Vikings/Packers: What a Difference One Loss Makes
by Christopher Gates on Oct 30, 2009 6:00 AM CDT
in Minnesota Vikings 2009 Season
Email
PrintSo, in case nobody has said anything about it thus far, apparently the Beloved Purple are making their annual pilgrimage to Green Bay this weekend to take on the Packers. There's something different about this week's game, though. . .can't quite put my finger on what it is. . .
Oh, yeah. . .it's that guy on the right over there, isn't it?
It's pretty amazing how much the perception of the Minnesota Vikings seems to have changed after one loss to the defending world champions in their house. If we take a look around the interwebs, six of the seven "experts" at The Sporting News have picked the Packers to beat the Vikings this weekend. Five out of ESPN's eight prognosticators have also picked Green Bay to beat Minnesota. Even the bloggers of SBNation have chosen the Packers to beat Minnesota this weekend, for crying out loud (and we should know better). The folks in Las Vegas have. . .for entertainment purposes only. . .made the Packers a three-point favorite, although that means they consider the two teams to be even since home field is generally considered a three-point advantage.
Not to sound arrogant, but. . .did any of these people see the game that took place in Week 4 between these same two teams?
I know that I did. I seem to remember the Vikings bouncing Aaron Rodgers off the turf like a super ball lots of times, Ryan Grant not doing very much, and most importantly the Vikings winning the football game. Honestly, not a whole lot has changed in the three weeks since that took place.
Yes, the Packers got a week off, and then went out and beat the Lions and Browns by a combined score of 57-3. Remember back in Week 3 or so when the experts out there said that everybody shouldn't get too excited about the Vikings "only" beating the Browns and Lions to open the season? Also, one needs to keep in mind that the Packers faced the Lions at home without Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, and they also still managed to give up five sacks to a Detroit defense that was playing without their top three defensive linemen. And, yes, I suppose that the Packers' 31-3 victory over the Browns is more impressive cosmetically than the Vikings' 34-20 win. The starting defense still didn't give the Browns any touchdowns (they got one on a Josh Cribbs' punt return and one against the Vikings second-team defense after the game had long been decided).
Thus far over the course of the season, the Packers have beaten one team with a record of .500 or better. That team was the Chicago Bears back in Week 1. Point #1. . .they won that game against Chicago despite Jay Cutler throwing four interceptions (and hitting Packer defenders in the hands and/or chest many more times than that), and they still needed Nathan Vasher to fall down in coverage to eek out a last-minute victory. Point #2. . .did any of you watch Bears/Bengals last week? Man, that was a thrashing unlike anything I've seen in a while. The Bears didn't look like they could beat the University of Cincinnati, let alone the Cincinnati Bengals.
Green Bay's other three victories this season? Against the Lions, Browns, and Rams. . .the three teams that everyone said not to get too excited about the Vikings beating. I'm sure that Green Bay fans could counter that by saying that we needed miracles to beat the Niners and Ravens. But, hey, the Vikings won those games, and that's what counts. I can't tell you the number of Bear and Packer fans I've heard complaining about how the Vikings "haven't played anybody," though.
The Packers are going to look a little different for this one, too. They're currently down to three healthy receivers in Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and James Jones. I realize the Vikings will (likely) be without Antoine Winfield, but after the play of the secondary last week in Pittsburgh (holding Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward to 3 catches for 62 yards, including just 1 for 3 for Ward), that doesn't sound quite as scary as one would have originally thought. Tackle Chad Clifton is listed as doubtful, and his prospective replacement, rookie T.J. Lang, got pretty thoroughly eviscerated by Jared Allen a few weeks ago when he got his shot at him, including allowing Allen to record yet another safety on Rodgers. Jermichael Finley, who torched the Vikings for 6 catches, 162 yards and a touchdown in Week 4? Yeah. . .Packers' coach Mike McCarthy said he's a "long shot" to play this week.
And, unless the Packers have magically discovered a pass rush that works against teams with offensive lines that grade out better than "awful," they're still going to have a hard time getting to the quarterback. Let's not forget. . .Brett Favre is 6-0 lifetime against teams that have either been coached by or had their defenses coordinated by the overrated Dom Capers.
Seriously. . .what's changed since Week 4? Not a hell of a lot that I can see.
A Green Bay win this weekend turns the NFC North into a dogfight the rest of the way. A Minnesota win should, essentially, lock up the NFC North for the Vikings. Just like in investing, past performance is not always an indicator of future gains. . .but, if I were a betting man, I'd certainly go with history in this one. Brett Favre owned Lambeau Field for sixteen years, and he should own it one more time this Sunday afternoon.
76 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
To be fair...
The Vikings did wind up winning the first matchup, at their house, by seven points. When Rodgers wasn’t being knocked flat, he moved the ball pretty effectively through the air, and that was with Antoine Winfield, not Paymah, playing defensive back.
Now you have the Packers in Lambeauuuuuu Fiiiiiield, playing to stay in the division race. Oh, and there is that guy who used to play for them—Longwell? That might be a motivating factor for Green Bay.
Thought I’d get those out of the way before the Cheeseheads do. I actually think the Vikings will win Sunday, because the Packers have not really upgraded that porous o-line, and their defensive front is primed to get gashed by AD. However, if I were an objective observer, or oddsmaker, I would definitely see this game as a toss-up, for the reasons listed above.
by Midnight Rambler on Oct 30, 2009 6:57 AM CDT reply actions
Also to be fair...
The Packers scored a somewhat fluky defensive TD. 9 of their offensive points came when they were down 16 with like 5 to play during Vikings prevent time. Other than that they didn’t do anything except move the ball somewhat okay but not great. Even their offense was limited to a few explosive plays. They never really maintained anything.
Honestly, that game was not nearly as close as the 7 points at the end. It was a thrashing. With Winfield and likely Berrian down and being at Lambeau, they certainly have a better shot, but they are down a few players as well so we’ll see.
I won't argue that the game wasn't as close as 7pts (though I wouldn't have if the on-side had gone the other way)...
… but how was that defensive TD fluky? Matthews ripped the ball out of the hands of one of the best (and strongest) RBs in the league and ran it back for a TD? That’s not fluky; that’s a superior play.
