Vikings @ Broncos, Open Thread

by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 12:05 PM CST in Game Threads

Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos
Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium
Denver, Colorado

	1st	2nd	3rd	4th+OT	F
Vikings	0	3	0	16	19
Broncos	0	14	3	5	22

Minnesota	Stat	Denver
164.1 ypg (1st)	Rush Offense	121.9 ypg (9th)
172.3 ypg (28th)	Pass Offense	223.3 ypg (13th)
336.5 ypg (14th)	Total Offense	345.3 ypg (9th)
23.1 ppg (13th)	Scoring Offense	19.9 ppg (21st)
70.5 ypg (1st)	Rush Defense	140.7 ypg (30th)
266.1 ypg (32nd)	Pass Defense	195.6 ypg (7th)
336.5 ypg (24th)	Total Defense	336.3 ypg (18th)
19.3 ppg (10th)	Scoring Defense	26.0 ppg (30th)

Well, here we have it, ladies and gentlemen. . .barring a minor miracle, this will be the last game of a roller coaster 2007 Vikings' season.

I say "barring a minor miracle" because there IS one other game we're watching this afternoon, that being the game between the Washington Redskins and what's likely going to amount to the Dallas Cowboys' second-stringers. If Washington wins, they're the #6 seed in the NFC Playoffs and Minnesota's season is officially over. If, for some reason, Washington does lose to Dallas' backups and the Vikings can pull out a win in Denver, then Minnesota would be the ones making the road trip to Seattle next weekend instead of the Redskins. But, if I can be totally honest here, I don't have a lot of faith in that happening. Yes, stranger things have happened in the course of NFL history, but really. . .when was the last time something good happened for the Vikings when they NEEDED it to happen? If you want to count the Vikings making the '04 playoffs because another team. . .I believe it was Carolina. . .lost their final game of the year, that's fine. I, personally, do not. But the Vikings had their shot and they blew it in a big way, and now they have to, as Blanche Dubois so often did, "rely on the kindness of strangers."

As you can see by the stats above, Denver's run defense suck-diddily-ucks. The only worse teams against the run have been Miami and Oakland. . .two teams that have won fewer games combined than either team that will take the field in Denver today has won by themselves. But based on what we've seen the last couple of weeks, the Broncos will probably put 8 men in the box. . .again. . .and make Tarvaris Jackson try to beat them. Where this presents a problem for Minnesota is the fact that Denver's defensive secondary is VERY good, with the ageless John Lynch at safety and the best CB duo in the NFL in Champ Bailey and Dre Bly. If the Vikings continue to try to slam Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor into those 8-man fronts until it's too late. . .like they did last week against Washington. . .then it could be a very long afternoon for the Beloved Purple.

When possession changes and Denver has the ball, the Vikings absolutely, positively MUST hit Jay Cutler. Cutler has a lot of physical ability and potential, but he can be rattled if you bang him around a bit. It's up to the D-line, and specifically Kenechi Udeze and Brian Robison to get pressure on the Broncos' QB, if not start racking up the sacks. If Cutler has all day to throw, he'll shred the Vikings' defense, particularly if we're without Antoine Winfield, who appears to be a game-time decision.

Gotta keep the faith, ladies and gentlemen. Here's hoping that the Vikings can give us something to talk about going into the 2008 season. . .and, possibly, into this next weekend as well.

Gonzo's Final Score Prediction: Vikings 23, Broncos 20

Go Cowboys, and SKOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL VIKINGS!!!!

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goin to the game

Heading to the game here in a few minutes, gotta represent the Purple in the sea of Orange!!

by BigDaveZJ on Dec 30, 2007 12:35 PM CST reply actions

Today's Inactives

Vikings

LB Vinny Ciurciu
S Mike Doss
QB Kelly Holcomb (#3 QB)
OT Chase Johnson
WR Sidney Rice
FB Naufahu Tahi
LB Dontarrious Thomas
CB Antoine Winfield

Broncos

DE Larry Birdine
FB Mike Bell
DE Paul Carrington
LB Ian Gold
TE Daniel Graham
G Isaac Snell
WR Brandon Stokley

Not sure who Denver's #3 QB is.

