DET @ MIN Recap

After procrastinating for a few days, I finally got around to this one. The Vikings came into the game determined to get their first victory of the season after putting up disappointing performances against the formidable Saints and Dolphins. Meanwhile, the Lions arrived at the Metrodome feeling somewhat confident, coming one touchdown catch away from a win against the Bears in Week 1 and almost beating the Eagles in Week 2. The game started out slow for the Vikes, but things started to heat up in the second half and Minnesota came out on top, 24-10.

Once again, the Minnesota offense looked like a one-trick pony. The first two drives were especially worrying. The Vikings sabotages themselves during the second one with penalty after penalty, eventually leading to a punt. The rushing game was more than effective, but quarterback Brett Favre was as conservative as ever. Number 4 completed 23 of 34 passes for 201 and a touchdown, but he also gave away two interceptions. It is apparent that Favre is not comfortable with the offense or his aging arm, as he only completed one pass over 20 yards Sunday. The Vikings took very few shots down the field, and it's obvious their quarterback is still missing his favorite target, receiver Sidney Rice. Favre's current pass-catcher of choice, Visanthe Shiancoe, was injured during the game, and the quarterback ended up turning to explosive weapon Percy Harvin. The two looked to have a nice connection, and even hooked up on a 24 yard throw. Harvin had injury concerns coming into the season, and he was dinged up on a few plays. However, he remained in for the duration of the game, quelling some of the doubts over his toughness. For the second week in a row running back Adrian Peterson was the MVP, rushing for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Despite Favre's inefficiency, he was still able to run through defender after defender. Peterson's highlight, without a doubt, was his 80 yard dash to the end zone in the third quarter. Make no doubt about it, folks. Adrian Peterson is back and better than ever.

The Vikings defense was it's same old stingy self, only surrendering 63 rushing yard on 19 attempts. The pass rush has still yet to make it's presence known, only managing one sack from spot rusher Brian Robison. For a significant part of the game it seemed as if the lineman just could not touch Shaun Hill, making him look like Michael Vick mixed with Vince Young on some plays. This really has to worry the Vikings, seeing as they face elite quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Tony Romo and Aaron Rodgers in three of the next four games. If the Vikings can't figure out a way to get to the mighty Shaun Hill, they may give up 1200 yards passing in those three future contests. And while the pass defense is not as bad as it was say, three years ago, the Vikings are still far way from the sack numbers they put up last season at this time. It wasn't all bad news for the pass defense, however, as Antoine Winfield and Ben Leber each had an interception off of Detroit quarterback Shaun Hill. The running game, as is usually the case, was not a threat for the defense and was stifled on most attempts. Detroit running back Jahvid Best put up a humble 26 yards on seven carries and end up leaving the game later with a toe injury. The defense did it's job in this game, and the Vikings' offense was finally able to take advantage of the opportunities it was given.

It was another ugly Lions-Vikings game, and like most of the previous Sundays between these two division rivals, the team from Minnesota came off the field the happy one. The game only looked close for the first two quarters before Adrian Peterson brought a dose of reality, all but assuring the outcome. Team and fans alike had better enjoy this win, as things do not get easier from here. The Vikings face a murderer's row of teams, starting with the New York Jets two Mondays from now. If this team is going to go anywhere, these next four games might tell us how far.