NFL WEEK 1 - RECAP

Photo credits : Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings vs Jacksonville Jaguars (26-23 OT)

The manner didn't matter, only victory counts!

Have the Vikings finally found the key to success? The magic formula to win their matches? Think back to a year ago, Minnesota let a victory slip away against the San Diego Chargers despite a 10-point lead at half-time. This bad habit of collapsing in the second half would eventually become their trademark throughout the season.

And just 20 seconds into the first game of the 2012-2013 season, fans of the Purple & Gold were reliving the same scenario. Blaine Gabbert’s pass was inches away from being intercepted by Chris Cook before it was caught by Jaguars receiver Cecil Shorts. The Metrodome crowd was suddenly silent. The old demons of 2011 resurfaced. The Vikings, once again, seemed to be letting a victory slip away, in a game where they hadn't shine. 

 

A savior named Blair Walsh

Photo credits : Minnesota Vikings

But it was without counting on a little rookie kicker from the University of Georgia. A kicker who, to the surprise of many fans of the franchise, had edged out the veteran Ryan Longwell. With a perfect game (4/4 FG, 2 PAT) Blair Walsh, it's his name, was keeping the Vikings afloat and managed to push the Jaguars into overtime by kicking a 55-yard field goal as time expired! Nothing more! He finally gave the unbeatable edge by kicking a 38-yard field goal in overtime. How can he better start his career in the NFL?! The defense stepped up and stopped the Jaguars on 4th down, providing the Vikings and the fans of the Metrodome their first win of the season (26-23). And what a victory! It was long, stressful and at times not pretty, but what a win!

The Hero's return

If the hero of the game was undoubtedly the former player of the Georgia Bulldogs, the star of the day was, without any doubt, Adrian Peterson. The Vikings running back made his comeback only 260 days after tearing his ACL and MCL. An injury that would have precipitated the retirement of many players. But well, AP is not like any other athlete. One would wonder if he's really human. He can't be… Most of the NFL experts were expecting him to carry the ball 5-10 times. But that just wouldn't be Adrian Peterson. The Vikings tailback not only ran the football 17 times for a gain of 84 yards, but he also contributed to the win by scoring twice, while surpassing Robert Smith as the Viking's all-time leading rusher. Just like that!

Photo credits : Minnesota Vikings

"What sounds connect u 2 life? For me - the roar of Vikings fans!" Adrian Peterson @ Twitter

Attacking too cautiously

If Purple Jesus fully got into his game quickly, the same cannot be said about the rest of the offense. Not helped by a particularly chilly and low-risky play-calling, the offensive squad was totally ineffective (only 117 yards in the first half!). It would eventually take the second half for Christian Ponder to lead the attack, single-handedly control the tempo and move the ball through quick and accurate throws on both short and long routes. He had a solid game against the Jaguars (20/27, 270 yards), with a nice 85% completion rate on first and second down, but the quarterback nevertheless will have to be more sharp and smart on third down and redzone attempts, finish his drives and score more touchdowns to avoid stressfull 4th quarters or last-minute misfortunes.

Photo Credits : Minnesota Vikings

Percy Harvin, once again, flaunted his athleticism and his explosiveness. Unpredictable and multi-threat, he's a poison for any defense. Making several key catches, Kyle Rudolph confirmed his status as a rising tight end and safe weapon for Ponder, pending the return from suspension of Jerome Simpson “The Acrobat”. Sacked “only” twice, the Vikings quarterback can be please with the good performance by his offensive line. The third overall draft pick, Matt Kalil, was very useful and solid on both the ground game (helped by fullback Jerome Felton, effective in the primary lead blocker role on Sunday afternoon) and the pass game, protecting Christian Ponder’s blindside.

Rookies in rhythm

Photo credits : Minnesota Vikings

Let's talk about the rookies. And let's talk about the defense in general. If the secondary is still the weak point of the team, adding Josh Robinson and Harrison Smith looked like a real improvement. Author of several big plays, including a clutch pass break-up in overtime, the former Notre Dame safety seemed rather at ease. Although he has not been perfect so far. Just like the rest of the defense. Brian Robison and Chad Greenway were particularly sharp, the first harassing Blaine Gabbert all game long while the second tackled everything coming around him (13 tackles). But Leslie Frazier’s squad is still too weak on 3^rd down and in clutch moments. Cecil Short’s touchdown serves as a reminder.

There's still work to be done...

If the Vikings want to win again this season, the secondary will have to step up, be more focused on its coverages and avoid giving up big plays to opposite offenses. Also, Leslie Frazier and Bill Musgrave (Offensive Coordinator) need to compensate the lack of offensive weapons by being more creative on play-callings. The conservative attack offered during the first half was not only boring, but also particularly ineffective.

Blair Walsh will not always be there to save the day!

It was certainly not the most brilliant game of the franchise, but it was undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable and exciting in recent years. Similar to the thrilling victories over the 49ers in 2009 and the Cardinals in 2010. And as long as the Vikings win, we're happy. Regardless of how they win.

The Minnesota Vikings start their season with a win, a first since 2009, and will travel to Indianapolis next week with one thing in mind : to grab a second victory in a row against another rebuilding team.

Skol Vikings! 

(Special thanks to Thomas Man for helping me to translate)