The Minnesota Vikings are scheduled to host the Detroit Lions on Sunday for their week 6 contest. To preview this game, I recently had the chance to sit down with Braden Shackelford of SideLion Report to discuss how the two teams will match up against each other.
Here are the five questions I asked Mr. Shackelford:
1) With Adrian Peterson out indefinitely and Calvin Johnson‘s status as doubtful for Sunday, what would you tell people who might shy away from this game because of a lack of star power?
"Sep 8, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) congratulates players after defeating the New York Giants 35-14 at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY SportsI would tell them that they are rightful in doing so. Unless your a fan of a team in the NFC North, particularly a Lions or Vikings fan, there’s really no reason to watch. The Lions are a solid team but have lacked any offensive production in terms of touchdowns since megatron’s injury. The Vikings on the other hand have an exciting rookie QB, but are still trying to find an identity. If I was a fan of another NFL team I probably wouldn’t be highlighting this game on my calendar."
2) The Detroit Lions defense has improved by leaps and bounds over last year. With the Vikings starting a rookie quarterback and backup running back, what would be the best way to attack Detroit’s defense?
"Aug 23, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) celebrates as he scores a touchdown in the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY SportsI’d say a heavy dose of short passes and play action. The Vikings probably won’t be able to establish the run game so they are going to have to rely on scheme. Maybe use the versatility of Cordarrelle Patterson in sweeps or mix in a few screen plays. In the past, those are a few things the Vikings have had some success. Norv Turner is going to have to be creative"
3) The Lions may have to look to their backups on Sunday with the statuses of Bush, Bell, and Megatron in question. Who are a couple veteran players on offense that Vikings fans should become familiar with before this game?
"Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back George Winn (38) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY SportsThe word is that Bush and Bell are more than likely probable for Sunday’s game, but I’d be shocked if megatron played. However, if either running back is out expect to see a heavy dose of George Winn.He moved the ball better than any other Lions’ running back this season in last week’s game.From the receivers, I think Ryan Broyles will finally get an opportunity to show what he’s got. After multiple leg surgery’s since entering the league Broyles has always flashed the ability to be an excellent slot receiver. The question with him has always been availability.Two other names I’ll mention are receivers Jeremy Ross and Fuller. They may not have a ton of opportunities, but they can really take the top off the defense."
4) The Vikings will be playing many rookies on Sunday including Barr, Bridgewater, McKinnon and more. Who are the impact rookies for Detroit that have a bright future with the squad?
"Sep 8, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) has a pass knocked away by New York Giants strong safety Stevie Brown (27) during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY SportsThe Lions are excited about the versatility of first round pick Eric Ebron. He’s shown some flashes so far this season and the Lions are hoping those flashes will turn into consistency.Two other rookies that have shown some promise are second round pick Kyle Van Noy and fourth round pick Nevin Lawson. Lawson is out for the season, but the Lions should get Van Noy back after their week nine bye. Van Noy has a real nose for the ball and excelled at creating turnovers at BYU so the coaching staff will be thrilled to have him back."
5) What is your prediction for an outcome and a final score of this game? And how much impact will this game have on the race for the NFC North crown?
"Nov 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) yells against the Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY SportsAlthough the Lions haven’t been able to protect Matthew Stafford or get much going offensively I think they should have some moderate success against Vikings defense.Despite the offense’s lack of touchdowns, there have been no issues getting into field goal range. With the kicking issues resolved and a stout defense to fall back on, I think the Lions will be able to survive this week without megatron."
A huge thanks go out to Braden Shackelford and SideLion Report for taking the time to answer my questions. Look for the Minnesota Vikings versus Detroit Lions game on Sunday at noon Central Time.