In close games and in critical moments, the 2-9 Vikings have had a difficult time making enough plays to win throughout the season.
“Sometimes the balls just roll for you, sometimes it’s rolling against you, but it really comes down to players making plays,” Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen said in a conference call today. “When we have the opportunity to make them, you have to make them, and we haven’t been able to this year.”
The Vikings’ upcoming opponent in Denver has found a way to make those plays late in games.
With Tim Tebow starting at quarterback, the Broncos are 5-1 in their last six games and the last three wins have been decided by seven points or less.
It’s been a total team effort for Denver as of late, with the defense and special teams units stepping up consistently, and the Tebow-led offense has found a way to come through in the clutch time and time again with decisive drives.
In studying the Broncos, Vikings Head Coach Leslie Frazier said he sees a team in Denver that believes close games are theirs to win.
“It seems like in Denver they are believing,” Frazier said in a conference call. “Tim will figure out a way to get the ball into the end zone or get it close enough to kick a field goal. We just have to keep it close. When you have a team that believes like that, it’s just lifts everybody’s confidence and guys start believing in that leader and sure enough that seems to be what’s been happening.”
“If we hang around and let the game stay close, then that’s going to create problems for us because they have their whole playbook,” Allen added. “And Tebow can do what he does.”
With Tebow, the Vikings know they are up against a quarterback that thrives in late game situations and they also know he’ll carry the ball on the ground quite a bit in the Broncos option attack. Frazier added that Percy Harvin –- a teammate of Tebow’s at University of Florida -– will be used as source of information in regards to the option offense.
Last week Tebow carried the ball 22 times in the win over San Diego — a total more commonly seen next to a running back’s name on the stat sheet.
“It’s something that you don’t really expect to see,” Frazier said. “Now, with Tim at quarterback, you do have to prepare that way. It’s almost, in some ways, like having a running back in the backfield, because those numbers are the kind of numbers we’d like to get for Adrian (Peterson) each week.”
Frazier shared his thoughts on several other Broncos during the conference call.
On Von Miller: “He doesn’t play like a rookie. Some of the things that he does—his explosiveness, his awareness, the instincts that he has, the power that he has— it’s just very impressive. He’s going to have a great future in the NFL.”
On Eric Decker: “He does have some deceptive speed, and he runs very good routes as well. But part of it is like what you said, they’re running the ball so effectively—the No. 1 rushing team in the league—that you commit so many people to the run and all of a sudden Eric is behind your secondary.”
On the Denver defense: “Their front is really coming along. (Brodrick) Bunkley is playing extremely well, and obviously, the pressure that Von has created on opposing offensive linemen has really helped their secondary and their linebackers in general; but their front in particular has really gotten our attention as we’ve studied the tape.”
-Max Henson
Tags: Minnesota Vikings, Week 13
I made my comparison to the 77 team a few blogs back in that the way this team is winning games is somewhat similar to the 77 team. Just enough offense, excellent defense, great special teams play, winning the turnover game ect. But nothing will compare to what happened that 77 season a very special time in Bronco history.
I too wasn’t alive in 77 so I know nothing what you all experienced. I suppose the closest thing would be when we won our first super bowl, which I vividly remember. This doesn’t even compare for me. I remember that momment vividly and will never forget that feeling.
Theres a pretty funny video on YouTube of a Kyle Orton lookalike bashing Tebow and Elway. It’s pretty funny if you want to check it out.
Yeah that video is hilarious, it’s titled: Orton’s Farewell to Denver (YouTube)
Legwold talking about what daddy has been predicting every week, LOL:
The Broncos have kicked the tires on their passing game here and there since unveiling the option to the NFL world a month ago.
But this week at Minnesota, there will be at least some temptation to take Tim Tebow, the quarterback, out for a spin and see what happens.
Philip Rivers threw for 335 yards on the Vikings’ defense. Matt Stafford had 378, Matt Cassel 260, Jay Cutler 267, Aaron Rodgers 335 and Cam Newton 290. In all, the Vikings have seen opposing quarterbacks throw for 22 touchdown passes in 11 games.
Heading into this week’s games, no team in the league has surrendered more touchdown passes this season than Minnesota.
Among the four-pack of players the Vikings put on injured reserve this week were two safeties. So, Sunday the Vikings will have to mix and match in their secondary once again and give rookie safety Mistral Raymond his first start of the season.
