Vikings Fans Need To R-E-L-A-X

By Henry Dorgan | Oct 3, 2014

Oct 2, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) is sacked by Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Letroy Guion (98) in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Last night’s 42-10 debacle against the Green Bay Packers was the ugliest game for the Minnesota Vikings in a long time. In fact, it was the second largest blowout in Thursday Night Football history. Instead of rookie Teddy Bridgewater taking the snaps under center for the Vikings, the underwhelming Christian Ponder was at the helm for Minnesota. Ultimately, the absence of Bridgewater proved fatal, as the Packers went on to dominate the Vikings on both sides of the football.

Vikings fans are used to seeing Ponder start at quarterback, as he has started on and off since he was drafted in 2011. While the general consensus is that Vikings fans are not very fond of Ponder, they were particularly infuriated that he started last night after Bridgewater played such a brilliant game last weekend versus the Atlanta Falcons.

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Ponder finished with 22 completions on 44 pass attempts. Two of his pass attempts were intercepted, including one that was returned for a touchdown by linebacker Julius Peppers. Simply put, Ponder played a horrible game, scoring a quarterback rating of 4.9 on ESPN’s QBR scale (ranked 0-100, 50 is average). Ponder also scored a -3.8 on Pro Football Focus‘ rating system (0.0 is average).

In Ponder’s defense, his offensive line and (nearly) the entire Vikings defense did not help him out. Right tackle Phil Loadholt and right guard Vladimir Ducasse scored a -2.0 and -1.2, according to PFF’s rating system. The defense, as a collective unit, scored a -12.2 on PFF’s rating scale, with especially atrocious performances by cornerback Josh Robinson and defensive tackle Linval Joseph, who both were given a grade of -2.9.

All in all, it was without a doubt one of the worst games in Vikings’ history. But as Aaron Rodgers told Packer fans on his ESPN Milwaukee radio show after the Packers started the season with a 1-2 record, Vikings fans need to also “R-E-L-A-X”.

Oct 2, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater looks on from the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

This may sound odd, especially after last night’s blowout at the hands of the Packers, but hear me out.

First of all, the Vikings were playing without Bridgewater, who sparked the offense, and arguably the entire team, in last week’s victory over the Falcons. I would not be shocked to hear that Vikings players’ confidence went out the window when the call was made to start Ponder, as they were riding a significant high after the Falcons game.

According to ESPN’s player profile of Bridgewater, he is listed as day-to-day with his sprained ankle injury. However, Vikings’ head coach Mike Zimmer has already said Bridgewater will start against the Detroit Lions in the Vikings’ next game. With that being said, the team has reason for optimism moving forward.

Secondly, did anybody predict that the Vikings would be 2-3 through five games this season? The Vikings have had to compete against Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, and Aaron Rodgers, who are widely accepted as top-tier quarterbacks, over the past four weeks. While I expected the Vikings to defeat the St. Louis Rams, given that Sam Bradford was injured, their upset of the Falcons was far less predictable.

However, everything changed the Friday before the team’s matchup with the New England Patriots. Adrian Peterson, who has been the Vikings’ (entire) offense in past seasons, was indicted on child abuse-related charges and has not suited up since. Also, opening day starting quarterback Matt Cassel went down with a foot injury during the team’s Week 3 matchup against the New Orleans Saints and was later placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the 2014 season.

Throw in injuries to starters Kyle Rudolph, Brandon Fusco and Chad Greenway and the Vikings could very easily be completely out of contention by this point in the season. Given the amount of adversity the team has faced, I am pleasantly surprised by the Vikings’ 2-3 record, not to mention very optimistic that Bridgewater can continue to play well.

Lastly, the Vikings have had multiple players surprise them with solid play this year. Aside from Bridgewater, running back Matt Asiata, who, admittedly, has a sub par yards-per-carry average (3.7), has had a nose for the endzone, scoring three rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown.

Sep 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) celebrates his interception against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Harrison Smith, the Vikings’ free safety, has been elite so far this season. The third-year Notre Dame product has recorded 25 tackles this year, including one sack. He has also intercepted three passes, with one being returned for touchdown. Smith is putting up All-Pro numbers so far this season and is well on his way to becoming one of the top free safeties in the NFL.

Rookie linebacker Anthony Barr has also played well this year at strong side linebacker. Barr has accrued 21 tackles in five games, including two sacks. While the defensive backs and interior defensive line have caused stress for the Vikings’ staff, it is a positive to see their first round draft pick in the 2014 NFL Draft begin his career with a bang.

I understand the Vikings were destroyed by the Packers last night, leaving most fans hanging their heads in dismay. However, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about what the Vikings have accomplished so far this season and fans need to take note of this. Skol!

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