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Packers' Next Opponent: Dog day afternoons
Packers favored, but Vikings capable of upset
By BOB McGINN
bmcginn@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Sept. 25, 2007
Bob McGinn
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Green Bay - Underdogs have ruled the Green Bay-Minnesota series at the Metrodome so far this decade.
The Packers have won three of the last four meetings in Minneapolis, all when the Vikings were favored. Green Bay also won as an underdog in 2000, as did the Vikings in 2001 and '02.
Minnesota's 23-20 victory as a 2-point pick in '05 was the only time that the favorite has been able to hold serve.
Although the Packers (3-0) are favored by 1½ points over the Vikings (1-2) Sunday at the Metrodome, several assistant coaches and scouts for teams that recently played the Vikings predicted a close game.
"Green Bay's on a roll but winning on the road in this league is hard," an offensive assistant said. "When you're 1-2 and you're playing at home, you better not lose. Their backs are against the wall."
The Vikings' Brad Childress was swept a year ago by Mike McCarthy in a hookup of rookie coaches. In 17 previous seasons, the Vikings had been swept by the Packers just twice: 1997 and 2000.
Childress' predecessor, Mike Tice, was 5-4 against Green Bay. Before Tice, Dennis Green was 11-9 from 1992-2001.
"If 4 (Brett Favre) plays like he has been . . . but you know what? Brad will have those guys ready," one personnel man said. "They've been in every game. The Packers haven't done well up there, have they?"
Mike Holmgren's team surely didn't, going 1-6 at the Metrodome. Ray Rhodes was 0-1, Mike Sherman went 3-3 and McCarthy is 1-0.
"It's a great rivalry, it might be a great game and I imagine it will be a real close game," another assistant said. "The way the Packers are playing, my goodness. But Minnesota is going to be dangerous. They know they can't go three (games) down."
The sweep last season put Green Bay ahead in the regular-season series, 46-44-1. Of the last four meetings, three were decided by a field goal and the other by six points.
"As good as the Vikings are on defense, I think you just have to manage the game," a third assistant said. "You don't have to score 30 points a lot to win with that defense. As good as Minnesota plays defense, they're going to be in every football game. So if you keep it close at home, anything can happen."
OFFENSE
SCHEME
Childress holds a play sheet and talks to coordinator Darrell Bevell, but Bevell calls the plays. One coach said Childress' design was too much like Eagles coach Andy Reid's last year and that he has gone off on his own more this year. It's a West Coast passing game with a zone running game. The Vikings, who rush 48.1% of the time, are tied for 22nd in give-aways (seven), 25th in points (17.0) and 26th in yards (289).
RECEIVERS
Bobby Wade (5 feet 10 inches, 186 pounds) ran 40 yards in 4.69 seconds 4½ years ago. Not only can't he run but his hands aren't great, either. He's a clever little slot receiver. Troy Williamson (6-1½, 203), the seventh pick in '05, sat out last week with a tight hamstring but should play. He runs 4.35. However, he still has problems finding and hanging on to the ball and isn't polished. Former Packer Robert Ferguson (6-1½, 210) and rookie Sidney Rice (6-3½, 200) also play. Ferguson knows the system intimately and has three receptions. Rice, a second-round pick, lacks top speed but is a superb athlete and hasn't been timid in traffic. TE Visanthe Shiancoe (6-4½, 250) left the Giants in March for $18.5 million over five years. He can stretch the field (4.65 speed) but runs just OK routes and is just an OK blocker. Old pro Jim Kleinsasser (6-3, 272) still blocks well.
OFFENSIVE LINE
RT Ryan Cook (6-6½, 328) continues to prove he can't play but the touted left side of T Bryant McKinnie (6-8, 335) and G Steve Hutchinson (6-4½, 313) hasn't pass-protected very well, either. Cook, a second-round pick in '06, is a converted center. He lacks quickness, doesn't play strong and isn't holding up. RG Artis Hicks (6-4½, 335) splits time with Anthony Herrera (6-2, 315). Hicks isn't a bad athlete and started 31 games for the Eagles, but makes too many mistakes. Herrera is short and chubby; he plays better than he looks. C Matt Birk (6-4½, 317) is 30 pounds heavier than last year and isn't getting knocked around as much. A former Pro Bowl player Birk, 31, gets by on brains. McKinnie had a rough outing in Kansas City but remains one of the game's top seven or eight left tackles. Some of Hutchinson's dominance as a run blocker has been lost in the zone scheme.
