Viking fan preview/10 keys of Dallas game.

[Cowboy from New York]

A lot of concerns for the vikings to be worried about if this is accurate. Bold text is my doing.



Vikings Cowboys: 10 key matchups
by stallone on Jan 11, 2010 10:05 PM CST 19 comments


The Cowboys have a lot of star power on there team, and that could lead to a lot of mismatches. Here are some matchups to keep an eye on.




WHEN MINNESOTA HAS THE BALL:
1st matchup

Phil Loadholt vs. Anthony Spencer: This matchup seems certain to give the Vikings problems, Loadholt has had trouble with smaller, more athletic pass rushers, and Spencer has been playing lights out recently. Assuming Loadholt can't hold the fort, that makes this next matchup more important. Because you can put a back on one guy, but after that you're in trouble.

2nd matchup

Mckinnie vs Demarcus Ware: Heres where i can see a Panthers game repeat, Favre can escape pressure, but if Ware and Spencer are coming in the game is as good as done. This is the biggest matchup of the night. Also, if we lose and the next day we hear about Mckinnie tipping off a pass to the cowboys with his lazy stance, I might kill him.
3rd matchup

A chance for a Vikings exploit
Percy Harvin vs. Orlando Scandrick/safeties: Harvin when healthy has the ability to create mismatches all night long. And hopefully, we will see a healthy Harvin Sunday. Safety is a weakness for Dallas, so if we can catch them with their nickel out, we need to take a chance.

4th matchup

Sully vs. Jay Ratliff: Sorry about all the o line worries, but theres reason for concern. By the way, can someone tell me how Sully has done this year, im not the best talent evaulater for Centers, anyone tell me something.

5th matchup Shank vs. Ken Hamlin?: I see shank as the game breaker, as soon as the pressure comes around Favre, the ball will come out quick to Shank for 8 and 9 yard gains that break a defenses spirit. We may even be able to control there blitzes with enough quick hits to Visanthe.



Cowboys ball
1st matchup

Jared Allen vs. Flozell Adams: 34 year old flozell should have his fair share of problems with the younger, quicker, more athletic Allen. Especially with the crowd noise in the Dome, Flo will be a split second behind with his reactions, just enough for Allen to get around the end

2nd matchup

Antoine Winfield vs. Miles Austin: At first glance, this looks aweful, a big play threat against a gimpy old CB. But most of Austins big plays involved 10-15 yard curl, and a missed tackle. If theres one thing that 'Toine can still do, its stick guys in the open field.

3rd matchup

Roy Williams vs. Ced Griffin: Has anyone else noticed that Griffen is a lot like an Asante Samuel type, he goes for the big play but gets burnt deep a lot, Griffen has me worried, i don't know what Roy williams will show up either. The one against Philly scared me a little bit.

4th matchup

Ray Edwards vs. Marc Colombo: Has anyone noticed Rays sacks come in bunches, if we get one of those bunches against the Cows, it takes pressure off Jared and prevents double teams.

5th matchup

Our F 'in safeties vs a deep ball: Its not easy playing 11 on 9 on passing downs is it?

This is the type of game where whoever gets the lead first, controls everything.

 

[Apollo Creed]

I hope we win the toss, and drive right down the field and take their fans out of it.

Jump on them early, then doubt will start to creep in their minds. The Vikings players, fans, and media are coming across as very nervous - they've had a cake schedule and been playing like crap in December.

They remind me of the 2007 Cowboys. They've got holes that we can exploit.

 

[DanTanna]

If we can have Brooking put a big time hit on Peterson early, I think he'll he tentative all day long. When he runs scared he fumbles. We need to put a whack on Chester A. Arthur too, that guy is dangerous. Oh, and one big hit on Favre and he's toast.

 

[ScipioCowboy]

How ironic is it that a player who refers to his stadium as the "hood" would have the nickname Shank?

 

[goliadmike]

I can't believe that guy failed to mention Witten against their LBs or safeties. I hope the Vikings take that same approach.

 

[skinsscalper]

The OP also whiffed on the "shank vs. Hamlin"

Sensebaugh and Barbi cover the TE more than Hamlin. Sensy has progressively gotten better at this as his hand has continued to heal.

 

[swj010]

What's the basis for this conclusion? RW I is gone and I haven't seen that our safeties have been a weakness this year.

 

[SilberBlau]

What's the basis for this conclusion? RW I is gone and I haven't seen that our safeties have been a weakness this year.

Look at the passer rating against our safeties. Simply horrible compared to other guys around the league.

Sensabaugh 108.1
Hamlin 120.1

I know, that doesn't tell the whole story but there is no way to sugar coat this. ok, we got better recently on the Safety position. but there is still room for improvement.

 

[Word Mofo]

But most of Austins big plays involved 10-15 yard curl, and a missed tackle.

LOL. Apparently they only watched the KC game.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Look at the passer rating against our safeties. Simply horrible compared to other guys around the league.

Sensabaugh 108.1
Hamlin 120.1

I know, that doesn't tell the whole story but there is no way to sugar coat this. ok, we got better recently on the Safety position. but there is still room for improvement.

Ouch!

That's what happens when you don't get picks.

 

[AmishCowboy]

:vikings:

I can't believe that guy failed to mention Witten against their LBs or safeties. I hope the Vikings take that same approach.

 

[DandyDon1722]

Look at the passer rating against our safeties. Simply horrible compared to other guys around the league.

Sensabaugh 108.1
Hamlin 120.1

I know, that doesn't tell the whole story but there is no way to sugar coat this. ok, we got better recently on the Safety position. but there is still room for improvement.

Geez...that's an eye opener. AND we got better?

 

[percyhoward]

This is the type of game where whoever gets the lead first, controls everything.

I agree, and that's why we can't afford a repeat of that last 1st quarter we played.

 

[1rIghtsaidFred]

I agree, and that's why we can't afford a repeat of that last 1st quarter we played.

As with any game, whoever wins the turnover and line of scrimmage battle usually wins the game. Favre has thrown only 2 int's at home this entire season against 21 TDs. I think it's on DAL to not turn the ball over early in the game. 1 turnover early could be the difference. And to put a little Suisham, a missed FG counts as a turnover. I bet he sprays two wide left.

 

[dbair1967]

Look at the passer rating against our safeties. Simply horrible compared to other guys around the league.

Sensabaugh 108.1
Hamlin 120.1

I know, that doesn't tell the whole story but there is no way to sugar coat this. ok, we got better recently on the Safety position. but there is still room for improvement.

wow I thought it was bad, but had no idea it was that bad

just out of curiosity, whats the ratings vs our other DB's?

 

[trueblue1687]

Peterson doesn't worry me as much as their "other" back. I think Peterson is good for a fumble or two. The key here is having good pressure from our Defense. If that happens, Favre loves to throw errant passes (more than his usual errant passes ) and our Dbs should have some nice opportunities for big plays. Our offense will produce nicely. The key is getting Favre rattled and beaten up good. I still feel good about this game, but Minny will do more than Philly.