Vikings Comeback Falls Short in Overtime

Tarvaris Jackson once again led his team from behind to tie the game, only to lose it on a fumble in overtime. Down 19-3 entering the fourth quarter, Tarvaris Jackson and his offense came to life as Jackson threw two touchdowns, and scored two two-point conversions to tie the game and send it to overtime. Then in overtime, Jackson dropped back to throw a pass and fumbled the ball as Denver recovered. The Broncos immediately went for the field goal to win the game 22-19.

Tarvaris Jackson started out very slow again this week as he completed just five of 13 passes for 37 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in the first half. Minnesota left the half down 14-3. Then in the third quarter it was looking pretty dim for our Vikings, as the only scoring came off a Jason Elam 43 yard field goal with 7:35 left to play. The third quarter came and went and our Vikings were down 17-3. The fourth quarter started out just as poorly, when Tarvaris Jackson dropped back to pass and completed it to Robert Ferguson. A penalty was called for face-masking in the end zone and the result was a safety for Denver. Now down 19-3, Jackson and his Vikings kicked it into high gear. Jackson completed 11 of 18 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns.

Jackson completed a touchdown pass to Bobby Wade for five yards, then ran in the two point conversion himself. The total drive went eight plays for 69 yards and took 2:46 off the clock. Then 2:57 later Jackson connected with Wade again for another Viking touchdown. This time Jackson hit Wade for a 22 yard pass and Jackson once again ran in the two-point conversion.

This second drive took 1:51 off the clock in five plays for 65 yards.

On the day for Jackson, he completed 16 pass for 175 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and one costly fumble. Jackson's top receivers were Bobby Wade who had five catches for 92 yards, two touchdowns, and had his longest catch of the day go for 30 yards. Robert Ferguson was second on the list with five catches for 39 yards, while Garrett Mills made his NFL debut with two catches for 26 yards, with his longest catch going for 18 yards. Andre Allison and Chester Taylor rounded out the receptions for Minnesota with Allison having one catch for nine yards, while Chester Taylor has three catches for nine yards as well.

In the backfield for the Vikings it was Chester Taylor who had 10 carries for 83 yards, while Adrian Peterson had 11 carries for 36 yards. Tarvaris Jackson ran the ball four times for 36 yards, and two two-point conversions. Mewelde Moore rounded out the backfield with two carries for 17 yards.

The Vikings defense did a nice job in containing the Denver run, as Selvin Young, Brandon Marshall, and Andre Hall, combined for 128 total yards and no touchdowns. Our pass defense had plenty of trouble with Jay Cutler though. Cutler completed 26 of 37 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns. Cutler hit Brandon Marshall for a 15 yard touchdown in the second quarter, and then hit Tony Scheffler for a two yard touchdown 10:29 later. Both of Jason Elam's kicks were good for extra points.

Both the Vikings and Broncos seasons are now over. Minnesota almost had a miraculous comeback season winning five in a row, becoming playoff eligible, then losing the last two games in dramatic fashion. Minnesota was being crushed by Washington two weeks ago, and posted a comeback until the fatal fumble recover by Minnesota was overturned due to a "too many men on the field" penalty. Then again yesterday afternoon Minnesota posted a 16 point comeback to be thwarted by a lost fumble from Tarvaris Jackson, followed by a Jason Elam 30 yard game winning field goal. The overtime loss was Minnesota's second of the season, as they lost to Detroit 20-17 in week two in overtime. The Vikings end this season at 8-8 (Overall), 5-3 (at Home), 3-5 (on the Road), and 0-2 (in Overtime).

I will continue to post three to four times per week during the playoffs. I will try and post two to three times a week during the off season, but will post daily on the Viking Mania Fan Club home site. The address for the fan club home site is:

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/minnesotasvikings/

and sign up for the fan club is FREE! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post here or sign up on the Viking Mania Fan Club home page. Registrations for the fan club, and sign up for the home group are all FREE. Once I receive your registration from the Official Fan Club Entry Form found in the links section of the fan club home page, I will send you your Official Certificate and FREE Gift Pack within one week. Hope to see more people sign up and help discuss various topics on our Minnesota Vikings.