QUARTERBACKS
Tarvaris Jackson (6-2, 232) still is hobbled by a groin injury and isn't expected to play. This is the sixth team for Kelly Holcomb (6-2½, 216). His record as a starter is 8-14. Holcomb ran 5.06 seconds in the 40 and scored 22 on the Wonderlic intelligence test coming out of Middle Tennessee State as a free agent in '95. He's competitive and shows enough arm strength. He just isn't mobile. Former Badger Brooks Bollinger (6-1, 205) is No. 3.
RUNNING BACKS
Rampaging rookie Adrian Peterson (6-1½, 220), the seventh pick in the draft, is off to a tremendous start. He has rare 4.4-second speed for his size, is able to make quick cuts in traffic and finishes runs with power and intensity. Although his upright style invites shots, Peterson is dealing out as much punishment as he receives. His hands are good. However, the Vikings don't trust him in blitz pickup. Chester Taylor (5-10½, 213), a 1,216-yard rusher in '06, is due back from a hip injury. Taylor's 4.65 speed isn't impressive but he runs low, shows some dart and is relentless. The third-down back has been dependable Mewelde Moore (5-10½, 209). FB Tony Richardson (6-1½, 238), a solid 13-year veteran, is back from an arm injury.
DEFENSE
SCHEME
New coordinator Leslie Frazier, who spent four seasons under the Eagles' Jim Johnson and the last two under the Colts' Tony Dungy, replaced the departed Mike Tomlin. Using the same "Tampa-2" zone system, Frazier is blitzing more than his predecessor. He has no compunction about sending six, either. The Vikings, who play a 4-3 "under" front, rank fourth in take-aways (eight) and points allowed (12.0) and tied for 11th in yards allowed (310.3).
DEFENSIVE LINE
This is one of the league's best groups. Opponents are averaging 67.3 rushing yards per game and 2.5 per carry. NT Pat Williams (6-3, 340) and DT Kevin Williams (6-5, 311) are exceptional players. Pat plays mean, has amazing quickness and is very difficult to move. Kevin has tremendous range, athletic ability and pass-rush skill. RE Ray Edwards (6-4½, 268), a fourth-round pick in '06, played 37% of the downs as a rookie behind Darrion Scott (6-3, 289). Today, Scott is coming off the bench behind Edwards, who is putting together the complete game that he only flashed at Purdue. He's equally effective against run and pass, plays with power and is giving more effort. LE Kenechi Udeze (6-3, 281) isn't quite as explosive as Edwards but also is strong and can run. Rookie DE Brian Robison (6-3, 259), a fourth-round pick, enters on passing downs and has generated consistent heat. Former Badger DE Erasmus James (6-4, 266) hasn't played because of knee problems.
LINEBACKERS
E.J. Henderson (6-1, 245), back in the middle after two seasons on the weak side, has been all over the field making hard tackles. He's strong, aggressive and runs 4.75, which is a little slow for his position's deep coverage responsibility in "Tampa-2." WLB Chad Greenway (6-2½, 242), the 17th pick in '06, sat out all last year with a blown knee. He leads in tackles (33), is fast and active, and covers well. He just isn't a big take-on player and has been making too many mistakes. SLB Ben Leber (6-3, 244), a six-year NFL starter, is disciplined and effective.
SECONDARY
The Vikings have two really good cornerbacks in Antoine Winfield (5-8½, 180) and Cedric Griffin (6-0, 203). Winfield, 30, said Monday that he wanted to shadow Donald Driver. Pound-for-pound, Winfield might be the NFL's toughest player. His tackling is extraordinary. Obviously, Winfield loses some battles at the ball on the basis of height. But he still runs and covers well. Griffin, a second-round pick in '06, is underrated. He uses his long arms to be physical at the line and downfield. His 4.51 speed is OK. Most teams, however, still throw at Griffin. Marcus McCauley (6-0½, 203), a third-round pick, has been so-so as the rookie nickel back. Former Packers SS Darren Sharper (6-1½, 210) and FS Dwight Smith (5-9½, 201) return from last year. Sharper, in his 11th season, remains a premier ballhawk because of his rare anticipation and great hands. He's tackling more reliably than ever, too. Smith is adequate. He's short and his 4.65 speed is a problem, but he has a nose for the ball and will hit.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Former Packer Ryan Longwell, 33, is kicking off better than in the past (67.9 average) and is steady on field goals. The 52-yard boot he missed off the upright in Week 2 was his first misfire after 19 makes. Chris Kluwe, in his third season, is one of the top three or five young punters in the NFL. He's a two-stepper with awesome leg strength. At times, he out-kicks his coverage. Wade is neither dangerous nor secure on punt returns. The kick-return game is in flux. LBs Heath Farwell and Vinny Ciurciu lead second-year assistant Paul Ferraro's capable units.
