My last blog entry was about a Texas-Minnesota clash. Today’s post is more of the same. This time, however, Dallas replaces Houston as the feature city in the Lonestar State. The Cowboys and Vikings meet on Sunday in an NFC divisional round playoff game in Minnesota. Big D needs to be aggressive on offense. The Dallas defense can win this game for Tony Romo, as long as the signal caller is mistake-free. Here’s how it’s going to go:
The streaking Cowboys will withstand Minnesota’s mettle
It’s a tall order for quarterback Romo to settle
His solid road play will continue in the dome
The signal caller has just four interceptions away from home
Favre only has two picks, but the Dallas pass rush is next
Ware, Spencer and Ratliff will leave him feeling vexed
Smaller but quicker, Dallas will deal with the crowd volume
Favre under siege only spells Minnesota doom
The 40 year old Viking has Adrian to work short passes
The back is capable of picking up yards by the masses
Dallas’ secondary must be poised and prepared
Rice and Harvin are deep threats when the ball is aired
A tight end named Shiancoe is another of Favre’s favorites
The Cowboys counter with Whitten to cause safeties fits
Flozell is dirty, but effective in tackling quarterback eaters
He’ll need to be against the NFL’s sack leaders
Romo’s road protection is a bit sluggish this year
Dallas success will require his quick release without fear
Austin is a playmaking receiver who can break open the game
Jones is the tailback whose scrambling does much of the same
Tony has the edge in the pocket with athleticism and mobility
Brett’s quality footwork won’t matter against the Cowboys’ capability
Coaches Childress and Phillips total zero postseason wins
Wade took three teams to the playoffs and Sunday will see grins
Parting Points: The Cowboys hired Paul Pasqualoni as their new defensive line coach.
And a big Thank You to…you know who you are.
Showing posts with label Minnesota Vikings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minnesota Vikings. Show all posts
Friday, January 15, 2010
Monday, September 28, 2009
Fantastic Favre Finish
He may be wearing purple and tossing spirals back in the Northwest, but future Hall-Of-Fame quarterback, Brett Favre, still has a flair for the dramatic. Favre can still lead a team down the field with minutes remaining for the game-winning drive. Number four solidified his legacy Sunday in Minneapolis. He won over his new Vikings teammates and fans by rallying past the San Francisco 49ers in the final seconds Sunday afternoon.
The Vikings’ 27-24 victory provided the team their third win of 2009. This one was as good as it gets. Favre zipped a pass to seventh year veteran, Greg Lewis, in the back of the endzone with two seconds left in regulation. The 32 yard reception was perfectly placed and snatched by Lewis, who smartly set his two feet in bounds before dropping to the turf. The sellout Minnesota faithful roared in cheers as the official confirmed the go-ahead touchdown. Favre it 12-2 lifetime against San Francisco and was very much the reason the Niners suffered their first loss of 2009.
In a game of shifting momentum and big plays, the final drive was astounding and awesome. Favre completed six passes on the game-winning drive, including the stunning one that sailed to Lewis. Brett wrapped up a 24 for 47 day for 301 yards in his Vikings’ home debut. Brett’s last 300 yard game was in November of 2007. He did throw one pick-six, but used seven different Vikings to compile the yardage. The last play began with just 12 second and the visiting 2-0 49ers ahead by four points. Favre was tough to defend in his last attempt to win the game, and his grit gleamed on the field as his tight spirals captured a captivated crowd. He took plenty of blows from the San Francisco defense but still had enough to even block a linebacker downfield after he threw a pass to Bernard Berrian. Favre is like a big kid out there. Despite his retirement saga and rock-star attention-drawing demeanor, he still knows how to play the game like it should be played.
There was little trepidation when the Vikings were handed the ball back with 87 ticks on the game clock. The confidence in Favre and the guys up front was enough to motivate Minnesota’s offense. It was almost devious witnessing Favre’s comeback, but he wasn’t scheming all day. Shaun Hill, a former third string quarterback in Minnesota, threw a pair of touchdown passes and gave the Niners the lead midway through the fourth quarter. Vernon Davis was on the receiving end of both of Hill’s hauls. The 49ers performance was even more outstanding considering they were without running back, Frank Gore. Backup, Glen Coffee, filled in with 54 yards on 24 carries, not exactly numbers to give you a java jolt.
