Mojo Not Working
by Skol Girl on Sep 20, 2010 12:00 AM CDT
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The morning after the Minnesota Vikings lost to the New Orleans Saints, I found a new gray hair. Now, after the Vikings lost their home opener on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, I'm afraid to even look at my hair. I may just ignore the mirror altogether and go straight to making an appointment with my hairdresser. If the Vikings continue to play the way they have for the last two games, I'm going to need some serious all-over color to cover the damage.
While the Miami Dolphins are by no means a crappy team, it seemed like a safe bet to think the NFC North Champion Vikings could win on their home turf. And the crowd at Mall of America Field had every reason to believe that the Vikings would do it. After all, last year the Vikings were undefeated at home.
But Sunday, it was not to be. The Miami Dolphins beat the Minnesota Vikings 14 to 10 in Minnesota.
During the game I was flashing back to previous seasons, seasons when the Vikings didn't have an MVP quarterback, seasons when the Vikings defense had to pull the offense's butts out of the fire.
Join me after the jump for more about this ugly loss. Sorry, I should have tried to sell that better, but...I got nothin'.
Far from being the vaunted run-stuffing defense they have been in seasons past, the Vikings defense looked porous in the first half, instead allowing the Miami offense to set the tempo for the game. Somewhere along the way the Vikings defense stiffened up, severely limiting the Miami offense. But the Vikings offense never had a similar regrouping in a game where quarterback Brett Favre never seemed to get comfortable throwing the ball.
If he keeps throwing interceptions at his current rate, The FavreTM is going to be into double digits before the season reaches the half-point. There are different ways to win games, but I'm pretty sure no one is going to include throwing lots of interceptions into even the most renegade game plan ever conceived. Championship ball clubs win the turnover war.
Last season, the Vikings won all of their home games. Ideally, a team likes to win all their home games and at least half of their road games to set up a winning season and a championship run. Unless the Vikings offense discovers a previously unopened can of whoop-ass, that plan is beginning to look like giddy optimism.
We've made a big deal in the press about the Vikings having almost the exact same starting roster as they had last season when everything looked much more rosy and the Vikings were off to a winning start. But it would seem that having the same names on the roster doesn't mean the players are really the same. Yeah, I know that sounds like hair-splitting semantics, but hang with me for a second.
Brett Favre is a game changer. As he goes, so goes the team. It's for that very reason, that intangible something, that the Vikings did everything in their power to bring him back for a second season in Minnesota. But this time...well, it doesn't feel the same as it did in 2009.
Brett Favre doesn't seem to have the same optimism and sense of fun that he did heading into the 2009 season and starting out 0-2 won't help. Considering the disappointing way his tenure with the New York Jets ended, it wasn't going to take much for him to top his 2008 performance. But, not only did Favre top his 2008 performance in his first season as a Viking, he posted some of the best numbers of his entire 19-year career and came within one game of the Super Bowl. So, I can't help wondering if the pressure to repeat in season 20, when combined with his lack of reps with the starting offense, is draining The FavreTM of his mojo.
If it is, then it's a shame because if ever the Vikings could use a little of that intangible Farvian mojo, it's now. Star receiver Sidney Rice is out for weeks to come and the loss of Chester Taylor is still being felt. While Adrian Peterson is doing all he can to silence fumble talk and give his team a chance to win, he can't run every single play-even if he wants to. The Vikings need at least a marginally effective passing game to keep opposing defenses honest, something that won't happen if Favre keeps throwing to the other team.
While I can't prove a lack of mojo, the Vikings record makes it apparent that something is going to have to change if they're going to put themselves back in the running for the Super Bowl. If they keep to their current trend I may end up as gray as Brett Favre by January.
*I nearly added the Rolling Stones song "Losing My Touch" to this entry, but I refuse to give up on the season only two games in. However, if the Vikings lose at home against the Detroit Lions, all bets are off. I might have to become a hockey fan.
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Though it appears the Vikings are spiraling downward, I won’t get on that bus until we find out what happens come next Sunday.
Nice spirit
I guess gloom comes more easily to me.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Ill watch
no matter wat,both games we was in it till last 4 or 5 mins,so it was interesting.I think we just had so much high hopes
I think that makes it worse.
Knowing that the Vikings were still in the running, that they had a chance to pull out the win, and knowing that last year they probably would have been able to do it, just seems to make it worse.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
lack of mojo?
Right now the VIKINGS look like a poorly coached team on offense
I thought the team that lost the S.B. was the one that usually sucked the following season,Not the one that lost the N.F.C championship game.