Also, no Rice and no Winfield again today. Crap, crap, and crap. Ah, well, gotta go into the game with the team you have, not the team you wish you had. . .or something.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 2:55 PM CST reply actions

Games We're Watching

Vikings/Broncos is on Channel 716 on your DirecTV dial.

Redskins/Cowboys is on Channel 717.

Again, go Cowboys!

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 2:57 PM CST reply actions

Almost time to kick off

The final game of the season.

Part of me is excited, part of me is depressed. . .and a small, SMALL part of me thinks that I'm going to be blogging a game here next weekend, too.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 3:12 PM CST reply actions

Opening Kickoff

Denver gets the ball first as Longwell launches it one yard deep in the end zone. Return comes out to about the Denver 17.

1st and 10, Broncos.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 3:17 PM CST reply actions

Weather

Bright, balmy 35 degrees in Denver today, with the winds coming out of the SW at about 7 MPH.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 3:20 PM CST reply actions

Vikings force a punt

Broncos get to about midfield, where the Vikings stop them on 3rd and 3.

Moore fields the punt and gets it to the Minnesota 20.

Vikings 0, Broncos 0, 13:01 left in the first quarter.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 3:21 PM CST reply actions

A Garrett Mills sighting!

Jackson hits him for 18 yards on 3rd and 2, moving the Vikings into Denver territory.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 3:27 PM CST reply actions

Vikings in the Red Zone

But Adrian Peterson hasn't seen the field yet. . .nobody's said why yet.

1st and 10, Vikings, from the Denver 15.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 3:28 PM CST reply actions

Play Under Review

Looked like a 3-yard TD run for Taylor, but we'll see after the review.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 3:31 PM CST reply actions

No touchdown

Taylor fumbled before the ball got across the goal line.

That makes it a touchback, not a touchdown.

Jesus tap-dancing Christ.

Broncos ball, 1st and 10 on the 20, 7:35 left in the first quarter.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 3:34 PM CST up reply actions

skins/boys

most of the boys starters are playing, minus TO and newman, but the boys look like the're going through the motions...portis just scored..7-0 skins

by jerseygman on Dec 30, 2007 3:34 PM CST reply actions

Three-and-out for Denver

Bad punt for the Broncos, and the Vikings will start out at their own 40.

Vikings 0, Broncos 0, 5:58 left in the first quarter.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 3:38 PM CST reply actions

Peterson in the game

#28 didn't play the first series. Nobody's really said why yet.

And the Redskins lead the Cowboys 7-0 with 5:06 left in the first quarter in Washington.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 3:41 PM CST reply actions

1st and Goal, Vikings

Garrett Mills with another catch.

Dangerous play on 1st and goal, as Jackson got it deflected and nearly intercepted by Champ Bailey.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 3:46 PM CST reply actions

My bad

The Vikings were only at the 12.

Now they face 3rd and 2 from the 4.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 3:46 PM CST up reply actions

End of First Quarter

After one quarter of play, we are scoreless.

Vikings still facing 3rd and 2 on the Denver 4 when we come back.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 3:47 PM CST reply actions

Vikings settle for a field goal

Jackson has to throw it away on 3rd down, and so Longwell comes on to attempt a 22-yard attempt, which he hits. Naturally.

Vikings scoring drive moved 56 yards in 13 plays, taking 6:05 to accomplish.

Vikings 3, Broncos 0, 14:51 left until halftime.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 3:51 PM CST reply actions

Damn it, E.J.

Cutler throws an incomplete pass to Glenn Martinez, and E.J. Henderson hits Martinez helmet-to-helmet.

Dumb, dumb play by Henderson.

1st and goal, Broncos.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 3:58 PM CST reply actions

Touchdown, Broncos

Cutler hits Brandon Marshall from 15 yards out for the score.

Outstanding catch by Marshall, and a pretty damn good throw by Cutler, too.

Extra point makes it 7-3, Denver.

Broncos drive went 74 yards in 7 plays, taking 3:26 off the clock.

Broncos 7, Vikings 3, 11:25 left until halftime.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 4:01 PM CST reply actions

Three and out for Minnesota

Kluwe places another one inside the 20, as the ball bounces out of bounds at the Denver 16.

