on fourth down attempts.

Good news: There's always tomorrow.

Bad news: Minnesota gave up 363 yards of total offense, including 255 passing from Jeff Garcia. Minnesota's inability to get the Buccaneers off the field in the 4th quarter is also a big negative that the defense needs to address in the following week.

Good news: Chad Greenway is having a potentially Pro Bowl-worthy season. The third-year linebacker out of Iowa recorded 16 tackles and a sack on Sunday to lead the team. Greenway is actually only in his second full season as a starter as he missed his rookie season due to a knee injury. However, Greenway leads the team with 82 tackles, which is the ninth best total in the NFL.

Bad news: Minnesota will stay in Florida for next week's game as they travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars (4-6). Jacksonville is not a team to be taken lightly either. They have a capable offense and a stingy defense and will provide a very stout test to a very inconsistent Vikings football team. Minnesota is just 1-4 on the road this year, so something is gonna need to change in the next couple of days if the Vikings want to avoid dropping below .500 once again.

Good news: Jacksonville is coming off a tough loss to the undefeated Tennessee Titans, 24-14. The Jaguars have also found the going a bit tougher this year compared to last season's 11-5 outing. Jacksonville is 4-6 with two inexcusible losses to Cleveland and Cincinnati. Jacksonville does have tough wins over the likes of Pittsburgh and Indianapolis to counter though. The good news for Minnesota is that the Jaguars are just as inconsistent. They can play with the best of them every Sunday and have a great QB in David Gerrard, but they also have had more tough breaks than normal this year. They have also had some injury problems, particularly on offense throughout the season.

This game will also be a good measuring stick for Minnesota. If they can get a road win at Jacksonville it could really build some momentum for a huge showdown with the Chicago Bears at the Metrodome on November 30th (a game I just may attend).

NFC North Recap- week 10

Tennessee 21, Chicago 14- The Chicago Bears had a 7-0 lead after one quarter of play against the NFL's only remaining unbeaten team, but behind another steady performance by QB Kerry Collins the Titans fought back and denied the Bears an upset bid. Collins was 30-of-41 for 289 yards and two touchdowns and LenDale White also rushed for a score to help the Titans (9-0) to their 12th straight regular season victory, a franchise record. The Bears held the Titans to just 20 yards rushing, but Chicago was just 3-of-14 on third downs and Chicago's offense could not muster up a threat until late in the fourth when Rex Grossman kept it for a 1-yard score to make it 21-14. Tennessee will try and sweep the NFC North in a few weeks when they go to Detroit for a Thanksgiving Day showdown.
Next game: Chicago (5-4) at Green Bay (4-5)

Jacksonville 38, Detroit 14- Daunte Culpepper made his return to the NFL, but it wasn't nearly enough for the Lions who are still searching for their first win of the 2008 season. Culpepper looked the part of a rusty, 31-year old quarterback completing only 5-of-10 passes for 104 yards and an interception.Kevin Smith carried for 96 yards and a touchdown and Michigan State alum Drew Stanton came in to replace Culpepper and went 6-of-8 for 94 yards and a touchdown. The day, however, belonged to David Garrard, Maurice Jones-Drew and the Jacksonville offense. Garrard was 18-of-25 for 238 yards passing and 2 touchdowns, while Jones-Drew ran for 70 yards and three scores. The road doesn't get any easier for Detorit, who may be starring down a possible winless season, just the second in NFL history. The Dolphins only mustered a win last year after the threat of an 0-16 season, and there's still plenty of time for the Lions, but the road ahead is much more daunting. Their next 5 games are against teams with winning records and their last two (New Orleans and at Green Bay are both 4-5) aren't ny easier.
Next game: Detroit (0-9) at Carolina (7-2)

What does it mean for Minnesota- The Vikings (5-4) moved into a first place tie atop the NFC North division standings thanks to Tennessee's victory over the Bears and, of course, Minnesota's exciting 28-27 win over rival Green Bay. The Vikings are gonna be rooting for the Packers in next week's game against Chicago regardless of whether Minnesota wins or loses at Tampa Bay. A Minnesota win and a Chicago loss means the Vikings will sit alone in first place heading into week 12. If both the Bears and Vikings lose then there will be a three-way tie for first, but at least Minnesota will still be in first place and not have to catch up. But in order to keep from complicating things the Vikings should just concentrate on picking up a road win against the Buccaneers (6-3). Minnesota hasn't won in Tampa since 1997. Adrian Peterson needs to continue his outstanding play if the Vikings want to have a chance in this one. Peterson has had four straight 100-yard rushing performances and now leads the NFL in rushing after last week's game against the Packers, in which Peterson eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark (1,015) for the second straight season.