Packers favored, but Vikings capable of upset
By BOB McGINN
bmcginn@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Sept. 25, 2007
Bob McGinn
Green Bay - Underdogs have ruled the Green Bay-Minnesota series at the Metrodome so far this decade.
The Packers have won three of the last four meetings in Minneapolis, all when the Vikings were favored. Green Bay also won as an underdog in 2000, as did the Vikings in 2001 and '02.
Minnesota's 23-20 victory as a 2-point pick in '05 was the only time that the favorite has been able to hold serve.
Although the Packers (3-0) are favored by 1½ points over the Vikings (1-2) Sunday at the Metrodome, several assistant coaches and scouts for teams that recently played the Vikings predicted a close game.
"Green Bay's on a roll but winning on the road in this league is hard," an offensive assistant said. "When you're 1-2 and you're playing at home, you better not lose. Their backs are against the wall."
The Vikings' Brad Childress was swept a year ago by Mike McCarthy in a hookup of rookie coaches. In 17 previous seasons, the Vikings had been swept by the Packers just twice: 1997 and 2000.
Childress' predecessor, Mike Tice, was 5-4 against Green Bay. Before Tice, Dennis Green was 11-9 from 1992-2001.
"If 4 (Brett Favre) plays like he has been . . . but you know what? Brad will have those guys ready," one personnel man said. "They've been in every game. The Packers haven't done well up there, have they?"
Mike Holmgren's team surely didn't, going 1-6 at the Metrodome. Ray Rhodes was 0-1, Mike Sherman went 3-3 and McCarthy is 1-0.
"It's a great rivalry, it might be a great game and I imagine it will be a real close game," another assistant said. "The way the Packers are playing, my goodness. But Minnesota is going to be dangerous. They know they can't go three (games) down."
The sweep last season put Green Bay ahead in the regular-season series, 46-44-1. Of the last four meetings, three were decided by a field goal and the other by six points.
"As good as the Vikings are on defense, I think you just have to manage the game," a third assistant said. "You don't have to score 30 points a lot to win with that defense. As good as Minnesota plays defense, they're going to be in every football game. So if you keep it close at home, anything can happen."
OFFENSE
SCHEME
Childress holds a play sheet and talks to coordinator Darrell Bevell, but Bevell calls the plays. One coach said Childress' design was too much like Eagles coach Andy Reid's last year and that he has gone off on his own more this year. It's a West Coast passing game with a zone running game. The Vikings, who rush 48.1% of the time, are tied for 22nd in give-aways (seven), 25th in points (17.0) and 26th in yards (289).
RECEIVERS
Bobby Wade (5 feet 10 inches, 186 pounds) ran 40 yards in 4.69 seconds 4½ years ago. Not only can't he run but his hands aren't great, either. He's a clever little slot receiver. Troy Williamson (6-1½, 203), the seventh pick in '05, sat out last week with a tight hamstring but should play. He runs 4.35. However, he still has problems finding and hanging on to the ball and isn't polished. Former Packer Robert Ferguson (6-1½, 210) and rookie Sidney Rice (6-3½, 200) also play. Ferguson knows the system intimately and has three receptions. Rice, a second-round pick, lacks top speed but is a superb athlete and hasn't been timid in traffic. TE Visanthe Shiancoe (6-4½, 250) left the Giants in March for $18.5 million over five years. He can stretch the field (4.65 speed) but runs just OK routes and is just an OK blocker. Old pro Jim Kleinsasser (6-3, 272) still blocks well.
OFFENSIVE LINE
RT Ryan Cook (6-6½, 328) continues to prove he can't play but the touted left side of T Bryant McKinnie (6-8, 335) and G Steve Hutchinson (6-4½, 313) hasn't pass-protected very well, either. Cook, a second-round pick in '06, is a converted center. He lacks quickness, doesn't play strong and isn't holding up. RG Artis Hicks (6-4½, 335) splits time with Anthony Herrera (6-2, 315). Hicks isn't a bad athlete and started 31 games for the Eagles, but makes too many mistakes. Herrera is short and chubby; he plays better than he looks. C Matt Birk (6-4½, 317) is 30 pounds heavier than last year and isn't getting knocked around as much. A former Pro Bowl player Birk, 31, gets by on brains. McKinnie had a rough outing in Kansas City but remains one of the game's top seven or eight left tackles. Some of Hutchinson's dominance as a run blocker has been lost in the zone scheme.
