Streakless in Seattle – Vikings vs. Seahawks
It has been eleven years since the Minnesota Vikings beat the Seattle Seahawks in a regular or post-season game. A win tonight, on the road, in primetime fashion, would make a huge statement in ending the losing streak and launching the struggling Vikings back into contention.
As has been the case for the past half decade or so, the Seahawks are an NFC powerhouse. The team has made the playoffs eight of the last ten years, and Russell Wilson is currently making a strong case for league MVP.
That being said, the Seahawks are wildy unbalanced, as their defense ranks dead last in yards allowed per game (476.8). Their passing defense is much worse than their run defense, which bodes very well for Kirk Cousins and his red-hot rookie receiver, Justin Jefferson. And with how well Jefferson has played these past two weeks, Seattle will be forced to pay him major attention in coverage, likely opening up Adam Thielen and Kyle Rudolph for big gains.
Incredible first career touchdown celebration for Justin Jefferson pic.twitter.com/D1Mz1HjXZS
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 27, 2020
Besides the receiving corps, the Vikings defense also looked much better against the Houston Texans last week. Yes, some will downplay the win, pointing to Houston’s winless record, but I’m more intrigued by how the Vikings won than who they beat.
For the first time all season, Minnesota’s defense looked to be firing on all cylinders. The young cornerbacks made some big pass breakups, the defensive line generated a formidable pass rush, and even the linebackers had a great day despite playing without Anthony Barr (pectoral injury). Speaking of missing players, team captain Harrison Smith was ejected in controversial fashion, but the defense battled to the bitter end. That’s the kind of perseverance we as fans have been waiting for.
First career sack for DJ Wonnum #Vikings pic.twitter.com/LBUsANiaCI
— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) October 4, 2020
With all of the negatives that covid has brought us as individuals, it positively impacts the Vikings tonight. For several years in a row, fans have moaned and groaned about facing the Seahawks on the road, and rightfully so. It is unfair that one team (the Vikings) would have to repeatedly travel to face another opponent vs. ever take them on at home. Seattle is a particularly unfavorable place to play with their “12th-Man Advantage,” AKA rowdy fanbase. Thanks to the pandemic, there will not be fans in attendance tonight, creating a much calmer atmosphere for the Vikings offense to operate in.
A Vikings victory would be huge, as it brings the team only one win shy of being .500 on the year, and puts us back on the path of playoff contention. Let’s see if the team can end the dreaded losing streak, start a win streak, and continue renewing hope in what many considered to be a lost season.
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