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 five things to look for:
5) Mike Wallace is ready to make an impact
Wallace's play will be vital to the Vikings' offense. He's one of the fastest players in the NFL, and his ability to take the top off the defense will be important for making other receivers open and creating more running space for Adrian Peterson. If he can open up the back end of Detroit's defense with one for two big plays, Minnesota's offense could become unstoppable.
4) 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.
3) Lions 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.
2) Teddy Bridgewater
Bridgewater was dazzling for large chunks of his rookie season, posting just under 3,000 yards and 14 touchdowns in just 13 games. He threw for 231 yards in the game against the 49ers, but did throw an interception. The natural talent is there as well as is the innate will to win, so we're only seeing big steps forward in his future during his second year under center. With a wide array of fun weapons to play with including Mike Wallace, Cordarrelle Patterson, and dynamic rookie Stefon Diggs, Bridgewater should experience wild successr.
1) An angry 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, tracking 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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