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We have a tall task in our upcoming game vs. the Rams..

Stopping Gurley will be priority #1, This kid looks phenomenal. Reminds me of a young 2 8

All his runs from week 8 (vs. SF)






Their front 7 is extremely stout as well, and we will have a tough time opening up holes, and protecting consistently.
If we can find a way to bring Gurley back down to earth, and hold him for 60-70 yards, I think we have an extremely good chance of going 6-2.

I think a good game 23-17 Vikings win

28-17 vikes.
Gurley is a monster, need Floyd back.

I'm not ready to make a prediction yet but i expect this to be a tough, low scoring game. The two teams are almost mirror images of each other so I expect it to be close. The Vikes will have their work cut out for them containing Gurley and Austin, both dynamic playmakers. Gurley's going to to test the run defense like it hasn't been tested since week 1. I'm glad this is a home game. I think the Vikes will need that edge.

Mothman wrote:I'm not ready to make a prediction yet but i expect this to be a tough, low scoring game. The two teams are almost mirror images of each other so I expect it to be close. The Vikes will have their work cut out for them containing Gurley and Austin, both dynamic playmakers. Gurley's going to to test the run defense like it hasn't been tested since week 1. I'm glad this is a home game. I think the Vikes will need that edge.

I agree, this is going to be a tough game. Glad its at home. When it comes down to it I think I believe in Teddy more than I believe in Foles, so I'm inclined to believe we'll get the win, but injury report could be huge in this one.

Mothman wrote:I'm not ready to make a prediction yet but i expect this to be a tough, low scoring game. The two teams are almost mirror images of each other so I expect it to be close. The Vikes will have their work cut out for them containing Gurley and Austin, both dynamic playmakers. Gurley's going to to test the run defense like it hasn't been tested since week 1. I'm glad this is a home game. I think the Vikes will need that edge.

I agree, Jim. Home field might just be the difference.

On paper, this is one of the most evenly matched games you'll ever see. The Vikings and Rams are practically mirror images of each other statistically. St. Louis is 30th in the league offensively -- we're one spot ahead at No. 29. They're last in passing -- we're 30th. They're 3rd in rushing at 132 per game -- we're 5th at 131. They're 6th defensively -- we're 7th.

When teams are this evenly matched, it often comes down to special teams -- even those are a wash. The Vikings have a big edge in field goal kicking -- Blair Walsh is 17-of-19 in field goals, with 2-of-2 from 50+, while Greg Zuerlein is just 9-of-15, and 1-for-5 from 50+. However, St. Louis is way ahead in punting -- Johnny Hekker averages a whopping 48.8 with 16 kicks inside the 20, while Jeff Locke averages just 41.2 with 13 balls inside the 20. Neither team has an edge in kickoff returns, while Marcus Sherels and Tavon Austin are practically mirror images in punt return average, and each has one touchdown.

I'm actually optimistic when it comes to the Vikings's ability to contain Tavon Austin in the passing game. Minnesota tends to have more trouble with big wideouts like Calvin Johnson and Alshon Jeffery than they do with small, fast guys like Tavon Austin. However, Gurley scares the snot out of me. He's by far the best RB the Vikings have faced this year, and while our run defense has been OK, we've also struggled with the occasional big play in the running game. Make a mistake with Gurley, and it's just like AP -- 6 points.

I also worry about the Rams' pass rush. They have a very talented D-line. The Vikings looked good Sunday, but that was against a Bears front that wasn't a 10th as good as the Rams.

In short, I have no prediction. The Vikings are at home, which supposedly gives them a 3-point edge. Beyond that, it's probably going to come down to turnovers and/or penalties. Or perhaps Stefon Diggs.

