Packers @ Vikings

[MaroonBells]

I think the Vikings are the better team and, if they're able to play THEIR game—with the lead, using a balance of run and pass—they'll win. And maybe easily. Jefferson against a Packers secondary without Jaire Alexander just isn't fair. 

But here's what scares me: The Packers pass rush. 10 sacks the last two weeks. In the first matchup in September, the Vikings offensive line, including Ingram and Darrisaw, played incredibly well. Brandel, Bradbury and Ingram had one of their best games as a unit. Vikings gave up two sacks, but both were on LB and CB blitzes and none were from Packers defensive line, which is healthy and playing much better now. 

That's the key to this game IMO: protect, play with balance, the Vikings win. Don't do that, they probably lose. 

What will happen? I think the Vikings will in fact struggle to protect, but through designed rollouts and Sam's escapability we'll be able to exploit the Jefferson matchup enough to win a close one, 41-34. Bet the over, take your beta blockers, and put your cardiologist on speed dial.

[Greylock]

Pretty much agree with what you said MaroonBell. I also think either Grennard or Van Ginkle get a pick 6.

[purplefaithful]

Thx for the take!

I am more concerned about their running game tbh. Am glad to have IPJ back. The Vikings dont play with balance - KOC doesnt have it in him. But this would sure be a nice week to limit their offensive snaps and control the clock.

It'll come down to turn-overs and just who brings their A game this week. I also have a hunch TJH could have more impact this game than he has since his return. 

As I posted earlier, this is just about as high stakes as a regular season game can get. I think KOC will have the guys ready.

A signature win would be awesome.

[StickierBuns]

I'm with PF, the Packer's are going to try and run the football down Minnesota's throat. And I think they feel if they don't let Minnesota start fast, they can pound the rock in the 4th quarter. But we got our run game pitbull back, Mr. Ivan Pace Jr. So f*ck them. Let's shred some cheese, bitches.....

[hogjowlsjohnny]

Early in the year the expectations were low so it was easy to play fast and free with a quiet mind. Now the stakes are high I hope they don't pucker up and play tight. Hope they can find that same mental place they were in back then with a little 'we are going to kick your ass attitude' mixed in. If so, they will be fine and break the trend the Vikings have been prone to in the past.
New team. Great opportunity that doesn't come along often.
SKOL Vikings.

[MaroonBells]

Thx for the take!

I am more concerned about their running game tbh. Am glad to have IPJ back. The Vikings dont play with balance - KOC doesnt have it in him. But this would sure be a nice week to limit their offensive snaps and control the clock.

It'll come down to turn-overs and just who brings their A game this week. I also have a hunch TJH could have more impact this game than he has since his return. 

As I posted earlier, this is just about as high stakes as a regular season game can get. I think KOC will have the guys ready.

A signature win would be awesome.

To me, it all goes together. And that's what makes me a little nervous about this game. What they do well (run the ball and rush the passer) are things that go really really well with a lead. We can't let that happen.

Agree on TJH. With them devoting extra attention to Jefferson to cover the absence of Alexander, and the fact that Quay Walker is out, we could see a good day from Hockenson. One surprise, though, is that ex-Viking Eric Wilson actually grades better in coverage than the former 1st rounder Walker. The real standout the last few weeks has been Edgerrin Cooper.

[The ghost formerly known as PG]

Home field is big in this game. There better not be a speck of green or gold to be seen. Fans gotta bring it.

[StickierBuns]

Home field is big in this game. There better not be a speck of green or gold to be seen. Fans gotta bring it.

There will be, probably about 20%. That's what happens when a state is connected to another state and its easy to get to the stadium. Its ok, Lambeau Field earlier in the year was easily 20% Viking's fans. Just how it goes.

[purplefaithful]

To me, it all goes together. And that's what makes me a little nervous about this game. What they do well (run the ball and rush the passer) are things that go really really well with a lead. We can't let that happen.

Agree on TJH. With them devoting extra attention to Jefferson to cover the absence of Alexander, and the fact that Quay Walker is out, we could see a good day from Hockenson. One surprise, though, is that ex-Viking Eric Wilson actually grades better in coverage than the former 1st rounder Walker. The real standout the last few weeks has been Edgerrin Cooper.

Well, if the method to Vikings madness continues this week? They'll have a big first 1/2 and then you have to hold on to your Viking cap the rest of the way. 

For some reason, Im not convinced thats the way it'll look today though. 

This week feels different. It's not one and done, but its a playoff game for all practical purposes with the stakes for the Vikings so high. 

This game is much more important to us then GB.

[MaroonBells]

Something for Sam's bulletin board.