The Gopher
12-07-2005, 11:22 PM
CURTain Call
12/7/05
Vikings http://www.pigskinheaven.com/gallery/files/7/team_vikings1_519510.gifDefeat Lions http://www.pigskinheaven.com/gallery/files/7/team_lions1_4830.gif 21-16
The Vikings continue their winning ways, extending their winning streak under Brad Johnson to 5 games. The Vikings offense began their first drive with a bang, Brad Johnson ran the play they had planned all week, using their knowledge that R.W. McQuarters may be overmatched on a streak route, the Vikings decided that their first play would be a streak to the reciever that he covered. Koren Robinson was the lucky Viking, as he began his route it was evident that Koren had the upper hand, gaining 4 strides before the ball fell right into his hands, a perfect strike, en route to an 80 yard Touchdown. The Vikings were in control of the game from there on out. Michael bennett Rushed for 75+ yards and a 2 TD's (one recieving) and had his second great game against the Lions (too bad he can't do it elsewhere). While i didn't get to watch much of the 2nd and 3rd quarters because of hockey practice, I did get a chance to watch the end, and began to get worried as the Lions were much too close for comfort. Chavous sealed the victory with a goalline interception effectively ending the game.
Michael Bennett
http://images.nfl.com/images/players/60x80/235196.jpg
The much maligned Vikings RB has battled injury and innefectiveness for most of his career as a Viking. In the final year of his contract, and with a stable of backs on the roster, Bennett's days as a Viking may be over soon. Bennett, whom has suffered ankle and knee injuries in the last two 1/2 seasons hasn't been the same back we saw when he rushed for over 1000 yards in 2001. This season his appearances have been rare, and oftentimes ineffective when he does see the field. But he has shined against one opponent, rushing for more than half of his yards against the Lions, and scoring his only TD's. Bennett, a Wisconsin alumni came into the NFL with excellent athletic credentials, a record setting track star with blazing speed, coming off a solid Junior season. Many experts believed that he may have been better served spending another year in college, but that did nto deter the Vikings from picking him.
Fred Smoot
http://images.nfl.com/images/players/60x80/235244.jpg
Fred Smoot will likely be returning from his collarbone injury this week, and will likely be eased back into the line-up, most likely he will only be a nickel back against a talented Rams offense. A very hyped Free Agent signing, Smoot has been fairly average as a Viking, and his mouth has often been much bigger than his play. The Alledged organizer of the Vikings love-boat, Smoot has been a mild distraction for the season. I really hope he can get his play back together because he has all the tools to be a great corner, and his play can only benifit the Vikings whom have won their games on defense and capitalizing on turnovers, (and of course a little special teams).
Vikings 5-0 Under Brad Johnson
http://images.nfl.com/images/players/60x80/1039.jpg
A month ago if anyone would have mentioned the Vikings in a playoff conversation, they likely would be laughed out of the room. I for one, would have been one doing the laughing. For i never really felt the season was over, with the way the Vikings had play, i was ready for the worst. But since the Vikings beat the Giants based mainly on the play of their special teams, it has been an encouraging sight to see the Vikings play. I can't say i have ever been a huge fan of defense, and I never though I would be, but the play of this squad has lit a flame in me and now i hope the Vikings continue to go the route of strong defensive play, with an efficient offense. Brad Johnson is a winner, it seems everywhere he has gone, he has experienced success. A super Bowl winner in Tampa Bay, thrown to the curb after a great season. The Vikings picked up this crafty veteren as an insurance policy to Daunte Culpepper. When he was signed I felt this was a good signing, but hoped he would never see the field, but I believe that it has been his presense that has helped turn this franchise around.