The Big Game- Vikings vs. Packers

Greetings everybody I'm gonna be doing a live game blog today for the big rivalry game between the Green Bay Packers and the best NFL team in Minnesota, the Vikings (yep that was a joke).

It's cold and windy here in Iowa City where I'll be watching the game, but thankfully I'll be inside. I had the dubious honor of seeing the Iowa Hawkeyes upset the #3 Penn State Nitany Lions 24-23 yesterday. I was at the game for that one of course, wearing shorts, a green t-shirt (not an Iowa school color) and sunglasses at night. But enough about that, it's gametime in Minneapolis.

12:03- The Vikings will start on defense first. It's imperative that Minnesota gets off to a good start against a tough Packer offense.

12:07- Vikings hold and now they'll get the ball. Minnesota has been good at scoring on their opening drives throughout the season and they looked pretty good on their first possession of a 28-21 victory over the Houston Texans.

12:12- Well it didn't take long for the Vikings to get on the board. A nine-play drive was capped off by a Gus Frerotte 3-yard touchdown pass to Sydney Rice. That a way Vikes. Send a message early. Now it's up to the defense to hold.

12:23- Packers go three and out just like that. The defense is really taking it to them. The Vikings have a great opportunity here to put some distane between them and Green Bay.

12:25- Just as I say that Gus Frerotte throws an interception. That's grand. Well let's go defense.

12:30- Well that was way too easy. Minnesota's defense gets run over in 6 plays by Ryan Grant en route to Green Bay's first touchdown. 7-7 in the Metrodome.

12:32- Alright here we go, gotta answer Vikes. Peterson gets the first carry and takes it for a first down. Adrian is running really hard today. He's got 34 yards on 7 carries already.

Vikings shoot themselves in the foot on 3rd and 7. Another dumb false start penalty. 3rd and 12 now.

Alright, illegal contact on the defense. Al Harris is the guilty party. First down Minnesota let's go. Frerotte hits Taylor out of the backfield two plays later. Another first down. Keep it rolling Vikes!

12:37- End of the 1st quarter 7-7 tie.

12:40- First play of the 2nd quarter, 8-yard completion to Bobby Wade. Adrian gets the carry on 2nd down and he darts his way for a first down. Hopefully he keeps finding some seams. If the Vikings can establish a potent running game against Green Bay it's really gonna open things up for them.

We've got off-setting penalties and now a delay of game penalty on Minnesota. If it's one thing I can't stand about the Vikings through the years, it's the amount of dumb procedure penalties they rack up. For an NFL team it really is quite disappointing to watch year after year. They've gotta stay more disciplined.

Well after two incompletions, Ryan Longwell will attempt a 54-yard field goal....and the kick is GOOD! Longwell, a former Packer, knocks it through to make it 10-7 Minnesota. Man he has been so consistent this season.

12:47- The defense needs to hold herenow as Green Bay takes over trailing 10-7.

Meanwhile, I would like to get up and turn on a light or something, as I type this in the dark, while watching a fuzzy T.V. It's kinda distracting, but I'm not turning off my Playstation 2. I've got a dynasty game going between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Texas Longhorns on NCAA Football 08 for the PS2. It's the national championship game and I can't save and turn off. I kinda wish they'd add that feature. The Madden series has it. But of course EA Sports isn't the sharpest bunch of tools when it comes to making the necessary additions and corrections to a video game.

