A rookie to the Playoffs, how will Jackson perform?

I realize I am very late with the preview of the most important Vikings game this year, but I have some good excuses. I won’t rain them all on you right now, but they range from relatives to a malfunctioning internet.

In case you weren’t aware. The Minnesota Vikings are in the 2009 NFL Playoffs. Yes, you read that right: extra football. While it is certainly appealing to think about, we shouldn’t be done yet. Our “deserved” ranking after winning the NFC North is the 3rd seed in the conference.

As such, we get to host the Philadelphia Eagles late Sunday afternoon. The Eagles, coming off a smack-down of the Dallas Cowboys, are traveling to the ‘Dome… yet are favored in the matchup. A sixth seed is favored against a third seed that is at home?

The Eagles may appear like a daunting enemy, but I try to think positively. Sure, the Eagles have a great runningback in Brian Westbrook. So does Minnesota in a certain Adrian Peterson. Sure, the Eagles have a great defense. So does Minnesota. Sure, the Eagles have a quarterback who can be great at times. So does Minnesota.

The Eagles are riding a huge upset victory over the Dallas Cowboys, and are receiving tons of credit for beating “America’s Team.” That blow-out was more a result of a Dallas implosion than a great game from Philadelphia.

To be honest, the Vikings could have won that game against the Cowboys. And that’s the point.

The Eagles and Vikings are remarkably similar, yet the overwhelming favorite in this game is Philadelphia. 

ESPN Radio host Colin Cowherd brought up a point that I agree 100 percent with this past week; I would probably rather be an underdog at home than a favorite on the road in the first round of the Playoffs. The home team, in this case our Vikings, loves the “bulletin board” material the media gives them. All the more reason to show to the world that you deserve to be where you are.

As we saw in the Colts-Chargers game last night, the mentality of a team is critical to it’s success. Late in the fourth quarter and in the overtime period, the Indianapolis Colts looked like a team who expected defeat. As my mom so beautifully put it, “They don’t have any fire in their bellies!”

The Chargers, on the other hand, were pumped up. Following a game-tying field goal they all looked energized and ready to start overtime; expecting to win. The Colts, quite frankly, didn’t.

One could argue that a cooler head rules in these situations, but I would come right back and say that energy beats apathy.

The Vikings need to be excited Sunday afternoon. Tarvaris Jackson may experience some “rookie” nervousness, but that can be overcome. I totally expect Adrian Peterson to have a huge game, with no crucial fumbles. He knows the stakes; this is the Playoffs. Win or go home. Beat the opponent or make golf reservations.

Adrian Peterson is not a golfer.

Although the odds are against it, there is a good chance the Vikings could travel to Carolina next week. But let’s not lose focus on the real goal; beating the Philadelphia Eagles.

Donovan McNabb, just a few weeks removed from being benched by Coach Reid, finally has the rules of overtime down (I know, another overused joke) and appears ready to play. Though he is one of the least-intercepted quarterbacks in history, we all know his capability to follow up a superb game with a horrible one. At times, he is the epitome of inconsistency.

At other times, he throws like Steve Young.

The playcalling for Minnesota hasn’t always been perfect, the execution horrible at time, and the general “vibe” hasn’t always felt good, the Vikings are in the Playoffs. They made it, but it’s not over yet.

This season isn’t over yet. The Eagles don’t know what the Vikings have in store for them. We’re just getting started.

While I realize it’s delayed, I know you’ve read it everywhere else, and it’s gonna be short, but I’ve had an insane Christmas week. My parents visited from my home state of Iowa, as did my fiance’s father, and they didn’t leave until Monday morning. Because of all that, it’s been a whirlwind of activity getting back to work. For that, I appoligize. I will have much more in depth analysis of the playoff game than I will for this Giants game. Suffice to say, I was pulling my hair out while I watched Childress mess up the final minute of the game, waiting for Longwell to hit a 50 yarder for the win. I was a wee bit nervous.

Regardless of that, the Minnesota Vikings have won their division for the first time since 2000. That’s eight years. Wow. I was 15 the last time the Vikings hosted the first playoff game. How insane is that?

The Minnesota Vikings are finally coming around. After the collapse against the Falcons, I just knew that everything would go the Bears’ way and they would find a way to win the North. Fortunately, things swung the Vikings way and they don’t even have to SHARE the title. The Bears lost, the Vikings won; life could not be better on Sunday.

Since I know you’ve read about it everywhere else, I’ll touch on a few other things instead of the game on Sunday.

The Vikings play the Eagles in the second game on Sunday. That means we have to watch three other games before the Purple People Eaters take the field. That’s unfortunate. On the plus side, that gives Big Pat Williams an extra day, heck, even extra hours to heal up his bum shoulder. Suddenly it doesn’t strike me as so bad. While Brian Westbrook is a threat to catch the pass out of the backfield, he won’t be running as much as he would should Pat Williams play. Pat himself has said he will be playing in this game. Who am I to disagree?