Broncos 7, Vikings 3, 9:27 left until halftime.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 4:09 PM CST reply actions

Great play by Leber

And a stop on 3rd down forces a Denver punt. Punt goes out of bounds at the Minnesota 28.

Broncos 7, Vikings 3, 5:51 left until halftime.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 4:13 PM CST reply actions

DAMNIT, TROY WILLIAMSON!

Williamson gets 10 yards clear of the coverage, Jackson hits him. . .and it bounces off his chest and hits the turf.

Sumbitch needs to learn to catch the football.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 4:17 PM CST reply actions

Turnover, Vikings

Chester Taylor makes a nice run up the middle, gets the ball knocked loose, and the Broncos recover.

Taylor's second fumble of the day. Christ.

1st and 10, Broncos, from around midfield.

And then Greenway forces Brandon Marshall to fumble, but it (naturally) bounces right back into Marshall's hands.

This is not going to be our day.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 4:18 PM CST reply actions

Two-minute warning

Broncos looking at 2nd and goal from the 2 when we come back.

Nick Folk misses a 28-yard field goal, and the Redskins still lead 10-0.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 4:22 PM CST reply actions

Touchdown, Broncos

Cutler with a 2-yard TD pass to Tony Scheffler gives the Broncos a 14-3 lead (with the extra point).

Drive went 48 yards in 7 plays, taking 4:09 to accomplish.

And now we get to watch the Vikings try to run a 2-minute offense. Should be good for humor value, if nothing else.

Broncos 14, Vikings 3, 1:56 left until halftime.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 4:26 PM CST reply actions

And we go three and out

Man. . .what a pathetic offensive series that was.

Kluwe gets a decent punt off, but a decent return gets it back out to the 34, and an unnecessary roughness penalty by Denver takes it back to the Denver 19.

Broncos 14, Vikings 3, 1:10 left until halftime.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 4:33 PM CST reply actions

Halftime

Mercifully, the first half is over.

Broncos 14, Vikings 3. . .Minnesota has left 14 points on the field. Other than that, they've looked pretty good.

vomits

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 4:36 PM CST reply actions

Hey guys

I'm not one to advocate the Broncos losing this game, but we are in a 4-way tie for the 9th pick in the draft, and we haven't had a top ten pick in 15 years....

I'm not saying, I'm just saying.

Maybe you guys could find it in your heart to, maybe, beat us?

Whaddya say?

Mile High Report

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 4:49 PM CST reply actions

Sorry, amigo

If you wanted to lose, you should have hoped for someone other than the Vikings in a game that means anything to Minnesota. (-:

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 5:11 PM CST up reply actions

Second Half Kickoff

Peterson taking kickoffs now. . .great.

But AP does get the ball to the Minnesota 33.

Broncos 14, Vikings 3, 14:51 left in the third quarter.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 4:50 PM CST reply actions

Three and out

Thanks to another horrific drop by a wide open Troy Williamson.

How the hell is our QB supposed to get any consistency or gain any confidence if this guy can't catch passes that hit him right between the 8 and the 2?

Kluwe punts it away, and the Broncos take over on their own 23.

Broncos 14, Vikings 3, 13:58 left in the third quarter.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 4:53 PM CST reply actions

Williamson...

If anyone is emblematic of a typical Viking its him...can't hold onto a ball if his life depends on it...

by sle71r on Dec 30, 2007 4:54 PM CST reply actions

Williamson again...

How ironic...the number one pick obtained by that idiotic trade of Moss to Oakland, and he can't catch a pass right in his hands...and on the other hand, Moss is setting touchdown records and going to the Super Bowl...

I'd like to thank all the media and fans and Vikings ownership for getting rid of him...

Worst trade ever...unless you consider Hershel Walker in the mix...

by sle71r on Dec 30, 2007 4:58 PM CST reply actions

Broncos Driving

Inside the Minnesota 30 now.

Nice to see that this team is acting like there might still be a playoff spot on the line or something.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 5:04 PM CST reply actions

Broncos settle for 3

Jason Elam hits one from 43 yards out after the Vikings actually get a 3rd down stop, and the Broncos now lead by two touchdowns.

