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.

Top Ten Teams In Vikings' History

As I sat in my chair at 2 P.M. on a Sunday afternoon with no football games to watch that I'd care for, I happened upon the wonderful world of Wikipedia.

Out of boredom I began to look up the history of the Minnesota Vikings. Seeing as how both the Iowa Hawkeyes and Vikings had a bye week, thus leaving me hung out to dry for a whole week, I started to think about things I could do with the information I found on this site for my weekly blog post.

The result...A top ten list of the best teams in Minnesota Vikings history. That's 47 years worth of football teams to review from. Some of them are pretty obvious. The Super Bowl teams of the '70s. The roller coaster 1998 season with Moss, Carter and Cunningham. So many memories and only 10 to pick from. So without further delay, the Ten Best Teams in Vikings History:

10. 1999 (10-6)- It was a tweener year for this Vikings squad. Coming off of the unforgettable 1998 season, expectations were again high for Minnesota. However, injuries and lack of execution held the Vikes to a 2-4 start to the season. A suddenly ineffective Randall Cunningham was replaced by veteran QB Jeff George and the Vikings found their offensive touch once again, going an impressive 8-2 in their final 10 games to finish 2nd in the NFC Central, a game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and make the playoffs for the 4th year in a row. Minnesota would dominate the Dallas Cowboys 27-10 in the Wild Card game, but lost a wild shootout to the destined Super Bowl champions St. Louis Rams, led by Kurt Warner. That season set the stage for another banner year in 2000 for Minnesota, especially with the acquisition of Daunte Culpepper in the NFL Draft before the season.

9. 1992 (11-5)- After a two year absensce from the playoffs, under the guidance of new head coach Dennis Green (eventual Coach of the Year), the Vikings went on to win the NFC Central and make the playoffs for the first time since 1989, which was coincidentally the last time Minnesota also won the Central division title. The Vikings were upset in the Wild Card game, however, by the Washington Redskins 24-7.

8. 1988 (11-5)- After a miracle run in the NFC playoffs in 1987, in which the 8-7 Vikings got all the way to the NFC Championship before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Washington Redskins in one of the best NFC title games of the '80s, the '88 Vikings looked to take it up a notch. They finished 2nd again, a game behind the Chicago Bears, but made the playoffs with an even better record than in 1987. However, the magic wasn't there this time as Minnesota lost in the Divisional round to the powerhouse San Francisco 49ers 34-9.

7. 1970 (12-2)- Just a year removed from Minnesota's first Super Bowl appearance, the Vikings looked poised for another shot at the title. They finished with the best record in the new NFL (the AFL and old NFL merged following the 1969 season), won the first-ever NFC Central division title, and became just the second team in NFL history to lead the league in fewest points allowed and fewest yards allowed in consecutive seasons. All of that was for naught, however, as the Vikings were knocked off in the Divisional round by the San Francisco 49ers 17-14.

6. 1974 (10-4)- A team chalked full of future Hall of Famers, the 1974 version of the Minnesota Vikings was all about repeats. They had repeated as NFC North division champs, then repeated as NFC conference champions (defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 30-14 and the Los Angeles Rams 14-10), and they once again lost a hard-fought battle 16-6 in the Super Bowl. This time to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that would win four titles in the 1970s. The Vikings, meanwhile, would go on to lose four Super Bowls in the '70s.

5. 1975 (12-2)- A determined Vikings team took the field in 1975, eager to get back to the Super Bowl and prove their worth after losing their third NFL title game in three tries. Minnesota dominated en route to their third consecutive Central division title finishing five games ahead of 2nd place Detroit. The Vikings were again No. 1 in the NFC to end the regular season.Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton won several awards that year including Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year, and the Bert Bell Award given to the best football player of the year. Yet, once again it just wasn't enough as the Vikings were ousted in the Divisional round by the eventual Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys, losing 17-14.

