Minnesota Vikings

a 31-28 win over the Vikings.

With two minutes left to go in a 28-all tie, Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings marched the ball down the field in the hopes of setting up a game-winning field goal. A costly 12-man in the huddle penalty put the Vikes in a third and 15 situation, forcing Brad Childress to call a pass. It was there that the Brett Favre gunslinger of years past appeared on the field, throwing an interception to end any hopes of ending this game in regulation and to keep the Saints' hopes alive. And then there was overtime. The Vikings never saw the ball, so Favre's last play on the field as a Viking (this season, anyway) ended with an interception. The Saints started at the 39 and drove the length of the field, with three plays receiving lengthy reviews, ending in a 40-yard Hartley field goal.

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They'll cover.

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints
6:40ET FOX 

After blowing up the supposedly superior Dallas Cowboys last week in Minnesota, Brett Favre and the Vikings are traveling to a different dome for the NFC title game, this time in New Orleans. Hopefully for coach Brad Childress he brought Adrian Peterson and his running game along for the ride. They'll need it to keep Drew Brees and the Saints offense on the sidelines. In an opposing dome, the Viking o-line must maintain their composure and avoid costly penalties that will put Favre in obvious passing situations. Percy Harvin is expected to play after missing practices all week with migraines. Minnesota's defense can rush the passer and stop the run with the best of the NFL, but they are weak in the secondary. Getting to Brees early and often could shift the balance in their purple-flavored-favor. Will Favre reach the Super Bowl and ignite sports nation in two weeks of hype?

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ng the "fooled" pundits who thought the Dallas Cowboys would have the upper hand over the Minnesota Vikings in their divisional round match-up. How wrong we were. Tony Romo turned the ball over three times en route to an embarrassing 34-3 loss to Brett Favre and the Vikings. 

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The Opening Drive of Divisional Sunday in the NFL starts now!

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings
1:00PM ET FOX

I don't know if you knew, but Brett Favre is a Viking. Back for one last (?) Super Bowl run, Favre has done all Minnesota has asked him. Now its time for his team to show up. That means blocking for Adrian Peterson and the secondary showing up to play. Hopefully Brad Childress did some coaching this week,

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Now, onto the last week of the regular season with this edition of the Final Drive! 

(12-4) Minnesota Vikings 44
(8-8) New York Giants 7 

Way to not show up for the last two weeks of the season G-men. You're ensured some massive roster changes with your less-than stellar effort. Meanwhile, the Vikings jumped back into the two seed with the Eagles' loss, giving old man Favre a week off before mounting a Super Bowl run. There's cause for concern in Minnesota after the Vikings have failed to get Adrian Peterson going heading into the playoffs. We'll see how that plays out in two weeks.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 17"

I know the game was meaningless for the Bears. There's not a huge difference between 5-9 and 6-9. Lovie Smith's job status could have been decided already. Jay Cutler was going to have a poor season either way, right? That being said...

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Color me not impressed.

 

(11-2) Minnesota Vikings 30
(9-4) Cincinnati Bengals 10

After being thumped by the Cardinals, the Vikes took their frustrations out on the visiting Bengals. Carson Palmer did not break the 100-yard passing mark while Brett Favre let his defense do all the heavy-lifting. If Childress can give Favre some rest in the next few weeks, Minnesota will be in prime playoff position, even if they can't catch the Saints.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 14"

Continue reading "Bears are demolished by Vikings 36-10"

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Must be nice to have that many weapons.

 

(7-1) Minnesota Vikings 38
(4-3) Green Bay Packers 26

So Favre has swept the Packers and has looked calm doing it. Great, now we’ll never hear the end of it. Green Bay just couldn’t mount enough offense to dig out of a 21 point third-quarter hole. They tried valiantly, every time it got close Favre and the Vikings would smoothly march down the field and shut the door. Aaron Rodgers got beat up yet again, you have to feel sorry for the guy. Adrian Peterson failed to reach 100 rushing yards for the sixth time this season and the Vikings are STILL 7-1. That’s what they needed Favre for. Now we wait and see how the aged one holds up down the season’s home stretch. Next week’s bye should help. Gr.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 8"

They need to bring it to take out the Giants and lay claim to first place. 

