The Vikings schedule starts off with two lackluster opponents: Jacksonville and Indianapolis. These first two weeks will be a good time, however, for the Vikings to see if they can put themselves above the lower tier of the NFL.

Then, on September 23, they face a tough San Francisco team in Minnesota. If the Vikings can win their first two games, the 49ers game will be a good test for Ponder to see if he is ready to move to the next level of quarterback play. Make sure you buy your Vikings tickets for this game and show your support for the team.

Things don’t get easier when the Vikings travel to Detroit on September 30th. Detroit has a young and potent offense, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson. The Silverdome is a difficult place to play, and it will be a proving ground for Minnesota’s young quarterback.

The Vikings then face another stretch of teams that are in the lower half of the league’s talent. If the Vikings can play well against this lesser competition, they may very well have a decent year in 2012-2013. Due to their poor performance in 2011-2012, their schedule is conducive to an improvement in performance this season.

The latter of half of the Vikings’ season get much more difficult, though. They travel to Chicago on November 25th. This is a tough rivalry, but going to Chicago in late November makes it even more difficult, especially for a dome team like Minnesota. If you buy Vikings tickets for this game, make sure you pack for cold weather.

The Vikings then go to Lambeau Field to take on Green Bay. Surprisingly, the Vikings played the Packers very tough in their first meeting in 2011. The second meeting was a 45-7 rout by Green Bay, however. The Vikings will look to avenge that loss in a difficult environment in Green Bay.

After another game against Chicago, the Vikings travel to St. Louis to take on the Rams. Then, they head to Houston to battle a very tough Texans team. The Texans are playing with Super Bowl aspirations in 2012-2013 and the Vikings will have to play their best game to knock them off in late December.

The Vikings’ season wraps up against the Packers again on December 30th at home. Be sure to buy Viking tickets early for this match because the Packers always put up a good fight! Although the Vikings’ season has a difficult end to it, they have stretches of manageable competition at other times. If Ponder plays well, the Vikes may be able to significantly improve on their 2011-2012 record.

2012-2013 Minnesota Vikings schedule

September 9 – Vikings vs. Jaguars

September 16 – Vikings vs. Colts

September 23 – Vikings vs. 49ers

September 30 – Vikings vs. Lions

October 7 – Vikings vs. Titans

October 14 – Vikings vs. Redskins

October 21 – Vikings vs. Cardinals

October 25 – Vikings vs. Buccaneers

November 4 – Vikings vs. Seahawks

November 11 – Vikings vs. Lions

Bye

November 25 – Vikings vs. Bears

December 2 – Vikings vs. Packers

December 9 – Vikings vs. Bears

December 16 – Vikings vs. Rams

December 23 – Vikings vs. Texans

December 30 – Vikings vs. Packers

The game did prove that going to a Saints game can show lively entertainment as both teams show strong performances. The first period saw an exchange of touch downs and ended with the score tied at 7-7.In fact the Viking had scored earlier, but the touchdown was reversed with a challenge.

The second period opened with the Vikings scoring early, but the Green Bay were not to be outdone and replied with 39-yard field-goal. With the score now at 14-10 in favor of the Vikings, Minnesota was able to add to their lead when  Ryan Longwell kicked a 52-yard field goal after the Vikings led by Christian Ponder had moved 46 yards down the field. However the Packers were able to rally late in the quarter and scored a field goal, after quarterback Aaron Rogers engineered a 53 yard drive in 7 plays that consumed just 55 seconds of playing time. The first half ended with Vikings leading at 17-13.

The second half begun with the Packers taking control and scoring a touchdown in the first 2 plays, on a 79-yard play from Rogers to G. Jennings within the first minute. On their next possession, the Packers scored again, with Aaron Rogers throwing to J. Finley for 2 -yard touchdown reception. After 5 play the Vikings were intercepted on their next possession on which the Packer were able to capitalize, by scoring a field goal from 24 yards out.The period ended with Green Bay in control, leading 33-17 as the Vikings were not able to advance and were again intercepted. The Packers were again able to capitalize on the interception by turning it into a field goal.

