Minnesota’s QB attempts to start new streak

By Krupka  |   Tuesday, September 19, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Minnesota Vikings
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It had been a long time between interceptions for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brad Johnson. So long that you have to go back four games and a quarter before his last mishap or, to be exact, an unbelievable 256 minutes and 29 seconds of game time -- until Sunday, that is.

The usually efficient Johnson wasn't on top of his game against the Panthers, but he wasn't horrible, either. He completed 19-of-31 passes for 243 yards with no touchdowns, and surprisingly an interception. However, the stat line doesn't tell the whole story.

Just watching the constant pressure put on Johnson by the Panthers' front four, most notably, Julius Peppers, made it painfully obvious that it would be a long day for the Vikings' offense. The All-Pro defensive end manhandled right tackle Marcus Johnson all day, racking up three sacks, numerous quarterback hurries, eight tackles and blocked a field goal attempt.

It should be noted that the Vikings' right tackle was essentially left out to dry as he had literally no help from tight ends or running backs to chip Peppers at the line to slow him down. Head coach Brad Childress admitted after the game that he should have done something to help out the tackle.

You think, coach? Of course, the man in charge has pushed all the right buttons, and been nearly flawless in his decision making, so this mistake can certainly slide, especially when you consider his team won the game. However, had Peppers seriously injured the Vikings' signal caller because of the lack of help blocking him, the ramifications would be large in Minnesota. Luckily for the team, nothing of the sort occurred.

It's no wonder that Johnson had a rough game, at least for his standards. The yardage was there, the completion percentage was solid (61.2 percent), but the turnover was uncharacteristic of the normally careful, mistake-free field general.

Also, consider that the errant pass was the first play of a drive that started nearly at midfield (Vikings 49-yard line), with the team only trailing by seven points, and it's something not expected of the 14-year veteran. Still, he never got flustered, even with Peppers hanging all over him in overtime, as Johnson, despite being dragged down, completed a 30-yard pass to Troy Williamson.

This Sunday, the steady veteran will attempt to begin a new errorless streak against the adept defense of the Chicago Bears. Expect the 38-year-old to be his normal self and protect the ball. If he doesn't, though, the Vikings could be staring at their first defeat of the 2006 season.

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

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