Vikings vs Packers: Pre-Game Thread

[bleedspeed]

Just as a reminder for everyone. Vikings play the Packers this week. Who will be QB? Will Walsh miss left?

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I'll be there...can't wait! May bring earplugs. The noise in the building combined with Zimmer's big play defense is going to make things very difficult for Rodgers...I sense a blowout.

Early morning dog walk with Adam Zimmer this morning. I asked him what was his favorite play last Sunday, and he couldn't hold back his big smile when he answered "The interception!". I asked him if he thought Kendricks played well other than that (because I hadn't focused much on him), and he said he was very pleased. Then I asked him who was the surprise of the game, and he said Danielle Hunter...said his strength is so much greater this year, and he is just pushing people around when he comes in fresh late in the game. Not surprisingly, I got nothing but a smile when I asked who's starting at QB...I really think they don't know yet. Then we switched over to baseball (he's a huge Rangers fan).

My thoughts? Depends on what happens in practice the next two days. It's odd to bench a veteran QB after an efficient win on the road, but they also know that the Packers' defense is much more disruptive than the Titans', and it may be advisable to have the younger guy in there. If Bradford shows that he knows the offense and he looks sharper than Hill this week, then I expect him to start...but despite the media's certainty Sam starts, I don't see it as a given. 75-25 Sam starts at QB.

[bleedspeed]

LST - Good stuff.

Looking forward to the game. Have fun going.

My concern is if Bradford is not ready to go what happens if Hill gets knocked out of the game. It would be nice to see AP get going, but the Packers defense is pretty tough.

[TAFKASP]

Bradford is starting this week. Hill was decent at best, and we wouldn't even be saying that if the defense hadn't stepped up and scored. Give Bradford or a healthy Bridgewater the kind of pocket Hill had last week and you'll see a real NFL offense.

[Monster]

I thought starting Hill last week was a no brainer. Some people get the fact that eh Vikings traded all those assets and how Bradford is the better option in the way of common sense. When selcting a player to play the game to me there are a few questions you try and answer.

1. Who gives you the best chance of winning the game? Duh but seriously Hill isn't no slouch he is a solid backup QB that knows the system and has familiarity with the receivers etc. Can Bradford be good enough this week? Maybe. Last week? Very unlikely

2. In picking between 2 players which one are you putting in a position to succeed? Hill has prepped for this gig for months. Bradford has experience and talent, but has days of preparation. I don't really want to see this team throw a guy out there that really isn't ready. It can be bad for him, the team and could also open up him or other players to injury.

3. Who helps the team be better around him? Last week it was probably Hill. This week the gap closes, but I don't think its ridiculous to think Hill may have the edge here or its at least two close to call.

If Hill gets hurt? Then you throw Bradford in anyway (no other option) which isn't far off what would be happening if you started him in the first place. This team has a real temporary option in Hill that's why they paid him a decent chunk of money to be here. They don't have to panic and pull a dumb move where they threw Josh Freeman out there and he looked like Spurgeon Wynn. I'm not saying Hill should start or will start, but the idea that Bradford is the no brainer option ASAP seems amusing to me IMO. Of course I have more faith in Hill than most so that's a factor.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Good analysis, monster. I am leaning Hill myself because I don't like the idea of benching a QB after an efficient win on the road, but Bradford is the more talented guy, and if Norv thinks he has picked up enough of the offense to be effective this Sunday, I would change my leaning. this is one where I'm okay whichever way the coaches go.

Quite surprised to see the Packers as a 2 1/2 point favorite. I saw the Vikings as clearly the better team at the end of last year, and I don't see merely the addition of Nelson as changing the balance much. Add in the electricity of a first game experience in the new stadium, and I think this one has blowout potential.

[Monster]

Good analysis, monster. I am leaning Hill myself because I don't like the idea of benching a QB after an efficient win on the road, but Bradford is the more talented guy, and if Norv thinks he has picked up enough of the offense to be effective this Sunday, I would change my leaning. this is one where I'm okay whichever way the coaches go.

Quite surprised to see the Packers as a 2 1/2 point favorite. I saw the Vikings as clearly the better team at the end of last year, and I don't see merely the addition of Nelson as changing the balance much. Add in the electricity of a first game experience in the new stadium, and I think this one has blowout potential.

One team has Aaron Rogers I think that's the difference compared to a flux situation with the Vikings. I think its pretty even but I agree the Vikings in a new stadium to have the Packers favored, but it seems like a game Vegas may be as what some sports radio guy (maybe Cowherd) says getting people to bet on the game. IDK I don't see the Vikings blowing the Packers out. I would be ok being wrong though. lol

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

They've got to punch the ball into the end zone a couple times (the offense that is). I know our defense is good, but I don't think we can get away with many games like the last one, where basically the defense and special teams did practically everything.

[Monster]

They've got to punch the ball into the end zone a couple times (the offense that is). I know our defense is good, but I don't think we can get away with many games like the last one, where basically the defense and special teams did practically everything.

Or Blair Walsh has to hit all his FGs and I agree with you that may not even be enough.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Packers starting CB Sam Shields needs to clear the league concussion protocol or he can't play Sunday. It's his 4th concussion since college, so the odds may not be in his favor. If he can't go, 2nd year guy Quinton Rollins will take his place, and he gave up a couple big plays against Jax Sunday. I think we all expect Xavier Rhodes to be out, so it's good to know both teams will be saddled with a second year guy at one of the corners. I like an inexperienced CB on the field against us, especially since the Pack will probably put 8 guys up on the line to stop AP. Could be a big injury for the Pack.