Two strong defenses will meet on Monday night in the noisy Metrodome in Minnesota. The Viking defensive lead by nose guard Pat Williams and All Pro-Tackle Kevin Williams have had advantages over many offensive linemen with quick power rushes piercing gaps in the line in order to create game changing plays.
In order to win on Monday these two players and the rest of the Viking defensive line must look to contain a tandem of running backs in the likes of rookie Laurence Maroney (361 yards for 3 touch downs) and seasoned Corey Dillon (328 yards for 4 touch downs). The key for the Patriots to establish a lethal game winning rush is to strike fast and restrain Minnesota guard Pat Williams through Patriots’ Dan Koppen, without losing site of tackle Kevin Williams whose speedy incursions could disrupt New England’s offensive plans.
The Minnesota Vikings, second in the NFC North with a 4-2 record has a stingy defense that has allowed only 15.8 points per contest. They will also look to stop a renewed passing game displayed by the New England Patriots, first in the AFC East with a 5-1 record. The Patriots’ visit to Buffalo last week had a Tom Brady that ranked 16th in the NFL after losing receivers Deion Branch and David Givens. Branch signed to the Seattle Seahawks after a contract dispute on a trade and Givens went free agent and moved on to Tennessee leaving Brady to adjust to new game plans, plays and receivers.
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Tom Brady’s performance improved against the Bills though by completing 18 of 27 passes for 195 yards. He threw to Doug Gabriel (174 yards for 3 touch downs), rookie Chad Jackson (86 yards for 2 touch downs), Reche Caldwell (140 yards) and veteran Troy Brown (189 yards for 2 touch downs}to combine for 11 catches,123 yards total and a decent win over a struggling Buffalo team.
On the other hand the tighter defensive unit the New England Patriots have organized, allowing only 13.3 yards per game, must completely stop the rushing offensive lead by the NFL’s second leading rusher Chester Taylor (590 yards with 2 touchdowns) and the recently more efficient passing displayed by Brad Johnson (1299 yards, 4 touch downs and 4 interceptions). Taylor has chalked up 493 yards in Minnesota’s 4 wins so it is a must that New England covers a player who seems to run his team to victory.
The Vikings and the Patriots come in tied with a passing offense ranking of 15.2 with a slight edge on the numbers by Minnesota. A combination of better passing and strong defense may be the key to winning this game. Johnson will look to connect with Chester Taylor once again who leads the team in receptions with 21 catches coming off the backfield and although they have had health issues regarding their receivers, Coach Childress says a few may be recovered for Monday night. He will be counting on Marcus Robinson (bruised lower back), Travis Taylor (concussion) and Troy Williams (concussion) to all come back recuperated.
This may prove to be the slight edge required for the Patriots to defeat Minnesota at home. In any case the line opened at Patriots -2½ and has moved to -2 which denotes no clear favorite when the spread can be covered by a mere field goal. This will be a close one. The total has opened at 38½ and between two teams averaging 21.35 points between them look for an exciting, action packed Monday Night Football game. So bet the over. Happy Halloween!
