Vikings Settle For FG and Lose

Vikings Go Down With A Whimper

You could see why the Vikings rolled Jackson out on 3rd & 3 at the 7. Peterson was stopped for no gain on 2nd down. The Vikings wouldn't go for it on 4th & 3, and then went for it unsuccessfully on 4th & 7. On that play, the Falcons defense brought 7. Berrian had his guy beat on a go route, but Jackson couldn't hit him. If the Vikings had scored on that play, they'd have pulled within a TD, but the Falcons defense gambled and won. Now it will take a Viking mircle, but it's not going to happen throwing screen passes.

The Vikings go to their good TE Visanthe Shiancoe for a TD, and 3 & out the Falcon offense. So they have a chance with 2:11 left. Peterson fumbles AGAIN but the Vikings recover. Again the Falcons bring rushers and Jackson throws it away. A final jumpball results in no pass interference call and the Vikings are done.

A Chance For Packer Linemen To Redeam Themselves

The Packers - Bears game will mean a lot for the Bears. I still wear my 2007 NFC Champion t-shirt with some pride. These Vikings are going nowhere in the playoffs. Jackson is a lousy QB and their WRs are weak. So the Packers should have no regrets if they beat the Bears and put the Vikings in the playoffs.

I don't regularly read the Bears press even though I live here. But there seems to be a feeling that their big money veteran players Brian Urlacher, Tommie Harris, and Devin Hester are coasting. For keeping up with recent developments with the Bears, it is especially helpful to read McGinn's scouting report. The Bears do have a nice blend of new and veteran players on defense, but it seems like the defense has to score for the Bears to win.

Packer Weather?

The weather Monday night will be cold. Soldier Field is on the lakefront so there will be 10-20 mph winds and zero degree conditions. The Bears maybe able to throw to Forte and their two TEs. Their offensive line is intact and reasonably healthy. If the Packers can hold their own on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, it will be a huge Packer victory, but that is a huge IF.

Note For Off-Season Planning

With the emergence of a good young Viking TE who is downfield threat, and the Bears' two pass-catching TE's Desmond Clark and Greg Olson means the Packers need a coverage specialist for years to come. It will be interesting to see how Chillar and Collins hold up. Certainly the Bears will scheme to put Hawk and Desmond Bishop in TE coverage.