It Is Time For The Vikings To Get On A Winning Streak
By Adam Carlson
Sep 8, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) celebrates with quarterback Christian Ponder (7) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings have disappointed fans so far this season. Their 0-2 start on the road against teams in the division is going to be hard to recover from. But let’s take a quick look and the Vikings upcoming schedule for the next five weeks:
Aug 15, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) makes a catch in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Week 3 – At home against the Browns: Cleveland will be entering the game at 0-2 after losing to the Miami Dolphins and the Baltimore Ravens. Although the Browns will be getting dynamic pass catcher Josh Gordon back from his suspension this week, they will most likely be without their starting quarterback, Brandon Weeden, due to an injury to his throwing thumb. In his place, the Browns will look to veteran Jason Campbell or Brian Hoyer for the start.
Sep 16, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Week 4 – In London against the Steelers: Pittsburgh is currently 0-2 after suffering losses to the Tennessee Titans and the Cincinnati Bengals. With their run game in shambles due to injuries. They also have a patchwork offensive line that the Vikings could take advantage of. Plus, the Steelers have only managed to put up 19 points in their first two games.
Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback Jerome Felton (42) against the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Week 5 – Bye Week: The Vikings will get to relax after their trip to England and hopefully be able to heal their injuries to return to full health. Minnesota also gets fullback Jerome Felton back after week 4, so it will be nice to have Adrian Peterson’s bulldozer back with the team. Early bye weeks usually aren’t a good thing, but this team could use some time to regroup.
Sep 15, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) calls a play during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beats Carolina 27 to 26. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Week 6 – At home against the Panthers: Carolina is currently 0-2 after being beat by the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is notorious for having a slump in the first half of the season, and his stats so far this year are showing that. The team also lost Panthers free safety Charles Godfrey to a torn achilles tendon in week 2. This Carolina team has a lot of talent, but has yet to really realize their potential.
Sep 15, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Week 7 – on the road against the Giants: The New York Giants are currently 0-2 after coming up short in their first two contests against the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos. The Giants are struggling to find a running game after an injury sidelined one of their backs and the other is dealing with a fumbling issue. There is no denying that Eli Manning can play quarterback at a very high level and has a lot of great targets.
Alright, now that we’ve talked about what is coming up in the next five weeks for the Minnesota Vikings, we should notice a theme. ZERO of the Vikings opponents in that time span have won a game yet this season and are having struggles of their own.
If Minnesota can get their act together this week against Cleveland, they just might be able to find the momentum to come out of these games and have a winning record after week 7. With all of the doom and gloom Vikings fans have felt so far this season, there is a light on the horizon. Let’s hope the team can get this done.