Five Things To Know About The Vikings vs Browns Game
By Adam Carlson
Sep 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is tackled by Chicago Bears middle linebacker D.J. Williams (58) during the second half at Soldier Field. Chicago won 31-30. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Here are some things to know about the upcoming Vikings vs Browns game Sunday at noon Central Time:
Feb 1, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL former player Solomon Wilcots during the Sirius XM radio press conference at the J.W. Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
The game will be called by CBS’s Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots. Harlan and Wilcots are a talkative pair of analysts, and they had the most words spoken per minute by an announcing team in week 1. Mr. Harlan had the most words to say per minute of any announcer that week. One thing is for certain, there isn’t much dead air time with these two guys.
Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; NFL referee Bill Leavy signals a penalty against the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter of the AFC championship game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
The Head Referee assigned to this game is Bill Leavy. Leavy is a former police officer and firefighter from San Jose. He started as a referee during his time at the San Jose Police Athletic League and worked his way up to calling NFL games in 1995. He should be able to contain the fury and the chaos of this hard fought game.
Oct 15, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee (23) runs the ball during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns will feature new starters at quarterback and running back. The team traded away former first round pick Trent Richardson to the Colts. They also will be without Brandon Weeden because of an injury to his thumb on his throwing hand. Instead, the Browns will play Brian Hoyer and Willis McGahee.
Oct 1, 2011; Hattiesburg, MS, USA; Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles former quarterback Brett Favre during a television interview for Comcast Sports Southeast before the start of the game against the Rice Owls at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
History is on the Vikings side. Minnesota has a history of dominating the Browns. The Vikings are 11-3 all time against the Cleveland Browns. Minnesota is excellent at home against them, with a 7-1 record. Last time the two teams met, quarterback Brett Favre was getting his first start for the Vikings. The Vikings won that game 34-20.
Sep 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs past Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams (93) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Williams will set a franchise record on Sunday. It will be his 158th career start, passing Minnesota legend Alan Page for most career starts for a Vikings defensive tackle. Williams still has a way to go to reach the record for most stats by a defensive lineman, since Jim Marshall has 270 career starts for Minnesota.
Many Vikings fans feel that this game should be a blowout, but don’t count out the hard-nosed defense of the Cleveland Browns. This is Minnesota’s chance to get momentum going in their first home game of the year, and it would be disappointing if the Vikings fail to walk out of this one with a win.