J. Kapp 11 wrote:When teams are this evenly matched, it often comes down to special teams -- even those are a wash. The Vikings have a big edge in field goal kicking -- Blair Walsh is 17-of-19 in field goals, with 2-of-2 from 50+, while Greg Zuerlein is just 9-of-15, and 1-for-5 from 50+. However, St. Louis is way ahead in punting -- Johnny Hekker averages a whopping 48.8 with 16 kicks inside the 20, while Jeff Locke averages just 41.2 with 13 balls inside the 20. Neither team has an edge in kickoff returns, while Marcus Sherels and Tavon Austin are practically mirror images in punt return average, and each has one touchdown.

Minnesota leads the league in punt return yards allowed (averaging 4.0 yards/return). St. Louis is 12th at 7.5 yards/return. Thanks for the stats. St. Louis really does mirror us. It would be a great game for Patterson to bust one, however Zuerlein has only allowed 8 returns this season. Maybe wind could factor in, though. I agree that it could prove to be the difference in this one. That and the turnover ratio.

St. Louis has allowed 7 rushes of 20+ yards (to Minnesota's 1) so maybe Peterson can bust a couple but it'll be tough sledding against that rush defense.

I'm actually optimistic when it comes to the Vikings's ability to contain Tavon Austin in the passing game. Minnesota tends to have more trouble with big wideouts like Calvin Johnson and Alshon Jeffery than they do with small, fast guys like Tavon Austin.

Austin is slippery. The Vikings will need to continue to tackle well and not allow a single miscue or that, too, could be the game. They will need to be incredibly disciplined while continuing to not shoot themselves in the foot with penalties that kill their own drives while extending the Rams'.

However, Gurley scares the snot out of me. He's by far the best RB the Vikings have faced this year, and while our run defense has been OK, we've also struggled with the occasional big play in the running game. Make a mistake with Gurley, and it's just like AP -- 6 points.

Exactly. We need Floyd back something fierce and Griffen to be healthy (he's been pretty stout lately vs. the run and can get out to the edge to chase RBs down and not let them get the edge). On paper our defensive line (healthy) should be an advantage vs. their offensive line. Of course, they can say the same in reverse and it's probably more dramatic.

In short, I have no prediction. The Vikings are at home, which supposedly gives them a 3-point edge. Beyond that, it's probably going to come down to turnovers and/or penalties. Or perhaps Stefon Diggs.

Yep. Trench warfare at its finest in this one. Teddy is going to be under a ton of heat all day. Let's see what Norv puts together.

Does anyone know if Sharif Floyd will be back? The Vikings sure could use him against a force like Gurley.

The Vikings OL absolutely must not be porous in this game. They have to open holes for AD, plus they really need to block well against the Rams pass rush.

No prediction from me yet.

Excellent post, Kapp.

losperros wrote:Does anyone know if Sharif Floyd will be back? The Vikings sure could use him against a force like Gurley.

Only thing I thought I read was that Zimmer "hoped" to have Floyd back for this one. Practice reports will be only indicator. Probably needs to practice by Friday to have a shot.

J. Kapp 11 wrote:I agree, Jim. Home field might just be the difference.

On paper, this is one of the most evenly matched games you'll ever see. The Vikings and Rams are practically mirror images of each other statistically. St. Louis is 30th in the league offensively -- we're one spot ahead at No. 29. They're last in passing -- we're 30th. They're 3rd in rushing at 132 per game -- we're 5th at 131. They're 6th defensively -- we're 7th.

When teams are this evenly matched, it often comes down to special teams -- even those are a wash. The Vikings have a big edge in field goal kicking -- Blair Walsh is 17-of-19 in field goals, with 2-of-2 from 50+, while Greg Zuerlein is just 9-of-15, and 1-for-5 from 50+. However, St. Louis is way ahead in punting -- Johnny Hekker averages a whopping 48.8 with 16 kicks inside the 20, while Jeff Locke averages just 41.2 with 13 balls inside the 20. Neither team has an edge in kickoff returns, while Marcus Sherels and Tavon Austin are practically mirror images in punt return average, and each has one touchdown.

I'm actually optimistic when it comes to the Vikings's ability to contain Tavon Austin in the passing game. Minnesota tends to have more trouble with big wideouts like Calvin Johnson and Alshon Jeffery than they do with small, fast guys like Tavon Austin.

It's his open field running ability that scares me. I could see him turning a short pass into a big gain against the Vikes aggressive defense.

However, Gurley scares the snot out of me. He's by far the best RB the Vikings have faced this year, and while our run defense has been OK, we've also struggled with the occasional big play in the running game. Make a mistake with Gurley, and it's just like AP -- 6 points.

Yes and honestly, I expect that to happen at least once. I think it's going to be tough to contain him for 4 quarters. I just hope he doesn't run hog wild on the Vikes.

I also worry about the Rams' pass rush. They have a very talented D-line. The Vikings looked good Sunday, but that was against a Bears front that wasn't a 10th as good as the Rams.

That's definitely a serious concern.

In short, I have no prediction. The Vikings are at home, which supposedly gives them a 3-point edge. Beyond that, it's probably going to come down to turnovers and/or penalties. Or perhaps Stefon Diggs.

It should be a good game!

I wanted to chime in and make a point that has not been brought up yet. I live near St Louis so I see many of their games and of course around tons of fan talk everyday. Offensive play calling is completely different imo. Norv is fairly conservative. Cignetti will not hesitate to take more chances. Plus their punt return team pulled an awesome fake to one side last year......can't remember who the opponent was. Bottom line I think they have more tricks up their sleeve than the Viks. Hope that is not the difference maker. The key to a Vikings win here is stopping Gurley......if we can do that Viks24 Rams17

autobon7 wrote:I wanted to chime in and make a point that has not been brought up yet. I live near St Louis so I see many of their games and of course around tons of fan talk everyday. Offensive play calling is completely different imo. Norv is fairly conservative. Cignetti will not hesitate to take more chances. Plus their punt return team pulled an awesome fake to one side last year......can't remember who the opponent was. Bottom line I think they have more tricks up their sleeve than the Viks. Hope that is not the difference maker. The key to a Vikings win here is stopping Gurley......if we can do that Viks24 Rams17

I do not know of any top notch teams that rely on trick plays to win games. In fact, it is just the opposite, good teams line up and play hard nosed, disciplined systems and get the great results that happen when they do.
As far as this game with the Rams, if the Vikes can't beat them at home, with the momentum that they currently have, then I do not even want to entertain the idea of them going to the play-offs. So that being said, I see a 10 point margin and win by the Purple Guys.

Both Teddy and AP were kinda beat up by the end of the Bear game......not knowing their status,esp Teddy, makes predictions pretty impossible. But, given the number of hits Teddy took against a Bears team that is a bottom dweller and has guys signed off the street, the Rams are likely to knock Teddy around pretty badly. Conversely, our D showed a brief period of aggressiveness last week in the first quarter, then promptly crawled into their turtle shell for the last 3 quarters. Very perplexing! Why take pressure off Cutler, who is as fragile a brain as there is ......If Teddy is healthy, I hope for 17-16 Vikes is a brutal game pounded out on the ground.

chicagopurple wrote:Both Teddy and AP were kinda beat up by the end of the Bear game......not knowing their status,esp Teddy, makes predictions pretty impossible. But, given the number of hits Teddy took against a Bears team that is a bottom dweller and has guys signed off the street, the Rams are likely to knock Teddy around pretty badly. Conversely, our D showed a brief period of aggressiveness last week in the first quarter, then promptly crawled into their turtle shell for the last 3 quarters. Very perplexing! Why take pressure off Cutler, who is as fragile a brain as there is ......If Teddy is healthy, I hope for 17-16 Vikes is a brutal game pounded out on the ground.

Teddy didn't get hit hardly at all, I don't know what game you were watching. He was banged up cause of one play where he went down funny. He had literally all day to throw the ball all afternoon and was missing his targets