Vikes Win 3 In A Row, Now 8-2

 

I had a lot of questions three weeks ago, the last time I did some Vikings blogging. I still have quite a few questions, but as of right now, there are reasons for optimism. Cam Robinson is no Christian Darrisaw and Dalton Risner isn't a great run blocker, but these guys aren't to bad at pass pro. The O has not been hitting on all cylinders and the win 12-7 win in Jacksonville was ugly, but really was total domination by the Offence. The run game may be in a bit of a rut but if Darnold continues to be the guy we saw in Tennesee and not at Jacksonville, the sky is still the limit for this team. Hock and Addison are still getting acclimated to Darnold. 

The Defence with Cashman back in the lineup is dangerous and really tough to run on. 

Right now the Lions look unstoppable, but they have a trap game this week against the Colts, play the Bills in mid-December, and play the 9ers on the road the week before they play us. This horse race is far from over. We'll just have to see what the Vikes put on tape. 

Update: I didn't mention Green Bay at the Lions because I figured that Jordan Love's leg injury would be an ongoing impediment, but he got healed up during the bye week and looks to be at least 95%. 

"And then depression set in"

 

I was still pretty high after the loss to the Lions; They barely beat us and Hockenson hadn't played yet. I figured Hock would be back for the Rams game except he wasn't. Puka Nacua was unexpectedly ready to play for the Rams. Son of a ... Just the spark the struggling Rams Offense needed. Cashman was a no-go at LB; The Defence struggled again with him out. The pass rush struggled to get pressure. Darrisaw tore his ACL and MCL. Uncle Sam nearly had his head ripped off on an uncalled Facemask Penalty in the endzone resulting in a game-sealing Safety for the Rams. Ridiculous! 

Oh, how the cruel winds of fate turned on my favorite team. Losing Darrisaw and the game basically assures that the Vikes will not be able to catch the Lions for the Division and the #1Seed. All my hopes and expectations went out the window with that loss. Losing one of the best Left Tackles in the NFL totally bites. How negatively will the running and passing game be affected? Right now, it's anybody's guess. 

Will the injury bug keep biting and bring down a once-promising season?

After the next three games, I think I will have a clearer grasp on where things are headed. Right, now things are muddied up. I think the picture is even darker for the Packers and their fate with a one-legged quarterback and the Lions coming to town this week.