Minnesota "Special" Teams Looking To Join a "Special" Class All Themselves

With eight games to go, the Vikings "special" teams is a joke. They have already tied the record for most "special" teams touchdowns given up in a season with five.

It started week one, when their awful punt coverage team allowed Will Blackmon of the Packers to scamper 77 yards for a touchdown that completely changed the Monday Night opener. All was well for three weeks, until Reggie Bush struck not once, but twice and should of had a third had he not tripped over his own feet. Bush housed the first 71 yards and the second 64. The fact that the Vikings won the game 30-27 is mind-blowing, but displayed a major flaw in their team.

Head coach Brad Childress was seen yelling at punter Chris Kluwe for not kicking out of bounds like he was told. Kluwe insisted it is a lot harder to kick out of bounds than one would think. That is the most ridiculous comment I've ever heard. Kick it anywhere away from Reggie Bush. However, not only did he not kick it away, Kluwe out kicked his coverage and set-up perfect return after perfect return for Bush. Don't get me wrong, the Vikings coverage unit doesn't know how to hold their lanes or tackle, but giving the ball in open space to a player of Bush's caliber is idiotic and inexcusable.

No more than two weeks later, the Vikings traveled to Solider Field and gave 14 points to the Chicago Bears. Funny how the final score was 48-41. I happened to attend this game and couldn't believe the "special" teams.

First, once again our main man, punter Chris Kluwe drops the snap, tries to kick it, gets it block, and then kicks it perfectly into the arms of back-up running back Garret Wolfe. Wolfe scampered into the end zone for an easy touchdown. Then right before the half, our brilliant punt returner, Tom Gordon commits the ultimate sin by trying to block a gunner inside the ten and right around the five yard line. Clearly, oblivious to the ball, Gordon gets hit on the back of the arm and dives along with three Bears for the ball in the end zone. The Bears recovered and got the easiest 14 points in the history of football.

Some how the Vikings managed to stay in the ballgame, but lost 48-41. I think we could of used those 14 points.

I offer up two opinions: one, fire special teams coordinator, Paul Ferraro and secondly, establish some sort of punishment to the "special" teams squad for every bone head play. The Dallas Cowboys players have to do 50 push-ups if they drop a pass, offense or defense.

With eight games to go, the Vikings "special" teams is set to write their names in the record books as the most pathetic "special" teams in history.

Learn how to cover, kick, and catch a punt. The only thing they can do is block field goals.