5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Indianapolis Colts – Week 15
By Chris Schad
Ryan will throw at least two interceptions
There may be no man more wanted in Minnesota than defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. His defense has been leaking oil over the past month, and while the Vikings have faced some of the top offenses in the NFL during that stretch, Kevin O’Connell admitted changes needed to be made.
That memo didn’t seem to reach Donatell, however, as he blamed his players’ lack of execution as opposed to the effectiveness of his scheme. While the 3-4 has worked to perfection in places such as Los Angeles, where O’Connell saw the Rams win a Super Bowl title, and Denver, where Donatell coached under Vic Fangio, Minnesota doesn’t have the impact players to make it work. They also don’t have a coach willing to adjust to feature those players.
So how do the Vikings stop opposing teams? By forcing turnovers.
Minnesota ranks seventh in the NFL with 12 interceptions and ninth with 21 total turnovers this season. This is great news for the Vikings, who will face Matt Ryan on Saturday afternoon. The former MVP has tossed a league-leading 13 interceptions this season and could play right into the teeth of Minnesota’s defense.
It’s possible the Vikings could still give up a boatload of yards in the process, but Ryan will give Dontell’s defense an opportunity to make some plays.