Vikings-Steelers Preview

Ok, I finally had to come back to the blog. It's been awhile, I know. I doubt anyone has missed me. At the same time, I can't believe I stayed away throughout the Twins magical run to the playoffs, subsequent choke job against the Yankees, and Brett Favre's marvelous start with the Minnesota Vikings. It is the Vikings, however, and their game this week against the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers that brings me back to this blog. I've heard a lot of clamor from Great Football Minds that this will be the first loss for the Vikings. Despite this, I just don't see the Vikings losing this game after analyzing the match ups myself (surprise, surprise). There are two main reasons why:

1. The incredible Vikings defensive line. This, to me, will be the X-factor on Sunday. The Vikings defense is tied with Denver for the most sacks in the league with 21. The Purple will put a tremendous amount of pressure on Ben Roethlisberger this week. On top of the impressive sack total for the Vikes, the Steelers have allowed 16 sacks themselves (near the top in the league). Big Ben tends to hold onto the ball for a long time and scramble around in the pocket. He won't be able to do that this week. The loss of Antoine Winfield will definitely hurt, but the D line is the key to the game anyway. To negate some of the pressure, expect Mike Tomlin to go shotgun, spread out the wide receivers, and run the hurry-up (copyright New England Patriots on MNF two years ago). However, the Vikings will still bring the blitz and with no serious threat from the Pittsburgh running game, they can key in on Big Ben. Which brings me to my second point...

2. The Vikings exceptional balance on offense will cause problems for Pittsburgh. Yes, the Steelers do stop the run very well (3rd best in the NFL). However, so do the Baltimore Ravens and Adrian Peterson had no trouble burning them for 143. AD has had his best games against AFC North opponents this year (Ravens, Browns). Despite this success, Brett Favre will be the man who will really hurt the Steelers. Pittsburgh has to stack the line to stop Peterson, and Favre has been burning teams all year when they've done that. Yes, the return of Troy Polamalu will certainly help Pitt. However, Favre had no trouble against Ed Reed last week and the rest of the Steelers secondary is suspect.

If this game was at the Dome, I would have zero doubt that we would win. It does come at a bad time for the Vikes with Winfield out, but I just think we're still a more talented team and a hungrier team. The Steelers just don't have that Super Bowl swagger that they had last year. With 'Toine out and Big Ben playing well, Pittsburgh will score points. I expect it to be a shootout. The Vikings superior D-line and better balance on offense gets it done. Oh, by the way, the Steelers are getting outscored in the 4th quarter 55-16 this year. You thought the Vikings we're the only ones who couldn't close games. Good luck against Brett Favre with those numbers.

Prediction: Vikings 31, Steelers 27

SKOL.

Thanks for reading.