|
Friday, 07/30/2010
Aug. 2001: Vikings 28, Colts 21, Preseason
Perhaps the fans had come off a strenuous work week (TGIF) or were plum tuckered out from traipsing around the State Fair. Or could it be that the afternoon heat wave caught a few of the Faithful off-guard and dehydration set in? We may never know the true reason why the pre-game tailgate atmosphere was (for lack of a better word) "flat." Oh, they were happy to be there all right; it just wasn't the typical Vikings enthusiasm we've come to know and love. One source (who asked not to be named) claimed that a few of the Berzerkers failed to embellish themselves with any hint of Vikings attire. "Come on! At least throw on a jersey!", this die hard "Captain" demanded. And so it went for three hours followed by the usual march into the Metrodome. What was at stake? Not much. The third of four pre-season games against a somewhat boring opponent, the Indianapolis Colts. Perhaps this in itself is enough to cause a few fans to feel flat. But something happened between the revolving doors of the Dome and the stadium seats because the emotion inside was anything but "pre-season". The fans erupted when the Purple took the field. Fox analyst, John Madden cried, "They sound like this is a playoff game! Now you're talkin!" THANK YOOOU Minneapolis! Now that's Purple Pride. Unfortunately the frenzied fans were not enough to kick the Vikes into high gear. Like the tailgaters, the team also came out flat, finding themselves down early 10-0. Even the offense was sputtering as the troops didn't get a first down until the second quarter. By then, the crowd had become subdued and Colts quarterback Peyton Manning had ample time to audible plays and successfully drive down the field. After the opening drive, the "D" started stepping it up. Chris Hovan had an outstanding game by continuosly schooling the unfortunate pair of Indianapolis rookie guards facing him. Hovan repeatedly got into Manning's face and ultimately causied him a sprained knee and ankle. Thibodeaux was also on his game as he slapped down a sure TD. Despite a few defensive heroics, the team needed an offensive spark. What they got was a fireball. Randy Moss smoked coverage and ran, and danced, and jumped into the endzone (and finally the arms of the fans) completing a 74-yard touchdown. He tacked on another signature 50+ yard score to open the third quarter. The fire was ignited and the crowd proved they are "the greatest fans in the country" as Denny Green professed in a pre-game interview. The "wave" was in full motion. The Purple continued to perform by staying competitive late into the fourth quarter. Nate Jacquets returned a 76-yard punt return and linebacker Jim Nelson (who? Go Jim!) [EDITORS NOTE: Jim Nelson is a Nittany Lion from Penn State! Mookie Vike Loves the Nittany Lions and calls Nelson "Nittany Vike"] grabbed an interception to steal the Colts' chance for a tie. Vikings win: 28-21. As the fans filtered into the Washington Avenue lots, it appeared a new mood had taken over as well. There were high fives, hoots and hollers, hugs, laughs, aluminum toasts, and rockin tunes. Now that's how the Purple spell emotion. Defensive Parking Lot Bombs: Official Game Review from Eyewitness
The final home preseason game of 2001 was originally scheduled to be sort of a 'dry run' as preparation for the season opener just two short weeks away. It just didn't happen that way! First of all, it was just a preseason game! Three of the Berserker 205 season tickets remained vacant throughout the game due to several late summer functions. Although we were missing the core of the group in Mookie (wedding), Stier (cabin trip), Lil Schmitty (last minute cancellation) and Hagen (hates the preseason), we made due with what we had. Chester pointed out that we were "resting some of our starters" for this game and giving others a shot at some playing time. All in all, a good time was had by all that visited and attended.
Pregame tailgate
Late arriving tailgate crowd seemed a little subdued. It was a very ordinary pregame tailgate.
Gametime Observations The O didn't start off any better. As a matter of fact, it was downright dismal - gaining 11 total yards and no first downs in the opening quarter with our first team. "What the hell, are we turning into the Ravens offense" screamed Lil buddy. The d showed up huge in the second quarter, with Chris Hovan & Co knocking Payton Manning around like one of those heavy punching bags, forcing two second quarter picks - one was a very nifty snag by Robert Griffith near the goal line prompting Chester to say "He hung onto one!!!!" The other by Kailee Wong set up Michael Bennett's wide open 15 yard scamper on a draw play right up the gut. "I think he could get 1000 yards alone on draw plays" - Strawjamm. Randy Moss finally strapped the O to his back with a beautiful 74 yard catch and run in the 2nd quarter. And in the 3rd, he beat a Colts corner like a rented mule down the sidelines for a pretty 54 yard td. Man, nobody throws the deep ball like Daunte!!!!! The Vikes put the game away in the 4th with a weaving 76 yard punt return by newbie Nate Jacquet, who Lil Buddy immediately anointed as his favorite Viking. "At least he entertains me" was the catch phrase. Side note- It was really nice to see former Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien back in football. He looked great!! Congrats on the comeback after all the hard luck in your life, Mr Rypien.
Post game tailgate Some drunk little punk, claiming he played 5 yrs of varsity qb wanted a crack at throwing a deep ball to Chester. Well, Chester ran about 20 yards down and the self proclaimed Daunte shot putted a 10 yard duck about 20 yards wide of Chester. "Who did you play for, Henry SD High?" giggled Strawjamms. Congrats to Lil Buddy, who is getting married on opening weekend. We all agree the timing is horrible, and he WILL miss the game. But on behalf of all 205 Berserkers, I would like to wish him nothing but good luck and happiness. Quotes "Honey, I'm Home!!!" - Saueey on arriving in the lot for the first time this yr. "I get chills everytime" - Chester during introductions. "They should throw to CC more" - Marilyn on her favorite player. "I love you, Nate Jacquet" - Lil Buddy "We don't even try to run anymore" - Notre Dame Dan on the Vikes play calling. MVP - Lil Buddy's fiance. She wasnt there, but anyone that is willing to marry him deserves MVP.
Designed by Marcus "Mookie" Anderson and Internetcomealive, Inc. |