The Vikings Held Serve

Nothing more, nothing less.

Lost amongst the gloom and doom this morning (and trust me, I'm am very much part of the doom brigade as I reflect on last nights debacle) is the fact that the Packers have a lot of football left to play. All that happened last night was the Vikings winning a game they were supposed to win. Divisions are often decided when teams go into another teams' house and 'steal a win'. The Packers couldn't do it last night. Their job is to win the next two games and then hold serve when the Vikings come to town on November 1st.

I recognize how painful last night was for Packer fans, but don't forget - last season the Packers went into the Metrodome and played just about as poorly when it comes to the offensive line and then came out the next week and absolutely dominated the Chicago Bears in the running game at Lambeau. This team, for whatever reason, is just not well equipped to play the Vikings in that environment. Baring a chance playoff run that sees the Packers visit the Vikings in January, they do not have to deal with that again. I also recognize that watching Favre play well as a Viking is a dagger in the hearts of Packer fans everywhere,  but there is one immutable truth that you have to remember.

It's October.

I know a lot of people talk about the cold and how Favre can't handle it anymore and how the Vikings have the perfect schedule because they only play outdoors once in December (against the Bears) - but it's not just the cold that's done Favre in the last four years, it's his conditioning or lack thereof. Yes, he looks great now - talk to me in January when he's had his annual swoon and Rodgers is playing lights-out in the cold against the Steelers and the Seahawks.

All told, this is a perfectly-timed bye week for the Packers. They need to regroup, get healthy, and get ready for Detroit and beyond. There's a lot of football left to be played. Last night was not The Season, not by a long shot.

 

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Comments (40)

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Andyman's picture

October 06, 2009 at 10:31 am

Amen.

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Holly's picture

October 06, 2009 at 10:33 am

Still. I'd like not to do that again.

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andy's picture

October 06, 2009 at 10:47 am

Looks like you've had your lunch beer and calmed down a little Aaron. But you are correct, this has played out exactly how everyone said it would. Vikes had an easy early schedule, Favre would play well the first couple months and the purple would probably be 5-1 or 6-0. Packers needed to get used to playing the 3-4 during the early part of the season, and there would be growing pains, but if we started out 4-2 all would be fine. The world is not ending yet. Still sucks though.

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backslash's picture

October 06, 2009 at 10:48 am

While you're correct, last night wasn't the season I sure hope that it did serve as a wake up call. Not just to players but more importantly McCarthy, Capers & Thompson. Thompson, for the love of all that is Green & Gold, should be swallowing his vaunted pride right now and be on the horn to Tauscher's agent and any other available OL candidates.

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matthew's picture

October 06, 2009 at 11:33 am

Yup Aaron.. i agree... still lots of football left. My father and I spent all morning looking at the schedule of other teams who in theory should battle us for the WildCard (Atlanta, chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, and maybe a team from the west). After reviewing their schedules and our schedule, i still feel we have a very decent shot of 11-5 or 10-6. Looking at the schedules i think the Bears can do that as well. we might have a repeat of '94 when 3 teams from our division make the playoffs. Having said that....we need to protect rodgers better. The coaching staff shouldn't leave the building for the next two weeks.

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NickGBP's picture

October 06, 2009 at 11:47 am

This is the type of level headed post I come to expect from Aaron after the dust settles.

That said, things need to be done.

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foundinidaho's picture

October 06, 2009 at 11:57 am

I think I wouldn't be emerging from the doom and gloom if it wasn't for reading well analyzed, thoughtful posts like this. Thanks. It wasn't the season but oh dear Lord, it was painful to see Judas with that smirk on his face.

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Keith's picture

October 06, 2009 at 11:58 am

Yes it's early, but here's the thing: the team isn't getting better. Lang aside, I don't see much light at the end of the O-Line tunnel. The defense has been underwhelming.

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Conversely, I've watched the Bears and Vikings play these first 4 weeks and, imo, they're trending upward. Cutler is settling in and their WRs are improving. You can see Favre getting comfortable w/ his WRs. Both of their defenses have been good, and the Bears could actually improve as they get used to playing w/o Urlahcer.

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Will Brett's conditioning play a role? History says that it should. However, ha Brett ever played with a back like Peterson? Favre won't have the shoulder the load like he has in the past. For example, next week against St. Louis he shouldn't have to pass more than 15 times. Also, don't discount how motivated he is.

