3 matchups the Vikings need to win in Week 1 vs. the Bucs
By Clay Vasquez
Matchup No. 1
Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport vs. Tristan Wirfs
The battle in the trenches is always a big matchup that needs to be won, but this specific matchup will go a long way for Minnesota and their chances at victory.
Tristan Wirfs of the Bucs is one of the premier offensive tackles in the sport, posing a major threat to the newly acquired Marcus Davenport and Vikings veteran Danielle Hunter. Wirfs plays at the left tackle position, meaning that even more pressure lies upon his shoulders than if he were on the right side.
While dominating Wirfs is probably out of the question, Minnesota will need their pass-rushing tandem to give him hell in week 1 if they hope to come away with a victory.
As Vikings fans have clearly seen in recent years, a team's chances of winning are very slim if they can't get to the opposing quarterback. Hopefully, whichever Minnesota pass-rusher lines up against Tampa's left tackle can win that matchup.
The battle on the blindside of the opposing quarterback is a crucial one that can change games in the blink of an eye. It'll be a true test right out of the gate for the Vikings' new pass-rushing tandem, and a win in this matchup should go a long way in helping Minnesota get a victory this weekend.