Called It

Well, who was right about Favre’s ankle? That’d be me. It definitely was a disruptive force in favor of the Saints this game.

First of all, I think the Vikings had the right idea in this game. Lean on Adrian Peterson (who played well) and let Favre do minimal throwing. However, the only reason that it didn’t really work is because Favre was just so off their offense had no chance of being effective this game. There were throws he was making that reminded me of Gus Frerotte tossing the rock for the Vikings. Sometimes, I was thinking maybe Tavaris Jackson could have been a better option at QB today. It’s just hard to throw accurately when you can’t plant your feet that well. That’s something that Favre did struggle with. You’d see him throwing off of his back foot a lot. That’s not good form.

Second of all, where the hell was the Saints scoring this game? I counted on Brett Favre losing it for the Vikes, but I really expected the Saints to put up more points than a measly 14. They did well moving the ball, though. You really can’t fault their offense entirely. They did what needed to be done, especially putting themselves up seven points on the opening drive. The real goat here was Garrett Hartley, the Saints’ beleagured kicker. The guy couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn today. If they hope to be able to repeat a Super Bowl run, they’re going to need some clutch kicks from time and time. I have serious doubts as to whether or not this kid can deliver.

Vikings Pick Advice: I’d stay away from picking the Vikings at this point unless they’re playing a team with a low-ranked rush defense. Adrian Peterson is going to be what wins them games. That, their defense and a Brett Favre that doesn’t turn the ball over. That last part is what worries me.

Saints Pick Advice: They definitely looked a little shaky today, and defensive wins normally aren’t their style. They’re going to need to get better at capitalizing on their opportunities. I still think they’re pick-worthy, but you could definitely go against them when it’s a tougher opponent.