MNF - Panthers @ Vikings

by Scoop_McLeak Tue Jan 21, 2014 6:53 pm

VIKES EDGE PANTHERS IN OFFENSIVE SPECTACULAR

Monday night at the Hubert H Humphrey Metrodome was not normal for the often spoiled viewers of all things purple. Minneapolis welcomed SML's Monday Night Football cameras for the first time and expected the visiting Carolina Panthers to lay down and beg for mercy - as most visitors do in this intimidating arena. But last night was different, half time was different, the Viking defense was different, although the result had a somewhat familiar feel to it.

Head Coach Eagle paraded his 2-2 Panthers to the viewing dozens unperturbed by the many experts who expected them to be under-skilled paupers presented to the Emperor akin Rome's Colosseo. Within just a few minutes it was clear the Panthers had disregarded the script and went and scored. The 2nd quarter came and the score was 21-7 in favour of the Cam Newton led visitors. The home crowd looked like an invasion of goldfish, mouths open aghast at what they were witnessing.

Minnesota menacingly started the machine rolling and found a faster gear as Purple Jesus started to find holes and began punishing Carolina for their sheer impudence in taking the lead. The Vikings went into the half without being in front at all during 30 minutes, a rarity indeed and as the 3rd unfolded with the teams separated by 7 points, Cam Newton found out why Kevin Williams is still a feared pass rusher as he was sacked on 3rd down and waved all Panther momentum away as Minnesota finally turned the screw and slowed down their offense for the first and critically, only time in the game.

Punters in Minnesota normally double as 'the Waterboy' and tonight was no different. Carolina kept pace but that 3rd quarter momentum change enabled AP to open up the gap and keep the Panthers at arms length.

After it was done, we had witnessed 2 KO returns for TD's on 2 consecutive plays, both teams with a rushing average of over 10 yards, 1 turnover each and an MVP performance by Panther TE Greg Olsen (6/121/2 Td's) who kept many Carolina drives alive. But the multi-award winning Vikings Coach Meister Eder showed how to react in adversity and detailed his defenders to slow him down in the 2nd half - which effectively won Minnesota the game.

After the 55-42 result went into the books, viewers were unfortunate that the Twitch site had a bad night costing them the chance to witness so many big plays and a fine battle. The Purple horde went home happy, albeit a tad nervous after two very close games, but rest assured, Coach Eder will be working hard to shore up a porous defense and while AP is still chugging out the yards it's no big deal. As for Carolina, Coach Eagle has proven the playoffs are definitely within reach with a powerful ground attack featuring Cam, DeAngelo Williams and Jon Stewart.

If it wasn't for Mr Peterson Carolina would have won.

Now where have i heard that before ………