Heavy Rivalry on the Field

Vikings quarterback Brett Favre returned to Lambeau field in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Monday, October 25, 2010. As he walked onto the turf, a roar of “BOO” from the crowd encompassed him. This was no surprise to anyone because of last season’s repeat. This bitter rivalry has gone on for centuries and continues, especially because the Vikings acquired their old quarterback. Surprisingly, with the Vikings current poor record, this game turned out to be a “nail-biter.”

First quarter started out with a bang. Packers were able to score early in the first quarter leading 7-0. The Vikings were able to make a comeback with only one-minute left in the first-quarter. Percy Harvin was given the ball by Favre and was able to find a slight break in the Packers defense to slip through. The end of the first quarter ended 7-7. Second-quarter started just as the first one did. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers threw a dart straight to tight-end Andrew Quarless, Packers now lead 14-7. Sadly, Vikings coach Brad Childress was unable to notice the Packers tight-end not maintaining possession of the ball as he fell onto the field and did not challenge the touchdown. Again Percy Harvin attempted another touchdown. This time Harvin dived into the end-zone unable to stay in boundaries. Packers coach Mike McCarthy was quick to challenge this touchdown; refs soon called the touchdown no good. Vikings obtained the ball again after a short turn-over. Favre was able to find a straight opening to tight-end Visanthe Shiancoe in the end-zone. McCarthy was quick again to challenge this touchdown. Refs called the touchdown no good because the ball hit the ground.

Favre’s poor decision making plagued him once again this game. Within the first five minutes of third-quarter he threw an interception to Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was quick to complete this turn over with a touchdown pass to Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings. With the Vikings possession of the ball returned it was only a matter of time before another interception pass was thrown. Sadly this occurrence happened a little faster than expected. On the second down Favre tried a fake but accidentally threw the ball to Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop. In return Bishop scored a 32-yard touchdown, Packers lead 17-28. With only four minutes left in the third-quarter, Vikings knew they had to do something soon so they decided to try out new wide receiver Randy Moss. This was an excellent idea that ended with a touchdown, the score then changed to 28-24. Fourth-quarter was the most exciting one of the game. The key word to this quarter was “effort.” Each team tried their hardest to score, but neither team was successful. One touchdown during the last quarter was controversial though. With only seconds left in the game, the Vikings decided to thrown the ball all the way into the end-zone to wide receiver Percy Harvin. This touchdown was called back by refs because Harvin caught the ball with one foot in and one foot out of the end-zone, thus causing the final score of the game to be 28-24.

The Vikings current season has been known to be sad and disappointing. This game has displayed that the Vikings have started to come around and work together. Although the outcome wasn’t on the Vikings side, it’s evident that they are coming back and are fighting every chance they get. This individual game turned out to not to only be Favre’s fault, but also the rest of the team’s fault. When asked about the game, Rochester fan Kristy McGee said “It was Favre’s fault partly, but the Vikings need a better offensive line so that all of the pressure isn’t always on him.” Another Rochester fan Kelly McGee went on to say “with different calls by Vikings coach Brad Childress, the end results would have been different.” Not only is it Childress’ fault, McGee continued to say “on paper we have the better team, but we don’t show it.” Hopefully the Vikings turn themselves around and start winning again. Vikings fans can only hope for another chance for a spot at the Super Bowl XLV.

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