Ah, I got sidetracked. Vikings get pressure on Rodgers, who loses the football and tries to throw it away in the endzone. That's a safety!
Waiting for the call...
Yep SAFETY VIKINGS!!!
Illegal forward pass by Aaron Rodgers in the endzone. The result is a safety. 12-7 Minnesota and they should get great field position. Rodgers doesn't like the call but who cares.

12:55- Vikings will get the ball at the Green Bay 39 after another ridiculously long commercial break. I hate T.V. timeouts.

And first play of the possession, Taylor to the left for nothing. Good call Vikes.
Peterson gets the ball this time and gets two. Yet another 3rd down here for Minnesota. They need to start executing better on 1st and 2nd down.
Frerotte's pass sails over Jim Kleinsasser. Vikings to punt.

Will Blackmon decides to run the ball out of the endzone on the punt and gets taken down at the 9. Plus there's a holding penalty! Vikings are winning the field position battle right now. Let's get another saftey!

1:04- Dang the Vikings need to step up the pass defense. Short, quick passes have netted the Packers two quick first downs and now they're at their 44.
Grant takes the handoff for a first down, but hey there's a holding penalty on Donald Driver. Good job Don! 2nd and 13 instead of 1st and 10.

By the way I finally got up and turned the light on, in case you were wondering.

3rd and 13...Rodgers hits Nelson but at least he's short of the first. I'm still getting a little edgy with all these quick completions. The Vikings need to react better in the secondary. They've been getting good pressure on Rodgers though, so hopefully it'll start to take its toll on the Packers QB.

1:10- Oh man Charles Gordon got his leg twisted up bad as it was pinned between two guys on the punt return. Apparantly the replay was a bit too gruesome for FOX to show.
Too bad about that but it's Vikings ball at the 9.
Two carries by Peterson and he gets a huge run on the second run. Man he has come to play. He probably broke about 4 tackles on that play.
Frerotte then dumps it to Adrian (finally) and he gets another first down.

And then we give the ball to Chestor Taylor and lose two yards.

Back to that dump pass, I've wanted to see the Vikings run more screen passes to Peterson out of the backfield. He's open most times and he can make plays in the open field, so why not look to him more.

3rd down and 7...Green Bay blitzes and drills Gus. Two former Iowa Hawkeyes get the sack. Colin Cole and Aaron Kampman.
Vikings punt.

1:19- Aw Benny Sapp had an interception right in his mitts and he drops it. Green Bay with the ball and now Rodgers gets tackled for no gain by Chad Greenway. Vikings hoping to get the ball back before halftime.

2 minutes to go and the Vikings will get it back. Packers punt.

1:22- Yet another commercial break. yay......but anyways some things to look forward to at halftime:

-more commercials
-my first half breakdown
-I'm gonna change my clothes
-maybe get something to eat

1:25- Well th Vikings waste an opportunity here and only run a minute off the clock. Green Bay will get the ball back with 50 seconds left, but inside their own 20 they'll probably go conservative, run the clock out and head to the locker room.

JAROD ALLEN! Green Bay decides to come out throwing and Rodgers gets sacked by Allen for another safety! 14-7 Minnesota with 44 seconds left in the 1st half.
Allen was listed as questionable after he suffered a shoulder injury against Houston, but it looks like he's doing fine today.

Aundrae Allison returns the free kick 23 yards but there's a holding penalty. Now they'll start at their 39.
Taylor carries it for about 5 and the fans are a little frustrated with the call. Time out. 3rd and 3 for Minnesota.

And Frerotte throws a pick. Wow this game is like a demented roller coaster.
Packers are gonna look to get a field goal before half. 16 seconds left, but an ineligible man downfield takes them back out of field goal range.

Oh wait I forgot they have Mason Crosby. He can make it from the 50 yard line. Seriously.

So with 3 seconds left Crosby will attempt a 47-yard field goal. The kick is good.

1:36- Halftime and it's the Minnesota Vikings 14, Green Bay Packers 10.