4. 1976 (11-2-1)- Minnesota continued its dominating play in the NFC picking up right where they left off in 1975. The Vikings won their fourth consecutive NFC Central division title (they would win 11 of 13 division titles from 1968-1980). Chuck Foreman continued to be one of the league's best running backs and was named to the NFC All-Pro team. Meanwhile, another offensive threat stepped into the spotlight for the Vikings. Fresh out of Grambling State, Sammy White was the unanimous choice for NFL Rookie of the Year at Wide Receiver, a title Foreman had earned three years earlier. Minnesota romped through the playoffs taking out Washington 35-20 and the LA Rams 24-13 to earn their fourth trip to the Super Bowl in eight seasons. The Vikings faced John Madden and the Oakland Raiders in the Rose Bowl for Super Bowl XI. The game was never in doubt, however, as the Vikings would lose 32-14 making them the first to lose four Super Bowls, a feat later outdone by the Buffalo Bills as they decided to lose four straight Super Bowls. It's the kind of thing you wouldn't wish upon your worst enemies.

3. 1973 (12-2)/ 2000 (11-5)- Alright so I lied. I'm listing the Top Eleven teams....that and I accidentally put the two in the same spot when I was picking out the Top 10 teams. Both teams are very deserving, but my apologies all the same. Anyways:
1973- The 1973 Vikings was a squad that was finally starting to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. They had the feared "Purple People Eaters". They had a fiesty gunslinger at QB in Fran Tarkenton. But they needed a running back. Enter Chuck Foreman. Foreman won NFL Rookie of the Year honors and gave the Vikings another viable threat to their offense. Meanwhile, leader of the Vikings defense, defensive tackle Alan Page, won the George S. Halas award for Defensive Player of the Year boosting his future Hall of Fam resume. Minnesota won their 5th Central division title in six years, and this after finishing third the year before going 7-7. They defeated the Redskins 27-20 in the Divisonal round, and the Cowboys 27-10 in the NFC championship to earn the right to face the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VIII, the Vikings second Super Bowl appearance. The Dolphins, led by Don Shula, were too much for the Vikings, though, defeating them 24-7.

2000- The 2000 Minnesota Vikings took the NFL by storm. They had a opportunistic defense, a veteran receiving corp with Jake Reed and Cris Carter and a young phenom in Randy Moss, and a solid, grind-it-out running back in Robert Smith, who rushed for a career-best 1,521 yards and seven touchdowns. The Vikings just needed some consistency at quarterback. They found that in a young man out of Central Florida named Daunte Culpepper. In his second year as a Viking, Culpepper took over for the aging Jeff George and led the Vikings to a 7-0 start. Minnesota would get to 11-2 clinching their second division title in three years, but lost their last three games while Culpepper was battling injuries. The Vikings took care of the upstart New Orleans Saints 34-16 in the Divisional round and then faced a stern test against the New York Giants in the Meadowlands for the NFC Conference championship.
It was the first time the Vikings and Giants met in the playoffs since 1997 when the Vikings rallied from a 22-13 deficit with a 1:30 remaining to beat the Giants 23-22 at New York. In that game, Minnesota improbably recovered onside kicks on consecutive possessions to spark the unlikely comeback. Minnesota was not so fortunate in their next meeting, getting blown out 41-0. The Giants would then lose to the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl. However, Minnesota officials accused New York of listening in to what the Vikings coordinators were saying in the press box and tampering with their equipment. Nothing came of this, however, and Minnesota was yet again denied a shot at the Super Bowl. It was Dennis Green's last shot and it was the closest the Vikings have been since.

