Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) examined by a doctor on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Rams 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings (6-2) proved they were contenders with a victory over the St. Louis Rams (4-4).
Out-battling a fellow wild card contender was crucial for the Vikings and moving to 6-2 helped put Minnesota in prime position for a playoff spot. With the Green Bay Packers (6-2) falling to the unbeaten Carolina Panthers, the Vikings also no find themselves tied atop the NFC North.
With the Packers on a two game skid and the Vikings extending an impressive winning streak, the momentum is certainly in the latter’s favor.
Not a bad week after looking somewhat vulnerable against the hapless Chicago Bears (3-5) just seven days prior.
ALSO ON SPIN ZONE: Where does Adrian Peterson rank among best RBs?
The Vikings are now so firmly entrenched in the playoff discussion that it would be surprising to see them miss out. We’re only done with Week 9 but as the postseason picture takes more shape, there’s more than a hint of purple in the crystallization.
Week 9 was not without its causes for concern, though. Chief among them: quarterback Teddy Bridgewater leaving the game with concussion symptoms. After a hit that (rightly) inspired head coach Mike Zimmer to look like a spitting dragon, all Vikes fans grew concerned.
With Bridgewater passing the first concussion test (as told to ESPN by Vikings sources) things continue to look up for the Vikings. It was a scary end to the game, but it’s all behind the Vikings now.
Especially with the Bridgewater injury, it was important for many players to step up and win the game without their quarterback. Some players did this to an exceptional degree while others simply went about their business, still performing at a high level. We’ll give accolades to both in this piece.
Next: Get in this guy's backpack, everyone!
Add us as a preferred source on Google