Vikings - Packers Week 1 Preview

Vikings Driving In Right Lane Towards Success

The Minnesota Vikings begin the 2008 NFL season on the road Monday night in prime time TV against their arch rival Green Bay Packers. (From here on now known as the Slackers) Brett Favre is starring on Broadway and Aaron Rodgers is the man in Slacker land. The Slack had a terrible media cloud following them all off season distracting the players and organization from focusing on training and conditioning.

The Vikings on the other hand, added some stellar free agent talent landing defensive end Jared Allen and his 15.5 sacks from last season and Madieau Williams, a tough, smart cover safety the Vikings desperately needed to play along with Darren Sharper. They also added receiver Bernard Berrian and his stretch the defense speed giving hope to open up even bigger lanes for Adrian Peterson, superstar in training.

That said, Monday’s game seems to be a lopsided victory for the Vikings. Until, you really look at the facts. Yes, Viking fans, remember, this Viking fan doesn’t wear purple colored glasses. (They are tinted, but not purple)

Lets look at the Viking trends:
They do not play well at away games.
They do not play well outdoors.
they do not play well on grass.
They do not play well on days not named Sunday.
They do not play well in the national spotlight.
They do not play well against the Slackers.

Lets see, the first game is away, outdoors, on grass, on Monday, national TV, and against the Slackers.

Lets not forget that the Slackers were division winners last season with a 13-3 record and lost the championship game to the Giants by an errant pass. And that the Vikings were 8-8 last season and 6-10 the year before and haven’t even sniffed the playoffs. And not to mention Tarvaris Jackson is questionable for Mondays game. The same Tarvaris that has been hurt the previous two season he has been a pro. (And I use pro lightly)

Wait, there’s more. Vikings starting left tackle, Bryant McKinnie has been suspended four games forcing back up guard Artis Hicks to the left tackle. Staying with the offense, receiver Bernard Berrian has missed several pre-season games and two weeks of practice because of a bad toe. The same bad toe that plagued him all last season while he was in Chicago.

Fifteen yards for piling on!!!

Shiancoe is still Shiancoe. A non catching tight end. WAKE THE HELL up Shiancoe. Did I mention that Jackson is injured and may not play Monday, and if he does, will be limited in his mobility allowing the Slacker D line to blitz a stationery target more efficiently.

Moving to the defense. Madieau Williams, starting safety, is out with a neck injury. Rookie Tyrelle Johnson from Arkansas is slated for his first ever start. Sadly, starter DE Udeze is out the entire season as he battles leukemia. (God speed Udeze) Toss in special teams ace Heath Farwell and the Vikings are a depleted team.

And don’t forget Brad Childress and his “Kick Ass Offense” that no one seems to be able to comprehend and run.

This is not the way you want to open up the season.

Time To Pay The Piper:
Yes, it is a cliche but the Vikings need to be able to run and control the clock. Peterson needs to be in top form. (He had 45 yards in his last meeting) Sidney Rice must stay focused and use his wide frame to catch the ball and move the chains. Berrian must be able to run with speed down field to keep 8 men out of the box. And Jackson must play.

On paper, the Slackers should win this game, and are favored by 3 points. In reality, after Monday’s game, songs will be sung about the courage of Tarvaris Jackson.

Vikings win 23-20

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