Tuesday Morning Running Back Week 10: Vikings Do the Safety Dance

It was quite a day in the Metrodome.

The defense did something that hadn't been done in five years, and the superstar running back had quite a day.

But the Vikings' win meant much more than that.

For the first time all season, the Vikings may have finally arrived as a true contender in the highly competitive NFC North.

The Sporting News reported on Monday that Adrian Peterson was so determined not to lose to Green Bay that he stormed back to the sideline with an angry but determined scowl on his face. It's the kind of scowl that says "get on my back boys, I'm winning this one myself."

Maybe he didn't win it all by himself, but he certainly helped, rushing for 192 yards and the game-winning touchdown in an exciting 28-27 win.

Not to be overlooked is the performance of the Vikings defense, particularly Jared Allen and Kevin Williams. They helped cause not one, but two safeties. That's something that hasn't been done in a game since 2003.

While we're on the subject of safeties, I wonder why it's called a safety? The offense doesn't get saved by anything, and the defense just gets the ball.

Aside my Jerry Seinfeld-esque comedy, my true point is that the Vikings are now tied for first in the NFC North with the Bears. It will be interesting to see if they can keep it up on Sunday against Tampa Bay.

And with that, it's time for the bullet points.

• I think the only thing that can save the Browns' wideouts is if they super glue their hands so they won't drop any more pass.
• Brady Quinn showed good poise and decision making, It's a shame his offense let him down.
• Hey angry Eagles fans, you try stopping the Giants running attack. Earth, Wind, and Fire, just rolled over the shell shocked defense.
• Mike Martz is nothing more than a control freak who won't take no for an answer. He'll do what he wants when he wants. When two coaches can't agree on what play to call, it makes for a bad situation, Just ask Buddy Ryan and Mike Ditka.
• Wow, Daunte Culpepper went from a retired quarterback into an active and injured player in one week. I'm sure he misses chilling out poolside and sleeping 'til noon.
• There's no truth to the rumor that Eric Hipple will be starting at quarterback for the Lions next week.
• Speaking of chilling out poolside, there were 10,000 empty seats in Miami on Sunday. It's okay folks, you can come back. Joey Porter leads the NFL in sacks, Cam Cameron is long gone and they don't have a lemon as at QB anymore.
• The fans better come back quick, because if they don't, The Golden Girls may be added to the cheer leading squad.
• Joe Flacco has thrown for six TDs and no picks during the Ravens four-game winning streak. It's nice to see that the Ravens finally have a good offense.
• Who would have thought that the Falcons would have such a high powered offense at this point in the season? Matt Ryan was clearly ready to lead this team, and Mike Smith has provided a breath of fresh air.
• Then again, Drew Brees had his worse game statistically on Sunday and it cost the Saints dearly.
• Did the Rams go on strike and didn't bother to tell us? 47-3! Trust me, the Jets aren't as good as they looked.
• The Patriots always seem to kick it up a notch when they're playing a big game. They did it on Sunday against the Bills and they will most likely do it against the Jets tonight.
• Buffalo is a team that has all the talent but can't seem to get it all in sync at the right time.
• If anything, The Titans proved they'ew more dangerous by allowing Kerry Collins to spread the field and find open men.
• Like Dan Patrick said, if you sat through the joke of a football game that was the Panthers and the Raiders, you're a true football fan. Time to bring out the paper bags Raider Nation.
• Memo to Herman Edwards: I don't believe in the conventional wisdom that has you have to go for two on the road late in the game when you're down a point. Face it, you're a 1-7 football team struggling to find the end zone. Why go for two when you're in that kind of a situation? If the Chargers scored in overtime, at least you made it interesting in the end.
• What a great stance by the Colts' defense in the end, stopping Mewelde Moore at the goal line then getting an interception at the end.
• Make sure to watch the Jets-Pats game tonight if you can. It'll be a good one. See you next week.