But otherwise those are fair arguments, and while I hate to admit it, this post pretty much sums up what I’ve been thinking all week.
What begins in fear usually ends in folly.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Oct 30, 2009 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Now the pick that Favre threw to end last week's game against Pitt...
Now THAT was fluky. Really, really, fluky.
What begins in fear usually ends in folly.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Oct 30, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Haven't won in Green Bay under Childress
But this year is different our Vikings are on a mission: they have come from behind to win games they would have lost before, the offense is rolling, the defense only gives up big yards after the game is decided, and our Vikings have a confidence and swagger about themselves that cannot be taught or given, they have have earned it with hard work and dominating play…yes I said it dominating.
In years past I was losing my hair watching our Vikings blow games they should have won, but now I watch each game with excitement knowing that we have the talent , the leadership, and the vision to impose our will on anybody. I am looking forward to a blow out this sunday and I am going to enjoy watching our beloved Purple march into Lambeau and make a statement for all the rest of the league to hear…the Vikings are coming! Go Vikes!
Childress
You have identified the one intangible factor that stands in the way of the 2009 Vikings being a Super Bowl Championship team; it is Childress and his staff. Childress, Bevell and Frazier have not demonstrated the mental toughness and close-out attitude to put teams away. Coaches like Bill Cowgher, Vince Lombardi, Don Shula, Bill Walsh had it. Pittsburgh coach like Mike Thomlin has it. I am talking about the combined intangible qualities of intellect and the instincts to put opponents away when they are down.
Bud Grant, as great as he was for the Vikings, lacked the ability to modify his game plan during the game when his team was behind. The Viking Teams from 1969 to about 1976 had the instincts to keep their collective feet on the necks of an opponent when they had a lead but if they were losing, especially in big games like the four Super Bowl games, Grant and his staff could not make the adjustments necessary to come from behind and win the game.
The 2009 team has players with the skill, instincts and drive to be a champion this year if the coaching staff will only learn to combine their knowledge of the game with the killer instincts that have made other teams champions. We need some of the fire of the 1971 Vikings or the 1985 Bears. I only hope that Jared Allen, EJ Henderson, Adrian Peterson and Brett Farve can start some of that competitive fire in the bellies of Childress, Bevell and Frazier.
I tell ya, we dont get no respect!!
You would think that after last weeks game, when we showed we can play with anybody, we would get a little bit of respect, but nooooooo.. Anyway, I dont believe that GB can move the ball on us, and I know that we can move the ball on anybody, so this game does not trouble me. The only thing I hope for is that Brett’s emotions dont get the better of him and that he doesnt try to do it all. If he continues to play the game he has been playing so far this year then we are in good hands. He knows how to use all his tools in order to keep the opposition guessing. Go Vikes!!
Key will be containing Rodgers
I don’t think anyone is truly worried about Grant, but we don’t want to see rodgers throwing 400+ yards. I think this time we’ll let AD slip the leash and show people why Minnesota is a feared rushing team.
SKOL!
Vikes 34 Pack 27
Yeah.
Grant’s not exactly terrifying is he? He’s historically got a nice per carry average against the Vikings, mostly because the Vikings are too busy trying to rush the passer than worry about GB’s pedestrian starting RB.
What begins in fear usually ends in folly.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Oct 30, 2009 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Good post
Much better justification and more in depth than mine in other posts as to the prognosis for the outcome of this matchup….
The game will be starting at 0115 in the morning in “afar land” so hopefully all the internet surfers will be asleep and I will have a decnt connection….
Want us to break 3k posts for this game, and of course do my share of that feat! I am sure we will have PLENTY to chat about…
Vikings win by 10 pts….is not nearly as close as the last one which was not close….
SKOL!
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Oct 30, 2009 8:10 AM CDT reply actions
Despite the Packers having different players, the Vikings can get the win
The status of “doubtful” for Chad Clifton doesn’t sound right. They haven’t posted that yet. I believe Clifton was doubtful last week. This week, as seen on nfl.com/injuries, Clifton has “limited participation in practice.” News media reports have stated that Clifton will be available. The Packers also brought back Mark Tauscher and Ahman Green. Green is something like 47 yards away from the Packers team record in rushing. He is also a good pass-protecting running back.
On defense, the Packers have some changes. They promoted Clay Matthews to starter at OLB, and they have Aaron Kampman lining up with “his hand in the dirt.” He might have moved to defensive end. The Packers have Atari Bigby back.
Against the only good running team they have faced, the Bengals, the Packers gave up 151 yards on the ground. The Bengals won that game by rushing for more yards, winning the time of possession battle, winning the third down conversion battle, getting sacks, limiting Rodgers’s passing to about 50% completions, and limiting explosive plays. The longest Packers play from scrimmage was 26 yards. The Bengals won despite losing the turnover battle.
To win the Vikings, must play great team defense, tackle well, contain Rodgers in the pocket, collapse the pocket and get lots of pressure and sacks on Rodgers, and, on offense, run the ball effectively. The Vikings need to keep their line steady in the hostile environment and not commit pre-snap penalties. If a call goes against the Vikings, even unfairly, they must not lose focus. Instead, stay cool-headed and run the ball.
The Packers will attempt to blitz Favre heavily, so the Vikings might have the possibilty of explosive plays in the air if everybody on offense reads the blitz correctly and stays on the same page.
The Vikings have the talent to go into the hostile environment and win. Just go out there with intensity, and have fun, and win the game.
Just to confirm:
“Against the only good running team they have faced”
So I guess that means the Vikings are no longer a good running team? Because we definitely held AP to 55 yards.
Yes
The Vikings offense makes the opposing defense “pick its poison.” Last time, the Packers loaded up the box to stop Peterson. Favre took advantage through the air.
This time, the Packers will focus on stopping Favre. Thus, it is important for the Vikings to recognize that and run the ball. Alternatively, get a receiver past the DBs and throw for an explosive play.
by medicineball on Oct 30, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Wow, news to the rest of the football world
The team with the best RB in the league is not a good running team.
Signed, Viking Fans
Correct
The Vikings aren’t a good running team or a good passing team or a good defensive team.
They are just a good team.
by medicineball on Oct 30, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Put the crack pipe down...
