The day has finally arrived. Today's NFC Championship Game in New Orleans promises to be a thriller. Brett Favre came back to lead this team to a Superbowl and today he gets his chance. Here are the keys to the game:
When the Vikings have the ball:
1. Adrian Peterson vs. Saints front seven
Adrian has been sitting on a big game for awhile now. He needs to break out today for the Purple. Elite running backs have had huge games against the Saints defense. Brett Favre gets all the press, but Adrian Peterson may have the biggest day today.
2. Vikings offensive line vs. Saints defensive line
When Brett Favre has been protected well this year, he has been unstoppable. The Vikings O-Line must play well against a defense that loves to bring the blitz. They did a great job protecting Favre last week against a very good Cowboys pass rush.
3. Brett Favre vs. Saints secondary
The Vikings should see a lot of single coverage in the secondary considering that the Saints love to blitz. Favre has burned single coverage all year long. Last week, the Cowboys used single coverage on Sidney Rice and he scored three touchdowns. If the Saints make the same mistake, Rice may have another huge day. It will also be interesting to see Favre face off with his former teammate Darren Sharper. They each know each other so well. It will be a mind game all day.
When the Saints have the ball:
1. Vikings defensive line vs. Saints offensive line
This might be the biggest match up of the game. The Vikings sacked Tony Romo six times last week. If Jared Allen and co. can force Brees to get rid of the ball before he wants to, they might be able to slow down the dangerous aerial attack of New Orleans. Kevin Williams and Ray Edwards will play, but they may be less than 100%.
2. Saints running backs vs. Vikings front seven
Everything starts with the running game for New Orleans. Once they establish the run, they use play action and screens very effectively. The Vikings have the second ranked run defense in the NFL, led by Pat and Kevin Williams. They need to make the Saints one dimensional.
3. Drew Brees and Saints receivers vs. Vikings safeties
Safety play has been the weakest area of the Vikings defense all year long. Madieu Williams, Tyrell Johnson, and Jamarca Sanford need to tackle well and prevent big plays.
One other key point: Kickers
Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell is more experienced and trustworthy than Saints kicker Garrett Hartley. In a game where one field goal could make the difference, the Vikings have a big advantage in this department.
Prediction:
Vikings 34, Saints 28
Once the Vikings got Brett Favre, I said they were going to the Superbowl. I am not backing away from that now. Both offenses are excellent (#1 and #2 in the NFL), but the Vikings defense is ranked 6th, compared to 25th for the Saints. The Vikings have too many offensive weapons for the Saints to handle. Brett Favre will lead the Vikes to Miami.
SKOL.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
It's playoff time! Vikings-Cowboys Preview
The Mission Miami begins in earnest today for the Minnesota Vikings, as they host the hot Dallas Cowboys today at Mall of America Field. This is the reason that Brad Childress picked up Brett Favre at the airport this past summer. We didn't get Favre to win in the regular season. It's all about today and going forward. Favre knows this and I expect him go have a huge game today at home, where he has thrown 21 TD to just 2 INT. Here are the key match ups in today's divisional playoff game:
When the Vikings have the ball:
1. Vikings O-Line vs. Cowboys defensive front
In my opinion, this is the most important match up of the game. The Cowboys defensive front, especially Demarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer, and Jay Ratliff have been playing unbelievably well during their four game winning streak. When the Vikings have given Favre time to throw this year, their offense has been virtually unstoppable. They certainly have a lot of pride and don't want Favre to get hit at all, however, this is the toughest test they will face by far. The Vikings O-Line plays much better at home than on the road, so that will be to their advantage. This match up may determine the outcome of the game.
2. Brett Favre and Vikings receivers vs. Cowboys secondary
The Cowboys have the 20th ranked pass defense in the NFL, suggesting that this match up should favor Minnesota. Favre has picked apart most defenses this season, so expect nothing different today. Sidney Rice has a huge height advantage on Michael Jenkins and there is no one that can cover Percy Harvin and Visanthe Shiancoe on third down.
3. Adrian Peterson vs. Cowboys front seven
Against a team that likes to bring the pressure and has elite pass rushers, you must establish the run. If you don't, they will really start to come after Brett Favre. The Vikes run game has been best this year when they have used the pass to set up the run. They must pass first today and then pound the rock with AD.
When the Cowboys have the ball:
1. Cowboys offensive line vs. Vikings defensive line
The Vikings don't blitz a lot because they create enough pressure with their front four. They lead the NFL in sacks and must show up to play today. If the Vikings are forced to blitz to pressure Tony Romo, the hot quarterback could pick apart the Vikings defense in one on one coverage. Like the O-Line, the Vikes D-Line has played much better at home this year. The Cowboys O-Line should be a little delayed off the line due to the crowd noise and Jared Allen and Co. must take advantage.