2. 1969 (12-2)- The team that started it all. A year after they won their first Central division title, Minnesota upped the ante. This time they won the conference title. Minnesota won their first 12 games of the season before dropping their last two. They led the league in points scored (379) and points allowed (133). They won the last Western Conference Championship game (divisional playoffs) over the Los Angeles Rams 23-20 and then won the last NFL championship game before the NFL-AFL merger over the Cleveland Browns 27-7. They became the first NFL expansion team to win the NFL championship. Bud Grant was named Coach of the Year for his efforts.
The Vikings were loaded with star athletes on both sides of the ball. The defensive unit earned its legendary nickname "Purple People Eaters". This unit consisted of DTs Gary Larsen and Alan Page and DEs Carl Eller and Jim Marshall. They were considered one of the best defensive front-fours in NFL history. Minnesota also had playmakers in the secondary. Bobby Bryant led the team with eight interceptions while Earsell Mackbee had six and future Hall of Famer and former Iowa Hawkeye alum Paul Krause had five interceptions and a touchdown. Joe Kapp was the Viking leader at QB, known for his versatility both on the ground and through the air. Kapp tied the record for most passing TDs in a game with seven against the Baltimore Colts that season. Kapp led the Vikings to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
Still, as dominant as the Vikings had been, they could not find their offense against a determined Kansas City Chiefs team from the upstart AFL. The Chiefs upset the mighty Vikings 23-7 in Super Bowl IV. To this day, the '69 Vikings are considered one of the best teams to never win a Super Bowl.

1. 1998 (15-1)- They were arguably one of the greatest teams in NFL history. They set franchise records, they set individual records and they set the NFL record for most points scored in a single season (556). The 1998 Minnesota Vikings had it all. They were the best team in the NFL by season's end. Only a 3-point loss at Tampa Bay kept Minnesota from achieving perfection. They won the NFC Central with ease (their first division title since 1994). Their offense never scored less than 24 points in a single game. It was a team that clicked for one amazing season. Up and down the roster are some of the more recognizable names in NFL history.
With the addition of to-be Offensive Rookie of the Year Randy Moss, Minnesota had a fearsome trio at WR in Moss, Jake Reed, and Cris Carter. Moss would set a record for most receiving touchdowns by a rookie with 17. They had pro bowlers all across the offensive line. Behind them the shifty running back Robert Smith, who would rush for 1,187 yards and six touchdowns despite injuries. And then there was the key that unlocked the magic. After sitting out the 1996 season, an aging Randall Cunningham was signed by the Vikings in 1997 and used as a backup to Brad Johnson. But early in 1998, Johnson was injured an Cunningham would step in and change the complexion of the '98 Vikings for good. Cunningham would go on to pass for 3,704 yards and 34 TDs and win the Bert Bell Award. He was the orchestrator behind Dennis Green's new West Coast offense, in which Offensive Coordinator Brian Billick (who would leave for the Baltimore Ravens the next season) helped design. Green would win Coach of the Year.
Even the defense had veteran playmakers. Guys like John Randle, Ed McDaniel, Orlando Thomas, and Robert Griffith were all instrumental in Minnesota's success defensively.
And then there was Gary Anderson. The old school kicker with the single bar helmet. Anderson was much like the Vikings were that season: perfect in just about every way imaginable. He went 35-for-35 on field goals in the regular season and set a record for most points scored in a single season.

Minnesota dominated the Arizona Cardinals 41-21 in the Divisional round of the playoffs. All they had to do was defeat the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game, which would be played at the Metrodome, and Minnesota would be off to the Super Bowl to face the defending champion Denver Broncos.

But, as has been the case throughout Minnesota's history, it wasn't meant to be.
Atlanta defeated the Vikings 30-27 in Overtime in one of the bigger upsets in NFL history. In that game, Anderson missed a 38-yard field goal that would've potentially sealed the victory for the Vikings. Instead, Atlanta would force overtime, get the ball and sink a 38-yarder of their own by Morten Anderson and walk away with the NFC title and a bid in Super Bowl XXXIII. The Vikings were so close to reaching their ultimate goal, but were denied by fate. As it was, Minnesota became just the third team in NFL history to win 15 games, but they were the first to fail to reach the Super Bowl.

Despite the unfortunate ending to the season, it is hard to argue that the 1998 Minnesota Vikings were the greatest team in franchise history.

