A Closer Look: 5 Decisive Moments In Vikings-Bears Game
Posted by on November 26, 2012 – 3:39 pmFollowing his team’s 28-10 loss to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday, Vikings Head Coach Leslie Frazier was asked during his post-game press conference what the turning point in the game was in his mind. Frazier didn’t identify one moment where the game turned around, and instead spoke broadly about how the game unfolded.
After a day reflecting on the game, I agree with Frazier that it’s hard to define a moment that changed the course of the game. So rather than hyper-analyze a moment or two that contributed to Sunday’s outcome, let’s take a look at five moments in the game that shaped what turned out to be the Vikings 5th loss of the season.
Matt Forte fumbles, Chad Greenway recovers (13:12, 1st quarter)
The very first moments of the game were not great for the Vikings. QB Christian Ponder was sacked on the first play of the game and the Vikings went 3-and-out. But it looked as if early momentum would swing back to the Vikings when Bears RB Matt Forte fumbled on Chicago’s first offensive snap. Chad Greenway recovered the fumble, and the Vikings offense set up shop on the Bears 28.
Chicago dodged a bullet, though, and forced the Vikings to bring Blair Walsh on the field for a 40-yard FG after just three plays. The rookie kicker converted and the Vikings led 3-0, but it was a “win” for the Bears because they didn’t allow a TD after the Vikings started with such great field position.
Adrian Peterson fumbles, Charles Tillman recovers (10:13, 1st quarter)
Just moments after the Forte fumble, the Vikings returned the favor. And the Bears were able to do what the Vikings could not – they turned it into a TD. Peterson took a handoff on the Vikings first play following a Bears 3-and-out after the Walsh FG, and he was tackled by Bears LB Nick Roach. Peterson fumbled the ball, and Bears CB Charles Tillman fell on it, giving the Bears offense good field position at the Minnesota 34.
Six plays later, RB Michael Bush plunged into the end zone for a 1-yard TD, and the Robbie Gould PAT gave the Bears a 7-3 lead.
Defensive pass interference called against Antoine Winfield in end zone (4:17, 2nd quarter)
Leading 10-3 late in the 2nd quarter, the Bears were driving and had a 1st-and-10 from the Minnesota 25. Jay Cutler dropped back to pass and had no one open, so he escaped the pocket to buy more time. After surveying the field and still seeing no one open, he rifled a pass toward WR Brandon Marshall, who was covered by CB Antoine Winfield. As if he were playing basketball, Marshall posted up on the shorter Winfield and made a play for the ball. The nearest official threw a flag for what appeared to be offensive pass interference. But the call went against Winfield, and the Bears were set up with a 1st-and-goal from the 1.
On the Bears next play, Bush once again plunged in for a 1-yard score, and then Chicago ran a fake Pat to score a 2-point conversion and take an 18-3 lead.
Jay Cutler 13-yard TD pass to TE Matt Spaeth – reviewed and upheld (1:55, 2nd quarter)
Vikings QB Christian Ponder was intercepted by Bears S Chris Conte, and it didn’t take Chicago long to turn the Vikings second turnover of the game into another TD.
On the Bears first play from scrimmage after the INT, Cutler found TE and former University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Matt Spaeth in the corner of the end zone for a 13-yard TD. After catching the ball, Spaeth fell to the ground and was out of bounds. The call on the field was a TD, but the play was reviewed. After review, the officials upheld the original ruling, and after another Gould Pat the Bears led 25-3.
Matt Forte fumbles, Mistral Raymond recovers and returns 52 yards for a TD – play is overturned (6:39, 3rd quarter)
The Vikings had just scored a TD on a Ponder-to-Kyle Rudolph 2-yard connection, making the score 25-10. On their ensuing possession, the Bears were driving and were at midfield. Forte took a handoff and was stopped by a group of Vikings, and then fumbled on his way to the ground after being bent back awkwardly. Vikings S Mistral Raymond wisely scooped up the ball and sprinted 52 yards to the end zone, where the officials ruled the play a TD. After review, though, the play was overturned and the Bears retained possession.
Four plays later, Gould salvaged the drive with a 46-yard FG, increasing the Bears lead to 28-10. The series of plays represented a 10-point swing in which the Vikings could trailed by just 8 points early in the 2nd half but instead wound up trailing by 18 points.
Tags: Adrian Peterson, Antoine Winfield, Blair Walsh, Chad Greenway, Christian Ponder, Leslie Frazier, Mistral Raymond
Posted in All | 214 Comments »
By BlueBird7 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
The turning point in the game is when you gave Musgrave the greenlight.
By JE on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ponder is not getting the job done. Was the loss his all his fault? No. Did he play a really good game? No. 43 attempts,159 yards. He cant find his recievers. He totally has happy feet and has a panic look on his face when his 1st option isnt there.Will he get better? Probably. How long will it take? Who knows….
By Carl K on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
The decisive moment was when Frazier handed the clip board to Joe Webb instead of Ponder just before kickoff.
Ok, it wasn’t Ponders fault… but c’mon Webb is better than anything we have at WR right now. Put the playmaker on the field!!!!! If not at QB than WR.
By JE on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
You just cant throw for 100 to 150 yards in this league and win games!!! Even with AP and the best rushing attack in the NFL you just cant win games if you cant throw the ball down the field.We cant score cuz Ponder cant throw the ball down the field.Do we have a great team? NO. Do we have a good team? YES!! If we had a solid QB we would be playoff bound.
By JE on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Dont get me wrong,i like Ponder and think down the road he may be a good QB. That being said he needs to go to the bench and regroup.Put Webb in and lets see what he can do. Dont give me that ‘we already seen what Webb can do stuff”. Webb has only started 3 games. Hes only 1 year older than Ponder and has a ton of talent. Its amazing to me that when Ponder plays bad,and he has for the last month and a half,that its not all his fault. Yet Webb played just a couple games and everyone wrote him off and said he cant play?? Im sorry but Ponder is flat out boring to watch. PUT WEBB IN AND LET HIM DO HIS THING. He cant put up any worse numbers than Ponder has over the last 5 games!!!