2. Vikings front seven vs. Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice
The Cowboys three headed monster of running backs has given their offense terrific balance during their winning streak. Teams rarely even try to run on the Vikings in the Dome, but the Cowboys will at least attempt to today. If the Vikes front seven shuts them down, they force the Cowboys to become one dimensional and can come after Tony Romo.
3. Cowboys receivers and Jason Witten vs. Vikings secondary
The pass defense has been the weak part of the Vikings defense this season. Hopefully, the week off will help CB Antoine Winfield, as he will play a little outside and a little inside in the nickel today. Miles Austin has become a star just like the star on his helmet. Jason Witten is an elite tight end. The key with these receivers and Witten will be to get them on the ground immediately after they catch the ball. The Cowboys are one of the top teams in the league at getting yards after the catch, and Austin in particular thrives on it. The Cowboys don't go down the field much, preferring to use the short passes and the screen game. The Vikes need to put those Cowboys receivers down and limit their explosive plays.
Intangible factor:
The home field advantage.
This is the biggest advantage that either team has today. The Vikings are 8-0 at home and have averaged 31 points per game at the friendly confines of Mall of America Field. Yesterday, you saw what home field advantage did for the Saints and Colts. It will be extremely hard for the Cowboys to operate with the noise level in that building, as the purple fans make it hell on them. The home field, ultimately, will be the reason the Vikings win.
Prediction:
Vikings 30, Cowboys 20
Favre and the home field advantage will be too much for the Cowboys to handle. The Vikings advance to New Orleans for the NFC Championship Game next week. Let's go!
SKOL.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Vikings-Giants Preview
Let's just get a win today and cheer for the Cowboys. That's really all that needs to be said. The Vikes are back at home, where they are 7-0. They are also playing a Giants team that is counting down the seconds until the off-season. On offense, the Vikings have to pass to open up the run. On defense, they need to get some pressure on Eli Manning in order to take the pressure off of their vulnerable secondary. Let's get it done.
Prediction:
Vikings 31, Giants 17
SKOL.
Prediction:
Vikings 31, Giants 17
SKOL.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Vikings-Bengals Preview
In my opinion, this is a must-win game for the Purple today. The Bengals are the last true quality test that the Vikes will get before the playoffs (You never know how that last game against the Giants will be played). If they lose today, legitimate questions will start being raised as to whether or not they can beat the top teams. They need to prove that the loss in Arizona last week was just a bump in the road, not a sign of things to come. Here's how I see the game playing out:
-The Bengals will have a tough time moving the ball against the Vikings defense. Cincinnati likes to run first and the Vikings are one of the best at stopping the run. The Vikings defense will prevail in that battle at home. Cincy's offense will be forced to be one-dimensional and the Bengals don't have enough weapons in the passing game, other than Chad Ochocinco. Carson Palmer is a very good quarterback, but he will face a lot of pressure all day long from the best defensive line in football.
-The Vikings have too many weapons on offense. Even though Percy Harvin is out today, the Purple can still beat you in so many ways. Expect TE Visanthe Shiancoe to see more looks on third down with Harvin out. The man to watch today, however, is Adrian Peterson. I keep saying he is due for a break out game and it has to come sometime. The reason it may today is that the Vikes have been talking all week about getting back to running the ball. Even though the Bengals are one of the top teams in the league at stopping the run, expect a heavy dose of Adrian Peterson today. The Vikings O-Line and AD have something to prove this week.
-CB Antoine Winfield finally returns this week (It's actually true. I just checked the list of actives/inactives). The Vikes had been surviving without their Pro Bowl corner until last week. However, Arizona had the weapons in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin to exploit Winfield's absence. It will really help to have Winfield back to cover Chad Ochocinco today. Also, the Bengals don't have enough other weapons in the passing game to attack the Vikings. Winfield's presence will be huge because he will hold Cincy's big play threat in check.
-The Vikings are at home, where they are 6-0. That will be a huge factor in this game. The Vikings play much better at the Dome, particularly their front four. Jared Allen and Williams Wall are able to get better jumps when the opponent has to deal with the noise. If this game were in Cincy, the Bengals might win. They won't win in Minnesota.
-One note to point out is that the Bengals are catching the Vikings at a very good time. Rookies Jasper Brinkley and Jamarca Sanford are making their first career starts on defense today at linebacker and safety. Percy Harvin is out. The Vikes are coming off their first loss. However, this is the type of game that championship teams find a way to win, and that is what I believe the Vikings are. The Vikes are at home and they should come out with some fire and anger today, after showing little last week in Arizona.
Prediction:
Vikings 24, Bengals 16
SKOL.