Thank you to all my readers for a fun and eventful season, and......

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Minnesota Vikings versus Denver Broncos Injury Report

Here is your injury report for the Minnesota Vikings versus Denver Broncos game set for this afternoon at 3:15pm. I am finding out there are not a lot of injury updates during the week, and the players either practice, are limited in practice, or do not practice at all. All other injury updates who are listed as probable most likely WILL PLAY, doubtfuls will most likely NOT PLAY, and questionables are going to be game time decisions.

Minnesota Vikings 12/30/2007 Game Day Injury Report:

12/30/2007 50 Vinny Ciurciu (LB) Ankle----------Doubtful
12/30/2007 19 Bobby Wade (WR) Knee-----------Probable
12/30/2007 26 Antoine Winfield (CB) Shoulder----Questionable
12/30/2007 18 Sidney Rice (WR) Ankle------------Questionable

12/30/2007 54 Dontarrious Thomas (LB) Groin----Questionable
12/30/2007 94 Pat Williams (DT) Knee------------Questionable
12/30/2007 58 David Herron (LB) Concussion------Probable

Denver Broncos 12/30/2007 Game Day Injury Report:

12/30/2007 52 Ian Gold (LB) Knee----------------Questionable

12/30/2007 14 Brandon Stokley (WR) Knee-------Questionable
12/30/2007 89 Daniel Graham (TE) Ankle---------Questionable

12/30/2007 6 Jay Cutler (QB) Knee----------------Probable

12/30/2007 60 John Engelberger (DE) Shoulder----Probable
12/30/2007 74 Steven Harris (DT) Knee------------Probable

12/30/2007 47 John Lynch (S) Back----------------Probable

12/30/2007 62 Chris Myers (C) Ankle--------------Probable

12/30/2007 84 Javon Walker (WR) Knee-----------Probable

"An Orange Crush New Year?"

The Minnesota Vikings and their fans are calling for "An Orange Crush New Year". If the Minnesota Vikings can defeat the Denver Broncos on Sunday and Dallas can pull off a win at Washington, Minnesota is in. On the flip side of that scenario, Denver can do what Washington did last week and play spoilers. The Denver Broncos could play host to Minnesota, defeat them and put an end to a comeback season, and end the Orange Crush New Year all in one afternoon.

Denver is a team to be reckoned with and Minnesota better not look past them. I have already seen articles stating Minnesota should have no problems with Denver and get the win. I feel this mentality is looking past Denver and counting them out. This is professional football and no one should be counted out. Remember, any one can fall at any time. I think New York can beat New England tonight and end their quest for a perfect season. Detroit could upset the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco could defeat Cleveland and put them out of the playoffs, while Tennessee could defeat Indianapolis and make the playoffs themselves, or Washington could defeat Dallas and make their playoff bid come true as well; and yes Denver over Minnesota is a possibility.

Denver is looking forward to ending Minnesota's great comeback and deny them a playoff birth. The Vikings were 3-6 just six weeks ago, and won five games in a row to become an 8-6 team and a serious playoff contender. With the near loss the Chicago and the crushing defeat we took from Washington, most analysts are not counting out Minnesota and have even favored them by 3 over Denver, while ABC Sports Network predicted a 24-16 Viking Viktory. However you like to see this game go, the only true outcome is how well Minnesota plays and what the final score is at the end of the game.

The Broncos are playing at home for the final time this season, and would love to end their lost season on a high note. Denver is also 4-3 at home this season and would love nothing more than to end this season with a winning home record. The overall series between these two teams goes to Minnesota with a 7-4 series lead, and our Vikings have also won three of the last four meetings between these two squads. Once again everything seems to favor our Vikings, but one thing: where are their heads at?

