The Minnesota
Vikings played host to the San Diego Chargers on one of maybe nicest weather
days I have taken in at TCF Bank Stadium in the second season at this stadium.
The pregame
was so awesome with all-time great and Hall of Fame quarterback, Fran Tarkenton
blowing the Gjlarhorn signaling the Vikings are coming. The opening coin toss
also involved Vikings legend, Mick Tingelhoff as the Vikings honorary captain.
What a great touch involving 2 legendary and Hall of Famers in Tarkenton and
Tingelhoff.
The first
half was boring compared to the second half and I really thought the Vikings
would go into half up 10-0 until the unfortunate third and 18 conversion by the
Chargers and from there we see Chargers quarterback, Phillip Rivers connect
with Keenan Allen for a touchdown which really quieted the crowd almost in
shock considering the Chargers really never showed much life in the first half.
It is the
game of football with no for sures. The ensuing kickoff goes to the Vikings
with a little over a minute and the Vikings decide to play in conservative
ending the first half which really drew out the boo birds. I was of the mind I
could not believe the team did not go for points either.
One positive
in the first half was kicker, Blair Walsh who connected on a much needed field
goal for the team and himself. I was disappointed after the Vikings strip
quarterback Rivers deep inn Charger territory and having a chance to get 7 out
of it. I really was disappointed when Bridgewater threw what I thought was a
catchable ball to Vikings tight end, Kyle Rudolph only to see him drop it. The
drive did end in 3 so at least it was points.
Walsh’s
kickoffs were as strong as I have seen so far this year as well. The Vikings
are up 10-7 at half with the Chargers getting the ball to start the second half
so hang on.
The biggest
3 plays of the second half occurred in the first drive by San Diego which I
really thought changed the momentum of the game big time.
First Vikes
defensive tackle, Tom Johnson sacks Rivers setting up a 4th down
deep in Chargers territory then the ensuing punt is taken by Marcus Sherels who
had a great return into Chargers side of the ball. The third and maybe the
dagger in the Chargers heart was when Teddy handed the ball to Adrian Peterson
who we see take it 43 yards for 6. Wow, just like that it is 17-7.
I thought
the defense played the best half of the season in the second half of the game.
The defensive unit for the second week in a row shut down the opponents run
game this time holding Chargers running back, Melvin Gordon to 51 yards.
The
interception by Chad Greenway on a tip ball and taking it 91 yards back for 6
sealing the deal might be one of the coolest returns I have ever seen. The wall
of 10 defenders that was set up was incredible with no sight of any Chargers at
all. I wanted him to score so badly but it did seem like it took forever.
The game was
incredible to be at and see so many positives. I really liked the efforts by 2
rookies in particular and they were Trae Waynes who had to replace the injured
Xavier Rhodes and I also loved the play of Linebacker, Eric Kendricks who lead
the team in tackles.
I loved the
play of Anthony Barr along with Mr. Hustle Everson Griffen. It was such a great
team effort by the defense and so much appreciated.
On the
offensive side of the ball I really loved the amount of players that were
involved today such as Adam Thielen and Cordarelle Patterson and yes I know
Charles Johnson was hurt but it was still nice to see these 2 contribute
positively.
The game by
Adrian was amazing to watch and after last week’s fumble problem it was so nice
to not see it happen in such an important game in helping the Vikes to get to
2-1 and not 1-2.
The weather
was amazing, the team was amazing and in summary it was a great day to be at
the Bank and take in a game where we are seeing Minnesota start to look like
the team that so many predicted would be a much improved team.
Thanks for
reading
Todd
Walkingstick
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