This week the Lions travel to Minnesota to play the Vikings in the Hubert Humphrey Metro Dome. While the Lions have been firing on all cylinders to start the season, the Motor City Kitties purrfect record could be in jeopardy against a tough division rival that is still finding its chemistry under the leadership of Donovan "Prince" McNabb.
The Vikings offense features a dangerous one-two punch on the ground with Adrian Peterson and unheralded Toby Gerhardt. This could give the Lions fits, as they have allowed several unexpected running lanes through their vaunted defensive line to open the season. This could be a costly mistake against a back as dangerous as Peterson, a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.
In the passing game, McNabb has limited ability to cause damage. Percy Harvin, the only true receiving threat on the Vikings, will surely gain plenty of attention from a Lions secondary that has exceeded expectations. Holdover TE Visanthe Shiancoe, a favorite target of former QB Brett Favre, has disappeared in the new Vikings scheme.
The Lions true test though will come on offense, and features our PLAYER SPOTLIGHT Matchup of the Week.
Ladies and Gentleman, in this corner we have 11 year veteran starting Left Tackle Jeff Backus, and in the other corner, we have the every down potential QB Killer, Defensive End Jared Allen! Let's get ready to RUUMMMMBBBLLLLEEEE!!!!
Allen can wreak havoc in the Lions backfield, and has the potential to put Stafford, or any other QB for that matter, on the sidelines for the rest of the season. Expect the Lions to consistently shade TE Pettigrew to Backus's side of the field to give help when needed before leaking out to a shallow route in the flats while fellow TE Tony Scheffler tries working deeper seam routes in the mid-range of the field. If the Lions can neutralize the presence of Allen effectively, this game should be theirs hands down.
Final score prediction - Lions 31 Vikings 16
The Vikings offense features a dangerous one-two punch on the ground with Adrian Peterson and unheralded Toby Gerhardt. This could give the Lions fits, as they have allowed several unexpected running lanes through their vaunted defensive line to open the season. This could be a costly mistake against a back as dangerous as Peterson, a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.
In the passing game, McNabb has limited ability to cause damage. Percy Harvin, the only true receiving threat on the Vikings, will surely gain plenty of attention from a Lions secondary that has exceeded expectations. Holdover TE Visanthe Shiancoe, a favorite target of former QB Brett Favre, has disappeared in the new Vikings scheme.
The Lions true test though will come on offense, and features our PLAYER SPOTLIGHT Matchup of the Week.
Ladies and Gentleman, in this corner we have 11 year veteran starting Left Tackle Jeff Backus, and in the other corner, we have the every down potential QB Killer, Defensive End Jared Allen! Let's get ready to RUUMMMMBBBLLLLEEEE!!!!
Allen can wreak havoc in the Lions backfield, and has the potential to put Stafford, or any other QB for that matter, on the sidelines for the rest of the season. Expect the Lions to consistently shade TE Pettigrew to Backus's side of the field to give help when needed before leaking out to a shallow route in the flats while fellow TE Tony Scheffler tries working deeper seam routes in the mid-range of the field. If the Lions can neutralize the presence of Allen effectively, this game should be theirs hands down.
Final score prediction - Lions 31 Vikings 16
The Lions are favored in Minnesota for the first time in 30 years. I guess it must be residual pessimism from failed years past, but I can't manage to make myself believe the Lions will keep winning in blowout fashion. I suppose I can see it happening again vs Minnesota, but pretty soon we have to run into a team that can keep it close...right? Right?!?!?
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