Vikings vs. Broncos: Full Minnesota Game Preview
The Minnesota Vikings (2-1) are set to round out the first fourth of the NFL season with a challenging matchup against the Denver Broncos (3-0).
After falling to the San Francisco 49ers (1-2) in Week 1, the hype train has reloaded in Minnesota, as the Vikings are coming off back-to-back home victories over the Detroit Lions (0-3) and San Diego Chargers (1-2).
In order to kick this thing into overdrive, however, the Vikings will need to bring home a victory over a team with a winning record—something Minnesota has yet to do during the Mike Zimmer era—and this weekend's contest against the 3-0 Broncos presents a perfect opportunity to do just that.
Minnesota has not squared off with Denver since the Broncos visited the Metrodome back in early December of 2011. Then-quarterback Tim Tebow and running back Willis McGahee led Denver to a 35-32 win over the Christian Ponder-led Vikings in a game that did not feature Adrian Peterson.
The Vikings also lost to the Broncos in 2007 and have not beaten Denver's football team since Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss led the charge way back in 2003. Despite a pair of losses in recent years, Minnesota does own a slight historical advantage over Denver, winning seven times in 13 career meetings.
Quite a bit has changed since these two teams last shared the field together. The Broncos now run a balanced offense through signal-caller Peyton Manning, and the Vikings are in the midst of developing a new potential franchise quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater.
Both teams also feature suffocating defenses highlighted by great pass-rushers and talented defensive backs.
Following two blowout victories at home over competitive opponents, the Vikings are now presented with a major test and an opportunity to show the world that they are capable of contending for a playoff spot—and possibly more.
This should prove to be a competitive matchup and will act as a true gauge of where Minnesota is at right now in comparison to the NFL's best teams.
Location: Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado
Time: 3 p.m. CT/4 p.m. ET
TV: Channel 9 Fox KMSP (Local)
Week 3 Results and Recap
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Minnesota blew out San Diego by a final score of 31-14 in what was expected to be a competitive contest between evenly matched teams.
After Teddy Bridgewater threw an interception to close out the Vikings' first opportunity to put points on the board, Blair Walsh drilled a 24-yard field goal and Adrian Peterson scored his first touchdown in over a year to give Minnesota a 10-0 advantage in the early going.
The Chargers responded late in the first half, however, with a nine-play, 90-yard drive highlighted by defensive breakdowns and a 34-yard Keenan Allen touchdown on a play during which cornerback Xavier Rhodes suffered a concussion.
With a chance to tie the game or take a lead on their opening second-half drive, Philip Rivers and San Diego's offense was quickly shut down by a relentless Vikings defense. This surge of pass-rushing excellence continued throughout the half, ultimately guiding Minnesota to victory.
Following a punt, Peterson answered the Chargers' inability to score with a vintage 43-yard touchdown run to expand the Vikings' lead. Fullback Zach Line tacked on another touchdown to close out a time-consuming 16-play, 86-yard drive on Minnesota's next offensive drive.
Veteran linebacker Chad Greenway put any chance of a San Diego comeback on the Chargers' next offensive possession, intercepting a tipped Rivers pass and returning it 91 yards in the midst of an abundance of Vikings defenders.
Second-string quarterback Kellen Clemens led a late Chargers touchdown drive to make the score look more respectable, but Allen's second six-pointer of the game was far more important in fantasy football leagues than it was in the outcome of this Week 3 matchup.
| Team | W | L | T | PCT | DIF | GB |
| Green Bay Packers | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | +28 | - |
| Minnesota Vikings | 2 | 1 | 0 | .667 | +10 | 1 |
| Detroit Lions | 0 | 3 | 0 | .000 | -27 | 3 |
| Chicago Bears | 0 | 3 | 0 | .000 | -59 | 3 |
News and Notes
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Vikings Sign S Brock Vereen to Practice Squad
In dire need of better safety play opposite Harrison Smith, the Vikings added a familiar face to their practice squad on Wednesday. According to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, former Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Brock Vereen has been signed to Minnesota's practice squad:
""I’m very excited," Vereen told the Pioneer Press after arriving Wednesday night in Minnesota. "I’m very happy to be here. I’m very happy for the opportunity and I hope to make the most of it. They told me I’ll come in on the practice squad with the opportunity to move up."