1:43- The Vikings and Packers have went back and forth throughout the first half. Minnesota has looked pretty good at times on both sides, but there are times when Green Bay has moved the ball down the field very quickly through the air. Minnesota needs to keep getting pressure on Aaron Rodgers if they want to slow up that passing game.
Minnesota is doing a better job of getting good yards on first and second down, but penalties and protection have been the drive-killers for the Vikings, especially in the 2nd quarter.
Frerotte also has 2 interceptions, so he's gonna need to settle down a bit in the second half.
Adrian Peterson had a pretty good first half. 14 carries for 80 yards and a nine-yard reception. He's closing in on yet another steady 100-yard performance.
I would like to see him put it in the endzone though.

The defense needs to keep playing with that same intensity and keep Green Bay from hitting the big play. Forcing turnovers would also be ideal. Just a thought.
Anyways, the second half is about to start. Minnesota will get the ball to start and a score here will really put some pressure on Green Bay.

1:56- Second half begins and the Vikings are driving. Peterson bulldozed his way for a first down on a 3rd and 2 and the drive continues at midfield. Peterson now has 93 yards on 18 carries.

Two run plays and now it's 3rd and 5, gotta keep it going Vikes.

Chestor Taylor catches Frerotte's pass, makes a move, AND HE'S LOOSE!! Taylor scores! Touchdown Vikings! 21-10 just like that. What a way to answer. It looks like Frerotte has settled down. He went 3-for-3 for 61 yards on that one.

2:01- The Packers take over at their own 17. They look to Ryan Grant and he gets 8. Rodgers now back to pass and GREENWAY SACKS HIM! That a boy Chad! 3rd and 14 now. And a delay of game penalty. Let's make it 3rd and 19. The crowd is really into it.
Pass incomplete, no flag despite Greg Jennings pleading for one (good call by the refs). Vikings will get it back.

And now it's time for a bathroom break.

2:10- Alright that's much better. Vikings get the ball and take it to the Green Bay 31. Longwell to attempt a field goal after the Vikings couldn't convert on 3rd down. From 48-yards out...and no good. Dang it.

Packers take over. Grant gets the ball...and loses a yard. The Vikings are startng to hammer down against the run. Grant again for nothing. 3rd and long.
Pass incomplete and the Vikes will get it back.

2:13- Green Bay punts to Aundrae Allison, who dances around (get upfield please!!) and finally makes his way up the far side of the field and out of bounds, oh and a late hit penalty. Wow Green Bay is killing themselves today with penalties. 7 penalties for 60 yards on the day for the Packers.

2:16- Vikings take over at their 45. And Frerotte throws another pick...and it's returned for a touchdown by Nick Collins. Really? This is getting ridiculous. 21-17 now.

2:19- Vikings get the ball back and here comes the penalty flag. Holding on the offense. Apparantly there are a lot of Packers fans at the stadium. There's a lot of cheering and "defense" chants. Not something a home team wants to hear while on offense.

Now it's 3rd and 20 and the Vikings are starting to struggle offensively. This is typical, though, of Minnesota to make a few big plays and then, just like that, not take advantage of opportunities and give up big plays of their own.

Vikings punt and there goes Will Blackmon. Our special teams tackling is absolutely terrible. Touchdown Green Bay and now it's 24-21 Green Bay with their first lead of the game.

2:24- It angers me right now to hear the roaring of the Green Bay contingent after the Packers scored. Minnesota needs to do something to take the visiting crowd out of the game, which is a sad thing to have to say.
2:30 to go in the 3rd quarter and Peterson gets the carry and gets 100 yards. That's four straight 100 yard games now for Adrian Peterson.
And he gets it again and picks up 16 on the run. Keep running Adrian!

2:28- Something I just noticed, though, Bernard Berrian does not have a catch today after having three straight 100-yard receiving performances. He's been shut down by the Green Bay defense. The Vikings have tried to go to him too, but it's just been tough-sledding for Berrian.

Green Bay gets the ball back and picks up about 12 on first down. The Vikings must get a stop here as the 3rd quarter comes to an end.

24-21 Green Bay leads.

2:33- 2nd and 8 at their own 29 for the Packers. Now let's make it 2nd and 13. Come on defense. How about a turnover?

2:34- Jarod Allen with another sack! He's really starting to tear it up after a slow start to the season. 3rd and 13 now and wow...Allen gets a roughing the passer penalty.
It just never ends for the Vikings. Something good happens, and then it's almost certain that something bad will immediately follow.