Minnesota cornerback Asher Allen, who was starting in place of an injured Antoine Winfield, is now questionable because of a shoulder injury.
The Vikings sit 29th in the league in pass defense, ahead of only the Bears and the Patriots. ( That would be wrong Legwold since there are 32 teams, but close enough)
Hmm, take a gander at the Broncos’ schedule.
Their next three opponents, in order, are: Minnesota, Chicago and New England.
It would be obviously a perfectly opportune time to loosen Tebow’s leash if our coaches do the right thing, I mean with our next three opponents dead last in the league what better time than to find out against the Vikings if Tebow can do it. And remember Elway needs to find out if he can throw it consistantly to make up his mind whether he is the one or not. Not going to the air some more Sunday would be a waste of a perfect opportunity, hopefully the coaching staff keeps making the right decisions as they have most of the time so far.
So on paper this is a high scoring game for us, do I buy, stay tuned, LOL.
But this is more the kind of world we live in with Tebow, courtesy of Klis:
While walking away from the news conference held each Wednesday for the Broncos’ starting quarterback, Tebow was informed how his 22 carries were a big deal.
“Why not?” he said. “I’m not going to hide from it.”
The 22 carries are a big deal because as far as the NFL knows, it’s the most carries ever by a quarterback. The caveat is that the NFL knows about such statistics going back to 1950. Far as Minnesota coach Leslie Frazier is concerned, 61 years is far enough. Frazier’s Vikings play the Broncos on Sunday in the Mall of America Metrodome.
“It’s almost like having a running back back there because those numbers are the kind of numbers we’d like to have for Adrian (Peterson) each week,” Frazier said by phone Wednesday.
Tebow, with his 22 carries Sunday in a 16-13 overtime victory at San Diego, did something no NFL quarterback of record had done before.
The previous known record for quarterback carries was 20, set by San Francisco’s Billy Kilmer in a 1961 game at Minnesota.
So there we go, back down to Earth about Tebow becoming a passing QB the next three weeks, LOL.
To correct the Legwold slip up above:
The teams behind the Vikings in pass D are; Bears, Packers and Patriots in that order.
And this should be a great way to send you guys into a good Bronco day:
We are now leading the entire league in rushing with 159.7 yards per game.
Ok, you felt good long enough, we are second to last in the entire league in passing with 153.1 yards per game.
We are the only team in the entire league that runs more yards per game (159.7) than it passes (153.1). And last I heard this is a passing league, LOL.
That’s pretty unbelievable stuff right there, amazing what I came up with just trying to correct Legwold, I end up with that jewel that we are the only team in the league to rush for more yards per game than passing, pretty cool stuff, I’m now done for the day so I can rest my body as well as my brain, LOL.
Go Running Broncos!
Apparently I share a birthday with some other broncos bloggers and Gray. That is pretty cool. Happy belated birthday RH, Gray and Turtle.
You guys were all conceived at the end of a long winter when the birds started to chirp again, LOL.
Happy Bday to you too cody.
Do not have much input on the 77 season (born in 85), but I have seen a few clips of how dominate the Orange Crush was and I wish I could have seen it live. Im 100% sure Von plays this weekend in some aspect.
I just cant wait for Sunday!!!!!
Oh this one is for Canada….. Your bombers didnt look so good last sunday eh buddy? lol
Go Broncos!!!!
dominant*** lol long night at work
I guess that’s what he got for saying here that was the best game on Sunday, THINK NOT, LOL.
Anyway, that was referring to the Grey Cup, British Columbia beat Winnipeg Blue Bombers 34-23.
Speaking of the Gray Cup.
http://blogs.nfl.com/2011/11/29/grey-cup-luncheon-unhinged-by-sparring-old-men/
Grey. Sorry, I was sabotaged by spell check.
Morning all. Had a real bad day yesterday and today got even worse but I can at least look forward to football this weekend. I found out that my 31 year old neice died yesterday and then had to call her mother (my sister) this morning to deliver the news. I know they say that God never gives a person more than they can handle but 4 death’s of close relatives in 2 1/2 years is really pushing it.
Morning Everyone!