-The Bengals will have a tough time moving the ball against the Vikings defense. Cincinnati likes to run first and the Vikings are one of the best at stopping the run. The Vikings defense will prevail in that battle at home. Cincy's offense will be forced to be one-dimensional and the Bengals don't have enough weapons in the passing game, other than Chad Ochocinco. Carson Palmer is a very good quarterback, but he will face a lot of pressure all day long from the best defensive line in football.
-The Vikings have too many weapons on offense. Even though Percy Harvin is out today, the Purple can still beat you in so many ways. Expect TE Visanthe Shiancoe to see more looks on third down with Harvin out. The man to watch today, however, is Adrian Peterson. I keep saying he is due for a break out game and it has to come sometime. The reason it may today is that the Vikes have been talking all week about getting back to running the ball. Even though the Bengals are one of the top teams in the league at stopping the run, expect a heavy dose of Adrian Peterson today. The Vikings O-Line and AD have something to prove this week.
-CB Antoine Winfield finally returns this week (It's actually true. I just checked the list of actives/inactives). The Vikes had been surviving without their Pro Bowl corner until last week. However, Arizona had the weapons in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin to exploit Winfield's absence. It will really help to have Winfield back to cover Chad Ochocinco today. Also, the Bengals don't have enough other weapons in the passing game to attack the Vikings. Winfield's presence will be huge because he will hold Cincy's big play threat in check.
-The Vikings are at home, where they are 6-0. That will be a huge factor in this game. The Vikings play much better at the Dome, particularly their front four. Jared Allen and Williams Wall are able to get better jumps when the opponent has to deal with the noise. If this game were in Cincy, the Bengals might win. They won't win in Minnesota.
-One note to point out is that the Bengals are catching the Vikings at a very good time. Rookies Jasper Brinkley and Jamarca Sanford are making their first career starts on defense today at linebacker and safety. Percy Harvin is out. The Vikes are coming off their first loss. However, this is the type of game that championship teams find a way to win, and that is what I believe the Vikings are. The Vikes are at home and they should come out with some fire and anger today, after showing little last week in Arizona.
Prediction:
Vikings 24, Bengals 16
SKOL.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Vikings-Cardinals Preview
Huge game today for the Purple in the Valley of the Sun. The Vikes have been mashing on weak opponents the past few weeks, but now they get a true test on the road against a very good Cardinals team. Despite the higher level of competition, I think the Vikes come out a winner yet again. Here's why:
-The Cardinals defense won't be able to stop the balanced Vikings attack. They nearly gave up 400 yards passing to Vince Young last week. Imagine what they'll do against Brett Favre. The Cards run defense was very good early in the year, but they've slipped to 12th in that category. Still, expect the Cards to stack the line against Adrian, as every other team has done this season. What does that mean? Another huge game for number 4. He will pump fake their aggressive secondary (Antrell Rolle, Adrian Wilson) into submission. Have I mentioned that the leading MVP candidate has 24 TDs and 3 INT on the season?
-The Vikings defense will put pressure on the quarterback. Last year, it was Kurt Warner who was dealt the pain from the Wall of America. This time, it could be Matt Leinart or Kurt Warner again. Regardless of the QB, this Vikes D-Line, which leads the NFL in sacks, will be in the face of the man under center. Obviously, Warner gives the Cards a better shot to win than Leinart. However, the Cards aren't running the ball well right now, which makes it easy for the Vikes to send men at the quarterback.
-CB Antoine Winfield returns to action today after missing five straight games with an injured foot. If there is any game the Vikes need Winfield for, it is this one. The Cardinals feature possibly the best tandem of wide receivers in the game, with Minnesota man Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston. The secondary (especially Cedric Griffin, Benny Sapp, and Carl Paymeh) has played well without 'Toine, but having him back today is huge.
-This Vikings team is playing with a lot of swagger right now. They have said that they know they are good and expect to win every time they step on the field. That is the attitude of a Super Bowl team and this is the type of game that Super Bowl teams win. Brad Childress has done a great job making sure the swagger doesn't turn into overconfidence. This game, however, is one that will distinguish the good from the elite.
Expect big games today from Favre, Harvin, Rice, Allen, and Edwards.
Let's keep THE MISSION MIAMI rolling.
Prediction:
Vikings 31, Cardinals 21
SKOL.
-The Cardinals defense won't be able to stop the balanced Vikings attack. They nearly gave up 400 yards passing to Vince Young last week. Imagine what they'll do against Brett Favre. The Cards run defense was very good early in the year, but they've slipped to 12th in that category. Still, expect the Cards to stack the line against Adrian, as every other team has done this season. What does that mean? Another huge game for number 4. He will pump fake their aggressive secondary (Antrell Rolle, Adrian Wilson) into submission. Have I mentioned that the leading MVP candidate has 24 TDs and 3 INT on the season?
