The Vikings just made too many mistakes to keep up with the Rams in this game.  Tavaris Jackson completed 20 of 34 passes for 213 yards with 1 TD and 2 INT (one of the INT was returned 38 yards for a TD by Ronald Bartell).  He also carried the ball 7 times for 34 yards (4.9 ypc) and a TD.  Chester Taylor carried the ball 13 times for 29 yards (2.2 ypc) and a TD.  Mewelde Moore only carried the ball one time…for 10 yards and he caught 3 passes for 57 yards.  Travis Taylor had a decent game with 5 catches for 54 yards and a TD.  Billy McMullen added 4 grabs for 47 yards.

The defense played horrible against the Rams.  The Vikings #1 ranked run defense couldn’t stop the Rams who carried the ball 36 times for 168 yards (4.7 ypc).  The Rams completed 19 of 31 passes for 248 net yards passing.

Alot of Vikings’ fans were excited to see that Tavaris Jackson was going to start against the Packers.  But what Jackson found out was that the NFL is much tougher competition than he faced in college.  Jackson only completed 10 of 20 passes for 50 yards and an INT.  He also carried the ball 5 times for 23 yards (4.6 ypc).  Chester Taylor was the only other offensive player that did anything for the Vikings in this game.  He carried the ball 15 times for 49 yards (3.3 ypc) and he caught 3 passes for 18 yards.

The Vikings defense played very well against the Packers.  The Vikings were led by Dwight Smith (11 tackles) and EJ Henderson (10 tackles).   Fred Smoot also had a big game with 4 tackles and an interception that he returned 47 yards for a TD…..the Vikings only score!  The Vikings run defense was awesome as usual holding the Packers to 46 yards rushing on 24 carries (1.9 ypc).  The Packers completed 26 of 51 passes for 273 net yards passing, but the Vikes picked off 2 Brett Favre passes.

The Vikings were eliminated from the playoffs with this loss.  It’s amazing that it took this long for that to happen after how poorly the Vikings have played this season.  The Vikes drop to 6-9 on the season with this loss.

Back-up defensive tackle Spencer Johnson will miss the remainder of the season for the Vikings because of a high ankle sprain.  Johnson had played in 14 games this season and had 15 tackles.

Both the Packers and Vikings come into this game with 6-8 records.  The Vikings lost last week to the Jets in the MetroDome 26-13.  The Packers have won 2 games in a row.  The winner of this game could possibly still make the playoffs, and that should tell you how bad the NFC is.

The Vikings have finally have decided to take a peek into the future as they will start rookie QB Tavaris Jackson against the Packers on Thursday night.  The Vikings will likely run the ball first with Chester Taylor (1,136 yards rushing) against a Packers defense that is allowing 115.2 yards rushing per game and 4.1 yards per carry.  After they establish the run, look for Jackson to take some shots downfield to Troy Williamson and Travis Taylor.  The Vikings must keep the Packers’ DEs (Aaron Kampman and Cullen Jenkins) out of their backfield as they sacked Jon Kitna five times last week.  When young QBs are under a big rush they tend to make mistakes, so keep a close eye on how the Vikings handle the DEs of the Packers.

The Packers will probably come out throwing the ball against the Vikings.  The Vikings have given up an average of 235.5 yards passing per game this season, but they have 19 interceptions so Brett Favre will have to be careful.  Favre will be looking to get the ball to his favorite receiver, Donald Driver, who has caught 80 passes this season for 1,173 yards.  Rookie WR Greg Jennings could have a big game on the other side of the field if the Vikings decide to double Driver alot.  The Packers will still test the great Vikings run defense that is allowing a remarkable 55.1 yards rushing per game and 2.7 yards per carry.  Ahman Green (946 yards rushing) is only 159 yards away from being the Packers’ all-time leading rusher and he’s said it’s important to him…so he will be motivated to have a big game.  That will be remarkable to watch.

I think the Packers will force Tavaris Jackson into a couple mistakes that will cost the Vikings the game.  The bright lights, Lambeau Field, and trying to match Brett Favre will be too much for the rook to handle as the Packers will sweep the Vikings for the season.