You mean that they are a good passing, good running, and good defensive team, making them a good team overall… I wouldn’t mind to see some more great special teams play from the Vikings…
Like the Harvin returns for TDs?
I want to see more of that too LOL!!!
Aghhh….Come on Sunday!
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Oct 30, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Bengals fan here....
I’m pretty upset with you guys. We appreciate you beating the Ravens but we really needed you to beat the Steelers last week. That 2nd pick in the 4th quarter hit me in the gut almost as much as it did you. Straight up I think you guys are SB bound. My prediction at this point is the Colts and Vikings with the Colts winning only because Peyton Manning is just too good and in his prime while Favre is just as good but lets face it he is 40. He showed signs of wearing down toward the end last year and I fear the same could happen. No knock on Favre as age catches up with everyone. The Bengals will have a very hard time beating you and frankly I just hope Favre does wear down toward game #15 when we play you. As for this coming game… well the Vikings win by 2 TDs IMO. GB isn’t bad but not really good either.
What do you guys, as outside objective observers think of the Bengals so far? Do you think we are contenders or pretenders? I enjoy hearing opinions from guys who aren’t too close and can give an objective view.
" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran
Re: Bengals
The Bengals have a good team, but they drive me nuts because of their inconsistency. Some games that I believe they should win handily, they struggle or wind up losing. And others which I thought they would have problems with they wind up winning. They had the Denver game but for a lucky bounce, and several of their games could have gone either way with a lucky break/bounce here or there. If they can play consistently good ball, they will be trouble.
i think consistency is my main concern with them as well......
it just seems like you never know which bengals team is going to show up. if they can figure out how to play a good game every week, they will be a force to be reckoned with. just my .02
I piss people off on a fairly regular basis. I cherish my right to speak my mind, whether I sound like an uneducated savage or not. I've never been accused of keeping what I think a secret, nor will I ever. Don't like it? I don't care.
by IABerserker1 on Oct 30, 2009 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Think they are for real...
Was uncertain the first few weeks this year, but they have definitely shown that they are here to make their imprint on this season….NOTE: Our battle with you will be a good one…
Sorry on the Steeler misstep on our part LOL….Believe me when I say we all would have loved to help you out! But we may see them again….maybe? Ref the SB If not the Colt scenario you mention, these guys (Steelers) would be my second choice at this point…..
Before that SB appearance however,…Our path to that scenario is through New Orleans, while your path is through the Steelers I think….While yours probably is through the Steelers or Colts?
On any given Sunday….Never say never, if you catch my drift…while I think the Steelers are in the same boat as us all…potential is there…Good luck and look forward to our match! Will not be a cake walk for either team!
SKOL!
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Oct 30, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Bengals make playoffs
but who knows what’ll happen after that. There’s some really solid and legit teams in the AFC. Steelers, Pats, Colts, are very solid teams, but then you have some wildcard teams that are in the same boat as you: have the talent and ability but lack consistency which are the Ravens, Jets, Chargers. I’m not mentioning Denver because I just can’t see the cindarella story lasting through the playoffs. I’m not sure the broncos even win the West at this point, but each week they prove everyone wrong, so I’m just going to sit back and watch without consequence due to them being in the AFC.
Bengals have the potential do some damage this year, I just wouldn’t put my money on them. If you guys can acquire a few more players on defense, maybe another OL players next season, then you could be very scary down the road. This year I just don’t know what will happen with them. I’m keeping my money away from their games because they can either blow teams out or be neck-and-neck with teams like the Browns…
Bengals look good
You should have won the Denver game. You guys out played them they just got lucky at the end. You guys look solid and I think your a playoff team. Your in a tough division other than the Browns. Those division games can be tough. We usually beat the Lions but the games are always close. Love what you did to the Da Bears & Packers. Hopefully we will do a little better against you than they did. It should be a good one.
Ravens' Record
Looking at your schedule, if you play decently, you should be at least 9-7 in January. If you play well consistently, you can be at 10-6 or even 11-5, which should get you to playoff. But, in your current state, I doubt you can get past the Colts or the Steelers in the playoff. I don’t think you can beat the Patriots in their stadium either in the playoff, but you may have a chance if you can get them to play at home.
Thank you Gonzo!!!
I have been saying the same things all along. So Green Bay comes off its bye week and kills two of the weakest teams who were further hampered by key injuries in the case of Detroit. In Cleveland’s case so many starters out with the flu that the league was considering roster exemptions for them because of the number of players that were sick.
All the sudden this makes them a contender again? Will someone please get Don Banks head out of Ted’s ass?
On our side of things…we dominated the Pittsburgh game statistically while shutting Big Ben and their new found aerial attack to 175 yards and Heinz Ward to 3 yrds. We lost on a stripped fumble in the red zone and a fluke deflection in the red zone. These thing happen but I’m glad to get the lose monkey off our backs and move on.
To be honest, I don’t think I would want to be the Packers playing the Vikes this Sunday after the way things went down last weekend. They will come in pissed off that the unbeaten streak is over and because of the way they lost. I hope to see the Vikings turn it up another notch and shut these media doubters up once and for all.
SKOL Vikings.
Loss #2 On Sunday
Did you actually watch the first game between MN and GB? From what I saw, the Packers moved the ball up and down the field against a full strength Viking D. Aaron was under unbelievable pressure from JA……..that dude is a beast. Yet still made the plays. Most of the drives were long ones without great starting field position. And in case ya missed it. AP wasn’t exactly tearin’ up the field against our D. Oh and let’s not forget a touchdown catch that was uncharacteristicly dropped in the endzone. Or the fumble on the 3yd. line that would have at least gotten 3 pts. and most likely 7 considering how easliy the Pack was marching down the field on that drive. This was in the Metrodump. Not gonna be so easy to make fake cheering for your team at Lambeau. I hope it is the game I am looking forward to. It will be a great one……………..it has all the makings.
Good luck Sunday
i see your point, but
at the same time, the fumble and int happened in the red zone because the d really tightens up. i’ll let aaron rodgers throw for 400 yards any day of the week as long as we get 2 int/3 fumbles in the red zone and you still don’t score points. thinking you’ve got AP all figured out is just fine with me, thats when he’ll scorch you. i guess we’ll see, but i wouldn’t get too confident. hubris…..
