Five Facts About The Vikings/Panthers Week 6 game
By Adam Carlson
Oct, 30, 2011; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers kicker Olindo Mare (10) misses a field goal attempt toward the end of the fourth quarter. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 24-21 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Here are five things to look forward to when you’re watching the Vikings vs Panthers game on Sunday:
Jan 29, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens former head coach Brian Billick is interviewed by FOX reporter Laura Okmin during media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The game will be called by Sam Rosen and Brian Billick with reporter Laura Okmin. Since the game will be shown on Fox, the team of Rosen and Billick get the nod for this game. Rosen is best known for his calls during NHL games and is a member of the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Billick was a coach for the Baltimore Ravens when they won Super Bowl XXXV.
Sep 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) after the game. The Carolina Panthers defeated the New York Giants 38-0 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Both squads enter the game 1-3. It isn’t a secret that the Vikings and Panthers are struggling. Their records alone can attest to that. To make things sound even worse, the two teams the Panthers and Vikings have defeated (Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants) are a combined 0-10. The good thing is that after this game, it is guaranteed that one team will have beat a team with a win.
Oct 6, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall (28) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Something’s gotta give with the Panthers run defense. Carolina gives up the 7th least rushing yards per game in the NFL and have only allowed their opponents to score 2 touchdowns on the ground. Adrian Peterson has 5 rushing touchdowns in his last 4 games and is averaging over 105 yards on the ground per game. It will be a great challenge for both Adrian and the Carolina defense.
Oct 21, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) celebrates his sack of the Arizona Cardinals quarterback in the third quarter at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jared Allen chasing active career sacks leader. According to Pro Football Reference, Vikings defensive end Jared Allen is only 1.5 sacks short of passing John Abraham as the NFL’s active leader in career sacks. Allen currently has 120.5 while Abraham sits at 122 career sacks. The Panthers have given up 15 sacks so far in their 4 games this season.
Aug 16, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Vikings 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
The quarterback situation in Minnesota is interesting to follow. With Ponder seemingly on his way out as the Vikings starter, McLeod Bethel-Thompson released, and Josh Freeman not yet ready to take on the starting role, it seems as though Matt Cassel almost wins the starting job by default. But how long will it be before the team decides to see what they’ve got in Josh Freeman?
Note: Normally in these five facts, the head referee for the game is named with a little background info is given. Sadly, that information was not available at the time of writing. My apologies to those hoping for that info.