Excuse the borrowed analogy, but there’s no other way to describe what the Vikings did on Sunday night then to say that they shot themselves in the foot. (And repeatedly, might I add.)

The media is going to concentrate on Brett Favre’s interception in New Orleans territory with 19 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, but the Vikings turned the ball over five times in their 31-28 loss to the Saints in the NFC Championship Game. Favre’s interception was a horrid mistake that only most rookies make, but the fact of the matter is that the blame cannot be pinned on just one person. And truth be told, even if Favre threw that pass 12 rows deep into the stands, there’s no guarantee that Ryan Longwell would have made a 50-plus yard attempt on the next play.

The Vikings screwed the pooch tonight – plain and simple. That’s not to take anything away from the Saints because Drew Brees and company deserve the right to play in Miami in two weeks, but Minnesota blew several golden opportunities to put more points on the board. A team can’t turn the ball over five times (it could have been seven had they not recovered two Adrian Peterson fumbles) and expect to win. They just can’t.

But what doomed the Vikings more than anything tonight was when they were flagged for having too many men in the huddle on that third and 10 play from the Saints’ 33-yard line. Had they not gotten that penalty, there’s a good chance that Brad Childress would have called something safer (even if it were a pass play) and therefore Favre probably wouldn’t have gotten picked off while trying to make a play. For all their mistakes on the night, that 5-yard penalty may have been the reason they’re not heading to Miami in two weeks.

Read the rest of this entry »

Here are five quick-hit observations from the Cardinals’ impressive 30-17 win over the Vikings in Week 13.

1. Warner still amazes.
The media loves to talk about what Brett Favre is able to accomplish at his age – and for good reason. But you watch a game like the on Sunday night and it’s hard not to be just as amazed at what Kurt Warner is able to do at 38-years old. He completed 22-of-32 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns, constantly stood in the face of pressure and delivered some rockets to Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. He’s still fun to watch.

2. Favre must be getting ready for the postseason.
With the playoffs coming up in a few weeks, Favre decided to get into postseason form tonight by playing like crap. I know, I know – he’s been brilliant this season. But considering the media waxes this guy’s nuts every week, I think we can take a little time to recognize how bad he played tonight. He made some downright rookie mistakes throughout the game and while he only threw two interceptions, the Cardinals could have had at least two more if it weren’t for drops by their defensive backs. I’m sure this was just one bad night, but it’s interesting to note that Favre threw off his back foot multiple times in the face of pressure – something he’s accustomed to doing when he’s struggling.

3. AP gets shut down.
What a fantastic job the Cardinals’ run defense did against Adrian Peterson, who finished with just 19 yards on 13 carries. He had zero running room tonight, as Arizona’s defense did a great job of gang tackling him throughout the game. He did haul in six catches for 46 yards, but you know AP didn’t have a great night when Percy Harvin and Chester Taylor outgained him on the ground.

Read the rest of this entry »