1. Havner, two great games now and he plays tight end, linebacker, and special teams... that's the kind of depth player everyone hopes for
2. Lang was left out to dry and largely played well against one of the best pass rushers in the game. It's bad to give up 3 sacks (1 was a miscommunication in assignments) but he wasn't usually giving up heavy pressure. He's a rookie so those mental mistakes will fade out over time and if he bulks up some he could be a solid tackle.
3. The vaunted Vikings rushing game was, for the second time this year, contained by our defense. Peterson had one good run of 33 yards. Aside from that he averaged 2.67 ypc (24 carries for 64 yards). Chester Taylor only averaged 2.4 ypc. Harvin had a rush for 2 yards. For some reason we have their run offense figured out. Unfortunately, we haven't figured out how to get pressure on them whether we bring 3 or 6.
4. Rodgers in the second half. Rodgers may have played his worst football all year in the first half of this game. He actually had some time to throw in the early goings but he couldn't find anyone and hold it until he was sacked or when he did he would overthrow them. On a side note, the receivers might have had their worst combined effort in the first half too, no one got open. In the second half he might have played his best football this year. He snapped the fuck out of it.
5. 24-3 down and coming back to make it a game. The team showed some heart in doing that to one of the best teams in the league. For God's sake though could they come out and play 4 quarters next time. The talent is there to compete with the Vikings but the consistency is not. That comes down both to coaches and the players.
6. We got Greg Jennings involved in a game! 8 catches for 88 yards and a TD. I expect to see him get more and more involved as the season goes on. I wonder if those injuries he sustained early on were effecting him or if we're just getting a little more time to throw the ball and that's allowing us to get him involved, but whatever it is let's keep him going.
Despite how poorly we played in the first half and first drive of the third quarter, we put ourselves in a position to win the game. I'm furious with the game as I know all of you are. In particular, I couldn't fucking stand the coverage team. We had done well in that department all year and they didn't show up today. That cost us quite a few points. The line played better this time around then they did last, still no where near where it needs to be, but better. Capers needs to take a long hard look at how we can get some fucking pressure. If we can learn to get to the quarterback even occasionally we can stop elite offenses. If you don't believe that look at what we've done to Peterson through two games. Last year we had no run defense, now we're stopping the premier rusher in the league.
Let's go beat the snot out of Tampa next week. I want Minnesota in the playoffs.
Born and bred a cheesehead