5 Things To Know About The Seahawks vs Vikings Game
By Adam Carlson
Nov 3, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT
The Vikings face one of their biggest challenges of the NFL season this Sunday when they travel to the beautiful state of Washington to take on the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle is currently 9-1 on the season and boasts a strong offense and defense that can compete with any team in the league. Meanwhile, the Vikings are coming off a big win over the Washington Redskins on Thursday Night Football and are hoping to continue that momentum this year.
Here are five things to know about the game:
Oct 27, 2013; London, United Kingdom; Fox Sports sideline reporter Jennifer Hale (right) interviews San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) after the NFL International Series game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Jaguars 42-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The game will be commentated by Chris Myers and Tim Ryan with Jennifer Hale. The NFL on Fox will be handling this NFC contest. Myers has covered premiere events, including the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, NCAA Final Four, The Master, US Open, Triple Crown, Olympics, and Daytona 500. He has been a commentator for over 20 years. Meanwhile, Ryan is a former defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears. He was a third round draft pick for them back in 1990 after being USC’s all-time leading tackler in school history.
Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Referee Jerome Boger (23) calls a safety on the opening kickoff between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Jerome Boger will act as the head official for the contest. Boger became an NFL official in 2004 and was promoted to head referee in 2006. He has a son named Tra who was briefly a member of the Green Bay Packers in the 2006 and is now playing defensive back in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts. When not officiating, Jerome Boger acts as an underwriter for Allstate Insurance in Atlanta, Georgia.
Nov 10, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) tries to fight off a tackle by Atlanta Falcons safety William Moore (25) during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
This game should be won and lost on the ground. If you like ground and pound football, you should love this game. It features two of the best running backs in the league in Marshawn Lynch and Adrian Peterson. The Seahawks are currently first in the NFL in rushing yards per game (153.4). The Vikings have 14 rushing touchdowns on the year, which is good for second in the NFL, just one behind the league leading San Francisco 49ers.
Nov 3, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Marcus Sherels (35) returns a punt against the Dallas Cowboys at AT
The #1 special teams return unit will go up against the #1 special teams kick coverage unit. Minnesota has had excellent play from their kick and punt returners Cordarrelle Patterson and Marcus Sherels, but they may have a tough time on Sunday against the Seahawks. Seattle is best in the NFL on punt returns, only allowing 1.4 yards per return and has an equally good kickoff coverage squad. If Seattle can contain the Vikings special teams players, it could be a long game for Minnesota.
Oct 27, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) returns a kickoff for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Cordarrelle Patterson is likely to get his first start at wide receiver. When the Vikings traded up in the draft this year to get Patterson, fans knew he would get eased into the action. However, Jerome Simpson’s recent arrest opens the door for Patterson to insert himself into the starting role on Sunday. Seattle boasts one of the best secondaries in the NFL, so his first NFL start could be a shaky one for the rookie.
You can catch the game LIVE from CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on the Fox network at 3:25 pm CT. Check your local listings for availability.