(6-1) Minnesota Vikings at (4-2) Green Bay Packers 

I hear this is a big game. Really. If it weren’t for the World Series, this game would be on Sunday night. (And would force MLB to move their game if it did coincide. There’s no winning against the NFL.) Favre returns to Green Bay wearing a purple #4 jersey. What better drama can you get? (Unless they met again the playoffs… can you say premature Super Bowl?) After a Favre pick and interception were returned for touchdowns last week by the Steelers, I think Brad Childress will maintain a healthy dose of Adrian Peterson against a still-gelling Green bay defensive unit. (Yes GB held the Lions and Browns to three points total, but I’m not sold yet.) 

Continue reading "Joe’s NFL Opening Drive: Week 8"

To the Final Drive of week 7! 

(5-2) Pittsburgh Steelers 27
(6-1) Minnesota Vikings 17 

It’s about time I see Brett Favre being Brett Favre. That fourth quarter fumble and tipped pass/interception cost the Vikings another comeback win and an undefeated season. For shame. You should probably run Adrian Peterson more and stop 40-year old Favre from passing 51 times. Just a thought. Without Antoine Winfield, the Vikings’ secondary and run support is nowhere near as intimidating. Ben Ben and the Steelers are back in the division running after troubles the first weeks of the season. Troy Polamalu is all the difference in the Pittsburgh D.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 7"

*shudder* Here’s the best of week seven in my Opening Drive! 

(6-0) Minnesota Vikings at (4-2) Pittsburgh Steelers 

So in spite of their early problems while without Troy Polamalu, the Steelers have emerged 4-2, trailing a half game behind the Bengals for the division lead. They welcome in the still streaking Vikings, who are making the rounds on the Brett Favre victory tour. Polamalu practiced this week and is expected to play, which should healthily improve the Steelers’ run and pass defense. Against Favre and Adrian Peterson, they’ll need Troy at his best. With Ben Roethlisberger coming off a 400-yard passing game of his own and Vikings Pro Bowl corner Antoine Winfield doubtful with a foot injury, this has potential to turn into a shoot-out. 

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are also 4-2, but technically behind since the Bengals beat them head-to-head.  

(6-0) Minnesota Vikings 33
(3-3) Baltimore Ravens 31 

Why won’t anyone beat the Vikings?! Steven Hauschka’s missed 44-yard field goal keeps the legend of Brett Favre in Minnesota going strong for another week. Who thought that the Baltimore defense would be the team’s weakness this season? They don’t deserve to be called “good” with the amount of points they’re allowing. Take that Ray Lewis.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 6"

y quick takes on some of the weekend’s NFL match-ups. 

(3-2) Baltimore Ravens at (5-0) Minnesota Vikings In one of the better match-ups of the weekend, Brett Favre and the undefeated Vikes get their toughest challenge to date when the surely fuming Ravens come to town. I don’t know if I can imagine that team after losing three straight. I’d be scared. Still, Minnesota has a stout defense of its own. Favre and Joe Flacco need to protect the ball because each offense excels at cashing in on turnovers. Man I hope the Ravens win. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 6"

Maybe Rashard Mendenhall earned a few more carries for himself? 

(4-0) Minnesota Vikings 30
(2-2) Green Bay Packers 23 

Brett Favre won the Brett Favre Bowl. Surprised? I’m not. As hard as I was rooting for the Packers (and I was, it was so weird), it never seemed as if they could overcome Minnesota’s defense until it was too late. They even shut down Adrian Peterson, holding him to 55 yards on 25 carries. But Favre was efficient with the long ball and more importantly never turned the ball over. Aaron Rodgers had two turnovers, both of which led to touchdowns. (He also took a safety. Completely inexcusable in that situation.) Still, they’ll meet again. Next time it will be in Green Bay. 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 4"

ill have to rely on Big Ben’s arm to get a second victory. 