I piss people off on a fairly regular basis. I cherish my right to speak my mind, whether I sound like an uneducated savage or not. I've never been accused of keeping what I think a secret, nor will I ever. Don't like it? I don't care.
by IABerserker1 on Oct 30, 2009 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Re:Loss #2
Maybe it’s just me, but I dont see the Vikes losing Sunday. We seem to be getting better each week, and are making corrections to the things that dont go well week to week. In the Raven game, which nobody expected us to win, we allowed too much yardage in the 4th quarter. So what did we do the following week?? We shut down the Steeler passing game, even without our top cornerback. Our offense just keeps moving the ball each week, and if we cant move the ball on the ground one week, we just move it in the air. If GB decides that they dont want Brett to beat them and plays back off the line, then you know that AP will chew up the ground game. I hope it is a good game, but if we play our game without any big mistakes, I dont see an outcome different from the last one. Go Vikes!!
Thanks and same for you guys...
Many changes since that first match on Vikings side….mental as well as game execution (and positive changes)….
If you thought the Packers had some bad breaks last game, wait ’til Sunday….will be even more….Having said that, I do think the Packers are not THAT bad, just not as good as the Vikings…everything considered…
Loss number…..3? for the Packers by 10 pts….
SKOL!
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Oct 30, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Good try though
Seriously, Green Bay was down 16 without the ball with 7 to play, despite getting a miracle gift defensive TD in a way I’ve never seen one scored before. Strip right at the sideline that goes into a guy’s armpit and he runs off. Super lucky. So if you are going to get all hypothetical and pretend the Packers could have played a mistake free game you also have to assume the Vikes play mistake free as well.
Vikings offense absolutely cut through the Packers like a hot knife through butter and was only stopped once they decided the game was sealed and turned of the gas. You have to be completely delusional to think the Packers even looked competitive in that game.
They had 8 sacks on them and a couple turnovers. Yeah, their offense was movin’ and groovin’ alright. Pulease. Packers have looked over matched against the two decent teams they have played. The Bears, which is their signature win, was a game they won on a 3rd down bomb at the end which they needed despite Cutler throwing 4 terrible picks, one of which was for six I believe.
They haven’t looked good this year and you know it. Good grief just think what you guys would be saying if they already had wins against the Ravens, Vikings, and 49ers…
You made your point
You moved the ball all over on us and you still lost. You shut down Peterson and you still lost. I wish you luck cause your going to need it. Can you shut A.P. down again? well shall see. I’m really not to worried. Even if you win you still have to play the Ravens & Steelers. Good luck with that. You cheddar heads will not win this division because your not the best team in it. The Vikes are. The cream always rises to the top. You should know that in a dairy state.
And we were up 3 scores going into 4th and put on cruise control
by Jepp The Viking on Oct 30, 2009 9:20 AM CDT reply actions
+4
3Rings is speaking like a homer… I don’t think that GB has the power to get through us, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, or possibly even Chicago at Soldier Field or the Cards depending which Cards team shos up. The team still has too many holes to be successful this year…
Your right
The Pack has a good team but not a great team. Good teams don’t win Superbowls.
Collinsworth is on the bandwagon
which actuall scares me. I’ve never liked Collinsworth because he’s a typical east coast biased punk, but he did say on NFL weekly “I was more impressed with the Vikings in their loss in Pittsburgh than their other games” and it’s a statement I couldn’t agree with more.
The only real “hole” or “weakness” this vikings team has is defense in 2 minute drills. It’s something that should get fixed, and if it does, this team is unstoppable. Rare and unexpected events occurred in Pitt which is the only reason we lost. We DOMINATED nearly the entire game vs Baltimore, SF, and GB!!! If you watched those games, you would think the Vikings D was #1 in the NFL. We didn’t allow a single 3rd down converstion vs San Fran!! why are these stats not brought up?
Personally, I’m glad the sportswriters of america are picking the pack, it’ll make the win even more sweet. And it will allow me to make a butt-load of money off this game. Despite the silly-ness of the packer arguments for winning this game, it’ll be even more enjoyable to hear all the packer fans whine and cry about ref calls, coaching decisions, single out a player’s poor performance, etc. It will be all enjoyable because their season will be nearly over before week 9.
I'll play devi's advocate.
From the Packer fans point of view – what is different:
- The return of Atari Bigby. Bigby is not a great player. He is more of a run-stopping safety, than a ball hawk, but he is usually assignment-sure, and allows the other safety, Nick Collins to play center field a little more. 4th string safety Derrick Martin completely blew the coverage on the Berrian touchdown, and I think Capers refused to blitz with the backup safeties in the game.
- The incremental improvement of the new defense. The 3-4 defense and Dom Capers are works in progress and will continue to be. I noted on the Packers board that the weak opponents over the last couple of weeks have masked the fact that the defense is getting better every week. Football Outsiders says that Green Bay has the number 1 ranked defense in the league. Obviously Green Bay’s defense is not that good, but I think its getting better.
- The loss of Winfield. I know you guys know more about his impact than I do, so let me just say this. Rodgers is like the Anti-Favre. He is much more careful, and less prone to making bad passes. The interception that Winfield made was a play that few CB’s in the league could make. He mentally beat Rodgers and physically beat Jennings on that play.
- The offensive line Clifton may or may not be back, but the offensive line will be better. In the first game, Colledge moved from LG to LT, Spitz moved from C to LG, and Scott Wells got his first start. Each was making his first start of the year at the position. Wells was ok but Colledge was a disaster. Late in the game TJ Lang played and was ok. He has started the last two games and has been solid if not spectacular. If Clifton can’t go, at least Lang will start and not Colledge.
- Clay Matthews and Aaron Kampman the two OLB’s. Clay Matthews was finally given the starting job, and has turned a few heads. He was the guy that stripped AP and took it back in the first game. He has good instincts a strong motor. A real nose for the ball. Kampman, who has clearly been uncomfortable with the switch to the 3-4 has been allowed to go back to the 3 point stance on some obvious passing down, and has been getting to the QB more.
- The atmosphere. While conventional wisdom is that the home team has a 3 point advantage in the NFL, I think that MN and GB have greater advantages with their fields and fans.