The Vikings will be looking heavily at the score board for the Washington-Dallas match up to see what's happening. The fear here is if Washington is doing well, then Minnesota will not play as good, but if Dallas is winning, then Minnesota's players will be fighting that much harder. This can either work for us or against us. I still feel that our players are professionals and will do their best no matter what happens between Washington and Dallas. I believe that most of our players will be looking at the scoreboard, but will do their job on the field as required. Only one main obstacle that stands in our way of the playoffs: the Denver Broncos.

Denver will be looking to play spoilers and that could come from the hands of second year quarterback Jay Cutler. Cutler is definitely the team's leading quarterback by completing 271 of 430 passes, throwing 18 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and has been sacked 26 times and fumbled the ball 10 times, losing four. Cutler has started all 15 games this season, but has given way to back up quarterback Patrick Ramsey in games against Detroit on 11/04, and Kansas City on 11/11.

In the Detroit game Ramsey completed 29 of 46 passes for 262 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and three sacks, and two fumbles. In the Kansas City game, Ramsey played one or two series, was 0/2 in pass completions, and ran the ball once for two yards. Cutler seems ready to play and is listed as probable. Minnesota should pressure him often, and challenge Cutler to scramble and move. With an injured knee, it will be interesting to see how a youngster like Cutler responds to the constant pressure of a ruthless Viking defense.

Cutler's top two receivers are Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler. Marshall is the team leader is pass receptions (92) and yardage (1,211). Marshall has six touchdowns and averages 13.2 yards per reception. On the other side of the field will be Tony Scheffler. Scheffler is second on the team in receptions (42) and third on the team in yards (492). Scheffler has caught four touchdowns and averages 11.8 yards per reception. However, let's not forget about Brandon Stokley either. Stokley is third on the team in receptions (40), second on the team in yardage(635), second on the team in touchdowns (5), and averages 15.8 yards per reception. Looks like a tough day for our 32nd ranked pass defense. Fortunately for our Vikings, Brandon Stokley is injured and listed as questionable. With receivers like theses, it's hard to believe that Denver's passing unit is only ranked 13th in the NFL, and Denver's record is 6-9.

The rushing unit for Denver can be matched with that of the Redskins. Washington was only one of two teams to gain over 100 yards rushing on our Vikings. The Redskins had a very rough time running the ball in the first half, but ran the ball much better as the game wore on. Denver is ranked 9th in the league in rushing, and can easily challenge the number one ranked rushing defense in the league. Denver's top rushers are Travis Henry, Selvin Young, Jay Cutler and Andre Hall.

Henry is the leading rusher on the team but barley. Henry has 167 rushes for 691 yards, four touchdowns, and one lost fumble. Young is second on the team in carries with 118, he has 642 yards, one touchdown, and one lost fumble. Jay Cutler is third on the team in carries with 44, and has 205 yards to show for it. Cutler is a quarterback who apparently can scramble and likes to run. Cutler also has one touchdown and 10 fumbles, but has lost only four of those 10 fumbles. Finally, there is Andre Hall. Hall is the teams fourth leading rusher with 41 carries and 206 yards, has two touchdowns and no lost fumbles. It is apparent that the Denver Broncos rarely fumble.

The biggest challenge for the Broncos will be if they can contain Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. All season long if Peterson has a bad game then Taylor has been able to pick up the slack; and if Taylor is not running well then Peterson had a great game. Minnesota is number one on the ground, and has been there all season long. The toughest part for Denver has been containing the run. Denver is ranked 30th in the league in their rushing defense and has never seen the likes of Adrian Peterson. If the Broncos can contain Peterson and Taylor, and their number seventh ranked passing offense can do heir job, it will be a long day for Minnesota and their fans.

Our Minnesota Vikings have their work cut out for them this weekend. If they win and Washington loses, we are headed for post season play. However, if we win and the Redskins win, Washington is headed to the post season. The only worry that should be on our Vikings' minds is to win, and let the Dallas-Washington game play itself out. By blocking out the game they can not control, and keeping in mind what they can control, Minnesota will do much better and should come away with a win. Although you can not count anyone out, I feel our Vikings are a good enough team to defeat any one in the league, and that includes Denver this weekend.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

&

SKOL "JULIE" For the great titles for these articles.

