Titans take on Vikings in Running Back Showcase

The Minnesota Vikings may have gotten just what they needed when they picked up Donovan McNabb in the off-season. Having Brett Favre under center caused this team to get away from what their strength is offensively. It’s obvious that NFL handicappers don’t feel the same way that I do as they have listed the Vikings at 60/1 to win the Super Bowl, and are expecting them to win between 6 and 7 games. While McNabb is clearly on the down-side of his career, he has the pocket presence and experience to lead this team to a surprise season.

A poor 2010 season by his standards has Adrian Peterson flying under-the-radar this season. Despite rushing for the fewest yards in a season over his 4 year career, Peterson did manage to average 4.6 yards per carry and scored 12 times. There’s no question that these numbers will increase this season now that defensive minded Leslie Frazier has taken over as head coach. Most defensive oriented coaches tend to rely on that side of the ball to win games, which is why they are often conservative offensively. The knock on McNabb has been his ability to perform under pressure, but Peterson is the type of back that takes pressure off of quarterbacks.

Percy Harvin is the leader of what should be an explosive wide receiver group. Only Bernard Berrian has any kind of experience in this league, but there are several young talented receivers that have play-making ability. The only question mark regarding this bunch is Harvin’s health. His issues with migrane headaches kept him out of several games last season, but when he’s at 100% he one of the best in the league.

Minnesota opens their pre-season against a team that has very similar issues on offense. They too have acquired a veteran quarterback to lead their team, and they too have one of the most talented running backs in the league. Chris Johnson was bound to have a down season last year after a remarkable 2009 that saw him become one of only 5 players to rush for over 2000 yards. It was obvious that defenses loaded up the box and force the Titan quarterbacks to beat them last year. It was a good philosophy to have as Kerry Collins and Vince Young combined for just over 3000 yards and 11 interceptions. The same game plan may be in place for opposing defenses this season, but the Carolina coaching staff is hoping that Matt Hasselbeck will make them pay.

Neither one of these squads is expected to do much this year, and NFL experts have both of them finishing towards the bottom of their respective divisions. This game may not have the hype that many of the other games do on Saturday, but it’s always a treat to watch two of the game’s best running backs in action on the same field. Tune in as the Viking and Titans got o battle in their first pre-season game of the year.

 

Related posts:

1. Titans & Colts look for WIN on Thursday Night
2. 2010 NFL Predictions: Tennessee Titans
3. Vikings and 49ers Collide in a Defensive Showdown
4. Jets vs. Vikings: Favre Ready to use New Toy
5. AFC South Showdown: Jaguars vs. Titans

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