Stating the Obvious
Here's the deal. Everyone has their own opinion on child discipline. Some of us spank. Some of us give time-outs. Some of us just roll our eyes. I've got my opinions. You have yours. But I think we can all agree on one thing. If you are one of the most popular figures in all of the entire sports world...hitting your kid with a tree branch will probably have repercussions.
I don't care if that's how your dad punished you. Your dad wasn't Adrian Peterson. Now, if you are trying to stand up for your beliefs that branch-slapping is the only biblical way to punish your boy for "hitting his brother," that's an entirely other matter. But I'm just assuming that's not the case.
All this ranting to say, if you (the reader) ever become someone famous that 52 other people are heavily relying on...don't hit your kid with a stick.
Back to Football: Where does this leave the Vikings?
I have the Vikings losing this game anyway, but losing AP is a huge blow to the Vikings. So here are three potential ways they will respond.
1. Suck. Not be able to consistently run the ball well at all, which ultimately tears apart the passing game.
2. Patterson and AP's backups play their hearts out, and Cassel shows the Patriots some of the old magic.
3. The offense clearly suffers, but Zimmer's defense plays lights out.
My prediction? - the number 1 scenario. I think Minnesota fans are coldly reminded that we are not quite a playoff team yet, and Tom Brady is....Tom Brady.
What to Watch for
It will be extremely interesting to see how a new coaching staff, along with Matt Cassel, handles a Petersonless Vikings squad. Expect Patterson to carry the team, along with much more passing than last week.
Prediction
Vikings 13 - Patriots 34
...kind of an overall bummer of a game.
I am in the 100% anti-spanking camp (words can do the job, thank you very much) so I think the very act of what he did (allegedly injuring the kid) is reprehensible. Famous or not, "discipline" defense or not, in whose world is hitting a child OK? So my respect has plummeted for the guy just on a personal level. But beyond that, you are so right. His actions have let down an entire team. I agree, we're toast. Hope Patterson is at the top of his game.
ReplyDelete