What Might Have Been

Imagine how good the Minnesota Vikings could be if they had a hint of a passing game.

That was the main lesson of the team’s loss against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Cots on Sunday.

Despite dominating the line for three quarters on both offense and defense, despite a grand first half performance by the best running back in the NFL, and despite a 15-point lead deep into the third quarter, the Vikings couldn’t seal the deal.

In fact, while most power running teams take over the game in the fourth quarter after wearing down the defense, the momentum in this game was completely on the side of the Colts. Since the Vikings had no other offensive weapons, the Colts were able to focus on the running backs and effectively contained them in the last part of the game. Manning was able to take over the game and the Colts were able to score 18 unanswered points to claim the victory.

Blame clearly lies at the feet of Viking quarterback Tavares Jackson, who threw for a measly 120 yards, and his wide receivers, who made no contribution to the team effort. Although the team proved it could move the ball, it was unable to score a touchdown and all the teams points came on five field goals. If they could’ve turned just of those field goals into a touchdown, they would’ve won the game.

The feeling of lost chances especially haunts the Vikings this year after rumors of a deal that would bring Brett Favre to Minnesota leaked over the summer. Instead, Favre went to the New York Jets and the Vikings are left contemplating what might have been.