MN Sports Blog

The Minnesota Vikings beat themselves last night 31-28. A 40 yard field goal in overtime may have sealed the deal for the Vikings, but they decided their own fate much earlier. In a game where the stats suggest it could’ve been, would’ve been and should’ve been a dominant performance by the Vikings, the Vikings beat themselves on key and frequent turnovers.

Adrian Peterson led the implosion with 3 gigantic fumbles, one of which he was lucky enough to recover. One of his fumbles was charged to Brett Favre on a hand-off blunder but I’ll be generous and leave it with AP.

Favre did his part in the effort throwing two interceptions, one that eliminated the Vikings opportunity to kick a game winning field goal nearing the end of the fourth quarter. Bernard Berrian also fumbled away some momentum when the Vikings were charging down to the Saints ten yard line.

The Minnesota Vikings dominated nearly every offensive category but the 5 turnovers (3 fumbles, 2 INTs) spelled disaster. In a flashback to Favre’s last appearance in the Championship game against the New York Giants he threw a key late pick that eventually led to an opposing game winning field goal. This is the 5th Conference Championship game in a row the Vikings have unfortunately lost.

Offensive Stat Comparison

Full box score

Those that are so quick to jump off the bandwagon and search for blame look to Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson. Obviously this was not the ending to the fantastic season we were hoping for but it doesn’t take away from one of the best Vikings season in a long time. Favre had a remarkable year, one of the best of his career, and he put the team in a position to win.

AP has his struggles with hanging on to the ball but keep in mind the Saints are an extremely aggressive team that thrives on ripping the ball out at any given chance. Some times turnovers are a matter of right place right time and there is probably no one more upset than Adrian. He is still an incredible, explosive player that has had an extraordinary impact on the Vikings. Here’s to looking forward to an incredible 2010 season!

Minnesota Sports Blog

The Vikings return to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 2000 where they were embarrassed by the New York Giants 41-0. The Vikings will take on the explosive offense of the New Orleans Saints led by Drew Brees and the resurgent Reggie Bush. The Vikings have a fairly impressive offensive duo themselves in Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson. The offensive side of the ball is nearly a sure thing for both teams but what the game is going to come down to is defense, which is where the Vikings have the sure edge.

Here is a breakdown of how each team ranked during the regular season in all of the NFL.

Offense

• Total Offense ( YPG): Saints 1st (403.8) vs. Vikings 5th (379.6)
• Passing (YPG): Saints 4th (272.2) vs. Vikings 8th (259.8)
• Rushing (YPG): Saints 6th (131.6) vs. Vikings 13th (119.9)
• Averaged ranking: Saints 5.5 vs Vikings 8.6

Defense

• Total Defense (YPG): Vikings 6th (305.5) vs. Saints 25th (357.8)
• Pass Defense (YPG): Vikings 19th (218.4) vs. Saints 26th (235.6)
• Rush Defense (YPG): Vikings 2nd (87.1) vs. Saints 21st (122.2)
• Averaged Ranking: Vikings 9th vs Saints 24th

Numbers can be deceiving but clearly the Saints and Vikings have very high powered offenses but only the Vikings have the shut down defense needed to win Championships. A huge challenge for the Vikings will be winning on the road in the incredibly loud dome of New Orleans. The Vikings were a perfect 9-0 at home this year but all 4 losses came on the road.

Playing for the NFC title and the right to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl will hopefully prove to be all the motivation the Vikings need to shut down the Saints on Sunday.

Sunday’s Game: Kick-off 5:30CT on FOX

Minnesota Sports Blog

The Minnesota Vikings rebounded from a tough loss last weekend beating the Cincinnati Bengals 30-10. Adrian Peterson led the offensive charge rushing for 97 yards with 137 total yards and two rushing TDs. Brett Favre threw his third interception in his last two games but also threw for 192 yards and a touchdown. The Vikings also clinched a playoff spot with this victory.

A few records were set in this game by Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson. Favre extended his completion record surpassing 6,000 career completions. Peterson set a franchise record by rushing for his 14th touchdown this season.

Antoine Winfield made his presence felt leading the team with 9 tackles on the day. Winfield missed the last six games with a foot injury but was a huge boost to the Vikings defense today holding Carson Palmer to his 3rd lowest career total passing yards with just 94.

Next Game: December 20th, 7:20PM CT @ Carolina Panthers.

Minnesota Sports Blog

Brett Favre set yet another record today by starting his 271st consecutive start. He also helped the Minnesota Vikings improve their own record to 2-0 after a lackluster first half. Favre and the Vikings picked up the pace against the Lions to earn their second victory 27-13. Favre was 23 of 27 passing for 155 yards and two touchdown passes. Adrian Peterson led the rushing attack with 92 yards on 15 carried with one touchdown. The Lions have now lost an excruciating 19 straight games.

The Vikings will take on the San Francisco 49ers (2-0) at the Metrodome next Sunday at noon.