Vikings Bounce Back Nicely, Cruise to Win Over Bengals

by Anthony21 on Dec 13, 2009 4:24 PM CST in Vikings 2009 Season Comment 93 comments

After last week's debacle, I wrote:

Plenty of problems were exposed tonight, and plenty of challenges have emerged -- now we get to see just how resilient this team is.

Answer: Pretty dang resilient.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Vikings jumped out to a two-score lead over the Bengals by halftime, extended that lead by a touchdown in the third quarter, and iced the game in the fourth quarter. Between missteps by a sloppy Bengals club, an impressive defensive effort headlined by the return of Antoine Winfield, a productive afternoon for Adrian Peterson, and a solid special teams performance, the Vikings looked darn good today.

And of all the factors that lifted the Vikings to a 20-point win over Cincinnati, the defense deserves a huge amount of the credit. One unforgettable scene from today's game: Antoine Winfield dropping what should have been an intercepted pass, and proceeding to do several push-ups between his drop and the next play. Good to have you back, Toine. The man's presence was felt in a big way, as Carson Palmer only managed 94 yards on 25 pass attempts. Chad Ochocinco got into the endzone in the second quarter to bring the Bengals within a field goal, but as far as offensive highlights go, there weren't many for Cincy beyond Ocho's 15-yard score.

Sure, Cedric Benson put up some impressive numbers -- 16 carries for 96 yards -- but nearly half of those yards came on a single carry, and for the most part, the rush defense was solid. All told, the Bengals could only manage 210 yards of total offense, while getting flagged 11 times for 85 yards. The Vikings made their share of unforced errors (nine penalties for 69 yards), but the Purple didn't make any mistakes that were too costly.

On the offensive side, Adrian Peterson rebounded nicely from a rough night in Arizona, finishing the game with a combined 137 yards through the air and on the ground. He also scored twice, including a dive into the endzone for a touchdown in the third quarter that would clinch the victory for the Vikings.

Brett Favre continued to struggle a bit, completing just over 50% of his passes while tossing a touchdown and an interception. The absence of Percy Harvin couldn't have helped matters for Brett, who never targeted his other favorite receivers -- Shank and Rice -- with any sort of consistency this afternoon (though it should be noted that one of Sid's four receptions was a nine-yard touchdown in the first quarter that lifted the Vikings to a 10-0 lead). It was a shame that Brett couldn't get into a rhythm for the second game in a row, but then again, that doesn't matter a whole lot when everything else is going right for the Vikings. And that was the case today.

Jasper Brinkley made three tackles today in relief of E.J. Henderson, but the real story was the emotional lift provided to this defense through the return of Antoine Winfield. After nine tackles and a few push-ups, Antoine had given everyone a reminder -- as if we needed it -- of just how valuable he is to this defense. You would have never guessed this guy had been sidelined for as long as he was, since he didn't miss a beat out there.

By the way, something that will probably go under the radar but deserves mention is the performance from the special teams. Aside from a penalty or two, it was near-perfect. Longwell went 3/3, Cincy averaged three yards per punt return and under 20 yards per kickoff return, and Kluwe was kicking the ball nicely out there. For a group that has sometimes struggled to rebound from a tough 2008 season, the special teams looked good today.

But Antoine Winfield and Adrian Peterson will headline this game, and rightfully so. Winfield was simply tremendous, and Peterson's pair of touchdowns helped him break a single-season team record for rushing touchdowns. This week was about rebounding from a setback, and both of those guys did just that.

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Great post

Excellent game all around that should shut up all those skeptics and pessimists that popped out of the woodwork last week.

It’s looking like we are heading for second place in the NFC as the Saints still have yet to crap out that horseshoe that is stuck up their collective butts.

Finally it’s looking more and more like we will be facing GB in the Divisional round at home. How awesome would that be to beat them 3x in one season!

Skol Vikings!

by EasternVike on Dec 13, 2009 4:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Are you serious?

we will be facing GB in the Divisional round at home.

Is this confirmed? Please say no.

There couldn’t be a worse senario than facing the red-hot revenge-minded Packers in the playoffs. If that doesn’t spell imminent doom, I don’t know what does.

I’m not necessarily saying we’d lose, but serious WHAT IF WE DID!

by Jayrome007 on Dec 14, 2009 5:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

OMiG! WHAT IF WE LOSE?!?!?!

Jay! We just beat the Bengals, one of the top-seeds on the AFC side of the February equation, and it wasn’t a squeaker; it was resounding. We thumped ’em and did it in a professional fashion.

What are you freaking out about?

If the Vikings get to the playoffs, and lose, it’s going to suck. I know this because I was a Viking fan last year, and guess what… IT SUCKED! Yes, it did. But it was survivable, and here we are again :)

No need to panic, or freak out, or worry about the Packers that much. One game at a time, although I would like to mention one little detail…. Rodgers probably still wakes up at night in a cold sweat, remembering all his time on his back, beneath a thousand pounds of Purple, the last time they played the Vikings…. and the time before that… Jared Allen and Ray Edwards have his number.

Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!

by DCPurple on Dec 14, 2009 7:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you're not understanding my point

…either that or you don’t have any Packer fans as friends/family/coworkers.