0-2 teams miss the playoffs 87% of the time
That gives us a13% chance so i am still all in.
Can someone tell BERRIAN it’s time to show up! 2 receptions for 24yds just plain sucks!
Coaching? A definite possibility.
While the coaching always gets scrutinized when a team is losing, would better coaching really have helped the receivers catch the ball? I don’t know. The coaching and the play calling during the Childress era haven’t been flashy, but when the receivers aren’t catching the ball is looks like a problem of execution. Who knows, maybe it’s both.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
"So, you're saying there's a chance!"
Made me think of that line from Dumb and Dumber when she tells him that his chances with her are one in a million. Don’t think we are to the 1 in a million point yet, thankfully.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
LOTS of issues....
But I do have faith they can still pull out their “A” game and come back strong…
It was a disappointing loss, and hopefully an eye-opener for the entire team – and this includes the coaches…
NOTHING is guaranteed, and all teams we play will be gunning for us…
Includes Detroit, a team that we seem to play down to often….
I think though next week’s game will end up being a W for us…
When backed into a corner (even if we backed ourselves into it), the only way out is to fight, and fight hard, show that you are are not as bad as people make you out to be…
Let’s see….as usual over that past 46 years or so, I will be watching….I am sure we all will be….
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 Sep 20, 2010 4:33 AM CDT reply actions
And somewhere I'm hearing a song by George Michael...
You’re right about the Vikings backing themselves into a corner—with all the blown opportunities they had to score in the red zone it’s enough to make a fan crazy.
There was a funny line in the St. Paul paper today by my favorite writer on their sports staff, Tom Powers. He said if the Vikings managed to lose at home to the Lions that there was a fair chance that they would lose to the bye week too. Clearly, the team needs to win to create some positive momentum and a little hope.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
can't vote
Minne is not spiraling into oblivion and the Lions are going to scare the hell out of me when we play them.
Our boys will get it together (I think) soon.
We are used to being the underdog and the only way we seem to play well is from the basement. The Vikes have a ton of experience at being in hard situations and coming out swinging. I have to believe they will again rise to the challenge———-b/c the only other option is to curl up in a fetal position and cry!!!!
SKOAL—-I hope
"If you've got them by the balls their hearts and minds will follow."
John Wayne
by just another viking on Sep 20, 2010 8:57 AM CDT reply actions
Restoring my faith.
It’s nice to have the reminder that not all Vikings fans are fickle and ready to throw in the towel. Skol to you too!
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Well Well Well
Didn’t take long for the rats to jump off the ship …
Last year when we were winning the team could do no wrong .. We all even loved chilly.. Now that the wheels are coming off the bus and Brett is human (even if he don’t have anyone to throw the damn ball too) now we all want to run him back to Mississippi.. We all hated him when he told the truth .. hey i dont want to play anymore .. Chilly send his best fiends down to Mississippi and just about kidnap him yes kidnap (who in the hell can say no to J. Allen) So he’s here and trying .. Oh but our expections are so high that he is suppose to be perfect … Wake up … We as a team are going thru some bad times .. and need us as fans .. No team need fans when they are winning .. No matter what happens during this long season .. Just remember we begged this man to come back and play .. Win lose or draw we should support him and the rest of the team … If you need someone to blame and cry about … Try Chilly .. hes the one that didnt attempt to get a replacement for Sidney Rice .. T.O was available for little or nothing (Yes I know the history between the two but be professional and think of the team) And TJ was also availible for little or nothing (oh thats right chilly was pissed because he decided to go to Seattle) and what about Sidney Rice great team player .. he had an entire summer to get that hip taken care of but no he decided to wait until the season started … Oh back to the point .. The team need real fans right now not bandwagon riders .. If you want to ride a bandwagon go join the saints .. Wow they sure got a lot of fans all of a sudden ..
by VikinginCalifornia on Sep 20, 2010 9:04 AM CDT reply actions
Favre "kidnapped?" Oh, please...
Get your head out of your butt. Favre took the FO for $3M more just to come back. He plays the Press like an expert – and this time apparently added the wrinkle of playing his teammates too, with that Twitter crap.
Favre is all about Favre, and until we realize what Packers fans realized 3 years ago, we’ll suffer through his BS the rest of the season – and who knows, maybe the FO will bring him back in ‘11! You know, he’s gotta keep that streak alive!
Remember, Favre is ONLY about Favre, never about TEAM.
by Jurp on Sep 20, 2010 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
jurp
The bitter Greenbay fans are on the other page…
by VikinginCalifornia on Sep 20, 2010 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions
On behalf of this rat...
