Turnovers doom Vikings in loss to Steelers
With their 27-17 win on Sunday, pundits are going to talk about how the Steelers made a statement against a good team. But there’s a strong argument that the good team the Steelers beat actually beat themselves.
The Vikings turned the ball over twice with less than seven minutes remaining, both of which resulted in defensive touchdowns for Pittsburgh. Brett Favre had a hand in both of the turnovers, as he was stripped once (which was returned by LaMarr Woodley for a 77-yard touchdown) and intercepted once (which was returned by Keyaron Fox for an 82-yard touchdown). In fairness to Favre, the interception ricocheted off Chester Taylor’s hands, but he was also a tad quick throwing the ball while setting up the screen.
Some may view Minnesota’s two turnovers as Pittsburgh’s defense making things happen. But the reality is that the fumble and interception were gifts by Favre and the Vikings, who were in scoring range both times. Minnesota had a chance to come away with a victory and wound up serving up a win for the Steelers.
That’s not to say that the Steelers didn’t earn the win, because they did. They held Adrian Peterson to only 69 yards on 18 carries and deserve credit for not only forcing two key turnovers, but also turning them into immediate points. But this was hardly a statement win. Not only did the Vikings turn the ball over twice late in the game, but they also committed 11 penalties (the Steelers only had three) and found ways to shoot themselves in the foot multiple times.
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That sounds a little like an egotistical Tom Brady line to me, ‘They didn’t beat us, we beat outselves’, it’s garbage, the Vikings lost and the Steelers are a better team, period.
Steeler Fan,
You could certainly look at it that way. I’m a Falcon fan and I got irritated when my Bear friends said that they handed the game to Atlanta on Sunday night last week.
But the Vikings did have their opportunities. I’m being objective and I think we can at least agree that they blew several opportunities to tie or win the game.
That said, you’re right – the Steelers won. Nothing is going to change that and I’m not trying to take anything away from Pittsburgh because they did capitalize on Minnesota’s mistakes.
And they didnt even need the ref’s to step in and
save them this time. Way to go Steelers!
Falcons are good, but Bears are done, the D is gone. Too many injuries and 3rd string talent, Atlanta should have beaten them by 30, but almost lost if not for the Bears own mistakes.
John,
I don’t know why the Falcons got out of their no huddle offense. That was killing the Bears in the second quarter and they got away from it.
I’m starting to think Atlanta is a 10-6 team at best after they were dismantled in Dallas. New Orleans on MNF next week should be fun…yikes.