I’m fully convinced that we were all concieved of a fateful Valentines Day Date that went horribly Wrong…
Feb 14 + 9 Months = Smack in the middle of November (we were just couple weeks over done is all…)
Thank you everyone for the Birthday Wishes…
)
*Random Thought of the Day*
So, with Rules in the NFL geared toward player safety, where you can’t hit a reciever that’s defenseless (Whatever that means, they wear pads for Christ’s Sake) or hit a QB for fear of hurting ticket sales, it has become evident that TT and the Ground attack is not only the present state of the Denver Broncos, it is the forseeable future of the NFL…
In an NFL where random forward passes are illegal there will be no blind side hits on defensless players, no launching Von Miller’s at The Sanchize; really, if you took away the forward pass then there would only be limited collisions against protected players (Ball Carriers)…
That means in the interest of Player Safety we MUST institute a Tebow Rule in the NFL…
***TEBOW RULE*** (For Player Safety)
(1) Henceforth, all NFL teams are limited to no more than 15 forward passes per contest, and before said passes are executed the Referee must be notified so the defense can set out padded mats in designated reciever zones, in which the defense will not be allowed within a 1 yard halo, same as punt returns…
(2) Upon catching a forward pass in designated recieving zone, the offensive player will be protected until he removes himself from said zone, or at which time he decides to surrender himself with a kneel down.
(3) Furthermore, upon said passing downs the quarterback will be given a belt that holds 3 flags… to down a the quarterback during a pass attempt the defense must remove 2 of the 3 flags from the belt, resulting in the play being called dead at the point of the second flag removal (we made it 2 flags and not just 1 flag so as not to lose the public’s interest).
(4) In the spirit of Competitive Fairness, Quarterbacks will only be allowed 10 rushing attempts a game, and before said running attempts the 3 Flag belt will be reinstituted, and contact upon said quarterback will not be allowed…
(5) Lastly, as a new provision of the Tebow Rule, collisions will not be allowed from more than a Five (5) yard head start. Upon gaining five yards of seperation from the Defense, Offensive ball carriers will be awarded a first down, and should a defender be no more than parrallel with the runner, the runner will be awarded a subsequent touchdown. Should a defender be downfield, but outside the 5 yard acceptable zone of contact the play will be whistled dead and the new line of scrimmage would be determined by dividing the approximate distance between the two players…
These 5 simple steps will keep the game FAIR and EXCITING for years to come, while eliminating the real Dangers of Professional Football…
So, If you agree with the TEBOW RULE please contact me directly as I have some Ocean Front Property in Arizona, as well as a Bridge in Brooklyn that are for sale and I’m sure we can work out a heck of a deal!!! First come first serve!!!
;o)
Shaztah, my condolences. Sorry for your losses. God be with you and your family.
Bay, just read your Colorado adventure story. Man, it`s like out of a movie.
Shaztah… Sorry to hear about your loss…
Very sad indeed…
shaztah, my condolences to you during this difficult time.
I’ll be attending a memorial for a 1st cousin this Saturday. (58 yrs old).
Big time Broncos fan, used to attend all the games at Mile High.
I’m very sorry Shaz – my condolences.
Bay – I was thinking that if Miller doesn’t play that could increase the need for points as well.
My thoughts are with your shaztah, hang in there.
Yeah strand, but it didn’t feel like a movie that night, I tailed out of that spot asap, LOL.
Wild.
Some trap game? Vegas has us as the underdog by 1. LMAO
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family shaztah. I lost my dad, brother and uncle all in 1995. It’s tough.
Good Morning,
I agree, lets open up the passing game. We are really the underdog? wow.
My prediction is Broncos 27 – Vikings 13.
Is Peterson going to play? Any updates?
Can’t wait till Sunday
My prayers are with you as well Shaztah. Take care.
Adam Schefter reported yesterday that Peterson is OUT.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family shaztah. I lost my dad and one of my best friends a few years ago but both around Christmas, this is always a hard time of year.
shaztah,
Words can not describe the feeling one goes through when they have lost a dear loved one!
Having never met you, I can only offer my sincere thoughts and prayers to you, your family and friends!
shaztah, if I could offer one sincere bit of encouragement I would say as hard as it may be hang on to those times that made you smile! Raw emotions always tend to fight it’s way into the everyday logic of “why did this have to happen” It will take time to fully understand, but rememberance can be the greatest gift you can give! It doesn’t cost anything and it yours for a lifetime!
