Carolina Panthers vs. Minnesota Vikings Match Up Preview
Brad Childress made it clear from the day he took over as the Vikings’ head coach that success started up front with the offensive and defensive lines. Twice now, he has proved that he is on point.
The Vikings need the 2004 and 2005 first-round draft picks to produce in their new Cover-2 defensive scheme that needs pressure from the front four, but got no sacks in the opener. James, who took steady strides as a rookie, improved his physique over the offseason and should provide a stiff test for Butler. The rookie replaces Travelle Wharton, who suffered a sprained knee against Atlanta and will miss the rest of the season. Gross allowed five sacks in 2005. he will battle Udeze, who is coming off knee surgery. The tight end doesn’t play a big role in Carolina’s passing game, so the Panthers might use and extra blocker.
Last uear the Panthers finished fourth in the league against the run and then added free agent defensive tackle Ma’ake Kemoeatu in the offseason and returned Kris Jenkins from an injury.
Against the Falcons last week, all-pro receiver Steve Smith sat out with a hamstring injury, the Panthers looked like an offense stuck in low gear. The Panthers aren’t sure if they will get Smith back for this week’s game against Minnesota.