Denver drive went 52 yards in 13 plays, taking 6:23 off the clock.

Broncos 17, Vikings 3, 7:35 left in the third quarter.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 5:10 PM CST reply actions

Vikings punt

And you can almost hear the Benny Hill music in the background at this point.

Great punt by Kluwe. . .as usual. . .and the Broncos will start at their own 18.

Broncos 17, Vikings 3, 3:11 left in the third quarter.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 5:17 PM CST reply actions

Redskins lead 20-3

The Cowboys have officially rolled over at this point.

So, this game isn't going to matter. . .good thing, too, because that's exactly how the Vikings have been playing thus far.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 5:24 PM CST reply actions

Denver punts

And some guy that they signed off the street this week drops a beauty that rolls out of bounds at the 1.

99 yards to a score, and we haven't done squat offensively in about two quarters. Lovely.

Broncos 17, Vikings 3, 14:03 to the end of the season.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 5:29 PM CST reply actions

Oh, freaking perfect

After a bunch of false starts, we've got 3rd and long. Jackson drops back to pass, and Ryan Cook grabs Elvis Dumervil by the facemask.

Since the penalty occurred in the end zone, it's a safety for Denver.

Game over, man.

Broncos 19, Vikings 3, 13:05 left to 8-8.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 5:34 PM CST reply actions

Childress...

Can we win with Childress...I don't think so...how many more seasons will we have to endure his "coaching"...

when will the Vikings not leave me dissappointed???

by sle71r on Dec 30, 2007 5:39 PM CST reply actions

I was not able to see this game but..

I have seen 8 and 9 man fronts for 4 weeks now and still almost no spread offence, almost no screen passes, almost no passes to ap out of the backfield. If chester is in on 3rd its a pass, if ap is in on first its a run. My kid could coach a running team better. No I don't think that a team can win in the nfl with a coach that does not adapt to the game.

by purpleNva on Dec 30, 2007 5:57 PM CST up reply actions

Broncos driving again

They're inside the Minnesota 30.

It appears to me that the Vikings have officially stopped caring.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 5:40 PM CST reply actions

Can I ask a legitimate question?

Why do you think Denver is able to run on you guys? I can't watch the game, but it doesn't sound like we are doing anything different, than in past games...

Mile High Report

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 5:43 PM CST reply actions

I think the big reason

Is the lack of Antoine Winfield in the Vikings' lineup.

Winfield's the best run support CB in the league, bar none. . .when he's out of the lineup, the edges are open for the opposing rushing game, and that's where the Broncos have been getting a lot of their yards.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 5:53 PM CST up reply actions

I hear ya

Our defense is designed to keep all the runs inside, and if they get outside we are in trouble. When Champ (our best tackler) was out for a few games, we leaked like a seive on the outside.

Mile High Report

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 6:00 PM CST up reply actions

TOUCHDOWN, VIKINGS!

A great drive put together by the Vikings, and it ends with a 5-yard TD pass to Bobby Wade.

Vikings will go for 2.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 5:50 PM CST reply actions

Vikings get the conversion

Jackson drops back to pass, doesn't see anyone, but manages to get the ball into the end zone himself.

Vikings' drive went 69 yards in 8 plays, taking only 2:46 off the clock.

Broncos 19, Vikings 11, 5:18 left in the ball game.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 5:52 PM CST up reply actions

Big stop by the Vikings

Broncos get a 3rd and 3, but the Vikings get a stop.

Broncos to punt.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 5:57 PM CST reply actions

Vikings take over

At their own 34-yard line after a decent return for Mewelde Moore.

Broncos 19, Vikings 11, 4:12 left in the game.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 5:58 PM CST up reply actions

HUGE run for Jackson!

Jackson with a 32-yard run on the QB draw on 2nd and 5, and the Vikings are inside the Denver 30.

Great play by #7.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 6:00 PM CST reply actions

TOUCHDOWN, VIKINGS!!

Bobby Wade again from Tarvaris Jackson for another TD catch, this one from 22 yards.

Vikings will go for 2 and the tie.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 6:03 PM CST reply actions

Conversion succeeds!

Jackson runs in ANOTHER 2-point conversion!

TIE BALL GAME!!

