rockymtn devil wrote:Well...was today the beginning of the end for Brett Favre and the Vikings (no lie, I started to write Packers there and had to correct myself)? For those who didn't watch the game, don't be fooled by Favre's numbers (300+ passing yards and a high completion percentage). The Steelers defense had two goals in mind: 1) shut down Adrian Peterson and 2) don't give up big passing plays. They succeeded on both front (Peterson's numbers were mostly in the passing game). But, in order to achieve those goals, they were willing to give Favre little dink and dunk passes all day. And he used those to pad stats.
The real story, of course, is that Favre had two fourth quarter turnovers that the Steelers ran back or TDs. On the first, he held the ball too long and got stripped. On the second he forced a screen that wasn't there and it was intercepted. You can't win on the road when you give up two defensive TDs. I'll admit I've been eagerly awaiting Favre's demise and, as a Steelers fan, this win was especially sweet. But, Favre fucked up today and cost his team a win. Perhaps it came down to the Steelers doing what most teams can't--stopping Peterson and forcing Brett to win games (which he can't do anymore). If that's the case, maybe the Vikings will be fine. But I'm not so sure. Favre looked 40 today and that's a bad sign for the Vikes.
I disagree. Is Favre what he once was? Absolutely not. But I still think he is good enough to get the Vikings to the NFC Championship game. Yes the fumble was his fault, but it happens. Every quarterback fumbles here and there and the interception hit off Chester Taylor's hands. Absolutely must catch that ball. Favre drove his team down the field with great efficiency yesterday. I also think it was more about the Steelers going out and making plays to win the game than it was Favre giving it to them. Both of the Steelers returns were fantastic plays by not only the ball carrier but his teammates blocking. Woodley never scores with his train of blockers.
The biggest mistake the Vikings made was by the coaches. Brett Favre- 51 attempts, Adrian Peterson- 18 carrries. That is just plain unacceptable. I know Peterson wasn't getting much but it only takes one carry with him and he keeps the defense honest with his abilities even if he is struggling and not gaining alot of yards.
Overall I think Favre played fine and well enough to win. I still think the Vikings are the 2nd or 3rd best team in the NFC (behind Saints, tossup with Giants) and will make a deep run into the postseason.