The Steelers are going into half time with a 3 point lead against the Vikes.  Here are a few thoughts on the action thus far:

  • Visanthe Shiancoe is having a bad day.  In addition to one dropped pass, Shiancoe has had two false starts.  The offense needs to scheme a few plays his way to get his confidence back.
  • Chris Kluwe started out with punts of only 35 and 19 yards.  Luckily the Vikings defense only gave up 3 points on that bad field position. 
  • Madieu Williams still struggles with tackling.  He missed Santonio Holmes on a quick out play, which is the defenses most glaring missed tackle so far. 
  • Vikings coaches have to quit going to the soft nickle zone at the end of halves.  You’d think they would’ve learned that lesson last week.
  • Bryant McKinnie needs more help on pass plays.  He’s done an admirable job on running downs, but he’s really having trouble even getting a hand on guys rushing Favre.
  • Favre is getting pressure, but even when he’s not he doesn’t look good.  He’s missed big on multiple throws.
  • The Vikings need to stick to the run a little more.  Running up the middle seems to be working better than outside the tackles.  I enjoyed the play call on third and goal where Adrian ran it in.  More runs will mean a better rested defense for the Vikes.
  • Other than the final drive, the Vikings pass defense is doing well.  A little more pressure could prove useful.  The one and only time they blitzed (I think) resulted in a Ben Leber sack.  They should mix it up a bit more.
  • Percy Harvin is playing like he was never injured.  He hasn’t been perfect but he looks solid.
  • Bernard Berrian exited the game with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.  Greg Lewis has replaced him.
  • The Vikings have batted down three Steelers passes at the line of scrimmage.  It is obvious somebody watched some film and decided the line needs to get their hands in the air against Big Ben.  It is working pretty well so far.

Let’s go Vikes!