QUARTERBACKS
Tarvaris Jackson (6-2, 232) still is hobbled by a groin injury and isn't expected to play. This is the sixth team for Kelly Holcomb (6-2½, 216). His record as a starter is 8-14. Holcomb ran 5.06 seconds in the 40 and scored 22 on the Wonderlic intelligence test coming out of Middle Tennessee State as a free agent in '95. He's competitive and shows enough arm strength. He just isn't mobile. Former Badger Brooks Bollinger (6-1, 205) is No. 3.
RUNNING BACKS
Rampaging rookie Adrian Peterson (6-1½, 220), the seventh pick in the draft, is off to a tremendous start. He has rare 4.4-second speed for his size, is able to make quick cuts in traffic and finishes runs with power and intensity. Although his upright style invites shots, Peterson is dealing out as much punishment as he receives. His hands are good. However, the Vikings don't trust him in blitz pickup. Chester Taylor (5-10½, 213), a 1,216-yard rusher in '06, is due back from a hip injury. Taylor's 4.65 speed isn't impressive but he runs low, shows some dart and is relentless. The third-down back has been dependable Mewelde Moore (5-10½, 209). FB Tony Richardson (6-1½, 238), a solid 13-year veteran, is back from an arm injury.
DEFENSE
SCHEME
New coordinator Leslie Frazier, who spent four seasons under the Eagles' Jim Johnson and the last two under the Colts' Tony Dungy, replaced the departed Mike Tomlin. Using the same "Tampa-2" zone system, Frazier is blitzing more than his predecessor. He has no compunction about sending six, either. The Vikings, who play a 4-3 "under" front, rank fourth in take-aways (eight) and points allowed (12.0) and tied for 11th in yards allowed (310.3).
DEFENSIVE LINE
This is one of the league's best groups. Opponents are averaging 67.3 rushing yards per game and 2.5 per carry. NT Pat Williams (6-3, 340) and DT Kevin Williams (6-5, 311) are exceptional players. Pat plays mean, has amazing quickness and is very difficult to move. Kevin has tremendous range, athletic ability and pass-rush skill. RE Ray Edwards (6-4½, 268), a fourth-round pick in '06, played 37% of the downs as a rookie behind Darrion Scott (6-3, 289). Today, Scott is coming off the bench behind Edwards, who is putting together the complete game that he only flashed at Purdue. He's equally effective against run and pass, plays with power and is giving more effort. LE Kenechi Udeze (6-3, 281) isn't quite as explosive as Edwards but also is strong and can run. Rookie DE Brian Robison (6-3, 259), a fourth-round pick, enters on passing downs and has generated consistent heat. Former Badger DE Erasmus James (6-4, 266) hasn't played because of knee problems.
LINEBACKERS
E.J. Henderson (6-1, 245), back in the middle after two seasons on the weak side, has been all over the field making hard tackles. He's strong, aggressive and runs 4.75, which is a little slow for his position's deep coverage responsibility in "Tampa-2." WLB Chad Greenway (6-2½, 242), the 17th pick in '06, sat out all last year with a blown knee. He leads in tackles (33), is fast and active, and covers well. He just isn't a big take-on player and has been making too many mistakes. SLB Ben Leber (6-3, 244), a six-year NFL starter, is disciplined and effective.
SECONDARY
The Vikings have two really good cornerbacks in Antoine Winfield (5-8½, 180) and Cedric Griffin (6-0, 203). Winfield, 30, said Monday that he wanted to shadow Donald Driver. Pound-for-pound, Winfield might be the NFL's toughest player. His tackling is extraordinary. Obviously, Winfield loses some battles at the ball on the basis of height. But he still runs and covers well. Griffin, a second-round pick in '06, is underrated. He uses his long arms to be physical at the line and downfield. His 4.51 speed is OK. Most teams, however, still throw at Griffin. Marcus McCauley (6-0½, 203), a third-round pick, has been so-so as the rookie nickel back. Former Packers SS Darren Sharper (6-1½, 210) and FS Dwight Smith (5-9½, 201) return from last year. Sharper, in his 11th season, remains a premier ballhawk because of his rare anticipation and great hands. He's tackling more reliably than ever, too. Smith is adequate. He's short and his 4.65 speed is a problem, but he has a nose for the ball and will hit.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Former Packer Ryan Longwell, 33, is kicking off better than in the past (67.9 average) and is steady on field goals. The 52-yard boot he missed off the upright in Week 2 was his first misfire after 19 makes. Chris Kluwe, in his third season, is one of the top three or five young punters in the NFL. He's a two-stepper with awesome leg strength. At times, he out-kicks his coverage. Wade is neither dangerous nor secure on punt returns. The kick-return game is in flux. LBs Heath Farwell and Vinny Ciurciu lead second-year assistant Paul Ferraro's capable units.
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