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.
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