Sunday, October 7, 2007

Packer Post -- Installment 54

Week 4: September 30 2007
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings

Vikings open the game with good protection of QB-Kelly Holcomb, but they are unable to capitalize and are forced to punt.

The first Packer offensive yardage came from a Vikings defensive penalty. The second would have been a S-Darren Sharper interception but illegal contact was called, wiping out the play and giving the Packers their first, first down. Packers punt on this series.

The defense needs to cover the wide receivers tighter. They are getting too much separation the defense isn’t able to defend the ball properly. This let the Vikings gain at least 10-yards each pass.

CB-Charles Woodson is called for pass interference, the result of the play is a first down in Packer territory. Woodson could have made up for this by intercepting the ball and run it in for a 58-yard touchdown. Unfortunately the touchdown is called back for illegal contact on Woodson—first down Vikings.

Pressure on Holcomb and the ball is striped. Jolly recovers the fumble on the Vikings 48. Favre floats a pass to WR-Donald Lee, who catches it between two defenders on the 19—Sharper on coverage.

Favre changes the play at the line of scrimmage, and it looks like it’ll be a broken play. Favre throws to WR-Greg Jennings for the record breaking 421 touchdown. Game is stalled for a message from Dan Marino, a standing ovation from the crowd (including Viking fans) and a hug from Deanna and Britney.

LB-Aaron Kampman sacks Holcomb for a loss of eight-yards, but the Vikings continue to drive down the field with big yard throws to WR-Simion Rice.

* First Quarter: 7-0 ~ Packers *

With the blitz coming, Favre throws to WR-Ruvell Martin for 36-yards. Favre connects with Lee, but he is striped and fumbles the ball, Vikings recover on their own six.

Vikings defense end a great Packer drive down field with a sack on third down K-Mason Crosby kicks the field goal.

Packers fake a punt and get a first down, but are unable to maintain momentum and lose yards on a reverse to WR-Donald Driver.

* Second Quarter: 10-6 ~ Packers *

Vikings stomp downfield but Harris pushes Williams out before he can make the catch. Vikings stomp downfield but Harris pushes WR-Bobby Wade out before he can make the catch. Holcomb hands it to RB-Chester Taylor for two yards. DE-Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila sacks Holcomb and Vikings punt.

Harris leaves the field to get an X-Ray on his hand, but returns later in the game. S-Nick Collins is shaken up on the play but stays in the game. Vikings’ K-Ryan Longwell kicks a 35-yard field goal.

* Third Quarter: 13-9 ~ Packers *

Crosby kicks a 33-yard field goal and Vikings go three and out on their next possession.

Vikings try to challenge the call that an incomplete pass was a fumble, but the rule is the play is “unchallengable.” Later in the drive, they challenge the sp[ot of the ball and lose the challenge and their timeout. Favre connects with WR-James Jones for a 33-yard touchdown.

Vikings run a hurry up offense and go deep, but Harris knocks the ball down and Collins almost gets an interception. Holcomb passes to WR-Visanthe Shiancoe for 13 yards. Gbaja-Biamila sacks Holcomb, forcing a third and 13, but a facemask call gives the Vikings a first down on the 40. Packers pressure with the front four and DT-Ryan Pickett sacks Holcomb. Holcomb passes to Rice for the touchdown.

Driver recovers the onside kick, but RB-Ryan Grant fumbles giving the Vikings the ball and the chance to tie. On the 30, Kampman pressures, incomplete pass. S-Atari Bigby catches his first career interception. The booth challenges the call, but the ruling on the field stands.

* Fourth Quarter: 23-16 ~ Packers *

Packers lead the division, go 4-0 for the first time since 1998.

Favre is FedEx Air Player of the Week and Nick Barnett is the Defensive Player of the Week.

NFL News
The Miami-Oakland game was delayed for lightning. QB-Daunte Culpepper leads Oakland to victory, scoring five touchdowns.

Chicago Bears QB-Rex Grossman is benched and his replacement Brian Griese throws three touchdowns in the Bears loss to the Lions.

A high snap out of shotgun goes over Dallas Cowboys QB-Tony Romo’s head. He picks it up, fumbles, chases the ball, kicks it and finally is able to recover it. He rushes for a first down, a four yard gain. Then Romo takes it in for a 15-yard touchdown run. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

Steelers lose to the Cardinals, undefeated teams are: Patriots, Colts, Cowboys and Packers.

Commentary
The Packers are still the youngest team in the NFL, but this year Favre says he’s more comfortable with his receivers. It’s the first time since he’s had that attitude in three years (the last time they won the NFC North).

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