With the Packers now in control, the final quarter saw some impressive play from the Vikings, who were able to score 10 unanswered points, with passing from rookie quarterback Christian Ponder. This would be his first game as a starter and kicker Ryan Long well also had impressive game with a 69 yard field goal, but it came a little too late as the Green Packers were able to hold on for the win.

Perhaps one of the more memorable performance was that of Green Packers quarterback, Aaron Rogers who completed 80% of his 30 attempts for a total of 335 yards, including three touchdowns. An impressive  performance also came from receiver Greg Jennings, who had seven catches for 147 yards.

The Vikings rookie quarterback kept the Minnesota in the game, despite being intercepted twice, and looked aggressive after completing a 71-yard pass on his first snap. Running back Adrian Peterson , also played well despite the loss, rushing for 175 yards on 24 carries. Green Bay runner, James Starks, literally put the game away, with two big runs in the final minutes of the game and finished with 75 yards on just 13 carries. An important note, was the franchise record 58 yard field goal by Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby, which was among the four that he scored. All in all, the Vikings really have to step up their game. Purchase your Viking tickets now to cheer them towards their next victory.

We have all heard people use the expression of “history repeating itself,” and unfortunately for Minnesota Vikings, this once again proved to be the case.  After taking a three point lead in the third quarter from a Ryan Longwell field-goal,  the Vikings once again displayed their inadequacy to play competitively in the late minutes of a football game.  This weakness would result in Minnesota’s first season since 2002 where they find themselves without a single victory four weeks into the season.  On the other side of the football, the “Ryan Succop field-goal,” would prove to be a familiar theme throughout the game, Including a 54-yard field-goal in the third quarter – Succop’s career longest.  Just as well for Succop, his five total field-goals would tie Jan Stenerud and Nick Lowery for the Chief’s single-game field-goal record.  Succop struck first in the game, with a 40 yard field-goal in the first quarter.

The Vikings responded quickly, with 34-yard strike from Donovan McNabb to wide receiver Devin Aromashodu to put the Vikings on top 7-3.  The only scores produced during the second quarter, were the products of two additional Succop field-goals; one from 24 yards, the other from 51 yards.

After the halftime break, Longwell would put the Vikings on top, 10-9 with a 31-yard kick, however the Chiefs would not look back from this point forward. They responded with two field-goals of their own before the close of the third quarter, and would tack on seven more points to the scoreboard with a touchdown resulting from a 52-yard pass from Matt Cassel to Dwayne Bowie in the fourth quarter.

Minnesota was the last team to score in the game with another McNabb touchdown – too little, too late.  Before the game, Kansas City was the team feeling the pressure. Their opening game loss to the Buffalo Bills was not a flattering showing.  Post-game, it’s fair to say that the pressure has shifted to rest squarely on the shoulders of Minnesota’s head coach, Leslie Frazier, who was looking to answer questions from doubters in this game, but only succeeded in raising additional ones.  For a moment, it looked as if the Vikings were set to build upon their 7-3 lead in the first quarter, but this never materialized.  A very familiar theme for the followers of the Minnesota Vikings.  They seem to burst with energy at one point in the game, only to fall flat on their faces at the very next moment.  If the Vikings, and Frazier, hope to silence critics (and quite possibly salvage their season), they had better find a way to fix this issue – and fast! Otherwise, no one will be interested in buying Vikings tickets this season.

The Minnesota Vikings were hoping they would be able to get Antoine Winfield back for the match up vs. the Chicago Bears game, after he missed last week with a neck injury.  Winfield is the Vikings best corner, and the defense has missed his presence.  He has not participated in practice all week, but he was seen doing some running on the sidelines, so hopefully he is getting better.  Winfield is officially listed as doubtful for game day. I was not hoping for this because I had already bought my Vikings tickets for this game.

The Vikings look to take advantage of the weak play of the Chicago Bears offensive line, and they’ll need Jared Allen to really get after Jay Cutler.  Fortunately the eye injury Allen suffered last week has not limited him in practice, and he is expected to play.  He is listed as probable for Sunday night’s game.

