The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Tennessee Titans 30-7. They did what they were supposed to do. Good teams defeat teams that they are supposed to defeat. This Vikings team has ventured into the arena of good football teams. It was probably their most complete game as they were comfortably in control the entire game. The one disappointment was losing the shutout when they gave up a late touchdown.
Through the good there were some mistakes.
Quarterback Christian Ponder threw his first interception of the season. And then his second. They were actually on consecutive pass attempts separated by halftime. Hopefully his next pass was the start of another long streak.
Too many field goals. I love what rookie kicker Blair Walsh has done in his young career. I just wish that he was spending all of his time on extra points and kickoffs.
Vikings rookie safety Harrison Smith was ejected in the second quarter for some extracurriculars. He's too important to the Vikings defense to do something so stupid. He's been a real difference maker only four games into his NFL career. He had a fumble recovery and a big stop before his ejection. Smith seems to be a fiery football player. He has to control that.
Smith's college teammate and fellow rookie Robert Blanton got his first real shot on defense after the ejection. He made a nice play on Chris Johnson to foil a 4th and 1 attempt late in the game. The Titans lone touchdown was caught by tight end Jared Cook between Blanton and and fellow safety Jamarca Sanford but he did a fine job in his first NFL action. I think that Blanton has a future lining up next to his fellow Notre Damer.
Defensive coordinator Alan Williams has made a huge impact in his first year with the Vikings. The system is basically the same. The effort is higher. Much higher. The defense swarms to the ball. They should have had the Vikings first shutout since 1993.
Percy Harvin is a beast.
Adrian Peterson is too. He's getting oh so close to running a long ways.
Titans rookie receiver Kendall Wright looks good. He was an explosive little weapon for Robert Griffin III at Baylor. He looks like he's bringing the same thing to the NFL.
After running for over 140 yards last week against San Diego, Titans running back Chris Johnson did pretty much nothing against the Vikings. He just doesn't look like the same back that went for over 2000 yards only a few years ago.
The Indianapolis Colts showed a whole lot of heart in coming back from a 21-3 deficit against the Green Bay Packers. Colts head coach Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia last week. The passion in his team was obvious. Get well soon Coach Pagano.
Green Bay Packers rookie cornerback made a nice interception of Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. I like what I've seen of Hayward this season.
I've never seen Packers kicker Mason Crosby miss a kick like that.
The Baltimore-Kansas City game looked like a Ravens game of old. A 9-6 win. That hurry-up, point-a-minute offense kinda stalled yesterday. The Ravens defense and the running of Ray Rice can still grind out wins in those tough games. That Baltimore-Houston game in two weeks could be epic.
After being shocked by the Vikings the San Francisco 49ers have gone back to taking apart opponents. The Jets last week. The Buffalo Bills this week. The 49ers win both by a combined 79-3. That defense is fierce.
Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway is having the best season of his career. He's been an excellent football player for the Vikings but some of his best work has been off the field. His foundation benefits several causes including children suffering from life-threatening conditions. One of the more unique aspects of his foundation's work is the help that they provide for the families of the children. They provide education and most importantly support for the siblings and parents. Everyone suffers when a child is hurting.
Next week is bad news for the Redskins.
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