Lori Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-1) at BUFFALO BILLS (1-2) SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2006 – 1:00 PM EDT RALPH WILSON STADIUM, ORCHARD PARK, NY FOX: Ron Pitts, Terry Donahue DIRECTV NFL Sunday Ticket: Channel 708 / Channel 720 (HD) RADIO: Buffalo Bills Radio Network PLAY-BY-PLAY: John Murphy COLOR ANALYST: Mark Kelso SIDELINE REPORTER: Paul Peck Minnesota Vikings Radio Network PLAY-BY-PLAY: Paul Allen COLOR ANALYST: Joe Senser SIDELINE REPORTER: Greg Coleman Sirius Sunday Drive: Channel 146 (Buffalo feed) / Channel 158 (Minnesota feed) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ REGULAR-SEASON SERIES RECORD: Vikings lead, 7-3. Buffalo is 2-4 against Minnesota at Rich/Ralph Wilson Stadium, with their last home win in 1988. PLAYOFF RECORD: none LAST MEETING: September 15, 2002 – Bills 45, Vikings 39 (OT) In a wild game which featured six second-half lead changes and a last-second 54-yard Mike Hollis FG that bounced over the crossbar to force overtime, Peerless Price’s thirteenth catch of the day proved to be good luck for the Bills. Following Minnesota’s second straight three-and-out possession in the extra session, it only took Drew Bledsoe two plays to hook up with Price for the game-winning 48-yard touchdown strike. Bledsoe’s 463 passing yards broke Joe Ferguson’s single-game franchise record, while Price’s receptions and yardage (185) remain his career highs. Good thing the passing game was in high gear, because the rushing attack managed just 31 yards on 14 carries, led (?) by Travis Henry’s 12 attempts for 30 yards. Daunte Culpepper threw three touchdown passes in a losing cause but also fumbled four times, including one Ron Edwards fell on for a touchdown. Minnesota’s Doug Brien helped the Bills’ cause by missing a field goal and two extra points. Gary Anderson was signed two days later, and Brien never tried another FG attempt in a Vikings uniform. LAST TIME IN BUFFALO: August 31, 1997 – Vikings 34, Bills 13 Todd Collins looked all right for the first three quarters of the post-Jim Kelly era, and the score was a manageable 13-10 early in the fourth quarter. Then, Vikings RB Robert Smith took a handoff from Brad Johnson – yes, the same Brad Johnson returning to the Ralph this weekend – and didn’t stop running until he hit the end zone 78 yards later. A few plays later, linebacker Jeff Brady visited the same end zone courtesy of a fumbled snap, and the rout was officially on. Collins threw two interceptions trying to lead the Bills back into the game, Johnson tacked on his second touchdown pass of the day to Cris Carter, and the Opening Day crowd filed quietly out of the stadium. Smith finished with a staggering 169 yards on just 16 carries to lead the Vikings offense. Johnson’s numbers weren’t spectacular (17-30, 218 yards, 1 interception and 3 sacks to go with the two TD passes), but they didn’t need to be. For Buffalo, Collins ended up throwing 39 passes on the day, completing 25 for 299 yards and Jay Riemersma’s first touchdown catch. With his 142 yards on seven receptions, this week’s Wall of Fame honoree, Andre Reed, became just the eighth player in league history to amass 11,000 receiving yards. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ VIKINGS OVERVIEW (2006 RANKINGS) OFFENSE (#18 total yardage, #17 rushing, #15 passing, #t17 scoring): Last Sunday, we saw what an efficient, low-risk, offensive gameplan could do against the Bills defense. Get ready for more of the same, because Brad Johnson’s game-management skills (career 61.9% completion rate and 84.3 passer rating) have kept him in the league past his 38th birthday. (Think Jon Gruden is now wishing he hadn’t dumped Johnson in favor of the Brian Griese / Chris Simms tandem? Oopsie.) Johnson’s backup, Brooks Bollinger, was acquired from the Jets just before the season started. Rookie Tarvaris Jackson flashed potential during the preseason, but is currently sidelined with a knee injury. This week’s FootballOutsiders.com stat: Wide receiver Troy Williamson led the league in yards-after-catch last season, but caught fewer than 50% of the passes aimed his way. Travis Taylor lines up on the other side. Marcus Robinson, still working his way back from a hamstring injury (and inactive against Chicago even though he practiced during the week), has the only touchdown among the WR corps. Tight end Jermaine Wiggins has led the team in receptions each of the last two seasons and will probably continue to be Johnson’s primary safety valve; the other TE, Jim Kleinsasser, is more of a blocker who can also line up in the backfield. Minnesota revamped their running game in the offseason, jettisoning Michael Bennett and Moe Williams in favor of Chester Taylor (Ravens) and Pro Bowl FB Tony Richardson (Chiefs). It looks like the new coaching staff has abolished the traditional Vikings RB-by-committee system: Taylor leads the league in carries (75), while backup Mewelde Moore – last year’s leading rusher -- only has six attempts in the first three games. The team signed All-Pro left guard Steve Hutchinson (Seahawks) to