Arizona's Loss is Truly Minnesota's Gain
by Christopher Gates on Dec 15, 2009 7:18 AM CST
in Minnesota Vikings 2009 Season
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PrintWith a playoff spot already assured and focus now set on a first-round playoff bye, the Vikings got a pleasant surprise last night when the San Francisco 49ers forced seven Arizona turnovers last night en route to defeating the Cardinals 24-9 on Monday Night Football. This loss was big in the race for the #2 seed in the NFC as far as the Vikings are concerned. How so? Here's a breakdown of the playoff contenders as they currently sit.
|
|
Current Record |
Conference Record |
Games Left |
|
(1) New Orleans |
13-0 |
9-0 |
DAL, TB, @ CAR |
|
(2) Minnesota |
11-2 |
8-1 |
@ CAR, @ CHI, NYG |
|
(3) Philadelphia |
9-4 |
8-2 |
SF, DEN, @ DAL |
|
(4) Arizona |
8-5 |
6-3 |
@ DET, STL, GB |
|
(5) Green Bay |
9-4 |
7-3 |
@ PIT, SEA, @ ARI |
|
(6) Dallas |
8-5 |
6-3 |
@ NO, @ WAS, PHI |
|
(7) N.Y. Giants |
7-6 |
5-4 |
@ WAS, CAR, @ MIN |
|
(8) Atlanta |
6-7 |
5-6 |
@ NYJ, BUF, @ TB |
|
(9) San Francisco |
6-7 |
5-4 |
@ PHI, DET, @ STL |
What Arizona's loss does for Minnesota in terms of the post-season seeding race is puts them one step closer to the all-important #2 seed. The Cardinals would hold a head-to-head advantage over the Vikings for that spot because of their victory last week, but the only way that scenario plays out now is if Minnesota loses their last three games and Arizona runs the table from here on out. One more Minnesota victory will also officially lock up the NFC North for the Vikings, and we could know whether or not the Vikes are division champions before they take the field on Sunday night, as the Packers will have already finished their game with Pittsburgh prior to that.
It appears that the team the Vikings need to be the most concerned with right now is the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are two games behind Minnesota in terms of overall record, and the first tie-breaker is conference record. While Minnesota is done with the AFC and has only conference games remaining, the Eagles have two NFC games sandwiched around an inter-conference matchup with the Denver Broncos to finish their schedule.
Based on those numbers, the Vikings have a "magic number" of 2 for the second seed in the NFC playoffs, which means that any combination of Minnesota wins and Philadelphia losses that adds up to two. . .whether it's two Viking victories, two Eagle losses, or one of each. . .will give the Vikings the first-round bye they're looking for.
Obviously, the easiest way to go about this is to beat Carolina and Chicago in the next two weeks and not have to worry about what Philadelphia is doing. Granted, the Panthers and Bears are both teams that the Vikings should beat, but both of those games are on the road, and the weather isn't projected to be terribly good. . .the temperature at kickoff in Charlotte is forecast to be in the lower 40s/upper 30s and getting colder as the night progresses, and I don't even want to speculate about what the temperatures at Chicago are going to look like at kickoff. But both of those games are eminently winnable for the Vikings, and could render the Week 17 matchup against the Giants moot. This is good because, really, do you want to rely on the Dallas Cowboys beating Philly in the season finale to secure that #2 spot for Minnesota? Given recent history. . .I sure don't.
But as it stands now, the Vikings are on the verge of being able to give their players some significant rest going into the post-season if they can take care of business and secure the NFC's second spot. So, a week after the meltdown in the desert, the Vikings are back on the right track and, hopefully, headed towards a week off and a home playoff game against a tired, weakened opponent.
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We are sitting in a very good position....
No doubt…
In fact I like this position better then the 98 season…
We can go in to the playoffs eyes wide open, less pressure…
I like our chances also against all likely opponents in ourcoming run….
The fun ain’t over fans, stay tuned!
GO VIKINGS!