Losing hurts regardless of who its to, I get that. And I also get that no matter who you lose to there will be another game someday and football will go on (until after 2011). Everybody but one team is done eventually. But my point was that losing to the Packers in the playoffs would bring upon us the most insurmountable grief and shame that I have ever felt as I Vikings fan due, not just to the loss, but the verbal and emotional abuse I would take at the hands of my hated rival fans.

I’m assuming your name implies you live in Wash DC. In that case, Im not sure you can relate to the type of pain the local Cheeseheads in this region can disperse. It would basically make going to work, family gatherings, the bar, ect almost intollerable for the next year. Be glad you don’t have to experience this.

by Jayrome007 on Dec 14, 2009 10:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Most likely scenario

is either we’ll play the eagles or the cardinals. I’d prefer the Eagles, I just don’t think they’re that good of a team. Cardinals have the personnell to steamroll us, and the packers are on fire, and seemed to have fixed their atrocious problems with the Offensive Line.

I’m not worried, it’s too far off to think about. I’m just hoping we win out the season so we can go into the playoffs with the most confidence, while having 2 weeks to rest and prepare.

I’m more worried about the Saints than any team. They keep winning games they should lose. That’s scary.

by cdubs on Dec 14, 2009 10:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Vikes cant loose to the pack so dont worry

You think that pack are “red hot”? they have not played a decent team since we beat them and they lost to TB!! They do not have the talent on their team to compete with the vikings as shown in the previous 2 games… they were not flukes…

by supertrooper15 on Dec 14, 2009 12:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually

They beat the Cowboys and Ravens, whom I would consider at least formidable.

by Jayrome007 on Dec 15, 2009 11:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just think of how sweet winning would be

because that is far more likely than losing. The Vikings are a better team than the Packers and they match up well against the Packers.

by ckb on Dec 14, 2009 1:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

True, winning versus them would be twice as sweet as anybody else. But unlike Packer fans, most of whom have absolutely nothing else in their lives, we Vikings fans usually exhibit better sportsmanship. For the most part, I and other Viking fans I know completely avoid the trash talk when we can. We like to rise above such petty banter. But, like the bully on the playground, the name calling and repeated teasing still hurts no matter how hard we ignore it.

by Jayrome007 on Dec 14, 2009 3:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You'd always have that playoff win

as a defense against Packer fan trash talkers.

The Vikings would be 2-0 in the playoffs against the Packers and Brett Favre would be 3-0 versus the Packers, including ending their season.

You could use that forever.

by ckb on Dec 14, 2009 4:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agree

Just having Brett Favre and having a better season than the packers is gold! They HATE seeing him be successful. I don’t get it, they pushed him out the door. They can blame TT and the administration all they want, but they were interviewing all those dumbass fans on the news when it was going on and they were all saying “Brett Favre it’s time to move on, Aaron Rodgers era has begun”.

And yes, that 2003 playoff win when it was freezing cold out and Culpepper hit Moss deep for a TD that was soon followed by the “Mooning Incident”. I will hold that forever.

However, that “we have a ring and you don’t” will always be the trump card, and hopefully after this year we can declare supremacy of all time over the NFC North.

by cdubs on Dec 14, 2009 4:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Excellent point

Maybe the risk would be worth it. You’re right. The trump card we’d have would pretty much never run out.

2023, after the Packers beat us in a game: “Ya, but remember 2009? I do. Let me remind you how that ended for your team….”

by Jayrome007 on Dec 14, 2009 6:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Disagree

I’m a prick, I’m a viking fan, I talk more smack than anyone I know, but only when my team has the ability to back it up

by cdubs on Dec 14, 2009 4:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Losing to Packers

Jayrome- I agree with you, losing to the Pack would nullify everything good from this season. I could handle a loss to any other team but not the Pack. Remember how great the playoff win at Lambeau was in 2004 when we were 8 and 8 and Randy Moss mooned the crowd? Well if we lost at home to the Pack it would suck worse than losing to the pathetic Cardinals in 2003 and giving the Pack the division and missing the playoffs.

You also bring up a good point that few other football fans can understand. Minneapolis has the misfortune of being only 1/2 hour from WI. We are overrun with Pack fans. And while they may be friends and family we otherwise love, they are still Packer fans and their crap can be tough to swollow. No other NFL city is so populated by a bitter rival’s fans, not even Chicago (cheeseheads in SE WI can work in Milwaukee, Pack fans in Western WI can work where? River Falls? Hudson? Amory?). Only Viking fans can truly appreciate what it is like to have daily contact with so many rival fans (friends, yes, but still rivals). How many New Yorkers live in Dallas? Does anybody from Oakland live in Kansas City or Denver? Why would anybody from Boston move to New York or Buffalo? Anyway, you get my point. That is why I was so glad to see Brett Favre come to MN. Even if he didn’t play well, it would irk Packer fans and that is enough for me. Skol.

by kissimmeeviking on Dec 14, 2009 10:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That is why I was so glad to see Brett Favre come to MN. Even if he didn’t play well, it would irk Packer fans and that is enough for me.

I totally can understand why that hurts so much for the Pack. With such a closely related fan base, its like sleeping with your brothers ex-wife.

