Wes, I get that the 2006 Colts had the worst defense statistically during the regular season, but there was a noticeable shift in the defense the second Bob Sanders was healthy. He was the heart and soul of that defense and was the reason for their postseason success. Who is at the heart and soul of this defense?
I’d say it’s a cross between De’Vondre Campbell and Jaire Alexander. When those two are making plays, the whole unit looks different.
The Vikings would be 6-9 if their games ended after three quarters. What makes them so good in the fourth, and what do the Packers need to do to close out the game if the Packers are ahead at the end of the third quarter?
The Vikings started playing close games in Week 3, and they started winning them. Being the better team at crunch time on a regular basis fosters a belief within a team that it’s going to find a way. It feeds on itself. I saw it with the Packers in LaFleur’s first season, and a similar mojo has developed in O’Connell’s first year in Minnesota, to an even greater extent. Success in big moments breeds confidence. That’s the crux of it.
Seems like the Vikings would have less urgency than the Pack, given the guarantee of playoffs. Understand they can improve seeding.
Don’t undersell the difference between the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds. In addition, I’ll let Scott chime in.
Lest anyone thinks the Vikings are going to “rest” someone this weekend because they have won the division, I have two reasons why they will play as if nothing has been accomplished. One it is a divisional game and two, a win is a win but beating the Packers and putting an end to their hopes, that would be very, very, satisfying. So buckle up because if the Packers can win this game then nothing should be beyond their reach. GO PACK GO.
The Vikings would love nothing more than to raise their helmets leaving Lambeau Field having squashed the Packers’ playoff hopes.
Steven from Balsam Lake, WI
Four Novembers ago, I was at the Packers Everywhere pep rally in Minneapolis. That evening I met a woman there. Fast forward to this weekend, that woman is now my wife and we will be attending our first Packer game as a married couple this Sunday! Here’s to hoping the Packers can pull out this huge win. Go Pack Go!
Congratulations. I’m posting this so our pep rally organizers see your story. Very cool.
I miss the “Ask Vic” days. Football was discussed then, now you talk about lunches and donuts. You two are knobs.
Big fan of lawnmowers and gas pumps, eh? OK.