By Muskyfever on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
@ BB7
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Muskyfever on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
@ JE – I’m sorry, but Webb can’t play. I don’t like Ponder, but will take Ponder over Webb. If that means lose then so be it. The only benefit from playing Webb would be to bench Ponder. Nothing else would benefit…. NOTHING
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
as long as Ponder plays, the Vikings games are not even fun to watch anymore. even the network pulled the game is was so lopsided
By Fred Swenson on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
So the replay officials were from Des Plaines and were treated to a deep dish pizza meal at the best Chi Town pizzeria after the game?
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 21:39:31 +0000 To: fredmvm@hotmail.com
By Dakotakid59 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
sometimes this doesnt work why?
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
if we traded Ponder we would be lucky to get a 5th round draft pick for him
By MTfan on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
The turning point was when we had to settle for a field goal on our first possession. Our mindset should be to establish the pass in order to open up the run. We had two weeks to prepare a good red-zone offensive game plan. Where was it?
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
we need a qb who can throw the ball downfield
By MTfan on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ponder is fine. Just give him more than one receiver past the first down marker. Our pass patterns are very predictable. Does anybody study what the Patriots and Saints do for pass patterns?
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
BB7 … Winning
By JE on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
UNLEASH JOE WEBB!!!!!
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
After time to comprehend this game … Ponder haters should shut up … This game was not Ponders fault. I am critical of Ponder because he is not Great but this game was not his fault.
Jerome Simpson droped a drive killing pass in the first that hit him in the chest. AP fumbled and killed a drive and led to a TD in the first … and someone else droped a pass in the first
Those are not Ponder issues … this team has mad offensive problems.
WR
OG
The guards both Fusco and CJohnson are awful and as the season goes on it seems Fusco is worse than CJohnson.
Other than Percy and the rookie Wright … our whole WR core should be cut.
John Carlson is worthless …
AP is not good in pass protection or pass receiving …
Those are not Ponder issues.
THE DEFENSE SHOULD NOT BE WORE OUT IN THE FIRST QUARTER NO MATTER HOW BAD THE OFFENSE IS
OUR DEFENSE SHOULD HAVE BEEN STOUT AT LEAST TO MIDDLE OF THE 3RD QUARTER
SO THEY SUCK AS WELL …
Again not Ponders fault
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Simpson drops ball … Ponders fault
AP fumbles … Ponders fault
Burton drops Ball … Ponders fault
Fusco misses block … Ponders fault
Defense gives up 15 play drive … Ponders fault
Jefferson gets a 15 yard penalty … Ponders fault
Musgrave runs on 2nd and 19 … Ponders fault
Musgrave doesnt understand game flow … Ponders fault
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
o i stubbed my toe … Ponders fault
By JE on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
What do you mean JWebb cant play!! Are you blind!! Hes only started 3 games and somehow you can write him off!! In those 3 games he played,i seen alot more out of our QB position than what ive seen the last 5 games!!!!
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ponder is not American he was born in Kenya …
Where is Ponder’s Birth Certificate?
Ponder is Muslim
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ponder brought down the 3rd tower
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ponder has WMDs in his basement
By Spencer on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ponders a scrub Shawn
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Mom asks “Who colored the walls”
Child says “Christian Ponder”
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Spencer maybe but yesterdays game is not his fault …
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Fusco is a scrub … no one calling for his job week after week
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Jefferson and Robinson are scrubs no one calling for their jobs week after week
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Jerome Simpson is a scrub … no one calling for his job except me
By Spencer on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
What is Ponder good at?
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Peterson is more to blame for the loss yesterday than Ponder … 2 fumbles. Where are the Peterson bashers?
By Spencer on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Shawn- if we bench AJ and JRob, who do you suggest starting? Brandon Burton and Marcus Sherals??
By JE on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Yea ,this game was not Ponders fault. Its NEVER Ponders fault! So was it JoeWebbs fault when he played and we lost?? We have the best running game in the league and we cant throw the ball for 200 yards?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!! There should be all kinds of big plays in the passing game with play action to Peterson and we cant throw the ball down the field. Thats not being a Ponder hater,thats being realistic!! It is what it is!!
By Nicholas on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
I think that we may end up with Tyler Wilson.
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
What is Jerome Simpson good at?
What is Stephen Burton good at?
By Carl K on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Joe Webb should be on the field at WR
42.5 Vertical jump
4.43 40 yard dash
bench press 21 reps
11.5 long jump
Joe Webb started 7 games as a WR before he became UAB’s starting QB.
30 reception for 459 yards and 3 TDs. Not bad production. The Vikings could use that kind of production at WR.
We need a playmaker on the outside!!!!!!!!!!
By Nicholas on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Or Barkley.
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
JE maybe you missed perfect throws dropped for first downs … just dumb
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
i knew it was a big mistake keeping Ponder more than one year
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
How do you have a good pas’sing game when WRs cant catch ??????????
there were at least 5 drops yesterday and most over 10 yards … straight drops
not questionable throws that could have been caught but HIT THEM IN THE FACE DROPS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Spencer on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Its a mutiny, the WRs are dropping it on purpose.
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Good grief are you brand new Viking fans???????????
This team has had WRs that could catch WE KNOW WHAT A GOOD WR LOOKS LIKE
So how do you blame the QB for drops ??????????
DUMB A$$
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Shawn dropped his brain
By JE on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Im not saying Ponder wont be a good QB but hes not there yet. Not even close over the last 5 games.Will he get better. Sure he will. How long will it take? WHO KNOWS??? That being said,would Joe Webb get better if he got 20 starts? Sure. Would he be playing as bad as Ponder has ???? I doubt it.
