Hey, Vikings Fans, Don’t Blame Brett Favre for This One

If you simply looked at the scoreboard and the fact that Brett Favre was at least partially responsible for two turnovers returned for touchdowns, you’d easily say that Favre blew it.

That he finally showed his “true colors” or that he “Favre-ed” this one.

If you truly believe this loss hangs on him, you’re sadly mistaken.

A closer look beyond the box score actually shows a hard-fought game that came down to two intense, meticulous drives led by Favre, which saw the Minnesota Vikings dink-and-dunk down the field twice in the final seven minutes in fantastic fashion.

Both drives saw the very best of Favre and the Vikings offense, as they completed pass after pass against what is still clearly one of the league’s better defenses.

The box score itself reads:

Brett Favre fumbled: LaMarr Woodley recovered fumble and returned for 77 yards; and

Keyaron Fox intercepted Brett Favre for 82 yards.

While you can’t discredit the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ aggressive pass rushing and ability to be where the ball is to make the play, it also wouldn’t be correct to simply assume that Favre lost the game on his own.

After a game-winning touchdown pass against the San Francisco 49ers and another clutch fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in Week Six, Favre had restored his fizzled reputation of late-game heroics.

Despite two turnovers that would suggest otherwise, it was quite obvious on Sunday that Favre’s magic was still exuberant, even against the Steelers.

With less than seven minutes remaining, Favre and the Vikings marched down to Pittsburgh’s 23-yard line, trailing 13-10.

Favre dropped back, avoided the initial rush, and just as he was about to release the ball, had the ball knocked out of his hand from behind by Steelers lineman Brett Keisel.

While Favre did hold onto the ball after a pump fake and was at least partially responsible for the turnover, it was not a blatant fumble and was arguably credited more to the Steelers’ pressure on the offensive line.

The final play that decided the game can’t be blamed on Favre either.

Only the biggest of Favre haters will sit back and laugh at the future Hall of Famer while insinuating that he “blew” this game.

In all actuality, it was just plain old dumb luck…

To finish the rest of this article, go here.

Kevin Roberts is an official Brett Favre Examiner, covering one of the NFL‘s greatest quarterbacks and giving you the best editorials and coverage in what could be his final season.

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What We Learned From Ravens’ Loss to the Vikings

 

Maybe it is not so much what we learned, but more what we’ve confirmed about the Baltimore Ravens and their chance to be an elite team this season.

Here are a few of my personal confirmations:

Joe Flacco is a Pro Bowl quarterback —In three straight weeks, the Ravens have lost three straight games that have come down to the wire. And the only reason the Ravens were even close enough to the wire to come up short in a photo finish is because of Joe Flacco.

Greg Mattison is certainly not Rex Ryan —I alluded to this in a post last week about how the Ravens’ “exotic” blitzes of the past were more out of necessity than flair. Chris Carr is terrible. Frank Walker is terrible. Domonique Foxworth and Fabian Washington are serviceable. It seems that when the Ravens are able to blitz, things go better for them than when they don’t. But trust me, nothing will get better for this team throughout the season if opponents can continue to air it out down field confidently.

Ray Rice is what Reggie Bush Should Be —I’m sure a lot of people were wondering why Ray Rice has maintained his starting position, while Willis McGahee has received more of the meaningful carries with scoring opportunities. Yesterday showed us why. Rice is the new Marshall Faulk, able to make plays out of the back field and on passing patterns. Show me a linebacker that can matchup with him, and I’ll show you somebody Rice practices against everyday in training camp.

As I said last week, it’s certainly not panic mode in Charm City. The Ravens have lost three straight games to three playoff caliber teams—and two of the three have the potential to reach the Super Bowl. Still, there’s a lot that the Ravens have to get right over the course of the season, or the projected 11-12 wins we thought they could take this year could easily turn into eight or nine.

Technorati Tags: Baltimore Ravens , Joe Flacco , Ray Rice

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Minnesota Vikings Survive Baltimore Ravens 33-31, Despite Poor Clock Management

As brilliant as the Vikings have been recently in their ability to score in the first quarter, they have been as simple in their attempts to manage the clock and score in the fourth quarter to finish off their opponents.

On the last play of the game, Baltimore Ravens kicker Steven Hauschka missed a 44-yard field goal wide left.  The Vikings had won their second game of the season within the last two seconds of the game.

 The Vikings stand 6-0 and are one of only four remaining unbeaten teams in the NFL.   Ordinarily players on a team that is 6-0 would be ear to ear with smiles in their post game interviews.

