The Mediocrity that is Minnesota

Sorry new posts haven't shown up for a while. I was trying to emulate the Vikings offense.

It's frusterating. Every season I look at the Vikings roster, and I make myself believe that greatness lies therein. And every year I am blown away by mediocrity. There's always some good things (at the moment it's our defense holding teams below 20 points consistently). There's always something bad - offense. Okay, maybe it's not bad. But after watching Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning consistently destroy defenses, I don't feel so wrong using the word "bad."

Okay, I leave the depression behind me. There. It's gone. Let's move on.

Week 9 - Washington Redskins

This is a must-win.

As in...it's absolutely vital. It's not one of those games that we call must-wins and then next week say was actually more of a should-win. It's a MUST win, as in if we lose we might as well pack our bags, might as well start watching the Timberwolves, might as well take a nap on Sunday afternoons kind of must win.

When the season began, I predicted we would be 4-4, on our way to a 9-7 season. At 3-5, we are only one game behind that, but it could make all the difference. A 9-7 post-season ticket is very plausible. 8-8 is much less likely.

Facing the 3-5 Redskins team from Washington will be no picnic as they come off an exciting win in Dallas. That being said, it's also an extremely winable game.

Thoughts and Predictions

Thought 1: The Vikings need to thrive in two areas - quarterback pressure and special teams. With our offense struggling like it is, we need to win the game of field position. And  we need to keep RGIII on his back.

Thought 2: A win puts the Vikings at 4-5 going into their bye. With some key losses in the NFC, this could place the Vikings well within wild-card position going into their final 7 games - 5 of which are definitely winable.

Prediction:
In an evenly-matched game, the Vikings defense comes away with three turnovers, leading the way to a 24-20 victory.

Reaction to Last Night's "Game"

As A Famous Woman Once Said: Shake It Off
Last night's game was ugly. But it really doesn't matter much. Thursday night football has been a curse to the Vikings since it's inception. The Packers are a really tough team to beat at hom (on a short week). And Christian Ponder had three days to learn how to run a brand new offense. You can't even harp on turnovers too much becase...again....Christian Ponder. I wouldn't even write off our home game against the Pack as a loss, because the Vikings just stunk yesterday. It wasn't some grand display of talent from the green.

What you SHOULD Feel Bad About
The only thing I feel bad about is the fact that Christian Ponder had the world watching him last night - a.k.a future employers looking for a backup quarterback thinking, "Huh, maybe this Christian kid does have a future stil....wait...nope....ouch....nevermind." Ponder gave the Vikings some great games - even a playoff run. I hate to see him slowly fade like this. Sorry Christian, Minnesota isn't a great state for quarterbacks...or running backs.

My Advice
Pretend it didn't happen. Pray for Teddy.

Pull Out Your Old Jerseys - Ponder is BACK...Maybe

With the game 28-27 in the fourth quarter, I was terrified that the Vikings were falling apart because of me, and that my 31-27 prediction would come true. Thankfully it did not, and the Vikings won their way to a 2-2 record.

Reaons Why Falcons Win Was So Big (Based on my last post)
1. Teddy: What else is there to say. The kid is 21 and plays like a veteran
2. The Running Game: Some people have said, "No AP, no problem." I wouldn't quite go that far, but with no AP, guys McKinnon sure are stepping up. Performances like that make the loss of AP a little easier to swallow.
3. The Red Zone: Besides the field goal before halftime, I was pleased. But come on. You have to give that ball right tback to McKinnon - or at least Assiata.
4. Patterson: Apparently he's just not going to be a razzel dazzle guy. Oh well. Maybe we don'tt need that with Bridgewater.
5. My Wife's Stomach: Still no baby.

Overal, an amazing win. So many things to be excited about.

Quick Look at Tonight's Game
1. Christian Ponder: It makes me laugh. After all we did to put him at #3, Ponder may have found a way to start one of the biggest games of the season. Considering skipping the game if he starts? I wouldnl't. Ponder actually has a decent record against the Pack (including a major win to send the Vikings to the playoffs in 2012).

2. Defense: Christian Ponder isn't going to score 41 points, so the Packers can't score 38. Our defense needs to hold the Packers to 27 if we hope to win this one.

3. Turnover: We need at least turnovers and a clean game on our end to pull this one off.

PREDICTION: Packers win 34-23. BUT....I wouldn't be surprised if the Vikings pull off one of their best performances in years. My prediction stands, but I just have a hunch.