I’m not jumping ship any time soon. But I don’t have to be thrilled that the supposedly unsinkable Titanic has a big hole in it. No, I think being disappointed in the Vikings starting out 0-2 is reasonable, especially considering some of the lost scoring opportunities the Vikings had yesterday in the red zone. To see Adrian Peterson less than a yard from the end zone getting stopped on 4th down, is a heartbreaker any way a Vikings fan looks at it. Clearly, this highlights several issues that the team will have to address if they are going win and win consistently. While there were several bright spots in yesterday’s game, like how the defense rallied and forced turnovers, or how Adrian Peterson slashed through the Miami defense for 145 yards, the issues in the passing game need to be addressed and fixed if the team is going to be a serious contender this season.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
My thoughts exactly
It has only been two games boys and girls…no need to push the panic button yet.
(Although I did just pull mine out of storage just to make sure I knew where it was in case I need it after next Sunday.)
Proud contributor to Daily Norseman and SB Nation Minnesota
by Eric J. Thompson on Sep 20, 2010 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Seriously
I had no idea that poll would be so close. Clearly, if the Vikings ignore the issues they have on offense, it won’t bode well for the season, but to write the season off entirely? Seems premature.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Easy explaination : 90% are opposing trolls . And It goes to prove my view that you and most bloggers have adsolutely no knowledge of football .
Example two : The Packers started slow last year and came on strong in the second half because of favorable scheduling . Here I will teach you a bit of current football trivia . Up until two years ago the NFL had a seperate individual create the yearly schedule . The NFL had no say in the developement . That individual was struck by a car crossing a New York City street . The NFL now creates the schedule . And sways it to fit their money making needs .
Example three : Childress took advantage of the disadvantage by hinting at the NFL convention that posts the pre-season , specialty games like Thanksgiving , THUR , SAT , Sun and Mon Night Football games . Coincidentally the Vikings were given the first two pre-season games away . With the last two at Home . To assist in generating season ticket sales . Packages included Dallas/Denver and Pack/Detroit . No packaging of the third and most played Seattle game indicated that Goodell knew in advance that Brett was a go . Unless as you and the fair weather fans believed as you wanted or listened to your local franchises lies . As all Pack fans do !
Example four : The Pack was given an easy starter schedule . And a day extra rest before the Vikings game in Lambeau . The heart of your schedule doesn’t begin until it gets chilly . They staged the Saints game in week 1 . If we win the conference we will play the Saints again in week 1 next year in Our dome . By design . As we were given a first time funky rule . Not allowing the top four teams to get FA’s . When would the Union approve it’s best players not getting to go play for the best Marketable choices .
This part doesn’t need examples . The Pack came back strong last year to fall short with a new and undeveloped Defense . When dealing with top teams they couldn’t compete . This year the Vikings experienced two Aaron Rodgers type performances ? Driving at the end of both games with a four point difference . Then failing to seal the deal . Especially at Home . Truely Packeresque . We don’t have an under developed Defennse . S/T maybe ? And as our schedule is designed to get easier in a month . And with DAL , PHI , WAS , NYG all looking sad and different . Jets can’t score in week one . Patriots lack of Defense lets Jets score week 2 . BUF rolling over for the first pick . and on and on …
The Bears and Pack are the only undefeated teams we face this year from here on . We beat both last year . And have a month or more to straighten out our injuries and kick off the rust . Peterson is back up to 150+ a game and we are not giving up points . Get ready Trevor to see why Goodell saved you for week 7 and 11 . Week 12 on you can shut off the set . GB will wait until next season to see how Ziggy single handedly reaches in his wallet and robs your precious ? One more time !
by gothicpurple on Sep 20, 2010 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh Gothic...
Does this mean that our romance is off? Pity because I appreciate your deep knowledge of football and the way the NFL stacks the deck for some teams to suit the league’s own ends. It is hard to watch some of the things the league does an not believe that there is a certain bias at work.
I agree completely with you, a slow start is no reason to throw in the towel on the season. You sir, are right. That said, wouldn’t you agree that the Vikings failure to capitalize on opportunities in the red zone yesterday is concerning? To ignore it and suggest that all is well is right up there with the Black Knight on Monty Python and the Holy Grail maintaining that the loss of all his limbs amounts to a flesh wound.
No, I maintain that something needs to be done to help out the passing game and to capitalize on opportunities in the red zone. Maybe that means acquiring Vincent Jackson. If anyone has a history of finding a way to win and come from behind, Favre certainly does, but he isn’t immune to disappointment and gloom—he’s an emotional guy. That is why I think they need to do something to help him, because when he has hope he makes the other players believe.