And as you said, I don’t think any other team can relate to that in the same way. Sure, it sucked to see Emmitt Smith play for the Cardinals, but seriously how many Cowboy fans ever had to interact with Cardinal fans after that decision?

Can anybody else think of a pair of rival teams that have fans as closely related as Packers-Vikings?

by Jayrome007 on Dec 15, 2009 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Winfield was amazing and the entire defense was laying wood. If you had a dollar for every time Dierdorf said “let’s take another listen to that hit…” you’d have like 7 bucks. At any rate, the Vikings defenders were cued up and keyed in this afternoon.

Childress summed up last weeks defeat rather well, they were simply out tempo’d. This week, you seen the difference in effort and Cincy just wasn’t up for it.

by LoveHate on Dec 13, 2009 4:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

My only concern

was the emotional fallout from losing EJ. Yeah, about that…

Great way for Brinkley to step up, Winfield to tell everyone that they will respect his authority, and the overall dominance the Vikings have displayed for most of the season.

Very satisfying win. Skol!

"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

by MilCardFan on Dec 13, 2009 4:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This should fit the bill!

"If you're gonna shoot, shoot, don't talk."
"You men are only risking your lives, while I am risking an almost-certain Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor!"
"We have clearance Clarence. Roger Rodger, what's our vector Victor?"

by VikesFaninNM on Dec 13, 2009 5:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Can hardly wait to download this game.....

As usual this season, was a pleasure to “listen in” and contribute here on DN….really makes the games a lot more fun to “watch”, and keeps me sorta up to date as it happens (NFL.com and yahoo gamechannel are always behind/hang/drop with the inet service here and inevitably during Vikings games happens – when I REALLY need it!!

I really enjoyed the game tonight (today for most of you), and do think from what I have ben able to glean from info to now, that we bounced back rather nicely from last week….This team has so many weapons in all aspects of their game, and even when injuries or a bad L strike, can bring them to bear, as they did tonight, and win decisively…

Can you imagine what it will be like if we manage to get ALL the pieces on the field at one time and get them clicking in stride? We got that W tonight without Harvin, EJ, Favre being average (which is enough!), etc. As I had hoped AD (and CT) both had big days….Winfield coming back was also a boon tonight as mentioned in Anthony’s post….

Looking forward to Carolina….Is it Sunday yet? Ooops, it is Sunday, but have to wait ’til NEXT Sunday…..My bad (and Vikings GOOD!)…SKOL Fellow Viking Fans…..I raise my figurative skull cup filled to the brim with coffee (?? boooooooo – no beer ???) over here to the Vikings and to the fans here on DN!

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 Dec 13, 2009 4:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Great game by the entire secondary. The pass rush was again a bit inconsistent (it seems if they don’t get going early, they don’t really get going much at all), but there were several examples where Palmer just didn’t have anywhere to go. Winfield was fantastic, Griffen made some plays and was matched up with Ochocinco (who was fairly quiet) most of the day, Madieu Williams broke up a pass and actually tackled, and Sanford was making tackles as well. Nothing spectacular, but solid, and he’s got some fiestiness to him. I like him.

Good game by the Cincy DBs, as well. That’s a good CB tandem they have. Paul Allen’s stated a couple times the Vikings would’ve drafted Leon Hall (over Darrelle Revis) had AP not been on the board in 2007. Second straight week where Minny’s receivers had trouble separating against aggressive man cover corners. Missing Harvin didn’t help, though.

by jianfu on Dec 13, 2009 4:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Cincy CBs

That’s a good CB tandem they have.

That other guy they have (Jonathan Joseph) is amazing! There were multiple times in the game where i was screaming pass interference only to see the replays and find out he just had the most perfect coverage possible. You can tell we lack explosiveness without Percy which hurts more than I thought it would. What happened to Berrain’s speed? 20 ypc last year? Sure doesn’t seem like it.

by Jayrome007 on Dec 14, 2009 5:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Berrian

What happened to Berrain’s speed? 20 ypc last year? Sure doesn’t seem like it.

Watch Berrian closely and you’ll see he doesn’t have much speed. He’s a technical WR, he gets his separation by taking advantage of the mistakes that the other side makes. He’s never had break-away speed, but he does maximize the use of what he has.

by DCPurple on Dec 14, 2009 7:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In that case, was he ever really worth all the money? People shouldnt get paid for being good at being lucky. I hope you’re wrong but I can’t necessarily say you are.

by Jayrome007 on Dec 14, 2009 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

At the time

we needed a number 1 reciever. Berrian was the best available at a reasonable price. He’s not an excellent #1 WR, but I think he fits the #1 spot well. He’s versatile in catching deep balls, and can be solid possession receiver on quick slants and WR screens. He also blocks well downfield, which is essential to our successful power run game.

WR are overpaid as a position overall. Look at how much Housh got in Seattle? What has he done? He’s a fantasy bust is what he is. Sure Hasselbeck has sucked and been hurt, but Housh can’t get open to save his life.

Berrian was a good deal. He’s still young and could get better after playing a season with Favre. Look at Sidney and Percy and the steps they’ve made since playing with Favre. Berrian has been injured, he’ll come around.

by cdubs on Dec 14, 2009 10:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He does have break-away speed, when 100%

Berrian runs a sub 4.4 40 yard dash. He has had lingering hamstring problems this year and has had a few more drops than the other receivers. Sidney can out-jump anyone and has better hands than Bernard, so Favre has decided when going deep to go to Rice.

