Vikings Lose Close One

When the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers get together, there is no telling what will happen. Such was the case today. Brett Favre threw for his 421st and 422nd career touchdowns, and squeaked out a 23-16 victory in the final minutes of play.

It looked as if the Packers were on their way to an easy victory this afternoon over our Minnesota Vikings. But, a late fourth quarter fumble recovery for Minnesota, gave Kelly Holcomb another chance to get his Minnesota Vikings in the end zone, and he did just that. Holcomb hit receiver Sydney Rice at the 2:00 minute warning mark, giving the Vikings a chance at an onside kick. With the Ryan Longwell extra point added, Minnesota trailed Green Bay by a touchdown, with just under 2:00 left in the game.

The Vikings on-side kick was recovered by the Packers. Then with 1:50 left to play, veteran Quarterback Brett Favre fumbled, giving Minnesota one last chance to tie the game. Holcomb ran three plays before Atari Bigby picked off Holcomb's pass intended for Bobby Wade. Minnesota quarterback Kelly Holcomb pleaded his case with the officials to review the play for pass interference, and the review booth did. The call was not reversed. The call of an interception stood, and the Green Bay Packers won the game 23-16.

Although this game was not as close as the score shows, the Minnesota Viking offense once again failed to produce very much. Kelly Holcomb had a much better time this week, as he completed 21 of 39 attempts for 258 yards passing. Receiver Bobby Wade produced good yardage, catching 5 passes for 83 yards, while Sydney Rice had 6 receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown. Visanthe Shiancoe caught 4 passes for 38 yards, and Troy Williamson was 2/23. Other Vikings who caught passes where Running Back Adrian Peterson 1/6, Running Back Chester Taylor 1/11, Full Back Jeff Dugan 1/13, and Full Back Tony Richardson 1/9.

Minnesota's running game was strong behind rookie sensation Adrian Peterson, who had 12 carries for 112 yards, and Chester Taylor who had 8 carries for 40 yards. Finally, Full back Jeff Dugan had 1 carry for 3 yards. On the day, the Viking offense had 258 yards passing, and 155 yards rushing for a total of 382 yards.

Although the Vikings offense could not get into the end zone today. There was nothing wrong with the leg of Ryan Longwell. Longwell was 3 for 3 in field goal attempts. Longwell kicked field goals of 44 yards, 35 yards, and 48 yards respectively. Longwell is 6 for 7 on the season with field goal kicks.

The stingy Viking run defense was once again awesome. Their third ranked run defense allowed only 40 yards on the ground with 20 total carries. However, our stagnant pass defense was picked apart by the crafty veteran Brett Favre, who threw for 344 yards, while completing 32 of 45 passes. Favre also threw for 2 touchdowns. Brett Favre is now the NFL league leader in career touchdowns with 422.

Farve's career breaking 421st touchdown pass came with 5:01 left in the first quarter, as he hit Greg Jennings for a 16 yard strike. Favre's other touchdown pass went to James Jones with 5:52 left in the game. Jones' pass was caught for 33 yards, and a Mason Crosby extra point gave the Packers a 23-9 lead.

Over all, this was an exciting game for Viking fans everywhere. Although our offense could not get the ball in the end zone more than once, we kept the game close, saw the record breaking touchdown pass from Brett Favre, witnessed Minnesota's defense shut down Green Bay's running game, and had two last minute drives, scoring on one.

Minnesota will now enter the bye week looking to answer a few questions. We need to find leader on our offense. Minnesota also must find a way to get into the end zone more than once a game, and can not rely on winning games by their defense alone. Brad Childress must light a fire under his offense during this week off, and come out in two weeks firing on all cylinders.

The Viking passing game was much improved this week from the previous weeks, and even last season. We still struggle scoring points, but being able to pass for 258 yards is a step in the right direction. The key now is to find that consistency on offense, get into the red zone, and score a few touchdowns. We will not win many games on Ryan Longwell field goals.

I am sure the Vikings will work hard during the week off. They need to gather the rest they need, clear their minds of this poor start, and come out in two weeks ready to face the Chicago Bears. In the next week, I will post a boigraphy on one player a day, and call this section Meet the Vikings. Til then Viking Fans.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!!