John Bitz
November 20, 2019
A Great Comeback Victory
Well, I must say that I did not predict the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos would have turned out the way that it did. However, I did get one thing right in my prediction which was that the Vikings would win. The Vikings did just that by winning the game by a score of 27-23 in what a game of two completely different halves. In the first half, the best thing I can say in the Vikings case was they got completely outplayed by the Broncos. Almost nothing went right, and the Broncos came out like a team with nothing to lose. The Broncos thoroughly dominated offensively and defensively and made it seem like the game would be over by halftime when the score was 20-0 in their favor. Little did any of us know, the Vikings would come back and dominate the second half by changing up their scheme on offense and defense. This was one of the best comebacks that I have ever seen in a football game and it is a testament to just how much better the Vikings have become as a team this season.
Three Key Takeaways
- Anything is possible- Before the game began, many experts said the Vikings would win in convincing fashion. SportsLine had the Vikings favored by 10.5 in their latest odds, with an over-under set at 40.5. No one was giving the Broncos any love because of their 3-6 record coming into the game. I had a gut feeling that this game was going to be closer than most people thought because the Broncos seemed like they would be well rested after their bye week and they really had nothing to lose since their season had been a disaster right from the start. For one half it seemed like the Broncos were going to do the unthinkable and upset the Vikings. This reinforced my thoughts that anybody can beat anybody in the NFL at any given time. If the Broncos had played even an average second half, they would have upset the Vikings and that result would have seen Vikings fans calling for Coach Zimmer to be fired again. Sadly, for the Broncos they couldn’t get it done and they added yet another heartbreaking loss to their disappointing season.
- A Second Half that leaves the Vikings feeling good heading into their bye week- For the Vikings, they must be very happy that they came back and won this game. Their performance in the second half both on offense and defense was exceptional. Not very many teams can comeback from a 20-0 halftime deficit and win a football game. This victory is not only is this a statement comeback win but it puts the Vikings in a terrific position heading into their well-earned bye week. Their record is a stellar 8 wins and 3 losses, and it puts them in a prime position to be to go to the playoffs in January. This win also puts them just half a game behind the Green Bay Packers for first place in the NFC North division. So the Vikings have to be ecstatic to be in this position heading into their bye week and can now set their sights on trying to get into first place in the NFC North by the end of the regular season.
- Kirk Cousin’s play this season has been spectacular and he deserves some recognition for it- I know that many Vikings fans have been critical about the contract Kirk Cousins received during the 2018 offseason. It was for 3 years and 84 million dollars all guaranteed. Last season, when the Viking missed the playoffs, many people labeled the contract as a mistake by the Vikings front office. Now this contract seems like it was a good deal made by the Vikings. In this game, Kirk Cousins completed 29 of 35 passes for 319 yards, 3 Touchdowns and 0 Interceptions. That is excellent even by NFL standards. Lately, Mr. Cousins has been playing the best football of his career and it has helped the Vikings to win 6 out of their past 7 games. Now Vikings fans must hope that Mr. Cousins can keep up this production after the bye so the Vikings can finish the season and make the playoffs.
What is Next?
For the Vikings they will be on their bye week in Week 12. After their bye week, they will travel to take on the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle, Washington on Monday Night Football in Week 13. Stay tune for more updates from blog coming up. Thank you for taking your time to read what is on my blog and have a good week ahead.
Works Cited
“2019 NFL Standings.” ESPN, ESPN Internet Ventures, 2019, www.espn.com/nfl/standings.
“Broncos vs. Vikings – Box Score – November 17, 2019.” ESPN, ESPN Internet Ventures, 2019, www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=401128081.
Press, Associated. “Vikings Overcome 20-0 Deficit at Half to Beat Broncos 27-23.” ESPN, ESPN Internet Ventures, 17 Nov. 2019, www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128081.
Scout Staff. “Vikings vs. Broncos Odds: 2019 NFL Picks, Week 11 Predictions from Advanced Computer.” CBSSports.com, 15 Nov. 2019, www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/vikings-vs-broncos-odds-2019-nfl-picks-week-11-predictions-from-advanced-computer/.
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