Oh my goodness, did a Minnesota Vikings' special teams actually make a play that contributed to a much-needed victory? And did their defense put a lock down on the Saints' very talented Joe Horn and Duece McCallister? I can't remember the last time I saw something like that in Purple Land. And I have to admit that coach Tice looked like he came up with a decent game plan for the first time in a very very long time. If that half-witted clown does it just seven more times this season, he could miraculously save his job. And I say that because winning a mere eight games in the NFC North could get you into the playoffs with a home game. The NFL is weird and naughty and I love it.
Next week the Vikes go on the road to Atlanta. The Falcons have a Hall of Fame caliber quarterback, multiple offensive weapons, a real tough defense, and one of the more brainy up and coming head coaches. It's going to be Mike Tice and his squad's toughest test of the young season. But I think Minnesota can go down there and squeak one out if a few things happen. First and foremost, Tice cannot lose this game by making asinine decisions during the game. He's been known to call ill-timed replay reviews, among other just plain bad coaching moves that hurt his players' chances. He cannot afford any of those shenanigans. Second, Duante needs to be Duante. I like it when he scrambles, and I like when he goes deep. Minnesota will have to play to those strengths against a feisty Falcon defense that attacks to the ball. And third, the Vikings' secondary must stay at home with the ends and outside linebackers playing contain. I saw Atlanta's quarterback, Michael Vick, win games all by himself if an opponent doesn't play with discipline. Minnesota has the talent to stay with him, but we'll see how disciplined the new defense plays. Jeez, going into the bye week in week five with two wins and two losses, that's not too shabby for the way the season started so ugly. But you know, every victory for Minnesota, in the long run, doesn't help in getting the worst coach in football fired.
Punker brothers, it's been a long time since I've done this, but I'll take the Vikings' to win outright in low scoring affair. Both of these defenses will have good days and hell, I haven't predicted a Vikings' upset in over two years. So put your money on it, and we can all be bookie breakers together.
