I know there
are many fans that are hoping 2014 will bring a high draft pick to the team but
I just want to see this team win even if it does cost a few spots in the draft.
This goes
down as another game in the 2013 season where I am left with my head shaking on
all the what ifs. It is a season that no one could have ever guessed would
happen the way things are.
I thought an
early key to the game came on the fumble by Toby Gerhart? I still don’t believe
it was a fumble and definitely saw a knee down. We also know the announcers
said the same which makes it even harder to stomach. What on earth was Morelli
looking at? The game should have been 6-0 at half in favor of the Vikings.
The first
quarter saw Vikings linebacker, Chad Greenway make a nice interception and a
great hustle sack by Brian Robison. The sack dance by Robison, is there a
better sack celebration than what Brian does? I love when he sets the hook and
reals it in.
I can’t help
but feel when I was watching the game the memories flash back of the Monday
night Bears-Vikings game at TCF Bank Stadium coming back in my mind.
The first
half only being down by a point I really thought this was a winnable game. The
Ravens offense was not putting up numbers against the last ranked defense in
the NFL.
The 3rd
and 4th quarter stops on 4th down by the Vikings defense really made
me feel that maybe we will get that first win on the road.
The Vikings
intercept Ravens quarterback, Joe Flacco 3 times and yet the Vikings still end
up losing. It is the most unbelievable thing to watch from the couch. It is a
lost season yet when we see the team need to make one stop and they will win
and can’t it is hard not to get upset. I am a Vikings fan until the day I die
win or lose. I just want the best for the team.
This is 2
weeks in a row where I thought the Vikings won, and then they did not, then
they did and now Sunday December 7th they lost. One word comes to
mind and that is UNBELIEVABLE.
The look on
Coach Frazier’s face at the end I can’t help but feel for him. I am sure I am
in the minority in saying this.
A loss did
occur but I would like to examine some of the positives with guys trying to
make a difference.
I start out
with the enemy today. I thought the performance by Ravens’ punter Sam Koch was
very impressive. It is snowing, the ball is slippery and yet he hits a 53 and
69 yard punt during the game.
Now for the
good guys I still start out with the special teams unit of long snapper, Cullen
Loeffler, holder, Jeff Locke and kicker, Blair Walsh. The 2 field goals were
well done. The effort by Locke to get the pot cleared out so he could hold the
ball properly for a successful kick,
Adrian
getting hurt was unfortunate but I loved Toby Gerhart’s effort in taking
advantage of his playing time. The touchdown run in the 4th was awesome.
The ability he showed to get hit and yet maintain his balance and score I could
not be happier for Toby.
The play of
Xavier Rhodes once again shows me reason why I should be excited for 2014
knowing he will be the number one corner. The injury Rhodes suffered was not a
good time especially the way he has been playing
New middle
linebacker, Audie Cole has played his butt off. He once again on Sunday led the
team in tackles. The last 3 weeks he has had 33 tackles. Cole’s 2013 story is
one of the better ones. He gets cut recently, the resigned and now in charge of
the defense. It is story for all players league wide never to give up because
you never know what is in store for the future.
Safety,
Andrew Sendejo has taken advantage of Harrison Smith’s absence. Sunday Sendejo
made a great break on the ball that ended with a diving interception.
Coach
Frazier has been through the ringer whether self-induced or not. Sunday he made
his first challenge of the season. I guess the long season we have suffered through
I did not realize that fact. It was a great challenge as the Ravens did not get
the first down.
Offensive
Coordinator, Bill Musgrave has been through the ringer as well. The play call
for a draw to Gerhart in the 4th was one of beauty.
Jerome
Simpson too has been a story of late with the off field situations. I loved his
touchdown grab in the back of the end zone. His first touchdown of the year was
one of beauty.
Cordarelle
Patterson- Are there enough words to describe what he brings? His ability to
catch the ball is not surprising but what is something to marvel at is his
punishing running method. I do not know if I have seen a game out of him where
he destroyed players. The one run where Raven’s kicker, Tucker was demolished.
Tight End,
John Carlson came through big on Sunday. I think back to early in the game
where Jerome Simpson caught the ball and got stripped. John Carlson was Johnny
on the spot diving and sliding and getting the ball back for the Vikings. I was
less than thrilled when the Ravens defender late in the game through Carlson
down on his head on the sidelines. I really thought a flag should have been
thrown. John was then out of the game and being checked for a concussion.
These losses
are tough but as you can see I believe it is not from a lack of effort by
individuals. I also look at the play Marcus Sherels had as he drew coverage on
a Ravens receiver after Rhodes went out with his injury. The alertness y
Sherels on the coverage and seeing a ball tipped and comes down with it for an
interception.
A loss like
this used to crush me but in 2013 the season just is not meant to be. I will
follow and support the team the last 3 games and then I will get ready for the
2014 campaign.
Thanks for
reading
Purplestick
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