Bernard, Percy and AP oh my!

by VikesPma on Dec 14, 2009 4:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jamarca Sanford

I have not been impressed with Madieu Williams at all since his arrival. I guess there was a reason I had not heard of him until the Vikings singed him (for way too much money). Unfortunately, Williams’ ineptitude and Terrell Johnson’s inexperience may force us to draft a safety earlier than anticipated in the upcoming draft (what the hell happened to Darren Sharper this year? If he had shown even a hint of this last year, we would have resigned him.)
I also agree that there is something about Jamarca Sanford I like. Maybe it is because he is a 7th round pick and is 2nd string. Not bad. Also, you may not have noticed it but in the Arizona game, but when the Cards returned the punt to the 2 yard line, Jamarca missed a tackle on the return and then hustled down the field and made the tackle at the 2. In the whole scheme of things, the Cards scored on the next play but Sanford didn’t give up on the play and made a nice tackle and showed a lot of heart. This explains why he is a 7th round pick and is 2nd string instead of not in the NFL. Nice game Jamarca! Keep up the good work.

by kissimmeeviking on Dec 14, 2009 10:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And to think

Some said the bottom was going to fall out! Watched the game down the street at my favorite watering hole. Other then the usual slow 1st Quarter and Favre mistake, things started to look their old selves towards the end of the 2nd. They did their work and didn’t resemble the team that sputtered and fell asleep last week. Good job to Brinkley and Winfield for not only his return, but some of the good plays he did! On to Carolina next!

by VikesFaninNM on Dec 13, 2009 5:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Post-Game Press Conference

They never showed any interviews on NFL Network this week – anybody know a place where you can watch those post-game interviews?

by mjmrad on Dec 13, 2009 5:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

vikings.com posts them

Here’s the link

"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

by MilCardFan on Dec 13, 2009 5:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you!

by mjmrad on Dec 13, 2009 5:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hi, love the quote by Visanthe. Is that in a presser that can be watched somewhere?

by Markmc on Dec 13, 2009 6:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I checked NFL.com and they had almost every press conference, but NOT this one!

by mjmrad on Dec 13, 2009 5:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Posted an hour ago

I’m watching it now while posting.

"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

by MilCardFan on Dec 13, 2009 5:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you!

by mjmrad on Dec 13, 2009 5:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hi

Andy From East Texas Just saying skol vikings since 1998.AP, Favre, Defense, everyon did a hell of a job. now it`s time to kill my best friends team. The Panthers

by TexasVikingFan on Dec 13, 2009 5:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

My parents live in NC

They’ve always been like a 2nd favorite ever since they came into the league in 95, but I won’t be cheering for them next week (obviously)

by mjmrad on Dec 13, 2009 5:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kill the Panthers will be there that game

I’m hoping to make a sign that will put AZF’s to shame..

by Grime on Dec 14, 2009 8:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Go For It!!

that’s awesome.

I BELIEVE...

by ArizonaVikingsFan on Dec 14, 2009 11:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Congrats to the Vikings!

It was great to see them playing well again today and adding another victory to the win column!

by MissButterfly on Dec 13, 2009 6:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

good game

the vikings simply outplayed my bengals today. it was frustrating and heartbreaking, but i take nothing away from your team. i have always liked the vikings and despite the loss today, i still have no qualms with them. good luck and hopefully we’ll see you in the superbowl. and hopefully we’ll have our passing offense figured out by then.

by brandone on Dec 13, 2009 6:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

The Bengals secondary is really first rate. Coming to the Metrodome, falling behind, and having to pass is not any easier a challenge for the Bengals than the Vikings had in going to Arizona last week and doing the same. Good luck in the playoffs.

by Elgar on Dec 13, 2009 7:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Real Classy

The Bengals were very classy in that game. Ocho didn’t lose any money (with his crazy sense of humor, I missed that to be honest).
The way they shutdown after the game was obviously over and not try to get those last 5 of 6 yards to stop the Vikings streak of 35 games without a 100 yrd rusher was well appreciated. The Vikings in turn sat AP down with 97 yds. Classy on both sides.
I’m glad you guys are back, you got screwed by the Steelers a couple years back in the playoffs when they intentionally went low on C. Palmer to take him out of the game.
Can we come to some trade terms on Joseph….lol :)

by midnightwonder on Dec 14, 2009 5:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+10

I also really appreciated the fact that both the Bengals and the Vikings, when it was obvious that the game was over, decided not to risk getting anyone hurt in the final couple minutes. Smart play on both sides.

by DCPurple on Dec 14, 2009 7:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm just glad you're better than the steelers

this year and will win that division. I’m sick of the media overhyping the steelers and it’s nice to see smaller market teams make a run. Good luck in the playoffs. IF anything, you guys have a solid young team and will be good for a number of years, as long as half your roster stays out of jail.

by cdubs on Dec 14, 2009 11:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Great game

This could of been a turning point to the worst if we had lost. Instead we prevailed like……hmmmmmmm VIKINGS. Skol Vikes.

