As the Vikings failed to punch the ball into the endzone on 3 straight run plays, I was thinking to myself..."Musgrave.", in much the same way as Seinfeld would mutter "Newman...". So it looks like another long drive capped off with a Blair Walsh field goal, Great. But I was shocked to see they were going for it on 4th down, wait a minute...now this game has a different feel to it. I wasn't as concerned about the actual score itself, which was a beautiful touch pass to tight end Kyle Rudolph, but more the fact they were willing to go for it. That said to me that the coaching staff was starting to loosen the reigns, and once i saw they were willing to take some risks to win this game I knew the 49ers were in trouble.
Ponder continued to impress, completing 21 of 35 attempts for 198 yards and 2 TD's, and added a 23 yard rushing score that might have reminded 49er fans of one of their old favorite QB's. His completion percentage did take a dip, which is to be expected against a secondary as good as what the 49ers have, but still has not turned the ball over. He continues to make good decisions, never forcing anything deep into coverage and taking what the defense gives him. I'm excited to see what happens once Simpson is available to play next week. I think this lowly Minnesota offense may surprise a lot of folks in the coming weeks if Ponder continues to be this efficient combined with an ability to throw to a reliable deep threat.
Kyle Rudolph is emerging as one of the leagues more dangerous tight ends. He put up 2 TDs on 36 yards recieving again today. One of the touchdown catches was a beautiful one-handed catch while falling down in the back of the endzone. The other Notre Dame tight end the Vikings aquired in free-agency, John Carlson, dropped what would have been his first catch of the season, but im sure he will get rolling soon. And of course, number 12 was just out there playing his ass off and moving the chains again...ho-hum, just another day at the office for Harvin.
As i said in the "keys to victory" post earlier this week, the vikings secondary did play more bump and run coverage, jamming recievers up on the line and allowing the pass rush to hurry Alex Smith in the pocket. The defense as a whole played good, the linebackers (who were without starter Erin Henderson) played great. Chad Greenway was a beast, making tackles all over the field and putting up 2 sacks. The defensive line was physical and Jared Allen finally got the elusive first sack of 2012, not to mention DT Letroy Guion blocked a David Akers filed goal, allowing the offense to set up the rookie Blair Walsh for yet another 50yd+ field goal at the half.
Toby Gerhardt and the Officials were also impressive. I've never seen a tailback fumble 3 times on 3 straight rush attempts until today, nor have I ever seen an NFL team be awarded 5 timeouts in one half until today. So kudos to them.
In conclusion, The Vikings BEAT the 49ers!!! That is awesome! Nobody gave them a shot in this game and they dominated the line of scrimmage, time of possesion, and the turn-over battle (until they put Gerhardt in). I predicted before this season that the Vikes were a 9-7 team, and 2-1 is not a bad start! We as Viking fans have a win we can really hang our hopes on, and if this offense really starts clicking the sky's the Limit.
As always the Packers suck.
SKOL!
Jordan Nadel
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