-The Vikings defense will put pressure on the quarterback. Last year, it was Kurt Warner who was dealt the pain from the Wall of America. This time, it could be Matt Leinart or Kurt Warner again. Regardless of the QB, this Vikes D-Line, which leads the NFL in sacks, will be in the face of the man under center. Obviously, Warner gives the Cards a better shot to win than Leinart. However, the Cards aren't running the ball well right now, which makes it easy for the Vikes to send men at the quarterback.
-CB Antoine Winfield returns to action today after missing five straight games with an injured foot. If there is any game the Vikes need Winfield for, it is this one. The Cardinals feature possibly the best tandem of wide receivers in the game, with Minnesota man Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston. The secondary (especially Cedric Griffin, Benny Sapp, and Carl Paymeh) has played well without 'Toine, but having him back today is huge.
-This Vikings team is playing with a lot of swagger right now. They have said that they know they are good and expect to win every time they step on the field. That is the attitude of a Super Bowl team and this is the type of game that Super Bowl teams win. Brad Childress has done a great job making sure the swagger doesn't turn into overconfidence. This game, however, is one that will distinguish the good from the elite.
Expect big games today from Favre, Harvin, Rice, Allen, and Edwards.
Let's keep THE MISSION MIAMI rolling.
Prediction:
Vikings 31, Cardinals 21
SKOL.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Vikings-Bears Preview
The Mission Miami rolls on this week as the Vikings conclude a rare three-game home stand with the hated Chicago Bears this afternoon. What a disappointing season it has been for Lovie Smith's team. The once vaunted defense is suddenly very vulnerable, the stud rookie running back of last year has hit a major sophomore slump, the offensive line is in disarray, fans are calling for Lovie's head, and that supposedly rock star quarterback leads the league in interceptions. Meanwhile, the Vikings are rolling behind Brett Favre, their 40-year-old MVP candidate who has exceeded even the highest expectations placed on him.
Everything sets up perfectly for Minnesota today. Antoine Winfield is likely back at corner for the Purple. Adrian Peterson kills the Bears (8 TD and 138 ypg in 4 games against Chicago). The Bears have lost five of six games and are five behind the Vikes in the NFC North that they thought they could win. I think the Vikes have the advantage in every single match up. On offense, they will used a balanced attack to carve up an injury-riddled, underachieving Bears defense. On defense, Jared Allen (4.5 sacks against the Bears last year) and Co. will put pressure on Cutler and force him to make mistakes. The Bears running game will be non-existent, as it has been all year. And even on special teams, Rookie of the Year to be Percy Harvin is a threat to score on every play, while Devin Hester has lost some of his kick return magic. Unless the Bears go +3 or more in the turnover battle, they have no chance in this one. Vikings roll at home and tie the Saints for the best record in the NFC when New Orleans losses to New England on Monday Night Football tomorrow.
Prediction:
Vikings 34, Bears 13
SKOL.
Everything sets up perfectly for Minnesota today. Antoine Winfield is likely back at corner for the Purple. Adrian Peterson kills the Bears (8 TD and 138 ypg in 4 games against Chicago). The Bears have lost five of six games and are five behind the Vikes in the NFC North that they thought they could win. I think the Vikes have the advantage in every single match up. On offense, they will used a balanced attack to carve up an injury-riddled, underachieving Bears defense. On defense, Jared Allen (4.5 sacks against the Bears last year) and Co. will put pressure on Cutler and force him to make mistakes. The Bears running game will be non-existent, as it has been all year. And even on special teams, Rookie of the Year to be Percy Harvin is a threat to score on every play, while Devin Hester has lost some of his kick return magic. Unless the Bears go +3 or more in the turnover battle, they have no chance in this one. Vikings roll at home and tie the Saints for the best record in the NFC when New Orleans losses to New England on Monday Night Football tomorrow.
Prediction:
Vikings 34, Bears 13
SKOL.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Vikings-Seahawks Preview
I liked this Seahawks team a lot coming into the year, but they just have not been able to put all the pieces together this year. Expect all the stars to shine for the Vikings today, especially Adrian Peterson, who is due for a 200 yard game and will get one today. The pass rush will really get after Matt Hasselbeck and cause some turnovers. The Seahawks have no running game to speak of, especially with Julius Jones out, so expect the veteran QB to throw around 50 times. Nothing much else to say about this one. I said I wanted the Vikings to play a complete game last week, but they definitely didn't. You can get away with two turnovers in the red zone against the Lions, but not against the elite playoff teams. The Seahawks are far from elite, but let's hope the Vikes can put a complete, 60 minute game together for the first time this year.
Prediction: Vikings 31, Seahawks 17
SKOL.
Prediction: Vikings 31, Seahawks 17
SKOL.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