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I'm not saying all is lost and I don't mean to get all Chicken Little on everyone, just that from this fan's perspective, the Vikes and Bears and trending up and I'm not seeing much improvement by the Pack. But I agree, the bye is coming at the perfect time. Let's get Lang coached up at LT, or if Clifton will be back, put Lang in at RT. We need to get talent on this line.

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WoodyG's picture

October 06, 2009 at 12:06 pm

Aaron, you couldn't be more correct........ As much as everyone wanted to pummel BF & the Vikes last night, it wasn't a neccessity in order to have a successful season .... only the media presented this game as the 'superbowl.'
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Now I'm glad GB got an early bye... They have two weeks to lick their wounds, do some introspective analysis and make the adjustments required for the final 12 games....... I still like their chances & still look forward to the impending "BF Meltdown - Version 2009".

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IronMan's picture

October 06, 2009 at 12:19 pm

Too bad Aaron Rodgers will probably be crippled by the time the Vikes come to Lambeau in November. Good luck Matt Flynn.

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PackerAaron's picture

October 06, 2009 at 12:24 pm

Keith - your man crush on Cutler is clouding your vision. (Said in my best Jedi voice) Trending upward? Against the Lions? Really?

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AndrewInAtlanta's picture

October 06, 2009 at 12:28 pm

Keith, nice response. I'm with you in terms of wanting to stay upbeat and I hope to goodness we go 10-6+. I just remember these same conversations last year about many of the same issues. Aaron started today with the accountability question and I don't feel the need to move away from that right now. It also concerns me that the players are so vocal. Everyone is not on the same page and the trend is not improvement as you cite with some of our division rivals. If TT has some magic up his sleeve now would be a good time to unveil it

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Ruppert's picture

October 06, 2009 at 12:54 pm

It is so awfully unsettling to watch our O line get run over like that. I agree with the notion that there is a lot of football left to play. And looking at the schedule, this team can still beat many of the teams. To get where we want to be, htough, the O line needs to get much, much better. Fine, we can go 10-6. What happens in a playoff game against teams with a high quality pass rush, be it AFC or NFC? This type of abuse is something that can seriously screw up your QB's brain.
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I'm out of town and won't make tomorrow's live show. Somebody please make sure Corey hits the red button! :)

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jrarick's picture

October 06, 2009 at 01:01 pm

I was really impressed w/ Rodgers. What a competitor! I remember the Pack struggling in the dome for years. Nothing new. We should get Clifton back and found a good backup in Lang. Babre os getting better w/ reps. I think the preseason showed what we could do with more experience. But, the D cannot give up 28 points a game. I expect to be 6-2 at week 8. Then see what happens.

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VApackerfan's picture

October 06, 2009 at 01:11 pm

So many things can happen from here on out. Yeah Cutler is trending upwards right now, but against the Seahawks (who similar to the Packers vs Vikings, game planned against the run (Forte)) the Lions, and against a Steelers team that had lost its swagger until they played the Chargers this past Sunday night. Getting the early win against the Bears was huge. I too see Favre gaining momentum with his teammates, but we all know that's a double sided dagger. What does Brett Favre do when he becomes too comfortable? He makes stupid throws and tries to do too much. I hope he continues to run down the field to make blocks for his receivers. That is the stupidest decision ever. Oh, but he just loves to play the game, I forgot.

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Keith's picture

October 06, 2009 at 01:33 pm

Aaron, I was very critical of the Bears after week 1, but I have seen an improvement in their team since then. And the Lions are not last year's Lions. They still have a ways to go, but they're at least a competitive team now. They gave the Bears all they had in the first half. If you all think we can just roll the gold helmets on the field after the bye and beat Detroit, you're sadly mistaken.

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Again, the story is in the trenches and physicality. When I saw the Vikings O-Line last night, I blurted out "holy shit, their tackles are beasts." Not only do the Vikings have big, strong, and physical players on their lines, but they are also play with a ton of aggression. Say what you want about Jared Allen, but that dude does not stop. I am not seeing the same intensity level from our team. Sure, certain players like Chillar, CMIII, or Barnett fly around, but they're just not physical enough, imo. I also think Kampman is way too tentative - you can see he isn't comfortable out there.

