The Vikings
came to New Orleans Sunday with not many media people giving the Vikes a
chance. I know I look up Vegas odds this week and saw the Saints were favored
by 9.5.
The Vikes
get to play New Orleans in the Saints first home game of the year after starting
0-2 losing both games on the road. My heart says this Saints team is going to
want to crush the Vikes and show America they are not a 0 win team.
I was
running errands and listening to KFAN Vikings pregame show and I just happened
to catch the game prediction segment. Mark Rosen and Dan Bariero were both
asked to make their prediction and both guys had the Vikes losing by 13 and 14
respectively.
I went to
New Orleans for the 2010 NFC Championship game and can assure you that stadium
is louder than you could ever image. The place is huge and those Saints fans can
make some ear blowing noise.
I was
nervous admittedly worried about a potential blowout with so much stacked
against the Vikings. The first 2 drives I thought to myself oh no guys please
stop someone. The Saints made it look so easy. Saints quarterback, Drew Brees
was feasting on the defense not missing a pass.
I actually
thought maybe the game changer at the time was when Vikings player, Everson
Griffen blocked the Saints extra point attempt. I being down 13-0 instead of
14-0 maybe the break we needed.
I really
liked the effort by Vikes quarterback, Matt Cassel’s effort to guide the
offense down the field and get some much needed points for the Vikings making
it 13-3. The effort Cassel made to run the ball to get closer to the goal line
resulted in Cassel getting injured and not returning to the game. A touchdown obviously would have been sweeter
but at least it points in a hostile environment.
It was just
last week home vs New England fans were chanting Teddy, Teddy, Teddy through
most of the 2nd half and then Sunday Cassel goes down and fans get
their wish.
It seemed to
me the team just played more inspired ball. Yes, there were mistakes made in
the secondary, the offensive line struggled badly and not much of a running
game. In saying that I still feel the overall team effort was much better,
You hold a
powerful Saints team that had gone an NFL record of 24 straight games in a row
at home scoring at least 21 and this young Vikings group with 7 new starters
breaks the streak could be a confidence builder.
Yes, the
Vikes have a 2 game losing streak giving up 30 last week and now 20 Sunday may
seems to be a lot but I feel this team is showing progress. Last Sunday the defense played with such a short
field with all the turnovers by the offense and then Sunday other than the
first 2 drives the team put the hammer down on the Saints.
The play of
Harrison Smith at safety is just awesome to watch. The hustle he exhibits each
weeks and the toughness he shows when tackling never gets old.
It was great
to see 2014 first round pick, Anthony Barr get his first NFL sack. I know Chad
Greenway couldn’t finish the game but a player I thought showed well for
himself was 2nd year player, Gerald Hodges (#50).
The play
that broke the Vikings back may be a play talked about all week. Yes, I refer
to Saints quarterback, Brees being sacked by Captain Munnerlyn which the refs
felt that was roughing the quarterback. I don’t know if I can agree with that.
I also feel Brees should have been flagged for retaliation. I have to go one
step farther and recall the 2010 NFC Championship game when the Saints
literally assaulted Brett Favre to the point of nasty bruises. I am only a fan
and sometimes need to get things off my chest.
It was a
back breaking call that killed any momentum the Vikes were building on. It is
the game of football that I love and calls like that make it sometimes make you
want to yell at the TV and hope the refs can hear you.
The play of
Teddy Bridgewater I could not be more pleased with. I know his drives he led
did not result in any touchdowns but the poise he showed was simply amazing.
I am very
concerned with the left side of the offensive line with Charlie Johnson and
Matt Kalil getting beat. The athleticism of Bridgewater will be a huge asset if
the blocking does not shape up over there.
Saints
defensive coordinator, Rob Ryan I felt threw the kitchen sink at Bridgewater
with multiple blitzes yet Teddy just did not seem to be in panic mode.
I do think
the next time Teddy does play he should tape his shoes up because I can
remember 2 times specifically he lost his shoes.
We saw the
future on Sunday with Teddy. I know we lost but I am leaving this game
optimistic. I do wish the team would involve Cordarrelle Patterson more.
I never like
to see the Vikings lose but if they do I try and find positives moving forward
to the next game.
I am
concerned with the injury to Vikings tight end, Kyle Rudolph because I feel he
is potentially a major part of the offense.
I know after
the game the Vikes announced Cassel has broken bones in his foot as well so the
Teddy future started today and will continue.
The snaps
Teddy will get in practice this week will be huge as he now gets the majority.
A 21 year old kid will be guiding the offense. How remarkable is that?
I have a lot
of Packer friends so it is nice to say that the Vikes are tied with the Packers
(1-2)
I am so
looking forward to the Atlanta game at home next Sunday. I look for a big win
and the Vikes being 2-2 after the game,
Thanks for
reading
Todd
Walkingstick
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