Vikings-Patriots

Well; that was disappointing.

That's how I started the Vikings-Bears post two weeks ago. With four games to play the Vikings can't afford any more games where the summation is "Well, that was disappointing." At 6-5-1 and four games to play they have no room for errors. Or losses.

The New England Patriots defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24-10. I'd like to say that the game was closer than the score but it really wasn't. The game was tied 10-10 with about two minutes to play in the third but the Patriots really controlled the game throughout. The Vikings had their opportunities. Unfortunately, they didn't take advantage. Missed field goal, interception in the end zone, dropped passes. The Vikings offense misfired too often. The defense entered the game in a tough spot. Cornerback Xavier Rhodes spent all weak dealing with a balky hamstring and was on a play count. It looked like he was held out of every other Patriots possession. That's not a good way to face Tom Brady. The cornerback situation was made worse when Trae Waynes left in the first half with a concussion. Playing Brady with fourth and fifth corners on either side of the field isn't good. But other than a four-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to close the third quarter in which the Patriots offense completely clowned the Vikings defense, the Vikings defense made the Patriots offense work for everything they got. Ultimately, fine moments and opportunities don't mean a thing when you lose the game.

The game didn't feel one-sided but the stats sure were.

Total Yards
Patriots: 471
Vikings: 278

Time of Possession
Patriots: 33:21
Vikings: 26:39

First Downs
Patriots: 27
Vikings: 16

Plays
Patriots: 71
Vikings: 59

Third Down Efficiency
Patriots: 7-14
Vikings: 3-12

I swear, it didn't feel one-sided.

Perhaps the most disappointing thing for the Vikings was the fact that running back Dalvin Cook had only nine carries. He looked like the back that was shredding the league before a torn ACL ended his rookie season last year after 3.5 games. On those nine carries he gained 84 yards. At least two runs were long runs that were a whisper from being longer runs for touchdowns. It was great to see Cook running like that but nine carries? 9! The game got away from them in the fourth quarter but it looked and felt like a game in which Cook should've had about 20-25 carries. 9! There's no explaining away only giving Cook nine carries. I sure hope that he's the workhorse back that he should be over the next four weeks. And in the playoffs!

Good Vikings
RB Dalvin Cook
LB Eric Kendricks-16 tackles and an interception
CB Mackensie Alexander
 S   Anthony Harris

Bad Vikings
The Offensive Line

I wanted to add Stephen Weatherly to the good because he made some impact plays but the defensive line, as a unit, didn't bother Brady much. No sacks, no hits. The only player to record a hit on Brady was safety Harrison Smith.

With the Chicago Bears (8-4) loss earlier in the day the Vikings didn't lose ground on the NFC North leader. They did miss an opportunity and lost a week in which to catch them.

The Vikings travel to Seattle next Monday to take care of the Seahawks. It's a must win game. They all are now.