Minnesota Vikings fans are in shock after the loss to the Chicago Bears. This story of the Vikings fall is not about the team; it all rests on the shoulders of Brad Childress, the coach and the leader of the Minnesota Vikings team. The Vikings came out flat with predictable play calling, poor defense, and no sense of urgency. It seemed as though the coaches of the Vikings were afraid to lose, afraid to get someone hurt, and were eyeing past the Bears for the playoffs.

Offensive implosion:

Brad Childress has sent a message about his team. He is the boss and Favre is in check, so much in check that Childress turned Favre into his beloved Tarvaris Jackson in the first half by crossing off any pass play over 10 yards. Again, fans were exposed to basic running plays off tackle or off guard, and the same old slant but reduced to 5 yards. What a surprise when it had been announced that the Bears had back-up safeties playing and the defense was in disarray.

Defensive issues:

The defense is hurting and can be passed on at will just like in years past. Teams may have figured out how to stop the defensive line. Pat Williams was held out of the game and it showed. The loss of E.J. Henderson has left the defense not as sound as before. The backfield is average.

Not only did the Vikings surrender the 1 st seed. This team surrendered the 2 nd seed as well. This was the biggest loss of all. The Vikings would have had a great chance to have a bye, play in the dome, and maybe face another dome team in the championship game. As of now, I don’t think the Vikings can handle the Eagles or even the Cowboys. The only chance was home field. It looks as if this team benefited from luck and an easy schedule which gave false hope of a deep playoff run and a new extension for an average coach.

The Vikings will face the New York Giants in the dome. Both teams are struggling.