Vikings vs Packers 2 - GMG In The Raw! - a podcast by SB Nation

  Vikings vs Packers… Good morning Horners! Let us make it good after the Vikings disappointed their fans yet another time when it counts. Hey, but that is the story of being a Vikings fan, right? Ted, Drew and Dave discussed the loss in an alcohol fueled and emotional way. The defense came out and generated turnovers but flat got worn out by being on the field almost 2/3rds of the game. Why, because the Vikings offense was pensive and played ‘scared’ only producing 7 total first downs, the lowest total at home since 1971.

 Drew and Ted get into the lack of perceived play calling adjustment, especially when the offensive line was getting beat with Riley Reiff looking the part of an old mediocre tackle and no help for Pat Elflein, or Garrett Bradbury who had bad games against a good defensive front, especially with Za'Darius Smith wreaking havoc from the LB position. Kirk Cousins with the narrative of 0-8 on Monday nights didn’t do himself any favors to dispel that stereotype looking unsure, immobile and tentative. Ted and Drew wondered, with the possibility of winning the division, not having the team ready and firing on all cylinders for big games like this, should this loss be put on the coaching staff and Mike Zimmer in particular because he is the boss? It is a valid question. Has Mike Zimmer reached his ceiling? Has Kirk Cousins reached his? Is the team as constructed, salary cap allocated, front office and coaching staff maxed out their potential with a squad that makes the playoffs 50% of the time but never wins the big one? That is the history of this regime and that of the Vikings. In 59 years, the Vikings have made the playoffs 30 times but have never won the big one. Who knows, maybe this team catches those perfect breaks, turns it around creating their own fortune, and road warriors it through the playoffs to ultimate glory, but do you believe that?

 With the Vikings loss, the first in US Bank stadium this year, they have locked themselves into the 6th seed of the playoffs. Week 17 against the Chicago Bears has no bearing on them. Do they continue to rest injured players like Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison, and then maybe sit more that look hurt or not 100% like Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs who took a shot to his quad, and Eric Kendricks who went out with a quad injury, plus any other starter that was bruised or banged up? Or… As Ted suggests, the team needs to go all out to get the victory and try to right themselves mentally before the Wild Card game? What do you think?

 As fans we tend to take losses like this hard, but remember it is the holidays and we celebrate with them family and friends. Take time away from the angst to do just that. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanza, and Happy Holidays from Ted, Drew and Dave.

 Like, subscribe, and rate us on your favorite podcast aggregator. Share with your Vikings and other friends too. Then shout SKOL! 
 
 As always, enjoy the watch and listen! GO VIKINGS!
You can follow GMG hosts Dave at @Luft_Krigare and Ted at @purplebuckeye. Unfortunately, Drew is behind the power curve and doesn’t have a Twitter handle… yet.
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