Vikings vs. Seahawks Preview

Daniel House gets you ready for the Vikings matchup with the Seahawks and provides you with the necessary keys to victory as the team takes the field in Seattle.

The Vikings record won't show their efforts, but after losing three contests in the final minutes of the game, a mere change in luck could have shifted the outlook of the 2013 season. Finally, we saw results and watched the defense close out a football game for the first time in America last Thursday. This team will need to be well prepared for a matchup with the NFC-leading Seattle Seahawks, who have proven themselves as nearly unbeatable this season. They look to become even more formidable with the addition of wide receiver Percy Harvin to the lineup. There is sure to be a high level of animosity between Harvin and the Vikings, which is sure to provide extra motivation on the field. This is an extremely challenging game in Seattle, where the Seahawks haven't lost for nearly two years. Quarterback Russell Wilson has never lost at CenturyLink Field and has thrown 24 touchdowns and six interceptions in two seasons. Seattle has a very balanced attack and are currently ranked third in total defense (289 yards) and sixth in scoring (26.5). The Vikings will have their hands full with a very talented Seahawks team and will need to execute one of the best games the organization has played in ten seasons.
 
Let's Gameplan....
 
Broadcast Information:
Television: FOX (Channel 9 in Minneapolis)
Play-by-Play: Chris Myers Analyst: Tim Ryan
Sideline Reporter: Jennifer Hale

KFAN-FM 100.3/KTCN-AM 1130

Play-by-Play: Paul Allen   Analyst: Pete Bercich
Sideline Reporter: Greg Coleman
Pre-Game Show: Mike Mussman -10:00 a.m. CT

The History:

 

The Vikings and Seahawks have met 12 times with the Seahawks holding a 7-5 advantage. The Vikings and Seahawks have never played each other in an overtime game. The two teams have split the two games played at Century-Link Field. The last time the Vikings and Seahawks met was in week 9 of the 2012 season, a 30-20 Seahawks win. A win would give the Vikings back-to-back wins for the first time in the 2013 season. A win would also provide the Vikings their first win at Seattle since 10/22/06.

The Primary Focus:

Seattle's defense is ranked third in total defense and matches up with an anemic Vikings offense that came out of its shell versus the Redskins last week. The Seahawks defense will be without lock down starting cornerback Brandon Browner (groin), but Walter Thurmond should fill in nicely. The Seattle pass defense has allowed just 178 yards per game to opposing quarterbacks, which makes the Vikings offensive situation twice as complicated. Christian Ponder is battling a dislocated shoulder after diving for the end zone last week versus Washington, but all reports indicate he is ready to play. Ponder struggled last season against the Seahawks, completing just 50% of his passes for 63 yards and an interception. Despite all of this, Adrian Peterson managed to rush for 182 yards and two touchdowns, which could be pivotal in today's game. The Vikings will need to adequately move the ball with a balanced attack and John Carlson could see an elevated role, as he faces his former team for the first time. The offensive line will need to protect a group that has accumulated 28 sacks, which ranks them in the top-ten throughout the NFL. Phil Loadholt and Charlie Johnson are poised to return this week and the group will see continuity once again in week eleven. If the Vikings establish the pass, avoid third-and-long situations, and protect Ponder adequately, the offense can semi-compete in today's game.

On the Defensive:

The Vikings defense has been atrocious at stopping teams on third down and are doing so at just a 50% clip (league-worst) this season. This included a near perfect eight of nine third downs allowed against the Redskins last week. The Seahawks have converted a whopping 17 of 27 times (63%) over the last two games, which could be a recipe for disaster. The Vikings front seven needs to take advantage of a Seahawks offensive line that could be without starters Max Unger (concussion), Russell Okung (toe), and Breno Giacomini (knee). Pete Carroll indicated these players could rest as the Seahawks face a bye week in the 12th slate and the injuries would have an extra week to recover. The Vikings defense will need to stop a Seahawks running attack that averages a second-most 153.4 rushing yards per game, which has been very disastrous. Marshawn Lynch opens the passing game for big plays and if the Vikings can limit his yardage, it provides the Vikings with a better chance to win. Seattle is plus seven in the take-give, which means the Vikings need to play turnover free football and create takeaways on defense, if they want any chance to stun the Seachickens this week.

Special Teams Primer:

The Minnesota Vikings have never led the NFL in both kick and punt return average, but this season Marcus Sherels and Cordarrelle Patterson are holding down the fort. Seattle leads the league in opposing drive starts and are dynamite at kicking the ball inside the 20-yard line on kickoffs. The Seahawks will be arrogant and attempt to kick the ball to Patterson, which could yield an electrifying kick off return in Seattle.

Injury Report (via NFL.com):

Name	Position	Injury	Practice Status	Game Status
MIN
Erin Henderson	LB	Illness	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Fred Evans	DT	Knee	Limited Participation in Practice	Questionable
Letroy Guion	DT	Chest	Did Not Participate In Practice	Out
Jamarca Sanford	S	Groin	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Rhett Ellison	TE	Ankle	Limited Participation in Practice	Questionable
Matt Asiata	RB	Shoulder	Limited Participation in Practice	Doubtful
Kyle Rudolph	TE	Foot	Did Not Participate In Practice	Out
Phil Loadholt	T	Concussion	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Christian Ponder	QB	left Shoulder	Limited Participation in Practice	Probable
Adrian Peterson	RB	Groin	Did Not Participate In Practice	Probable
Charlie Johnson	G	Elbow	Limited Participation in Practice	Probable
Chad Greenway	LB	Wrist	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Chris Cook	CB	Hamstring	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Jerome Felton	RB	Back	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Greg Jennings	WR	Achilles	Limited Participation in Practice	Probable
SEA
Tony McDaniel	DT	Hamstring	Full Participation in Practice	Questionable
Max Unger	C	Concussion	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Jeremy Lane	CB	Thigh	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Marshawn Lynch	RB	Knee	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Richard Sherman	CB	Hip	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Chris Clemons	DE	Not Injury Related	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Breno Giacomini	T	Knee	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Red Bryant	DE	Concussion	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Brandon Browner	CB	Groin	Did Not Participate In Practice	Out
Bruce Irvin	LB	Shoulder	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Derrick Coleman	RB	Hamstring	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Heath Farwell	LB	Knee	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Percy Harvin	WR	Hip	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Kam Chancellor	S	Hip	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Jeron Johnson	S	Hamstring	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Jordan Hill	DT	Biceps	Full Participation in Practice	Probable

The Seahawks will be without starting cornerback Brandon Browner, and potentially three of their starting offensive lineman who are probable, which is something to monitor.

As for the Vikings, Letroy Guion and Kyle Rudolph have been ruled out, but all other practiced this week, signaling all other active players should be ready for today's game.

Final Keys to Victory:

The Vikings must pass adequately, avoid third-and-long situations, stop the run, pressure Russell Wilson, and win the turnover battle if they want any chance to upset the Seahawks this week. The coaching staff had a few extra days to prepare for Seattle, which should help this team be ready for a game with an amazingly challenging opponent.