Viking Mania Poll Results

Here are the results of the last set of Polls for the Viking Mania web site and their results. Listed below you will find: 1 the question, 2. the list of all possible answers, and 3. the number of votes they received.

I will be creating new polls once all the playoff teams are selected. Please keep checking back and vote again. I would like to thank all of you who have voted on all our polls, and will post the results of the polls in the upcomong future.

Who do you think will be the number one seed in the NFC playoffs?

Dallas Cowboys 4 Votes

Green Bay Packers 7 Votes

Which two teams do you think will win the NFC Wild card Spot?

New York Giants 13 Votes

Washington Redskins 0 Votes
Minnesota Vikings 13 Votes

New Orleans Saints 0 Votes

Arizona Cardinals 0 Votes

Which two teams do you think will win the AFC Wild card spot?
Buffalo Bills 2 Votes
Cleveland Browns 5 Votes

Pittsburgh Steelers 7 Votes

Jacksonville Jaguars 8 Votes

Tennessee Titans 0 Votes

With the race being so tight, who do you think will win the AFC North Division Title.

Pittsburgh Steelers 4 Votes

Cleveland Browns 7 Votes

"And An Orange Crush New Year"

Tis the season to be jolly, and the Minnesota Vikings have a lot to be jolly about; but the Denver Broncos do not. Minnesota is one win and a Washington loss from a playoff birth for the first time since 2004, where they defeated the Green Bay Packers, in Green bay on Wild Card Weekend; thus becoming the first 8-8 team to win a playoff game. The Denver Broncos were eliminated from the playoffs three weeks ago with a 31-13 loss to Houston.

This weekend the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings will face off in the season finale, with playoff implications on the line. While the Vikings must win and Washington must lose on Sunday for Minnesota to make the post season, some game times have been rescheduled. The Washington-Dallas game was originally scheduled for a noon start, while the Minnesota-Denver game was set for 3:05pm in Denver. The NFL has since changed the time of the Washington-Dallas game to 3:05pm, so Minnesota will not know their fate until the end of their game. For Washington, it's "Win and You're In", while for Minnesota it's "Take Care of Business and Control Your Own Destiny." Last week I was writing articles on a "Purple Christmas", and now this week, thanks to a young lady from WeareVikings.com named "Julie" I will be writing about an "Orange Crush New Year," as our Minnesota Vikings look to crush Jay Cutler and his Denver Broncos in their quest for a playoff birth.

Minnesota will once again be led by second year quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. Jackson has really stepped up his game and appeared to be making that turn he desperately needed to be successful it in the NFL. Jackson played very well in games against: Oakland, the New York Giants, Detroit, and San Francisco. Then in week 15 against the Bears, it looked as if Jackson was heading for a tail spin, and hit that tail spin in the first half of the Washington Redskins game last week. Although Jackson did turn it around in the second half of the Washington game, he will need to play all game long against Denver like he did in weeks 11-14.

Tarvaris Jackson did turn his very poor season around and became a respectable quarterback. His slight tail spin should not concern Minnesota fans too much. Jackson did show great signs of life in the second half of the game, as he nearly mounted a great comeback. Jackson and his Vikings were on a roll when a recovered fumble by the Vikings was overturned due to a penalty of: "too many men on the field." Washington then put the nail in the Vikings coffin, and spoiled our "Purple Christmas." Too make the "Orange Crush New Year" come true, all the Vikings need to do is win! The rest will be taken care of by Dallas.

Tarvaris Jackson and his Vikings offense should have a very good week in Denver. The Broncos' defense is ranked seventh in the passing game, but 30th in the rushing game. With the Broncos inability to stop the run, Minnesota's dynamic duo of Peterson and Taylor should have a field day in Denver.

Jackson and his passing game is what will need to step it up. If Jackson can come out throwing this week and complete some good passes early on, it will force Denver to play back and not stack the line with eight to nine players. As Denver is hard to pass on anyway, it will be a much easier day for Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor if Jackson's passing game is on.

