My quick takes without having had a chance to go back and review the tape:
AWESOME
Adrian Peterson. Again. 145 yards from 28 carries and one touchdown, five receptions for 41 yards; that equals 189 yards from scrimmage.
Erin Henderson played well in place of the injured Ben Leber, coming up with the fumble that lead to a touchdown.
Toby Gerhart. See. This is what I was talking about! Adrian Peterson rips off a punishing 23 yard gain and then goes to the sideline for some oxygen. In comes Toby and he rips off a punishing seven yard run; takes it a second time for six yards. In comes Peterson for a 12 yard run. Five yard pass to Gerhart.
No rest for you, Dolphins!
BRUTAL
Phil Loadholt. Phil Loadholt. Phil Loadholt. This guy’s Bryant McKinnie all over again. And I mean that in the worst possible way.
Could Loadholt be any more susceptible to speed rusher??
He was single-handedly responsible for one Dolphins touchdown, numerous hits on Favre and plenty of hurries.
The defensive Line was absolutely handled during the first half.
MEH
Bernard Berrian disappeared again. Two catches for 24 yards, at least one drop, another muffed punt, failed to fight for the under-thrown long ball and appeared to have a communication breakdown with Favre on the interception in the end zone.
If this game wasn’t an argument for the signing of Vincent Jackson, I don’t know what is. Brett Favre need a receiver he’s confident can go up and take the ball away from a defender and at 6’1″, 185 lbs., Berrian is decidedly not that.
He doesn’t have the bulk to consistently bust up a jam at the line, run routes without getting redirected, and muscle the ball away from defenders. He doesn’t appear to be able to blow by defenders, either.
Toss in the fact that he’s a tentative punt returner.
The guy looks like he’s lost confidence.
So what do you do with him?
More importantly, what do the Vikings do with a passing game that lacks a number one receiver?
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