Encroachment on Minnesota now and after a Ryan Grant run it's 2nd and 3. Rodgers pass is incomplete.
Rodgers gets leveled by Ben Leber and the pass is incomplete. Vikings get the ball back as the punt is downed at their own 5.

2:42- Vikings take over and they need to give the ball to Peterson....well there you go. AP gets over 20 yards on a nice run. He's got 152 yards on 25 carries. Keep feeding him the ball right into the endzone! Taylor gets the carry and he's short.

Okay now this is just terrible. Why do they keep switching backs? Why? Is Peterson really that tired after a few carries that you wouldn't give it to him again on 3rd and short?

Is Taylor really that much more of a 3rd and short back? Why Minnesota offensive coordinator? Why?

2:48- Vikings review the spot and decide to go for it on 4th down. Peterson fumbles, of course, and even though Minnesota recovers, it's Green Bay ball.

Grant takes the carry for a first down. Next play, holding. 1st and 20 for the Packers. I'd like Aaron Rodgers to throw a pick right now. Please Aaron?

It's gonna be 3rd and 6 after two completions. 6 minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Time out Packers. This is big for Minnesota. They need to force Green Bay to kick a field goal so they can still have a chance at this game.

2:55- I just texted my brother about the game and he replied that Green Bay's offense has been pathetic and that Minnesota is doing everything they can to give them the game. I said, "yep that's what we do." That's how Minnesota's season has been thus far. That's how the Vikings have been ever since I've been watching them. By the way my brother is a Packers fan so there's definitely some trash talking going on.

2:57- A false start penalty on Green Bay makes it 3rd and 11. But the Vikings call timeout. Childress apparantly saw something in the offense. Vikings now with 1 timeout. They know it's a passing down, so if somebody is wide open I may punch something very discontently.

3:00- Here it is 3rd and long...Complete to Driver but for 5 yards! Crosby will make the field goal....40 yard attempt is up and good. Kinda wish Longwell hadn't missed that kick.

Green Bay 27, Minnesota 21

3:02- Minnesota gets the return and they'll start at their 31. Frerotte is gonna have to step it up. No more dang interceptions. Let's go Vikings!

Peterson gets two carries for 9 yards and it's 3rd and a long 1. Frerotte hits Bobby Wade for a first down!

Minnesota is gonna need to keep slowly working the ball down the field. There's plenty of time left with 4:20 and counting to go. No need to start launching prayers.

The line is gonna have to step up too, though. No mental lapses.

Peterson gets a shovel pass and takes it for a first down. Peterson catches another one and gains 8. Clock closing in on 2 minutes.

Peterson gets the hand off on 2nd and 2...breaks a tackle...AND HE'S LOOSE. RUN ADRIAN RUN!!! TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS!!!

Okay nevermind they review the play and it looks like Peterson may be down at the goalline. Don't you just hate the opposing coaches' ability to challenge plays?

3:10- Here's the call...call stands Peterson scores! Minnesota 28, Green Bay 27. Again, I wish Longwell had made that field goal. Anways, defense HAS to step it up one more time.

2:22 left on the clock. Vikings defense will defintely get to pin their ears back on this one. Hopefully the secondary is up to the task though. No big plays and make sure tackles.

3:14- Dang special teams gives up a big return and Green Bay is at their 40 yard line. Then a deflected pass is caught by Driver. Here we go again. Another game where the opponent gets the ball last, goes down the field, runs the clock down, and kicks the game-winning field goal. I don't even have to worry anymore. It's almost guaranteed that Green Bay will score, probably with no time left too. Unbelieveable.

Their only hope is to force a turnover or sack Rodgers for a big loss. Just once things need to go Minnesota's way in this situation.

3:16- Grant gets the carry and loses a few yards.

3:17- 3rd and 7 now. Pass is complete to Driver, but it'll be 4th down and Crosby will attempt a very makeable 52-yard kick from the left has mark. I hope he misses.....

3:19- HE MISSED IT! HA HA VIKINGS WIN! VIKINGS WIN! Crosby just pushed it to the right and Minnesota will take a knee and win the game. Brad Childress will get his first win over the Packers. What a win for the Vikings over their archrivals.

