Pro Football Hall of Fame Game 2015: Biggest Storylines for Vikings vs. Steelers

Before we dive into the NFL season, the Hall of Fame game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings gives football fans a chance to come to the edge, dip their feet in and test the waters as the preseason is about to get underway. 

The Hall of Fame game will proceed the class of 2015's enshrinement, which takes place on Saturday, August 8. Eight members, including former Steeler Jerome Bettis, will see their busts added to the hallowed hall of the game's elite.

Let's take a look at the viewing information for the Hall of Fame game with some of the biggest storylines surrounding each team.

Date, Time (ET)	Team	Team	TV	Stream
Sunday, August 9, 8 p.m.	Pittsburgh Steelers	Minnesota Vikings	NBC	NBC Sports Live

Biggest Storylines

Adrian Peterson's Return

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is entering the preseason with a clean slate. After sitting out 15 games last season after he was indicted on a child injury charge, Peterson just saw his probation eliminated on Wednesday, August 5 after meeting all the requirements that allowed him to apply for early termination, according to the Associated Press (via ESPN).

With a clear mind and a fresh start, the focus now turns to whether Peterson can come back and perform at the same level that made him the best running back in the NFL. 

The one-time 2,000-yard rusher thinks his best is yet to come, as he told Marshall Faulk of NFL Network (relayed by Dan Hanzus of NFL.com): "What I envision is something the eyes haven't seen before. I feel good, got a great team surrounding me as well. ... Staying on that path, I feel the sky's the limit and it could be my best season thus far."

Peterson has proved he is one of the game's most consistent runners, and he'll need to find that consistency in a Vikings offense that is being led by young quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater.

His presence in the backfield can prove to be a huge relief for Bridgewater if he is having a tough game passing. Knowing that one of the game's most dangerous runners is standing behind him will allow Bridgewater to stay loose and ensure he does not have to win games all on his own like he had to at times last year.

In his first seven seasons, Peterson rushed for over 1,000 yards in six of them, including 2,097 yards in 2012 and 1,760 in 2008. In both of those seasons, he led the league in rushing. 

There is no doubt Peterson is going to need some time to acclimate back to the speed and intensity of the NFL, so it's doubtful he'll be flying around the field in Canton, Ohio on Sunday night. Expect him to really start putting things together in the first few weeks of the regular season.

Pittsburgh's Steel Curtain Softening?

When you think of the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the first things that comes to mind is their defense. For the past five decades, a vaunted defense has been as much a trademark of the Steelers as the Terrible Towel.

That was not the case last season, though. 

The Steelers defense was ranked 18th in the NFL, and the secondary gave up the sixth-most passing yards in the league in 2014. It was the offense that carried the Steelers to an 11-5 record and an AFC North title, putting up 436 points. 

Going into the offseason, it wasn't looking like their secondary was going to get any better, either. Safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback Ike Taylor retired, while Brice McCain went to the Miami Dolphins.

Attempting to address the situation at the 2015 draft, the Steelers selected three defensive backs. One of them, second-round pick Senquez Golson, has since picked up a shoulder injury. A core of rookies cannot necessarily be relied on to win games, especially in a division as difficult as the AFC North. 

But a late acquisition has helped the Pittsburgh secondary bring a brighter outlook into the 2015 season, trading for Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Brandon Boykin. Despite having a down season during his third year in the NFL, recording 36 tackles and an interception, Boykin has shown he is capable of making the big defensive play.

He hit the ground running in Pittsburgh in his first days of camp, according to Eric Galko of the Sporting News:

"

In camp Monday, he did a remarkable job of sinking in his stance and working through the bigger receivers the Steelers have to match-up with, negating their size and consistently winning with physicality and timing at the catch point. Despite his lack of height and length, Boykin has had success throughout his career against most bigger receivers.

"

Like Peterson, Steelers fans won't see a lot of Boykin during the Hall of Fame game. Or any of the starters for that matter. 

Boykin has to work his way into the Steelers defensive system and get the game plan down before he gets significant playing time in the preseason. But his quick start in camp makes it clear it won't be a long wait before he does break into the side full time.

While fans might not be satisfied in seeing their favorite players getting such little time on one of football's hallowed grounds, they will get a thrill from knowing the NFL season is right around the corner. The countdown starts in earnest on Sunday, August 9.

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.