Week 04 Preview: Vikings – Titans

In 1998, then Viking quarterback Brad Johnson was injured in game two and the veteran backup Randall Cunningham came in and relieved him. For the rest of the season, Cunningham, the strong armed crafty veteran, guided the Vikings to its best season in their history breaking all the offensive records a team covets.

Last week, Tarvaris Jackson, the current Vikings quarterback, was benched in favor of Gus Frerotte, the crafty veteran with the strong arm. So far, history has repeated itself as the Vikings won for the first time this season.

The Vikings travel to Tennessee this weekend to play one of the best teams in the AFC. The Titans boast the 3rd best ranked defense in the league. Kerry Collins is filling in nicely for the injured Vince Young completing a solid 61% of his passes. The running game has stepped up as Lendale White is bruising inside the red zone and rookie Chris Johnson leads the AFC in rushing. The Titans defense is league best with 7 interceptions this season.

Gus Frerotte gets the nod for his second start this season. (Rumor has it that Tarvaris Jackson has several of his neck chains up for sale on E-Bay) However, this time, its an away game. We all know how poorly the Vikings play at away games. Gus must be on his game, no lapses, or he will pay dearly. He will need a 60 plus completion percentage rate to win.

The receivers must hold onto the ball. (That means you Shiancoe, don’t think just because you caught one pass that you are paid millions to do so that you are off the hook.) Hopefully Sidney Rice is healthy enough to suit up.

How’s that hamstring Adrian? According to him, its perfect, fine, no pain, no twinge. Peterson has 340 yards rushing so far this year, but we haven’t seen the long breaker yet. (Yes, we are now spoiled because Peterson doesn’t have a 50 yarder yet this year.) I believe he springs one loose on Sunday. The Titans will be playing very aggressive on the fron line stacking the box. Peterson will bust through the line and see open road ahead.

As expected, coach Brad Childress opened the play book a little wider last week. It will need to be wide open this week. Make the Titans pay dearly for stacking the line. Send Berrian deep early and often. When he’s gassed, send Allison deep. Make the safeties turn their back. Inject screen plays, draw plays, and the long ball. Keep the Titans on their heels.

For the Titans to win: Pressure Frerotte into mistakes. Run the ball effectively. Minimalize penalties. Collins to make the right throws.

For the Vikings to win: Sack and pressure Collins. Frerotte to control the passing game. Peterson needs a big game. Defense needs a few sacks and a turnover. Are you listening Jared Allen and Ray Edwards?

SKOL VIKINGS!

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