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Vikings 20, Lions 16: The Only Important Part of the Phrase "Winning Ugly" is the "Winning" Part

It wasn't pretty.  Hell, for the first half, it wasn't even remotely fun to watch.  But when the smoke cleared (or the dust settled or the fat lady sang or whatever metaphor you want to go with), the number on Minnesota's side of the scoreboard was bigger than the number on Detroit's side of the scoreboard.

And, since they don't give style points in the National Football League, that's really the only thing that matters.  Fans of other teams will talk. . .believe me, it's coming. . .about how the Vikings "only" beat the Lions by four points and all sorts of other crap.

Let them.

Green Bay is no longer relevant to the NFC North race, the playoff picture, or anything in the 2008 NFL season outside of where they'll be selecting in the 2009 NFL Draft.  Honestly, they've got nothing to say, and nobody that should be interested in hearing them say it.  So the Packers beat the Lions by 23 points.  They're also 5-8 and scheduling tee times at a golf course near you.

The Bears remain one game behind us.  Again, behind us.  It's officially a two-team race in the NFC North, and as of now, we still control our own destiny.  The Bears have a short week coming up and have to face a Saints team that's on a roll (and that we've already beaten).

But we can't worry too much about them. . .our boys have a matchup with the (soon to be) NFC West champion Arizona Cardinals to focus on, and what's sure to be another eventful off the field week in Minneapolis.

Yes, we won ugly. . .but the only thing that matters is that we won.  If opposing fans want to get into style points, they can go ahead.  They can just continue doing it from the position they're currently in.

Which, in case any of them have forgotten, is behind us.

The roll call for the open thread will be after the jump.

Star-divide

Total Users: 43
Total Posts: 866
Total Threads: 1

Name# of Posts
Gonzo 123
cheaptoy 72
Tony_O 55
VikingTodd 55
Iceland-Viking 54
vikingfiend 43
Murlock 39
DelawareBerserker 37
All Day, All Night 36
TEXVIKE 32
Canadian_viking 30
hickenizgriz 25
Schnick24 23
Jepp The Viking 22
vikingfromkuwait 19
Andersklasen 18
mutleyil 17
speedlod 15
purpleinWI 15
Skol Vikes 14
loafrat 14
Nefarien 12
PurplePeopleEaters 10
Delta Dave 9
Norse Force 9
yanksrule08 8
vikeincheeseland 8
SSreporters 8
DBQViking 7
jswen 6
steezah 6
sle71r 5
SDviking 4
Macdaddy4508 4
da2213viking 3
BHoek 2
Gonzo2 1
Frost 1
vikesfanjay 1
Jimemort 1
free7694 1
osuvikes 1
DarkWalker25 1

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Win Says A Lot About Character...

This team had every possible thing that could go wrong happen but you know what? They came big when they had to. They were heading for a loss and the total embarrassment of it happening to the Lions. They won despite the bad facemask call in the first half. They won despite A. P.‘s fumbles. They won despite Gus’s interceptions. They won despite the phantom defensive holding penalty when Culpepper was sacked(you always know it’s a B.S. call when they don’t show a replay of it). They won despite the dirty hit on Jared (which of course wasn’t flagged). Hey, THEY WON. Chicago couldn’t move the Williams Wall on four straight plays…what the hell made Detroit think they could do it on those 4th down tries??? A. P. and Chester made big plays in the 2nd half when they had to. Jared Allen refused to stay off the field and came back in to play like a BEAST. The biggest story of all though was the way T-Jack came in to lead the team in the 2nd half. For all you doubters out there(and I admit I was one), #7 grew up today. He didn’t turn the ball over. He made accurate throws and even if some of them weren’t quite on target, they were where they couldn’t be intercepted. After Detroit kicked their last field goal to close within one. He led the team on a time consuming drive that ended in a field goal with less than a minute to go that iced it. Even on an off day, the Vikes turned it up to win. That last drive was what good teams do. Finish off the opponent. I have seen many a game where other Vikings teams would have lost this game. Not today. Not this team.

by purplegrey on Dec 7, 2008 5:44 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

In a nutshell

Vikings won. 1st Place with 3 to play.
+
Packers lost. Essentially finished.

=
Good day.

