Week Two: a loss at Indianapolis
The offense started slow ... the defense had some breakdowns.
This game was played on my wedding anniversary. Christine and I were at Highball, in Austin. They had big screens showing the Texans game ... and the Viking's score flashed: down 17-6 at halftime. Ugh.
But, Ponder led a furious 4th quarter comeback, and after being down 20-6, we tied the game with under a minute to go! But, the defense failed again, and Andrew Luck led Indianapolis into Field Goal range, and they won the game as the clock expired. 23-20.
1-1.
Week Three: a HUGE upset over San Francisco!!
WOW! I gave the Vikes NO chance. None.
On game day, I'm with my oldest at the ugent care clinic ... he stepped on a nail. The first score I hear is 7-0, Vikings. What?!? Then, my youngest son (at home) texts me that the Vikes are up 14-3. WHAT?!?
I'm home just before halftime. The Vikes block a SF field-goal attempt! Then, we drive down and Blair Walsh kicks a 50+ yarder just before the clock expires. 17-3 going into the locker room!
San Francisco comes out in the 2nd half and returns the opening kick to our 14 ... however, we hold 'em to a FG! But, after a 3-and-out, the 49'ers finally get a touchdown ... and it's 17-13 Vikes.
After three second-half collapses to begin the 2011 season, I was starting to think the same thing would happen with this game. But, the Vikes proved that they have changed After the 49'er TD, the Vikes dominated. Ponder drove the team to a touchdown to answer the 49'er TD to make the score 24-13. From there, the Vikes would create a fumble, sack Alex Smith when needed, force incomplete passes, and even get their first interception on their way to a 24-13 win.
HUGE.
2-1 ... headed to Detroit.
Oh, and NFL Game Rewind purchased.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Week One: vs Jacksonville
Week One. Nothing like starting the season 1-0. On the other hand, it's just no fun starting 0-1.
The Vikings opened with Jacksonville. Let's be honest ... these are two mediocre teams. Two teams who have fallen on hard times ... two teams hoping to rebound from disappointing 2011 campaigns ... with lots of young talent on both sides of the ball.
The Vikings restocked through the draft. Matt Kalil is the new starter at Left Tackle, allowing Charlie Johnson to move inside to Left Guard. Harrison Smith is a new starter at Safety. Josh Robinson is logging time as a third Corner. And Blair Walsh is the new Kicker.
A couple of free agents are expected to make a difference, as well. Jerome Simpson was spectacular during the preseason, but will spend the first 3 weeks serving a suspension. John Carlson is healing from a knee sprain, but will get a lot of playing time in two-tight-end sets.
The big difference should come from veterans. Christian Ponder is entering his second season. Percy Harvin his fourth. Jasper Brinkley must lock down the middle of the defense. Our defensive ends should continue to apply pressure. And Adrian Peterson is coming back from a shredded knee suffered last December.
On to the game ...
The Vikings started slow ... the offense waking up just before halftime. After going into halftime trailing 9-7, the Vikings played well in the second half ...leading by 2 or 5 points most of the time. Adrian Peterson put on a display, scoring two touchdowns. Percy Harvin provided the spark. Christian Ponder supplied the leadership.
Leading 20-15, the Vikings couldn't run out the clock, and the Jags got the ball back with just under two minutes to go. They quickly drove down the field and scored on a desperate 39 yard pass with just 20 seconds remaining ... AND converted on the two-point conversion. 23-20!! After a short kick-off return, the Vikes attempted to move into field-goal position with just 14 seconds on the clock.
26 yards to Devin Aromashodu! Time Out!! Seven seconds left.
7 yards to Kyle Rudolph on an out pattern!! Out of Bounds!! FOUR SECONDS LEFT.
Back in the Spring, the Vikings drafted Blair Walsh in the sixth round. Shortly after, they cut long time veteran and all-around good guy, Ryan Longwell. It was Walsh's job. He didn't have to 'win' it. It was his. And, now, Rick Speilman's decision would be put to the test in week one.
FIFTY-FIVE YARD FIELD GOAL AS TIME EXPIRES!!!
23-23!!! Over-time!
The Vikings won the toss. Adrian Peterson broke through the left side of the line for a long gain. The Vikes moved into field-goal position, and Blair Walsh hit a 38 yarder to put the Vikes up 26-23. Now, the defense had to hold ... and ... they did ... with Blaine Gabbert lobbing a hopeless pass over the head of his receiver on fourth down.
Vikes Win! 1-0.
A very exciting way to start the season.
Now, on to Indianapolis.
The Vikings opened with Jacksonville. Let's be honest ... these are two mediocre teams. Two teams who have fallen on hard times ... two teams hoping to rebound from disappointing 2011 campaigns ... with lots of young talent on both sides of the ball.
The Vikings restocked through the draft. Matt Kalil is the new starter at Left Tackle, allowing Charlie Johnson to move inside to Left Guard. Harrison Smith is a new starter at Safety. Josh Robinson is logging time as a third Corner. And Blair Walsh is the new Kicker.
A couple of free agents are expected to make a difference, as well. Jerome Simpson was spectacular during the preseason, but will spend the first 3 weeks serving a suspension. John Carlson is healing from a knee sprain, but will get a lot of playing time in two-tight-end sets.
The big difference should come from veterans. Christian Ponder is entering his second season. Percy Harvin his fourth. Jasper Brinkley must lock down the middle of the defense. Our defensive ends should continue to apply pressure. And Adrian Peterson is coming back from a shredded knee suffered last December.
On to the game ...
The Vikings started slow ... the offense waking up just before halftime. After going into halftime trailing 9-7, the Vikings played well in the second half ...leading by 2 or 5 points most of the time. Adrian Peterson put on a display, scoring two touchdowns. Percy Harvin provided the spark. Christian Ponder supplied the leadership.
Leading 20-15, the Vikings couldn't run out the clock, and the Jags got the ball back with just under two minutes to go. They quickly drove down the field and scored on a desperate 39 yard pass with just 20 seconds remaining ... AND converted on the two-point conversion. 23-20!! After a short kick-off return, the Vikes attempted to move into field-goal position with just 14 seconds on the clock.
26 yards to Devin Aromashodu! Time Out!! Seven seconds left.
7 yards to Kyle Rudolph on an out pattern!! Out of Bounds!! FOUR SECONDS LEFT.
Back in the Spring, the Vikings drafted Blair Walsh in the sixth round. Shortly after, they cut long time veteran and all-around good guy, Ryan Longwell. It was Walsh's job. He didn't have to 'win' it. It was his. And, now, Rick Speilman's decision would be put to the test in week one.
FIFTY-FIVE YARD FIELD GOAL AS TIME EXPIRES!!!
23-23!!! Over-time!
The Vikings won the toss. Adrian Peterson broke through the left side of the line for a long gain. The Vikes moved into field-goal position, and Blair Walsh hit a 38 yarder to put the Vikes up 26-23. Now, the defense had to hold ... and ... they did ... with Blaine Gabbert lobbing a hopeless pass over the head of his receiver on fourth down.
Vikes Win! 1-0.
A very exciting way to start the season.
Now, on to Indianapolis.
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