The Vikings once again started slow – the first-half of today’s game against the Detroit Lions was not pretty; the defense was having trouble stopping the Lions rush, and the offense was clicking. It was 10-0 Lions at halftime.
Things improved a lot in the second-half, and Minnesota won 27-13 to go to 2-0. They scored 27 unanswered points before Detroit scored a field-goal toward the end of the game.
I’m happy for the win, but I am concerned. If they keep on starting slow, it will catch up with them – good teams will bury them. The Cleveland Browns – last week’s opponent – and the Lions aren’t strong teams, but they still played tough.
My other concern is the health of the Vikings’ starting quarterback. Brett Favre is taking a lot of hits. He was sacked twice in the first-half and hit several other times. He looked like his throwing arm was hurt in the 4th quarter on his second touchdown pass. That play turned out to be his last play of the game because the game was well in hand. He was laughing on the sideline later, so hopefully there’s no serious injury.
I know it’s early in the season, but I wonder if Favre is going to be able to last the year. The blitz is getting to him, and he is taking hits. I hold my breath every time he goes down. He started a NFL-record 271th straight game today. The streak has to end someday, and I won’t be surprised if it ends this season. I hope I’m underestimating him.
