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.