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.
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