The Vikings continue to be cautious in practice with E. J. Henderson’s knee, but he is listed as probable and continue to be part of the strong linebacker play.  Henderson’s 30 tackles are second on the team to Greenway’s 33.  The Vikings already placed Jasper Brinkley on injured reserve this off season, and can’t afford to lose another linebacker to injury.  Henderson was limited in practice but is expected to play.

Husain Abdullah continues to nurse a pelvis injury he has had most of the season.  He has played with the injury and all signs point to the starting safety playing again in this weeks match up vs the Bears.

Percy arvin is listed as questionable on the injury report. He was limited in practice on Tuesday, did not participate on Wednesday, and was again limited in practice on Friday.  Harvin re-aggravated a rib injury in last weeks game vs. the Cardinals, but x-rays were negative.  Coach Frazier said he expects Percy to play this week, so that is a good sign he’ll suit up for game day.

Vikings Player Injuries Report

Officially Listed As Out:

None

Listed as Doubtful:

(CB) Antoine Winfield (neck)

Listed as Questionable:

(WR) Percy Harvin (ribs)

Listed as Probable:

(DE) Jared Allen (eye)

(FS) Husain Abdullah (pelvis)

(LB) E. J. Henderson (knee)

(LB) Kenny Onatolu (hamstring)

Players placed on injured reserve:

Linebacker Jasper Brinkley, 26, was the Vikings fifth round draft pick from South Carolina in 2009.  He started in place of an injured E. J. Henderson in four games during his rookie season.  His biggest role has been as a special teams player. He injured his hip in the 2010 season and The Vikings player was placed on injured reserve in September, after he had season-ending surgery.  His placement on the IR has left the Vikings shallow at the linebacker position. Overall, its not looking good if you already bought your Minnesota Vikings tickets for future games.

The Metrodome first opened for business on April 3, 1982 just in time for the Minnesota twins to begin the 1982 Major League Baseball season. This stadium was built on the concept to be a utilitarian sports facility. That means it was designed to host a variety of sporting events. Over the years the Metrodome was home of the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB), Minnesota Vikings of the NFL, the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers baseball & football teams, Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association and the Minnesota Strikers of the North Amercian Soccer League. The Metrodome is the only sports facility in the world to host a Super Bowl (1992), MLB All-Star game (1985), NCAA Final Four (1992, 2001) and a World Series (1987, 1991).

Today the Metrodome is the home to only one team and that is the Minnesota Vikings. This domed stadium has one rather unique characteristic that is a fiberglass fabric roof which is support by air pressure. This roof concept was a popular engineering concept 30 years ago however today’s modern stadiums now have a retractable roof design.

This white fiberglass roof has been very controversial throughout the life of the Metrodome. When the Minnesota Twins played in the Metrodome their opponents would constantly complain how the baseball was nearly impossible to see during a pop fly against the white roof. This made the Metrodome one of the toughest places for a road team to get a win. The roof controversy does not end there as this white fiberglass fabric roof is prone to severe weather damage. Heavy snow accumulation has cause the roof to tear and collapse on 3 separate occasions. The most severe was just back in December 2010 when a blizzard caused the roof to collapse and fully deflate forcing the Vikings to play the remainder of their home games at nearby university of Minnesota’s TCF Bank Stadium.

Over the years the Metrodome has gone through many renovations. The playing field has seen many artificial turf changes from the initial SuperTurf to the present highly advanced synthetic turf. Concession stands have been upgraded and now include a wide range of foods and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Throughout this facility you will now find ATM’s, restroom facilities with changing stations and first aid stations.

One of the greatest advantages for the home team playing at the Metrodome is that is gets really loud. Out of all 32 NFL stadiums this facility is commonly ranked within the top 5 loudest stadiums. Help give the Vikings the advantage by purchasing your Vikings tickets today to their next home game. Presently the seating capacity is rather small seating just over 64,000, this rank 27th in the league. The Metrodome is centrally located right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Although there is great interest in building a new state of the art stadium to replace the Metrodome, for now this is the home of the Minnesota Vikings.