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 7:36 AM CST reply actions
Yes we are more secure in #2 than we arleady were
FYI there is a thread already looking ahead to NFC playoff seedings and first two weeks’ matchups here
I dont know about that
In 98 we were the #1 seed and the 6 seeded Arizona Cardinals upset 3 seed Dallas, meaning Atlanta faced the winner of GB/SF. Had Dallas won, we would have played SF in the second round, and we all know that we never played well agains Steve Young
"We Szekelys have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-Bram Stoker
Hmmm
Be great if the Saints lost out, though highly, very highly improbable.
Yay us!!!!! I’ll be happy with 2nd seed!
Philly turned on the heat at the right time, scary team.
And the physcitzo Cards please step up! Why could this week been last week? grrrrr
Pack look pretty much in at this point. Got the O-line to calm down so now a viable threat since Rodgers isn’t getting face planted much anymore.
This is the contest for the playoffs, will Dallas continue to choke handing it over to the Giants? Will the Giants do another late season turn around and make a run in the playoffs? Of the two teams, Giants are the ones that folks should be really worried about. They seem to seethe for a little bit then bust out at the end. Proceed with caution.
"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?"
Eagles
People always wonder at the beginning of the season why I fear the Eagles so much. Something Reid does takes them from utterly average in the beginning of the season to butt kickers by the end. I’m not sure what it is but he does it every year… Now, he also has some kind of magic that will keep them from getting past the second round of the playoffs but, whatever.
As it stands I would like to play teams in this order: Dallas, Green Bay, Arizona and then if we must the Eagles. Of course the second game will be against the Saints and I’m more than happy to have Jared Allen knock that horseshoe out of Brees’s butt.
The Vikings haven't beaten the Eagles since 1997
The last Vikings victory over the Eagles came in 1997. Since then the Vikings have lost
The Vikings lost games to Philly in 2001, 2004, 2004, 2007, and 2008. Five losses in a row is enough.
by medicineball on Dec 15, 2009 9:53 AM CST up reply actions
Just means we're due for a victory :)
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!
My thoughts...
First, I think the Saints are a little overrated. Yes, they are a good team, but on many occassions, they should have lost (Some people say the same when it comes to the Vikings). They have a pretty explosive offense, and Bree’s is pretty accurate. Reminds me of our offense.. When I thought of the Bengals/Vikings game, I figure 2 things. If the Vikings could get over 20 points on the board, they will win… If the Vikings failed to get 20 points on the board, it will come down to who plays better defensively.
When I think about the Saints, I think about the game strat on how the Vikings would win. I think the idea would be to be successful on our drives, and move the chains consuming up a lot of offensive time. Run the ball frequently, and make sure to get a 7 over a 3. Hope for a few lucky 3 and outs on the Saints and continue to consume up the ball offensively. I think the winner of the game will come down to who has the ball in terms of possession the most.
Cardinals – they may have lost, but to give up 7 turns over and still only lose by that much is impressive. Cardinals beat themselves in my opinion. Not any particular phase could take the complete blame. Hmmm, reminds me of last week.. Maybe it was a disease that got passed onto the team.. Called the “No 1 plays good disease” -
I plan to watch to see how well the Steelers do vs. the Pack. 5 – game losing streak, Steelers need a win to not look pathetic.
Eagles will probably beat the 49ers. The 49ers just are not looking really good. They have a great run-game, and if they can get the running game going, should be impressive. They may lose to Dallas at the last game of the season.
I like how for Minnesota, we play in a 30-40 degree outside game a week prior to god knows how cold game. Gives a chance to basically prepare for the colder weather.
You know
they could just practice outside to prepare for cold weather. I’m pretty sure it’s about 50 degrees colder in Minn. right now then it’s ever going to be in Carolina.
Let's see..
Minnesota’s current zero & below to the 30s/40s
I’m sure either way they’ll try to practice up – but just saying game time is different.
They got the AZ Card game of working on slippering conditions. Hope they are better prepared this time around.
That Bears game could be really cold!!!
Let’s hope not.
So if the season ended today
(3) Philly would host (6) Dallas
and
(4) Arizona would host (5) GB
The lowest advancing seed would go on to play at NO, and the other would play at Minnesota.
