Like many others, no doubt, I pondered on when the last time was that the Lions began a season 2-0 while the Vikings began 0-2. But before I took the time to look this up I came to the conclusion that it really didn't matter exactly when this was or indeed if it had even been the case. The purpose of the stat would be the reinforce a point that is palpably obvious to anyone that follows the NFL let alone the Lions. These are not the Lions we are used to seeing and in a division that has provided three of the last four teams to compete for the NFC Championship it is the Vikings who look the weakest. This game should reinforce that sentiment but in the modern NFL as soon as you start to assume such things then things such as this tend to bite you on the backside. It would be foolish therefore to assume a victory over a team that, aside from the notable change at QB, is not that far removed from the team that almost made it to the Super Bowl two years ago.
For all the plaudits they have received and as impressive as they have looked at times the Lions offense has not yet, I believe, fully clicked into place. Improvements in the running game were evident against the Chiefs but this weeks opponent will represent a much harder obstacle for the Lions backs to break through. Of course, the O-Line's ability to protect Matthew Stafford long enough to enable him to pick apart a Vikings secondary that has already been burned for large yardage could well open up better running lanes as the Vikings are forced to try and stop the pass. We saw a glimpse, in the Chiefs game, of why the Lions drafted Titus Young. The catch he made on a 3rd and ridiculously long play that kept the drive alive suggested that there will some horrible choices for opposing Defensive Coordinators to make when the Lions go three wideouts. The strength of the North is the D-Lines though and the Vikings were the first to truly establish theirs. Aged they may be but the Vikings D-Line is still capable of making this an uncomfortable afternoon for Stafford.
Perhaps the Vikings biggest strength is their ability to run the ball and until they lost Charles last week to injury the Chiefs gashed through the Lions for big gains on the ground. Now it's possible that the adjustments that shut down the Chiefs would have been equally effective if Charles had remained in the game but Adrian Peterson is sure to be keen to test this possible weakness in the Lions D. Donovan McNabb has received a great deal of criticism for his performances as a Viking and Kyle Vanden Bosch and his D-Line will be looking to welcome him to the joys of playing in the NFC North. If the Lions are able to limit the Vikings run threat then a pressured McNabb could offer plenty of opportunities for a Lions secondary to enhance a very slowly burgeoning reputation.
The Lions return team have not been given many chances to shine so far and must be itching for the chance to do so. Aside from the one mistake against the Bucs the coverage unit has done a good job and the Vikings will offer a challenge that will need to be met. Jason Hanson meanwhile looks to have found a new lease of life and is seemingly determined to lengthen his career so he can cash in on what promises to be a fruitful period of football for the city of Detroit.
The Lions ran the Vikings close in the Metrodome last season before turning the tables to round out the season at Ford Field. The games against divisional foes are the ones where these new Lions will need to establish their reputations and beating the divisions weakest in their home stadium is a good place to start.
Prediction: LIONS 35 Vikings 24
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