When the Niners didn’t have control of the ball, they were pressuring Favre with a penetrating defense. They sacked him twice. Cornerback, Shawntae Spencer, picked him off. But the veteran was pretty much on his game. He completed a first quarter touchdown pass to Sidney Rice to put seven points on the board early. After a seven play drive, Ryan Longwell kicked a field goal to increase the Viking lead to 10-0. The Niners responded with their own seven play drive, resulting in a five yard touchdown pass from Hill to Davis. Longwell secured a 52 yard field goal later in the second but things were mixed up right before the half on the kicking side of the ball. San Francisco’s Nate Clements blocked a field goal try and returned it for a touchdown to supply the go-ahead score 14-13.
Joe Nedney booted a 37 yarder to start the third quarter scoring. Former Florida Gator receiver, Percy Harvin, tacked on a touchdown for the home team as he sprinted down the field for a 101 yard kick return. The Niners found the endzone one last time with a triumphant Davis 20 yard reception in the fourth quarter. Then it was the Vikings and Favre forging their identity and marching to success in less than a minute and a half.
Mike Singletary and the 49ers are a rebuilding team, but deserve plenty of respect. The relentless running game and stubborn defense are going to take San Francisco to new heights this season. Tight end, Davis, had the best game of his career. Hill was nearly impeccable until the final two drives where the Niners went three-and-out. The visiting team simply left far too much time for Favre. There are many positives to take from the game if you’re a San Francisco fan. The magic of Brett Favre should not be the downfall of this young season. Favre’s shake off of defensive end, Justin Smith and roll to the right came before his hurl to Lewis. Not many quarterbacks in this league make that throw as accurately as number four. Favre found his receiver in the right corner of the endzone at an ill-timed moment for the 49ers. Next Sunday, San Francisco hosts the St. Louis Rams. That game should be relatively easy, and at least Favre won’t be there to break their hearts.
Parting points: Yankees won the AL East. Hoorah for New York. And, the Jets and Giants are both 3-0.
View Favre's game-winning drive here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un3B7Og-FS0
The Vikings’ 27-24 victory provided the team their third win of 2009. This one was as good as it gets. Favre zipped a pass to seventh year veteran, Greg Lewis, in the back of the endzone with two seconds left in regulation. The 32 yard reception was perfectly placed and snatched by Lewis, who smartly set his two feet in bounds before dropping to the turf. The sellout Minnesota faithful roared in cheers as the official confirmed the go-ahead touchdown. Favre it 12-2 lifetime against San Francisco and was very much the reason the Niners suffered their first loss of 2009.
In a game of shifting momentum and big plays, the final drive was astounding and awesome. Favre completed six passes on the game-winning drive, including the stunning one that sailed to Lewis. Brett wrapped up a 24 for 47 day for 301 yards in his Vikings’ home debut. Brett’s last 300 yard game was in November of 2007. He did throw one pick-six, but used seven different Vikings to compile the yardage. The last play began with just 12 second and the visiting 2-0 49ers ahead by four points. Favre was tough to defend in his last attempt to win the game, and his grit gleamed on the field as his tight spirals captured a captivated crowd. He took plenty of blows from the San Francisco defense but still had enough to even block a linebacker downfield after he threw a pass to Bernard Berrian. Favre is like a big kid out there. Despite his retirement saga and rock-star attention-drawing demeanor, he still knows how to play the game like it should be played.
There was little trepidation when the Vikings were handed the ball back with 87 ticks on the game clock. The confidence in Favre and the guys up front was enough to motivate Minnesota’s offense. It was almost devious witnessing Favre’s comeback, but he wasn’t scheming all day. Shaun Hill, a former third string quarterback in Minnesota, threw a pair of touchdown passes and gave the Niners the lead midway through the fourth quarter. Vernon Davis was on the receiving end of both of Hill’s hauls. The 49ers performance was even more outstanding considering they were without running back, Frank Gore. Backup, Glen Coffee, filled in with 54 yards on 24 carries, not exactly numbers to give you a java jolt.
