Baltimore at Minnesota

[tsylvester]

The start of the holiday season is quickly approaching. For some, they have already started putting up lights and other decorations trying to jump start the cheer.

But ya can't put the car before the horse if you want to get anywhere. What does any of that have to do with a football game between these two teams? Maybe nothing, maybe everything.

Both teams are trying to keep their post season hopes alive, but you can't get to the post season without winning games in the regular season.

The Vikes finished last year with 14 wins in the regular season, but didn't get much further. They even took a giant leap of faith by jettisoning their starting quarterback in favor of an unproven quarterback still recovering from a season ending injury and with no NFL experience.

Yes, they are clearly dragging the cart with the horse tided to the back end.

While Baltimore "bought a present" for their lackluster defense, how he will perform, if he will make a difference, not even Santa knows.

They are 4-3 lifetime against the Vikes with Baltimore winning their last match up in Baltimore 34-31 in overtime back in 2021 making Lamar 1-0. Jackson rushed for over 100 yards, threw for 266 yards and had 3 scores. 

For Baltimore to win, he may have to put up similar stats, maybe use some magic corn from the Winter Warlock to help his defense.

So, who ya got?

[oldno82]

Gonna be a tough one. At this point, I don't think we can pull this one out but we a have a chance; I'd say we have a 40% chance of winning this one.

Blame the usual suspects: weak D-line and O-line.

[tsylvester]

I've given up trying to figure this team, this organization out this year, not because of losing, not because of moves they have made or not made that I don't agree with. No, because of what the players, coaches have said this year, the excuses, the ridiculous statements they hwve made.

Claims that changes will be made, fans expect too much, this coach is doing poorly, but the one who actually is, is excused and blame placed on the players.

Yeah, we, fans are fools, sure, sure tthing.

[oldno82]

It has become a bit like politics: there are no straight answers ever given. Never get caught in a statement that may leave you accountable.

I think the lesson learned is that they aren't going to make major changes mid-season under any circumstances, anymore. Whatever happens to the team will be decided after the season, i.e, new coach(es), new players, new FO personnel.

We aren't going to get any changes until then.

And, who knows? Maybe this ship will right itself and have a deep playoff run. Our last SB team dropped 4 of their last 5 games. Our first SB team won 5 games without the offense scoring a TD.

All we can do really now as fans is watch and bear it.