- Gut feelings. I was surprised when MN was only favored by 3.5 in week 4, because they clearly seemed better. Like 10 points better. This week, the Packers by 3 seems about right. I also think that this might be a place where bad Brett shows up.
Bad Brett doesn't exist anymore...
We’re 7 games into the season, Brett has taken care of the football better than any Vikings QB in the last decade. I’m sick of hearing from Packer fans “bad brett with show up, he’s gonna show his gunslinger side soon, he’s gonna become interception brett eventually”. He’s not. He’s not the same QB, he’s in a different system now and on a team with REAL talent. This is AP’s team, not Favre’s, he just has to convert some third downs, throw it deep once in a while, and not turn over the ball. So far he has done EXCATLY THAT. He is taking care of the football and he knows it’s his job, he knows he doesn’t have to make the game winning play every game (eventhough he’s still got that ability).
You packer fans clutch your “bad brett” mantra but you’re just too upset to admit he’s 40 and at this age he fits better in the Vikings’ scheme surrounded by more talent than he would’ve had with the packers.
he’s in a different system now
I BELIEVE...
by ArizonaVikingsFan on Oct 30, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Interesting
Bad Brett is sometimes tough to find. He won’t show up in the first three quarters, and he won’t show up when you are winning. He’ll show up when you are losing or tied in the 4th quarter or overtime.
Maybe you won’t see him this year. He is in a great system. Great running game, some exciting receivers, a line that gives him enough time. I think he will be fine.
Way, way back in 2005 the Packers finished 4- 12. Favre had 20 TD’s and 29 picks. People were ready to bury him. Those that followed the team knew that most of those picks came in the 4th quarter when they were losing. Clearly he was not washed up. In 2007 he threw 28 TDs and 15 INT’s for a 95.7 rating.
I said all that to say that Bad Brett is still in there, you just (probably) haven’t seen him yet (and maybe won’t).
There are two sides of the Favre coin. The majority of the time you’ll get the guy that beats SF on the last play, but there will be times when the throw into triple coverage is taken back for 6. Its not a criticism, its just who he is. He’ll make plays that the best QB in the league can’t make and he’ll make plays the worst QB in the league won’t make.
Attitude appreciated
Despite his posting contrary thoughts to what we Vikings fans want to hear – I thought that Grant76’s posts were reasonably and politely made. He should be thanked and treated politely for not acting like the usual Packer fan (which is to say Rude, Arrogant, and Entitled).
Classy posts and I respect your points, Grant76. Thanks for reminding us that there ARE some decent football fans in Green Bay. :)
Good luck to your team – I AM worried about this game. I think the home field advantage could prove to be the difference. As I’ve said elsewhere in these forums, even if we lose I can still (fairly easily) see us winning the Division, though. We have a nicer schedule down the road than you guys do.
I'm going to save this comment.
Because you’re wrong, Do you have any idea how many times in the last 9 years Favre has started off hot like this? How many times it is that people thought the light finally came back on after Holmgren flipped it off and let Favre do whatever he wanted in 98?
Trust me. Bad Brett is there. And if you keep making him throw the ball 40+ times every other week, his return is inevitable.
What begins in fear usually ends in folly.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Oct 30, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't Mind Being the Underdog
Gonzo – Thanks but those that have been Vikes fans since birth know full well that when we’re underdogs, we seem to accelerate our play to a new level. I for one don’t mind being the underdog on the road with all “so-called-experts” picking against us. Let them and then watch them eat crow monday morning. LOL. GO VIKES!
"Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." Theodore Roosevelt
The Pack
has lost to any half-way decent team they have faced. Examples- Cincy and us. Wins- Chi (barely, if you can call that a win), Cle, Stl, Det. Keeping racking up numbers on powder puffs when no one cares. Good luck with the second half of your sched….
by Jepp The Viking on Oct 30, 2009 12:13 PM CDT reply actions
The only team above .500 you have beaten is the Packers, and your D tried to give up that game in the 4th quarter as well… at home. So for every powderpuff victory you can pull out of the air for the Packers, I can pull one out for you.
And you didn’t even lose to the best team in the AFC North.
How do you mean?
We lost to Pittsburgh.
I expect the Steelers to thoroughly humiliate Green Bay when they get together.
The Vikings moved the ball just fine last week against a team that runs a 3-4 defense that’s a hell of a lot better, a hell of a lot more talented, and a hell of a lot better coached than the yokels we’re going to see on Sunday. Oh, and the Packers still have no pass rush. I notice none of the Packer fans have really bothered to address that.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Oct 30, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Ummmm. . .whoopee?
The last time I checked, the Steelers were celebrating last year after winning a certain football game the first weekend of February. Something about winning a championship or some such.
Funny, the Vikings beat the Packers about a month ago. . .I have a hard time believing that any of you Packer fans would readily admit that the Minnesota Vikings are a better football team. (Even though, by your apparent definition, they are.)
Oh, well. . .after this Sunday, I’m guessing there won’t be any questions.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Oct 30, 2009 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, you're wrong
I do admit that the Vikings are a better team on paper. Lucky for everyone, the games are not decided solely on paper matchups. Just ask the Eagles.
I personally don’t believe the Packers have shown they can beat the Vikings yet (kind of weird that our series is over before the midpoint in the season and you guys haven’t even played Chicago yet). Does that mean they’ll lose on Sunday? Maybe, maybe not. Isn’t that the thrill of football, any given Sunday?
However, simply going by who has beaten who up to this point, the Vikings’ advantage diminishes because the teams that were deemed good at the time you beat them have turned out to be a bit lackluster (49ers and Ravens are now 3-3), and the Packers’ loss outside of the Vikings came against a team which beat the Steelers, who the Vikings lost to.
For the Packers to win, they have to shut down 2 out of the 3 facets that the Vikings are good at: run game, pass game, and defense. The first game they only hit 1 out of the 3 (run game). Is Bigby and the other defensive changes enough to get the second leg? I don’t know the answer to that, and that’s what we’ll find out Sunday.
WAIT!
You can only claim the ‘better on paper’ crap against a team you’ve not faced.
The Vikings were ‘better on paper’ when we met last month – and we won.
Right now… the Vikings ARE the better team. On paper, on the field, and in the W/L column.