However, smiles were scant in the locker room.  After all the Ravens had scored 21 points against the Vikings defense in the fourth quarter and had marched down the field to position themselves to kick the game winning field goal.

All of the Vikings knew that they were fortunate to escape with their sixth win after their fourth quarter collapse.

The Vikings stood at 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.  The game should have been over given the experience of the defense and the weapons on the offense.   Yet, ultimately the game was decided by the Ravens field goal kicker.

The main reason for the Vikings collapse was due to poor tackling in the second half.  Ravens running backs and receivers ran over, through and around the linebackers and secondary of the Vikings. 

Part of the explanation for the lacking of tackling by the Vikings is attributable to injuries. All-Pro Antoine Winfield left the game with a toe injury in the second quarter and nickel back Benny Sapp missed most of the second half feeling the effects of a helmet to helmet hit.   

While Winfield and Sapp are key players, the Vikings can’t afford the drop off in execution when one or both of them are not in the game. The Vikings will likely be shopping for some secondary help before the trade deadline.

The most disturbing part of the Vikings collapse against the Ravens however was the self-inflicted wound brought about by their play calling in the fourth quarter. 

Before criticizing the Vikings execution in the fourth quarter, lavish praise for the play calling of the Vikings and what they have recently been able to do in the first quarter is due.  In their past three games, the Vikings have scored five touchdowns with the six possessions that they have had in the first quarter. 

Against the Ravens, the Vikings deftly kept the Ravens guessing mixing up their runs and passes early in the game.  On the first drive the Vikings had three running plays and three passes; on their second drive they had three running plays and four passes.  Favre even mixed up his passing targets as he went to five different receivers in the first two drives of the game.

Clearly, the Vikings coaching staff is able to identify weaknesses in their opponents defensive schemes and design and successfully implement an initial offensive game plan.

In watching the Vikings last two home games, Vikings fans had to wonder why their coaching staff wasn’t as effective in the fourth quarter in generating points and managing the clock.  Yes, the last two home games .

The Vikings almost squandered a 30-14 fourth quarter lead against Green Bay three weeks ago.  At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Vikings stopped using play action and went to simple trap plays.

The Packers took advantage of the gift scoring a touchdown with 3:40 in the fourth quarter to bring the score to 30-20.  The Vikings recovered the ensuing onside kick at the Green Bay 45-yard line. 

At this point, if the Vikings can get a first down or two the game is over.  Two first downs and the Vikings will have drained the Packers of their time outs, they can kick a field goal within Ryan Longwell’s range, and they leave the Packers without enough time to tie the game.

The Vikings go conservative and are content simply to run the ball on the first two downs to exhaust the Packers timeouts.  On third down, the Vikings run a flag route resulting in an incomplete pass. 

The flag route was not disguised in anyway.  There was no fake pitch to the running back to bring the safety up. 

A stop and go route would have at least given Favre an opportunity to sneak a pass in using a pump fake.  Once the receiver demonstrated that he couldn’t run pass the corner back, Favre threw the ball harmlessly out of bounds.

The Vikings possession gave them no opportunity to add any points, lasted all of 29 seconds and allowed the Packers to use the two minute warning as an additional time out.  

The Packers being gracious guests accepted the gift and marched down for a field goal.   While the Packers had no timeouts left they were now within seven points of the Vikings preparing to kick an onside kick. 

Disaster was avoided when the Vikings recovered the on-side kick.

Against the Ravens it was déjà vu all over again.

The Vikings had the ball the on the Ravens 18 yard line with 2:51 in the game.  At the time, the Ravens were winning the game at 31-30.  The Ravens had two timeouts remaining.

The Vikings clearly wanted to have the Ravens use all their time outs and wanted to run down the clock as much as possible to leave the Ravens with only a few seconds to score.

The most pressing need for the Vikings was to score and to take the lead as they were behind.   Preferably the Vikings would score a touchdown as a field goal would leave the Ravens the opportunity to win the game with their own field goal.

The Vikings with the ball on the Ravens 18 went ultra-conservative. The Vikings pounded the ball up the middle with three straight Adrian Peterson runs gaining four yards.  The Vikings were clearly content with Baltimore calling their remaining two timeouts and having Ryan Longwell kick a 31-yard field goal to give them a two-point lead.

After the kickoff, Baltimore started their final possession at the 33-yard line with 1:46 left in the game.  The strategy worked for the Vikings.

However, the three running plays called by the Vikings at Baltimore’s 18-yard line appeared to be playing not to lose as opposed to the Vikings playing to win the game.