http://www.pigskinheaven.com/gallery/files/7/min5.png VS http://www.pigskinheaven.com/gallery/files/7/stl5.png
Yet again, the Vikings face an opponent they need to beat to remain in the playoff hunt. On paper, the Vikings should blow through this struggling Rams team, but their offensive weapons and past success against the Vikings have me worrying about this game. For Minnesota to win this game, the Vikings must make plays on both sides of the ball, establish a strong running game, and score a defensive touchdown. If the Vikings can do this, I think they will cruise to victory. BUT, everything doesn't always work out like it should. The Rams will likely look to get ahead early, forcing the Vikings to play catch-up. While the Vikings have played well enough to win, their offensive play definately doesn't look like it has the ability to win in a shootout, the key to the game will be keeping the score in a reachable distance, (no more than 24 points against)
The Prediction: Vikings win, 27 -20
12/7/05
Vikings http://www.pigskinheaven.com/gallery/files/7/team_vikings1_519510.gifDefeat Lions http://www.pigskinheaven.com/gallery/files/7/team_lions1_4830.gif 21-16
The Vikings continue their winning ways, extending their winning streak under Brad Johnson to 5 games. The Vikings offense began their first drive with a bang, Brad Johnson ran the play they had planned all week, using their knowledge that R.W. McQuarters may be overmatched on a streak route, the Vikings decided that their first play would be a streak to the reciever that he covered. Koren Robinson was the lucky Viking, as he began his route it was evident that Koren had the upper hand, gaining 4 strides before the ball fell right into his hands, a perfect strike, en route to an 80 yard Touchdown. The Vikings were in control of the game from there on out. Michael bennett Rushed for 75+ yards and a 2 TD's (one recieving) and had his second great game against the Lions (too bad he can't do it elsewhere). While i didn't get to watch much of the 2nd and 3rd quarters because of hockey practice, I did get a chance to watch the end, and began to get worried as the Lions were much too close for comfort. Chavous sealed the victory with a goalline interception effectively ending the game.
Michael Bennett
http://images.nfl.com/images/players/60x80/235196.jpg
The much maligned Vikings RB has battled injury and innefectiveness for most of his career as a Viking. In the final year of his contract, and with a stable of backs on the roster, Bennett's days as a Viking may be over soon. Bennett, whom has suffered ankle and knee injuries in the last two 1/2 seasons hasn't been the same back we saw when he rushed for over 1000 yards in 2001. This season his appearances have been rare, and oftentimes ineffective when he does see the field. But he has shined against one opponent, rushing for more than half of his yards against the Lions, and scoring his only TD's. Bennett, a Wisconsin alumni came into the NFL with excellent athletic credentials, a record setting track star with blazing speed, coming off a solid Junior season. Many experts believed that he may have been better served spending another year in college, but that did nto deter the Vikings from picking him.
Fred Smoot
http://images.nfl.com/images/players/60x80/235244.jpg
Fred Smoot will likely be returning from his collarbone injury this week, and will likely be eased back into the line-up, most likely he will only be a nickel back against a talented Rams offense. A very hyped Free Agent signing, Smoot has been fairly average as a Viking, and his mouth has often been much bigger than his play. The Alledged organizer of the Vikings love-boat, Smoot has been a mild distraction for the season. I really hope he can get his play back together because he has all the tools to be a great corner, and his play can only benifit the Vikings whom have won their games on defense and capitalizing on turnovers, (and of course a little special teams).
Vikings 5-0 Under Brad Johnson
http://images.nfl.com/images/players/60x80/1039.jpg
A month ago if anyone would have mentioned the Vikings in a playoff conversation, they likely would be laughed out of the room. I for one, would have been one doing the laughing. For i never really felt the season was over, with the way the Vikings had play, i was ready for the worst. But since the Vikings beat the Giants based mainly on the play of their special teams, it has been an encouraging sight to see the Vikings play. I can't say i have ever been a huge fan of defense, and I never though I would be, but the play of this squad has lit a flame in me and now i hope the Vikings continue to go the route of strong defensive play, with an efficient offense. Brad Johnson is a winner, it seems everywhere he has gone, he has experienced success. A super Bowl winner in Tampa Bay, thrown to the curb after a great season. The Vikings picked up this crafty veteren as an insurance policy to Daunte Culpepper. When he was signed I felt this was a good signing, but hoped he would never see the field, but I believe that it has been his presense that has helped turn this franchise around.
http://www.pigskinheaven.com/gallery/files/7/min5.png VS http://www.pigskinheaven.com/gallery/files/7/stl5.png
Yet again, the Vikings face an opponent they need to beat to remain in the playoff hunt. On paper, the Vikings should blow through this struggling Rams team, but their offensive weapons and past success against the Vikings have me worrying about this game. For Minnesota to win this game, the Vikings must make plays on both sides of the ball, establish a strong running game, and score a defensive touchdown. If the Vikings can do this, I think they will cruise to victory. BUT, everything doesn't always work out like it should. The Rams will likely look to get ahead early, forcing the Vikings to play catch-up. While the Vikings have played well enough to win, their offensive play definately doesn't look like it has the ability to win in a shootout, the key to the game will be keeping the score in a reachable distance, (no more than 24 points against)
The Prediction: Vikings win, 27 -20