Green Bay Packers (2-1) at Minnesota Vikings (3-0) 

Can this hype get any bigger? Brett Favre’s former flame comes to town to face their old quarterback and his newfound Minnesotan lover. Aaron Rodgers should be just fine, Brett’ll hand off to Adrian Peterson quite a bit, but I wonder how Green Bay will play on defense? Daring Favre to beat you by stacking the line of scrimmage may work, but it might result in public backlash if Favre throws the Vikes to victory. Either way, I’m sitting down Monday night and rooting for Green Bay as hard as I can.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 4"

he fans that actually showed up to see it.

  
Get ready to lose next week.

(3-0) Minnesota Vikings 27
(2-1) San Francisco 49ers 24 

We’ve all seen or heard of Favre’s late game heroics. I blame Mike Singletary’s defense, which put only two players on the endzone. There were five Niners in the middle of the field! Everyone knows when they need a touchdown on the final play of the game you stack men in the endzone so they can bat the ball down. Horrible call from a good coach.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 3"

ssure for his inept offense that barely put away the Rams last week.

San Francisco 49ers (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (2-0)

One of these two hard-nosed squads will finally lose this week. Unfortunately, Niners QB Shaun Hill can’t put up enough points up to hang with Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson and the Vikings for very long. Mike Singletary’s defense needs to go above and beyond if they’re going to stay undefeated.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 3"

n Cincinnati, let’s take a look around the league in this first edition of the Final Drive!

Minnesota Vikings 34, Cleveland Browns 20

For Brad Childress’ sake, this should be the formula for every Vikings game this season. All Favre has to do is throw a downfield pass every now and again in between hand-offs to Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. Short accurate passes to Viking playmakers will keep this offense balanced.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 1"

Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns

Cleveland’s own quarterback drama will be outweighed by the incoming team’s signal-caller. Brett Favre on the Vikings will be a never-ending story until it well… finally ends. But who knows when that will be? With a stout defense anchored by Kevin and Pat Williams (who apparently will not be suspended), all Favre has to do is not make mistakes. Handing off to Adrian Peterson is the best recipe for his success. His experience and threat of downfield passing could be enough to get the Vikings to the postseason.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 1"

Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer is reporting that he expects the recently “retired” Brett Favre to join the Vikings sometime in the next few weeks. 

Glazer quotes a few anonymous Vikings about Favre’s signing, with one saying “I’m telling you it’s already done.” Yet another Viking told him “I don’t know if it’s done, but I think he’ll be in by the third preseason game.”

Continue reading "Is Favre STILL Not Retired?"

ed ESPN’s Ed Werder of his decision to stay retired  after telling Brad Childress of the Minnesota Vikings.  Favre explained that he was unsure of his body’s ability to withstand another grueling NFL season and the training camp and preseason schedule that accompany it.  

Continue reading "Brett Favre to Stay Retired"

Then all the talk of his next destination -- the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Oaklan Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns -- won't come with all the baggage of

Continue reading "Two Words of Advice for Vick: Reality Series"

So there is barely any news on the Chicago front. After waiting over five hours to make their only pick of the day at number 17 in the second round (49th overall), the Chicago Bears made a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. The Bears sent their 2nd round selection to Seattle and received the Seahawks’ 3rd round (68th overall) and 4th round (105th) choices, both of which will be on Sunday.

Continue reading "NFL Draft Day One: Bears Trade Down ..."

 

Philadelphia Eagles 26, Minnesota Vikings 14

Too bad Minnesota, too bad. (Sorry, that’s the Bears loyalist in me coming out. Wont happen again I swear.)  Coach Brad Childr

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Wild Card Weekend"

Dolphins have a real chance to keep their Cinderella season alive.

Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) at Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

Donovan McNabb’s tumultuous 2008 season has a chance for a happy ending if he can lift his team to a victory on wild-card weekend over his former offensive coordinator Brad Childress, now the Vikings head coach. Childress’s squad has gone through two quarterback changes this season, as Tarvaris Jackson was replaced by Gus Frerotte early in the season, only to return to the starting line-up late as Frerotte struggled. Jackson hasn’t been called on to do much offensively besides hand it off to Adrian Peterson coming out of the backfield. Minnesota’s defense will need to capitalize off of any turnovers the Eagles offense may commit, or they won’t be able to match Philly’s point output. Philadelphia’s blitzing defense will attempt to confuse and pressure the young quarterback, so the running game will be needed in order to keep Jackson upright. For the Eagles, Brian Westbrook is the offense. When he’s healthy, the Eagles win. Andy Reid may have finally learned to hand the ball off with more regularity, and it has been paying dividends in the form of Eagle victories. A solid rushing attack keeps McNabb from making too many mistakes and having to win the game on his own. If the Eagles are going to continue on in the post-season, it’s going to be thanks to Westbrook.

Continue reading "Joey A's Opening Drive: Wild Card Weekend"

It seems only fitting that what could end up as the Chicago Bears’ final game of significance this season comes against their biggest rivals the Green Bay Packers. If you choose to recall week 11’s trouncing at Lambeau Field, revenge would be that much sweeter. Oh, I hear revenge is a dish best served cold. Well, with an expected high of only seven degrees in Chicago, it could be on the menu Monday night. This time around, the Packers have been eliminated from playoff contention, and the Bears are the team fighting to stay alive. Since the Vikings chose to lose four fumbles to Atlanta yesterday, the Bears are playing with a purpose. 

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2 and 3-win teams this weekend, New England has the tougher road to hoe.

Atlanta Falcons (9-5) at Minnesota Vikings (9-5)

Shocking as it may sound; the Atlanta Falcons have the opportunity to rebound from a 4-12 disaster last season to 11-5 and into the 2008 playoffs. They’ll need Dallas or Tampa Bay to stumble in the final two weeks, but Atlanta will be a dangerous team in January because of their ability to run the ball behind Michael Turner and Matt Ryan’s outstanding play under center. Heading to the dome won’t be easy, but with the Vikings’ All-Pro defensive tackle Pat Williams out with a broken right scapula, Turner will have an easier time up the middle. Minnesota is going with Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback for another week, a move that could make or break their season. Sure, he’s played well for six quarters, but he’s only been called on to throw 27 passes! Adrian Peterson will be Jackson’s best friend if he can establish himself against Atlanta’s defensive unit.

Continue reading "Joey A's Opening Drive: Week 16"

Sunday night’s battle for first place completely reversed direction over the course of five consecutive plays. The Chicago Bears, up 7-3, had first-and-goal inside the five-yard line of the Vikings and looked ready to take a 14-3 lead in what could be a defining game of their season. Following an incompletion over the middle to Greg Olsen, a Matt Forte run off left tackle, a Jason Davis run up the middle, and a Forte run up the middle, the Bears turned the ball over on downs. On the very next play, Gus Frerotte found ex-Bear Bernard Berrian on the sideline behind broken Charles Tillman coverage for a 99-yard touchdown pass. Minnesota went up 10-7 and proceeded to humiliate the “Mediocre of the Midway” for the rest of the night. 

Continue reading "Bears get Roasted in Minnesota"

Manning has become worthy of his draft day drama and has his team in a great position to repeat.

Minnesota Vikings (5-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)

Instead of former starter Tavaris Jackson’s 150 yards, one interception outings, the Vikings have Gus Frerotte’s 300 yards, three interception days. I suppose that’s an upgrade. Quarterback is still the issue in Minnesota, as Frerotte is not the present or long-term solution. Adrian Peterson must stay healthy for his Vikings to secure the NFC North crown, which is the only way any North team will make it into the post-season.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Eleven Preview"

the backfield, giving Atlanta the league’s best rushing attack.

