Vikings vs Broncos, 30 Dec 2007
Pregame Analysis by Dave Stefano
VikingsValhalla.com

Here it is, the final Pregame of the season I fear.  The Vikings threw and fumbled away their playoff destinies last week in prime time against the Washington Redskins in the cozy comfort of the dome.  Their win and in opportunity is done, and now in the cold [game time temps below 40] of Mile High Stadium, they must win and hope.  They need to hope for a Cowboys win over those exact same Redskins.  Redskins that are playing to get in that last Wildcard spot against a hated arch rival that has nothing to play for other than to escape injury free because the Cowboys have already locked up the #1 NFC slot and home field advantage throughout.  Vikings fans only hope ironically is with Brad Johnson, told at the end of last season to hit the road.  Brad would love to beat the Skins because of how they treated him years ago, but with the B team of players he’ll be left with, is it possible?

Players will be watching the scoreboard during the game as well as us fans, buts as Coach Brad Childress said, "For us, it's down to one game; all we can do is control what we can do, we have got nothing to do with the Dallas-Washington game, nor can we worry about that. We need to worry about the Denver Broncos."

The Broncos have seemed to already packed their season and making reservations for their off season vacation.  Denver is 6-9, will finish below .500 and has been eliminated from the playoffs weeks ago.  Last week they were blown out by division rival San Diego and have been dominated on both lines of scrimmage.  That plays straight into the Vikings strength and with Jay Cutler in his first full year of starting proving that he can be rattled and make mistake, a game plan similar to the one we routed the Chargers with should work.

Last week Cutler threw 2 interceptions, fumbled and was sacked 4 times.  The Vikings defense with Coach Leslie Frazier calling for multiple looks, coverages and blitzes should achieve even better results.  The defense’s only real threat will be Broncos’ second year receiver Brandon Marshall.  He has quietly developed not only into Jay Cutler’s go to guy, but a leading receiver in the league with 1,211 yards on 92 receptions.  Against our improving, but still ranked at the back of the league pass defense he could cause some problems.

The Broncos defense is just what the doctor has called for when it comes to running the ball. They presently rank 30th and give up an average of over 140 yards on the ground a game.  LaDainian Tomlinson had over 100 yards against them in the first half alone last week so that should indicate that Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor are both in for big days which is good for AP who is in a battle with LT for the season rushing title.

Here is how the race is breaking down, keeping in mind that Tomlinson and the Chargers have already clinched their division and will be either the AFC #3 or #4 seed.  They will be at Oakland Sunday and will look to pull their starters if the game is well in hand.

2007 NFL Rushing Leaders
1) LaDainian Tomlinson, SD ............. 1,418 (299 attempts)
2) Willie Parker, Pit ........................... 1,316 (320 attempts)
3) Adrian Peterson, Min ................. 1,305 (227 attempts)

2007 NFL Rushing Touchdowns
1) LaDainian Tomlinson, SD ............. 14
2t) Adrian Peterson, Min ................ 12

2007 NFL Rushing Leaders (yards per carry)
1) Adrian Peterson, Min ................. 5.7

And against Vikings history:

Single-Season Rushing Yards - Vikings
1) Robert Smith, 2000 .....................1,521
2) Adrian Peterson, 2007 ...............1,305
3) Michael Bennett, 2002.................1,296
4) Robert Smith, 1997 .....................1,266
5) Chester Taylor, 2006 ..................1,216

Tarvaris Jackson looked to resume his smart playing ways about midway through the third quarter by making completions and running with the ball when receivers were covered and there was room to run.  This week he should have his favorite receiver, Sidney Rice back on the field, though playing through a high ankle sprain.  Rice, Pat Williams and Antoine Winfield were all listed as questionable, but I suspect to see all three.  Like the old saying goes, “There is always time to heal in the offseason.”

The Broncos are coming off a short week after their pummeling at the hands of the Chargers, but with the thin air and the fact that the Vikings not winning a game in December when the temp is below 53 degrees since beating the Giants 34-17 at Giant Stadium on Dec, 26 199, they could pull out a win if the Vikings let them.  The challenge is not to let them and play your hearts out, and who knows, a little luck and a Redskins defeat and this might not be my final Pregame analysis of the season.

GO VIKINGS!