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
What I saw from the WRs yesterday is way more disturbing than what I saw from Ponder
What I saw from Peterson yesterday was way more disturbing than Ponder
What I saw from the defense yesterday was way more disturbing than Ponder
What I saw from Fusco yesterday was way more disturbing than Ponder
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ponders girlfriend can throw the ball better. at least the games would be more interesting with her as qb
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Yesterdays game was like having Bernard Berrian at both WR positions and you do’pes blame Ponder
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
even the players don’t trust Ponder
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
OK OK i get it .. I agree with you … you are right
Simpson drops ball … Ponders fault
AP fumbles … Ponders fault
Burton drops Ball … Ponders fault
Fusco misses block … Ponders fault
Defense gives up 15 play drive … Ponders fault
Jefferson gets a 15 yard penalty … Ponders fault
Musgrave runs on 2nd and 19 … Ponders fault
Musgrave doesnt understand game flow … Ponders fault
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ponder playing means the Vikings whole season goes up in smoke
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
even the players don’t trust Ponder
________________________________________________________
Provide evidence of your accusations …
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Look I can make accusations as well …
Even the essence of life regrets Ponder aka 3 and out
Ponder aka 3 and out licks mud
Ponder aka 3 and out is 450lbs
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
AD said in his interview last week that Ponder was in a funk
By Spencer on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Haha, Shawn is goin’ in!
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
i am 6’3 245 pounds with 5 percent body fat, your a pu$$y Shawn
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
no qb could win with the team that showed up yesterday
Tom Brady wont complete anything to WRs that drop everything
Drew Bree’s wouldnt do anything when he is on the bench while the defense gives up 15 play drives
The other QB from Gey Bay cant force Peterson to hold onto the football
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
LOL … Ponder aka 3 and out is sensitive
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ponder is a 3rd string qb, enough said
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Maybe but yesterdays loss wasnt his fault … so put blame where blame is due.
It was Obama’s fault we lost makes as much sense as blaming Ponder
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ponder needs to go bottom line-if that means Frazier needs to be fired in order to get rid of him, so be it
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Brandon Marshall pushes off on Winfield and refs flag Winfield
PONDERS FAULT
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Blocked FG
PONDERS FAULT
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
the Vikings never had 3 losing seasons in a row in their 52 year history, Ponder has the team on that path if we have another losing season this year. i see us winning one more game which would be another losing season- 7-9
By Ozzinator on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
I agree Shawn. It was more Obamas fault than Ponders:)
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
lol Ozz … I knew you would
By Ozzinator on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Seriously though you are right, Ponder wasn’t the problem yesterday, at least not entirely.
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
i bet Shawn voted for Bush twice-lo ser
By dee jay born on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Shawn,you are right on with that.I would blame Musgrave for Sunday’s game before i blame Ponder.His play selection in the red zone in the 4th qt.was something else.when Ponder does finally throw a decent pass,at least the WR’s should catch them,not many good ones are coming their way.Jared Allen is a pro bowler,but not in the past couple of weaks he hasn’t been.AD ‘s always trying his best,but 2 fumbles in one game is not acceptable.
By Ozzinator on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
3 and out=complete moron
By JE on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Yea,my mistake Shawn. Looking at Ponders numbers over the last 6 games you are right. Ponder had a really good game! 159 yards passing is an improvement!!!If we get the WRs to catch every ball he may break 200!!
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ozzinator – bu tt b an ger
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
I am not saying Ponder is special … just saying yesterday was not his fault
I was with the Ponder haters when he was responsible for the Seahawks loss
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Vikings need a leader who can throw like Manning, until than, forget about going to the playoffs
By BlueBird7 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Actually it was Ozzinator’s fault. He stepped out of the room for a beer.
And while out, the Bears made all those slick moves on Ponder.
Keep your beer close to the TV, oz.
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
BB7 … love your insight.
By die hard 67 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Drew brees first 3 seasons 29 td 31 int’s . Give Ponder a chance you freaking impatient fair weather fans!!!!
By Parkway on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
I think we should get Cooper (OG), Hunter (WR) in the second round (we will probably have to trade one of our fourth rounders to move up to get him in the second, if he’s even available in the second) and then Da’rick Rogers (WR) in the third if he is available there.
Then if we moved Love to our other OG position, or replaced Loadholdt, our Oline would be looking pretty good. Ponder would have plenty of time in the pocket and a lot of weapons to work with and he wouldn’t have any excuses in his third year.
I think Spielman really needs to focus on offense in the draft, yes we have holes on defense, but if he really thinks Ponder is the answer then he needs to give him a lot of help to be successful in the short term.
There are some quality LB and CB and DT in FA so we can address our defensive issues that way if the Vikes are willing to spend.
By CaribooBill on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
I think one of the turning points was when the Vikings decided to NOT run the ball in the first half.
How many times did we run in the first quarter? This team is built for the run and we tried to do what the 49ers did.
I am willing to remain patient with Ponder – I think he has sufficient potential to be a great QB. I also understand the frustration of the other bloggers who want a change – it is so tempting to do something, anything, to win.
I am hoping he will bounce back and engineer a win at Lambeau – all will be forgiven if he does.
By Nicholas on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Keep Ponder under center, just get him more of a support cast and draft some legit competition.
Musgrave…open up the playbook????????
By vikingbob136 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Why even push for a wild card spot when we can’t win on the road?
It’s a guarantee that we will be one and done.
We need to rebuild through the draft.
Be happy with 6 or 7 wins this year because that’s all we are going to have.
Cut Simpson and Carlson loose. Play Cole and the young guys and lets evaluate what we have.
By vikingbob136 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ten years turns into 20 then 30 and even 40 years of rooting for this team very quickly.
I am so use to being let down it has numbed my senses. Losing doesn’t hurt anymore. I sometimes wonder why i watch. But hope springs eternal.
By Parkway on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Agreed vikingbob, I don’t get why everyone is so excited that we have a mathematical chance to make it as the last seed in the playoffs just to get blown out in the first game. Don’t really see the point.