GO VIKES!!
I BELIEVE...
by ArizonaVikingsFan on Oct 30, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions
They're not the same two teams that met on Oct 5
Several players out on both sides, Packers have a few back. So yes, you haven’t faced the Week 8 Packers, and the Packers have not faced the Week 8 Vikings.
Heck, look at baseball. Within your division, you place the same teams 4 or 5 series a year. Does one team win all of those games? No, they usually are split. Hell, look at the Royals and their stealing games away from the Tigers.
Each game is different, even if it involves the same teams.
Fine then, let's look at football.
2007. Giants and Patriots. Patriots won the first game during the regular season, Giants won the second game, the Superbowl. By far the most gleaming example. I don’t even know why they played the SB with AVF’s theory.
2008. Vikings and Bears. Bears win the first game, Vikings win the second game. Home Team was victor.
2008. Vikings and Packers. Packers win the first game, Vikings win the second game. Home team was victor.
No one's mentioned Favre
And in games like this, he always rises to the occasion, unless it’s post season. I think he’ll have an even bigger game in Lambeau than he did in Minneapolis, and the Vikes win.
It’s funny that the Packers beat two cupcakes, and now their problems have been solved. Vikes beat those same cupcakes, and they have more answers than questions. Just sayin’…
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
Yep
Somehow the Packers beating the Lions (at home without Matthew Stafford or Calvin Johnson) is somehow more impressive than the Vikings beating the Lions (in Detroit with the Lions at full strength) and their victory over Cleveland is somehow better and more impressive than Minnesota’s, too.
And. . .let me check here. . .yep, still no pass rush for Green Bay. Not against an offensive line that doesn’t outwardly suck, anyhow. Great call by the Packers in deciding that Aaron Kampman would be way better off dropping into coverage for 75% of the game than actually rushing the quarterback. Brad Childress might try the same thing with Jared Allen. . .at least, he would if he was a complete moron, I mean.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Oct 30, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Lets take the blinders off boys
Hey Pack…who are you going to decide to try and stop??You know if you decide to not let AP beat you, your boy Brett will pick you apart as he has done to everyone all year so far. And if you decide to back off and defend against the pass, AP will just roll all over you. Just ask Mr. Gay how he feels today..if he remembers the steamroller that hit him!! Of the 3 interceptions BF has thrown this year, 2 were off receiver’s hands. All he has to do is contain himself and you guys are toast. Unless you come up with some inventive way of pressuring him that he has not seen before (doubtful). As much as I hated BF when he was a Packer, I must admit that he has been the difference for us this year and you Packer fans are just too pigheaded to admit it was a mistake to let him go. You damn well know if he was still on your team, you’d be on this blog claiming how badly he was going to beat our pass defense. Anyway, we’ll save you Packer fans some playoff seats so you can watch us carry on the NFC North torch.
Question for Packers fans
Will Aaron Rodgers be wearing a #69 Vikings jersey this week like he did in the Metrodome a few weeks ago?
The Colorado Rockies aren't a team, they're an armada.
by free7694 on Oct 30, 2009 1:05 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Hey guys
I’m going to go to a hated rival’s website, read a post ovbviously designed to pump up the home bloggers, take offense, and insult the head blogger of the site. Sound like a good idea?
by Jepp The Viking on Oct 30, 2009 1:07 PM CDT reply actions
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!
by Christopher Gates on Oct 30, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
None at all
If you look close enough in that picture I think you can see a Sharon Rodger’s jersey with spittle stains and markes from JA’s helmet in it.
by Jepp The Viking on Oct 30, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I think you'll like this version.
"What is best in life?"
"To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women."
by cryhavoc on Oct 31, 2009 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Awesome...
that is exactly what I was thinking.
We can’t let some little junk yard dog come over to our site and insult the leader of our site.
maybe not a great idea, but perfectly your right to do so. Same as everyone elses.
The time for reckoning has come, and we already have the answer
Looks like this post hit a nerve with a couple of Packer fans...
too bad for them.
Good read Gonzo, it’s exactly what we have all been thinking.
Vikings 30 – Packers 24
Bottom line is Vikings are a better team
They have better personnel and have played better against quality opponents. Green Bay barely beat a mediocre Chicago team with no Brian Urlacher anf the bad Jay Cutler, a crappy Detroit team with no Stafford or Calvin Johnson, Cleveland, and the might St Louis Rams, who were in it until the fourth quarter. Minnesota handled St Louis, Detroit, Cleveland, beat Baltimore, and beat your asses handily. They also beat the 49ers, better than any team you’ve faced, and took the SB champions to the limit. Taylor catches the screen pass, Vikings win.
Your offensive line is still terrible, our secondary isn’t as bad without Antoine Winfield as everybody had thought, and Green Bay still hasn’t been able to provide a decent pass rush.
The fact that the game is in Green Bay will only motivate Favre and the Vikings more, and I think the Vikings will win, and it won’t be as close as the first game.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
ESPN fan poll
ESPN.com fans have voted 61%-39% so far that the Vikings will win. At least some people realize who is the superior team. The only state that feels otherwise is of course our Favre-hater neighbor to the east.
What's changed????
How about the guy that let up a big play touchdown and the big screen pass last game is not going to be out there…..Atari is back in town, his replacement Martin is no longer out there. Also, you talk about the rookie tackle that Allen got by for the safety being out there, but remember 3.5 of his sacks were on Colledge…..remember, when he got hurt GB started scoring points again. And now Colledge can play his natural position LG, and we have a better LT, even if Lange isn’t that good, he is better than Colledge on the island. And you talk about us sqeaking by the Bears with 4 picks. How about the queens sqeaking by GB by only a touchdown and if the game was 5 seconds longer overtime was about to happen, and it was that close in a game that Rodgers was beaten around like a pinata and had 2 redzone turnovers….which he almost never has. This game will be much tougher for MN.
If the game was five seconds longer
Then ESPN’s SportsCenter would have started five seconds later than it did. That’s pretty much the only thing that would have changed.
That game was never in any real danger of going into overtime.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Oct 30, 2009 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions
What's changed? Not Packer fans, that's for sure. LOL
I’m in totally understanding how fans of the Packers, who are notorious for their sense of entitlement and arrogance, would try to find a way to view their past loss in some kind of positive light but it really never seemed close.