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Again, I'm not basing my opinion on last night alone. I understand it is only one game. But if I am being honest with myself, I haven't been impressed with what I have seen from the Pack so far this year.

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NickGBP's picture

October 06, 2009 at 01:46 pm

Well it's clear we are *trying* to move towards a bigger Oline with Babre and Lang. The problem is that execution is still the key. Considering that we went toe to toe with the Vikings offensively even with our 8 sacks to their 0 means that, even if the O line sees minor improvements our offense can be absolutely beastly.

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dennis eckersley's picture

October 06, 2009 at 01:48 pm

Aaron-

I am interested to hear your opinion on the 2pt conversion. Awarded the offsides penalty, we decided to take the five yards on the kickoff instead of move the conversion to the 1 yard line. I know that the apparent reasoning behind this was because we wanted to pass anyways and we wanted more room. I understand goal line runs against minnesota are the longest yards in football but c'mon, after we deferred they obviously were playing harder against the pass than if we would have moved it to the 1. I mean i know the full back dive doesn't surprise anyone anymore (including minn. as they stopped it earlier....but that's exactly my point; when we move it to the 1 yard line, they also have to stay alert for that, detracting some of their attention away from the pass.

And i know it's just plain ignorant to assume and extrapolate the "what ifs" but had we converted that attempt, we had more than a decent chance to tie that game up, the way our offense was moving the ball

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nerdmann's picture

October 06, 2009 at 01:55 pm

We can look at this as a division loss, but you know what? This was our shot at Brett. Capers seems to have not taking it personally, he aimed at stopping Peterson, and was successful.
But Jesus. Favre was a total asshole last summer. He tried to rip the team apart and turn the fans against the franchise. At least get some dust on his uniform.
This was an embarrassment. Thanks, Thompson, thanks McCarthy. I've been defending you and your shitty offensive lines for years now. I won't be anymore.

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Keith's picture

October 06, 2009 at 02:11 pm

Nick, Really, we went "toe to toe" with Minnesota offensively? One of the TDs came from the defense. The offense only accounted for 17 points.

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The name of the game in the NFL is line play. The games are won in the trenches and we're losing that battle on both sides of the ball. The D is doing a better job of staying in their lanes and keeping contain against the run, but they have not been able to generate any kind of consistent pass rush.

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Asshalo's picture

October 06, 2009 at 02:15 pm

As bad as last night looked, people have to remember how bipolar this team can be. If we win the next three, this will seem a lot less worse than it does right now.

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PackerAaron's picture

October 06, 2009 at 02:25 pm

Keith - the Packers moved the ball well but continually shot themselves in the foot. Nick is right - in spite of all the breakdowns, they were still putting points on the board.

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Pack66's picture

October 06, 2009 at 02:32 pm

Don't forget, the Vikings got soft in the 4th Qtr since they were way ahead!

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PackerAaron's picture

October 06, 2009 at 02:42 pm

Um, no, they got soft in the 4th because they are coached by Brad Childress. Any coach worth anything would have put that game away. He did the same thing last year in the dome. Last night, the failed flea flicker and Favre's incomplete bomb on 3rd down with less than 5 mins to go kept the Packers in the game. Just stupid, stupid football.

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Keith's picture

October 06, 2009 at 02:44 pm

Aaron - Execution and penalties have been a problem all season (and to be honest, going back to last season as well.) I don't want to hear about how this team moved the ball up and down the field anymore. Put the ball in the damn end zone.

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AndrewInAtlanta's picture

October 06, 2009 at 03:13 pm

The Queens D got soft in the 4th quarter because they were exhausted from chasing Rodgers around all night. Sorry, couldn't resist

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Jayme's picture

October 06, 2009 at 03:17 pm

Ok, so even my fiancee pointed this out to me and she only watches football when I make her: The Vikes d-line was getting off the ball faster than the Packers o-line. My feeling is that the Packers can't handle a proper silent count or whatever they are supposed to do in a loud environment. They haven't been able to do this since McCarthy came into town.
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Aside from that, I agree 100% that the Vikings only did what they were supposed to do. Hopefully, the Packers fix their weaknesses and we can build upon the improvements that we've seen in the run defense.