By die hard 67 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Parkway your’e a fan and you don’t want to make the playoffs ? Get a life your a joke !!!!
By vikingbob136 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
This guys sucks, that guy sucks.It’s a team effort.The team sucks if one guy sucks. Yesterday lots of guys sucked.Try again next week.
Finally, what is this nonsense of A.P. running onto the field like he found his long lost puppy and hugging the Bears.I hate that.Bring me back to the old days when you despised anyone in your division! Too much money for these guys and they don’t care that they just lost an important game.
I wish they would get paid per tackle and pass completed.Then you would see some effort.
By vikingbob136 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Parkway, you spin a lot of negative stuff on this blog but no one should bash you.
That’s just your frustration talking.Trying to stay positive is tough.
Believe me, 1998 still gnaws at my gut. Conservative a$$hole Green!
By Parkway on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Obviously I want to make the playoffs, go to the superbowl, have our team play like all stars, but it’s not realistic at that point. That is the point. With the way the team is playing and set up right now, we are not a playoff team, even if we somehow slipped into the playoffs, we are not a playoff team.
By vikingbob136 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
@Parkway I agree.
And why do people park on a driveway and drive on a parkway?
Later……………
By chris b on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Playoffs? Playoff? Why are we talking about playoffs.
By Carl K on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Shawn, say I can’t blame Ponder.
Wobby says I can’t blame coaches.
All I know is Sunday was a train wreck… The national media and fan base has lost interest in the Vikings. If the Vikings continue down this path… Ticket sales might drop.
Barkley is not an upgrade over Ponder. The WR class is not that great.
Havrin wants more money. AP is getting older. The D front 4 can’t get it done.
Next year doesn’t look any different than this year. I hope the fan base will continue to support this team.
Shawn and Wobby, I understand your position, but to do nothing and to sweep the blame under the carpet and to settle for mediocrity is not going to sell many tickets in the future.
By Canadian Vikes Fan on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Obviously this fan base is bashing Ponder. “He can’t throw!” blah blah I don’t know if those people watched the game but he literally is being pressured EVERYTIME he drops back. And when he isn’t being pressured nobody is getting open because these receivers can’t even get open during offence-only drills in practice. Jerome Simpson can’t catch, Michael Jenkins is a fourth receiver on a good team. The receiver personnel is weak even with Percy, when he’s gone its laughable. The Toronto Argos who just won the Grey Cup have better receivers and I’m not even joking.
Yet Ponder gets all the blame.
By Parkway on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Exactly Carl. No one is to blame right. And I’ve asked it many times why most of our fans are so okay with mediocrity. It’s sad. It’s not any ONE person’s fault, for the most part, but in a QB league the QB is going to get a lot of it if he isn’t playing well. As I stated, we better give him a lot of help on offense to see what we really have in him and give him 0 excuses next year.
By john 61 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
musgrave is holding this team back,like he did matt ryan, needs to go,fraizer not a bad coach hes try to act like tony d, anit working, be your own man fraizer ,we will win in greenbay,then all you bashers can come back till we loose ,be a fan
By purplehaze1 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
turning point…when the team got out of bed…GO VIKES!!!
By vman on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
@ Carl K, Well said!! I think alot of the negative comments about all parts of the team are from the fact that most people realize everything you said to be true. Its fatigue from the same old inconsistent play everyother week.
My opinion, it starts with a dominate head coach. Take control of the team. hold players accountable when they mess up. I mean right when it happens, not in the press conference or in practice two days later………..chew some butt and sit em for a few series. Or take the playbook from the OC !!
Team first. People know the truth. We’re running out of time with our D- line and worst of all , with AP. It puts us all in a sh!tt! mood.
P.S Ponder is a smart player, good person, but physically limited. I don’t see him as a deep ball QB…….we missed on this guy. I hope he can prove me wrong but i just don’t see it .
By xxVIKINGS4LIFExx on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
get off ponders nuts you idiot ^^^^ the guy sucks deal with it!!!
By xxVIKINGS4LIFExx on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
im speaking to shawn
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
YAAAAY
By Tomcat on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
All year long I gave Musgrave the benefit of the doubt. No more. We run when we should pass and pass when we should run. Those little bubble screens should be a small wrinkle, not your bread and butter. We need to give Toby a few carries.A.P. runs much better out of the I than out of the shotgun. Burton should never see action. Off-season, we need ot, og,2wr, nt, and a lb.
By mnsoldier on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
ponder is not use to passing to the receivers because they dont practice it, the receivers are not use to getting the ball as they look confused when it comes their way. the offense has no identity other than peterson and he cannot win on his own, Musgrave has to go, he is as creative as uncooked egg whites.
Fire him and hire somebody that can be aggressive and use what we have, we have lots talent but have no idea as to how to use it.
The Vikings will not win another game like this, it will be twice as much as last year butt we could be much better than we are. and it stems from the coordinator and musgrave is not getting it done.
By 03 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Trade Ponder, but I’m not sure who wants him…
By realviking on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Good football teams help each other. Look at the bears, ravens, 49ers, and other good teams if the defense is not clicking the offense steps up same goes for the offense
If the running back is off the quarterback picks up the slack that’s how it is in football
So i ask Ponder fans this, if our defense is having a bad game can you count on ponder to carry us?
If AP is having a bad day can he count on Ponder to carry us?
If Ponder is of can AP or our defense carry us?
If we fall behind can we count on Ponders arm to bring us back?
By Kenny on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Why is the leading rusher in football getting only 18 rushes while our near bottom ranked qb is throwing the ball 43 times? The coaches can’t find ten more carries for AP??
By 03 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Right On realviking!!
By john 61 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
titans got it right,we should be next,new OC
By CaribooBill on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Realviking:
If Ponder is off, can we count on the defense to pick it up? NO.
Ponder is not the only thing wrong on days like yesterday.
When the whole team plays well, we win.
When one part of the team plays not so well, we lose.