When the Niners didn’t have control of the ball, they were pressuring Favre with a penetrating defense. They sacked him twice. Cornerback, Shawntae Spencer, picked him off. But the veteran was pretty much on his game. He completed a first quarter touchdown pass to Sidney Rice to put seven points on the board early. After a seven play drive, Ryan Longwell kicked a field goal to increase the Viking lead to 10-0. The Niners responded with their own seven play drive, resulting in a five yard touchdown pass from Hill to Davis. Longwell secured a 52 yard field goal later in the second but things were mixed up right before the half on the kicking side of the ball. San Francisco’s Nate Clements blocked a field goal try and returned it for a touchdown to supply the go-ahead score 14-13.
Joe Nedney booted a 37 yarder to start the third quarter scoring. Former Florida Gator receiver, Percy Harvin, tacked on a touchdown for the home team as he sprinted down the field for a 101 yard kick return. The Niners found the endzone one last time with a triumphant Davis 20 yard reception in the fourth quarter. Then it was the Vikings and Favre forging their identity and marching to success in less than a minute and a half.
Mike Singletary and the 49ers are a rebuilding team, but deserve plenty of respect. The relentless running game and stubborn defense are going to take San Francisco to new heights this season. Tight end, Davis, had the best game of his career. Hill was nearly impeccable until the final two drives where the Niners went three-and-out. The visiting team simply left far too much time for Favre. There are many positives to take from the game if you’re a San Francisco fan. The magic of Brett Favre should not be the downfall of this young season. Favre’s shake off of defensive end, Justin Smith and roll to the right came before his hurl to Lewis. Not many quarterbacks in this league make that throw as accurately as number four. Favre found his receiver in the right corner of the endzone at an ill-timed moment for the 49ers. Next Sunday, San Francisco hosts the St. Louis Rams. That game should be relatively easy, and at least Favre won’t be there to break their hearts.
Parting points: Yankees won the AL East. Hoorah for New York. And, the Jets and Giants are both 3-0.
View Favre's game-winning drive here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un3B7Og-FS0
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Purple Project
I didn’t want to devote any time to Brett Favre but it’s hard not to acknowledge the master of the press conference. I’ll try to focus this blog more on Favre’s new teammates in Minnesota. The 2009 Vikings embody one of the top defenses in the NFL. They also have an upgraded offense and powerhouse backfield leader. All the Vikings really were missing heading into this season was a prolific passer. Now Head Coach, Brad Childress, has his team role model and outstanding quarterback to make the Vikings a complete unit. Barring a significant injury, there should be no excuses for Minnesota missing the playoffs.
The 2009 version of Favre isn’t exactly comparable to the 1996 Favre. However, the quarterback who constructed a legend in Green Bay is still an adequate and accurate asset behind center. He doesn’t quite inspire the fear he did as a Packer passer but Favre’s innate ability with the football immediately makes Minnesota a better offensive team. Favre ‘s Jets lacked a solid defense, pass rush and star receivers. His new team has all those components pretty much in place. The gradual strides at the wide receiver position will unravel the knots of last year’s tied up team. The enhanced and deep receivers give the Vikings a chance to be a series NFC threat. Free agent pick-ups a year ago, Bernard Berrian and Bobby Wade are locks to be roster regulars as receivers. Both will positively provide scoring opportunities with their playmaking prowess. The Vikings finally have a finished product at wide receiver since they traded away Randy Moss.
Explosive draft pick, Percy Harvin, joins the strong crop of seasoned professionals on offense. Harvin’s injuries are his main concern. The Florida receiver suffered a shoulder injury in practice and was held out of the Vikings’ preseason opener. Hopefully the shoulder won’t botch his season. The health of the former Gator is important to his success and it’s difficult to access his outlook and chemistry with veteran Favre. I watched Harvin excel with Tim Tebow on the National Championship team for Florida and his speed was exhilarating. The Vikings need him to develop a good relationship with whoever is their signal caller. Sidney Rice is a young talent Childress expects to contribute offensively too. Rice is a mature player with the right attitude to be an instant starter. Cincinnati castoff, Glenn Holt, is another viable option with sizable output. Jaymar Johnson and Darius Reynaud illustrate additional receiver representation and could find themselves catching superb spirals from number four. Johnson seems to be the favorite to snag a spot. The 2008 sixth round draft pick is noticeably larger in stature and can also return punts. Harvin is projected to handle kick returns but Johnson has appeared comfortable in the role as well.