The Vikings didn’t need to call a flea flicker or a double reverse on the 18-yard line, but they should have at least called one play that was some type of play-action or bootleg for Favre. 

If the play works the Vikings have a chance to score a touchdown or at the very least run more time off the clock as they would have obtained a first down.   

The Vikings defense had not stopped the Ravens from moving the ball in the second half.  Scoring a touchdown on the Ravens would have at least forced the Ravens to go for the entire length of the field to take the lead.   

Yes, calling such a play is dangerous in that there is a chance for an interception.  However, the benefits far outweigh the minimal risk.

Favre has 12 touchdowns to only two interceptions and had not made a bad throw in the game.  Worst case, Favre takes a knee for a five-yard loss if he sees nothing open.  Longwell’s kick is a little longer but it is still a relatively easy 36-yard field goal.

The chance of success on play action with a pass was not insignificant.  The Vikings scored three touchdowns against the Ravens in the red zone.  All three touchdowns came on pass plays.  The Vikings final touchdown pass of the day by Favre came after he faked a pitch to Peterson.

Sometimes you win by playing it safe.  The Vikings won by playing it safe on Sunday as the Ravens missed the field goal as time expired. 

However, sometimes playing it safe allows your opponent an opportunity to beat you; and sometimes they are willing to oblige. The Vikings need to stop being such gracious hosts as they have the talent to have the route to the Super Bowl go through the Metrodome.

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Undefeated Minnesota Vikings Remain Unknown

How can a 6-0 team look so dominant and so mediocre in the same game? 

What am I saying; the Vikings have done this all year.  It’s habit, now.  An addiction.

Step one: Get out to a big, early lead.  Look like the second coming of Lief Erickson storming Newfoundland.

Step two: Go into a shell while waiting for the other team to score, turtle-style.

Step three: See what happens.

This addiction worked out against the Nowhere Teams of the NFL: Detroit, Cleveland, and St. Louis. It worked out fine—barely—against a Green Bay team featuring one leaky offensive line.  It only worked against San Francisco because of Favre’s arm and voodoo—which is kind of redundant in a way.

On Sunday, it worked against Baltimore because of the scared, timid leg of an inexperienced kicker, and probably some Mississippian frantically sticking pins in a new doll labeled “Hauschka.”

So here is Minnesota, 6-0.  This should have Vikings’ players, coaches, and fans sky-high, riding cloud nine.  

But it isn’t, for good and bad reasons.  

Let’s get the bad out of the way, starting with the secondary.  When was the last time the Vikings’ secondary was not a concern, by the way? Joey Browner’s hey-day, eh?

At least since the age of Warren Moon, the Vikings’ secondary has been nothing but trouble, and it is no different this year.  One could argue that the stats are inflated because teams need to throw the ball, and that is a very good argument to make.

But that doesn’t excuse all the problems the defensive backs are having right now.  

Minnesota came into the Baltimore game 18th in the NFL against the pass, giving up 225 yards/game.  Joe Flacco threw for 385 yards against them Sunday, and fairly easily led the Ravens into field goal territory for the potential game-winner.  

Karl Paymah—who admittedly wouldn’t have played as much if not for an Antoine Winfield injury—was routinely burned by Flacco and whichever receiver happened to be there.  To top it off, Winfield needs an MRI for his foot.  It would be a blessing if he misses only four games.

Regarding the pass defense, the safeties seem to be the main problem as of now.  

Tyrell Johnson and Madieu Williams need to make more of an impact in the cover game. Who knows if that means helping out the corners or jumping underneath passes; the game of football is a funny thing, and they could be doing their job perfectly as is. 

But it appears those two are allowing too much space for passes down the seams, and not recognizing the corner or post routes quick enough to give needed help.

The offensive line, while improved from a couple weeks ago, is still a source of consternation. Ditto the special teams; Chris Kluwe’s 39-yard punt late in the fourth quarter gave the Ravens incredibly good field position, as did the coverage unit on a couple of kick and punt returns.

The Vikings’ inability to play four straight quarters of consistent football is also a concern.  Every single game has left some form of question mark, be it allowing San Francisco, Green Bay, or Baltimore back into the game; or allowing Cleveland and Detroit to take early leads; or all the yards given up to St. Louis.

Considering the outcomes, it should not be a concern; after all, Minnesota is atop their division and tied for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. However, this year isn’t about a division title, or a No. 1 seed in the playoffs. 

This year is about the Super Bowl.  

The Vikings know that. And that is good.

After the Ravens game, the defensive unit talked about how disappointed they were in giving up a 30-17 lead in less than three minutes.  Brad Childress talked about not settling for field goals; no, seriously, he did.

