Patriots-Vikings Postgame Thoughts
By: Alexander J Perna
The drama queen Brett Favre and the rest of his Viking gang traveled to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots on Sunday. It was Randy Moss’s first game back to Gillette since the trade that shook up the NFL for weeks. Tricks but mostly treats took place on this Halloween Sunday; the Patriots beat the Vikings 28-18 in a Favroma type game.
Anticipated Moss Return
Moss was seen before the game with the Patriots owner Robert Kraft. The two embraced and had smiles on their faces as they chatted for a few minutes. Moss had little impact in the loss to the Patriots catching 1 pass for 8 yards. He was only targeted twice in the game. Moss did draw a pass interference penalty on Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather but had a silent night for majority of the game.
Patriots Defense
In the 1st half of the game, the young Patriots defense struggled to stop Adrian Peterson. He had 13 carries in the 1st quarter. The Vikings had three long drives in the 1st half, only one resulting in a TD. The defensive look for the Patriots changed in the closing minutes of the 2nd quarter. The Vikings faced a 4th and 1 on the 1 yard line. The Vikings turned to Peterson to score and the Patriots stopped him short of a TD. It kept the game tied at 7 at the half.
Two defensive players that stood out today for the Patriots were ILB Jarod Mayo and CB Devin McCourty. Mayo had 14 tackles for the Patriots. He had multiple key stops against the Vikings on 3rd and 4th downs. He is clearly the leader of the defense and is helping mature the young players. McCourty had his 2nd interception in two games and showing his solid ball skills. McCourty had been on the field for every defensive play but 1 this season and should be considered one of the best defensive rookies.
The Patriots defense impressively put tough pressure on the QB. DE Myron Pryor knocked QB Brett Favre right out of the game. Favre was carted off the field and towels put to his chin. Pryor delivered the biggest hit of the game. Favre was the drama queen leading up to the game and after the game still held the position with pride.
Patriots Offense
Like the defense, the Patriots struggled in the 1st half. Going 3 and out 3 times in the 1st half, the Patriots scored one TD in the 2nd quarter. Danny Woodhead scored on a direct snap to tie the game. The Patriots had nine carries in the first half but was a completely different story in the 2nd half. BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushed the ball 17 times for 112 yards. Green-Ellis added two TD’s producing his first multi-touchdown game. Green-Ellis performed well under pressure, getting the offense to key 1st downs at the end of the 4th quarter.
Wide out Brandon Tate had a huge game as well. Tate rose to the occasion of being the Patriots deep threat that they were lacking when trading Moss. Tate caught a beautiful 65 yard TD strike in the 3rd quarter. It was the longest reception of Tate’s young career and longest play for the Patriot offense this season. Tate finished the day with 3 receptions for 103 yards.
Turning Point For NE
The Vikings received the ball in the 2nd half. After going down the field, the Patriots defense stopped the Vikings on 3rd down and forced them to kick a FG. The Patriots defense stopped the Vikings on 3rd down the next two drives and with TD’s from Tate and Green Ellis; the Patriots led 21 to 10.
What This Means For The Patriots
After the win, the Patriots improve to 6-1, the best record in the NFL. This win clearly shows the Patriots are what they were not in 2009. They come alive in the 2nd half and are led by the tough play of QB Tom Brady and the defense. The Patriots will need the 2nd half toughness to continue if they want a shot at winning in the postseason. The Patriots travel to Leaveland to take on the 2-5 Browns. Don’t let the record fool you. The Browns delivered a blow out win to the defending Super Bowl Champion Saints two weeks ago.
Game Leaders
New England Patriots Minnesota Vikings
Passing T. Brady: 16/24, 240 yards, 1 TD B.Favre: 22/32, 259 yards, 1 Int.
Rushing B.Green-Ellis: 17 Car. 112 yards, 2 TD A. Peterson: 25 Car. 92 yards, 1 TD
Receiving B.Tate: 3 Rec. 103 yards, 1 TD P. Harvin: 6 Rec. 104 yards
Defense J.Mayo: 14 tackles C. Greenway: 11 tackles
Sports Issue 
I was surprised how fast and athletic the patriots defense was in this game. I know the Vikings amassed a lot of yards but they lost by 10. The pats offense looked below everage at times but put 28 on the board. This is a TEAM of football players.