Minnesota Vikings At Bills: A Homer’s Take On The Game

On Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings suffered a 17-16 road loss to the Buffalo Bills.  This brings the Vikings to a 2-5 record on the season. While many fans are in full panic mode, there are always those who stay positive and have plenty of reasons for the outcome of the game.  Those fans can find nothing wrong with their team and pretend like their faults don’t exist.

Those fans are called homers.

Here are 5 homer observations from the Minnesota Vikings defeat in Buffalo on Sunday:

Oct 19, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end

(97) sacks Buffalo Bills quarterback

(18) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Vikings 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings pass rush looked like they have returned for form.  The team got to the Kyle Orton 6 times on the night.  Most notably, defensive end Everson Griffen notched 3 sacks in the game and helped to silence some of his critics for a moment.  When the Minnesota Vikings weren’t taking Orton to the ground, they got significant pressure on him, significantly helping the team’s pass defense.

Oct 19, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback

(5) throws a pass during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Teddy Bridgewater threw his first regular season touchdown pass.  Bridgewater connected on a 4 yard touchdown pass to Cordarrelle Patterson for his first NFL touchdown.  Sadly, this touchdown comes after several interceptions that were from tipped balls, deflections, and bad decisions.  However, this will hopefully calm the rookie’s nerves and take some of the pressure off him.  These two players could be the new face of the Minnesota Vikings offense.

Oct 19, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver

(14) catches the game tying touchdown during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beats Minnesota 17 to 16. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings losses are to good teams.  They have lost to New England, New Orleans, Green Bay, Detroit, and Buffalo.  Those teams combine for a record of 21-13.  The only loss to a team with a losing record was the New Orleans Saints, who are a much better team than their record shows.  The Buffalo Bills and the Detroit Lions have two of the top defenses in the NFL, especially against the run (which is the strength of the Minnesota Vikings.

Oct 19, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Minnesota Vikings free safety

(22) strips the ball from Buffalo Bills wide receiver

(10) and causes a fumble as outside linebacker

(55) assists on the tackle during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Barr looks to be a stud in the making.  Several players had a lights out game on Sunday, but Anthony Barr completely stood out.  Barr finished the day with 10 total tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defensed.  For a player that was supposed to be a raw talent that needed time to develop, Barr is playing like an absolute stud right now, giving a lot of hope for the young linebacker’s NFL future.

What are some of your other “homer” observations?   Do you think these ones are totally off base or is there actually some truth to them?  Make sure to discuss that in the comments below.