Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Game info, key matchups and predictions for Week 2 in Chicago


Week 1 is over but the talk is still on going on Christian Ponder and can he get the job done. I have heard blame Musgrave’s poor play calling, the bad offensive line play, and the absence of Rudolph amongst some of the issues. Week 1 is over it is now time to hope as fans that the team took film work to heart and then play in Chicago better.

It is hard to believe to say this but week 2 is as huge of early game in the season as possible. A loss puts the team in a 0-2 hole but to complicate matters the Vikes would already have lost 2 tie breakers in the division.

I am going to stay on the high side and predict a win but before I go into that lets look at some game info and numbers involving these 2 teams.

Game time: Noon on Fox

Broadcasters-Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick and on the sideline will once again be Laura Okmin

Vegas point spread- Chicago by 6

Referee: Ed Hochuli

A LOOK BACK AT FUN FACTS FROM THE LIONS GAME

-Blair Walsh kicks another 50 plus field goal giving him 11 which ties Ryan Longwell’s team record of 11

-Jerome Simpson’s 140 yards is the most receiving yards by a Vikings receiver since Randy Mos had 150 in 2003. This is a shocking fact.

-Erin Henderson in his first start at Middle Linebacker recorded 14 tackles of which 11 were solo. It led the team. He also had his first interception in his career. What a way to start his 2013 season

BEARS VS VIKINGS HEAD TO HEAD SERIES

104 games played between these 2 black and blue teams. The Vikings lead the series in a close on 53-49-2. The Vikes are 21-28-2 in Chicago

The Vikings have not won in Chicago since 10/14/07

Leslie Frazier is 1-3 vs. Chicago

A win in Chicago would be Ponder’s first NFL road win

A win vs. Chicago on Sunday would be the first back to back win vs Chicago since 2008-2009 season.

BIG DAYS VS CHICAGO FOR VIKINGS PLAYERS

Jared Allen had 3.5 sacks in 2011 vs Chicago at home giving him the Vikings sack record surpassing Chris Doleman’s old record

Adrian Peterson in his 2007 rookie year had 224 yards rushing in Chicago

Greg Jennings had 8 catches for 130 yards with Green Bay as they beat the Bears in the NFC title game on 1/23/11

Harrison Smith returned an interception 56 yards for a touchdown last season on 12/09/12

KEY MATCHUPS TO WATCH FOR

Jared Allen vs. 7 yr NFL vet Jerod Bushrod

Vikings defensive interior taking on 13 yr vet Robert Garza.  Kevin Williams was back at practice on Tuesday so my hope of course is he will be there to plug the running holes.

Vikes linebackers vs screen plays from Jay Cutler to Matt Forte. I will assume the Bears will be salivating to have success like the Lions did with Reggie Bush

Vikes secondary vs Brandon Marshall. A second week in a row the team will see a big physical receiver.

Matt Kalil vs Julis Peppers

Ponder and receivers vs Bears secondary. The Bears are so good at creating turnovers. It will be huge to catch and hang on for dear life

Vikes special teams vs Devin Hester.

MY PREDICTION

I take the Purple 21-13. The whole key if the Vikings can get Jay Cutler to act like we all know he can. If things don’t go his way watch for the foot stomping and pouting.

The Vikes pass rush needs to be careful especially with the threat of a very good screen team in the Bears.

The win will not be easy as I spoke before 2007 was the last time the Vikes got a win in the windy city.

Ponder has a ton of pressure on his shoulders but I believe he will play better and help guide the team to a win.

Touchdowns by the Vikes will be 2 for Adrian and will break the 100 yard mark and Kyle Rudolph will appear and make a tough grab in the end zone for the teams third TD giving them the 21.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

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