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After Slow Start, Vikings Are Coming On Strong

Published: Dec 11, 2007

The Vikings bottomed out exactly a month ago during a 34-0 disaster at Lambeau Field that saw rookie sensation Adrian Peterson go down with a sprained knee.

At 3-6, Minnesota was in danger of tuning out second-year coach Brad Childress.

While the Packers went 11-for-17 on third down and controlled the ball for more than 40 minutes on that excruciating afternoon, the Vikings couldn't convert a third down in eight opportunities behind Brooks Bollinger, filling in for injured quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.

With their season hanging in the balance, the Vikings edged Oakland the following week to trigger a late-season surge that has them alone at 7-6 in the chase for the final NFC wild-card spot.

"After winning four games in a row, you become the hunted," said Childress, whose Vikings close with the Bears and Redskins before a chilly trip to Denver. "People will look at you differently and you're going to get their best shot all the time."

Minnesota breezed to a 27-7 victory at San Francisco on Sunday, although Peterson was limited to only 3 yards on 14 carries.

The first-round pick out of Oklahoma keys the NFL's No. 1 ground attack and the Vikings also lead the league in rushing defense, easing Jackson's burden under center.

"Early in the season, my job was to go out and manage the football game, don't turn it over," said Jackson, a second-round pick out of 1-AA Alabama State in 2006. "Now, I'm looking to make plays. You've still got to take care of the football and you've got to play smart, not play scared."

Although Childress is allowing Jackson to take a few more shots downfield, the Vikings haven't strayed from their identity as a physical club that grinds you down while attempting an NFL-low 331 passes.

They rely on Peterson and Chester Taylor, operating behind a solid offensive line keyed by center Matt Birk and the stellar tandem of guard Steve Hutchinson and tackle Bryant McKinnie on the left side.

The Vikings will have an opportunity to impress a national audience at home in each of the next two weeks.

Chicago visits the Metrodome on Monday night and the Dec. 23 matchup against Washington has been switched to an evening start - bumping the Bucs out of prime time, thanks to the league's flex schedule for Week 16.

"At this point in the season, it's perfect timing," veteran Minnesota safety Darren Sharper said. "We control our destiny now. We'd have some momentum going into the tournament, if we can make it there."

A month ago, Childress was merely trying to survive.

Jackson's maturity has helped, along with an aggressive defense led by tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams and ex-Buc defensive back Dwight Smith.

"I want to take my hat off to them," 49ers nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin said. "The Vikings are a young team that has enthusiastic runners and what looks like a soon-to-be-great quarterback."

HUDDLE UP: With Dallas TE Jason Witten on pace to approach 100 catches, opposing secondaries are paying a heavy price for clamping down on WR Terrell Owens. Of Witten's 80 receptions, 48 have generated first downs. … Speaking of the power of T.O., the top five clubs in turnover differential are a combined 49-16. The five bottom feeders are 19-46. …A late-season surge by Matt Hasselbeck, coupled with Jeff Garcia's back problems, is likely to send the Seattle quarterback to the Pro Bowl for the NFC behind Brett Favre and Tony Romo. …The Giants are 6-1 on the road, which doesn't sit well with Buc fans anticipating a home game against New York in the Jan. 5-6 opening playoff round. … No AFC team should want to face the Jaguars in the postseason. … Looks like Texans coach Gary Kubiak will have a tough choice to make at QB when Matt Schaub is cleared to play. … When you start listing great players toiling for lousy teams, start with Rams WR Torry Holt.

Dick Jauron's doing a heck of a coaching job in Buffalo, but the real test comes Sunday at Cleveland, where the Browns have averaged 36 points while reeling off five consecutive home wins. … It's all coming apart for Herm Edwards, who skillfully guided the Chiefs to the playoffs in 2006. Kansas City averaged 2.5 yards per snap at Denver in Sunday's 41-7 setback as the Chiefs were outgained 215-16 on the ground. … Tennessee's fourth-quarter defense? Not good. … Julius Peppers and Kris Jenkins have a combined five sacks for Carolina. Sounds like a good month for Greg White. … Levi Brown may eventually develop into a Pro Bowl lineman, but right now Arizona's rookie RT is still looking for the blur who schooled him at Qwest Field Sunday. Don't sweat it, Brownie - with 10 sacks in his past five games, Patrick Kerney is making a lot of guys look bad.