This game definitely hinges on two people: Donovan McNabb and Tarvaris Jackson. The Eagle are coming off an absolute demolition of the Cowboys, so people are saying they will be “hot.” Guess what-these Eagles also tied the Bengals. Not to say the Vikings haven’t had their ups and downs, but in almost every game the Vikings were “supposed” to win, they did. The Eagles can’t say the same. If we can fluster McNabb (which will be tough), the Vikings pass defense has a shot. Tarvaris just has to play consistent, mistake-free football. If he can do that, the Vikings have a great shot.

If you look at the teams representing the NFC in the playoffs, is there really any that have talent much better than the Vikings? We’ve beaten the Giants (some backups in, yes, I admit that), the Panthers,  and the Cardinals. The Vikes should have beaten the Falcons, but fumbled seven times and lost four, and are playing the Eagles for the first time. If we take out Philly, I could actually see the Vikings having a decent shot.

Provided Childress calls the games well and Tarvaris Jackson doesn’t make mistakes.

Everyone says: “You have to be able to run the ball and stop the run in December and January.” You know what? That just so happens to be the Vikings specialties.

I’m starting to believe.

I suggest you join in.

I have used the “most important game” cliche for about the last two months, so I hesitate to use it again. Whatever dull phrase I choose to use, this upcoming game could really be the biggest game of the season for the Vikings. No, this time I’m serious.

Last week, when the Falcons marched into the Dome, I applied the “for all the marbles” label. Minnesota obviously lost, and many marbles were taken away…but not all. Although the chance at postseason play is much less than what it could have been had the Vikings won, (100 percent), Minnesota still controls their own destiny.

Lets go over some playoff scenarios. Obviously, one Vikings win or one Bears loss sends Minnesota into the playoffs as the third seed in the NFC. That being the case, they would host whoever their opponent would be in the good ‘ol Metrodome.

As to opponents, the most likely one is Dallas. All they have to do is beat the Eagles and they earn the six seed. If Dallas losses, Tampa Bay is the next-most-likely. The Buccaneers need to beat the Raiders (which is almost a foregone conclusion) and hope for a Cowboys loss. The Eagles could even squeak in as the six seed, but would need to beat the Cowboys, and hope the Raiders and Texans can both win.

Finally, the Chicago Bears could be our first playoff matchup. They would need to win and hope that Dallas and Tampa Bay both lose. (Minnesota can conceivably earn the six seed in the NFC, but would need to tie the Giants and hope for a Dallas and Tampa Bay loss. Of course, all this would be for naught if the Vikings lose to the Giants.)

Instead of counting on the Texans to take care of business, the easier way would be to simply beat the Giants. With New York already having the one seed and home-field-advantage in the playoffs, what do they have to play for?

Momentum, for one. If the Vikings were in that situation, wouldn’t you want to win the final game of the regular season so the momentum can thrust you into postseason? If the Giants win, there will probably be no gaping holes or questionmarks on their roster. I would rather compete, (”Play to win the game!”), than roll over and die.

Pride is probably another reason the Giants will show up on Sunday. Last year, the Vikings destroyed the Giants in New York. Of course, they went on to win the Super Bowl, but I’m sure they haven’t forgotten how we humiliated them.

Although coach Coughlin claims that he won’t back down from the challenge, he certainly will use this opportunity to rest some of his starters. As most of you know, if the Vikings are forced to play against the brunt of the New York Giants, who don’t rest a single starter, Minnesota will probably be forced to become “scoreboard-watchers.”

Of course, should the Giants do what NY Daily News writer Gary Myers suggests, benching Eli Manning in the second quarter, and not playing Justin Tuck, Fred Robbins, and Brandon Jacobs. Wouldn’t that be sweet?

A poll on that same page suggests that a large majority of Giants fans want their team to do the same thing, even if that means a Week 17 loss.

After the numerous fumbles last week, I’m sure Adrian Peterson slept with a football tightly tucked into his elbow every night. He also probably had several ball-control drills and should have no problem with that against the Giants. 

Tarvaris Jackson should have another good day. He doesn’t have much to fear, except his career. If the Vikings lose, and end up without a playoff position, Jackson’s tenure in the Land of 10,000 Lakes might be up.

It all comes down to this. For all the marbles. Win or go home. Whatever cliche you prefer, this game remains very important.

Sorry for the lack of updates; had some company in from out of town so it’s been a busy few days. My parents, as well as my fiance’s father drove down from Iowa, and the five of us went to the local Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the Vikings implode against the Falcons. There was a great deal of swearing between the lot of us.

One statistic defines this game: seven fumbles.

You absolutely cannot put the ball on the ground seven times, lose four of them, and expect to win. Adrian Peterson decided to personally put the ball on the ground three times, though the botched handoff was actually credited to Tarvaris. Regardless, you can’t win a game committing that many turnovers.

A positive note on the game; the Vikings were in position to make a play for overtime. It’s unfortunate that it came down to it, but the Purple People Eaters got hosed on a bogus non-call on Sidney Rice. Rice had his arm held down when he was going up to make a play on it. But the Vikings turned the ball over four times and still had a chance to win. I would not want to play Minnesota in the playoffs; if they put together a full game, look out.