Being disappointed with a Vikings loss hardly makes me a fair weather fan. If I was, then I wouldn’t spend nearly so much time curled in the fetal position after a Vikings loss.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
It was a defensive game....
…. look at the score. But maybe a little too late for the Vikes defense.
Favre will get his targets soon enough. And Adrian will get his yards. It’s just that the Vikes were playing from behind and so Adrian didn’t get his carries.
A very good game and one the fans should not be ashamed of. Favre will do his show on the Lions, I truly believe…. as will the Vikes defense.
Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"Koa Misi -- the A.J. Duhe of this decade!"
"Let's kick their ass and get the hell out of here!" -- General George Armstrong Custer
Yes and Yes on two levels ???
20% in the Redzone is undeniable !!!!
Reason two is the new TURF ? Guys on both sides were slipping on plays . They are wearing the wrong cleats or something ? How many guys fell , slipped or turned wrong ? This needs to get worked out .
—-GP has a crazy theory ?….Did a certain former Packer sellout a certain former Bear for their current Vikings in favor of a soon too be former Charger before a former Gamecock gets back from a really shitty late decision to heal from his limp ?? Hummmmmm..
by gothicpurple on Sep 20, 2010 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL... last sentence was epic...
Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"Koa Misi -- the A.J. Duhe of this decade!"
"Let's kick their ass and get the hell out of here!" -- General George Armstrong Custer
Diehards Still Here
I voted for the Yes, Lions are still losers option. All of us old timers who’ve been here 40 plus years have no intention of jumping ship. If we were going that route, we would have done it years ago during the Steckel experiment. This is a talented team that has far too much pride to throw in the towel. If they were quitters, they would have done so when they were down 14-0 in the third quarter. They didn’t. They came roaring back and should have won the game. They’ll get it together and woe to the rest of the league when they do. SKOL!
There's a blast from the past.
I was just a little kid during the Steckel years, but I remember it not being the best era for the Vikings. You are right, the Vikings have an awful lot of talent on their current roster and take too much pride in their team to roll over. Honestly, I’m pretty surprised that the poll is so close. Two losses does not a season make. The Vikings lost their first two games in 2008, which resulted in Tavaris Jackson getting benched in favor of Gus Frerotte. They came back in that season to win the NFC North.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Comment By Micheal Smith...
He stated on Around The Horn that he was in the locker room after the game and didn’t sense any panic at all by the Vikes. They’ll get it together. As far as Steckel, thank God he was only here one year.
Glad to hear it.
As competitors I’m sure they aren’t thrilled with two losses, but it seems positive that there doesn’t seem to be any in-fighting in the locker room or any allegations that people aren’t giving a good effort on the field. For as much trouble as they have had connecting, Brett Favre defended Bernard Berrian saying that if he didn’t have confidence in Berrian he wouldn’t throw to him.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
I voted Yes as well. It’s still too early to hit the panic button. We’ll beat Detroit as Stafford is out & even if he played, we’d probably still win. I think their game yesterday against Philly was nothing more than a fluke. The schedule is going to get tougher, but keep in mind we still have plenty of time to turn things around.
Please USC. Keep Lane Kiffin.
Time keeps on ticking, ticking...
I agree, the Detroit Lions, though improving, are still not a major threat in the NFC North. I’m just hoping that the Vikings make the needed adjustments soon because, even though there is still time left in the season, there isn’t that much time. Every game counts.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
No need to panic
but there’s no reason to be farting daisies either. I am suprised that all the things we wrote coming into this season seems to slip from peoples minds. Like the fact that most of our receivers our QB and our starting RB didn’t play much at all in the preseason. Also our Center was injured and is not quite up to snuff.
Second: issue out schedule will be getting easier. We’re in for a pretty rough patch right now, people were going to be happy with a 3 – 3 record these first six games, and that was before Rice took the long walk.
Three: we’re still passing like Rice is in the line up. We need to change our play book a bit to look at what Berrian and Harvin bring to the game. If Brett really does need a large target out there pick up VJ and trade Rice for him three out of four years injured is not a good thing.
We are not on a sinking ship people. Look around there are burly Vikings here we are ready, just because we lost the mast early doesn’t mean we’re doomed. Hell from what I’ve seen the defense and AD will freaken tow this boat behind them with it tied to their shoulders!
Beware when we hit the shore!
It's a lot easier to love the Vikings when they win...
