The Minnesota Vikings suffered a disappointing loss to the 49ers in their season opener, and will look to get their season back on track against the Lions on Sunday. Here are three reasons why they'll do just that and earn their first victory of the season:
3) Defense with something to prove
There are impact players dotted all over this defense, and most of them are young with high ceilings they're just itching to turn into production. Anthony Barr is making the leap from dynamic pass rusher to a true leader as a three-down linebacker, and having Linval Joseph and Shariff Floyd in the middle of the defensive line and Brian Robison/Everson Griffin doing damage from the edges is only going to make Barr's job easier. There's also the improved secondary led by Harrison Smith, Xavier Rhodes, and #1 cornerback-to-be Trae Waynes.
However, they struggled against the 49ers - and they aren't happy about it. Look for them to play with a giant chip on their shoulder against Detroit.
2) Detroit's lack of a rushing attack
Minnesota's biggest weakness on defense against the 49ers was defending the run, but luckily for them, the Lions really struggled running the football in their opener against the Chargers. Detroit gained just 69 total rushing yards in that game, and San Diego had a pretty weak rush defense last year. Minnesota should be able to limit them even more.
1) Determined Adrian Peterson
With his return, the Vikings suddenly have one of the league’s premier offensive stars back in the mix. He struggled in Week 1, racking up only 31 yards on 10 carries, and he wasn't happy with his output. An angry Adrian Peterson will likely be a determined Adrian Peterson, and that will lead to opposing tacklers being strewn everywhere with their jaws agape and their heads hung low. With Teddy Bridgewater dissecting opposing secondaries and AP blowing up fools on a play-by-play basis, Detroit's depleted defense doesn't stand a chance.
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