Based on the way these teams are playing I would say that Philly beats Dallas and GB beats Arizona.
That would mean that we would host Philly in a rematch of last year and GB would face NO.
"We Szekelys have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-Bram Stoker
I want Philly to get the #6 seed
by loosing to Dallas so Philly can upset Dallas in the playoffs and go to NO. They look like a prime candidate to knock off the saints. That way Zona and GB play and we play the winner at the Dome. Then we have home field throughout.
by TheEvilProfessor on Dec 15, 2009 10:31 AM CST up reply actions
I would not want to play against GB
Losing to GB would be a horrible. Favre would certainly retire and the Pack would have the last laugh on this whole debacle.
by Vikes Superbowl Bound 2009 on Dec 15, 2009 3:19 PM CST up reply actions
I don't agree
I don’t see how they could possibly think they had the last laugh – for goodness sake’s the were SWEPT this season by our Vikes. Yeah, what we really care about is winning the SB but if they somehow defeated us, it’s not going to change the fact that we mopped the floor with them this year already. Those weiners.
With all that being said
Its going to come down to the last week because Dallas hosts Philly and GB plays at Arizona. Now Arizona will probably have the West locked up along with the 4 seed so they may rest players especially warner. Dallas will be playing for their playoff lives.
I see GB finishing 11-5 but no worse than 10-6 and securing the 5 seed. NYG has a chance to run the table, especially if we lock up #2 and rest players.
"We Szekelys have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-Bram Stoker
Crazy week to week
Home field does matter but the San Fran D played their best game of the season. Wells & Hightower have fumbling issues and the Niners capitalized. This game is why I have slowed betting on football. The Niners were do and playing at home but how do you bet against Arizona after last weeks game?
Bernard, Percy and AP oh my!
Nostradaumus...
Said the eagle would be denied. We’re obviously going to have to overcome Philly at some point.
by drew10 on Dec 15, 2009 1:30 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Someone on ESPN said that if we win this week we clinch the #2 seed. Not sure if that’s accurate or not…..since after all, this is ESPN we’re talking about.
I don't see how that's possible.
They would have to be saying we have the edge in tie-breakers, but that doesn’t look right to me.
We don’t have four common opponents, we could still end up with the same division record as the Eagles if we lost the following two games and the Eagles have lost two non-conference games of their 4, which is actually in their favor.
In any case, I’m not worried about us getting the bye. We will get it. I think I would rather see the Eagles finish ahead of the Cardinals. If the Cards end up playing the Saints in round two, then the possibilities are that they either beat the Saints and give us the conference final at home, or the Saints beat them and we don’t have to see them again. Either of those would be a positive from my perspective.
by Migrant lurker on Dec 15, 2009 2:30 PM CST up reply actions
We can clinch #2
If we beat Panthers and 49ers beat philly.
philly
a big part of phily game is jackson have winfield cover him he is young and fast but inexperienced for the big stage i think we could expose that they are a totally different team without westbrook since getting hit a few times and having a concussion he is scared and there d isn’t as stout as everbody thought it would be.i think this a different team and we are a different team than in the past.only team i have concern with is the saints really not to be cocky but the cards game was there when were at home it changes for some reason were dominant on defense but the saints we would have to go on the road.
This year's Eagles are not the same
team that beat us last year. Westbrook is out. Sunday night their secondary was pathetically non-physical. McNabb and Jackson are definitely studs, but I see us spankin that team hard in any post-season matchup this year. I confidently believe that this Vikings team will defeat any team we face if we bring our best game.
Last three games are the toughest
Because you don’t want any injuries, so you play with a little less aggressiveness. The other teams are playing at or above 100% (at Full Tilt) because they have nothing to lose. Similar to the Vikings/Giants game at the end of the season last year. The Giants didn’t want any injuries, so they let-up some. Which made the Vikings look pretty good, and allowed them to win the game.
This year we are on the other end of that scenario. Injuries now, COULD hurt this team more than anything else. The Vikings must play to win. Keep getting better week to week. That also, helps keep the tempo or rythem of the game up to speed.
That is why these last 3 games are the toughest.