Though the Buccaneers were trailing by an astounding 17-0 by halftime, they apparently were not finished yet. You see, Tampa Bay quarterback, Josh Freeman’s 14 career victories came while the Bucs overtook their leading opponent in either the final quarter or overtime.  He was able to connect with Arrelious Benn for a 25-yard touchdown, right over-top of top Viking’s defender Cedric Griffin, with just 6:39 left in the game to slash Minnesota’s once authoritative lead to only three points.

After failing to follow-through at the end of their tightly contested match the previous week, versus the Detroit Lions, the motto “carpe-diem,” could appropriately be used to describe how the Bucs responded to adversity, and the opportunity for redemption.  After the Buccaneers first touchdown of the game, they attempted something that most teams try at the end of a game – an onside kick (with success).  However, on the ensuing drive, a pass intended for Kellen Winslow in the end-zone was intercepted by Vikings defensive back, Husain Abdullah (who returned the interception for 32 yards).  This was one of the critical and momentum-killing mistakes committed by the Bucs – the other mistake came from an illegal shift penalty, which wiped out a beautiful touchdown catch in the corner of the end-zone by Mike Williams.  They would instead settle for a 36-yard field goal from kicker Connor Barth to bring the score to 17-10 with :29 seconds left to play in the third quarter.

The Vikings responded by being the first to put points on the board in the game-deciding fourth quarter of play with a field-goal of their own from 29-yards out, off of the foot of Ryan Longwell.  It would be the last time in the game the Viking’s would score.  With just 6:39 seconds of play left in the game, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers capped a triumphant 80-yard drive with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Arrelious Benn, thrown by their team leading quarterback, Josh Freeman.  The Buccaneers would prove their capacity for comebacks with a 60-yard, game-winning, touchdown-producing drive, that would send the wounded Vikings (and equally wounded home audience) off of the field in bitter yet familiar agony.  The final score read, Buccaneers, 24, Vikings, 20.  “Wow. You’re not supposed to give away a game like that,” said Adrian Peterson after the game.  Minnesota’s tendency toward choking, and Tampa’s tendency for comebacks sure made for one entertaining ball game, but the Vikings had better find a way to win or Vikings tickets sales will continue to drop.

The Vikings ran the ball quite effectively in the first half and second half of the game. A momentum killing decision was made to use two Wildcat formation. After this decision was made, it became very easy for the Chargers defense to shut down Peterson’s offensive. As the Chargers gained momentum, their quarter back Philip Rivers had the opening he had been waiting for, throwing a decisive 19-yard touchdown pass to fullback Mike Tolbert, which granted an important first game victory for  San Diego Chargers

Donovan McNabb was under high pressure all game long, a lot of his passes got intercepted by the Chargers defense. He failed to defend the line and tried to advance by himself twice. The offensive men, Johnson and  Phil Loadholt had a shaky performance due to team-play  misunderstandings and poor game-play of Vikings. But there is nothing to fear yet: given all new  players, new coaches and new offense, it will take some time for the offensive line to come together as a good formed unit.

In the first  quarter, the Vikings outclassed Chargers in game play. They scored fast in 14:45 by Percy Harvin’s 103 Yd kickoff return(amazing kick from Ryan Longwell) . However, at 11:38  Mike Tolbert scored amazingly, Philip Rivers being the man behind the pass.

The second quarter brings together a more unite Viking team, scoring twice at 12:56 through Ryan Longwell (3 points) and at  09:44, starring Michael Jenkins.

In the third and forth quarters, the Chargers took advantage of the poor Vikings defense by penetrating line 3 times. At 10:43(3′rd quarter), Mike Tolbert 7 Yd Run brings 7 important points for Chargers. In the last quarter, Minnesota Vikings are outclassed by an impressive attack formation: Mike Scifres and Mike Tolbert bring 10 points and Chargers win by 7 point difference.