My grandfather passed away when I was a senior in highschool. Undoubtably the hardest thing I have ever had to endure. He was my father figure in my life. During the visitation my high school wrestling coach attended pulled me aside and said
“Terry, you’ll never truely understand any of this until you’re able to successfully look back on today with no hesitation! At that point you will realize that your love and faith helped you move forward today! Terry, somehow, God gives you just that little bit of strength to make it to tomorrow, and the next day, and the next! In time you will realize that he was with you the whole time!”
Shaztah, we are ALL here for you in thoughts and prayers! God bless you my friend!
I had another memorable experience in the region called the Crestones, the steepest sheerest mountains in Colorado. I wanted to rock climb the hardest one, Crestone needle, and it’s a three day trip because you have to hike out like 5 hours on the first day from the last road just to get above timberline to make your climb the next day and hike out on the third. Well when I got to an area I thought looked good to set up base camp after that 5 hour hike with an 80lb pack, as soon as the tent was up I felt asleep for a nap before dinner and I was out flat on my back on my bag having left the tent fly open. When I opened my eyes a full grown Marmot was standing on its hind legs staring at me 6 inches from my face, for those who don’t know marmots are like big beavers with the menacing teeth but without the aquatic tail. Worthless to say after I came about it completely threw me for a loop and I starting gesturing for him to get the heck out of the tent. Later on that evening it got worse. I had obviously set base camp smack in the middle of marmot territory and they started coming in bunches gnawing at the sides of my tent leaving me no other option than to kick box them through the tent, used my closed fits a bunch too and kept pounding them until after about a half hour of that beating they gave up and let me sleep, that was intense too.
BTW, that was the only fourteeners of the 27 I climbed that I couldn’t reach the top. About 300 ft from the Summit all rock faces were covered with 1/4 thick coat of ice and even so my crampons were doing the trick my gloved hands couldn’t hold anything safely enough anymore and I made one of the smartest decision I ever made, accepted defeat after all that hard work and backed my way down to live another day. But it wasn’t an easy decision, that peak kept pulling me in. Loved every year I spent in Colorado but glad I’m no longer there since all I could do is look at all those things that I can’t do anymore, I’m now in a totally different phase of my life and I made my peace with it.
sorry to hear about your loss shaztah. god bless
Shaz… sorry for your loss! your broncos fam is here for ya for what its worth!
As for my prediction.. I really feel like this is the week for TT to hit on a few more passes. im saying he pushes the 60% mark if they get him and the recievers on the same page early!
Broncos 24
Vikes 10
And here is to hoping miller will still get to play!! Surely they will cast that thing up and release the beast right?
Go Broncos
GET SOME, GET SOME, UH.. UH.. UH…
Shaztah I know how you feel. Losing a loved one if very tough. My dad died 4 months before my wedding. My wife never even got to meet him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
And yes I used the P word and I dont care!
new blog
shaztah this is for you. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows
Meril Hodge picks the Vikes in this game…go figure lol
meril hodge is an idiot. he spends more tim tying his knot then watching football. he of all people has to be pissed tebow winning games
shaztah sorry to hear about your familys loses. it was on this day 6 years ago that i had to help bury my younger brother in Colorado that i found out from my older brother in Oregon that my grandmother was found dead in the farm field next to her mail box that morning. 2 deaths in one week was rough but after 5 years i am starting to move on. GOD be with you and your family.
Cant wait till sunday!!!!
Now at plus one. Until yesturday it had us as a pick game. I laughed because of it. The odds makers are as confsed by tebow as everyoje else. Haha.
Dealing with family loss is about the toughest situation to get through. Shatza stay strong and don’t be afraid to talk abot it with other friends and family. At least it has helped me in the past and even now with pendimg death.
Now it’s up to Minnesota favorite by 1.5 because there was too many bettors placing their money on Minnesota with an even line.
Obviously the view of this game in Bronco Country is radically different, not a single blogger picking Vikings to win yet.
Sorry for your loss Shaztah, I lost my son 10 days ago and sadness is still lingering as I believe it will for years to come. God be with you and I’ll pray that you find peace.
No one should ever suffer the loss of their sons and daughters, my heartfelt condoleances go out to you buck.
CNC Router…
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