It’s no secret I’ve had a hair across my ass about the hoopla surrounding “The Gray-Haired One” and the Vikings. Sporting the 3^rd weakest schedule in the NFL the Vikings have dismantled every subpar team in their wake. However, the two with over .500 records, the Steelers (at the time) and the Cardinals have taken them to task. Tonight’s game in Glendale was an example of how vulnerable this team is when facing a winning franchise. Sure they have a decent defense, but even that defense couldn’t get to Kurt Warner. The Minnesota offensive line which has allowed Favre to throw rampant on every team he’s played against couldn’t hold off a Card’s D that sacked Favre 3 times, picked him off twice and hurried him countless times throughout a 30-17 loss.

Arizona gave the Vikes a lot more than they may have bargained for after being in cruise control since the Pittsburgh loss. It seemed they’d beat just about everyone the rest of the way, and with who they’ve got left, and the past few games played in Minnesota they’ve been pretty comfortable. Not tonight, tonight they’ve shown their weaknesses. I’ve been critical of the use of Adrian Peterson. Here’s a team with an extremely good backfield, one most teams would love to have, only they play second fiddle to a passing game by a QB who is more concerned about his stats and records than the outcome of the game. It also seems that when he or Berrian are utilized it’s too little too late.

Let’s also keep in mind games that have almost gotten away from them such as San Francisco where the Vikes were losing only to rely on a Hail Mary to win or they find themselves fighting to hold on to close. So what does this loss to Arizona say? It’ says they’re vulnerable up against more superior talent, it means when Favre faces a defense that blitzes he freezes and his options diminish and he doesn’t thrive well in those situations. We’ve seen it when he played for the Pack and the Jets and at 40 I’d say it’s hard to teach the old dog new tricks.

To close out the season the Vikings have to go up against the Bengals next week at home then it’s off to Carolina for a joke with the Panthers, a trip to Soldier’s field with the Bears and they finish the year against the Giants at the Dome. I like the Bengals already, and I’m comfy saying here and now going 2-2 isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. We’ll just have to see what the old dog has left in his tank, especially after being tossed around a bit tonight, but so far this ride hasn’t been as impressive as ESPiN would want me to believe! Stay tuned.