Game 10: Vikings Lose To Bucs 19-13

Bucs Quarterback – Jeff Garcia

Before the season started, the Minnesota Vikings believed they had the answer to their quarterback problems. Tarvaris Jackson was hand picked by head coach Brad Childress and anoited the starter for the team. (Even though he had a terrible season the year before) The Vikings never even pursued another starting quality QB, settling on backup Gus Frerotte and rookie J.D. Booty from USC.

The Vikings traveled to Tampa today to play the Bucs and Jeff Garcia. The Bucs won the game today, 19-13 as Garcia picked the Viking defense apart on his way to an MVP performance. He was 23-30 for 255 yards with a 77% completion rate. But that’s not all. Garcia scrambled away from pressure all day avoiding negative yardage and found the open receiver to move the chains.

As for the Vikings, they took a hard fought 13-6 lead into the locker room at halftime. They would fail to score in the second half. I point out the lack of adjustment during the game when opposing teams stop your game plan. Childress sticks to his kick ass offense and game plan and refuses to adjust. The result: Vikings get shut out in the second half and lose the game.

The Vikings racked up a dismal 210 total yards of offense. Adrian Peterson carried 19 times for 85 yards, but did not have a single carry in the 4th quarter. I seem to remember Peterson putting the entire offense on his shoulders last week and marching down field for the game winning TD run. Apparently, Childress didn’t want a repeat performance.

Gus Frerotte managed the game as well as he could. His stats were 14-20 for 138 yards and one touchdown. However, Gus was not very mobile and was sacked 5 times today. (Notice how Garcia avoided the Viking rush and moved the chains.)

Not to get off on a rant here but, Ryan Cook has at least one penalty called against him every single game. Sidney Rice is averaging less than one catch per game. Special teamer Hicks fumbled today giving the Bucs excellent field position and the winning points. Again, special teams screws the Vikings. I have to give credit when it is due and its about time Shiancoe is tuned in to the game plan. Good tough catches and no drops. Chad Greenway, 16 tackles and one sack. With a win today, Vikings could have been in first place all alone, instead, they are tied with Greenbay and Chicago. Childress goes for it on 4th and one and passes to Peterson that is down the field in a receiver pattern. Of course he dropped it. Childress is 19-21 over all as head coach. Two games under 500.

Vikings travel to Jacksonville for next Sundays game. Yes, the Vikings are still in the hunt but it is almost time to see Booty in for a little action. We know Frerotte’s limitations. And Jacksons. I predicted Booty by seasons end, it may be sooner than expected.

SKOL VIKINGS!

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