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 7, 2008 5:56 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

You guys more than control your own destiny...

i believe you ensured you control the tiebreaker over the Bears (my team). We’re stuck hoping that we win out and you lose 2 of 3. It’s possible, but only because the rest of your schedule is brutal, your team is banged up, and you still might get two guys unfairly suspended.

The Cubs better shine 'fore twenty-oh-nine!

by shawndgoldman on Dec 7, 2008 6:26 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Shawn is an example of why I don’t hate the Bears as much as the Packers. Thanks, dude.

Jared Allen is a monster, plain and simple. With only one good leg was looking for a fight. Props to RayRay for getting in the way.

Edwards, while far short of 22 sacks, has been holding his own.

My man-crush on AP tarnished a bit. What’s with the fumbles, bro???? Ya gotta knock that crap off.

I’ve always been a fan of TJ. I hope Gus is ok, but he is not the answer.

Chester Taylor is truly a quiet professional. Never complains, doesn’t whine for more time, just goes out and scores TDs from 15-20 yards out. Any other team, he gets 30 touches a game.

That 4th down STUFF was SWEET. Our D is really growing up.

Visanthe – I take back (mostly) every bad thing I said about him. He’s playing very, very well.

I think we take Arizona. They have a good record, but look at their division. It’s like playing the Lions 6x/year.

How ’bout that Ryan Longwell guy? A keeper!

Glad to see Sydney Rice getting back in the game.

Anyone have a clue what’s happened to Aundrae? I expect big things from him, but he disappeared until I saw him on a punt return today.

Reynaud is kicking some butt on KO returns. I like it!

I don’t think CHI can pull off the wins they need. If the Vikes can just keep looking game to game, we’re in good shape.

GO VIKES!!!!!

by JasonAve6413 on Dec 7, 2008 6:47 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Jackson's numbers

Jackson was 8 of 10 for 105 yards and a TD with QB rating of 143. Not too shabby. That the best half of football of his young career. Sure, it was just the Lions, but try telling Gus that.

by Sand0 on Dec 7, 2008 7:10 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Arizona game

Anyone planning on going to that game?

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by Andersklasen on Dec 7, 2008 7:19 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

So the question now is

To TJack, or not to TJack?
Do we keep him in, even if Gus is healthy?

by PizzaDelivery on Dec 7, 2008 7:42 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Well, this game scared the living hell out of me.

I went to the game and man, I did not like taking crap from Lions fans. A big thanks to Tjack, AP, Chester, the D, and all the other Vikes for not setting me up for a year of never being able to show my face outside of my house.

BTW, I hate when the big board just shows random people in the crowd. How about some replays? There were so few. Really annoyed me.

I know it’s the Lions, but the crowd did absolutely nothing until halfway through the third. It was ridiculous. Although it was fun to be the only person in my entire section shouting :D.

There were actually a lot of Vikes fans. That was cool. Too bad there were hardly any actually by me. At least the Lions fans I sat next to were just a couple of fun drunks.

All in all it was a great experience though! Now I just need to get to the Dome!

In AP I trust

by FarvaForTheVikings on Dec 7, 2008 7:56 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

It will be an interesting week for this team.

Suspensions? Quarterback controversy? All we’re missing is a self-inflicted shooting and we got the trifecta…

I agree, Farva— I could have used a few more replays, especially on the Benny Sapp 3rd down penalty. I heard Paul Allen was super pissed at that call.

On the bright side— we played a winless team in a game that should have been a blowout on paper and we were still treated to Tim Ryan and Sam Rosen. I love me some T-Rock.

Purple Jesus still has a lot to do if he will really be our franchises ‘savior,’ but at least he’s already saved us from terrible announcers for the most part… Good lord the beginning of last year was brutal.

SKOL.

by drew10 on Dec 7, 2008 8:31 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Until next week

Because when the Vikings go to Arizona. . .we’re going to be treated to the incessant whining. . .er, dulcet tones. . .of Joe Buck.

A simply disgusting act by the people from Fox.

The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!

by Gonzo on Dec 7, 2008 9:10 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Replays

Farva, home field rarely shows replays of opponents,forces visiting team to sometimes burn a T.O.
On that 3rd down penalty,that wasnt a face mask,caught the left shoulder pad,just head turning made it look like one.