If you want to talk about “what-ifs” for our 1st victory over the Packers – what if the refs actually called “forward progress” on the play where Green Bay basically cheated to get a Fumble recovery off of Adrian Peterson – who was clearly stopped and should have been called down WAY before the fraud fumble recovery by Gay Matthews…oops…I meant Clay Matthews, my bad. That was a joke. If that crappy non-call is actually made (that he had been stopped via forward progress), the Packers aren’t even close and the game continues on into a blow-out.
Now, THAT being said…I do think this will be a tougher game. Green Bay will have a better line-up out there in general, except for some Receiver issues while we’ll still be missing Antoine Winfield, which stinks.
However, I still think we’re clearly a better team so even if the Packers somehow manage to squirrel away a victory at home, you’ll be hard-pressed to prove to any discerning football fan that your home victory makes you better than the Vikings, in general. Furthermore, one look at the schedule shows that we have a much easier road than the Packers do, even if they DO manage to win this game…I still can see us more easily winning the division.
SKOL VIKINGS!!
Legitimate Question
Did a Packer fan kick your ass when you were younger or break up with you? I’m completely serious about this as well. I’ve made it known that I think the Vikings are a slightly better team than the Packers and I don’t care for your opinions that the Vikings are so much better because, well, it’s homerish. With that said, you seriously harbor some real hate for Packer fans. I’m from Milwaukee and have a ton of Vikings and Bears fans and I’ve come to realize something. There are a lot of cool fans and a lot of douche bags. For the most part the fan base doesn’t really matter. I think some fans are known for certain things like the Bears thinking too highly of certain players and the Raiders fans being dick heads but there isn’t that much of a difference between fans when everything is taken into account.
So my advice: if a Packer fan has wronged you in anyway (not taking into account funny comment boards like this) forgive him/her and let it go.
Legitimate Answers
LOL. Nope, no one has ever kicked my ass (though not because of some inherent toughness on my part – just haven’t been in the kind of situation that would lead to a fight).
“Homerish” or not, I think it’s not unreasonable to remind people that regardless of the result (which will, of course, be over-hyped by Packer fans and media if they win and under-hyped by them if they lose) – we still remain an extremely good ball club, one which seems better than the Packers.
And yes, I harbor some serious annoyance/dislike of Green Bay fans. You know why? Because fans of “your” team, have traditionally acted in ways that were extremely lame and annoying – that’s my experience, why should I expect anything different from them, in general? I’ve written somewhere that there ARE a few decent GB fans but from what I’ve seen first-hand, they’re (in general) more cocky and insulting that other team’s fans.
For example, we also have a pretty big rivalry with the Bears (just as GB does) but you have to ask yourself – why do the Bears cheer against GB when they play us? They wouldn’t just do that for no reason. Clearly GB fans have angered (en masse) Bears’ fans with their behavior too.
So my advice (in response to yours): take a long careful look at how cocky and entitled your fans have gotten and start being more realistic when you interact with other team’s players. There is “cheering” for your team and then there is being “cocky” and “arrogant” while doing so. :(
Other than the sarcasm in your post, I can see that you’re one of the more reasonable fans from GB and I can appreciate that. If nothing else, you’re a brave mofo for coming in here to defend your team – I can respect that as well but try not to act like that idiot Green and Gold – he’s the prototypical GB fan and thus he’s been roundly insulted here (as he should be).
Good luck later today. SKOL VIKINGS!!
Atari Bigby is Latin for
Over rated defensive back…it’s not like you’re getting Ronnie Lott or Troy Polamamamamluuuu back. Really, if Atari Bigby is the answer, I shudder to think what the question might be. And if Lange, a rookie with about 1 game under his belt, is better than Colledge, I almost feel sorry for Rodgers…he’s going to get killed.
And if the game had been five seconds longer, the only difference is that Favre would’ve had to take one more knee to kill the clock.
I’m not saying this game won’t be a tough challenge for Minnesota, but the thing that bugs me is that Green Bay has almost been annointed as the winner just because the game is in Lambeau.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
Thank you...
…for allowing us to have this forum to exchange our ideas and opinions.
The Vikings were missing a crucial component to their team, (i.e. a quarterback) and once they got Brett, I knew they would be a much better team. The SF game as well as the Ravens game showed Vikings fans how awesome Favre can be… unfortunately, after following the Packers for the last 30+ years, I do know the heartache he can also bring about with his fumbles and INT returned for TDs…
I actually hope he plays his best game this Sunday… Division games are tough and even teams that suck rise to the occasion… esp. at home! I’m hoping for a great game and if you guys are really the better team, you’ll show it tomorrow… So far you seem to be, but let’s watch the game and see how it shakes out.
As a Packers fan, I am definitely worried about the Vikings…, but I am also hopeful we will play a much better game this time around. JA is quite the beast!!! KC (or should I say Herm Edwards?) was an idiot to let him go!!!
If you guys win, the North is yours for the taking, if not… it’ll be an exciting Nov. and Dec.
Great article
Thanks for the clear insight into why we should probably be more optimistic about this game than many of us Viking fans have been. It’s still tough to feel 100% confident against such the Packers on their home turf but I hope we pull off the victory. Hitting our bye week at 7-1 AND with the Division lead more firmly in hand would be fantastic.
That being said, I think Packer fans are drinking a bit of the media Kool-Aid by expecting that a victory in this 2nd leg of our infamous rivalry would ensure that they’re very much back in the hunt for the Division title. Looking at their schedule and ours, and being very charitable, I still see them just missing the title by a win or two (and that’s if we’re charitable and assume that they’re going to continue improving).
So even if we DID lose (which we could – it’ll be a tough game, despite the fact that I think we’re a better team) to the Packers, it really wouldn’t be the end of the world.
SKOL VIKINGS. I’ll pick Vikings 23 – Packers 17.
Man
Basically every post you have made this week has said if you lose it doesn’t, matter. if we lose it doesn’t matter. if we lose, well guess what, it doesn’t matter. a loss doesn’t matter.