The Vikings are coming off their first ten win season in eight years. Berrian is the Vikings best wideout. He endured a hamstring injury in the preseason opener against the Colts and his return is unknown. The purple-clad quarterback should be able to keep defenses honest with his package of Pro Bowlers on his side. Favre’s experience on the field should allow flexibility in Darrell Bevell’s accentuated offense. Adrian Peterson is the most dangerous running back, and perhaps most dangerous player in the game. He can still improve his pass blocking and work on his route running. Adrian is a quick learner and the coachable former Sooner is as ambitious and focused as ever. Peterson is preparing for another 1,700 rushing season in Minnesota. Last year he became the first player in team history to lead the league in rushing. In just two years with the Vikings, Peterson has accounted for 22 touchdowns. Adrian is a special breed but Childress likes to replace him in third down situations. That’s when Chester Taylor takes over. Taylor lead the NFL with 25 catches on third downs in 2008. Iowa tailback, Albert Young, spent last season on the practice squad, but was the most impressive star in the preseason opener. He rushed for 58 yards and a team high 14 carries. Young is battling rookies Antone Smith and Ian Johnson for backup.
The Vikings have a unique situation at quarterback. Favre is the number one starter but his back-ups are no slouches. All are unproven commodities but capable of managing the game. There are few recognizable differences between Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson. Rosenfels has a slight edge for the number two job. John David Booty, the fifth round pick out of USC in 2008, has been taking snaps behind center as the potential third quarterback. Favre will have a skillful offensive line to work with this year. Center John Sullivan takes over for Matt Birk. Sullivan is backed up by Oklahoma’s Jon Cooper, a rookie. He is looking forward to snapping off to the future Hall Of Famer. A few Vikings are still competing for jobs. Minnesota has two possible quality tight ends in Jake Nordin and Garrett Mills, but Mills is nursing a shoulder injury. The Vikings also possess an emerging star at tight end in Vinsanthe Shiancoe. He led NFC tight ends in touchdown receptions and is a complete player. Jim Kleinsasser is a glorified tackle that will be used to open up lanes for Peterson and Taylor. Offensive tackle, Phil Loadholt, is one rookie who probably earned a starting spot. Third round pick, Asher Allen, is also a likely starter at cornerback for the Vikings’ nickel defense. Finally, Jasper Brinkley, a fifth round linebacker is vying for a spot as EJ Henderson’s backup. Brinkley is a specialist who is not afraid to make big hits. The defensive line has extensive talent. They sport three Pro-Bowl players up front in relentless Jared Allen and Kevin and Pat Williams. The Williams brothers may not play because they violated the anti-drug policy, however.
Now that the quarterback position is stabilized, the Vikings are a Superbowl contender. Favre is going to throw picks in his freelancing style of play. But Minnesota still has a top ten passer with the drive to win. A division crown is not out of the question for Vikings fans.
Parting points: I finally saw “We Are Marshall”. What a great flick. Check it out.
The 2009 version of Favre isn’t exactly comparable to the 1996 Favre. However, the quarterback who constructed a legend in Green Bay is still an adequate and accurate asset behind center. He doesn’t quite inspire the fear he did as a Packer passer but Favre’s innate ability with the football immediately makes Minnesota a better offensive team. Favre ‘s Jets lacked a solid defense, pass rush and star receivers. His new team has all those components pretty much in place. The gradual strides at the wide receiver position will unravel the knots of last year’s tied up team. The enhanced and deep receivers give the Vikings a chance to be a series NFC threat. Free agent pick-ups a year ago, Bernard Berrian and Bobby Wade are locks to be roster regulars as receivers. Both will positively provide scoring opportunities with their playmaking prowess. The Vikings finally have a finished product at wide receiver since they traded away Randy Moss.