Shiancoe had one of the best games in tight end history

Again, a game should never come down to a ref making or not making a call, but come on; that’s what they’re around for. Make the dang call when the rules dictate. The whole stadium could not be wrong, could they? After all, the Vikings out gained the Cardinals handily, 350 to 222. If the Vikings hold on to two, even one of those fumbles, the game changes entirely. It’s unfortunate when Jackson and Shiancoe had incredible games. According to Football Outsiders, it was the second best performance by a tight end in NFL history. Pretty good, eh? Too bad it came in a loss. For those interested, Shiancoe had seven receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns. It should be noted that every pass he caught resulted in a first down or a touchdown. Now if only Tarvaris could get a nice rapport with Bernard Berrian we’d be completely set.

Then Monday night, the entirity of the Viking nation was forced to cheer for the Green Bay Packers. Did anyone else feel really, really dirty about doing that? I kept telling myself we were using them, and that we were cheering for a Bears’ loss as opposed to a Packers’ win. Of course, the game ended horribly, my hopes once again crushed under the weight of irony. It’s my own fault for putting faith in a team and coach that are simply terrible. Thanks for crushing my hopes, Packers. Enjoy your couch watching the playoffs.

Of course, I can’t say that unless the Vikings actually make the playoffs. The “magic number” remains at one with one week left in the season. The Vikings get the Giants at home and the Bears play at the Texans.

Does anyone else have this horrifying sinking feeling in the pit of their stomach?

Matt Ryan - he should have died after the landing

The Giants won’t rest their starters; Coughlin didn’t do it last year and it worked out pretty well for the Giants. I don’t see him doing it this year, especially when his team already will get a week off because of the bye week. This is going to be a really, really tough game for the Vikings. Brandon Jacobs probably won’t play due to his knee, but Ward ran for 215 yards, and we don’t have Pat Williams. It could be an interesting day. I’m not real worried about the running game; after all, the Vikings held Michael Turner to 70 yards. That’s a very below average game for him. Eli will be the one we have to worry about.

The Bears, while not a good team, will beat the Texans. The Houston Texans are not a bad team at all; they just can’t play consistently. They beat the Titans, and then last week lost to the Raiders. They play well at home, but the Bears are not the Vikings; they will want to win and make the playoffs. I doubt they will commit four turnovers.

It all comes down to Sunday at noon for the Minnesota Vikings and the Viking faithful. Will it turn out well? We can only hope. The only thing I know for sure is that I’ll be there, every step of the way, cheering on the guys in purple.

True, Tarvaris Jackson is not a rookie. But he might as well be. This Sunday the rookie-led Falcons will travel up north to face the “rookie”-led Vikings.

These two offenses are actually pretty similar. There are not superstar receivers on either the Minnesota team or the Atlanta team. (Berrian would probably win that category, however.) Solid offensive lines. New quarterbacks. The biggest difference between these two teams is the biggest…well, difference.

Adrian Peterson.

*Mini-rant. Is it just me, or are you getting sick of the nickname “Purple Jesus” for Adrian Peterson? This spectacular running back has more nicknames than the entire team. “AD”, “All Day”, and the aforementioned “Purple Jesus.” I have no problem with the “All-Day” moniker, (I actually think it goes nicely with Taylor’s new nickname: “All-Night”), but “Purple Jesus” goes just a bit too far. I think it’s time for something new…

How about “The Difference”? Peterson is always the difference between whatever team the Vikings face. Anyway…

I don’t know to twist and tweak, or mold and bend what I’ve been saying all season. This game comes down to number 28. His performance will ultimately decide this game. Simple as that. It’s a huge load for a guy his age, but he has certainly proved to be up to it lately.

Here’s hoping Peterson can do it again.

In other news, Pat Williams will be missed. The Viking’s defensive line is noticeably weaker without him, but that’s not to say that they can’t stop the Falcon’s running game. Too big of a deal has been made regarding the absence of Phat Pat.

Jared Allen has proven that he is worth every tenth-penny that we paid him - (and probably more, but you won’t catch me saying that out-loud). Allen had a monster game against the Cardinals, and is capable of turning any offensive lineman into a turnstil. Even though he is nursing an injury, he will be playing, and should have a terrific afternoon.

Now, the presence of John Abraham worries me. The Atlanta defensive end is also among the league’s best, and I’m worried about the offensive line’s capability to handle him. When you add Abraham’s fine-tuned skills to his Pro-Bowl snub…well, let’s just say that I wouldn’t want to be the one dueling with him for hopefully over an hour on Sunday.

From an entertainment standpoint, this is a playoff game. This upcoming game is a due-or-die for both teams, (I’ll ignore the fact that the Cowboys lost tonight), and should prove to be very exciting. I envy all those who have the privilege of attending.

But, believe me, my eyes will be glued to the TV.