Vikings scoring drive went 65 yards in 5 plays, taking 1:51 off the clock.

Touchback from Longwell, a completion from the Broncos, and we're at the two-minute warning.

Broncos have no time outs left, Minnesota has 1.

Vikings 19, Broncos 19, 2 minutes left in the season.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 6:06 PM CST up reply actions

This just in

Brandon Marshall is good.

He's really, really good.

Broncos are down to the Minnesota 42, and Cutler spikes it.

2nd and 10, Broncos, with 1:09 left.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 6:09 PM CST reply actions

Wow

Broncos fail to convert on 4th and 5.

:39 left on the clock, 1 time out left for the Vikings, and they've got to get into field goal range.

Buckle up, kids.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 6:11 PM CST reply actions

Free football!

Well, folks, this one's headed to overtime.

Vikings 19, Broncos 19

The Washington/Dallas game is basically over. But it's nice to see the Vikings not totally roll over when they could have.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 6:14 PM CST reply actions

Vikings win the OT coin toss

And elect to receive.

Here we go, folks!

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 6:15 PM CST reply actions

OT Kickoff

Is a touchback.

And now the snow is starting to fall. Awesome.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 6:18 PM CST reply actions

Any chance

you guys will ever move out of a Dome?

Mile High Report

by styg50 on Dec 30, 2007 6:21 PM CST up reply actions

Well, so much for that

Jackson drops back to pass on second down, gets hit on the blitz, the ball comes loose, and the Broncos recover.

Crap.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 6:20 PM CST reply actions

And that play was totally on Ryan Cook

He just stood there like an idiot on that play, and let a guy go completely untouched into Jackson.

Man, that guy is terrible.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 6:22 PM CST up reply actions

Ball game

Broncos bring Elam in right away, and he knocks it through from 30 yards, straight on.

Broncos 22, Vikings 19.

There's your season.

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by Christopher Gates on Dec 30, 2007 6:23 PM CST reply actions

TYPICAL

not that this game mattered, but if I have to witness any of the following next year, I will officially resign as a Viking fan since day one..

Ryan Cook wearing a Vikings uniform
Troy Williamson wearing a Vikings uniform

nice comeback, but how bad does it have to get? the play calling is atrocious....Jackson is NOT ready to be a starter, and we cant wait 3 more years and hope he becomes good....

same story every year...get you up, and rip out your heart...

the life of a Vikings fan

I hate the Bears, laugh at the Lions, and wipe my butt with a Packers towel.

by lowcountry viking on Dec 30, 2007 7:43 PM CST reply actions

Season

Fire Childress, ditch the troublemakers and get a QB and 2 wide receivers. Please!

by StAlphonzo on Dec 30, 2007 7:51 PM CST reply actions

3 players the Vikings MUST replace

Ryan Cook
Troy Williamson
Dwight Smith

I was at the game today and the 3 of them were constantly making mistakes that were costing the Vikings big. When we were walking to our seats I saw 3 or 4 people all wearing Ryan Cook jerseys and commented to a buddy of mine that is big Donkeys fan how that must be his family cuz he really sucks. And then he goes and screws up on multiple occasions.

I was, however, quite impressed with Tarvaris. There were several instances where you could tell he wanted to squeeze the ball in, but he either threw it away, took the sack, or took off running. He has issues with protecting the ball while he's scrambling (reminds me of another recent Vikings QB . . .) but he is definitely a threat on the ground.

I could smell Dwight Smith from the club level after he got burned on a TD run that ended up being called back too. Two weeks in a row he was the last guy for a RB to beat, and both times he was beat like a redheaded step child.

My recipe for 08, replace Ryan Cook, get rid of Williamson and pick up a real WR that isn't afraid of catching the ball, and find someone to replace Dwight Smith.

If we can accomplish those 3 things and not lose any of our key players and Tarvaris continues his progression like he has been, I think we can be at least 8-8 next year, if not 10-6. There is a solid young core of players on this team, and some key veteran leaders (Sharper, Hutch, Richardson, Birk, Pat Williams) that should make the next 3 years a good time for the Purple.

by BigDaveZJ on Dec 30, 2007 9:11 PM CST reply actions