Vikings Already Control Their Own Destiny
Scary start against the Browns? No problem.
Scary start against the Lions? No problem.
Scary start against our next two opponents, now that could be a problem.
Right now the Vikings are the sole leader of the NFC North. The phrase “control your own destiny” is typically used more in weeks 15 and 16… not week 3. But lets face it, the Vikings are already in the position to run away with the division title.
They’re healthy. Youngsters John Sullivan, Phil Loadholt, and Tyrell Johnson should only be getting better. Brett Favre should be getting acclimated to the offense. Bernard Berrian should be getting acclimated to Brett Favre. Everything seems to be on track to turn this into a race for the ages.
The next opponent also controls their own destiny. The Niners are a very similar team to the Vikings. Sharp defense, solid running game, and are trying to establish their dominance through the air.
The Vikings need to maintain their control of their own destiny by shutting down the Niners. A faster start, a more dangerous passing game, and maintaining some excitement on defense are all necessary for another “W.”
This week’s game is very important in establishing what type of team the Vikings are going to be in 2009.
This post has 8 comments
September 21st, 2009 at 10:47 pm
I look for Singletary’s guys to come out sharp and jump on us early. I hope Gore’s performance from last week gets these guys fired up from kickoff, we wont do well if we let them beat us up with their run game.
I would like to say that when we played from behind last year, we almost always lost, so its good to see that trend go by the wayside.
Great blogs, sorry I haven’t had time to comment on everything.
September 21st, 2009 at 11:33 pm
I’d much rather the Vikes be a 2nd half team. They haven’t done too well as a 1st-half team the last couple of years.
Also, I’m pretty sure even 0-2 teams still control their own destiny at this point. I don’t think it’s even possible for a 14-2 team to miss the playoffs.
September 21st, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Both good points.
Bismuth, true about the “destiny” thing, but the Vikes are on top and can’t let teams like the Niners keep them from staying there. That’s all I mean.
September 21st, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Hmmm… maybe it is possible. 5 teams would have to end up 14-2, including 3 in one division, which already couldn’t happen in the NFC North (all the losses would have to be to the other two 14-2 teams in the division).
September 21st, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Also, I wouldn’t underestimate the Niners… they’ve already beaten both teams expected to compete with them for the division. When the schedule was first released, it looked like a pretty soft first four games, but looking at it now I’m glad we get the Niners at home.
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:00 am
Any team trailing by 1 game no longer controls their own destiny in terms of home-field advantage and/or first round bye.
Yeah, the Niners look tough. Very physical defense and O-Line this year. Hopefully they sign Crabtree this week and he turns their locker room into a civil war
September 22nd, 2009 at 7:16 am
Visiting Niner fan here….
Really looking forward to this game. The Niners are a rebuilding team that has established that we can compete in our division. Now we need to show the NFL that we can compete out of it, and maybe we’ll start to get a little respect.
This matchup is gonna be epic. The AP vs Patrick Willis battle should be worth the price of admission by itself.
Can’t wait.
September 22nd, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Niner fan here that is chopping at the bit I think this is going to be a great test for both of us. Just a great game and a heathly game.