But if any team is equipped for underwhelming performances from its quarterback, it might be this one. Peterson has at least 79 yards in six of seven games, and the defense has held opponents to fewer than 24 points in all but one game. As Frazier has stated many times, this is a team built to run the ball and play good defense above all else.
"The way we have tried to structure our team and the philosophy lends itself to win games like this," Frazier said. "When you are not completing a lot of balls down the field in a league where so many say that's the way you have to win, to be able to play good defense, to be able to have good special teams. ... For our running back ... to know they are going to be in eight-man fronts, nine-man fronts at times, and be able to rush for 153 yards, that's the formula for success if you're in a tough situation throwing the football."
I can't argue with that. We've now seen the Vikings soundly defeat the Tennessee Titans and hold off the Cardinals during this three-game stretch. They're 5-2 with a quarterback who hasn't always played winning football. They've found other ways to win games, and isn't that kind of the point?
Yes, that's the point. The team is 5-2 to start a rebuilding year and undefeated at home. As far as I'm concerned, it's exciting and a great sign for the future. Spielman and Frazier clearly have the team heading in the right direction so far and hopefully, that will continue. I think the Vikes are building a solid base for the future with rookies and young veterans making significant contributions to the team's success. The future of the QB position seems constantly on everybody's mind but all we can do is go along for that ride and see what happens. Whether Ponder is the answer or not, the team is winning and more importantly, winning as a team, with each unit picking up for the others when they struggle.
I loved that quote from Frazier's press conference.
It's great to see Ws, but it's not particularly exciting to see this Vikings offense schlep their way through games to notch wins against bad opponents.
Last edited by Eli on Sun Oct 21, 2012 8:41 pm, edited 2 times in total.
When you look at all the final stats........it is unbelievable that we were even in the game let alone won this game:
Total drives (possessions): Minn - 14 Arizona - 13
Total offensive yards Minn - 209 Arizona - 356
Total rushing yards Minn - 166 Arizona - 126
Total passing yards Minn - 43 Arizona - 230
Total 1st Downs Minn - 12 Arizona - 21 (3 of minnesotas 1st downs were via penalty so the offense only got 9)
Total # of plays Minn - 47 Arizona - 69
3rd down effeciency Minn - 1 - 10 Arizona - 5 - 14
Time of Possession Minn - 24:55 Arizona - 35:05
It was obvious to anyone watching the game that the offense stunk up the place but I did'nt know it was this bad. This is embarrassing and hopefully its embarrassing enough that the coaches and players dont simply say "we have a couple things we need to work on" but actually come out and admit that they played like crap and were lucky to win !
From Seifert's ESPN article linked by Jim above...
The Vikings have asked less of Ponder this season than perhaps any NFL team has of its starting quarterback. Entering Sunday, his average pass was traveling a league-low 5.6 yards past the line of scrimmage. The next-lowest average was the 7.1 yards of Houston's Matt Schaub.
I love the 5-2 and the work of Harvin and AD. I love the long drives for TDs that Ponder executes to near perfection even in games like today when he struggles overall. What I am worried about big picture is that he has struggled big time the last 3 weeks with INTs when it is unclear they asked any more of him than the very little asked weeks 1-4. Dave. Go Vikes!!!
Eli wrote:It's great to see Ws, but it's not particularly exciting to see this Vikings offense schlep their way through games to notch wins against bad opponents.
I found the running aspect of the offense's performance exciting today. It's not fun when the passing game struggles like that but the rest of the team delivered an exciting performance.
As for the opponents: they can only play the games that are scheduled and they've defeated both winning and losing teams so far.
CalVike wrote:From Seifert's ESPN article linked by Jim above...
My conclusion (since the Vikes are 5-2 and the Texans are 6-1) is that this must be an effective strategy, why are we (not CalVike - but others in general) complaining about this again?
I've told people a million times not to exaggerate!
Our luck will run out, and at some point we will need a competent QB. Ponder isnt that now. Like Tjoke, hes shown flashes, but so has Webb. I think Webb has as many touch passes as Ponder and Webb should be a WR somewhere, not our backup QB. Why in the heck did they get rid of Sage is beyond me. Maybe the same thinking that decided to overpay an injury prone TE.
Today Ponder couldnt even get the ball on the short passes to PH and Kyle. I think thats a first. His passing yards today has to be a low record or very close. AND he has AD in the backfield, which bring at least 8, if not more, to the LOS. Hes, well, pathetic. Can you imagine what Rogers would woul do if he had 8-9 in the box evry play? And for the love of god dont say Rogers is only good cause of his receivers.
Just Me wrote:My conclusion (since the Vikes are 5-2 and the Texans are 6-1) is that this must be an effective strategy, why are we (not CalVike - but others in general) complaining about this again?
Because fans want a superstar, bomb-throwing Super Bowl-winning QB and like Veruca Salt in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, they want him NOW.
Mothman wrote:
Because fans want a superstar, bomb-throwing Super Bowl-winning QB and like Veruca Salt in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, they want him NOW.
Jim
I'll settle for a "Trent Dilfer" as long as he brings a Super Bowl title with him
I've told people a million times not to exaggerate!
My conclusion (since the Vikes are 5-2 and the Texans are 6-1) is that this must be an effective strategy, why are we (not CalVike - but others in general) complaining about this again?
Maybe because in a rebuilding year, you want to see progression, not regression in your 2nd year QB. We didnt win because of Ponder today, we won in spite of him. Its getting old and reminds me of our last rookie QB we had here.
Mothman wrote:
Because fans want a superstar, bomb-throwing Super Bowl-winning QB and like Veruca Salt in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, they want him NOW.
Jim
When I was little, I was so confused as to why her name was "Salt". I thought it meant she was made out of salt or something.
With that said, I Want that too, but more than that, I want a QB who can win. Although I'm not impressed with Ponder in the last few games, the Vikings are winning. I just hope someone can get Ponder to hold the damn ball when nothing is there.
The Devil whispered in the Viking's ear, "There's a storm coming." The Viking replied, "I am the storm." #SKOL2018
PurpleKoolaid wrote:
Maybe because in a rebuilding year, you want to see progression, not regression in your 2nd year QB. We didnt win because of Ponder today, we won in spite of him. Its getting old and reminds me of our last rookie QB we had here.
I get that, but what does that have to do with the length of his average pass from the LOS? Interceptions? Flame away! Less than 60 yards TOTAL passing yards? By all means, lets look at wheher or not Ponder should be the guy. These complaints (about length of pass from LOS) were the same though when he was in the 300 yards neighborhood of passing (and 100 passer rating vicinity). So if we are going to malign the guy's performance at least do it in a manner that makes sense. Just sayin....
I've told people a million times not to exaggerate!
The team is 5-2 to start a rebuilding year and undefeated at home. As far as I'm concerned, it's exciting and a great sign for the future. Spielman and Frazier clearly have the team heading in the right direction so far and hopefully, that will continue. I think the Vikes are building a solid base for the future with rookies and young veterans making significant contributions to the team's success. The future of the QB position seems constantly on everybody's mind but all we can do is go along for that ride and see what happens. Whether Ponder is the answer or not, the team is winning and more importantly, winning as a team, with each unit picking up for the others when they struggle. 