If you can get your hands on the ball you should be able to catch it no matter what!

by Jimemort on Dec 13, 2009 7:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This was a hugh win...

Welcome back Antoine…What a game for number twenty six…Did you see that hit right before the half. The guy is money! Those three points before the half were all his. Jasper had a good first game. he was around the ball a lot but that Benson breakaway in the third quarter was Brinkley’s big mistake. Jasper should have been in that hole…Great game on the offensive side as well…Peterson had a solid game with a buck thirty seven and two TD’s( I predicted 175 and 3 TD’s, but maybe next week.) The old man didn’t have to throw much which was good, yet that shot he took by Tank Johnson looked painful…and the TD he threw to Rice was vintage Farve stepping up in the pocket and throwing a laser…Chester Taylor was definitely the hero of the game. That first drive in the third Quarter was crucial to the victory…Hats off to the Vikes great game…Can’t wait to see them next week in Carolina…Go Vikes!!!

by Dr Fix on Dec 13, 2009 7:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Definition of great

Great game on the offensive side as well

great: Unusual or considerable in degree, power, intensity. Of extraordinary powers; having unusual merit; very admirable.

decent: conforming to the recognized standard of propriety. Adequate; fair; passable.

Can we please learn the difference between “great” and “decent”? This game certainly didn’t feel like 30-10 if you asked me. We won, which is all you can ask for. But to label the output as great is pretty misleading. This would be a great game for the Bears. But for the Vikings I expect more.

by Jayrome007 on Dec 14, 2009 5:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ok mate

This is why it was great. Bengal have the #1 D in the NFL for points scored against. Scoring 30 points on them is huge. They had hge #1 Run defense in the NFL. Having AD run 97 yards on them is huge. Cedric is a monster we held him to under 100 yards and took Palmer completely out of the game.

For the Bears to do that wouldn’t be great it would be a fluke of nature. Like seeing a three finned whale or something. An anomoly.

Don’t make the mistake many people do of thinking the Bengals are an average team. They are a great team and beating them is an achievement. Scoring as much as we did on them is great by your definition.

by Grime on Dec 14, 2009 8:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jayrome007

You need to stop posting, eceryhitng you say is negative and dumb… please do us all a favor and just stop posting here. try the packer blog, i hear its nice

by supertrooper15 on Dec 14, 2009 12:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Serious?

Sorry if I offended you but I don’t see the problem here. I disagreed with someone. Does that deserve banishment? What kind of totalitarian regime are you trying to run here? Just because someone has the opposite opinion of you isn’t justification to silence them. At least I should hope it hasn’t come to that. I agree I can be a bit pessimistic at times, but that usually creates the best conversation. And I’m always willing to see the other side’s point of view and even change mine due to a convincing arguement. If you disagree with me, post your thoughts with a valid conclusion (like Grime did above) and I’ll be willing to listen.

by Jayrome007 on Dec 14, 2009 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would used

the Bears O-line parting the Dead Sea for Forte to run through.

"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 Dec 14, 2009 4:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The above was a reply to Grime,

"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 Dec 14, 2009 4:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think he had a bad game......Yes Favre struggled and was out of rhythm

…but let’s give credit where credit is due, the Bengals pash rush was stellar. They were coming after him all day, and he didn’t have much time to get the ball out of his hands.

by dsludo on Dec 13, 2009 8:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Oddly enough,

this is probably pretty much what we expected out of Favre when he was first signed. Pass the ball some, move the chains and hand off. This was the ‘upgrade at QB’ kind of game we were all hoping for. And nowadays this is a mediocre game for him at best.

by Migrant lurker on Dec 13, 2009 9:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

sadly...

we got spoiled with the big passing games.
Let’s just keep the wins coming!

GO VIKES!!

I BELIEVE...

by ArizonaVikingsFan on Dec 13, 2009 11:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Let's not count the old man out yet :)

He did better than last week, and he was missing Harvin in clutch situations this week. Two off weeks doesn’t constitute a break-down, and he’s still getting the job done.

That being said, it’s nice to be spoiled, to be reminded what it looks like with a bone-fide franchise QB at the helm :)

by DCPurple on Dec 14, 2009 7:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed...

I’ll take wins with less than 200yds passing or almost 400yds…
either way… as long as it’s a win!

I BELIEVE...

by ArizonaVikingsFan on Dec 14, 2009 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Favre's mobility

You know what really impressed me about Favre in the game? The way he seemlessly evaded pressure to at least attempt the throw on multiple occasions. In fact, had he decided to, I pretty sure he could have ran for 50 yards in this game. It was there in front of him multiple times. Amazing for a 40 year old.

by Jayrome007 on Dec 14, 2009 5:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I like that Favre

didn’t have a HUGE game. It brought us back to what this team is about: DEFENSE and RUNNING GAME. Favre has been amazing, and when teams focus on him and have the talent to stop him, he will try harder to overcome it. That’s not what this team needs.

Favre needs to take the backseat to this team and let Peterson drive the wheel and the defense to sit in the front seat with him. Favre is here to convert third downs and keep the ball out of the opposing defenses hands. If teams give him more, he’ll take it and make them pay. If he gets out of that zone then we’re in trouble. Favre knew his role yesterday, and in result we steamrolled a solid AFC team and defense.

by cdubs on Dec 14, 2009 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

right...

this is the part of the season where rushing offenses seem to (need to) take over.
Let us be thankful that we haven’t worn out AD yet… and that #4 is healthy going into mid-December!