The team realizes the Ravens game should not have come down to a missed field goal, that a Super Bowl team would not have allowed that.  And that is good.

More good: Sidney Rice (who is the Minnesota Larry Fitzgerald—which is kind of redundant in a way).  Rice and Favre are developing something special.  Of course, Favre is developing something special with Visanthe Shiancoe, too. Favre seems to be doing alright with Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin, as well.

More good: E.J. Henderson was near the ball all day, Chad Greenway continued his Pro Bowl campaign, and Kevin Williams continues to be Kevin Williams.

And Adrian ended up with a pretty impressive performance.

Then Chicago lost the Sunday night game, and Minnesota found themselves two games up in the NFC North.

The Vikings are undefeated, two games up in the division, and have not scored less than 27 points in any game all year.

There really shouldn’t be too much to complain about.

And yet there is. 

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Favre and The Vikes: The Real Deal

After six weeks of debating, I think it’s time for all the nay-sayers to show some respect.

The Minnesota Vikings are 6-0.

Brett Favre has only thrown two picks in 178 attempts and Adrian Peterson (AP) leads the league in rushing yards and is second in TDs.

I am, as most know a Packers fan and a huge Favre fan; but as I said in the beginning of the season, the Vikes’ were just a QB away from making a run. I think 6-0 definitely can be considered making a run.

Also, you have to remember that for the last three years, I’ve stood by my belief that Favre wasn’t washed up. To all the networks, websites, and friends who thought I was crazy, I say to you, “What now?”

With the help of the defense, AP and Favre are getting it done, the Vikings may just be the best team in the NFC at the current moment.

Although Favre has not been stellar at times, he’s definitely proven he still has what it takes. He’s proven he was- and is- the answer to this team’s QB problems as well.

Throughout the season, Favre’s game has also matured by only giving up two picks in 178 attempts and six games. Though statistically, some games may not seem great, Favre has made key plays in every game this season.

I took the time to come with his end of season projections.

Favre is on pace to finish with 3,562 YDs, 32 TDs, 5 INTs, a 69.6 completion percentage, and a 109.5 QB rating. I’d say that is pretty darn good. Of course, that all depends on if he slips back into gunslinger mode, and whether or not he avoids his usual end of season implosion.

If he finishes anywhere near my projected stats, whether or not the Vikes make it to the playoffs, Favre will have done everything he could to get this team over the hump.

After today’s game against the Ravens, 21/29, 278 YDs and 3 TDS, I’d say Favre is the real deal.

This season is really shaping up for a great ending with another drama filled contest in Green Bay in two weeks. It’s unreal to think if the Vikes win the next two games, they are at most, four wins away from clinching a playoff spot.

Now that I’m done bragging about a team I hate and a guy I love, the reality of the next two games has to be discussed.

The Vikes are traveling to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers next week.

The way that Pittsburgh has been playing the last three weeks says they may be a tough challenge, but are beatable. I can see this game going either way, especially with Favre facing one of the best safeties in the league, Troy Polamalu.

Brett vs. the Pack II is definitely going to be another close one.

It will be interesting to see if Aaron Rodgers can knock that chip off his shoulder and win this one; and if Favre will rise to the occasion again and stick it to his team of 16 years; in the place he called home for so long. Unfortunately, for us Packers fans, the latter is more believable.

This game could also go either way.

I hope the Pack can pull it together and even the score.

The way things have been going this season, the next two games can be won by either side. Realistically, I’d say the Vikes split these two- which one they’ll lose is hard to say.

Right now, the division is theirs to lose.

A loss to Green Bay would definitely make things interesting. Not to mention- two second half of the season games against Chicago- who is on a roll lately.

If you noticed, I didn’t mention Detroit, because who really worries about the Lions anymore.

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A Season To Remember for Vikings Fans: Will It Continue?

Brett Favre has beaten all 32 NFL teams. The Vikings are 5-0 for the first time since 2003. The defense still has yet to allow a single 100-yard rusher (that’s now 28 straight games, for those counting) not to mention a rushing touchdown this season.

The Vikes won their 400th franchise victory in Week Five, and Baltimore basically comes limping to the barn in an attempt to put a stop to the Vikings’ success.

And to think, it’s only Week Six.

Minnesota has very quietly been putting together one of its best seasons thus far that I can remember, not only with milestone after milestone being achieved, but taking care of business on both sides of the ball—a familiarity Vikings’ fans are not used to having.

For the Vikings and their fans, it has always been one or the other.

