Football - Saturday, October 31, 2009 12:19 - 0 Comments

Vikings vs. Packers – Prediction

Final Score: Packers 24 – Vikings 14

Yes, I’m predicting a loss for the Vikings at Lambeau Field. How? Why? WTF?

The Vikings defense isn’t as great as we thought. They lead the NFL in rushing defense for 3 straight years, but they’ve slipped in the first half of this season. The Vikings are ranked 10th in rushing defense, 20th in passing, and 17th in total yards.

Sure, 10th in rushing defense is still good, but it’s not what we expected. And it’s definitely NOT the strength the Vikings needed in order to make up for the (below?) average pass defense.

And the defense won’t get any better until Antoine Winfield is back from his foot injury. And he’s been ruled out for this game.

What About Jared Allen? He Had 4.5 Sacks!

Yes, Jared Allen was amazing in the first game against the Packers – playing against a rookie left tackle. The Vikings finished with 8 sacks on the day … and the Packers almost came back to win.

This time will be different. The Vikings might get 3 sacks this Sunday and Jared Allen will be mostly invisible all day. How’s this possible?

1 Reason: Coaching

The Vikings have every reason to believe they’ll perform the same way – if not better – this time. Which is exactly why they’ll do everything the exact same way, in typical Vikings fashion.

The Packers know Jared Allen is weak against the run. And they know the defensive backfield is soft – especially with Antoine Winfield out.

Look for the Packers to double team Jared Allen on passing downs with a tight end or running back to completely take him out of the game. When the Packers need a few yards, they’ll spend all day running at Allen and wearing him down.

Eventually, the Packers will have to throw – and Arron Rodgers should absolutely destroy the Vikings secondary. Look for slants and screens to the right – where Winfield would be playing.

If the Packers coaches have any brains at all, they’ll do exactly what I’ve said: Run Left, Throw Right.

Simple.

P.S. Vikings receivers Harvin and Berrian are hurting from last week.