I BELIEVE...

by ArizonaVikingsFan on Dec 14, 2009 11:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Did anyone else see...

Ragnar giving a signed Viking horn to Ochocinco?

From the only TRUE North division

by thewild_viking_twins on Dec 13, 2009 8:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Go figure

I missed that..
That would of been hilarious to see..

by Deek on Dec 13, 2009 11:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's cool he did that

All I saw was pics of Ragnar dancing around. It was…. not good….

by Grime on Dec 14, 2009 8:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Saw that Rythum...

A candidate for Dancing with the Stars (or whatever that show is called over there)?

LOL he was emoting folks…

In his defense I was dancing over here too….

Course I wasn’t on national television…

A good thing BTW!

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 Dec 15, 2009 7:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Over-all game

I thought to myself, if we can put up more than 20 points in this game, the game should be ours. Bengals have never been a team to score a lot of points. They’ve only scored over 30 points a few times (GB Packers win, Chicago Bears win, etc.) The most points they have allowed all season was 28 points up until today. Today, they have allowed 30 points. Today, was the 2nd lowest points made by the Bengals. The Bengals opener versus the Broncos, they only scored 7 points, for a 7-12 loss.
So, surprisingly, maybe not enough credit has been given to our offense… We had an average Favre, who’s offense still put up 30 points against a team that rarely allows that much. We maybe giving too much credit to a defense that still played GREAT!, but allowed 10 points to a team that normally scores an average around 18..

Favre didn’t have Harvin to throw to. I think that is why we saw more of our running game. The Bengals did a great job covering our receivers (sometimes too well). A lot of pressure was given to Favre, which the pressure may have been the reason for that 1 pick. He looked like he was about to get DRILLED hard prior to that throw. Could of been an easy last-second mistake. I think the way our offense played this week, is how the offense should of played last week. When Favre is average, let the running game win it all. Mix it up more with Taylor/Peterson. Even Harvin seems to like to run like a running back, he could easily have been mixed into the mix last week.

Crazy & unexpected. Big 3rd down conversion by Favre by taking a QB sneak. He must of figured, I’m getting hit hard anyways, may as well go for a QB sneak. I laughed pretty hard when I saw that he did a QB sneak. Was that his first of the whole season?

Next up: Panthers! They are 5-8, who just lost to a Patriots by 10 points. They have only beaten some of the low-end teams (Bucaneers twice, Redskins once, Falcons once, and here’s the surprise – They beat the Cardinals) They may have a poor record, but they have beaten an average team (Falcons), and a good team (Cards)
They finished their 2008 season at the top of the division, so they can not be over looked. — Their playoff chances are gone, but that could mean a trap game.

We didn’t do good last Sunday night for Sunday Night Football, but maybe this coming Sunday will be different.

I see our team going an easy 14-2, but we could go 13-3 choosing to start 2nd stringers for the NY Giant games if our #2 seed is secure.

by Deek on Dec 13, 2009 11:23 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

I’m not giving up hope that NO lays an egg against Dallas and Carolina

by mjmrad on Dec 14, 2009 12:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Favre's sneak

Big 3rd down conversion by Favre by taking a QB sneak. He must of figured, I’m getting hit hard anyways, may as well go for a QB sneak.

Do you think it was planned? Or did he totally just add-lib it? I couldn’t tell from the replays because that hole was just to huge to happen by accident.

by Jayrome007 on Dec 14, 2009 5:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I read...

that he audibled into the sneak… the Defense went ‘wide’…
In his post-game interview… he said only he and the lineman knew it was coming.

The audible was “Peter, Peter, Peter”. (which reminds me of an old joke… ‘I can see your house from here’)

GO VIKES!!

I BELIEVE...

by ArizonaVikingsFan on Dec 14, 2009 11:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Panters almost beat Saints

in New Orleans. I believe the big difference maker was a botched handoff on the goal line by Delhomme, then some penalties and a sack that brought them out to settle for a field goal. That ended up turning the game in the Saints favor. That game, along with the Rams, is reason enough that the Saints aren’t immortal and can be defeated, if a good team doesn’t make mistakes. Look at Washington, a handful of the saints wins have been off the mistakes made by the other teams, i.e. missed chip shot field goals.

Can someone say 2006 Bears? That what the saints remind me of…

by cdubs on Dec 14, 2009 11:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Saints Go 17-0 ?

I certainly hope so. We’ll be a nice surprise for them—we own The Superdome!

by tofu on Dec 14, 2009 8:03 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

CEDRIC GRIFFIN, FOR "NFL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK!"

Ochochinco, has a broken nose, courtesy of the hit (unintentional) by Cedric Benson! I have mailed a "Thank You!’ card to Cedric, c/o the Minnesota Vikings mailing Headquarters address. I hope everyone who has a fond dislike of “Ochochinco”, does the same!

