After a much poorer start than expected, the Minnesota Vikings will play host this week to the hated Green Bay Packers. Minnesota is (1-2) on the season with a win at home vs Atlanta (23-3), and road losses to Detroit (20-17 OT), and to Kansas City (13-10) last week. The Packers are an unexpected 3-0 right now, with victories over Philadelphia (16-13), New York Giants (36-13), and a win last week over San Diego (31-24). The team helmets for this week are from the 1961 Minnesota Vikings, and the 1961-1972 Green Bay Packers. For 10 of the 16 weeks, this site will use throwback logos and helmets for all readers to view. Most people don't even know what these emblems and logos look like, so we here at Viking Mania will show you. Hope you find ths as interesting as we do.
This weeks game has a lot at stake. First and foremost is the extremely bitter rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers have a narrow series lead of 46-45-1 over our Vikings, with the Packers sweeping the season series last year. Prior to last season, the Vikings had won three straight games against the Packers, and one NFC Divisional game at Lambeau Field in 2004. In fact, the last nine times these teams have met since 2002, each game has been decided by no more than six points.
The other attraction to this week's game is Brett Farve being one touchdown away from becoming the league leading passer in touchdowns. Farve pulled even with Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino with 420 touchdowns last week against the Chargers. There is a very good chance that Farve will break the record this week against the divisional rival Vikings. The last time Brett did not throw for a touchdown against Minnesota was at the Metrodome in 1999. Even if Brett Farve doesn't break the touchdown record this week, which he should, the game may lie in the favor of the Vikings. Farve's lifetime record at the Metrodome is 5-10.
The games where Green bay has not thrown for a touchdown pass at the Metrodome was in 1992, '93, '94, '95 and 1999. Minnesota won all five those decisions.
The Viking defense should come up big against the Packers running game. The Packers' feeble running game has officially hit rock bottom. Green Bay ranks last in the 32-team league with an average of 57 rushing yards per game. the Vikings defense on the other hand has only allowed 67.3 yard of rushing, which ranks third in the NFL.
"It's frustrating. You never want to be a part of that," veteran right tackle Mark Tauscher said.
"But, in the same respect, we had games where we ran for 230 yards, and we lost. I'd much rather be in this position (with a 3-0 record) than being in the top three running the football, beating our chest how great of a running team we are and then we're sitting there struggling to get in the playoffs.
Minnesota's passing defense is another story. With both Detroit and Kansas City throwing for 200 yards against this Vikings defense, and Joey Harrington, who has struggled against the Vikings, threw for 199 yards, our Vikings pass defense is ranked 20th in the NFL. On a positive note, however, our Vikings defense has caused opponents to turn the ball over eight times in three weeks (5 interceptions, and 3 fumble recoveries). Our Vikings defense has also recorded 7 sacks on the season. If that sounds like a good number after three weeks, remember, Joey Harrington was sacked 6 times in week one.
Minnesota's offense has been less than stellar this season. The running game has been on task, with Adrian Peterson rushing for over 100 yards in week one, 62 yards vs Detroit in week two, and 102 yards in week three opposing the Chiefs. Peterson has also caught 8 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown this season. The injured Chester Taylor may be back this week. Taylor is listed as day-today, and is limited in practice work.
Finally, it looks like Kelly Holcomb will get the start for the Vikings this week. Holcomb didn't do too bad against the Chiefs, completing 14 of 28 passes with a very weak receiving corp, and threw for 165 yards. Holcomb received a low 65% QB rating last week.
In order to win this week, Minnesota will need to find a way to contain the passing game of Brett Farve, Donald Driver and James Jones. Minnesota's offense needs to find their way into the end zone more than one time, and can not be outscored by their defense again. Hopefully Chester Taylor will return this week, and relieve some of the pressure off Adrian Peterson. Receivers, Troy Williamson, Sydney Rice, and Bobby Wade must step it up, and make the plays necessary to aid their ailing offense and score some points.
The Vikings and Packers game is scheduled for a 12 noon start. so if you can not make it the the Metrodome this week, just tune in and cheer on our beloved Minnesota Vikings as the do battle with the hated Brett Farve and Green Bay Packers.
SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!!!!
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