Peterson would tow it all the way to Dallas if he could.
And he might just do that. Last year when Favre first joined the Vikings the guys had sold him on just feeding the ball to Peterson and standing back. Along the way things changed and the offense became much more pass heavy. Maybe, while Favre and the receiving corps get reacquainted they need to go back to that plan of attack—let Peterson run it. Yesterday he got 145 yards of rushing, something he hasn’t done since the Vikings played the Cleveland Browns last season. He’s the hot hand and he’s got something to prove—give him the ball.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
WTF
When Peterson caught that pass before Favre pretended to spike the ball, it was not a first down, he was about a half a yard short. Therefore the 4 yard pass to Berrian gave them a first down. How come the Vikings only got 3 downs before the game ended. Go look at again, I’m not saying they would’ve won the game but how could this be overlooked when it’s clear Peterson didn’t get a first down, he was short of the 1st down marker. Chalk up one more for the REFS and the League not knowing what down it is.
Oooh, and the plot thickens.
Intriguing thought, but wouldn’t Childress have been having a stroke if that was the case? Now you have me curious—I should check it out.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Vikings troubles
As the saying goes, nobody’s perfect. In the case of Bret Favre’s performance so far after two games, he’s not only been “not perfect” but IMO………had a major part in both those lossses. The OL isn’t helping him a bit by their production so far, but Bret has completely ignored sound judgment when it comes to his selection of passes and continues to throw into double coverage. Not only that, watch his eyes when he fades back into the pocket. He telegraphs where he’s going to throw. He “NEVER” looks off the defensive player to make them play honest. They know where he’s going every time.
As for yesterday, when the Vikings did move the ball and get within striking distance, Bret would give it back. Some want to excuse his paly by saying he needs more time to get used to the receivers. I say BS……he’s he a seasoned pro or not? His mistakes have got nothing to do with lack of practice time. Unfortunately, Childress either doesn’t have the balls to bench Favre (to let him think about that he’s still accountable for lousy play) or Childress is not being permitted to bench him. Is this fiasco going to continue or is bret favre going to discipline his choices and let the game come to him rather than force it?
by jjlovesfootball on Sep 20, 2010 7:36 PM CDT reply actions
Messiah complex
I have to wonder if Favre is forcing things into double coverage in the hopes of making something happen and saving the day. His decision-making, though improved from the Saints game, isn’t as savvy as it sometimes is. I’m not sure that the offensive line is at fault, but there is clearly work to be done cleaning up the play on the offensive side of the ball.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
A.P. is the answer
If our head coach would have stuck to what was working in the last 2 first halfs, we could very well be 2-0. Hell, i would even throw the ball to A.P.on short routes.Remember a guy by the name of sweetness?Iron mike wasnt afraid to use him as a workhorse! And A.P. WANTS THE BALL!!!!!!!!!You can tell by the way he runs with it!!!!! Mike Ditka won a superbowl with a Q.B.that was at best average,but only because there was a beast in his backfield.We have a beast in our backfield and our O.L. cant pass block but seems to run block ok.Please hear this Chili- Hand the ball to the beast in your backfield until the passing game starts clicking!!! Throw some crazy,zANY FRIGGIN PLAYS IN AND LET PERCYrun the ball!!!!! wHY NOT TRY 2 TIGHT ENDS?Your downfield game aint there!!!
Run, Adrian, run.
I know what you mean. Adrian Peterson clearly wants the ball, he hasn’t fumbled in the last two games, and his YPC have been decent—let him run with the damn ball. Honestly, I don’t understand what is going on with the play-calling when they don’t stick with what works.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Chili is a joke
This has been par for the course every since chili took the reigns. How many bone-headed moves has he made?Play-calling,trades,timeouts,toomany men on the field,and on and on. Anyone who knows football knows that the ability to run the ball effectively will 9 out of 10 times win you a ballgame. Would someone please tell Brad this!!! Im at wits end-watching a team with this much talent get cornholed by their own head coaches incompetence has me loosing sleep at night! We clearly should have won these last 2 games-and Im sorry,but I have to blame the skipper. Many can be pointed at(noone on defense) but it all starts and stops at the boss standing on the sidelines!!!!
Who calls the plays?
Is it Childress or Bevell calling the plays? I can’t remember. While Chilldress, as head coach gets the lion’s share of the blame for everything that happens (and rightly so), doesn’t the offensive coordinator share some of the blame? I’m with you, seeing the Vikings lose games they are capable of winning is maddening. The sooner they can chalk one up in the win column, the sooner I go back to being a happy person.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
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