Frazier Gets 1st Win Despite the Injuries.

 

 Peterson

 After a very disappointing start season the Vikings finally were able to look productive under the new regime of head coach Leslie Frazier. Frazier wanted to get Peterson more involved in the game, than he was under Chilly. It was evident the first drive when Peterson was looking like a machine pushing the pile and making big plays down the field on a catch and run. Then just when Vikings fans were starting to feel good about themselves again, the best player on the team comes out of the pile and limped his way to the sideline. The extent of Peterson's injury is not yet known. The Vikings were able to plug the rookie Toby Gerhart into the lineup, and he did a good job of filling in. He had over 60 yards and 1 rushing touchdown. The defense seemed to be playing more like they were last year. They were able to get to the quarterback at a good rate and even got a interception. The Vikings are near the bottom of the league in takeaways, something that is a big problem for the Vikings this year. 

To me it seemed like the players were playing with some emotion. This was one of the few times i have seen this all year. I will give Frazier the benefit of the doubt and say he did a good job in his one week with the players to implement a fun aspect back into the game. One play that really showed me this team is going to fit until the end was Favre's impersonation of Michael Vick. Favre had a 10 yard scramble on third down and was able to scamper his way past the sticks before sliding. Every player wearing a Vikings Jersey had a smile on their face after that play. 

I was hoping the Vikings would use Webb or Jackson in a trick play, or the wildcat formation. This was not part of Frazier's game plan. I just can't understand how the so called best athlete on the team hasn't found his way onto the field for even one play this year. It seems to me like they could try to get him involved somehow.

Frazier's postgame speech was a good one. He was presented with the game ball. I am happy for Frazier and his staff. I know its not always all about the coaching, and that you need the talented players. But looking at this teams talent at each and every position, it was clear that coaching was playing a big role.