Vikings Looking to Slay Lions

The Minnesota Vikings will head into Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan this weekend, searching for their second win of the season, as the take on the Detroit Lions for the 92nd time since their existence.

Last week was very good for the NFC North Division, as Detroit, Green Bay and Minnesota all won, to go 1-0 after week one. Detroit handled the Oakland Raiders 39-21, Green Bay squeaked by Philadelphia to win their first home opener in four years, 16-13, and Minnesota grounded the Falcons 23-3 at the Metrodome. Minnesota now travels to Ford Field, where they are 5-0, and 32-12-1 over all playing in Detroit. The Vikings have had great success against the Lions in their history, and post an overall 60-29-2 record over the Lions.

This week Minnesota will come in to Ford Field with the addition of Adrian Peterson, Bobby Wade, and Sydney Rice on offense, and some positive changes on defense, and last years number one run defense. Minnesota's defense was awesome last week, sacking Joey Harrington six times, intercepting the ball for two touchdowns, and held the Falcons rushing game to 96 yards. With starters like Brian Robinson who picked up two sacks, and E. J. Henderson, Cedric Griffin Kenechi Udez and Spencer Johnson all who recorded a sack of their own, will look forward to more of the same success against the Lions this week. Minnesota's two defensive touchdowns came on a Kevin Williams 54 yard interception, and Antone Winfield's 14 yard interception. However, this week, the Vikings can not rely only soley on their defense. The Vikings offense will need to perform somewhat better this week.

The Vikings offense was very poor last year, led by veteran Brad Johnson. The Vikings offense was scrutinized all last season for their poor performances week in and week out. Minnesota will find themselves under the same microscope again this season, needing to improve a little every week, if they want to keep Viking fans happy. With a raw quarterback in Tarvaris Jackson, Minnesota will be looking to rely mostly on their run game. With the addition of Adrian Peterson (19att/103yrds) in week one, Bobby Wade (1rec/28yrds) and Sydney Rice (2rec/10yrds), this offense will need to step it up. Adrian Peterson did a wonderful job, and had a great opening week, being names "Rookie of the Week". Peterson's running game was excellent, and he even had 1rec/60yrds, and a kick off return he ran back for 22 yards. Peterson did live up to all the hype in week one, and looks for more of the same success.

The Vikings are unsure of how helpful Chester Taylor will be this week if at all. Taylor was thought to have a bruised hip, and left the game in the first quarter. As it turns out, it appears to be his right oblique muscle, and he could be out a week or two. Taylor is listed as Day-To-Day. Without Taylor in the backfield, the Vikings will have to rely on Peterson to get the job done for the running game this week.

Minnesota's passing game is a little rough, but has the potential to give a lot of aid to their defense. The Vikings relied mostly on their defense last week, as they out scored the offense 14-10. However, Vikings offensive players like Bobby Wade, Troy Williamson, and Sydney Rice will need to give more help, and hopefully put up a few more points this week. Tarvaris Jackson, who made very few mistakes, and managed the game well last week, will need to make better passes, and start hitting his receivers more accurately.

The Lions had a great week against the Oakland Raiders. behind Jon Kitna (27cmp/289yrds), Tatum Bell (15att/87yrds), Shaun McDonald (6rec/90yrds), and Mike Furry (5rec/52yrds), the offense put up all 31 points with 4 touchdowns, and one field goal. The Lions pass offense did real well last week, and hopes to expose Minnesota's poor pass defense. This Lions offense will definitely be a big test for the Vikings this week.

The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions rivalry dates back to 1961, and has been very competitive every year. These two division rivals always battle it out, and play each other very tough. All teams in the NFC North Division have fierce rivalries, as the division has been named the "Black and Blue Division" for a reason.

Minnesota and Detroit are set to do battle at 3:05pm this Sunday. So gear up Minnesota, as your Minnesota Vikings head into battle for their first division match up of the season. This is probable the most important match up to win. An early lead in the division could be what this Viking team needs. Getting off to a great start in the division is very important, and could set the pace for the rest of this season. Minnesota must improve on their 2-4 division record from last year, if they want to challenge for the title this season.

til then Vikings fans.......

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!! LETS SKOL!!!!!!