Well, I for one want to move on to next weeks game (gee, I wonder why ) where (and how strange does this sound) the winless Vikings travel to take on the undefeted Bengals.
Two solid D's, two potentially explosive offenses... should be a great game
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The Purple Haze Defense... coming soon to a stadium near you.
Game-day details
Sun., 1 p.m. ET, Paul Brown Stadium
Weather forecast from AccuWeather.com:
Cloudy. High: 80. Low: 57.
Why To Watch
The term "great expectations" was applied to both teams in Week 1. But while Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer quelled critics for the moment with a strong showing, Daunte Culpepper added fuel to the notion that the Vikings can't win without Randy Moss.
The main question for both teams remains, "Can the quarterback carry the team to the playoffs?" Anything less than reaching the playoffs will be considered a disappointment by both teams.
We'll see if Palmer and Culpepper are as good or as bad, respectively, as Week 1's statistics suggest.
Vikings Keys For Success
1. Focus on landmark keys. Whether it's Rudi Johnson or Chris Perry in the backfield, the Bengals run the ball when the backs line up eight yards behind the center and pass when they are closer to the line of scrimmage. Expect the defensive front to focus on alignment to help recognize running and passing plays, neutralizing the run and keying the blitz on perceived passing downs.
2. Attack zone coverage. The Bengals allowed six pass plays of longer than 20 yards in exhibitions when their cornerbacks did not jam and funnel receivers toward the safeties in cover 2. Look for receivers to release off jams and run deep routes, challenging the range of safeties from the hash marks to the boundary.
3. Pressure left tackle Levi Jones. Jones relies on arm extension to force pass rushers to the outside. He tends to drop his inside foot when bull rushed, opening the door for defenders to reach the quarterback from the blind side with an interior path. Look for the Vikings to run stunts with an end and linebacker or twists with a tackle and end to catch Jones out of position.
Bengals Keys For Success
1. Use pre-snap motions and shifts. Minnesota has fortified its defense by bringing in six veterans who must learn their system. Problems arose with communication in pass coverage during exhibitions and in Week 1 when it appeared these players where relying on their experience rather than the playbook, resulting in big gains. The Bengals frequently move their tight end and backs to create different looks.
2. Blitz up the middle. The Vikings are starting a rookie Marcus Johnson at right guard and backup Cory Withrow is filling in for Matt Birk at center. Johnson has been beaten repeatedly to his inside. Withrow, who must make all the pre-snap blocking adjustments, looks overwhelmed at times. Pressure up the middle will make the Vikings keep a back or tight end in pass protection and eliminate one potential receiver.
3. "Spy" Culpepper. Despite his poor start, Culpepper is a solid pocket passer and has the frame and quickness to step up and make things happen with his feet. Assigning one defender to spy or account for Culpepper as a runner on passing downs will help the Bengals win the battle on third down and ultimately win the battle for time of possession.
Injuries at a glance
Vikings injuries
9/12/05 Bryant McKinnie T Ankle/foot To be evaluated 9/12
9/11/05 Sam Cowart LB Shoulder stinger Should be ready for Week 2
9/11/05 Mewelde Moore RB Leg Not believed to be serious
Bengals injuries
9/11/05 Kenny Watson RB Sprained arm Unlikely to play in Week 2
The Bottom Line
The Vikings' offense has plenty of questions to answer and fewer than seven days to come up with a solution, and their revamped defense is a work in progress.
Cincinnati won an opening game on the road for the first time in 10 years last week. The Bengals haven’t had a winning record since 1990, but confidence can go a long way in the NFL. They now have that and a core of solid young players on whom to build. They are poised enough to make it two in a row.
i was alot more worried about this game before week 1 now i think the vikings could still make a showing, but if tampa could beat you guys at home. i dont know...
No, but it is a road game, also outdoors, the Bengals are no pushover, I think we will have a tough time trying to beat them.
If Daunte can play more like he did most of last year, we will have a good chance, but the Bengals Offense looks solid, and Lewis is a defensive minded coach by nature, so the D should pose a challenge as well.
I hope we win, but it will depend on whether the line can give Culpepper more time, and can Daunte use that time to move us down the pitch, and not turn the ball over.
This will be a true test if the coaching staff can do anything at all.
If the offense is struggling again & cannot adjust, Wilf must do something, and fast. Loney is certainly not the answer to both line coach and coordinator.
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When Sean Avery was a child, he made his mother finish his vegetables.
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Vikings @ Bengals
) where (and how strange does this sound) the winless Vikings travel to take on the undefeted Bengals.
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