Just because the Lions are win less doesnt mean they cant play football.They are not that far from being a decent team and they play with heart every game.Next year or so they should give the NFC a run.

by speedlod on Dec 7, 2008 8:45 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

More than one questionable call in the game....

As speedlod said, the home team didn’t show the replay of the supposed A. P. fumble because it clearly showed he was down before the ball came out. That’s why it took so long for Childress to throw out the challenge flag. He was waiting for confirmation from upstairs. And you’re right, the facemask call was total bullshit. He never touched his facemask. The penalty on Sapp was questionable because Culpepper was sacked quickly on the play and anytime they don’t show a replay of the call, it makes you wonder if there was anything to throw a flag on to begin with. It made me wonder if the refs weren’t trying to give the Lions their first win. Fortunately, it was all good at the end.

by purplegrey on Dec 7, 2008 9:22 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Offsides

The Vikes weren’t helping their cause by setting the tone with THREE offsides penalties on the first drive. How ugly was that? The answer is much. Much ugly.

by JasonAve6413 on Dec 7, 2008 9:48 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

If you watch

On 2 of those calls Viking Defenders helmets are past the line of scrimage,was case of defenders not lining up right.

by speedlod on Dec 7, 2008 10:41 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

They Didn't Help Their Cause...

with the offsides penalties for sure but they definitely got the shaft with the others.

by purplegrey on Dec 8, 2008 10:04 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Henson

Did anyone else have an ‘oh, oh’ moment when Culpepper came out of the game and young Drew Henson had to take the final snap? I thought this guy will heave it up and Calvin Johnson by some miracle will make a crazy TD. That is the life of a Vikings fan…

by DBQViking on Dec 7, 2008 8:54 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

ha ha ha

Thats funny cause that is exactly how it feels to be a Lion’s fan ( in previous seasons, because this year its a foregone conclusion we will lose) and we are clinging to a lead. Good luck on making the playoffs.. I would like to see a North team do well.

by Lostincali on Dec 7, 2008 11:33 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

If it had been any other QB… I might have twitched a bit, but not Drew Henson.

I saw Culpepper trotting off and Henson coming on, and I turned to my dad and said, “HAHA!! Drew Henson? Here comes a game ending sack..”

V-I-K-I-N-G-S! Skol Vikings, Let's Go!!

by TheViking83 on Dec 8, 2008 2:24 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

DBQ

My barstool buddy last week was so po’d when Sapp got that 15 yarder, he left after 2nd down of the goaline stand. He missed 3rd and 4th down, along with the 99 yrd TD.

The Vikes have those flashes of brilliance that keep giving us hope. Maybe this is the year we can start becoming believers again!

GO VIKES!!!!!!!!

by JasonAve6413 on Dec 7, 2008 9:02 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

We

can always hope.

Terrible Game. Why have the lion’s given us so much trouble this year? Seems very strange.

by FSUViking on Dec 7, 2008 11:36 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Umm

Having said that tho it was nice to see the Packers lose and get another win added to our tally. Post season train is still chugging… for now.

by FSUViking on Dec 7, 2008 11:37 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Gonzo...Weirdo...Where are you???????

Well?? Should Jackson have only been benched for one game, gonzo? Can he take us to the promised land? I think so. He’s learned his lesson. Ferotte has played his game. It Wasn’t ugly, it was a division game, brother. This suspension stuff has gotten you off focus Gonzo. C’mon man. The Cardinals? I’m thinking 3-1. With Jackson. 2-2 with gus.

by wrongway70 on Dec 8, 2008 12:46 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Jared Allen

I heard Jared Allen is getting fined for getting hit in the knee.

Also, I think it’s time someone gives him a nickname. six nine, maybe? Some kind of play on 69?

by PizzaDelivery on Dec 8, 2008 12:54 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

the sad thing is,

I looked at that line and didn’t even flinch. “Of course he’ll get fined…wait, what?”

The whole fining process in the NFL has gotten out of hand.

"I'm so clean, cats think I sip Ajax."

by Mitchell_M on Dec 8, 2008 11:32 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

X-factor

T-Jack’s mobility might just be the variable that we need to keep opposing defenses honest. If his accuracy has improved on the deep ball I believe he can make any throw Gus can make mid range and possibly better because he’s stronger.