~Parnelli

Everyone we meet in life give us happiness, some by their arrival, others by their departure!

by Parnelli on Dec 14, 2009 9:42 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Dude c'mon

Have you ever had a broken nose? It hurts like a bitch and there’s a chance it’ll never be straight again. BTW, Cedric Benson didn’t hit him in the nose, instead he almost had 100 yds rushing. Griffin was the one and although Chad was upset when it happened, he made amends afterwards.

Chad is just trying to bring some spark to the game, he’s not a jerk, everyone in the league likes Chad, and he’s an incredibly hard worker.

I’m sure if Cedric Griffin gets your card he’ll throw it away in disgust of the lack of class a fan of his team has for the game and other players. Have some respect. It’s not like the guy threatened your family.

by cdubs on Dec 14, 2009 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

chad got wat was comin to him

after all the years of showing up defensive backs with that crap in his locker and all the other antics you may find them fun some that are ‘’on the field’’ are but his other crap is a circus glad he got his head knocked off if he was a real man he wouldn’t get up and act like he’s gonna do something do it or sit your but with the rest of team.great win for vikes skol

by clinton p on Dec 14, 2009 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You're an embarassment

Your comment is so out of place it stopped making sense when you totally disregarded using complete sentences.

What has he seriously done that warrants a broken nose? What specific act makes it justified that he and anyone else who does the same should have a bone broken in their face? He played football, that’s his only responsibility, nothing he did previous warranted a “got what he deserved” comment.

Secondly, GRIFFIN DIDNT EVEN DO IT ON PURPOSE! You jackasses are saying “yeah good job Cedric for hurting him, yeah, skol vikes, hurt people!” when Cedric didn’t even try to do it and apologized to the guy for it the play after. Tools like you make me embarrassed to be a Viking fan.

However I do have to thank you, reading posts like yours from Minnesotans remind me why I left that god-forsaken state and all the idiots who reside in it while electing psychopaths as senators with 2 billion dollar surpluses.

by cdubs on Dec 14, 2009 4:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you about Ochocinco not deserving a broken nose

However I do have to thank you, reading posts like yours from Minnesotans remind me why I left that god-forsaken state and all the idiots who reside in it while electing psychopaths as senators with 2 billion dollar surpluses

But good riddance to bad rubbish. I hope you stay out of MN too.

"Is it normal to wake up in the morning in a sweat because you can't wait to beat another human's guts out?" -Joe Kapp

by less cowbell, more 'neau on Dec 14, 2009 5:12 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

+1

I left the state as well. But good god man – “that god-forsaken state and all the idiots who reside in it?” What the hell dude? Show some respect. Personally, I believe totally differently than you. MN is a wonderful place. My own home is a great place as well. Granted, in Idaho, we don’t elect “psychopaths as senators with 2 billion dollar surpluses.” But we do elect toe-tapped senators who frequent the MN airport. So we have that going for us.

Regardless cdubs, your comment was classless. I understand the point you were trying to make about Griffin, but you took it way too far.

by Knut on Dec 14, 2009 10:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Watch yourself Cdubs!

I dont’ have a problem with Ochocinco either. I think he is a quailty player and his antics are funny and not harmful. You do make some good points and I also do not wish a broken nose on anybody. However, I have lived in many places in the US and visited many countries and Minnesotans are stil some of my favorite people. Don’t lump everybody in MN with some irresponsible comments on a Viking blog. Maybe some recent elections have been questionable and our current fiscal situation is not the best, but MN residents are still far above par in comparison to most other places in the country. Just out of curiosity, where do you live? I live in central Florida and, other than the winters, I miss MN but my wife is from FL. Take care.

by kissimmeeviking on Dec 14, 2009 11:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I have lived in many places in the world...

Minnesotans rank up there with the best! In fact I rank them best of Mid-west….But all people from that part of the world (to include Ontario and Manitoba) are AOK in my book….

As far as living in that part of the world….Other than the weather (kinda cool that you survived the winters and mosquitos and lived to talk about it lol, BUT…) is also one of the best places in the world…but weather is also part of the mystique….

As I get older, I find myself asking where will be the final years spent (I only have another 53 or so I figure)….I am gravitating towards a return to MN believe it or not….Of course, I would probably have to return to International Falls vicinity, somewhere on Rainy Lake shoreline….

Back to my roots, near Bronko Nagurski land, on the lake, good fishing, loons, and scenery to boot….Why not, full circle….and of course Vikings games on Fall Sundays in the local watering hole….

Yep can see this coming…..

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 Dec 15, 2009 7:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Whatever you say

I lived in the twin cities for 23 years of my life. I believe I had a good childhood, but the state really has nothing to offer to young single ambitious men. If you’re married with kids, there’s good school and “nice people” around. That’s about it. In my mind, it doesn’t outweigh the harsh weather conditions and the political atmosphere. Too many clowns come through that state in politics (Ventura, Franken, Wellstone RIP no disrespect).

Maybe I was a little over the top, but from living in Chicago the last 4 years I’ve just seen a different side to Minnesotans that I’m seriously disliking and makes me embarrased that I’m from there. From fans abandoning emotionally on a 11-2 team after a loss, to the naive and unfounded opinions of Parnelli and Clinton P that make me realize Minnesota isn’t the best place on earth, nor are the people above anyone else. It’s a great place to live and raise a family, but it doesn’t even rank top in the midwest in my eyes. It’s no better than anywhere else in America. That’s my opinion.

by cdubs on Dec 15, 2009 8:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey cdubs....