Only the really great QB’s can make up for a lousy defense, and only for so long.
Rodgers, arguably a great QB, wasn’t able to beat the Giants yesterday by himself, so why do you expect Ponder to be able to do it?
By Vikes4life06 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ok, let me finish before everyone comes at my head for this, but I don’t get why we at least give Joe Webb a CHANCE during the game, the guy has talent and speed and we’ve seen him win a couple of games last year and the year before haven’t we? He may not be an elite QB in a traditional sense, but he can make plays with his feet. Ponder has not been producing and he cracks under pressure like a fortune cookie when the Blitz is on. He BARELY ever takes a shot down the field except for that one time in the Lions game, and usually he throws a pick when he does. I’m just saying, I think Webb deserves some consideration. Frazier needs to swallow his pride and just think about it a little bit.
By the way guys, please sub to my youtube channel about vikings vlogs, here’s my recap after the bears loss..sorry about the swearing, I was really heated
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Rodgers should be cut … what a lousy QB … he has lost 4 games this season … Ponder has lost 5 games this season so Rodgers is only one game better than Ponder
Maybe we can trade Ponder for Rodgers since they are pretty much the same sh!tty QB … and cant win every game
By Blake on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Glad to see Shawn gets it.This game was over after the first four series.
Guard gets whipped sack ruins first series.
Jerome Simpson drops pass second series.
AP fumbles third series.
Fourth series Simpson can’t gain more than a yard in a one on one battle on screen. Then on 3rd and 9 Jarius runs and 8 yard route.
Probably ponders fault he should have known Jarius was at 8 yards instead of 9. He could have switched and found another open WR. Even though the Bears have a great D and the Vikings don’t have a WR that they could pay another NFL team to take, I am confident they are were all running open and Ponder just isnt seeing it. It was so windy today dad gummit Ponder!
By Vikes4life06 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
@Shawn
While we appreciate your sarcasm, look at numbers of Rodgers and look at the numbers of Ponder…
Thank you
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Rodgers won a sperbowl, Ponder won’t even smell a superbowl, Ponder is a 3rd string qb
By john 61 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
ponder will be ok, needs reciver help,we have better recivers on are pratice squad why are not they playing
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ten Fantastic Possible Turning Points for the Vikings and why they really did beat the Bears, at least in my mind.
STOP THE SUGAR COATING NONSENSE! That is part of the problem in this whole organization– could have, should have, would have. Well Can do, Shall do, Will do— make changes– stop driving on a flat tire. You win no matter what– put in different personnel– try a change!!!! STOP THE INSANITY!!!!
By realviking on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Go back to the first meeting in the lions game our offense stunk we had two special teams return and the defense shut down the lions.
Rodgers had one bad game, don’t forget the Packers don’t have no defense, Rodgers carried that team all season. Russell Wilson is not a great qb and he picks up the slack when his defense its off
Tannanhill is not great and he does it to, so does Dalton.
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
By Vikes4life06 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
@Shawn
While we appreciate your sarcasm, look at numbers of Rodgers and look at the numbers of Ponder…
Thank you
____________________________________________________________
ok i just did …
Ponder second season QBR 82
Rodgers second season QBR 48.2
WOW Rodgers is worse than Ponder
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Look at the Forty Niners– they were playing great– had good play from their quarterback, on their way to second seed for the playoffs and did they say, gee we might hurt Alex Smith’s feelings? NO. That is a winning mentality– team first!!!!
Sorry gang– Titus feels we could have, should have, would have, won at least one or two more games with a little adjustment and change in personnel.
By Parkway on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ponder’s QBR for the year is 47.7 shawn
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
draft a real qb and demote Ponder with a big paycut
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Shawn bites the big one
By Parkway on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Rodgers 2nd year QBR was 70.2. Not sure where you are getting your stats.
By realviking on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Your a joke look at Rodgers stats and look at Ponders you can’t compare Ponder to Rodgers. If the playoffs was today Rodgerswould be in it Ponder would be home with his girlfriend. Give Rodgers AP and you’ll see what havoc he would cause every game.
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Parkway …. look again. Its 82.
http://www.nfl.com/player/christianponder/2495215/profile
By Vikes4life06 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
I really can’t stand this skinny ass Mike Wobschall guy, he’s the biggest apologist ever for all of the Vikings organization no matter how pitiful we look, especially when it comes to Ponder. Someone fire this guy
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Parkway lol from NFL.com … you must get yours from fanswhohateponder.com
Rodgers like I said was 48.2
http://www.nfl.com/player/aaronrodgers/2506363/profile
DUMB A$$
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
By Parkway on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ponder’s QBR for the year is 47.7 shawn
_____________________________________________________________
DUMB A$$
By realviking on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Rodgers passing yards 2832
Ponders passing yards 2182
Rodgers passing td’s 28
Ponders passing td’s 13
Rodgers qb rating 105.6
Ponders qb rating 82.0
that’s a big difference.
By Spencer on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Titus is seeing the light.
By Parkway on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
http://espn.go.com/nfl/qbr/_/year/2009
By Parkway on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
LOL you are quoting QUARTERBACK RATING idiot, not QBR. Quarterback rating is sooo irrelevant.
By realviking on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Your a loser Shawn why bring up stats from when the guy was a backup we all know Rodgers want a starter until 2008. And his qb rating was 93.8 who’s only got better during his season season
By Parkway on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
And 2009 was his 2nd year starting, so quit trying to manipulate the stats in your favor. Ponder is trash. Period.
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
and Rodgers is in his … 8th season with 73 starts …. that scrub wasnt good enough to start his first 3
why dont we compare any random season of people like Troy Aikmans first season with Farvres MVP season … Im sure that would be a logical comparison
DUMB A$$
By Parkway on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Shawn, feel free to file a complaint at http://www.butthurtreportform.com/ now that you got schooled
By realviking on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
@Parkway…. I think Shawn is talking about Rodgers 2006 qb rating. He was Favre backup at that time wish brings up my question.
