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Game 13: Vikings Defeat Detroit 30-20
Posted by LOTGK on December 10, 2006
Who The Hell Is Artose Pinner?
Running back Chester Taylor couldn’t go today due to bruised ribs giving Artose Pinner the nod against his former team, the Detroit Lions. Pinner responded and exacted a measure of revenge gaining 125 yards on 29 carries and three rushing TD’s.
The Vikings are now 6-7 with three games left and unbelievably, are in the playoff hunt. Well, not actually in the hunt, but sent an invitation. Much like the Heisman Trophy presentation last night. Brady Quinn was invited, but everyone knew that Troy Smith was the winner. Inviting the others was a mere formality.
But let’s look at the playoffs. Dallas, Chicago, New Orleans, and Seattle are division leaders as of today. The Giants, Eagles, and Falcons have 7 wins with two of them securing the wild card spots. That leaves Carolina and Minnesota with 6 wins. San Francisco lost leaving only the Rams with a chance to secure a 6th win in week 14. Where does that put the Vikings in the playoff hunt? That still leaves the Vikings on the outside looking in. They must win the next three games to have a chance. That would be four wins in a row including today’s.
To last week’s statement that Brad Johnson will not lead us to the playoffs. I still stand pat and strong on that statement. Johnson had one interception returned 88 yards for a score today. I mention this for it is becoming a trend for opposing teams to jump Johnson’s passes and return for scores. Also mentioned today because on his interception, the Vikings were already in field goal range and it was first down. Throw the ball away instead of making a bonehead decision. That type of play won’t hack it in the playoffs.
Vikings defense holds the Lions to negative three yards rushing. The Vikings are #1 against the run and are #2 against the run in the history of the league only 5 yards per game behind the 1941 Chicago bears.
Troy Williamson did not drop a pass today. That’s honorable mention for him.
Cedric Griffin is growing into the cornerback position. Ben Leber is the best linebacker on the team. Sharper got his wish today. A victory. Mewelde Moore made a heady run and willed his way to the first down marker. Very few penalties today which is a good improvement over the league leading 8.5 penalties per game average.
It was a great win today, but I keep the win in check by remembering who we beat. Yes, we won on the road, but it was against the 2-11 Detroit Lions. The playoffs started today with a victory on the road. Next week we get a home field playoff game against the Jets.
Skol Vikings!
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