Play to win, and keep the edge on the game plan. And hope nobody gets seriously hurt for the next 3 weeks.
I also think the Vikings can beat the Saints. And if they stay healthy, and keep getting better each week, they probably will beat everyone, and be in the Super-Bowl.
Start Back-ups!
For the NY Giants game.. Starts all the 3rd stringers & work our way backwards if any of them get injured. That way they will play 100% and get their reps in. Also will show if anyone has improved temendously over the year. And who should maybe move up the ladder.
not that it matters
IF NO loses two of three and we win out would we win the tie breaker? I do not see this happening, just wondering.
I think also winning all the reg season games may be a disadvantage. Loosing makes a team fix problems and become stronger for it. I believe our biggest problem right not is staying healthy or getting healthy.
it is better to be thought of as dumb then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Ben Franklin
by montana vikes fan on Dec 15, 2009 4:15 PM CST reply actions
I think so!
Otherwise they would have clinched the #1 Seed.
All they have done so far is clinch a 1st round bye.
So if we win out & they lose out, pretty sure, that means we would have the #1 seed.
If we win out & they lose 2.. Than I believe we fall to the strength of schedule scenario to determine the 1st seed.
We win the tiebreaker!
If we win out and NO loses 2 then we get the 1 seed as we would have a better conference record. N.O. only has conference games left to play. (cant see this scenario playing out but you never know)
by stratoscaster on Dec 15, 2009 5:25 PM CST up reply actions
Seems that
the chances are better that the Vikes overtake the Saints for the #1 seed than lose the #2 seed at this point.
For the record, I don’t think either will happen. #2 seed is better than I thought coming into the season, and I really don’t care who the Vikes see in the playoffs, they’re better than every team in the conference, save New Orleans, and I think the Vikes can beat them.
Although, the dream scenario of beat GB, beat undefeated NO, and then beat undefeated Indy is enticing. I think if that happens, you have to think that the 2009 Vikes go down as one of the five greatest teams of all time.
"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
Heavy, but not incorrect
is it?
"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
Would offer a great argument for decades to come....
No doubt….
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 7:57 PM CST up reply actions
Great Post Gonzo
Personally I am not intimidated by the chance of playing GB. I think we match up well against them and are actually “in their head”. I would much rather play them than Philly who I really think we will see in our 1st game.
The only reason I would not rather see GB
is because the Football Gods have shined on the Vikings and Brett Favre already, having beaten them twice, and fairly handily. I could see the Gods saying not three times and allowing Aaron Rodgers his chance for vengeance.
Or we’d beat ‘em 52-10. I’m not sure.
"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
Motivation is what Vikings need
Talents, team chemistry, offense, defense, special team, experience (Favre), we seem to have it all. My two concerns, if any, would be coaching and game motivation (sorry Chilly).
This year, I feel the Vikings are capable of beating anyone, anywhere (obviously cold weather won’t be a factor, comes playoffs), given the team is well prepared for.
That loss at Arizona was a prime example of how players were ineffective at their position—lack of desire to play smashmouth football the team capable of.
That’s where the head coach comes in. Brad Childress will be judged after the end of the season, if he fails short getting the Vikings their first Superbowl win.
I'm not afraid
It looks pretty damn likely that we’ll get this bye which is key. From there on out I don’t care who we play. Any team will do. We match up well against all of them and will beat who we need to beat to make the superbowl. They’re all scary in their own right, but the bottom line is you have to beat the best to be the best. I’m not interested in finding a way to back in to the superbowl. We’ve done enough backing in over the years. Lets go in the front door for a change!!
With you NYCVike
Lets hope for this & wish for that. Guys you become Champions by playing hard every game & kicking the butt of whoever they put in front of you. Of course having a higher seed never hurts but it all comes down to play. I want the Saints lose at least once because it will keep us hungry. If we have a shot at the #1 seed we will go after it. We can rest a week when we get our bye. Injuries are the only thing I’m concerned about. It’s part of the game & any Championship team will tell you that it takes a little luck to stay healthy. We lost E.J. which sucks but if we don’t lose anyone else I think we will be o.k. Skol Vikes.
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