Minnesota Vikings vs Lions in Week 9: The Detroit perspective
By Adam Carlson
3) What should be the most intriguing matchup (players or units) during Week 9?
Can the Lions stop the running game? The matchup to watch is Detroit defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison versus Minnesota running back Latavius Murray and the Vikings rushing attack.
Despite the fact the Vikings only average 87.1 rushing yards per game, I fully expect them to try and exploit this weakness. Especially since the Lions will likely sell-out defensively to stop one of the league’s top passing offenses.
4) Who are one player from the Lions offense and one from the defense who Vikings fans may not be familiar with but should make a huge impact on the game?
On offense, rookie wide receiver Brandon Powell. With the trade of Golden Tate this week, someone will need to step up and replace his production. I expect it will be some combination of Powell, wideout T.J. Jones and running back Theo Riddick. But it’s Powell that Tate proclaimed he was taking under his wing and teaching him everything the veteran knew. With Golden now in Philly, it’s an opportunity for the rookie to shine.
Defensively, it’s Romeo Okwara. The third-year defensive end was a waiver wire pick up prior to the start of the season that is now tied for the team lead in sacks with 5.0.