Vikings Lose To Chargers - Game #1 - 09/11/2011

Red headed Step Child

The Minnesota Vikings opened up the 2011 season (Hut, hut, defensive off sides Vikings) traveling to San Diego (Hut, hut, defensive off sides Vikings) starting off strong with Percy Harvin returning the opening kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown (Hut, hut, defensive off sides Vikings) but ending the game ugly with three off side penalties in the final drive of the game.

In essence, the Minnesota Vikings were beat like a red-headed step child with Donovan McNabb passing for only 39 yards. Not in a series, or a half, but for the entire game. Throw in the Vikings defensive line allowing Chargers quarterback Rivers time enough to have tea and crumpets and find the open receivers down field for 335 yards and you got yourselves a good old-fashioned woodshed beating.

The Vikings continued their abysmal play away record and add to that factor that the game was played outside, and you had your first mortal lock of the season. But let’s get back to Donovan’s Viking debut. His line stats on Monday will look like this: 7-15 passing, 47% completion, 39 yards, one interception, one touchdown, one loss. I know Viking fans, it’s his first game, and there was no OTA’s, mini camp, etc. I am merely stating the facts. I will credit Donovan’s mobility as he rushed for 32 yards on three carries keeping drives alive. But 39 yards passing. Really!

Do not get me wrong here Viking fans, it is not all Donovan’s fault. Let me explain please. In today’s game, I watched Donovan drop back and immediately the pocket collapsed. Donovan had to check to the safety valve, throw the ball away, or run for his life. Complete opposite for Philip Rivers of San Diego. He had all day to pick the Vikings D-Backs apart. Donovan did not have time to throw deep. Rivers did. That is the reason.

Moving on to some good moves and news:

* Percy Harvin lobbied coach Frazier to return kicks today. Result – Harvin takes opening kickoff 103 yards to the house.

* Brian Robison records a half sack after replacing last years starter Ray Edwards.

* Michael Jenkins had three catches for 26 yards and a touchdown.

* Adrian Peterson signed a $100 million contract extension and rushed for 98 yards on 16 carries.

For 2011 Viking Thunder is going to compare two former players who jumped shipped. One on offense, one on defense and compare them to their counterpart on the Vikings.

Team: Vikings — Seahawks
Player: Michael Jenkins – Catches: 3 Yards: 26 Points: 6
Player: Sidney Rice – Catches: 0 Yards: 0 Points: 0
Note: Sidney Rice did not play due to injury.

Team: Vikings — Falcons
Player: Brian Robison – Sacks: .5
Player: Ray Edwards – Sacks: 0

There are 15 games left in the season with only 8 home games in the Mall Of America stadium. After that, who really knows. The Viking lease is up, will the Vikings move, broker a deal, or stay put in the Dome.

I wonder what Brett Favre and Randy Moss are doing?…

SKOL VIKINGS!

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