How long has Shawn been watching Vikings football because a real fan knows what goes on in the division. That’s just weak to compare a guy who was a backup to your staying qb.
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
schooled by what … your absurdness?
How many WRs does Rodgers throw to that have been to the pro bowl? How many does Ponder have?
Rodgers … Driver, Jennings, Nelson … all have been pro bowl WRs
Ponder … NONE … Harvin went twice as a KR but not a WR
Rodgers is a 8 year vet who was mentored by Favre
Ponder is a 1.5 year vet mentored by ???? McNabb ???
DUMB A$$
By realviking on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
You do know that Rodgers was backing up a future hall of fame quarterback right. Favre was one of the greatest to ever play the game you don’t replace a guy like that for a rookie while he’s still productive.
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Rodgers has Mike McCarthy calling plays
Ponder has Bill Musgrave
By Spencer on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Bill Musgrave is a genius.
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
well you got me there Spencer
By Parkway on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Yes I know he was quoting the wrong stats and he didn’t even know which stats he was quoting.
By Spencer on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Bottom line is this- If Ponder played better nobody would be calling for his head.
By realviking on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
@Shawn….. Rodgers 1st and 2nd year starting Jennings wasn’t a probowl receiver nor did he have the best running back on his team. And Nelson wasn’t even a starter so stop making up excuses for Ponder
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
WTF are you talking about? I know exactly what stats I quoted … I know Rodgers backed up Favre … and I know Rodgers is better than Ponder.
You are a complete imbecile.
By Parkway on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Ponder’s QBR for the year is 47.7 shawn
DUMB A$$
By Vikes4life06 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
@Shawn, enough said
By realviking on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
@Spence your 100% right the NFL is a business of what have you done for me and what are you doing for me and if your not doing nothing then we don’t need you.
Did anyone watch the Monday night game that shows the business side of the league. Everyone is calling for the eagles coach head because there losing but his win percentage through his career is second to Billichick amongst head coaches.
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
here’s your argument ….
Simpson drops ball … Ponders fault
AP fumbles … Ponders fault
Simpson drops another ball … Ponders fault
Peterson cant take a hand off … Ponders Fault
Aromashadu(maybe it was wright) drops ball … Ponders fault
Burton drops Ball … Ponders fault
Fusco misses block … Ponders fault
Defense gives up 15 play drive … Ponders fault
Jefferson gets a 15 yard penalty … Ponders fault
Musgrave runs on 2nd and 19 … Ponders fault
Musgrave doesnt understand game flow … Ponders fault
DUMB A$$
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Jared Allen cant pass rush … Ponders Fault
Greenway missed tackle …. Ponders fault
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Peterson missed bus … Ponders fault
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Cold outside … Ponders fault
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
The Bears game was a complete team meltdown and Ponder was not the weakest link
By JJK on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
The difference with Manning, Brees, Brady, Rodgers, is they demand that their receivers catch the ball, and when they don’t catch it they get in their face and make sure they will catch the next one, and then throw it to them again…Ponder needs demand more out of his receivers instead of moping around.
By Vikes4life06 on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
actually I was saying that ponder can not handle pressure when it’s thrown to him. He either gets sacked or throws a silly interceptions. He also is so timid to throw the ball downfield, and when he does he usually throws a pick. He’s so predictable. That was my argument that was a part of the video.
By realviking on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Everyone who supports Ponder, when he finally gets the bust label I hope you guys continue to support him. Vikings fans now days act like they don’t know what great quarterback play is so go back through our history and you’ll see what good quarterbacks do. Try watching another team play and you’ll see the type of command a good quarterback takes then tell me if you see that in Ponder.
We hear it everyday that you have to be able to throw the ball to win in the NFL today, its a passing league how do we expect to get anywhere with a quarterback who is inaccurate, weak arm, and no awareness. Could you imagine how bad we would be if we didn’t have AP and had to rely on Ponder throwing all game.
By Spencer on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Childress getting fired…….Ponders fault.
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Dome collapsed …. Ponders fault
By Spencer on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
The British are coming…..Ponders fault.
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
LOL
Titanic sinks …. Ponders fault
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Chris Cook arrested … Ponders fault
By Spencer on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Bwhahahahahahahahahaha. Im in tears!!
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
If we didn’t have AP, we would be 1-10. We may have beaten the Titans.
By Spencer on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
I wouldnt say 1-10, Toby would have held his own.
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
what if there were no hypothetical ?
By Shawn on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Percy and Sherels along with the Defense won the first Detroit game
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Toby would have fumbled 20 times.
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
Oh Shawn, you are not going to go off into a John Lennon chorus now, are you?
By Shawn on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Ponder won the Jags game with back to back 4th quarter drives and a rookie kicker
By Shawn on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Jared Allen lost the colts game … him and Guion had 15 yard penalties leading to a TD Colts win by 3
By Shawn on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
defense and smart offense won the 49ers gam
By Shawn on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
ponder looked good vs titans … defense gives up 7
By Shawn on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
blame defense and ponder for skins game
By Shawn on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
peterson and d beat cards
By Shawn on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
blame defense for buccs loss
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Ponder was phenomenal against the Niners.
By Shawn on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
blame ponder for seahawks
By BlueBird7 on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Obama got elected (twice) Ponders fault.
By Shawn on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
peterson and ponder and d beat lions g2
By Shawn on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
bye
By Shawn on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
bears game ….
Simpson drops ball … Ponders fault
AP fumbles … Ponders fault
Simpson drops another ball … Ponders fault
Peterson cant take a hand off … Ponders Fault
Aromashadu(maybe it was wright) drops ball … Ponders fault
Burton drops Ball … Ponders fault
Fusco misses block … Ponders fault
Defense gives up 15 play drive … Ponders fault
Jefferson gets a 15 yard penalty … Ponders fault
Musgrave runs on 2nd and 19 … Ponders fault
Musgrave doesnt understand game flow … Ponders fault
By Parkway on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Only a Sith deals in absolutes.