3:23- The Vikings improve to 5-4 on the season, while Green Bay falls to 4-5.

Again, the final score Minnesota 28, Green Bay 27. Stay tuned I'll recap the game later on.

NFC North Recap- week 8/9

(Week 8) Washington 25, Detroit 17- The Detroit Lions made it interesting late, but the Redskins (6-2) defense warded off any potential comeback in the end. Dan Orlovsky passed for 223 yards and a touchdown, but a paultry 2-for-12 third down conversion rate spelled the ultimate doom for the winless Lions. The good news for Detroit fans is that the Lions are at least making games interesting, and perhaps in one of them they might catch a team (hopefully not the Vikings) asleep long enough to knock them off and pick up win numero uno in 2008.

(Week 9) Chicago 27, Detroit 23- We'll stay with the Lions, and as I was just saying, who caught the Bears in hybernation mode for about three quarters of play. Chicago led 10-0 after the first, but then lightning struck in the form of 23 second quarter points for the Lions who held a 23-13 advantage at half. Things were looking even worse for the Bears when Kyle Orton, who had looked great in guiding the Bears to success in games leading up to Detroit, injured his ankle and left the game. That meant that Bears fans would hear those dreaded two words once again over the PA: "Rex Grossman".
Grossman, however, looked poised in helping the Bears in their comeback attempt, completing a touchdown to Rashied Davis in the 3rd and running for another in the 4th to thwart the Lions' upset bid and hopes for getting their first win of the season. Matt Forte continued his strong rookie season with a 126-yard performance on 22 carries. The Bears can breathe a sigh of relief after that one, but better not get too comfortable as they must welcome the undefeated Tennessee Titans into Soldier Field on Sunday. The Lions, meanwhile, will win a game this season, of that I have no doubt. The question is against who?
Next game: Tennessee (8-0) at Chicago (5-3); Jacksonville (3-5) at Detroit (0-8)

Tennessee 19, Green Bay 16 OT- The streak is now at eight. The unbeaten Titans survived a scare from the upstart Packers led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers' 314-yard performance. Rodgers had a passing TD, but also threw a crucial interception. The Titans, meanwhile, relied on steady offensive production, a surprisingly stout defense, and the golden toe of Rob Bironas. Bironas, who missed a game-winning attempt at the end of regulation, went 4-for-5 on field goal tries including a second chance at the game-winner in the extra frame. Both the Titans and the Packers will stay in the NFC North for their next games. Tennessee will head to Soldier Field to face Chicago, while Green Bay ventures into the Metrodome for the big rivalry game with the Minnesota Vikings.
Next game: Tennessee (8-0) at Chicago (5-3); Green Bay (4-4) at Minnesota (4-4)

What does it mean for Minnesota- The Vikings are coming off a much-needed 28-21 victory over the Houston Texans. That puts them in a tie for second with Green Bay in the division. A win over the Packers and a Chicago loss to unbeaten Tennessee and the Vikings could find themselves in a tie for first place once again. The only problem is Minnesota's division record, which stands at 1-2 right now. Green Bay and Chicago are perfect thus far, but the two teams have not faced off yet this season. The Vikings are gonna need to keep finding ways to bottle up what works on offense each week if they hope to claw their way back into the divisional race since they do not own any tiebreakers at this point. A win over Green Bay at the Metrodome this Sunday is a must. The only problem is Aaron Rodgers is coming off one of his better passing performances against the Titans (314 yards, TD, INT) and the Green Bay defense seems to not mind that they're without a few key defensive players. They really pushed the Titans to the limit last weekend, so it will be interesting to see if the Minnesota defense is up to the challenge of slowing down the Packer offense (for a change). Whether or not Adrian Peterson can continue his consistent progress and add another 100-yard rushing performance to his accolades is also something to keep an eye on. Peterson performed well against the Packers in their first meeting, but not well enough. Minnesota is going to need the ground game to be effective if they have hopes of knocking off the Packers.

Plus it's a huge rivalry game, so there shouldn't be any excuse not to get up for this one.