Mad as Hell

I’m too angry about yesterday’s game to analyze it properly. I’m too angry about the lack of offense. Too angry about the awful calls against the Vikings. Too angry about the mental breakdown by the defense right before the half. Too angry about the failure to cause the quarterback with the second most career interceptions to throw a single one. And too angry about the second straight conference loss that shouldn’t have happened. The Vikings are not out of the playoff race yet, but they’ve relinquished control of their own destiny.

There’s not a whole lot to say about the offense’s poor production so far this season that isn’t said by noting that the offense has only scored more then two touchdowns in a game once, against Seattle, and that they’ve only matched yesterday’s output of two TDs once, against Washington. Something needs to change. And since there’s no way to bring in better receivers (though Billy McMullin stepping up yesterday was nice), and it’s a little too late to install a new offense, the only real answer is to change the man under center. That’s right folks—no more hedging. It’s time for the Tarvaris Revolution!

Of course, if the officiating had been a little better, then the Vikings would likely have been able to come away with a win, because their special teams would have bailed out the offense once again. The illegal block penalty on Artose Pinner was an awful call, and one that changed the complexion of the game. It should have been a no call, and Bethel Johnson’s touchdown should not have been called back. The refs showed, however, that they were willing to step in even in dubious situations when they called a penalty for unnecessary roughness on Cedric Griffin after Donald Driver got the lateral from Greg Jennings.

Now, I want to be mad about the defense allowing that play to happen, but it’s hard to expect the secondary to be prepared for laterals like that (and is it just me, or does stuff like that happen all the time against the Packers?). But their breakdown at the end of the first half was inexcusable. There is no way that Donald Driver should be allowed to take a slant 82 yards for a touchdown. And of course, my anger at the defense wasn't helped by the Brett Farve slurping that occurred afterwards. I’d bet Farve planned out his celebration in order to maximize the amount of love he received on Sportscenter for his "enthusiasm for the game". Please shoot me now.

The season is not over, however. The playoffs are still well within reach. Dropping the last two games, however, have seriously damaged the Vikings’ chances and my confidence in their ability to capitalize on their schedule. If Childress doesn’t do something about the offense soon (Viva le Tarvaris Revelucion!), it won’t matter how easy the schedule is--the Vikings won't make the playoffs