It was as wild a weekend as possible in the NFL. Last-second kicks. Blocked punts. Improbable upsets. For fans, it was a dream. For coaches — well, there’s a reason in these hectic days that the profession features stress levels normally associated with Wall Street tycoons or test pilots.
A Minnesota Vikings team that looked dead two weeks ago has somehow righted its season — even though the Metrodome crowd chanted for coach Brad Childress’ job throughout Sunday’s 12-10 victory over NFC North rival Detroit.
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But the embattled Childress has earned a reprieve thanks in part to another dose of questionable officiating. Last week, it was a clear facemask on New Orleans running back Reggie Bush that led to a critical fumble in the second half of a Minnesota win. This week, a controversial pass interference call against the Lions set up a game-winning field goal by Ryan Longwell with nine seconds left.
“It doesn’t matter, men. All that matters in [the NFL] is that we won. Nobody cares how pretty it was,” Childress said in a postgame locker room speech broadcast on Fox television.
No offense, Brad, but Minnesota fans probably aren’t thrilled with 12 points against a Detroit team that is now 0-5 and has already fired its general manager. The Vikings and their woeful offense now stand at 3-3 and right in the midst of the NFC playoff race. Yikes.
Just as perplexing, Atlanta’s last-second drive that led to their own game-winning field goal and a 22-20 win over the Chicago Bears. Are the Falcons good or is this some kind of twisted joke? Doesn’t matter.
Consecutive wins over the Bears and Green Bay Packers have them dreaming of the playoffs, too.
But for every Atlanta or Minnesota there is a Dallas. Uninspired play. A last-second loss at Arizona — a team the Cowboys can usually beat in their sleep. And now the news that quarterback Tony Romo could be out a month with a broken pinkie. A 4-2 record never looked so shaky.