One of the many great things about USA is that we all have the opportunity to make choices….Having these choices myself, I have chosen to live outside the states for most of my adult life….

I am not alone but fall into what I would consider to be a minority group of North American mid-westerners who have chosen this path…there are/have been some out here I have known from all areas of the mid-west to include Chi-town…

In every physical area I have been/worked in/visited, there were those from that region I chose not to associate myself with….whether while in the military, in Germany/EU, virtually every country in the ME/Dubai, Asia (many countries) or other less savory areas such as Albania/Balkans, portions of Africa, Iraq,or Afghanistan…

Because life is more than location or teams/sport/political icons (social web is probably more important at least for me), I gravitate to hanging whereever I am with similar-minded individuals…and shy away from those that are on the fringe of my comfort zone…but…

Personally, I am reluctant to make generalizing statements about any one sector/region/people/culture/political system in most places/anyplace….because when I do, inevitably there will be that one instance that proves me wrong….

Best places to live for me have to include the consideration of family, outdoor life, and social networking….MN will fit best for some not for others….as Dubai fits for some not all…BUT, again USA is a place where almost anything goes, so you are certainly entitled to your opinion…

Just a suggestion – try not to condemn an entire area for your individual experiences good or bad….Is like me…I forgive Wisconsinites for their grave error of supporting Green Bay….There have been some this year that have seen their errors and are converts…so there is always hope lol…

Guess with all this meandering what I am trying to say is that Minnesota is a place on this earth, unique with pluses and minuses as everywhere (beer there not as good as in Germany IMO for instance)….each of us makes the choice and can live with that or change as we see fit….Still like the Vikes best though, always will, and MN same for me…

Cheers!

Oh yes, here’s to enjoying the rest of the NFL season (Dave lifts coffee cup in salutation)!

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 Dec 15, 2009 9:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

cdubs

Are you trying to tell us that “Chicago politics” are a role model for the rest of the country?

"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 Dec 15, 2009 12:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Obama

Grew up here and was an IL Senator before President, so it must be a good political place, right?

Serious answer: the whole government sucks anyway, no matter what state you’re in. At least Chicago doesn’t let their sports teams walk away and then regret it 10 years later.

by cdubs on Dec 15, 2009 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Two words

Rod Blagojevich.

"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 Dec 15, 2009 5:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

At least they impeached him

You let The Body serve his full term and make a joke out of the office

by cdubs on Dec 16, 2009 8:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Fair enough.

We have a long history of clowns, you have a long history of criminals. I just saying. I’d take the hunting, fishing, camping and snowmobiling in Minnesota over Illinois, any day of the week. That’s a big reason why we like it here.

"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 Dec 16, 2009 10:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's all about what you like to do

I’ve never hunted or snowmobiled in my 23 years in MN. I’ve been fishing many times and camping only a couple. I was never introduced very much into those things. MN is definately the place for that, but for sports, social clubs, art culture, food, and business opportunity, Chicago wins hands down. It’s too big of a city, MN is too outmatched.

I will say this: I’ll take MN negative temps over Chicago’s wind chill any day of the week.

by cdubs on Dec 17, 2009 9:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Guess I cannot keep the Cedric Straight

I do not know how I got the typo, GIGO “Garbage In Garbage Out”, my keyboard is on the fritz lately, from all the postings, and my “Speel Chex” and “Nooked on Phoenix” programs have worms. But a Viking win, makes my day!

“Nobody ever learns anything new, by getting it right the first time!”

~Parnelli
Bless them all the long the short and tall, bless our instructors those sons-of-great men who’d have us do it all over again…..

Everyone we meet in life give us happiness, some by their arrival, others by their departure!

by Parnelli on Dec 14, 2009 6:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

cdubs...please don't be a sore loser

Chad (Ochocinco) Johnson is a big joke and an embarrassment to any professional sport. His adopted name tells the whole story. I don’t find any of his on-field circus acts amusing at all. The idiot should concentrate more on catching the balls and making plays, after all, that’s what the Bengals organization and the good people of Cincinnati paid him to do.

I’m sorry you left the great state of Minnesota in a bitter taste (for whatever your personal reasons were). I hope you paid all your taxes while you were there. I left the Twin Cities and moved to San Francisco, Ca. some twenty years ago. Although, I love it here I’ve made return visits as time permits.

The Vikings are having a great run, even with a few losses, thanks in large to the Wilfs’ family and their dedication to running a successful franchise. I wish everyone a safe and Happy Holidays………Go Vikes!

by tofu on Dec 15, 2009 1:03 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm a vikings fan

How am I a sore loser? I won…

by cdubs on Dec 15, 2009 8:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dont worry about the pack

They are a fraud in every sense. As a fan on a self imposed vaction from the team I can tell you they are not as good as this win streak might show. They havn’t played a good team since the viks and they have not fixed their problems as it ight seem. Dallas and the Ravens are not playing very well and those wins do not answer the questions about that team. The only thing that has been made clear is that they most likely will be in the palyoffs-thats it. They will get thumped in the first round, and if they some how pull out a win and face the vikings it will be destroyed.

by angryguy77 on Dec 15, 2009 11:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs