DON'T PANIC!

Speaking of Abuse
Peterson was out for child abuse, but it was the Patriots who should be indicted for the abuse given to the Minnesota Vikings yesterday. After a wonderful first drive, the Minnesota Vikings looked more lost than Jack Shepherd. However, this was to be expected - at least if you read my game prediction last Saturday.

Reasons not to Panic
Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't be too worried about the manhandling that took place.
1. Adrian Peterson didn't play. As much as Zimmer would like to put the blame on "the team," the team IS Adrian Peterson. Whether AP has 100 yards or 10 yards, his presence changes everything. Word is he'll be back next Sunday, so no sweat.
2. Matt Cassel won't throw 4 interceptions again. Why? Because AP will be in the backfield so he doesn't have to throw so much.
3. The blocked field goal changed everything. If Blair Walsh's field goal is good instead of being blocked - the Vikings have half-time confidence, Cassel doesn't throw 4 picks, the defense isn't constantly on the field, and the Vikings ultimately lose, but not nearly as ugly.
4. Obviously we were going to lose anyway.

Looking Forward
Forget those Teddy chants. Cassel is still our guy. Four interceptions is nothing. Brett Favre once threw 6...in the PLAYOFFS. If I'm Zimmer, I stay relaxed. Get Peterson back in the mix, encourage Cassel, get Patterson back doing his thing and MOVE ON. A huge loss is still only 1 in the loss column. The NFC North is 1-1 across the board. No sweat. So don't panic.

The Biggest Need for the Vikings
NFC north teams to lose a lot. I did a little research and technically it is possible for the Vikings to make the playoffs with only 2 wins. So, if things go really south for us, we can hope for that.