By BlueBird7 on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Parkway keeps posting good provocative subject matter. Ponders fault.
By BlueBird7 on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Titus keeps reading Wobschall’s blogs. Ponder’s fault.
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
I don’t read the articles though. Just the comments– if I read the articles, I go ape.
By Parkway on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Common defense mechanisms:
Denial – The refusal to accept or acknowledge an uncomfortable aspect of reality. Denial may be a surface result of deeper defense mechanisms such as suppression, repression or dissociation.
Fantasy – Focus on or belief in a more comfortable, though currently inaccurate, view of reality in order to cope with distress. Fantasy may result from the dominance of imbalanced, extreme parts that have hijacked a fragmented psyche and strongly thrust their desired ideas into the forefront of consciousness, blocking out the more realistic, but undesirable views of other parts.
Rationalization – Belief in or promotion of a particular, sometimes specious, logical justification for the purpose of avoiding direct confrontation with a distressing reality. This mechanism is crucial in the process of convincing ourselves and others of the wisdom of allowing control by our extreme parts or extreme parts in the dysfunctional hierarchical systems in which we live.
By Shawn on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Titus going ape … Ponders fault
By Shawn on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Parkway … Ponders fault
By Parkway on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Sam Steele walking crooked….. Ponders fault
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
You forgot Larry Hagman’s death…
By Frederick Jones on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
@Parkway,
Thanks for responding to my post on the late 2nd half 3rd/4th down personnel moves by the Vikings vs. Bears.
Wouldn’t you like to be a fly on the wall in the offensive coaches rooms leading up to the game?
I’m sure they had (to them) a logical reason for taking Adrian Peterson out continually over the course of the Bears game.
But as a fan you have to make fun of their “packages.”
By Frederick Jones on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Once again Marcus Sherels, Everson Griffen, Joe Webb, and Toby Gerhart were not factors in a loss by the MN Vikings!
By Parkway on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
I would have been good with passing on 3rd down in a normal game time situation there to do something different. But at that point in the game it was 4 down territory and you can then say we are going to give it to the best back in the league twice, if we can’t get two yards then we don’t deserve to win.
By Frederick Jones on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Just because a guy is your #1, 2, 3, 4, etc. pick DOES NOT mean that you have to play him.
The Vikings need to pick their players by whether or not they can get the job done, not by what round they picked him in.
“Well weee pikked him in da faast roun’ so’s weee’s jus haaas ta play ‘im.”
With that kind of thinking Bart Starr and Joe Montana and probably 80 other guys would not be in the hall of fame!!!
By Frederick Jones on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
“Well weee pikked him in da faast roun’ so’s weee’s jus haaas ta play ‘im.”
With that kind of thinking Bart Starr and Joe Montana and probably 80 other guys would not be in the hall of fame!!!
I
By Frederick Jones on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
JoneDogg’s thinking about repeating those last two lines as many times as they play “Kars for Kids” on KFan.
By Frederick Jones on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
@Parkway,
To the JoneDogg mind it seems as though when you have just an FB standing next to the QB, you have pretty much ruled out the run.
Defenses have got to be licking their lips in those situations! “It’s party time!!!
By Frederick Jones on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
@Parkway,
We also do a lot of “full house backfields” such as they did in the days of Pop Warner. Is that really necessary?
I heard them say on KFan that we just don’t have enough talent on this team, and we only had success early because the teams were weaker.
But it is possible that we are also not playing the right people, and having bad strategy.
By Dueyz on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Almost scared to post in here; lots of pitch forks and torches. Here goes…
Ponder is not the long term answer. ‘Give him time’ all you’d like, if it helps you realize.
Webb is not the long term answer; bench Ponder and bring him in all you’d like, if it helps you realize.
The WR group is not good; get a great QB and keep them all, if it helps you realize.
The OC is not good; replace the entire offense with great talent, if it helps you realize.
When a car has a bad radiator, a bad transmission, bald tires, blown gaskets, a fowled piston, timing issues, and computer problems, it’s difficult for a mechanic to tell you where to start. I think most of you are right; and that most of you are missing the point. It’s easy to say, “this is the problem” and “that is the problem”. The answer is, they’re ALL problems. Ponder’s passing is just as faulty as the reciving group. The offensive play calling is just as faulty as the defensive performance. We’ve got a sampler platter of failing projects going on simultaniously. We can’t just fix a thing or two, and then all our woes will fade away. We need to use this offseason with open eyes and begin a true overhaul.
It’s tough to pick your battles when you have so many. Our rebuilding stage still hasn’t begun.
By novascotiavike on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
From MMM….”I will be the first to acknowledge that Ponder still has a ways to go in his development, but I’m okay with that. I’m willing to be patient and let him continue to learn and improve. I believe in him, and I believe in the people who hand-picked him to be our quarterback”
Some of us who aren’t quite as young as you don’t share your “patience” Wobschall. “I’m ok with this, I’m ok with that”. You would believe in the tooth fairy, if he was signing your paycheck..
By GrandDaddyPurp on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Ponders fault LOL
By GrandDaddyPurp on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Its time to bring a new mustache in town. Andy Reid will most likely get fired after the season. He is an upgrade over Frazier.
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Shawn is a RE TARD. he was a special ed student
By Ponder aka 3 and out on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
who was responsible for picking Ponder in the draft anyway? you can bet that person would deny having interest in him now!
By northwoodsv2 on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
“Shawn, say I can’t blame Ponder.
Wobby says I can’t blame coaches.”
The difference here is one of them is getting paid by the Vikings to say good things about the Vikings and the other is saying the truthfully obvious without fear of losing his job.
By northwoodsv2 on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Can we get some of the magic glue Marshall was using on his gloves? Our WRs could use a crate of it.
By Muskyfever on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Dueyz…. I like what you had to say. I could not have said it better myself!!! that was perfect dude!!!
