Vikings Can Capitalize on Misfortune
The NFL is full of talented players who can be counted on to produce at a high level every week. While there are varying degrees of talent spread across different rosters, a significant differentiator on a game-by-game basis is health. The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a pretty good spot. Unfortunately, the Seattle Seahawks are not.
Vikings Can Capitalize on Misfortune
Minnesota heads to the West Coast this week for a matchup against a division leader. The Seahawks are just 8-6, but the watered-down NFC West still has them right in the thick of a playoff race. Mike Macdonald’s team is fighting it, though, as they deal with several key injuries.
The most impactful injury at the moment is to quarterback Geno Smith. He was forced from last weekend’s game against the Green Bay Packers when he injured his knee. Practice reports suggest that he should be able to give it a go on Sunday, but his effectiveness and staying power will be tested.
Should Smith need to leave or be unavailable altogether, the Seahawks would turn to Sam Howell. The former Washington Commanders quarterback was not good in a starting role and looked downright awful in backup action last weekend.
Behind the quarterback, Seattle’s backfield is uncertain. Starter Kenneth Walker III has missed action due to a calf injury, and backup Zach Charbonnet was listed with an oblique issue. At least one pair will likely play, but their ailments could keep them from performing at their best.
Minnesota is looking to re-establish its strong rush defense, and getting some banged-up talents as the opposition should help. Brian Flores will need to keep his unit engaged if the Vikings are going to pull off a road victory, and Seattle can be made a bit more one-dimensional.
It’s unfortunate for teams when injuries tear apart their rosters. However, this is also part of the game, and it’s why winning a Super Bowl can come down to a war of attrition. Last season, the Vikings dealt with a revolving door behind Kirk Cousins. Justin Jefferson missed significant time, and T.J. Hockenson was lost for a very long stretch. During this time, no opponents felt sorry for them.
Of course, there is no place to cheer on injuries. That said, when you have an advantageous situation in front of you, there is no reason not to capitalize on it. The Vikings are in for a good final stretch, so you might as well gear up and get ready for the ride.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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