NFC North Recap- week 7

Houston 28, Detroit 21- The Houston Texans (2-4) continued to climb out of the cellar with a hard-fought win at home against Detroit. Matt Schaub was solid at QB for the Texans going 26-of-31 for 267 yards and 2 TDs. Houston built up a 28-10 lead into the fourth, but Detroit rallied for 10 points in the final quarter and had the ball at the end of the game, but being stuck at their own 2-yard line proved to be too big a hole to climb out of for the winless Lions.
Next game: Washington (5-2) at Detroit (0-6)

Green Bay 34, Indianapolis 14- The Green Bay Packers pulled off a minor surprise last Sunday, whipping up on the struggling Indianapolis Colts (3-3) despite injuries at key positions. Peyton Manning was picked off twice and kept out of the end zone through the air, while Aaron Rodgers was effecient enough in the passing game to open things up for Ryan Grant (31 carries 105 yards, TD) and the Packer running attack. Both Manning interceptions were returned for touchdowns, one from 62 yards out and the other from 99. The Colts find themselves in a bad spot now with three of their next five games on the road against solid teams. Their next task will be to tackle an undefeated Tennessee Titan squad on Monday Night Football. Meanwhile, the Packers move into a first place tie in the NFC North division with Chicago after the Bears knocked off the Vikings earlier in the day.
Next Game: BYE; week 9- Green Bay (4-3) at Tennessee (6-0)

What does it mean for Minnesota- The Vikings lost a 48-41 shootout to the Bears in a battle for top spot in the North division, so that means they'll have to bide their time until the opportunity to reclaim first presents itself again. With the way the teams in this division are playing it could come at almost any point in the season. Three of the four teams in the division, including the Vikings, have a bye this coming Sunday so they'll definitely use that time to get rested up and figure out how to correct the mistakes that were made. Minnesota is going to need to find out how to bottle that 41-point offensive output they had against Chicago and use it more often. It's sad to say, but Minnesota could have done a LOT better offensively (Frerotte's four interceptions didn't help much), and putting up 41 points in the NFL is a pretty tough thing to do so that is saying something. Of course that's what has left Vikings fans scratching their heads. Score 41 but look ugly doing it. That's hard to do, but I guess that's what the Vikings are good for.
The other side of things is that 48-point showing the Bears had. Despite two of those touchdowns being mental miscues by Minnesota, its still gotta leave a bad taste in the defense's mouth that they even allowed 34 points to a football team. The defense knows they are much better than what they showed against Chicago last Sunday, even though they held the Bears to 53 yards rushing. But they are gonna have to make those corrections in a hurry, because they face a surging Houston Texans team that is hungry to make a name for themselves this season. Also Minnesota doesn't want to lose back-to-back games. That would not be good for the playoff hopes.

Mistakes Bite Vikings in Loss to Bears

If you were a Vikings fan on Sunday watching the Bears-Vikings game, you probably got that feeling, all-in-all while watching the game, that Minnesota just wasn't going to win.

It just wasn't meant to be. Minnesota had several golden opportunities to beat the Bears and blew just about each and every one of them in a 48-41 loss to Chicago at Soldier Field.

It probably surprised anyone who turned on their TV set to find the Bears-Vikings game such a high-scoring affair considering both teams boast two of the best defenses in the NFL. It didn't help that the Bears had injuries throughout their secondary and that the Vikings kept spotting the Bears wonderful field position throughout the game.

But perhaps the thing that really set the two apart was the discipline level between the two teams.

Whether it was more drive-killing penalties, or Jarod Allen diving onto a pile of players 3 seconds after the whistle had blown, that little yellow hanky found it's way onto the field way too many times (8) for the Vikings. Most of which were at crucial times.

Ray Edwards jumped offsides on what would've been a 53-yard field goal attempt by Bears kicker Robbie Gould, but instead made it a 48-yarder that he coasted through the uprights.

Vinny Ciurciu was flagged for a questionable pass interference call on 4th-and-goal from the 1 that gave the Bears new life and Matt Forte walked into the end zone on the next play to make it 48-31, a deficit too great for the Vikings to overcome.

The mistakes on special teams were even more evident. Minnesota spotted the Bears 14 points on mental errors despite getting a 7-0 lead early after Adrian Peterson scored on 4th and-goal from the 1 in the 1st quarter.

Veteran punter Chris Kluwe botched the snap and then had his kick blocked, but instead of falling on hit he tried to kick it again and it was batted into the end zone and recovered for a Chicago touchdown.

Then to make matters worse, on a Bears punt in the second quarter, returner Charles Gordon decides to try and block a Bears defender, instead of waving for a fair-catch, and gets pushed into the ball which conveniently makes its way into the end zone and the Bears promptly fall on it for another gift-wrapped touchdown to make it 24-17 at that point.

Couple that with 4 Gus Frerotte interceptions and the Vikings never had a chance.

Well, that's almost true. Despite trying their hardest to lose this game, Minnesota still found themselves with the ball trailing by 7 at the end of the game. If there's any negatives the Bears can take away from this, that is one of them.

Minnesota out gained the Bears 439-327 in offensive yardage. Frerotte passed for 298 yards and 2 TDs while Orton only threw for 283 and 2 TDs. The difference was the interception ratio- 4/0.

Adrian Peterson again rushed for over 100 yards against the Bears with a 121 yard, 2 TD performance, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. But it wasn't enough. Peterson only had the big 54-yard run that provided a brief spark to Minnesota's otherwise schizophrenic offense.

It must also be a very vindicating day for Chicago fans to get a win over the Bernard Berrian-led Vikings. Berrian was a receiver for the purple and orange last year, but led the Vikings with 6 catches for 81 yards and a TD today.

To add to just how bizarre this game was, Minnesota's only punt attempt was Kluwe's blocked punt. That usually means one of two things: you're either winning by a lot and scoring at will or; you did what the Vikings did today and turnovers, special teams included, served as your "punts".

Chicago (4-3) now is atop the NFC North, but will soon be joined by the Packers who are putting a hurt on the up-and-down Indianapolis Colts. Minnesota (3-4), meanwhile must regroup as they may be down but are certainly not out. One loss to the Bears is not the end of the season. Minnesota will head into the BYE week and hope to correct a lot of their mistakes before they return to the friendly confines of the Metrodome to face the Houston Texans (2-4), a team they can and should beat.

NFC North Recap- week 6

Green Bay 27, Seattle 17- Aaron Rodgers wasn't about to watch his team lose four games in a row. After falling behind 10-3 in the 2nd quarter, Green Bay rolled off the next 24 points to take a 27-10 lead in the 4th and they would hold on to beat the Seattle Seahawks (1-4) and move into a first place tie with Minnesota and Chicago atop the NFC North standings. Rodgers had a decent day, passing for 208 yards and 2 TDs and rushing for another one during Green Bay's 24-point swing. Aaron Kampman had four tackles and two sacks to anchor a depleted defense that has four starters out, some for the remainder of the season, from injuries. Seattle, meanwhile found itself riding a roller coaster throughout the game. At times it looked like 3rd-stringer QB Charlie Frye was really gonna be able to lead the Seahawks to a win over the Packers, but an inconsistent offense throughout the game and two Frye interceptions on the day would dull any sense that Seattle was going to win. Things will get a little tougher for Green Bay as a very raw secondary will be tested when Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts come calling next Sunday.
Next game: Indianapolis (3-2) at Green Bay (3-3)

