Let us face the facts. The Steelers did not so much beat the Vikings on Sunday as much as the Vikes beat themselves, especially at our QB position. Big Bad Brad just had a Big Bad Day.

I can't even blame head coach Mike Tice for the loss as a coach should not have to be responsible for poor decisions made in the Red Zone by players trying too hard to make a play. Our team had won six straight by avoiding mistakes and forcing their opponents to create heaps of errors.

BBB threw two damaging red-zone interceptions Sunday. Including one in the end zone with 23 seconds left in the first half that had me holding my head and groaning just like the weekend before when I had to miss the win over the Rams when I was suffering from the flu. Consider the field position the Vikes found themselves in: Minnesota was past the Pittsburgh 20-yard line four times, managing only a Paul Edinger 20-yard field goal.

That’s why I am saying the Vikings lost the game. Pittsburgh did just enough to win it but can’t really be holding their heads high after the win. Many Steelers fans were in attendance at the game and those that I spoke with afterwards were sheepish about the win.

Early in the first quarter I turned to my game day guest, Vikes Geek, and suggested that special teams would win the game for the Vikes. Boy, was I ever wrong as the special teams play turned sour and also provided one thing I could blame Tice for: keeping ailing punter Chris Kluwe in the game.

Kluwe’s punts were, to put in mildly, horrible. And he clearly was hurting as the best he could do was hobble gamely on one leg after each punt. Only one of his punts had any air under them. I wonder openly why Tice did not put in a dressed Darren Bennett if for no other reason to prevent a serious injury to Kluwe. One that could have not only ended his season but his career.

Then there were my friends, the Pig Farmers. There seemed to be no play that was not followed by yellow fabric lying on the field. Referee Ed Hochuli's crew called 25 penalties. And most seemed to be thrown for the sheer joy of getting their mugs on TV. I was livid, and so were Vikings and Steelers fans alike. Hochuli is usually very professional on the field. His crew, well, sucked this past Sunday.

One unit I lay no blame for the loss on is the Vikings Defense. I fact, one can argue that only six of Pittsburghs eighteen points can be placed squarely on their shoulders. Is it not great to have a defense to rely on once again? How long has it been? I told many a fan Sunday that the Vikings deserve to be in the NFC playoffs simply because of the defense. Unfortuanately, the D did not come throw with a defensive touchdown today. But they certainly kept the game close for as long as possible. The Vikings offense simply did not score when the chance was presented.

But, not to fuss Minnesota Vikings fans. While we did see the wild-card hopes ebb, we still have a very good shot to win the NFC North. The Vikings play at Baltimore next week and finish with a home game against division-leading Chicago. The Bears, even after beating the Atlanta Falcons Sunday night, travel to Moon-beau field to lose to the Packers before coming to the Dome on January 1. Lose that game and the Bears finish tied with the Vikings atop the NFC North and the Vikes win because of the divisional tie-breaker.

Chins up Vikings fans!

Tice Approval Poll

Head Coach Mike Tice continues to ride a wave of support. Following the win over the St. Louis Rams his approval rating rose to 72%. What will it be following the game against the Steelers? Vote to the left.

And a new poll can also be found to the left. Why do you think the team lost to the Steelers?

The Day Superstition Died

Vikes Geek pointed out one good thing to me when it was clear the Vikings were going to lose in the waning moments Sunday. To see what the little goodie is, see the VU Videocast page.

Posted by maasx003 at December 19, 2005 06:27 AM