The two passing leaders: McNabb and Rivers both tried their best, but Rivers did a much better job. Why the game collapsed in the third half? Low morale? Ineffective leadership. I think it was both of them. It’s interesting to observe that in the first quarter, the Vikings had an 07:34 ball possession and the competitors only 03:27. In the second and third quarter it was almost equal. The fourth one bring Chargers in advantage, with 08:46 to 3:20. It was obvious they had more chance to score by succession to have ball possession.

However, Minnesota Vikings had 2 interceptions instead of only 1 by Vikings. They had 26 rushes, almost like Viking’s 27. They made 9-78 penalties, more than the  4-26 of the opposite team. Another key point is that the Chargers had completed 330 yards in passes, which is much more than 28 yards made by the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings will really have to step up their game if they want to sell more Vikings tickets. Only time will tell if this team could turn around its poor 0 – 1 start.

Frazier’s job as top coach for the Vikings is his first shot at this elite position within the NFL. He’s off to a rough start. The Vikings have lost all four of their first games under Frazier, so the heat is already starting to simmer among fans and the sports media.

Still, Frazier has enormous respect because of his long career in football. He played college ball at Alcorn State University of Lorman, Mississippi. As defensive back there he achieved All-American status. He was drafted into the NFL and played cornerback for the Chicago Bears, where he excelled, helping the Bears win the Super Bowl in 1985. Frazier led Chicago in interceptions from 1982 through 1985.

His playing career was cut tragically short by a bad knee injury during the Super Bowl itself. It was enough to end his days as a player. Frazier found his way back to the NFL as a coach in 1999 when he landed a job as defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Frazier already had considerable coaching experience at the college level, serving as head coach for Trinity College in Illinois, beginning in 1986. As head coach of a small college program, Frazier excelled, and is credited with building Trinity’s football program “from the ground up” and winning two Illinois Intercollegiate Conference Championships.

After his stint with the Eagles, Frazier found more NFL-level coaching work with the Indianapolis Colts, working under Tony Dungy, and was defensive coordinator at Cincinnati for two years. In 2007 he came to the Minnesota Vikings as a defensive coach working under head coach Brad Childress. When the Vikings season began to fall apart in the second year of the team’s great two-year “Brett Favre experiment” Childress was canned and Leslie Frazier was named head coach, where he helped the team eek out a couple more victories before a disastrous end to the season.

So with the 2011 season, Frazier’s long playing and coaching career finally reached the pinnacle of NFL coaching jobs — head coach – but it has proven to be an extremely rough ride so far. With his new team at 0-4, there is already grumbling about what’s wrong with the team, and early blame is naturally falling on the guy in charge.

The Vikings are rich in talent. Adrian Peterson is far-and-away considered the best running back in the game today. The Vikings have tapped veteran Donovan McNabb to helm at quarterback. They also have future super stars, such as receiver Percy Harvin, considered to be perhaps the most exciting receiver in the game. The Vikings have stellar defensive stars as well, such as Jared Allen and Chad Greewnway.

Thus, with so much talent, blame for the mounting losses is falling on the coaching staff. Still, the players love Leslie Frazier as head coach. They respect him, and call him a “great motivator.” Many think Frazier can turn this team around. Tens of thousands of fans still purchase Vikings tickets in the hope that Frazier can turn around his team.

With just four games played, the Minnesota Vikings season is already on life support. Zero wins and four losses will do that to you. The Vikings are in dire need of a win to have any glimmer of a chance to salvage the year. Their next game against the Arizona Cardinals may be just the opportunity to get back on track.

The Cardinals have a dismal 1-3 record. Of course, that means they are also desperate for a win. The question is, which team is more desperate? Last year the Viking burned the Cardinals with a thrilling come-from-behind surge. This game should be another thriller.

Things get tougher for the Vikings in game six when they meet fellow ‘black-and-blue’ division rivals, the Chicago Bears. Chicago has struggled somewhat this year, but they have a punishing style, with a huge line on both sides of the ball. They hate the Vikings, and the Vikings hate them – so it should be a war. That means good game!

