Didn't see much of the games outside of the Minnesota Vikings-Indianapolis Colts game. Colts take that game by the tearful score of 23-20 on a field goal with about 10 seconds to play. It looked like the Vikings had forced overtime for the second week in a row with a Christian Ponder to Kyle Rudolph touchdown pass to tie it up at 20. Andrew Luck proceeded to complete a couple passes that the Vikings didn't seem to care to defend and before we knew it Adam Vinatieri was lining up a 52-yard field goal to win.
Unlike last week the Vikings played some offense in the first half of this game. They only ended up with a couple field goals. That was a major factor in losing this game. They have to finish drives with touchdowns. The inability to score touchdowns forced Ponder to lead a frantic comeback at the end of the game.
More than any one thing penalties cost the Vikings this game. Some were simply stupid. A roughing the punter penalty early in the third quarter gave the ball back to the Colts which led to a field goal. Those three points ended up being huge in a game that came down to the end. Replay showed that the punter was never touched but in real time it had to be called. It was unfortunate but it was a huge break for the Colts. The Vikings had 11 penalties for 105 yards. The Vikings win if they played smarter football.
The defense left much to be desired. The defense on the Colts game winning drive was nonexistent. Same at the end of the first half. They have to make stops and get off the field on third down. They have to force turnovers. They're failing on both counts too often.
Tight end Kyle Rudolph has to be targeted more.
The good from the game was Christian Ponder and especially Percy Harvin. Ponder has really shown the ability to rally the team late in a game. He's been efficient. Harvin was brilliant. He battled what look liked cramps most of the game but kept coming back. A simply amazing football player. The Vikings need someone to step up and help Harvin in the passing game. Rudolph will help. Getting receiver Jerome Simpson back in week four from a suspension will hopefully bring a potent deep threat.
For the Colts:
Luck looks very good and is going to be great. He doesn't play anything like a rookie. Seeing him play a bunch at Stanford, I've known for a while that he's an elite quarterback.
I like that itty bitty rookie receiver T.Y. Hilton.
Defensive lineman Cory Redding was a beast.
Other games, shockers around the league. Patriots losing to the Cardinals. Seahawks thrashing the Cowboys. Dolphins taking apart the Raiders. Saints losing another division game. They haven't even played the Falcons yet. Surprises all over.
Redskins receiver Josh Morgan was the dumbest player in the league yesterday. Cost the Redskins a real chance at a second win.
The NFL day started with replacement official Brian Stropolo being booted from working the New Orleans Saints-Carolina Panthers game. Turns out his facebook profile showed him as a serious Saints fan. Funny to see facebook be a factor in a game.
Next week is bad news for the San Francisco 49ers. No fooling!
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