41-3

In two games the Minnesota Vikings have been outscored 41-3 in the second half. They were up 17-7 at the half against the San Diego Chargers last week only to lose 24-17. Yesterday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers they led 17-0 at the half only to lose 24-20. 41-3 explains the 0-2 start.

At least against the Buccaneers the Vikings offense showed signs of life. The passing offense was pathetic against the Chargers with the incredible total of 39 yards. They showed some versatility and explosion yesterday gaining well over 200 yards. Which is still on the light side in today's NFL. Runningback Adrian Peterson was the one offensive constant in both games. They need more from the other playmakers. The one-sided second halves is the glaring weakness after two games. The Vikings inability to convert third downs on offense and the inability to get off the field on third downs on defense are the reasons for the second half collapses in both games. They convert even a couple of those third downs and they win both games. An 0-2 start is a bad start no matter how well you play. No matter how close the game.

It is difficult to follow the other games opposite the Vikings game, but there were some things that caught my attention. The Bills-Raiders game was a 38-35 thriller. I only saw the Bills go ahead score and then the Raiders last gasp, but that looked like a fun game. For two teams with a real sad recent past, the Bills and Raiders are looking good early.

Cam Newton is still looking like the real deal.

What's up with K.C.? I dearly hope that Jamaal Charles' injury is much less severe than it looked.

Another K.C., Kerry Collins really needs to start playing like he did a couple years ago. The Colts have too much talent to be this inept.

I really like seeing the Bears beaten.

I love the way the Patriots use their tight ends. I think that it's a far more sustainable and effective offensive innovation than the spread or other multiple wideout formations. Maybe the secret is in Tom Brady running it, but I would love for Vikings offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave to study the Patriots offense a bit. The Vikings have some nice talent at the position with Visanthe Shiancoe and rookie Kyle Rudolph.

Next week is bad news for the Lions!