Week 2 is in the books and the Minnesota Vikings are 2-0.  The game was similar to last week in that the Vikings started off slow and ended strong.  A few things in the game looked good and a few things caused reason for concern.  Lets start with a couple of the positive observations.

Brett Favre continued to play well. He was 23 for 27 without any interceptions or turnovers.  Favre played very smart and for the most part made quick decisions and used multiple receivers.  Favre did not try to force passes and was content with hitting the check down receiver when needed.

Percy Harvin had a good game and contributed in multiple ways.  Harvin again scored a touchdown and has shown to be fairly consistent as compared to last weeks numbers against the Browns.  Harvin has shown to be very tough in a couple plays after the catch picking up several additional yards with players attempting to bring him down.  He also looked good returning kicks.  Harvin finished the day with an average of 26 yards per return. 

Now for a couple of areas of concern.  The Vikings run defense at times did not look good against a not so good running team.  The first two plays from scrimmage for the Lions were gains of 11 and 13 yards.  The Lions continually had success running to the left part of the line and straight up the middle.  The Lions finished with 129 yards rushing.  Fortunately after the Stafford interceptions and Smith fumble the Lions had no choice but to switch to the passing game.

Secondly, on a lot of passing downs the Lions defense sent multiple players in after Favre and the Vikings did not have an answer.  Future opponents may use this as a blueprint until the Vikings can come up with a solution.

Through all of the observations it is important to remember a few things.  Some of the areas of concern could possibly get worked out after the Vikings have played a few more games and get to work together more as a team.  Also the first two opponents were not strong teams and will be lucky to win 8 games this year.  But most important is the big picture in all of this.  The Vikings are 2-0, won both games on the road, have not suffered any major injuries, and are at the top of the NFC North.  Things are looking good for the Minnesota Vikings heading into week 3 at home against the San Fransisco 49ers.

Congratulations to Chad Greenway for the two interceptions and a fumble recovery.

Paul Gantner