Well, I have to admit, I'm in a state of Minnesota Sport Fan Depression with today's announcement that Viking MLB E.J. Henderson, who had been playing at a phenomenal level so far this season and was the one player I've raved about, was placed on injured reserve, ending his 2008 season. His presence in the middle of the field and running the defense will be missed. Get well soon E.J.!
On to tonights game:
If there was an offense in the entire NFL that should scare the Vikings, its the one run by Drew Brees for the New Orleans Saints, who has been spectacular even without standouts Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey in the pass game. If ever there was a game where the pass rush needed to step up, this is it, and big time.
The Saint's run offense doesn't frighten me that much against the Viking front four, but Reggie Bush on swing passes in space and Brees' knack for spreading the ball to all his weapons does. Sean Payton will stick with what works for his team in this game, and that is passing the ball.
As good as New Orleans is on offense however, they are just as bad on defense, ranking 27th in the league overall giving up 372 yards per game, and 29th and 20th against the pass and rush respectively.
The Viking offense should be able to move the ball better than they have against any other foe so far this season, and despite their offensive production, the Saints haven't exactly run away with any of their games, which brings me to this:
Official Memo to Brad Childress:
Do not be enticed by the fact that New Orleans has given up a lot of pass yards to try and come out throwing in this game. The pass offense run by Gus Frerotte will not be able to keep up with Brees', and the thing that you do well on offense will be your best defense against their passing attack. That being controlling the clock and keeping the Saint offense off the field by running the ball with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor behind your O-Line which should be able to control the trenches even moreso with the return of LT Bryant McKinnie from suspension.
If Adrian Peterson can rush for about or greater than 50% of the yards Drew Brees throws for, the Vikings will have a chance in this game, and my intuition (which is not exactly dependable so far, take it for what you will...) says that this game will (or should...) be closer than people think, but then again, the Vikes are still coached by Brad Childress so a 42-0 throttling (sorry Vike faithful for the reminder) isn't out of the question either.
The only silver lining to the season I can see so far is that the rest of the NFC North Division isn't exactly lighting it up either. Looking more and more like a 9-7 or 8-8 team could win this division, and thats still a record thats not out of reach with the worst part of the Viking schedule behind them. A win would go a long way towards restoring some swagger and confidence for the Vikes, and I have seen stranger things happen, so keep the faith, even if I'm picking against them.
Vikings 27 - Saints 34
Skol Vikings! 'Til next time...
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