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The Vikings looked totally unprepared for their football game with the Patriots last night. The Patriots had been running the ball on offense all season and had been successful at it, but last night they came out throwing and the Vikings never adjusted to it. Brad Johnson started to look his age last night, as he played horrible. Johnson has completed 20 of 33 passes for 185 yards and 3 INTs. Brooks Bollinger replaced him in the 4th quarter and did no better, completing 6 of 9 passes for 76 yards and a INT. Chester Taylor was getting stuffed all night as he had 10 carries for 22 yards (2.2 ypc) and caught 3 passes for 27 yards. The only player on the Vikings offense that came to play was RB Mewelde Moore. Moore carried the ball 2 times for 9 yards and caught 4 passes for 91 yards. But, Moore’s biggest play was when he returned a punt 71 yards for a TD! Troy Williamson caught 5 passes for 44 yards.
The defense was absolutely destroyed by the Patriots. The Vikings defense had been good all year until last night. The Patriots only ran the ball 15 times, but they got 85 yards (5.7 ypc). The Patriots completed 29 of 43 passes for 345 net yards passing.
Marcus Robinson could miss several weeks with a back injury. This hurts the Vikings because almost every wide-out on the whole team is banged up.
The Vikings offense has played pretty well and is averaging 20.0 points per game. The running game has been solid and is averaging 116.0 yards rushing per game and 4.2 yards per carry. The passing game has been solid, averaging 210.3 net yards passing and 63.3% completions.
The defense has been outstanding so far this season, allowing just 15.8 points per game. The run defense is outstanding and only allows 70.8 yards rushing per game and 3.1 yards per carry! The pass defense allows 207.0 net yards passing and 56.9% completions.
Finally, an outstanding match-up on Monday Night Football. The Patriots are coasting in their division with a 5-1 record, while the Vikings are staying close to the Bears at 4-2.
The Patriots are all about the running game so far this season, so look for Laurence Maroney (361 rushing yards) and Corey Dillon (328 rushing yards) to get their carries. It won’t be easy for the Patriots to run the ball against a Vikings defense that only allows 70.8 yards rushing per game and 3.1 yards per carry. The Patriots are not a one dimensional team, as they have one of the greatest QBs of all-time in Tom Brady. The Patriots got rid of his best two receivers in the off-season….so he even spreads the ball around more, which makes the Patriots hard to defend.
The Vikings also prefer to run the football behind the left side of their offensive line (Hutchinson and McKinnie) with Chester Taylor who has 590 yards rushing this season. The Patriots defense is real tough against the run only allowing 83.8 yards rushing per game and 3.5 yards per carry. The Patriots pass defense is a little soft so look for Brad Johnson (1.299 yards passing) to attack it with short passes.
This game could go either way, but one thing is for certain……..it will be a good football game.