Whether it was a great rushing attack but horrible passing, great run defense but terrible coverage, all of the loose ends have come together in a nifty little package that has Vikings fans racing to the couch every Sunday and thinking deep postseason run or even—dare I say it—Super Bowl!

So here we are, near the halfway point, and on the horizon is the Baltimore Ravens—a team once known for their own dominant defense and currently known for their newfound offensive prowess, much like the Vikings; the similarity is eerie.

But there are a couple of key separations, aren’t there?

Not to take anything away from Joe Flacco, but he is no Favre. Not to take anything away from the Ravens’ backfield, but they aren’t the gruesome two-some of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor—remember him, Baltimore?

Not to say the Ravens wide receivers are underproducing, but they surely aren’t up to the level of Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian, and Visanthe Shiancoe.

But with all this said, the true mark of a Championship team is, well, quite frankly, to ignore such things. It is far easier to ride the wave of emotion that is synonymous with a 5-0 start; it is even easier to fall victim to overconfidence when you’re king of the NFC mountain (or, in this case, splitting a time share with New York and New Orleans).

Championship teams turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to such frivolities, and the Vikings would be wise to do the same, and I think they will.

This team looks different, it acts different, it plays with a purpose, and it plays well. The Vikings are beginning to show themselves —and, vicariously through themselves, their fans—that they have finally grown up, that they have maturated into a quality team bound for greatness this year and not “down the road.”

But it’s been a long time coming for Vikings fans.

Since 2003—even as far back as 1998, some would say—the Vikings organization, and its loyal fan base, has been waiting to see the ascent of a team superior to the previous ones that found their way into the postseason only to come up short.

Gone are the days of Leroy Hoard, Robert Smith, Cris Carter, Jake Reed, John Randal, Randal McDaniel, and Randal Cunningham; here are the days of new thanks to Adrian Peterson, Chester Taylor, Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian, Ray Edwards, Jared Allen, and Brett Favre.

You decide which team is better, or just wait until the end of the season.

But, as I said before, there is something that is just different about this group of guys in comparison to any other team in the past.

Is it the magic of Favre at the helm? Is it the imposing and often unstoppable Adrian Peterson? Is it the unrelenting motor of the defensive line? Is it the record upon record being shattered as the season progresses?

No, it’s none of these things.

This team posses that one extra little factor that we as football fans just simply know exists. You don’t speak of it in definition, you probably can’t explain it, but you know it to be truth. It’s that little something extra you feel in your bones when you watch your team play week in and week out.

Peterson has been shut down, but he keeps on coming; Favre was sacked nine times in the first three games, but the O-line has seemingly fixed that; the defense has been soft in covering when blitzing, but has made up for it in the pass rush—no matter how many guys you have blocking, they still get to the quarterback.

But this will all be for naught if the Vikes can’t continue their newfound success.

The Vikings are on a path of change and enlightenment, one that shows what they are capable of doing with a little glimpse into what can be.

They have all the right weapons, they have all the proper ethic and technique, they have Pro Bowl players all over the place, and everything is wrapped up nicely in a little package with a little extra something inside that, in time, will be the deciding factor between a great team and greatness!

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Check out Vikings Vindication for a full game preview of the upcoming Ravens matchup and show some love!

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Baltimore Ravens vs. Minnesota Vikings: Who Looks Better in Purple?

The Vikings are heading into their biggest three game stretch all season that includes the Ravens at home, the Steelers at Pittsburgh, and the Packers in Green Bay.

If there are still doubters as to whether this Vikings team is any good, a strong showing these three games is critical.

After back-to-back heartbreaking losses, the Ravens are hungry. That’s bad news for the Vikings who have coasted to a 5-0 record. The Ravens need the win more than the Vikings do and that could prove to be costly for the purple and gold.

Ray Lewis brings in the fourth ranked rushing defense in the NFL. They’re only giving up a measly 3.0 yards per carry. Peterson hasn’t been over the 100-yard mark since Week One, but don’t let that scare you. It’s not from a lack of production as much as a lack of touches for the third-year back.

The Ravens pass defense hasn’t been very good this season compared to others. They are currently ranked 26th in the NFL. At times, they’ve looked downright awful. But if you’re the Vikings, plan on the Ravens bringing in their A-game into the Metrodome. They won’t simply lay on that beautiful turf for you.

Ed Reed will be watching Favre closely. You can almost be sure he will get his pick. He’s the best free safety in the NFL and by the time he’s done, could be one of the best ever. Favre needs to watch for this guy and NEVER throw in his direction.

