The Minnesota Vikings
Old saying in the NFL: It ain’t who you play, it’s when you play them.
Case in point: The Minnesota Vikings.
Despite a spate of injuries that cost them quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in the preseason, running back Adrian Peterson and left tackle Matt Kalil, the Vikings piled up a 5-0 record. Their defense provided the foundation for their victories and they appeared to finding answers to their many problems.
Then the Philadelphia Eagles exposed and exploited the holes in Minnesota’s offensive line and handed the Vikings their first defeat. And on Monday night, a mediocre (and we’re being kind) Chicago Bears team ground the Vikings into purple dust by a 20-10 count. If you’re a Vikings’ fan, consider this your Halloween scare and a gift that, sadly, might keep on giving.
The Vikings allowed five sacks and gained only 258 yards. That’s 11 sacks of Sam Bradford, who has not exactly been the NFL’s iron man, in the last two games. The Bears rode young running back Jordan Howard’s 153 yards to a basic, no-frills win.
The Bears (2-6), who stumbled through the early part of the season without Jay Cutler for five weeks, are still at the bottom of the NFC Central Division, but now may have the formula to pull it together. The Vikings (5-2) remain atop the division, but it’s really not clear how that can last. The NFL’s trading deadline is Tuesday, but where will the Vikings find an offensive tackle who can help?
It ain’t who you play. It’s when you play them.
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman
-
Brazilian footballer Vinicius Jr, who plays for Real Madrid, broke down in tears during a news conference on Monday,...
-
Famous British Olympian Retires After an illustrious career adorned with numerous accolades, Dame Laura Kenny, Britain’s most successful female...
-
Manchester City Brings it Home with a 3-1 Victory! Following Manchester City’s impressive 3-1 victory over FC Copenhagen in...
-
Murray’s New Goals Before Retirement Andy Murray, the renowned British tennis player and three-time Grand Slam champion, has shared...
-
Kylian Mbappe led Paris Saint-Germain to a resounding 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their...
-
Klopp acknowledges defensive flaws as Liverpool suffers unexpected defeat against Arsenal. Following Liverpool’s unexpected defeat against Arsenal, manager Jurgen...
-
Ryan Mendes’ Heroic Penalty: Captain Leads Cape Verde to Victory In a historic moment for Cape Verde, the national...
-
Probe Raises Questions About PSG’s 2017 Deal and Political Involvement. French authorities have launched an investigation into allegations...
-
As Ireland faces a back-three injury crisis ahead of the Six Nations, some players have an opportunity to step...
-
16-year-old Luke Littler Makes History as the Youngest Player to Join the Prestigious Premier League Darts Luke Littler, the...
-
Get ready for the electric thrill! In a groundbreaking move, Formula E announces its exclusive broadcasting partnership with TNT...
-
Captain Kohli’s Record-Equalling Century Lights Up World Cup Match Against South Africa. On the occasion of his 35th birthday,...