a huge contract early in free agency; he lines up between center Matt Birk and LT Bryant McKinnie to give the Vikings an imposing left side of the offensive line. Interestingly, though, that hasn’t automatically translated to run-game success: Taylor’s 3.7 yards per attempt matches the lowest average of his career, and the team has only scored one rushing touchdown so far this season. Right guard Artis Hicks (Eagles) and tackle Marcus Johnson round out the front five. DEFENSE (#13 total yardage, #11 rushing, #14 passing, #t10 scoring): Old friend Pat Williams and his running mate at DT, former Pro Bowler Kevin Williams, anchor a Vikings defensive line giving up fewer than four yards/carry for the first time since 1999. The line took a significant hit last week, though, when Erasmus James joined fellow first-round pick LB Chad Greenway on IR with a knee injury. Darrion Scott moves into the starting lineup at left end, with former #1 pick Kenechi Udeze shifting to the right side. SLB Ben Leber (Chargers) was another addition in the Vikings’ aggressive free-agent push, replacing 2005 team sack leader Lance Johnstone. (Leber is questionable with a sprained left knee, though, and didn’t practice Wednesday.) Napoleon Harris (middle) and E.J. Henderson (weak) are the other linebackers. Another familiar face roams the secondary, where CB Antoine Winfield scored the first touchdown of his eight-year career last Sunday. That puts him one ahead of Fred Smoot, who talks a good game at the other corner. Head coach Brad Childress is trying to instill some badly-needed discipline in the Minnesota locker room; after an undisclosed transgression, Cedric Griffin started in Smoot’s place last week. SS Darren Sharper led the team in interceptions last year and has had a long and distinguished career, but Bills fans may best remember him as the guy who cleaned Lonnie Johnson’s clock on a fake punt in the 1997 Bills-Packers game. He teams with FS Dwight Smith (Saints), a veteran of defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin’s Tampa 2 system, to give the Vikings a steady back line. SPECIAL TEAMS: Seems like the Vikings have been searching for a kicker ever since the first time Gary Anderson retired. After several years of mediocre results, they lured longtime rival Ryan Longwell away from Green Bay on the first day of the free-agent signing period. So far, so good: Longwell is a perfect 8-8 from inside 50 yards, including two game-winning kicks. (Oh, and he also has a perfect 158.3 passer rating, thanks to the touchdown pass he tossed to backup TE Richard Owens on a fake field goal attempt against Carolina.) Punter Chris Kluwe is a big guy (6-4, 215) with a big leg, but a mediocre (35.9 yard) net average. Koren Robinson was originally slotted as the KR, before his latest bout of off-field stupidity landed him on the waiver wire (and eventually in Green Bay). Since then, Williamson has split return duties with backup RBs Moore and Artose Pinner, with average results. Moore also handles punt returns. The punt-cover team is vastly improved over last year’s squad, only giving up 6.4 yards per return so far this season. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OUTLOOK: Minnesota may be 2-1, but they’ve been living on the edge, depending on Ryan Longwell’s leg to eke out each of their wins. If the right side of the Bills defensive line can hold up against the Birk/Hutchinson/McKinnie combo, this is a winnable game for Buffalo. See you in Lot 1, and Go Bills. Links: NFL.com: injury report / Vikings depth chart / Vikings team stats / Bills depth chart / Bills team stats Ourlads.com: Bills depth chart / Vikings depth chart Official team website: Vikings.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JÂy RÛßeÒ Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 Gawd I hate watching games on Fox... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mile High Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 This isn't, in my eyes going to be a walk in the park. I really can't see the Bills pulling this one off. And if they do it's by 3 or less. Minnesota is definetly on the right track and they have a very dangerous rb now in Talylor with Richardson leading the way. If the Vikes don't get "pass happy" and keep it on the ground they win easy. Thanks Lori. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SDS Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 Bledsoe’s 463 passing yards broke Joe Ferguson’s single-game franchise record Who woulda thunk after all those "no-huddle" years that Fergy and Bledsoe are #1 and #2 in single game passing yards???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerball Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 Gawd I hate watching games on Fox... 788951[/snapback] Least they're sending the top team. Pitts & Donahue...yippy And lest I forget...Thank you Lori! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Gawd I hate watching games on Fox... 788951[/snapback] Wait, aren't you going to be at the game? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JÂy RÛßeÒ Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Wait, aren't you going to be at the game? 789677[/snapback] Yeah, but I record 'em too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori Posted September 29, 2006 Author Share Posted September 29, 2006 Yeah, but I record 'em too. 789681[/snapback] Ooh, that reminds me -- I don't get the Buffalo FOX affiliate, so if anyone can get me a copy of this game? DVD or tape, doesn't matter, much appreciated. (I'll be needing the Green Bay game, as well...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 CB Antoine Winfield scored the first touchdown of his eight-year career last Sunday. That puts him one ahead of Fred Smoot, nice............... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockpile Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Nice job, Lori. I do not know if people appreciate it how difficult it can be to put a "spin" on cold, dry facts to make a report like this FUN to read! One example: "Peerless Price’s thirteenth catch of the day proved to be good luck for the Bills." Great play on words! I am parking at Hammer's with Mrs. Rock and three rookies, but hope to stroll over to Pole 5. seeya! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oneonta Buffalo Fan Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-1) at BUFFALO BILLS (1-2)SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2006 – 1:00 PM EDT RALPH WILSON STADIUM, ORCHARD PARK, NY FOX: Ron Pitts, Terry Donahue DIRECTV NFL Sunday Ticket: Channel 708 / Channel 720 (HD) RADIO: Buffalo Bills Radio Network PLAY-BY-PLAY: John Murphy COLOR ANALYST: Mark Kelso SIDELINE REPORTER: Paul Peck Minnesota Vikings Radio Network PLAY-BY-PLAY: Paul Allen COLOR ANALYST: Joe Senser SIDELINE REPORTER: Greg Coleman Sirius Sunday Drive: Channel 146 (Buffalo feed) / Channel 158 (Minnesota feed) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ REGULAR-SEASON SERIES RECORD: Vikings lead, 7-3. Buffalo is 2-4 against Minnesota at Rich/Ralph Wilson Stadium, with their last home win in 1988. PLAYOFF RECORD: none LAST MEETING: September 15, 2002 – Bills 45, Vikings 39 (OT) In a wild game which featured six second-half lead changes and a last-second 54-yard Mike Hollis FG that bounced over the crossbar to force overtime, Peerless Price’s thirteenth catch of the day proved to be good luck for the Bills. Following Minnesota’s second straight three-and-out possession in the extra session, it only took Drew Bledsoe two plays to hook up with Price for the game-winning 48-yard touchdown strike. Bledsoe’s 463 passing yards broke Joe Ferguson’s single-game franchise record, while Price’s receptions and yardage (185) remain his career highs. Good thing the passing game was in high gear, because the rushing attack managed just 31 yards on 14 carries, led (?) by Travis Henry’s 12 attempts for 30 yards. Daunte Culpepper threw three touchdown passes in a losing cause but also fumbled four times, including one Ron Edwards fell on for a touchdown. Minnesota’s Doug Brien helped the Bills’ cause by missing a field goal and two extra points. Gary Anderson was signed two days later, and Brien never tried another FG attempt in a Vikings uniform. LAST TIME IN BUFFALO: August 31, 1997 – Vikings 34, Bills 13 Todd Collins looked all right for the first three quarters of the post-Jim Kelly era, and the score was a manageable 13-10 early in the fourth quarter. Then, Vikings RB Robert Smith took a handoff from Brad Johnson – yes, the same Brad Johnson returning to the Ralph this weekend – and didn’t stop running until he hit the end zone 78 yards later. A few plays later, linebacker Jeff Brady visited the same end zone courtesy of a fumbled snap, and the rout was officially on. Collins threw two interceptions trying to lead the Bills back into the game, Johnson tacked on his second touchdown pass of the day to Cris Carter, and the Opening Day crowd filed quietly out of the stadium. Smith finished with a staggering 169 yards on just 16 carries to lead the Vikings offense. Johnson’s numbers weren’t spectacular (17-30, 218 yards, 1 interception and 3 sacks to go with the two TD passes), but they didn’t need to be. For Buffalo, Collins ended up throwing 39 passes on the day, completing 25 for 299 yards and Jay Riemersma’s first touchdown catch. With his 142 yards on seven receptions, this week’s Wall of Fame honoree, Andre Reed, became just the eighth player in league history to amass 11,000 receiving yards. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ VIKINGS OVERVIEW (2006 RANKINGS) OFFENSE (#18 total yardage, #17 rushing, #15 passing, #t17 scoring): Last Sunday, we saw what an efficient, low-risk, offensive gameplan could do against the Bills defense. Get ready for more of the same, because Brad Johnson’s game-management skills (career 61.9% completion rate and 84.3 passer rating) have kept him in the league past his 38th birthday. (Think Jon Gruden is now wishing he hadn’t dumped Johnson in favor of the Brian Griese / Chris Simms tandem? Oopsie.) Johnson’s backup, Brooks Bollinger, was acquired from the Jets just before the season started. Rookie Tarvaris Jackson flashed potential during the preseason, but is currently sidelined with a knee injury. This week’s FootballOutsiders.com stat: Wide receiver Troy Williamson led the league in yards-after-catch last season, but caught fewer than 50% of the passes aimed his way. Travis Taylor lines up on the other side. Marcus Robinson, still working his way back from a hamstring injury (and inactive against Chicago even though he practiced during the week), has the only touchdown among the WR corps. Tight end Jermaine Wiggins has led the team in receptions each of the last two seasons and will probably continue to be Johnson’s primary safety valve; the other TE, Jim Kleinsasser, is more of a blocker who can also line up in the backfield. Minnesota revamped their running game in the offseason, jettisoning Michael Bennett and Moe Williams in favor of Chester Taylor (Ravens) and Pro Bowl FB Tony Richardson (Chiefs). It looks like the new coaching staff has abolished the traditional Vikings RB-by-committee system: Taylor leads the league in carries (75), while backup Mewelde Moore – last year’s leading rusher -- only has six attempts in the first three games. The team signed All-Pro left guard Steve Hutchinson (Seahawks) to a huge contract early in free agency; he lines up between center Matt Birk and LT Bryant McKinnie to give the Vikings an imposing left side of the offensive line. Interestingly, though, that hasn’t automatically translated to run-game success: Taylor’s 3.7 yards per attempt matches the lowest average of his career, and the team has only scored one rushing touchdown so far this season. Right guard Artis Hicks (Eagles) and tackle Marcus Johnson round out the front five. DEFENSE (#13 total yardage, #11 rushing, #14 passing, #t10 scoring): Old friend Pat Williams and his running mate at DT, former Pro Bowler Kevin Williams, anchor a Vikings defensive line giving up fewer than four yards/carry for the first time since 1999. The line took a significant hit last week, though, when Erasmus James joined fellow first-round pick LB Chad Greenway on IR with a knee injury. Darrion Scott moves into the starting lineup at left end, with former #1 pick Kenechi Udeze shifting to the right side. SLB Ben Leber (Chargers) was another addition in the Vikings’ aggressive free-agent push, replacing 2005 team sack leader Lance Johnstone. (Leber is questionable with a sprained left knee, though, and didn’t practice Wednesday.) Napoleon Harris (middle) and E.J. Henderson (weak) are the other linebackers. Another familiar face roams the secondary, where CB Antoine Winfield scored the first touchdown of his eight-year career last Sunday. That puts him one ahead of Fred Smoot, who talks a good game at the other corner. Head coach Brad Childress is trying to instill some badly-needed discipline in the Minnesota locker room; after an undisclosed transgression, Cedric Griffin started in Smoot’s place last week. SS Darren Sharper led the team in interceptions last year and has had a long and distinguished career, but Bills fans may best remember him as the guy who cleaned Lonnie Johnson’s clock on a fake punt in the 1997 Bills-Packers game. He teams with FS Dwight Smith (Saints), a veteran of defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin’s Tampa 2 system, to give the Vikings a steady back line. SPECIAL TEAMS: Seems like the Vikings have been searching for a kicker ever since the first time Gary Anderson retired. After several years of mediocre results, they lured longtime rival Ryan Longwell away from Green Bay on the first day of the free-agent signing period. So far, so good: Longwell is a perfect 8-8 from inside 50 yards, including two game-winning kicks. (Oh, and he also has a perfect 158.3 passer rating, thanks to the touchdown pass he tossed to backup TE Richard Owens on a fake field goal attempt against Carolina.) Punter Chris Kluwe is a big guy (6-4, 215) with a big leg, but a mediocre (35.9 yard) net average. Koren Robinson was originally slotted as the KR, before his latest bout of off-field stupidity landed him on the waiver wire (and eventually in Green Bay). Since then, Williamson has split return duties with backup RBs Moore and Artose Pinner, with average results. Moore also handles punt returns. The punt-cover team is vastly improved over last year’s squad, only giving up 6.4 yards per return so far this season. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OUTLOOK: Minnesota may be 2-1, but they’ve been living on the edge, depending on Ryan Longwell’s leg to eke out each of their wins. If the right side of the Bills defensive line can hold up against the Birk/Hutchinson/McKinnie combo, this is a winnable game for Buffalo. See you in Lot 1, and Go Bills. Links: NFL.com: injury report / Vikings depth chart / Vikings team stats / Bills depth chart / Bills team stats Ourlads.com: Bills depth chart / Vikings depth chart Official team website: Vikings.com 788932[/snapback] INFORMATION!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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