Atlanta 22, Chicago 20- I wanted to save the best for last. The Chicago Bears had a golden opportunity slip right through their fingers. Kyle Orton was going to be the hero. He had orchestrated a 4th quarter drive for what was thought the be a game-winning, 17-yard touchdown pass to Rashied Davis with 11 seconds left. It's not often you hear such words about Bears quarterbacks. Atlanta had practically no chance. But somehow, rookie sensation Matt Ryan set the Falcons up with a chance to win. Following a controversial decision to squib kick the ball, Atlanta would have the ball at their own 44 yard-line with six seconds left. Ryan hit Michael Jenkins, who planted two feet in bounds, for a 26-yard gain to the Bears 30.
Then with one second left, Jason Elam broke the hearts of Bears fans everywhere and brought joy to Vikings, Packers, and of course Falcons fans when his 48-yard field goal sailed through the uprights. The celebration that ensued at midfield looked like Atlanta had just won the World Series. In reality, all's it did was knock the Bears back into a three-way tie in their division and move a surprisingly impressive Atlanta squad to 4-2 on the year making many question whether or not this Falcons team could actually make the playoffs as the NFC South champions. Matt Ryan also made a major bid for Rookie of the Year with his performance on Sunday. The Bears, meanwhile, will try and shake this one off and get focused for a home date with North division rival Minnesota on Sunday.
Next game: Minnesota (3-3) at Chicago (3-3)

Detroit (0-5)- lost to Minnesota 12-10, next: at Houston (1-4). The Lions just can't catch a break. What's worse is that even though they play a team with only a 1-4 record, Houston just got their first win this past week in dramatic fashion so they should be reenergized for their game against Detroit.

What does it mean for Minnesota- The Vikings somehow have a chance to be all alone atop the NFC North standings thanks to the Bears loss. A win over Chicago and a likely Green Bay loss to Indianapolis could make this scenario a reality. Not bad for a team that started 1-3. But the offense is going to have to start playing more consistently and they are gonna have to start scoring more points. For this game I could understand a 12-10 finish because both defenses are very good, despite a few knicks to the Bears' secondary. But Minnesota is gonna need to start finding the endzone more often than once or twice a game or the potential lead in the division won't last very long. The Vikings will meet the Bears again in the Metrodome later in the season, but this game in Soldier Field on Sunday is perhaps even more important than the opener against the Packers as it will give either team a much needed boost of confidence heading into the remainder of the season. And since first place in the division is on the line, one can be sure that both teams will come ready to play.

Can Frerotte lead the Vikings to the playoffs?

Gus Frerotte is 37 years old. He's been around the NFL for 15 years and with 7 different franchises. He was with the Vikings before in 2003 and 2004 before being picked up by Miami in 2005. At the beginning of the 2008 season, Minnesota signed the veteran QB in the hopes to provide some experience at a position that was a question mark coming in.

However, in four starts for the Vikings, since Head Coach Brad Childress's decision to bench former starter Tarvaris Jackson, Frerotte has helped Minnesota return to a .500 record at 3-3 and has thrown for over 200 yards in all four starts. Frerotte's passing ability and experience in situations have proven valuable for Minnesota in climbing back from a 1-3 start. Frerotte was poised in leading the Vikings to comeback wins over New Orleans and Detroit and has a chance to put Minnesota into first place in the NFC North division next Sunday against the rival Chicago Bears.

Frerotte's numbers haven't been that impressive. His best completion percentage (58.1) came in a loss to the Tennessee Titans. He passed for a season high 296 yards, but has 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions thus far. The Vikings are still not lighting up the scoreboards on offense, nor is the addition of a passing threat one that's going to make opposing defenses shutter, but the ability to make plays and execute in crucial situations has been more prevalent when Frerotte is in.
He may not put up impressive fantasy football stats, but it's his leadership skills that he has acquired over the years that make him a viable threat for the Vikings. His ability to come up with key plays is a reason Minnesota can still hope for a shot at the playoffs.
For example, in the last two games, he has hooked up with Bernard Berrian for two deep balls that resulted in critical touchdowns and drew two major pass interference penalties from deep passes late in the game as well, which aided in the Vikings' past two comeback attempts. That's what veteran knowledge will get you.

The Vikings may win ugly, but a win is a win, and if veteran leadership at quarterback is what it's gonna take to get the Vikings into the 2008 playoffs then they may have found the right guy in Gus Frerotte. He will have a chance to lead the Vikings against a Bears' secondary that will be battered up in the hopes of stealing a win at Soldier Field, moving above .500, shifting into first place in the division, and giving Vikings fans a bit more hope for the near future.

All of this...and he's 37 years old.