The Ravens’ offense has changed keys this season handing them over to Joe “Cool” Flacco. Joe has been one of the bigger surprises this season, throwing for over 1,200 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions.

With the Vikings’ inability to shut down the passing game, Flacco may run wild especially for the Vikings’ well-documented poor tight end coverage.

The running game has been led by Ray Rice who himself has been a huge surprise taking over the starting job in Baltimore. Both running backs are averaging over 5.0 yards per carry. They won’t back down on their rushing attack. After all, you don’t want to get into passing situations with Jared Allen breathing down your neck.

The Vikings defense has been decent this season. A lot of yardage has been given up in garbage time in the fourth quarter of a couple games.

The defensive line is headed by Pro Bowlers all over. With massive tackle Jared Gaither doubtful for Sunday’s game, Jared Allen could have a field day.

The pass defense is still trying to man up to the 10th ranked rush defense of the Vikings. The Vikings have been notoriously bad in he passing game, but since the arrival of Jared Allen, quarterbacks don’t have nearly as much time to get the ball off.

The offense has been steady the last couple of weeks. Brett Favre has shown that he has the arm needed to win games, but the bread and butter of the offense still revolves around Adrian Peterson. Expect the Vikings to keep their guard up and be looking for Ray Lewis at all times.

The Ravens gave up their first 100-yard rushed in nearly three years to Cedric Benson last week. Peterson always has the ability to break one and could hand the Ravens back-to-back 100-yard rushers on defense.

One thing to watch for this Sunday will be the return of the best center in Vikings history, Matt Birk, who signed with the Ravens in the offseason. In case you already didn’t know, No. 77 in the picture above is the big man himself. That undoubted gives the Ravens an advantage as far as philosophy goes.

Was Matt Birk’s career really finished? This writer doesn’t think so, but current Vikings center John Sullivan has shown improvement in the last two weeks.

When you break everything down, the Vikings are a better looking team. The Ravens have an advantage at the linebacker and receiver positions, but the Vikings have the advantage in the other areas.

So to answer my question in the headline, I think the Vikings look better in purple. They won’t back down no matter how intimidating Ray Lewis and company may be.

Prediction: Vikings 31, Ravens 20

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Memo to the NFL: Let the Punishment Fit the Crime

I realize football is a tough sport. I played the game in high school.

Like Vince Lombardi once said, “Football is not a contact sport, it’s a collision sport.”

Injuries happen, and I’m OK with that, as long as they happen within the rules.

St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Gary Gibson broke bones in his foot and ankle in Sunday’s loss to Minnesota after being shoved by Vikings tackle Artis Hicks. Gibson fell awkwardly to the Edward Jones Dome turf, and his season was over.

The shove came after Vikings quarterback Brett Favre had released the ball, completing a 47-yard pass down field to Sidney Rice. Fifty yards behind the play, Gibson lay writhing in pain.

Gibson’s season was over with a cheap shot, an unnecessary shove after the play. What did Hicks receive for his punishment? Not a penalty during the game, and then on Thursday he got a $5,000 fine from the NFL.

Five grand for ending a guy’s season?

How about you let the punishment fit the crime?

If you hit somebody illegally, and that other player misses one game, you miss one game. If it’s two games, then a two-game suspension. In Gibson’s case, he’s done for the season, and so should be Hicks.

The NFL is so hypocritical about its rules to protect quarterbacks. Tapping a QB on the forehead with a fingernail draws a 15-yard penalty, but when a lineman blindly gets shoved to the turf forcefully enough to snap a bone or two, there’s no flag?

Even worse, that same love-tap to the noggin could get a $20,000 fine, even though no harm was caused. But an actual cheap shot that ends a guy’s season merits only a $5,000 fine.

Hmmmm. Interesting.

This reminds me of a game a few years ago between the Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Favre, then with the Packers, had thrown an interception. Favre’s good buddy Warren Sapp, a defensive lineman with the Bucs, passed up a block on Favre, who was closer to the play, and blindsided Packers tackle Chad Clifton instead.

Sapp put the crown of his helmet under Clifton’s chin. The force of the hit lifted the 320-pound Clifton off the ground in what they call a “de-cleater.”

When Clifton landed, he did so with such authority that he sprained bones in his pelvis, ending his season and forcing him to spend nearly a week in the hospital.

The cheap shot was deemed “legal” by the NFL, and Sapp got off scot-free. That was such an injustice. What made it even harder to swallow is that Sapp showed no remorse for ending another player’s season and jeopardizing his career.

He showed no empathy for an injury he himself could have fallen victim to. Never once did he apologize. Not once did he visit or even call Clifton while he was in a Tampa hospital.

