Chasing the Purple Peterson

Chasing the Purple Peterson

No. This offering isn't about rookie phenomaback, Adrian Peterson. What else can I say that hasn't already been said; however, in responding to Emmitt Smith's question about Peterson as a blocker - he's more than able...once the Vikings get a passing game.

This discussion, or soapbox-step of sorts, has everything to do with the two teams chasing the Minnesota Vikings, hoping to slide into that final NFC Wild-card spot. As I enjoy my holiday truffles, and continue in my goal of looking like the Michelin Man, let's consider those two 7-7 teams: The New Orleans Saints and the Washington Redskins.

The Saints are the master of their own destiny. That's frightening when you're a fan, and you hear talk of Reggie Bush maybe playing a few snaps vs. the Eagles on Sunday. Poor Reggie. The guy has yet to truly find his niche in the NFL, and the fans that joyously chanted, "Reggie, Reggie," every time he touched the ball in 2006, are now saying, "No! Don't play him...we've developed a running attack!" How's that for loyalty?

I certainly can't deny the potential of Reggie Bush. He has speed like that of the aforementioned Adrian Peterson, yet Bush certainly doesn't use his athletic power in the same manner - he isn't patient like Peterson from the offensive backfield. It would be a beautiful thing to see Reggie Bush patiently await a running lane and then use that explosive speed to kick it into the next gear, through the first line of defense with his shoulders DOWN. (Note to Reggie: Check out some old Walter Payton video archives.) Or...even going into a pile and take 2 or 3 yards in a cloud of dust. Eventually, Reggie will learn that you simply cannot score on every play in the NFL, and that consistent short gains will lead to opportunity for his big play ability.

One thing's for certain, the Saints must win this weekend vs. the Eagles, and finish the season strong in a rematch of last season's NFC Championship vs. the Chicago Bears. They also need some help this weekend from the Washington Redskins...

The Redskins will travel to the Metrodome to face the incredibly hot Vikings as part of Sunday's Prime Time line-up. The Redskins are playing for their playoff lives - the Minnesota Vikings are as well. This game will be a battle from the opening kickoff, and if the Giants continue to sour this weekend vs. the Bills, the NFC playoff picture is going to get incredibly interesting with a Redskins victory.

Consider this playoff play-out: The NY Giants struggle vs. the Bills, falling to 9-6, and are presented one final game to "play in" to the final Wild-card spot. That matchup... ...the New England Patriots. The Giants lose-out; the Redskins and the Saints win-out - the Vikings lose to the Redskins, but finish the season strong to just miss the post-season. Wild-card weekend: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Redskins; Seattle Seahawks vs. New Orleans Saints. Such madness would only be appropriate for a season that has been anything but predictable.

To post a comment, you need to login or sign up.	Fan Comments