5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals – Week 2
By Chris Schad
Murray will score four total touchdowns
I really want to be optimistic when it comes to the Vikings’ defense, but there are several issues that need to be addressed.
The first problem is that the Vikings’ secondary wasn’t good in Week 1. Bashaud Breeland was the main culprit, allowing 101 yards and a touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase and missing five tackles against the Bengals. The rest of the defense wasn’t much better as Joe Mixon ran for 127 yards with a score and Joe Burrow threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns in the overtime loss.
This could be chalked up to all the new pieces on defense, but this week’s injury report isn’t helping things. Anthony Barr continues to sit out with a knee injury while Nick Vigil with an ankle injury. With Eric Kendricks missing Thursday’s practice, the Vikings could be down to Blake Lynch and Troy Dye at linebacker.
That would be a significant issue against Kyler Murray, who threw for four touchdowns against Tennessee. With several weapons at his disposal, Murray could spread the Vikings out and proceed to do whatever he wants to put points on the scoreboard.
Even Zimmer showed some resignation on Wednesday, saying that it’s impossible to keep Murray in the pocket. If he has to use backup linebackers, that process gets even more complicated.