Explosive draft pick, Percy Harvin, joins the strong crop of seasoned professionals on offense. Harvin’s injuries are his main concern. The Florida receiver suffered a shoulder injury in practice and was held out of the Vikings’ preseason opener. Hopefully the shoulder won’t botch his season. The health of the former Gator is important to his success and it’s difficult to access his outlook and chemistry with veteran Favre. I watched Harvin excel with Tim Tebow on the National Championship team for Florida and his speed was exhilarating. The Vikings need him to develop a good relationship with whoever is their signal caller. Sidney Rice is a young talent Childress expects to contribute offensively too. Rice is a mature player with the right attitude to be an instant starter. Cincinnati castoff, Glenn Holt, is another viable option with sizable output. Jaymar Johnson and Darius Reynaud illustrate additional receiver representation and could find themselves catching superb spirals from number four. Johnson seems to be the favorite to snag a spot. The 2008 sixth round draft pick is noticeably larger in stature and can also return punts. Harvin is projected to handle kick returns but Johnson has appeared comfortable in the role as well.
The Vikings are coming off their first ten win season in eight years. Berrian is the Vikings best wideout. He endured a hamstring injury in the preseason opener against the Colts and his return is unknown. The purple-clad quarterback should be able to keep defenses honest with his package of Pro Bowlers on his side. Favre’s experience on the field should allow flexibility in Darrell Bevell’s accentuated offense. Adrian Peterson is the most dangerous running back, and perhaps most dangerous player in the game. He can still improve his pass blocking and work on his route running. Adrian is a quick learner and the coachable former Sooner is as ambitious and focused as ever. Peterson is preparing for another 1,700 rushing season in Minnesota. Last year he became the first player in team history to lead the league in rushing. In just two years with the Vikings, Peterson has accounted for 22 touchdowns. Adrian is a special breed but Childress likes to replace him in third down situations. That’s when Chester Taylor takes over. Taylor lead the NFL with 25 catches on third downs in 2008. Iowa tailback, Albert Young, spent last season on the practice squad, but was the most impressive star in the preseason opener. He rushed for 58 yards and a team high 14 carries. Young is battling rookies Antone Smith and Ian Johnson for backup.
The Vikings have a unique situation at quarterback. Favre is the number one starter but his back-ups are no slouches. All are unproven commodities but capable of managing the game. There are few recognizable differences between Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson. Rosenfels has a slight edge for the number two job. John David Booty, the fifth round pick out of USC in 2008, has been taking snaps behind center as the potential third quarterback. Favre will have a skillful offensive line to work with this year. Center John Sullivan takes over for Matt Birk. Sullivan is backed up by Oklahoma’s Jon Cooper, a rookie. He is looking forward to snapping off to the future Hall Of Famer. A few Vikings are still competing for jobs. Minnesota has two possible quality tight ends in Jake Nordin and Garrett Mills, but Mills is nursing a shoulder injury. The Vikings also possess an emerging star at tight end in Vinsanthe Shiancoe. He led NFC tight ends in touchdown receptions and is a complete player. Jim Kleinsasser is a glorified tackle that will be used to open up lanes for Peterson and Taylor. Offensive tackle, Phil Loadholt, is one rookie who probably earned a starting spot. Third round pick, Asher Allen, is also a likely starter at cornerback for the Vikings’ nickel defense. Finally, Jasper Brinkley, a fifth round linebacker is vying for a spot as EJ Henderson’s backup. Brinkley is a specialist who is not afraid to make big hits. The defensive line has extensive talent. They sport three Pro-Bowl players up front in relentless Jared Allen and Kevin and Pat Williams. The Williams brothers may not play because they violated the anti-drug policy, however.
Now that the quarterback position is stabilized, the Vikings are a Superbowl contender. Favre is going to throw picks in his freelancing style of play. But Minnesota still has a top ten passer with the drive to win. A division crown is not out of the question for Vikings fans.
Parting points: I finally saw “We Are Marshall”. What a great flick. Check it out.
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