Either the Browns or the Vikings will come away with their first win of 2013 on Sunday. With the announcement that the Browns will start third string quarterback Brian Hoyer and the recent trade of Trent Richardson to Indianapolis, all expectations are the Vikings should not only win, but blow out the woeful Cleveland team at home.
Those that know their Vikings history will be quick to point out that a backup quarterback cannot be underestimated, and speed demon Josh Gordon will return from suspension just in time to play against us, but much of the conversation on Sunday will certainly revolve around the running games of each team.
The Browns shocked everyone by dealing Richardson for the Colts’ first round pick in 2014 and have signed veteran Willis McGahee to take his place. McGahee was on the street after a knee injury prematurely ended his 2012 season in Denver and led to his eventual release. The Browns just added McGahee on Thursday, so he will have little time to integrate himself, and the Browns may have to rely on reserves Chris Ogbonnaya and Bobby Rainey to shoulder a majority of the work against Minnesota.
Behind a talented offensive line that has been underachieving this season the Browns rushing attack certainly gives Vikings fans a reason to expect dominance from the front seven on Sunday. If this were a game of Madden, which it obviously isn’t, the talent ratings involved in this matchup would be overwhelmingly in the Vikings favor.
On the flip side, Adrian Peterson and the Vikings rushing attack have been underwhelming relative to expectations, and they face a run defense that has proven to be quite solid. So far this season Peterson has a respectable 193 yards on 44 carries for a 4.4 yard average per carry, but he has averaged a frustratingly low 2.7 yards after his opening carry went for a 78 yard touchdown. Peterson knows these types of days are not meeting expectations, including his own, and vows to change things this week against the Browns.
“I was worried about the things that I left out there on the field and how much better I could’ve performed,” Peterson told Access Vikings regarding last Sunday’s game.
“[Sunday’s game] is just another reminder,” he said. “You can kind of get out of whack at times, and you’ve got to be able to evaluate yourself and see how you can improve and get back on track. So it’ll be a pretty easy adjustment for me.”
Peterson seems to think getting more physical with defenders, despite the “crown rule” looming this season, is the best way to spark something within this rushing offense.
“Really trying to strike those guys instead of running away from color as much as I did,” he said. “I will be changing that this week.”
If he follows up his words with action, which he usually does, then #28 could be lighting it up this Sunday at the Metrodome.
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Chris Chandler, Scott Mitchell. Ughh
Vikes are a 3 pt favorite, and many experts are picking this as the upset of the week. Really? No QB, No RB, road game......and people are picking you to win, or at least be within 3 points? Time to put the hammer down and prove something to the football world. I'm predicting a 37-13 beat down to gain back a little confidence from the football world.
I hope they are reading it. As Fozz said,
Time to put the Hammer down. They have improved each week, time for a Good complete game from Offence, Defense, Special teams.
Two predictions:
1. Vikes win 27-13.
2. Afterwards, fans will declare that Ponder and Musgrave were substandard again.
Fans will declare Ponder and Musgrave substandard? Highly doubtful, if we manage to beat the mighty Browns, with their ferocious "we give up on 2013" land and air attack.
i predict AD gets 450-600 yds. over the next 3 games
2 of his best runs ever have been against the browns and steelers, and he sounds like he's very motivated. he needs help from the O-line, and getting felton back should be a boost, too, but these next three games should be fun
play mbt to match their no. 3
and
NO LETDOWN!!!!!!!
kill 'em
perfect situation to see ponder have a monster game. if he can't do it in this game, will he ever?
Browns lose to the Fins and they cash it in. We better do the same if we lose to this team.
is this guy reading my posts?
http://www.dailynorseman.com/2013/9/18/4747030/where-i-ask-a-question-about-the-vikings-offense
I think you should sue them Cal, obviously they're stealing your stuff.
They are a 3rd ranked Defense.
Would be nice to see the Offense have a fairly good game against them.
Well I don't know about you guys, but I'm a bit worried about this game. I think we'll win, but something in the back of my brain says those Vikes better bring it tomorrow.
Better play like the whole season rides on this game...cause it does.
A win would be nice, but just squeaking by versus a team like the Browns are right now is not good.
What will be concerning is if our defense has trouble with their offense. This should be as close to a shutout as it gets seeing a #3 QB and backup tailbacks. Our offense likely won't turn into a juggernaut against this Browns D, especially missing both Felton and Rhett Ellison, who is a very important part of the run game that doesn't get much press. If the defense can give us a couple short fields and we can use some play action to Peterson to get Rudolph open in the red zone that would be huge. Hopefully AD can bust a couple big runs but it's not going to be easy for him.