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The Vikings are one of the surprise teams of the first quarter of the season. There are not many people out there, if any, that predicted they would start the season 3-1 with wins over the 49ers and Lions. There is no doubt Christian Ponder and their offense are playing really well, but special teams has been a big key to Minnesota's 3-1 start.
Check out this still from Percy Harvin's kickoff return for a touchdown from last week's game against the Lions:
Man, I bet Schwartzy wishes that he could have taken Alan Lowry with him to Detroit.
When you are facing a return man like Harvin, it is imperative for everyone on the coverage team to play his assignment. This ball was kicked off to right side of the field. Whoever the defender is on the end of the left side of the kickoff team would have outside contain. He clearly lost it here. You can't afford to do that against Harvin.
Of course Rob Bironas could make this whole post a moo point by kicking the ball out of the back of the end zone.