Vikings (5-5) vs. Browns (4-6)

Vikings 5-5 vs. Browns 4-6

Not much can be said in a preview about this game except don't screw up a good thing. The Vikings have been super hot as of late after starting out the season 1-4, they have rebounded with a 4-1 record in the last 5 games. Brad Johnson at worst has proven to be an adequate replacement for Culpepper, and at best . . . he doesn't turn the ball over. A veteran in the leauge, Johnson knows when to throw the ball and when to throw it awaay. Essentially we have traded out high powered rifle offense for a BB gun. We may not be quite as imposing as we used to be, but when we shoot ourselves in the foot . . . it doesn't hurt so much.

Our defense has started to play up to higher standards than most originally thought. A defense that was arguably one of the worst in the NFL last year, went to the off-season in an attempt to become average. In the past few weeks the defense has far exceeded the average label and has become a dominant force to be contended with. Led by the never say die attitude of Pat Williams, opposing quarterbacks are forced to throw the ball into tight spots that often end up picked. The run stop limited the Packers to a mere 21 yards last week, essentailly cornering the offense into passing all game long. The defense is back, but it a bit premature to claim the day of Dungy are back. One of the most notable things in the past 3 weeks has been how the defense has gelled together and play as one unit. Most definetly a deciding factor in a few of the recent games.

The most notable improvement over the past few weeks has been the intensity that the whole team takes into the game. How many times did I scream BOOOM during the Packers game when Minnesota laid the wood on a tackle? Too many is the answer to that question. In stark contrast from the first 7 games, the entire team is playing with intensity. They actually look like they want to win the games. What a concept. I actually think Tice has a lot to do with this. The Vikings needed time to gel after the influx of a ton of free agents in the off-season. In the past 3 weeks we have seen this team gel. . . and win.

There is talk out there about firing Tice, and there is also talk about Tice for coach of the year. In Vikings Review's opinion, if Tice makes the playoffs . . . he keeps his job. If Tice makes the NFC Championship game . . . coach of the year. If we win the Super Bowl . . . rename the Lombardy trophy to the Tice Trophy. Tice has had to deal with a lot of crap this year. In the past 3 games, Tice has shown that he has the ability to rally the troops in the darkest of times in a manner befitting George Washington. Don't sell your Tice stock for magic beans quite yet, we may have a real winner on our hands.

The Browns come into this game struggling throughout the whole year. While their record indicates 4-6, they are the only team to lose to the Texans this year. Included in those losses is the loss to the 3-7 Ravens, and the team that everyone thought was the big time this year . . . the "Paper Lions". (terrible attempt at a pun, sorry. I know . . . I'm fired.) They were able to beat the Packers. . . but just barely. But then again, so were we. (Our games are rivalry games though). The Browns are 1-4 on the road this year, going up against a Vikings team that is 3-1 at home. Foxsports.com's power rankings have the Browns at #22, and the Vikings greatly underranked at #23. With Trent Dilfer having to contend with the rejuentated Vikings faithful in the Dome this week, I would expect him to make a few bad decisions and increase his interception numbers from 10 to . . . well more than 10.

Keys to the game - Offense.

Get Moore the damn ball. We win when Moore runs the ball. I read a stat somewhere that the Vikings have yet to lose a game when Moore ran for 90 or more yards. Pound the ball, keep that defense on the field, get them tired and score. Our defense should be able to provide a few 3 and outs, thus putting a tired Browns D back on the field for some more work. If we keep the Browns D working overtime this week, a win should come pretty easily. If we struggle, then we must leave the winning up to the Defense.

Keys to the game - Defense.

3 and outs. The offense's best friend is a D that can get them back out on the field. How to accomplish this? Run stopping. Plug up that running game, force Dilfer to pass, let Pat Williams hurry him, then watch Brian Williams or Devonte Edwards (Player of the game last week) run a TD back. Keep Dilfer on his toes and things will work out fine

Most importantly though, the Vikings need to come into this game with the eyes burning of fire and brimstone that we have seen in the past few weeks. Heart wins football games. (I am pretty sure I stole that off of Rudy) Anyways, Skol Vikings.

Final Score Prediction - Vikings 24 Browns 17.

Skol Vikings