Vikings @ Panthers Predictions
It’s funny how things change. A couple weeks ago, this game scared the hell out of me. Now, it looks like Sam Darnold is who we thought he was, and without CMC, that’s not much.
What I like: Panthers offensive line v. Vikings pass rush.
The Panthers, after pursuing but losing out on both Matt Stafford and Deshaun Watson, signed Sam Darnold. Then, with the 8th pick in the draft, with Rashawn Slater, Justin Fields and Mac Jones on the board, they passed on all three to take CB Jaycee Horn, who is likely out for the year with a broken foot. It’s understandable to pass on the QBs after signing Sam Darnold, but you have to protect him, and they can’t. Meanwhile, Rashawn Slater has been terrific in San Diego. Panthers have very good RT Taylor Moton playing LT and rookie LT Brady Christensen, who graded out with a damn-near Dozier like 45.2 last week, playing RT. Paradis is league average in the middle. The guards are garbage. Hunter and company will get to Darnold a lot in this game.
What I don’t like: Vikings passing game v. Carolina pass defense
If the Panthers defense has a vulnerability, it’s stopping the run, especially since they will be without leading tackler, LB Shaq Thompson. So I think this will be a game where we run the ball a lot, much to the chagrin of conservative-offense-hating Viking fans everywhere. But that’s probably how we win this game. Because, while their run defense is middle of the pack, the Panthers are a top 5 pass defense, and number one in the NFL on 3rd down. I don’t see us having great success in the air, especially with Thielen and Jefferson hurting.
It won’t be fun or pretty, but Vikings win a ball-control game.
Vikings 20 Panthers 10
“A gentleman is someone who can play the accordion, but doesn't." - Tom Waits
I want to believe the Vikes roll and the offense starts clicking, but I have yet to see it. I'm just hoping for a win.Vikes: 23Panthers: 20
@"StickyBun" said:@"MaroonBells" said: I don't get what people have against PA. In terms of a local radio guys, nobody even comes close to him. And I say this as someone who frequently travels to other cities and listens to their radio broadcast. There's PA--a mile wide gap--and everyone else. Even fans of other teams love the guy.
For me, he's not great at what he does. He's consistently late on the action. He's got more schtick to him than most of them. Just not my deal. Mitch Holtus for the Kansas Chiefs is light years better....to just name one.
Holtus is much better than PA
@"HappyViking" said:Didn't you see it against Seattle? Nearly 500 yards of offense. Passed the ball well, ran the ball well.I want to believe the Vikes roll and the offense starts clicking, but I have yet to see it. I'm just hoping for a win.Vikes: 23Panthers: 20
But yes, a win above all things. Like you, I want to see the Vikings put together a complete game, but I don't think this is it. Panthers' pass defense is just too good. I think this is a defensive battle with a lot of sacks and opportunities for big, game-changing plays for both teams. The team that takes advantage will be the team that wins.
Compete game in two weeks against Dallas.
@"MaroonBells" said:@"HappyViking" said:I want to believe the Vikes roll and the offense starts clicking, but I have yet to see it consistently. I'm just hoping for a win.Vikes: 23Panthers: 20Didn't you see it against Seattle? Nearly 500 yards of offense. Passed the ball well, ran the ball well.But yes, a win above all things. Like you, I want to see the Vikings put together a complete game, but I don't think this is it. Panthers' pass defense is just too good. I think this is a defensive battle with a lot of sacks and opportunities for big, game-changing plays for both teams. The team that takes advantage will be the team that wins.
Compete game in two weeks against Dallas.
Corrected above. That's what I meant. We've seen glimpses, but it just can't be counted on.
@"HappyViking" said:@"MaroonBells" said:@"HappyViking" said:I want to believe the Vikes roll and the offense starts clicking, but I have yet to see it consistently. I'm just hoping for a win.Vikes: 23Panthers: 20Didn't you see it against Seattle? Nearly 500 yards of offense. Passed the ball well, ran the ball well.But yes, a win above all things. Like you, I want to see the Vikings put together a complete game, but I don't think this is it. Panthers' pass defense is just too good. I think this is a defensive battle with a lot of sacks and opportunities for big, game-changing plays for both teams. The team that takes advantage will be the team that wins.
Compete game in two weeks against Dallas.
Corrected above. That's what I meant. We've seen glimpses, but it just can't be counted on.
Agree. Need to put a couple of good games together in a row, then maybe we can count on that a little bit more.And no, Detroit was not one of them.
I'm ok with fuglie wins, as long as there is a flip side; pretty wins.
I sure hope they win today - so that Dallas game has more meaning for me.
@"MaroonBells" said:I told you Brady would have something special worked up. Don't attack Breeland, concentrate on PP. Special stickum for the wide receivers. I would say the job interview went poorly.@"VikingOracle" said: But here is something to keep in the back of your mind.... this game is sort of a job interview for Joe Brady. I am guessing he has some special things set up for this game. Just sayin......... If that's true and Zimmer shuts him down, then what? Just sayin...
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