The Student of the Game

Now unless you’re name happens to be “Weasel” (who happens to be one of my co-hosts in the podcast) you may see the match up between the Minnesota Vikings and the Washington Redskins and wonder why is it I’m wasting time on my computer and running up the electricity bill? But then I SURPRISE you, friends. The 19-16 victory by the Purple Pride of Minneapolis was actually a semi-interesting game to watch.

The story line is the same as it always seems to be for owner Dan Snyder and his Redskins . . . pay TONS of money for barely-above-average talent and hope for the best while deflating your fans with another performance that can’t POSSIBLY live up to the hype it creates. This year’s specimens: WRs Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle-EL as well as DB Adam Archuleta.

In all fairness, there were decent performances for the ‘Skins in their season debut at the Nation’s Capital. QB Mark Brunell for example who threw 17-28 (61%) for 163 yards including some EXCELLENTLY placed passes to give his kicker an opportunity to tie the game for OT (which he missed). He found the hole that’s in any “D” running the Cover 2 . . . the deep out pattern.

The leading receiver for Washington was no surprise as WR Sanata Moss brought in a respectable 3 catches for 69 yards followed by Antwaan “I got my ring, now give me my bling” Randle-El who reeled in 5 for 34 yards on the night. Moss, however, also boasted 3 carries on the ground for 28 yards as well.

While we are on the topic of the ‘Skins ground game — let’s talk about the guy who really stepped up. RB LADELL BETTS — Yeah, sure — Clinton Portis held up fine despite his shoulder injury, but I’m sure it helped he only had 12 touches (10 of them carries on the ground for 39 yards and a TD). But Betts had more yards on fewer touches going 8 for 22 running and 3 catches for 31 yards receving.

However, somehow by some fluke, Minnesota’s offensive numbers were better. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that you have one of the most acurate QBs in NFL history throwing 16-30 (53%) for 223 yards and a TD to WR Marcus Robinson. Truth be told, he should have been throwing more like 60%.

Why, you might ask? WR Troy Iamson. True, that’s not the name on the back of his jersey, but when you have more balls hitting your chest than Jenna Jameison in her latest DVD release, it’s proof to me that you have no “WILL” to catch the damn ball! I don’t care if you ARE the leader of the Viking air attack with 77 yards on 4 catches. When balls are dropping around you like ENRON stock, you earn a nickname.

Speaking of people earning titles, Minnesota’s new arrival, RB Chester Taylor (surely assisted by the revamped protection package featuring FB Tony Richardson and G Steve Hutchinson) was the Pleyer of the Game with 88 yards on 31 caries and a TD while also earning 43 yards in the air on 3 passes.

And as much as I slammed on the Viking’s “D” I MUST give a shout out to DB Darren Sharper who proved why he earned his trip to the Pro Bowl last year. Picture Santana Moss coming into his house (aka the Viking End Zone). As the ball drifted into the his hands in the rear of the house (aka just inside the endline) Sharper intimately introduced himself to Mr. Moss (which is to say he knocked him the out). You’d think he’d just seen an Under Armour commercial as he demonstrated what it REALLY means to protect one’s house. I can see his future career now . . . “If you want piece of mind, go with ‘Sharper Security’ — because if anyone comes into YOUR house, wouldn’t you want us to beat the out of him, too?”.

If you’re a Reskins fan, I wouldn’t say abandon all hope, but I’d recommend ordering an extra “Captain Jack’s Burried Treasure” to help the sorrow. (For those of you who DON’T know — that’s a piece of HUGE and DELICIOUS ice cream cake).

If you’re a Vikings fan, well done — but manage your expectations . . . if you can’t beat the Bears in 2 weeks, you’ll have no chance at winning the division.