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seekr's picture

October 06, 2009 at 03:32 pm

Perhaps the most disgusting thought for me is how media rules. I felt the will of the media being forced throughout the entire game. The world was pitted against the Pack with the media leading the charge. Look at the ridiculous officiating (phantom offsides and pass interference on the Woodson interception.) Look at how the football game was secondary to talking about BF. It scares me how much influence the media can have if they want it.

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Keith's picture

October 06, 2009 at 05:20 pm

Yes, seekr, the media is the reason why the Packers lost. That's definitely it.

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nerdmann's picture

October 06, 2009 at 07:01 pm

seekr's right. This was ESPN. They want Favre working for them when/if he ever actually does retire. They have been kissing his posterior worse than Mike Sherman for years now.

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Jack's picture

October 06, 2009 at 10:04 pm

We should have pushed Jon Gruden in front of a bus when we saw him in on the Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis.

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NickGBP's picture

October 06, 2009 at 10:20 pm

Keith I know playing the What-if game is pointless, but can you tell me the last time a QB who was sacked 8 times managed to throw the ball for over 350 yards? Is it crazy for me to imagine that if we had slightly better OLine play that day and we dropped that number to... I don't know, a "reasonable" number like 5 sacks (how sad is it that 5 is a reasonable number of sacks? sigh...), we would have scored more?
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Considering Favre was hardly touched, and Rodgers was harassed on almost every play, I don't think my point is too farfetched. Costly sacks/turnovers stopped potential scores on at least two occasions.

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Pack66's picture

October 07, 2009 at 07:53 am

This is MY take on the Packers today..

"Anyone who supports Ted Thompson after the Viking game, is a TT ballwasher.
I think it was Parcells who said “You are what your record says you are”, and TT’s career losing record of 33-35 proves him to be a loser.
At this point, anyone who is still defending TT is a TT fan, not a Packer fan, as they don’t care about the good of the team as much as they do their incompetent hero and they must be doing so for non-football reasons.
TT should be fired today, not at the end of the season. The bye week would be a good time for a fresh start.
He should never have been hired in the first place, so Murphy should just acknowledge that Harlan made a terrible mistake and move on. Anyone who can’t see that is blinded by their love of TT, not the Packers."

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NickGBP's picture

October 07, 2009 at 10:16 am

Wow. To think that anyone is "blinded by their love" of Ted-Freakin'-Thompson is enough to get you thrown into the loony bin. He's not a lovable guy, as opposed to say, Brett Favre, who's "Aw, shucks" routine has won over millions such as yourself. Ted Thompson isn't trying to get anyone to love him, his only goal is to make a good team. I can respect him for that. Whether he's succeeded at that is obviously up for questioning.
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I'd say most of us are just fans of the Packers. I don't disagree with your sentiment overall, but your approach is so grating and confrontational I can't take anything you say seriously. Ever. Thompson has clearly failed at getting a serviceable OLine...an issue that has cropped up year after year. For that he deserves some of the heat that he's been getting. But you take up this issue of TT vs Favre as if it was some comic book good vs evil story. And that I don't get.

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PackerAaron's picture

October 07, 2009 at 10:39 am

"At this point, anyone who is still defending TT is a TT fan, not a Packer fan"
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Just like anyone who whines about the Packers letting Favre walk is a Favre fan and not a Packer fan.

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VApackerfan's picture

October 07, 2009 at 12:38 pm

Pack66, go post over at the purple Jesus forums. This site is obviously not for you

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Glorious80s's picture

October 07, 2009 at 12:54 pm

November 1st is the ball game. the one on which the season and the viability of this team and staff pivots. If they don't get this one, not just play hard, but win, I don't see them able to handle the playoffs, not to mention the rest of a tough hedule. Lose it and they'll never escape BF, the thing crashes.

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Pack66's picture

October 07, 2009 at 02:18 pm

"It rubs the lotion on it's Ted Thompson..."

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Keith's picture

October 07, 2009 at 05:06 pm

Nick, Something that isn't mentioned enough in these parts are the sacks that are the product of Rodgers holding the ball too long or failing to step up in the pocket. Guys like Brady and Manning are hardly ever sacked, and I can promise you that it isn't because they have pro bowlers along the o-line.

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Glorious80s's picture

October 08, 2009 at 03:44 pm

And replace TT with?
How can he step up into a pocket that's collapsing? He could ditch the ball, though. Like his moxie.
Never liked it that the QB sets up deep behind the line in the shotgun. Seems like it's giving up territory.

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