This game is important for both teams. If the Vikings win they have the division wrapped up half way through the season and if the Packers win it will be a fight to the end. This game is big and you aren’t fully confident that the Vikings will win so you keep dumbing it down. It’s the biggest game of the year for both teams so treat it as such. I guarantee you wouldn’t be dumbing it down if this game was at the Dome.
Wrong
I’m sorry but you are not correct – I also played down the Dome game (go back and check in here if you’d like) simply because I dislike hype. At that point in the season, even if we lost, it wouldn’t mean we were the worse team or that we wouldn’t win the game in Lambeau.
I agree that it’s an important game but as I’ve posted further up in these threads, all it means to us is this:
1. Yeah, if we win, we have a better edge in the division race – it wouldn’t necessarily, however, prevent GB from winning the Division Title or getting into the playoffs. Might make it a tad bit tougher to win the Division Title, I suppose.
2. If we lose all it means is that both teams split the series – if we win, it just proves what most Vikings and football fans already believe – that we have a very strong team.
3. If we lose, it still doesn’t change our team’s talent level or our capabilities. I’ll still know that we have a great team regardless.
You can call it whatever you want but it’s hardly some attempt to cover my tracks if we lose. It’s simply being logical and honest about this game – which the media (particularly in Green Bay) would like to turn into something more important than it is to help boost their already inflated ego (by “their” I’m referring to GB fans, who are traditionally known for being a bit more cocky and entitled than Vikings, Lions, or Bears’ fans).
To help balance that out a bit, I’m merely reminded Packer fans that the reality is that one game should not change an entire season. Does it sometimes? Yeah, it can but in this case, in light of the previous loss in Minneapolis already, it won’t really prove much of anything. Wow, if you win it means you won your game at home and we won ours. Whuppity-do!
Hopefully that makes sense. Good luck either way. SKOL VIKINGS!!
You Are Making Sense
For the most part even though I disagree with some of your opinions. I completely agree and I said it the first game as well, that if these games are split that it was like they weren’t even played. They cancel each other out. I completely relate to that.
You saying the Green Bay media is hyping it up is once again ridiculous. Favre has been front and center doing interviews for CBS, Fox, and ESPN has had this game on every day of the week. Green Bay media is doing the same thing they do for every game with just a little bit more emotion coming from both sides of the river. You’re dislike for Green Bay media and fans is once again kind of funny and exagerated. I went to school in Illinois and a large majority of my friends are Bears fans. Guess who they would root for when the Vikings and Packers played? Whoever gave their team, the Bears, the better chance to make the playoffs. In this case they will be rooting for the Packers.
Your thoughts that everyone hates Packer fans in general is just an emotional comment. Like I’ve stated before, there are idiot Vikings fans, idiot Bears fans, and idiot Packer fans that I don’t get along with. There also are reasonable fans that realize it’s a game and don’t become so overly affected by it. I know a lot of players have said that fans from the midwest know their football and that would include Minnesota and Wisconsin so just chill out on the Packer fan hate. I hate the Vikings team, I hope you hate the Packers team, and there are good and bad fans on both sides. Enjoy the game and try not to dwell on the average dumb fan. It’s not worth the worry.
Finally in another comment section, you did say that the Vikings were better in every aspect but tied in QB and WR’s. As I said in that forum, I think both the Vikings and the Packers are really good in every area except one. The Vikings secondary is bad IMO and the Packers offensive line is bad. This game is a big game and I hope every player stays healthy because it sucks to win or lose because of injuries. Gool luck to you as well and I really do hope it’s a great game.
Respect
Respect to flynsqris and Wytefang for two really good posts, nice to see that Minnesota and Green Bay still have good fans.
Personally I hope that Minnesota wins, and I will be gutted if Green Bay beats us, however I have got respect for Green Bay and wish them luck!
Sigh
cant we just agree to disagree both teams a are fairly good and it should be a great game sunday afternoon as advertised.for the vikings this is not the same packers tem that they faced 4 weeks ago i belive that they have greatly improved. and the fact they are playing at home makes this game tougher. the vikings this sunday will be ready and will prove why they are one of the best teams in the nfc. its a shame that i will miss the game but i will be rooting for the vikes. it its safe to say the the bears are the most overrated team in the NFC
when the only teams you’ve beaten are the Rams, Browns, Lions, and Bears. And winning the Bears game by 6 points when Cutler throws 4 INT’s. When that happens I can’t agree that the packers are fairly good. We’ll see what happens today.
As I've said all along...
I agree with Dsludo about the over-hype on the Packers and like I’ve consistently preached in here, even if we lose, I don’t see how it suddenly makes the Packers an all-star team (necessarily). If they win at home, all the Packers have done is the same thing we’ve done. I suppose you could argue that they defeated a better team (Vikings) at home but we all know that our Vikes have a habit of not beating teams they should defeat.
I just know how badly the media wants to play up a Packers’ victory today (should they get one today) and while not unexpected (the potential hype), it simply doesn’t prove all that much. I suppose you could also argue that if my Vikings win, it does prove that we were the better team but then I think a lot of us already know (and believe) that from my perspective, it (again) doesn’t prove all that much. We’ve all seen teams with a commanding lead in their division, blow it – so even if we will, which I would celebrate as a good fan, I won’t be resting any easier.
Maybe I’m tooting my own horn but I feel comfortable that I have a fair and reasonable perspective on the results of this one game. I’m not sure I can say the same for GB fans, who will almost certainly turn this into a mini-super bowl. Sigh.
Ugh. Corrections to above post due to sloppy grammar
My apologies for the sloppy grammar above, in a few places. I should have written “I suppose you could also argue that if my Vikings win, it does prove that we were the better team but then I think a lot of us already knew that. So from my perspective, it (again) wouldn’t prove all that much.”
I also meant to add the word “WIN” to the last sentence of the 2nd paragraph as in “…so even if we WIN, which I would celebrate as a good fan, I won’t be resting any easier.”
Sorry about those mistakes!!
You can say that again Gonzo!
'Lo, there do I see my father.
'Lo, there do I see my mother, and my sisters, and my brothers.
'Lo, there do I see The line of my people...
Back to the beginning.
'Lo, they do call to me.
They bid me take my place among them.
In the halls of Valhalla...
Where the brave...
May live...
...forever.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Daily Norseman
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