Green Bay Packers (4-4) at Minnesota Vikings (4-4)

In a division that will likely send only one team to the playoffs, NFC North divisional match-ups are critical. Both teams are looking to make ground on the division leading Chicago Bears, who face the unbeaten Titans. Green Bay has faltered this season in spite of Aaron Rodgers’ tremendous play at quarterback. Their running game simply hasn’t produced like the Packer teams of previous years. The defense showed up against the Titans last Sunday, but there’s no telling what kind of performance they’ll deliver in any given game. 

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Ten Preview"

If you had told me the Minnesota Vikings would score 41 points and rack up over 400 yards of offense on my Bears, I would have thought twice about watching such a slaughter. Lucky for me I had no such prior information, so I tuned in to witness the shootout at Soldier Field. I’m glad I did, as the Bears hung on in a thrill-fest.

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The Bears will get the chance this Sunday when they host the Minnesota Vikings in the first of their two meetings this season. Both teams, along with the Green Bay Packers, are tied atop the NFC North with matching records of 3-3. One team must make a move to get ahead of the pack now (no pun intended), or they will still be trapped in a three-team dogfight for one playoff spot. If the Bears intend to claim that spot, beating the Vikings at Soldier Field is they way to start.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Vikings at Bears"

The Jags can’t afford to lose these games, as Indianapolis is due for a winning streak.

Minnesota Vikings 30, New Orleans Saints 27

This game was just weird. When Drew Brees goes for

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 5"

ll get his opportunities out of the play action pass, which needs a set-up from the running game.

Minnesota Vikings (1-2) at Tennessee Titans (3-0)

Minnesota finally got on the winning track last week against Carolina. Unfortunately, they now have to deal with the buzz saw that is the Tennessee Titans. The Titans are one of the best defensive teams in the league and are hoping to stake their claim in the AFC North. With the Colts and Jaguars both sitting at 1-2 going into this weekend, the Titans are anxiously stockpiling wins. So far Kerry Collins has made more plays in the passing game and far fewer mistakes than Vince Young, even without the threat of the quarterback scramble. It’s an interesting story to watch, as each week the Titans win is another week Vince Young won’t return to the starting line-up. Minnesota has recently made its own quarterback change, but out of desperation, not due to injury. Gus Frerotte heated up last week in the second half their much-needed win against Carolina, so coach Childress should feel better about his quick decision to bench Tarvaris Jackson for the rest of the year. Adrian Peterson needs to visit the end zone multiple times this week if Minnesota wants to escape Tennessee with a win.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Four Preview"

, some interesting AFC versus NFC matchups, and a key divisional game.

Carolina Panthers (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2)

It’s hard to say there’s a “must-win” situation in week three, but the Vikings are staring one right in the face. With the rest of the NFC North in tough conference match-ups, Minnesota needs this victory to star catching up to the top of the division. Starting Gus Frerotte at QB should add some experience to their offense and produce more than the five field goals they put up against Indy last week. Carolina is looking to stay ahead of the rest of the NFC South, who all sit at 1-1. Now they have Steve Smith back, fresh from his suspension. Jake Delhomme looked dangerous already, now he has his favorite weapon back.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Three Preview"

I hope you read anyway.

Indianapolis Colts (0-1) at Minnesota Vikings (0-1)

It’s hard to believe that with the off-season hype surrounding these two teams, one of them will start the season at 0-2. Minnesota should be able to use the same strategy the Bears employed to win, only with greater success. The Williams boys on the defensive line for Minnesota should cause even more problems for Manning, while Adrian Peterson will gash the Colts soft run defense.  For the Colts to avoid a loss, Peyton must exploit a Vikings secondary that couldn’t hold down Aaron Rodgers.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Two Preview"