It's finally here. Thursday marks the beginning of the 2007-'08 season. The game between the Colts and the Saints should be a great game to watch not only because of the great teams, but also because of the fantasy inpact it has on basically everybody. But the game I'm more worried about is between the Minnesota Vikings and the Atlanta Falcons.
Both of these teams have serious QB issues. The Falcons, as you know, lost the face of their team when Vick was suspended for the season by Goodell. He will be replaced by Joey Harrington, a career backup. The Vikings, however, have a different scenario entirely. After Culpepper left for Miami, we put our trust and hope in the 'ol vet, Brad Johnson. Now that he's gone, we put our trust and hope in the rookie with good college stats, Tarvaris Jackson.
The Viking's QB situation is in pretty good shape because Jackson is strong and athletic, but just doesn't know how to play at the NFL to the best of his ability yet. The Viking's will try to hide it with their double-wammy backfield. In Taylor and Peterson the Vike's should succeed in that department fairly well...but you can't just run the ball the whole game. Jackson will be faced with third and long situations where his team is counting on him to deliver.
When the Falcon's have possession of the pigskin, seriously look for a Viking score. The Vike's had the number one rush defense last year with a blitz-tenative defensive coordinator in Mike Tomlin. Well, Tomlin's gone, and Leslie Frazier is ready to unleash his powerful defense. This should put tons of pressure on Joey Harrington to pass the ball, something he might not be all that comfortable doing yet. However, when he does throw, look for Atlanta's veteran recevers to make some highlight plays on Minnesota's average secondary.
When the Viking's have possession of the football, look for Bevell, (who is taking over playcalling this year), to attempt to establish the run game early. With both Taylor and Peterson and Minnesota's stacked offensive line, both RB's should have no problem running between tackles or making the turn upfield on the perimeter. However, Atlanta defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer knows of Minnesota's QB struggles and will throw all kinds of blitzs and pressure on Tarvaris, forcing him to throw the ball. Viking recievers are young but fast, so look for them to stretch the field and look for Jackson to make some deep throws early in the game. If there's nothing downfield for Jackson look for him to dump something to Taylor or Peterson underneath.
This game should be electrifying. It will receive national attention, as this is the 'Vickless' Falcons first regular season game. I will be attending this game, and can't wait. Go Vike's!
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