Another gigantic battle of two NFC teams is about to happen with Thursday October 25th the date and the place, Mall of America Field.
One of the big questions asked of me is will we be able to see the game if we do not have NFL Network? The answer is yes. You can find it on your local channel.
The facts and odds I have found in reading seems to be good for the Vikings. The stat since Thursday night games started in 2006 the home team has a 63.6 percent winning. In 2012 the home team is 5-1 so far. Yes, they are only stats but it is something to think about.
Congratulation goes out to Adrian Peterson for being named offensive player of the week with his performance last week against Arizona. A twist to this story was the Vikings played Arizona in 2011 and who was named Offensive player of the week? Yes, Adrian Peterson with his 3 td’s and over 100 yards. It is amazing in 2 seasons the 2 games against the Cardinals, named player of the week each time.
Arizona played with many 8-9 man fronts to try and stop Adrian so what does he do? He runs for 153 and 1 touchdown. Tampa Bay comes in with a very tough run defense. They are ranked number one allowing only 3.1 per carry. The determination of Peterson will once again be watched. The game is national TV so don’t you think Peterson will want to show America just how strong he is with his comeback?
Remember he is tied with Robert Smith with 29- 100 yard rushing games in his Vikings career. I believe Peterson will be the lone record holder after Thursday night with 30.
Blair Walsh has been unbelievable with his kickoffs and touchbacks but Tampa Bay comes in as the only team with a higher percentage of touchbacks. The home crowd will give the edge to Walsh.
Tampa Bay quarterback, Josh Freeman comes in extremely hot especially in his last two games. He has thrown for 748 yards, 6 touchdowns and only one interception. This young man is big and tough to get down. A stat to look at is he has only been sacked 9 times in 6 games.
A challenge issued to the Vikings defense to do what they can to get him out of his game. The X factor will be the crowd.
The Buccaneers offensive line is huge with the smallest man at 6’4” and weighs 308 while the largest man is 6’9”. They also have 3 linemen at 6’5”. This will be a great challenge.
The Vikings came at Arizona quarterback with pressure without the blitz needed and still got 7 sacks. I believe the blitz will be key with a line this big. The quickness the Vikings have on defense will be a great asset.
Vikings have done a great job in shutting down the opponents receivers and once again the team faces a major task. The man who I was hoping to see the Vikings sign in the off-season is a Buc and his name, Vincent Jackson.
His game last week with a touchdown and over 200 yards in receiving against the New Orleans Saints will give Vikings cornerback Chris Cook a great challenge.
The team did so well in shutting down Lions receiver, Calvin Johnson. I just really believe the Vikings secondary has a great working relationship with each other and helps each other. Jackson will go back after the game to Tampa Bay frustrated.
The stats favor the Vikings to win and my heart agrees as the record at home will go to 5-0 and 6-2 overall. The Vikings win 30-10.
Thanks for reading
Purplestick
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