And not once was a punishment or fine even discussed by the NFL.

A clean hit, my butt.

Even Sapp admitted that he passed up a hit on Favre to go after Clifton, a player against whom he faced off for much of the game. That right there tells anyone with common sense that he sought out to injure Clifton.

Then-Green Bay coach Mike Sherman recognized the “block” as a cheap shot immediately and challenged Sapp after the game, telling him it was a “chicken-XXXX thing” for him to do.

Sapp’s reaction was to challenge the coach to a fight. Real nice.

I had liked Warren Sapp, until then.

How he got away with it angered me even more. The NFL should have ended Sapp’s 2002 season, just as he ended Clifton’s.

Hicks’ shove of Gibson reminded me of how the NFL hands out gross fines for seemingly harmless contact, while other hits that aren’t so harmless, and sometimes result in season-ending injuries, basically go unpunished.

That just isn’t right.

If Gary Gibson were a quarterback instead of a defensive tackle, I’d wager that Hicks’ fine would have been a lot more substantial.

This column can also be found at The Alton Telegraph .

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Vikings-Rams Preview: Minnesota Fat on Dome Life

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

If there was a shred of doubt concerning Brett Favre’s ability, arm strength, motivation, or boyish enthusiasm, it was put to rest last Monday in the Vikings’ 30-23 win over the Packers. If revenge was indeed a factor, Favre showed it only by carving up the Green Bay pass defense for 271 yards and three touchdowns.

“My gosh,” says Favre, “my offensive line gave me so much time to throw that on one play I actually contemplated retirement and changed my mind twice before I had to throw.

“I think this game proves that I have no ill will towards the Packers. I feel I displayed the utmost respect and reverence in destroying them. If there were any hard feelings, well, that baggage has been ‘Packed.’

“I want to thank the Packers for allowing me to play for 16 years. Mostly, though, I want to thank them for not allowing me to play that 17th year. There’s no way I would have survived behind that offensive line.”

In stark contrast to the 4-0 Vikings, the Rams are 0-4 after their second shutout loss, a 35-0 whipping at the hands of division rival San Francisco. Quarterback Kyle Boller will face a Vikings defense that sacked Aaron Rodgers eight times.

Defensive end Jared Allen recorded 4.5 of those sacks and also forced a fumble, a performance that solidified his position as a front-runner for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

“I’ve already got my outfit picked out to wear to the awards ceremony,” says Allen. “It’s a camouflage wife-beater with a bow tie, accessorized with a cummerbund loaded with 12-gauge shotgun shells. You’ve got to dress to impress. Just as I do on the field. Not many guys can wear No. 69 and make it work. Me in jersey No. 69? Cool. Slow-pitch softball player in No. 69? Not cool.”

Help is on the way for the Rams. Conservative talk show blowhard Rush Limbaugh is partnering with St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts in a bid to buy the Rams. Quick, somebody tell Limbaugh that there’s no such position on a football team known as “right wing.”

Minnesota would be ripe for the picking in a letdown were they playing anyone but the Rams. But Adrian Peterson takes control, giving Favre the chance to rest his arm with just 20 passes. Peterson rushes for 146 yards and two touchdowns. The Rams get on the board late on a Steven Jackson score, verifying that the lights on the “home” side of the scoreboard do, in fact, work.

Minnesota wins, 30-7.

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An Honest Assessment of the Minnesota Vikings After the Monday Night Showdown

Coach Jon Gruden loves Bret Favre more than coach John Madden almost to the point where a restraining order might be necessary.   We now know that if given a chance Gruden would welcome the opportunity to coach Favre again.

I can’t ever remember an analyst bringing his favorite film from practice sessions in effort to praise a player.   I only hope for Gruden’s sake that if he did not own the film of Favre throwing deep in practice he acquired the film through the proper channels.

OK, besides Gruden’s affection for Favre, we know that while the Vikings have enough talent to make it to the Super Bowl they might not be the best team in the NFC.

If you are Viking fan you saw several things on Monday night to make you salivate over the possibilities of watching football in February.  However, if you are a NFC playoff contender, or Dennis Green, you aren’t likely ready to crown them. 

Quarterback

Favre’s physical gifts have not diminished as he still has zip on the slants and out routes.  He can throw the ball downfield with authority and can get the ball into his receiver in a two deep zone. 

More importantly, Favre has brought leadership to the team and it is apparent in post game interviews that the youngsters on the team are feeding off of his confidence.

The two questions concerning Favre are whether he is durable enough to last the entire season and can he play well in inclement weather.  Neither of these questions has been answered. 

