I'm sure some Vikings players could empathize with the Jaguars on Sunday. They've played poorly and gift-wrapped a game to other teams.
It's not that the Vikings did that much. Gus Frerotte had a poor game. Minnesota rushed for only 122 yards, which isn't that much.
But Jacksonville made mistake after mistake. They had three fumbles and tossed two interceptions. Gave up four sacks. Committed eight penalties.
The turnovers were decisive. The Vikings were up 14-0 early, with a fumble on a botched snap the first screwup. Napoleon Harris returned the fumble for a TD.
The Vikings offense didn't do much but it didn't have to. The defense was stifling and the Jaguars got into the holiday spirit a month before Christmas.
This was very close to a must-win for the Vikings. Chicago won, and Green Bay is favored to win the division after a lopside win over the Bears last week.
The Vikings may be without Kevin Williams and Pat Williams for four weeks (for apparently using a banned diuretic). We'll see. If it happens, it would be a huge loss.
The Vikes have a daunting schedule. They play at Arizona and the Giants at home, as well as at Detroit, at home vs. the Bears and Falcons at home. That means five of the six teams they play have winning records, with the Giants probably the best team in the league and Arizona a division leader. It will be tough to win -- but Minnesota took a big step with today's victory.
The Vikings play the Bears next Sunday night.
Adrian Peterson had an OK day, rushing 17 times for 80 yards and a touchdown.
Keywords: Adrian Peterson, Gus Frerotte, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings
