Friday Preview: Vikings(11-2) @ Panthers(5-8)

With the game coming upon us this week is a Sunday Night Contest with the 11-2 Vikes facing the 5-8 Panthers. The 2009 Panthers team does not have balance on either side of the ball. On offense, they have a good power running game ranking them 4th in the league with nearly 150 yards per game, but passing their rank is 28th with 169 yards per game. On defense it is the same story, the Panthers are a good pass defense allowing 192 yards per game 6th in the NFL, but on the ground they allow 126 yards per game giving them an NFL rank of 26th. With the areas that this team are bad in I just do not see how they can compete with the Vikings this Sunday.

Power Run Stoppers

The Vikings still have one of the leagues best run stop defense in the league again this season. The last running back that has topped 100 yards in a game was Ryan Grant back in 2007.  The Panthers have a power running back in DeAngelo Williams with over 110 yards this season is pair with Jonathan Stewart is a good mix in the backfield. The Creatures of Havoc(the front 4) have been disrupting the running back point of attack season long. I just do not see anything changing this Sunday either.  A team needs more than a good running game get the Viking defense on their heels.

A team needs a passing game and this is something that Carolina has been lacking all season long. With or without Jake Delhomme have been unable to produce in the air. It looks like will be starting for the Panthers this week it wil be his 3rd start of the season. With the pressure that Vikes have put on opposing QBs, I see that trend to continue for this game.

The AD Show

With Peterson going to be facing one of the lower tier rush defense this season, is a plus this week. He is coming off of a good game against the Bengals last week with with about 140 total yards and 2 TDs . The running game with be vital in this game, because the Panthers have one of the best pass defenses in the league. As long as AD and Taylor can get the chains move and running out the clock everything will be good for Viking fans at least.

Protect Favre

The Vikes will be facing one of the top pass rushers in the league in Julius Peppers. He is a game changers. if you give him an inch, he is a living hell. The Vikes may need to double him up if needed in this one. So the Vikes will need to keep Favre upright in game so he can try to scorch the Panthers with some deep balls to Rice or Berrian.

Overall in this game, I see Viking fans cheer and Viking team dominating the Panthers from the opening drive to the final whistle.The Vikes are trying to do thier part in winning the NFL North for the second consecutive year. I hope everyone has a great week.

The Prediction:
Vikings 37
Panthers 20

SKOL VIKINGS!!!