Pittsburgh and
Minnesota both come in 0-3 records and percentages tell us it is less than 2
percent of these teams that are 0-3 make the playoffs. Yes, a must win is in
order for the Vikings. A new quarterback, backups in the secondary, an offensive
line that has struggled are just some of the issues that face the Vikings. Can the team rebound and get back to winning
football?
I was so
impressed with the first play call of the game with a pass called. Is this a
sign the caching staff has confidence in Cassel? A great throw to Jerome
Simpson. Way to go Vikes!!
A play early
in the first quarter was a sign of good things to come. The play I refer to is
a bomb intended for Patterson that should have been picked off by the Steelers,
Ike Taylor. The alert play by Patterson to makes a great defensive play kept
the Vikes drive alive. The drive did end in a 54 yard field goal by Blair Walsh,
who is now the NFL record holder with 12-12 in 50 yard attempts.
I was so impressed
with the defensive line pressure in the first half. The amount of times the
team got to Roethlisberger was awesome making him rush. Jared Allen had never
had a sack of a Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback in his career until today. He
more than made up for that by getting 3.
I would like
to see the necks of the Vikings defensive lineman after the game because I am
sure they all have markings on their necks as it seemed to be the Steelers
tackles were constantly holding and having their arms up in the Viking neck
areas. I thought it was obvious but evidently not because flags were not being
thrown.
Adrian came
through in a big way and I was sure impressed as the game went on how many
tackles he broke including the 60 yard run. The Steelers in the past have been
such a physical team and was hard to run on. It was like Adrian wanted to put the team on
his back and carry them to victory. He ends up with 2 TD’s and over 100 yards
in this must win game. I will also add a shout out to Jerome Felton for his blocking as well.
The play of
Matt Cassel was so pleasing. I know a couple of passes made me hold my breath
in hopes of them not getting intercepted. I loved his arm strength and
accuracy. I would like to see if he does continue to start and I hope he does
that if he runs with the ball have better ball security.
Cassel threw
for 200 yards, 2 touchdowns and NO
INTERCEPTIONS in Sunday’s game. I read after the game players were
speaking of Cassel’s command of the huddle. I know I should be cautious with it
be only one game but this was as big of win as this team has needed in a long
time.
The play of
Jerome Simpson was awesome as well. The man goes over 100 yards for the first
time since week 1. He also provided with a huge fumble recovery that kept the
drive alive.
Greg
Jennings play was outstanding. I know he did not have 10 catches but I refer to
the 2 touchdowns he did have. I must admit on his long touchdown run after the
catch I did not know he was that fast. He made it look so easy burning 5
Steelers defenders I counted. The second touchdown was just impressive as how
he positioned his body in front of the defender to catch the touchdown.
The play of
Chad Greenway was much needed. It was his 100th game in the NFL Sunday.
It was the first time in his career he had an interception and a sack in one
game.
I know fans
will be unhappy with the secondary as I was. It is frustrating to watch
Roethlisberger pick us apart. In a positive spin the playing time that Sendejo
and Sherels got could be beneficial.
The game was
full of much fun to talk about but a real concern was the play of Josh Robinson
and how the Steelers ate him alive. I will be real interested to see if the
team makes any moves in the bye week to try and shore up this area.
The way the
game ended I was holding my breath that we did not have a 3rd week
in a row collapse. The Steelers did a nice job in adjusting to their pass
protection in the second half but when the Vikes needed it they got it. A sack
of Roethlisberger by Everson Griffen and a fumble recovery by Kevin Wiliams with
8 seconds left sealed the deal.
There might
be things to complain about but with this needed win I sit here with a smile on
my face. Yes, finally, a win. This is
now the 5th win a row the week before the bye. The streak started in
2009 and now in 2013 it continues.
HOMEGAME TOUCHES
I would like
to add a season ticket holder and not being at the home game I thought the
Vikings organization did a great job of giving it a home game feeling.
The Gjallarhorn
was brought and used to call the players to the field. I could hear in the back
ground on the TV as well some of the songs the team plays at home.
THE BYE WEEK PREDICTION
A win is a
win but now we will see the following:
-The call
for Cassel to be the starter will be the talk in Minnesota.
- The
defensive lapses will be the next issue
- Will the
team bring in more secondary help?
WAY TO GO
VIKINGS!!!!
Thanks for
reading
Purplestick
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