 I hope we’re all working ourselves up into a lather over one good half performance and he’s back to his old antics should he even play next week.

Gus is wearing down big time and it shows every week. I really don’t think he has it in him to lead this team another 7 games to get us to the SB.

I think it’s time to unleash the Wildcat now with TJ.

by hay on Dec 8, 2008 1:28 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Not that anyone needed another reason to hate ESPN

But on this morning’s SportsCenter, Tom Jackson defended the hit on Allen’s knee because “Allen has made some questionable hits on quarterbacks, himself.”

I was pretty much speechless when he said it, especially since he’s a former player.

by cheaptoy on Dec 8, 2008 5:49 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

That O-lineman should get fined

I have no problem with a lineman hitting a guy while the play is still going. In that situation, if Culpepper doesn’t throw the ball and Allen isn’t slowed down, he might get a sack. My problem with that play is that the lineman was on the ground for about 5 seconds and just stayed there on his knees until Allen came by. Then he dove at his knees. The lineman could have and should have gotten back up long before Allen even came by. Then he should have knocked Allen on his ass with a hit to the upper body.

If I were the Lions coach I would not be happy about one of my players being too lazy to get back up after falling on a play.

by Sand0 on Dec 8, 2008 7:56 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, Mr. Jackson mentioned that. I believe the quote was: “could Cherilus have gotten up to block Allen, sure he could have. But Allen has made some questionable hits on quaterbacks himself.”

I don’t think that’s verbatim, but it is in the spirit.

by cheaptoy on Dec 8, 2008 7:25 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Cuz two wrongs make a right, ya know.

Man, there are so many possible situations to compare this too that would make him look stupid for saying this. Like any revenge-driven crime. Or a pitcher hitting a batter after the opposing pitcher beaned a batter. That comment is ridiculous.

In AP I trust

by FarvaForTheVikings on Dec 8, 2008 8:00 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I’ve seen that comment on other boards, and I couldn’t help but shake my head. Allen is going after the QB while the ball is in the general area. I mean, how many times has a DE missed a sack because a QB pump fakes? There’s really not much time between when the ball is thrown and when he hits the QB.

And in this case, the ball was no where near Allen. There was no reason to take a shot like that on the guy when the play is twenty yards away.

by Frost on Dec 8, 2008 8:22 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Giants and Arizona clinch playoff berths

Since the Giants and Cardinals have clinched playoff berths….Does anyone have any idea if this will have an effect on how they will play us in the weeks ahead.????

by AHHHWoooooo on Dec 8, 2008 2:33 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Gonzo

you hit the nail on the head. It wasn’t pretty but it got the job done.

Just looking at the next 3 games, I predict that the Vikings will go 2-1 and hold on to win the division.

Regardless of what they have accomplished, I have a hard time taking the Cardinal serious.

I’d be a little more worried about the Falcons if the Williams Walll was sidelined but I think that the Vikes can squeak that one out.

The Giants game is gonna be a tough one though.

regardless of what happens, its fun to be watching meaningful football in December.

Growing up a Bears fan I’ve had plenty of winters where I watch the bowl games to see how they will screw up their high draft pick. I

As for the Vikings…..the 14 games of the year that aren’t Bears – Vikings I really enjoy watching Purple Jesus do his thing.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Dec 8, 2008 4:15 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Going to the Cards game

I am so excited to ge going to my first Vikings game in my lifetime, and it could quite possibly be for the DIVISION title!!!!! A friend/co-worker (Cardinals fan, God bless him) and I are flying in from Maui (direct to Pheonix) to catch the game. We are also seeing a Suns game (Friday) and Coyotes game (Saturday) before the main event on Sunday.

So Vikings, as John Lennon once said, “Don’t Let Me Down.”

Vikings No Ka Oi

by maui on Dec 8, 2008 6:37 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Wow, nice trip you have planned! I am jealous!

I hope you have a blast and the Vikings send you home on that long plane ride a very happy guy!

VikeGuru is a doofus!!

by Unclebillybonz on Dec 8, 2008 7:15 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

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