Let's Talk Vikings: Vikings Lose Another Close One

The Vikings lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 22-17. The Vikings dropped to (0-4), while the Chiefs improved to (1-3).

The game began with a Ryan Succop 40 yard field-goal, giving the Chiefs a 3-0 lead. Donovan McNabb answered back with a 34 yard touchdown pass, pushing the Vikings ahead 7-3. Two more Ryan Succop field goals in the 2nd quarter gave the Chiefs a 9-7 halftime lead. In the early 3rd quarter, Ryan Longwell kicked in a field goal, giving the Vikings a 10-9 lead. But two more Ryan Succop field goals, gave the Chiefs a 15-10 lead heading into the 4th quarter. In the beginning of the 4th quarter, Matt Cassell hit up with Dwayne Bowe on a 52 yard touchdown pass, giving the Chiefs a 22-10 lead. But the Vikings were not done yet. Donovan McNabb threw a 1 yard touchdown pass to Michael Jenkins with about 5 minutes left, narrowing the Chiefs lead to 5. With less than 2 minutes, the Vikings were driving down the field in hopes of a comeback, but the could not complete a 4th down and long, thus giving the ball and victory to the Chiefs. McNabb also had a great pass to rookie tight-end, Kyle Rudolph.

Donovan McNabb went 18/30 on pass attempts, for 202 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Adrian Peterson ran 23 carries for 80 yards. The Vikings defense combined for 3 sacks and 5 QB hits on Matt Cassel.

You can't blame this loss on one person. It's a team effort and the team failed in many ways this week. Adrian Peterson had nowhere to run and McNabb had many passes that sailed high or hit the ground. The defense allowed many passes to go over them, not to mention stupid penalties committed on both offense, defense, and special teams. But at least they didn't blow the game in the 2nd half like in the previous 3 losses.

The Packers and Lions are both undefeated and the Vikings are last in the NFC North. The Vikings' playoff chances are diminishing. At this point, it's really about rebuilding and setting up for next year. Defense will have to wait for Free Agency and the Draft, but offensive rebuilding can start right now. I say they should put Christian Ponder in since he's really the "Quarterback of the Future". As long as he doesn't get hurt, they've got nothing to lose. It'll make it easier for him next year and get him more familliar with the offense. Not to mention Joe Webb will get more reps and he'll also get more familiar with the offense.

Next week the Vikings play host to Arizona Cardinals.

NFC North Standings: Packers (4-0), Lions (4-0), Bears (2-2), Vikings (0-4)