Minnesota Vikings Strategy and Personnel
by Sports Xchange
The suspensions wouldn't be the only issue on the line. Brian Robison underwent arthroscopic knee surgery this week and will miss an undetermined amount of time. That leaves six healthy (or relatively healthy) linemen: starting left end Ray Edwards, backup Otis Grigsby, Evans, Kennedy, Wyms and starting right end Jared Allen.
Rookie Letroy Guion suffered an ankle injury in practice last week and it's not certain if he will be ready to go.
PLAYER NOTES
--RB Adrian Peterson did not practice Wednesday but the reason was listed as "rest." It's the second time that has happened in recent weeks.
--DE Brian Robison did not practice Wednesday after having arthroscopic knee surgery on Tuesday. He is expected to miss at least one game if not more.
--RG Anthon Herrera did not practice Wednesday due to a death in his family. He is expected to play Sunday against the Lions.
--DE Jared Allen was limited in practice Wednesday so he could continue to rest his right shoulder. Allen suffered a grade-3 sprain of the shoulder on Nov. 2 against Houston but has continued to play in games. He had three sacks last Sunday night against Chicago and was named the NFC's defensive player of the week.
--DT Letroy Guion was limited in practice because of an ankle injury suffered last week.
--RT Artis Hicks was limited in practice Wednesday because of an elbow injury that forced him to miss last Sunday's game against Chicago. He is expected to reclaim the starting role from Ryan Cook when he's healthy.
--LT Bryant McKinnie was limited in practice Wednesday because of an ankle injury.
--TE Garrett Mills was limited in practice Wednesday because of an ankle injury that has kept him out of the past two games.
--S Darren Sharper was limited in practice Wednesday because of an ankle injury.
--S Madieu Williams continues to be limited in practice because of a shoulder injury. But that has not cost him any playing time.
--LB Rufus Alexander was claimed off the practice squad by the Indianapolis Colts. Alexander was a sixth-round pick by the Vikings in 2007 but missed that season because of a knee injury. He was cut at the end of training camp this year but eventually was re-signed.
GAME PLAN: The Vikings have chosen their words carefully when talking about this matchup, despite the fact everyone expects this to be a blowout. The reality is that even if defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams don't play, the Vikings should have no problem leaving Detroit with a victory.
The Lions' defense is ranked 31st in the NFL and 32nd, or dead last, against the rush, meaning running back Adrian Peterson and the NFL's fourth-ranked rushing game has the potential to have a huge day. Certainly, Peterson should have his eighth 100-yard rushing game.
Veteran running back Chester Taylor could see significant time if this one gets out of hand. Gus Frerotte also should be able to pass the ball against the NFL's 19th-ranked pass defense.
The Vikings defense also should have little problem with an offense that is ranked 30th overall, 30th in rushing and 26th in passing. If the Williamses don't play, the Lions are sure to see if they can move the ball on the ground with Kevin Smith running the ball up the middle against Fred Evans and Ellis Wyms.
The Vikings faced Dan Orlovsky in October when they escaped with a 12-10 victory over Detroit at the Metrodome. This time the defense will go against former Viking Daunte Culpepper.
Culpepper isn't the threat to run that he once was, meaning the Vikings shouldn't have to worry about him moving the ball on the ground too much.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH: RB Adrian Peterson rushed for 131 yards last Sunday night against Chicago and figures to have an even bigger day this time around. Lions defensive tackles Chuck Darby and Cory Redding will be on the front line attempting to contain Peterson. The Lions are likely to move eight men into the box in order to try to slow Peterson but this will open up opportunities for Gus Frerotte, Bernard Berrian and the passing game.
DE Jared Allen had three sacks in the Vikings' victory over Chicago on Sunday night and this time will be going against Detroit left tackle Jeff Backus. Allen had a sack in the first meeting between these teams and will look to make life difficult for Lions quarterback Daunte Culpepper this time around.
INJURY IMPACT: The loss of Brian Robison to a knee injury means the versatile defensive lineman. This will be especially tough if defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams aren't allowed to play because of suspensions. Robison is naturally a defensive end but also can move inside.
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