By Tampavike on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
WOW!!!!!!!
Great post Dueyz. However, I disagree with you on your synopsis. You have to ask what caused the problems to start………I have one word…..MUSGRAVE!!!!!!!!!!!! He is responsible for the running of our offense. I only see it choking and sputtering now. Norv turner should be fired by the end of the season. He is a GREAT OC and a mediocer at best, head coach. We have to get the brain straight before we get the body moving in unison.
In the mean time, lets let our backups have a crack at playing, otherwise why do we even have them on the team? 6-10 or 7-9…does it make much difference? The only difference I can see is if we do win a couple of more games, we get a lower 1st round draft choice. Lets check out our spare parts and see what we have now before we rebuild at the end of the season.
BTW…FIRE MUSGRAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Kathy P on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Most people are right who posted that this WHOLE team was utterly incapable of playing any type of football on Sunday. One would logically think that after a bye week that it would have made a difference, but we all saw it didnt. Someone, something is not being done that should be addressed by ALL the coaches. Simpson dropped at least 3 catches that he should have caught. What do they do in practice may I ask? Apparently not too much. The O-line still stinks, can’t give the QB anytime to throw the ball. The Defense is tired due to being on the field sooooo much and can’t make any decent plays either. I think the Defense was way on the field, time-wise, more than the Offense was on Sunday. It never helps when you play stupid vs.smart football and end up with penalties costing the team 30-45yds. Fumbles, like I’ve never seen in a long time. It was like they hadn’t practiced at all or else didnt really care one way or the other that they lost. ZERO POINTS in the second quarter, ZERO!!! When Wright made catches, what did they do? Took him out for the next play, STUPID to do that. Extremely poor coaching from all aspects of the game in my opinion. How they can be effectively productive one week and then have a bye and then come back and play so abhorently is beyond anyone’s imagination. They need to have ONE day alloted to nothing but Ponder with his WR’s. Then they need to inform ALL the players that if they can’t perform their duties for this team to at least make an effort to win, that they will get benched. Maybe they would be humiliated to the point where they’d pick it up a notch or two but Im not even sure about that either. There were soooo many scenarios that were the Vikings right in front of their eyes if they could have put a “W” in the column on Sunday. It seems they either just dont care anymore or else just too freaking lazy to do their jobs like they are paid to do. Very frustrating yr. after yr. to keep the faith with them. Something is definitely got to change regardless, if this team is ever expected to one day, hopefully, achieve some form of success.Sorry for ranting; just frustrated that these players are not playing to some of their potentials and others who are downright failing at their positions are allowed to stay in the game.
By Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Let me remind everyone of the metaphor I wrote on the past couple blogs– we are driving to New York, and we get a flat tire around Cleveland– well, we don’t feel like stopping to change the tire, so we keep driving. By now, our rims are getting worse– the point is, the drivers– the coaches– need to make changes. You win as a team.
By Carter on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
This team needs wide receivers they had all off season to address it and did nothing but sign Jerome Simpson. Lets get Ponder some help outside and then see what he is made of.
By Carter on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
I’m sick of every one bashing Ponder give him some help and I bet he will be a lot better
By Eric on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Sadly I must admit the Vikings are not as good a team as I thought they were.
Poor pass blocking. Loadhold is a bust and has been for the past 3 years. Ponder must play bettter. Why do they take AP out of the game when they need him the most, like 3rd and 2 and 4th and 2. I know – Musgrave is tricking the other team!
Since the pass blocking is so poor why don’t we ever go into max protection? I know – we are tricking the other team!
Viking defenders cannot shed blocks, they dance with the blocker. Musgrave must go! If I can read his calls its time for him to to leave. The coaching staff makes no adjutments during the game. The same mistakes are never corrected week to week. Frazier always want to look at the film. How come he can’t see what I see.
By Dueyz on Nov 28, 2012 | Reply
@ Musky….thank you, sir. There are some pretty savvy people in here, and I don’t presume to be anything other than a couch coach with an opinion.
@Tampavike…I agree that Mr Musgrave should be replaced. There’s no question our offense would/could do much better with a sharper football mind. We have so much talent to produce so little results. I just meant that replacing him is a start, not a solution. Replacing Musgrave with a better OC will no doubt help our team, but we will still have so many other things to address. If you’d prefer to start there, I think that would be awesome. Our rebuilding will still have other pieces to be delt with. I suppose if we try fixing too many faults at once, we’ll likely not improve many at all. We have so much work to do this offseason….and the saga continues for us Vikings fans.
By southpawsteve albany n.y vike fan on Nov 28, 2012 | Reply
I blamed Ponder these last couple of games. But now im starting to realize that it’s not Ponder. Look at the receivers especially Jerome Simpson what is up with him he is supposed to be the deep threat. He has flopped and folded like an accordian. Mustgrave is not an offensive coordinator. For instance in the 3rd quarter the Vikes had the ball at the Bears 8 yard line it was 3rd and 2. Yes 2 yards for a 1st down! What does Musty do? he calls 2 pass plays. Where was A.P or Gerhart.You’re talking about 2 yards man best running back in NFL. 2 yards 1st down! The vikes turn it back to the Bears on downs. Musty must go. The play calling is ridiculous. It’s not all Ponders fault get him some receivers and a new O.C
By mike gitchel on Nov 28, 2012 | Reply
Hey viking fans . . .
Looks like the spirit of “Suh” has come into the life of Jared Allen . . .
Nice hit . . . I thought he was too courageous for such a cheap shot.
Great impression!
By Snoose on Nov 30, 2012 | Reply
Gotta agree with southpaw on his last comment. I think AP probably could have squeaked out 2 yards in 2 tries. Poor plays called there.
By MTfan on Dec 1, 2012 | Reply
On first and goal, you gotta have Ponder roll out off of play action. Then run Peterson on second if we didn’t score. We’re always doing just what the defense expects in the red zone.