Both of Jackson's top receivers are injured, but listed as day-to-day. Bobby Wade is the Vikings leading receiver in yards (555), and receptions (49). Wade also has one touchdown. Sydney Rice is second on the team in receptions (31), and yards (396) and has four touchdowns on the season.. Without both Bobby Wade and Sydney Rice in the game, Minnesota will need to turn their attention to Troy Williamson, Visanthe Shiancoe and Robert Ferguson.

Troy Williamson has been a grave disappointment to the Vikings since 2005. Williamson was selected in the first round and was suppose to possess great speed. While no one questions Williamson's speed, it's his hands that present the problem. Williamson had the most dropped passes in the NFL last year. This season Williamson has been used frequently on kick off returns with 17 for 387 yards, but has 18 receptions for 240 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver. Robert Ferguson has been a bright spot for our Vikings as of late. Ferguson is tied for third on the team in receptions (27), is third in yards (352), and has one touchdown. Visanthe Shiancoe is also tied for third on the team in receptions with (27), but fourth on the team in yards (323), and has one touchdown. Look for Minnesota to utilize Ferguson much more this week, and use Shiancoe more than usual.

Then there is the dehydration problem for Minnesota. An article came out this week with concerns about dehydration in Denver. I think the Vikings players and coaches will make sure they are well hydrated. This way our Viking defense can continue to do their job by stuffing the Broncos run, and slow down their passing game. Our Viking defense is still ranked number one on the run and dead last on the pass game. However, until last weeks game against the Redskins, our Vikings defense allowed five touchdowns (four passing and one running), had 12 sacks, six interceptions, and six forced fumbles in five weeks. Last week against Washington, they allowed four touchdowns (three passing and one running), and never forced a turnover. Minnesota's defense will be on track this week, and should stop Denver.

There is a lot riding on this week's game. Minnesota can make or break themselves in Denver. With a victory, they will improve to 9-7 on the season, and will make the playoffs with a Washington loss. With a Viking win and a Washington win, the Redskins make the playoffs with the tie breaker. Regardless of what happens, Vikings fans should be proud of their team. We came from a 3-6 record, and will finish at or above .500. There are not too many teams in the league that can say they did that. I believe we will see a lot of off-season moves made this year, and have a much improved team for next season. Minnesota should be proud of their team and stand behind them in full support.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

The Grinch that May Have Stolen Christmas

It has gone from a Purple Christmas atmosphere to "How the Grinch May Have Stolen Christmas." When the burgundy and gold "Grinch Machine" entered the Metrodome, it was in hope of crushing all the little Vikings spirits in Viking-ville about making the playoffs. Well the "Grinch Machine" may have done just that. The Washington Redskins crushed the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of the game and led 22-0 at by halftime.


In the second half the Vikings came to life and made a serious run at a comeback until a recovered fumble was overturned because of too many men on the field. The ball was given back to the Redskins and they scored on the same drive to take a 32-14 lead and eventually won the game 32-21

The Minnesota Vikings helped an average quarterback in Todd Collins look like a pro bowler. Collins was 22 of 29 for 254 yards. He threw two touchdowns, no interceptions and was sacked twice. Collins led his team in strong fashion, and looked as if he should have been starting for the last 10 years rather than riding the bench. He picked apart the Minnesota weak secondary the entire first half as he continually marched the Redskins down field. Collins threw touchdowns to Chris Cooley and Santana Moss, while Clinton Portis threw a touchdown to Antwaan Randle El.

In the second half the Vikings made a serious run at another come back until a fumble recovery for the Vikings was overturned because of too many men on the field. The Redskins got the ball back and scored a touchdown seven plays later, taking a 32-14 lead. The Vikings did score one more time to close the gap 32-21, but that would be all. On the ensuing kick off, an onside kick failed and Washington recovered the ball. With one minute left in the game the Vikings had one final chance to score and could not.