We will however know more after Favre faces the gauntlet of Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Green Bay starting on week six.

Wide Receivers

The Vikings receivers have made several big plays and are doing a very good job of getting yards after the catch.  Rookie Percy Harvin has especially been impressive avoiding and breaking tackles.   Sidney Rice appears to be poised for a break-out season.

Bernard Berrian however still does not look healthy.  Berrian’s 31 yard touchdown catch against the Packers was due to a mental lapse by the secondary and not his speed. 

While Harvin and Rice have looked very good, the Vikings need Berrian to contribute to have a consistent passing attack. 

Running Attack

The best running back in the NFL is Adrian Peterson and pairing him with Chester Taylor gives the Vikings the best tandem in the league.   Yes, Peterson’s fumble on MNF was disheartening but the organization is unlikely to trade him anytime soon.  Taylor has done a good job doing whatever the team needs and Favre has been smart to publicly show his appreciation for Chester’s efforts.

As much talent that Peterson and Taylor have, they still need the offensive line to create some daylight.   

 
Offensive Line

The best that can be said about the offensive line is that their play has been inconsistent. 

Against the Cleveland Browns, Favre was sacked four times and was hurried several times.  The Lions pass rush put Favre to the turf on three occasions and made sure he was not lonely on several occasions.  Throw in a couple of holding penalties and Coach Childress was ready for aspirin for his headache.

On Monday Night, the offensive line was Houdini like in making the Packers pass rushers completely disappear.  Even more impressive was that the offensive line was not called for holding. 

Steve Hutchinson saw limited time in practice this week with pain in his low back.  If Hutchinson misses significant time the offensive line will not be able to continue the trend established against Green Bay and the running lanes will be greatly decrease.

Run Defense

Teams have had more success rushing the ball up the middle against the Vikings this year.  Currently, the run defense is ranked ninth after leading the league last year.  No need however to hit the panic button just yet because the “fall” to the ninth spot means the Vikings are only giving up an additional 12.5 yards a game on the ground.

Teams playing the Vikings going forward will not likely abandon trying to run the ball up the middle.   The next three games for the Vikings may reveal if the run defense is slipping as the Vikings face teams committed to running the ball in the Rams, Ravens and Steelers. 

Expect the Vikings run defense to step up their play as the unit is still among the very best in the league.

Pass Defense

Statistically, the Vikings pass defense has improved from last year as they are currently ranked 12th in the league as opposed to 18th in the league from last year.  Again, no need to go completely overboard with champagne as the spike in ranking equates to holding opponents to 5.3 fewer yards a game.

Cedric Griffin has done a good job with extra attention he receives player corner opposite All Pro Antoine Winfield.   Griffin has already grabbed two interceptions; he has five over his four-year career.

One glaring need to address in the passing game is figuring out how to defend passes over the middle.  Against Green Bay, the Vikings gave up six passing plays over 20 yards.  Five of the six big passing plays over 20 yards were on throws over the middle.   

Strong safety Tyrell Johnson and free safety Madieu Williams need to make more plays. 

Special Teams

The Special Teams play has improved from last year.  Coverage squads are doing a better job of staying in their lanes and not over committing early.

Punter Chris Kluwe continues to punt well with two coffin corner kicks against Green Bay.  Ryan Longwell is six for seven with his only miss coming from beyond 40 yards.

Harvin and Darius Raynaud have now made Viking opponents worry about their special teams’ coverage.

The Vikings have turned the corner on their special team problems from last year.

Looking Forward to this Weekend

The Vikings should roll over the St. Louis Rams this weekend as the Rams got stomped on by the San Francisco 49ers 35-0 last week and it does not look like their starting quarterback is going to be able to play. Right?

Well, a couple of reasons that the game could be a close hard fought battle:

1. The Vikings are emotionally spent after beating the Packers for their new leader.

2. Rams offensive tackles Alex Barron and Jason Smith are expected to play after missing last week’s game.

3. The Vikings are looking ahead to Baltimore and Pittsburgh instead of focusing in on the Rams.

4. Rams strong safety Craig Dahl and cornerback Ron Bartell return to the lineup to shore up the defense.

5. The Vikings coaching staff will outsmart themselves and allow the Rams to stay in the game.

A poor showing by the Vikings against the Rams will suggest that the Vikings aren’t quite ready to compete with the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints.

However, if the Vikings put the Rams away early it will be a sign that they are a serious Super Bowl contenders as they are clearly focused on getting to Miami.  

Expect the Vikings to join the Giants and Saints as the elite teams in the NFC.

 

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