- Minnesota Vikings vs Arizona Cardinals -
In week 14, the NFL has the Minnesota Vikings traveling to play the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night Football. For the Cardinals, this week comes without any animosity towards their opponent, there is no underlying score to settle. The motivation this week will have to come purely from the desire to stay in front of a team that is also looking to make the play-offs, in style.
With just four games remaining, the play-off picture is beginning to take form (unless you are looking at the NFC East). When it’s this late in the season teams are getting dinged up. The better teams right now are playing for the playoff-bye as well as the home court advantage.
The Vikings, along with the Green Bay Packers are Arizona’s closest competition in the NFC sitting at 8-4. The Arizona Cardinals (10-2) have the opportunity to control their own destiny by beating the Vikings on Thursday, and then the Packers on December 27th.
These two wins would pretty much guarantee a divisional crown as well as a playoff bye. Seattle is now at 7-5, but the Cardinals could theoretically start resting players in the last game of the season when they will host the Seahawks.
So yeah, mucho motivation. But the intensity and focus will have to be there come Thursday as the Vikings are not to be taken lightly.
-The Nitty Gritty
When you think of the Vikings you think of Adrian Peterson, and for good reason. Last week AP only got 8 carries as the Seahawks whooped Minnesota to the tune of 38-7. Adrian Peterson was publicly and vocally upset after the game, and insisted on giving reporters a list of his reasons as to why the Vikings lost. At one point Peterson stated that the Vikings were out coached in the game and that’s what’s been trending around Minnesota as of late.
Adrian Peterson may have only gotten 18 yards rushing last week, but AP still leads the NFL in rushing yardage. He also leads the League in touches (245) but for good reason, he’s averaging 4.8 yards a carry.
Teddy Bridgewater, decent completion percentage, still very young in his career, but let’s face it. He only has 8 TDs to go along with his 8 interceptions, and he has fumbled the ball 5 times. Sophomore slump? Quality receivers? Who knows, but if the Arizona defense plays the way it is capable of, Teddy could have a very bad day.
On defense Minnesota is ranked 15th overall, and 6th against the pass. Much like last week, it would be nice to see Arizona bring the better running game to a team that is known for running. The Vikings rank 22nd vs the run, and the Cardinals, while dinged up at running-back, are having a great year on the ground.
-Give me the Keys Playa
Minnesota has a decent pass rush with 27 sacks this year. The offensive line will have to keep Palmer clean, while continuing to create the holes for whomever is running the ball. Andre Ellington will not be playing barring a miracle, so the rookie David Johnson will once again probably get the nod. David Johnson had over 100 yards in total production last week to go with a TD. If Andre Ellington stays on the shelf David Johnson could get some serious Rookie of the Year consideration (9 TDs).
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The Arizona defense played a beautiful game last week, once they shut down the running threat they concentrated on the quarterback. The Cardinal defense needs to use this same exact recipe against the Vikings. Look for Arizona to constantly stuff the box this week, because the ground control will be crucial. The Cardinals can depend and rely on their talented secondary to do the rest, but the prime mission numero uno has to be Adrian Peterson.
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Turnover free football. Palmer has been protecting the ball well, especially late in games. Patrick Peterson returning the punts has been amazing, because he actually catches the ball. David Johnson will have to once again make ball security his main focus.
-Give me the Key Playas
Arizona will be putting this game in the hands of David Johnson, and if the Vikings are smart, they will do the same with Adrian Peterson. AP will most likely get his, he could break one at some point during the game, but it would be great if David Johnson could do the same.
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Arizona receivers, Fitzgerald, Floyd, both Browns (John and Jaron), and now JJ Nelson will have to get better separation this week, as a unit. The Cardinals resorted to throwing short passes while loading up receivers to one side last week, in order to alleviate the pass rush. If the receivers can get open sooner, and give Palmer multiple choices, Arizona can move some serious chains.
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The Cardinal defense limited Todd Gurley to 41 yards last week, I would love to see the same dedication and a similar display this week. The Arizona front has to dominate at the line of scrimmage, because a porous defense is an Adrian Peterson highlight reel. Gang tackling is what it will take, team effort, wrap up, play to the whistle, all that good stuff.
The biggest “Key Playas” in this game could be in the Arizona Cardinal secondary. Arizona is currently 3rd in the NFL as for interceptions with 16 so far. Rashad Johnson (5) and Tyrann Mathieu (4) have the lion’s share but 7 different players have one or more picks in 2015.
-Give me The Score
I can’t do that but I hope it isn’t anything like the Cowboys Redskins game. If the Cardinals can duplicate the same energy and focus they had in St Louis, I think the home crowd in Arizona will be in for a treat.
Follow me on twitter @ShawnRivard777
