“Berrian and Wade got open more than they did in any of the first five games, enough to give Gus Frerotte – who went 18-for-33 with one interception – 296 yards passing. That’s the highest total by a quarterback in 38 games since Childress took over.”

296 yards passing in one game is the highest total by a Vikings QB since Childress took over.

There are teams in this sport that pass for more than 300 almost every week.

Just saying…

But to be sure, WHAT a performance from our defense. I haven’t peaked at the stat line yet, but something like 5 sacks and constant pressure was exactly the cure for what ails us on D. I don’t think that Smith run was worth anything but a missed tackle. We have our D to thank for that win.

If the offense could play with an ounce as much intensity as I see from the D every single play…wow…we would certainly reach the high expectations everyone has for this team.

What a shame, however, if the offense wastes what could very well be a Hall-of-Fame type lineup on the other side of the ball. Did you see Kevin Williams?!? Oh my gosh, he was on another level yesterday. He exists in a different realm.

I need to see AD get that look in his eyes too. THEN we’d see them reel off some convincing wins. Starting next week against those damn Bears.

But your right, if we played anyone but the Lions this week…I’m not sure the superstar D we have would have been enough.

We gave up FIVE sacks to one of the worst defenses in the league.
We outscored Detroit by 2 measly points (although we were favored to win by 14+ points).
Peterson fumbled 3 times, twice in the red zone, twice recovered by Detroit. Not good at all.
If Longwell hadn’t made the winning FG, we would’ve LOST to the Detroit (frickin) Lions!
Also safe to assume if Longwell had missed that FG, Childress would be trying out kickers this week…
The Vikings failed to score on their first 8 drives of the game. Unacceptable and unbelievable.

The (few) positives:

Kevin Williams recorded 4 sacks…by…him…self. He deserves the “Antoine Winfield Defensive Terrorizer of the Week” trophy, in my opinion.
Jared Allen also recorded 1 sack (about time!) and also made the difference while pursuing Orlovsky, forcing him to commit a safety, almost unknowingly (hilariously).
Berrian is finally being put to good use, making plays, running like the wind.
Frerotte threw for 301 yds (although finished with 296 yds for the day). Those are Jay Cutler numbers (which is good – or good enough at least).

A few extra observations.
The Vikings need to start utilizing the passing game much more, now that Frerotte has proven he can throw the ball safely to players on his own team. Frerotte has also proven that he can take some pretty severe punishment, and remain intact – which is important because it shows that he can be a consistent leader with alot of toughness – something a certain other Vikings QB lacks.
I also think if the Vikings can be more consistent on at least trying some more 4WR or even some 5WR formations, they could really mess with the opposing teams’ gameplan. It seems fairly obvious that opposing teams are basing their game plans around stopping Adrian Peterson, containing the run, and just defending a shorter field (because “the Vikings cannot throw the ball” – I’ve heard it a million times from just about every Packer fan).
So.
Why not stretch an opposing defense with a good 4WR formation on a second down (when they fully expect a nice, safe, run play)?
This is why I have a general problem with Childress. His play calling is too predictable, and he’s not utilizing the talent that the Vikings have. Instead he’s playing it safe, handing the ball to Adrian, throwing a TE slant in there once in a while, and calling it good enough to get into FG range.
It’s enough to drive a Vikings fan crazy!
Additionally: Brad Childress’s (ESPN) approval rating is currently 15%.
Source: http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfl/sportsnation/coach?coachId=52