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The Vikings return home a week after dominating division rival Detroit Lions, and the optimism that surrounded this team before the season began is suddenly back. Behind strong performances from Adrian Peterson, Teddy Bridgewater, and Mike Zimmer’s deep defensive line, the Minnesota Vikings turned their young season around at TCF Bank Stadium.
This week, they play host to the San Diego Chargers in what should be a competitive matchup between two potential playoff contenders. Lindsey Young thinks Adrian Peterson will have a big day on the ground — if he holds onto the football. Brent LaBathe, on the other hand, previewed the Vikings’ defense and thinks Philip Rivers could be in for a long day if Everson Griffen and Co. develop a consistent pass rush.
I also previewed a particularly intriguing matchup — San Diego’s pass-catching running backs versus Minnesota’s young linebacker corps. Both Melvin Gordon and Danny Woodhead are threats out of the backfield, and the Vikings will need to improve their play in coverage to be successful this afternoon.
I believe the Vikings will continue their strong play against the Chargers this week and come away with a victory. While Adrian Peterson won’t match his record-setting total from eight years ago, he’ll run for at least 150 yards behind a steadily improving offensive line. On defense, Mike Zimmer will dial up the blitzes to rattle Philip Rivers and prevent any deep shots.
Prediction: 24-14 Vikings
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omg Rhodes down :( Please be ok
Waynes played very good in his place
Sendejo is terrible. On that last drive of the half we would have been better off playin with 10 men on the field instead of number 34
Sendejo is still better than Blanton or Exum. By a lot
Teddy is not being himself. He is Christian Ponder. How many under throw he had so far, 5? 6? Derek is clearly better. The way Teddy play is boring and lack of big play.
O-line sucks. Teddy is running for his life most of the time.
Did Charles Johnson get benched or hurt after the INT? After that we started seeing Thielen and Paterson.
vikings 31, clobbered 14
hehe