Vikings vs Lions, 02 Dec 2007
Pregame Analysis by Dave Stefano
VikingsValhalla.com

It is a Sunday that very well might lock in the direction of the teams that play.  The 6-5 Detroit Lions are on a 3 game losing streak coming into the Metrodome to meet their division foe, the 5-6 Minnesota Vikings on a two game winning streak , plus have won 3 of their last 4.  The Lions presently have a lock on the last NFC Wild Card playoff position with a group of 6 teams just one game back, 3 of which already own the tiebreaker over the Lions.  Washington, Philadelphia and Arizona own the tiebreaker then comes New Orleans, Minnesota, and Chicago.  

Detroit lost their 3 last games to the Cardinals, Giants and Packers and including the game against the Vikings, the Lions play five teams with a combined record of 36-21 (.632) with three of those games on the road.

Minnesota comes to the party with a win over Raiders and the Giants, and including Sunday’s match against the Lions play five teams with a combined record of 24-31 (.429) and only two games, Forty-niners and Broncos on the road.  

Knowing that a win will definitely make the Vikings “significant” [thanks Coach Childress]; the prospect should easily motivate the squad for the week.  The Lions are hoping to get their roar back with a team they barely beat in the first matchup.  If it weren’t for a 52 yard Longwell fieldgoal that boinked off an upright and overtime fumble, they would be 5-6 or worse.

But are we looking too far ahead?  Should we, like the team just take it one game at a time?  If the Vikings can win one at time the playoffs will come, so let’s look at this one.

Normally we talk of stats and how which offense ranks higher than the other or which defense can match up better, but that really doesn’t matter as much as which team can disrupt the other on this day.  

Jon Kitna torched us for almost 400 yards passing in the first game, but that was against the fixed and stoic Tampa 2 defense we were presenting.  Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier has since installed a multiple look, multiple scheme, multiple blitz package that has had the likes of Drew Brees, Daunte Culpepper, and Eli Manning confused and throwing up gifts from heaven in the way of interceptions.  Kitna, though a more veteran quarterback is prone to the same.  In the three career games against the Vikings, Kitna has thrown 3 touchdowns to 7 interceptions.

Speaking of interceptions, to date the Vikings have returned 5 for touchdown this season, just one shy of the all time Vikings record of 6 in 1992.  

"During practice, whenever you get an interception in a drill, you have to run and take it all the way and score, no matter if you're 10 yards away or 100 yards away,” Darren Sharper has said.  

It should make the ’92 record fear its demise, because Sharper has at least one interception in four of his five games against Detroit since joining the Vikings in 2005.

This game will also mark the comeback rookie phenom Adrian Peterson to the line up.  He’ll be splitting carries with Chester Taylor.  Kevin Seifert reported that Adrian was asked how he felt and this was the result; Peterson, however, was in a jovial mood and spoke honestly about his pain (none), his concerns (taking a direct shot on spot of the injury) and the impact of a brace he is wearing (it’s limiting). But asked how much slower his 40 time is with the brace, Peterson scratched his head, acted as if he was in deep thought and replied:

“Probably 4.4 — flat. Maybe a 4.39.”

Split carries maybe, split yardage? I doubt it.  Even though the Lions D is a respectable 7th against the run, the Vikings 1st ranked rushing attack should contribute to its fall in the rankings.  One main part of that #1 ranked rushing O is the starting of Anthony Herrera at right guard, and that the team is well into its second year under Brad Childress’ zone blocking scheme with all of the linemen making the adjustment.

On the other side the Lions still travel to Minnesota with at least one familiar problem: an unsettled offensive line that has contributed to a league-high 47 sacks and a running game that ranks 31st (82.1 yards per game) in the league.  

Damien Woody, a nine-year veteran guard-center who lost his starting right guard position earlier this season, will make his first start at right tackle on Sunday. Due to tackle Jonathan Scott on placed injured reserve, he will be fourth person to play the position and the third to start there this season.

The Vikings hold the distinction of having not only the #1 running game, but also being #1 against the rush,  The front line should be reeking havoc across the board, and Keneche Udeze with 4 sacks and numerous hurries must be thinking the Christmas has come early thanks to Woody’s first start at tackle since high school.

This will be the 93rd meeting between the clubs.  Vikings lead series at a 2 to 1 ratio, 60-30-2, giving them their most victories against any NFL opponent and Minnesota is 32-12-1 against the Lions at home.  This trend will continue with solid play from Tarvaris Jackson, good ball control game planning from the O and disruption and creation of turnovers from the D.  Vikes win.

GO VIKINGS!