Washington spread the wealth amongst all their player last night. In the air Collins completed 22 of 29 passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He did this by hitting Santana Moss four times for 71 yards and one touchdown, Antwaan Randle El five times for 66 yards and one touchdown from Clinton Portis, and connected with Clinton Portis five times for 48 yards. Collins also connected with Reche Caldwell four times for 33 yards and Chris Cooley one time for 33 yards and a touchdown.

On the ground Washington ran the ball 32 times for 106 yards. Clinton Portis ran the ball 20 times for 76 yards and one touchdown, while Ladell Betts ran five times for 21 yards, Todd Collins three times for six yards and Michael Sellers ran one time for three yards. The Redskins ground game made most of their yardage in the forth quarter, by just plain wearing down the Vikings line.

For Minnesota they had a very poor first half, and entered the locker room down 22-0. Then T-Jack and his Vikings came to life. Jackson ended the night completing 25 of 41 passes for 245 yards and one touchdown. Jackson even completed 7 of 10 passes and threw one touchdown. Jackson also threw two interceptions on the evening. Jackson's top receivers were Robert Ferguson who caught four passes for 51 yards, Chester Taylor caught five passes for 42 yards, Troy Williamson caught five passes for 39 yards, Bobby Wade three passes for 34 yards, and Adrian Peterson had two passes for 21 yards. Minnesota's touchdown pass was to Jim Kleinsasser, who caught one pass for two yards and a touchdown.

Minnesota's running game was stuffed last night as Adrian Peterson carried the ball nine times for 27 yards, and Chester Taylor ran six times for 14 yards. Both Peterson and Taylor were out gained by Tarvaris Jackson who ran the ball eight times for 44 yards and two touchdowns.

Minnesota looked depleted the entire first half, and it was as if nothing would go their way. Throwing one interception and fumbling the ball three times and losing it once surely killed any momentum Minnesota tried to gather up. A fumble on a good run back that Minnesota recovered, then a lost fumble by Visanthe Shiancoe on a pass reception, and one Jackson interception, all on different drives, continually plagued Minnesota the entire first half. Minnesota turned the ball over three times, twice in the first half.

The Vikings now travel to Denver to finish off the regular season. The Vikings must win in Denver to even have a chance of making the post season. If the Vikings can win on Sunday and Washington loses to Dallas at home, Minnesota is in. If the Vikings and Redskins both lose on Sunday and New Orleans wins, the saints make the playoffs. If both Minnesota and Washington win Sunday, then it's the Redskins who make the playoffs. In any scenario you want to throw out there, Minnesota must win and Washington must lose on Sunday for the surging Vikings to make the post season. So stay tuned Viking fans, this ride is not over yet.

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Minnesota Vikings versus Washington Redskins Injury Report

Here is your injury report for the Minnesota Vikings versus Washington Redskins game set for tonight at 7:05pm. I am finding out there are not a lot of injury updates during the week, and the players either practice, are limited in practice, or do not practice at all. This should be the final report posted until tomorrow's game day report. All other injury updates who are listed as probable most likely WILL PLAY, doubtfuls will most likely NOT PLAY, and questionables are going to be game time decisions. If there are any major changes in this report, I will post it by 9am tomorrow morning. Otherwise this is it for this week.

Minnesota Vikings Injury Report for 12/23/2007 Game:

12/23/2007 25 Tank Williams (S) Knee------------Probable
12/23/2007 26 Antoine Winfield (CB) Shoulder----Questionable
12/23/2007 18 Sidney Rice (WR) Ankle-----------Questionable
12/23/2007 54 Dontarrious Thomas (LB) Groin---Questionable

Washington Redskins Injury Report for 12/23/2007 Game:

12/23/2007 62 Mike Pucillo (C) Back-------------Out
12/23/2007 17 Jason Campbell (QB) Knee---------Out
12/23/2007 87 Todd Yoder (TE) Knee-------------Doubtful
12/23/2007 20 Pierson Prioleau (S) Hamstring----Questionable
12/23/2007 30 LaRon Landry (S) Quadricep------Probable
12/23/2007 80 Keenan McCardell (WR) Calf------Probable