Week Seven brings the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, and about the only advantage for the Vikings here may be home field. On paper, this should be a blow-out – meaning Packers blow out Vikings, that is. But Vikings-Packers games are notoriously unpredictable. Purchase your Vikings tickets now to ensure that you don’t miss the surprise upset if it occurs. Again, expect a top-notch contest.

The Vikings meet the Carolina Panthers in a Game 8 away game – this is a team they should be able to play with, but it all depends on which Vikings team shows up. If the Vikings play like they did in Kansas City, they won’t have a chance in Carolina.

After a bye week, Game Nine has the Vikings heading to Lambeau Field to play their most hated rivals again. Again, it’s hard to imagine the Vikings faring well on cold Lambeau Field among the frantic faithful for the green and gold. Should be a romp for the Pack.

Game 11 is a clash with the Oakland Raiders, with Vikings at home. The Vikings will likely easily beat the Raiders. This game may be a yawner, however. Game 12 against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome will almost certainly be a see-saw game. On paper, and so far in style of play, Vikings and Falcons are similar teams in many ways.

If the Vikings play like they are capable of playing, Adrian Peterson should have a big day running against Denver’s defense in Game 13. As bad as the Vikings have been so far, they should be able to roll the Broncos.

The Vikings have already lost to Detroit this year, but it was a close game. On the other hand, Detroit is proving to be “for real” especially after an unbelievable come-from-behind victory against Dallas in Week 4. Detroit has to be favored, but the Vikings may keep it close, so should be a thrilling finish.

Game 15 is the New Orleans Saints, played in Minnesota. Again, on paper, these teams should be evenly matched – the Saints have a lot of talent – but the Vikings have talent, too. This may be a mild upset. Vikings could pull it out by three points.

Game 16 is an away game for the Vikings against the Washington Redskins. The Redskins are 3-1, having a pretty good year and are winning close games. Of course, by Game 16 one never knows where each team is or at what level they are playing – but all signs portend a tough day for the Vikings playing in Washington

The last game of the year is once again the Chicago Bears. This may be fitting, since many Minnesota sports writers have already declared the 2011-12 Vikings season “dead.” Ending the year with a slug match against Chicago will be a great way to either bury the Viking dead, or take out one last bit of revenge by bagging some Bears. Don’t miss any of the action, purchase your Viking tickets now.

In each game, the Vikings dominated the first half with iron-tight defense and an offence, if not totally overpowering, put up decent points. In week one, the Vikes were up 17-7 at the half against the Chargers. They lost to the Chargers 24-17. In week two they had a 17-0 edge on the Buccaneers at the half. The Vikes lose 24-20. And week three – same story! The Vikings dominate on both side of the ball, are up a cool 20-0 at the half, and then come back out to let Detroit roll over them, blowing the game 26-23 in over time.

Tens of thousands of Vikings fans were thinking at half-time with Detroit down by 20: “No way! No possible way are these guys going to blow three first-half leads in a row!”

But they did!

This is the first head coach job for Leslie Frasier, often called a “player’s coach” because of his own background as a NFL player. However, after three straight losses – and not just losses, but embarrassing “chokes” – much of the blame is already focusing on Frazier, fair or not.

After all, the Vikings are filthy with talent. Adrian Peterson just signed a $100 million deal, well deserved because none would dispute he is the best running back in the game today. At QB is the adequate veteran McNabb, and they have other stellar weapons in the likes of wide receiver Percy Harvin and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe. Of course, Jared Allen is having a great year on defense and almost certainly is destined for the Hall of Fame.

So what’s the problem? The Vikings are a team in dire need of answers. At a dismal 0 and 3, the Vikings season is already teetering on disaster. Fans are refusing to buy Vikings tickets, making attendance an all time low. With Super Bowl champs Green Bay and the surprising 3-0 Detroit Lions in their division, it’s shaping up to be a long, cold bitter winter for Minnesota Vikings fans.