Blocked Field Goal Costs Vikings

A blocked field goal late in the third quarter by Dallas Cowboy's defensive end Chris Canty and recovered by free safety Pat Watkins was ran back for a touchdown, that gave the Cowboys a 21-14 lead. The touchdown secured the game for Dallas, as they defeated the Minnesota Vikings for the first time since the 1999 NFC Wild Card game 24-14.

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Minnesota Vikings for the first time since the 1999 NFC Wild Card game, where they won 40-15. Dallas's defense was awesome in yesterday's game, as they held Minnesota's rookie stud Adrian Peterson to just 63 yards on 12 carries, and Chester Taylor to only 47 yards on 10 carries. Dallas also held the Vikings to a total of 196 yards on the day, as Tarvaris Jackson was terrible again, in only completing 6 of 19 passes. On the other side of the ball, Tony Romo had another great day as he completed 31 of 39 passes, and threw one touchdown. However, Romo was sacked three times and lost one fumble which was recovered by the Vikings Kevin Williams, who rumbled for an 84 yard touchdown. The touchdown was called back due to a holding penalty, and the 6 foot 5 311 pounder needed a breather and some oxygen.

The Minnesota Vikings run defense was in tact again this week. They held Marion Barber to 96 yards on 19 carries, and Julius Jones to 28 yards on 9 carries. They also scored a touchdown off a Cowboy fumble from receiver Patrick Crayton. The fumble was recovered by Minnesota Viking corner back Cedric Griffin, and ran in for a 50 yard touchdown. The Vikings defense also held the running game of the Dallas Cowboys to just 111 total yards.

Our Minnesota Vikings kept the game close and had a chance to win right up til the end. Unfortunately for Minnesota, their lack luster offense proved to be fatal, as Tarvaris Jackson only completed 9 of 19 passes for a miserable 72 yards, and a quarterback rating of 44.2 percent. The bright spot for Jackson was he had no interceptions and ran the ball 4 times for 20 yards. Adrian Peterson, who has been the shining star for this Vikings offense, was held to 63 yards on 12 carries. Chester Taylor, who has been our other powerful running back, was held to 47 yards on 10 carries. The Vikings best drive of the day was on their first drive. It was the Peterson/Taylor drive that ended in a 20 yard rushing touchdown from Adrian Peterson. This drive had Peterson carry the ball 4 times for 27 yards, and have one pass reception for 12 yards. Chester Taylor carried the ball three times for 21 yards, and had one reception for three yards. Tarvaris Jackson completed two passes on three attempts, and scrambled for a 6 yard run. After that, the Vikings offense failed to produce anything for the remainder of the game. Adrian Peterson would only touch the ball 8 more times for 43 yards, and Chester Taylor would touch the ball seven more times for 27 yards, while Tarvaris Jackson would only complete three more passes.

This game once again leaves us with some questions: What are the Minnesota Vikings thinking when they call their plays? Why was Adrian Peterson only given the ball 12 times all day? After rushing for 224 yards on 20 carries and three touchdowns last week, why such minimal use this week? Why did they give Chester Taylor the ball 20 times for 83 yards against the Bears, and only 10 times versus the Cowboys? Taylor has even improved on his 4 yards per carry from last season, to 4.7 yards this season. Then the T-Jack question. Why is such a raw and unproven quarterback used week in and week out, as he continues to fail miserably? I can answer this one for you. Tarvaris Jackson is suppose to be our franchise quarterback. Jackson is making rookie mistakes, and it is going to take some patients on the part of the Minnesota Vikings and their fans before they see some real success from Tarvaris Jackson.

Jackson does have the ability to play in the NFL, but is still very young and raw. Unfortunately, with a league that has the mentality to win and win now, there seems to be no patients with bringing up young quarterbacks. Other than the week two disaster of 4 interceptions, Tarvaris has only thrown one interception all season. Unfortunately, he still has not found a way to get the ball into the end zone. Once Jackson gets rolling on his passing game, gains a little confidence, and is utilized more freely on the scramble and allowed to run, I think we will see a much improved Tarvaris Jackson. He did make a few good heads up plays, and avoided a safety as well. Jackson appears to rush his passes when under pressure, rather than scramble out of the pocket more often, or just find an open spot and run. This causes a lot of over thrown passes, or poorly placed passes from Tarvaris. Given more time and patients, Tarvaris Jackson could make his early doubters eat their words.

Finally, Minnesota Vikings fans need to give this young man some time, patients and consideration. He his a very young, and raw quarterback who is being thrown in a starting role and given no time to grow and mature in this league. He is fresh out of Alabama State from 2006, and will need even more time than say would a Brady Quinn or a Matt Leinart. Remember, this is only Tarvaris Jackson's first full season as a starter. I believe with some more time and proper nurturing from the coaches, Tarvaris Jackson could be as good as he was projected to be.

SKOL JACKSON!!!!

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SKOL VIKINGS!!!!