The Vikings defense by reputation is among the NFL’s best, but yesterday in New England that defense couldn’t even hold the Patriots to a field goal late in the fourth quarter when the game was yet to be decided. The Vikings trailed 21-18 when the Patriots started a drive from New England’s 20-yard line with about seven minutes to play. By the time that drive ended the score was 28-18 and the Vikings finally got the ball back with less than two minutes remaining.
The Vikings defense couldn’t be counted on when the game mattered most. Too many missed tackles and probably blown assignments too (haven’t been to the film room yet).
The Vikings gave up 122 net yards rushing (112 to BenJarvus Green-Ellis), prompting more concern about a defense that for years has been praised from coast to coast but in recent games can’t get any sacks. And in the last four games the Vikings have given up 106 points and lost three times.
Stats don’t determine games but there are a couple of numbers staring right into the eyes of the Purple. This talented team with a Super Bowl date long ago circled on the calendar is 2-5 after starting 6-1 last season. Another stunner is this: the Vikings have lost their last eight road games, including four this season.
The Vikings are a team that can’t seem to pull either fate or opportunity together. Bad luck has been a companion including yesterday against the 6-1 Patriots. In the second quarter the Vikings had a 7-0 lead when safety Madieu Williams let a near certain interception go right through his hands and into those of wide receiver Brandon Tate. The Patriots scored a few plays later to tie the game 7-7.
In the third quarter Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin bobbled a pass and corner back Devin McCourty had the ball land in his lap. It was the kind of bouncing ball a team might turn into an interception once every couple years. Soon after the interception New England had a touchdown and a 21-10 lead.
Now the Vikings come home to play Arizona on Sunday with more questions than wins. Why can’t the much hyped defensive line and linebackers make more plays including turnovers and sacks? Can defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier plug a leaky secondary that’s been minimized by injuries? Is there much likelihood the subpar offensive line can provide the quarterback with the extra seconds to throw deep? Where’s the beef (not to mention the smarts) when the Vikings stall on offense inside the 10 yard line? Where’s Randy Moss? And who the heck is the quarterback after Brett Favre again on Sunday auditioned for the local emergency room and was replaced late in the fourth quarter by Tarvaris Jackson?
Anyone with answers should call Winter Park. And it wouldn’t be a bad idea to send a rabbit’s foot out there by courier.