"
Andrew Sendejo, who has started all three weeks for the Vikings, was lifted in favor of 2014 starter Robert Blanton late in the game against San Diego. It is unclear why the move was made, but one has to wonder if it has something to do with Sendejo's reckless tackling, which left Xavier Rhodes concussed and nearly injured rookie Trae Waynes as well.
Vereen, a former fourth-round pick, started four games for the Chicago Bears in 2014 before losing his job this season to rookie Adrian Amos. He finished his rookie season with an interception, a forced fumble and 30 tackles playing in a porous Bears defensive secondary.
Minnesota fans may remember Vereen from his short tenure with the Bears, but it's more likely that his name will bring back memories of him in a maroon-and-gold jersey.
The new Vikings safety, who is the brother of New York Giants running back Shane Vereen, played in 47 games for the Gophers, totaling five interceptions, 24 pass breakups and a pair of forced fumbles over the course of four collegiate seasons.
Vikings Lose LB Brian Peters to Texans
One of the reasons Minnesota had room to add Vereen to its practice squad its losing linebacker Brian Peters to the Houston Texans. According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Peters was signed by the Texans on Wednesday.
"Bill O'Brien says Texans signed linebacker Brian Peters
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 30, 2015"
Peters, who was signed by the Vikings during the offseason from the Canadian Football League, did not make the team's 53-man roster after the preseason but was later added to the practice squad.
He showed some potential throughout August, but Minnesota's loaded linebacking corps makes this an easier loss to stomach.
Vikings Add WR Donte Foster to Practice Squad
Earlier in the week, Donte Foster announced via his Instagram account that he had been signed to the Vikings practice squad. The decision to add the wide receiver to the roster made considerably more sense once the Vikings injury report was released on Wednesday—which will be addressed later.
Foster, a graduate of Ohio University, was undrafted this past April and has yet to record a regular-season statistic in the NFL. He amassed 167 receptions, 2,180 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns in four collegiate seasons.
During the preseason, Foster totaled just two catches for 10 yards, but he showed the Vikings staff enough to earn a practice squad spot following the release of fullback Blake Renaud.
Adrian Peterson Criticizes Former QB Christian Ponder
Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has faced some criticism during the early going, largely due to a failure to produce gaudy passing numbers and some inconsistencies with accuracy through three weeks.
The man he shares the backfield with isn't concerned, however.
Adrian Peterson, who has supported Bridgewater since the two began practicing together, spoke out about the second-year signal-caller's poise in the pocket, taking a jab at a former Minnesota quarterback in the process.
"Adrian Peterson, on Teddy's poise: "I can say this: If Christian Ponder had that same poise he would probably still be here playing,’’
— Ben Goessling (@GoesslingESPN) September 30, 2015"
Ponder's flaws as a passer were well-documented throughout his relatively short tenure in Minnesota. His inability to develop with Peterson in the backfield led to the team's decision not to re-sign him this past offseason, as the Vikings instead chose to move forward with its latest first-round quarterback.
Bridgewater has yet to produce a standout performance from a counting-statistic standpoint during the 2015 season, but the young quarterback has done a nice job in what he has been asked to do. He will need to produce a strong performance against a lethal Broncos defense if the Vikings hope to leave town with a 3-1 record.
Latest Injury News
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| Player | Position | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Trattou | DE | Foot |
| Charles Johnson | WR | Rib |
| Jarius Wright | WR | Hand |
| Andrew Sendejo | S | Knee |
| Audie Cole | LB | Ankle |
| Xavier Rhodes | CB | Concussion/Neck |
All injury information courtesy of Vikings.com.
Heading into the week, the greatest concern from an injury perspective was the health of No. 1 cornerback Xavier Rhodes. These worries have since been minimized after the team announced he had passed through concussion protocol—which stemmed from a Week 3 collision with Andrew Sendejo—and was able to practice in full on Wednesday.
"Zimmer said @XavierRhodes29_ has already passed one concussion test and added “we should be good to go."
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 28, 2015"
However, the Vikings' announcement of the team's weekly injury report drew new reasons for concern regarding roster health.
Jarius Wright, who has totaled five catches and 72 yards in three games this season, did not practice on Wednesday, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com later announced that the wide receiver is expected to miss a couple of weeks with a hand injury.
"Expected to miss a game or two. RT @christomasson: Jarius Wright listed as hand injury. didn't participate in practice
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 30, 2015"
In combination with a rib injury to Charles Johnson, which forced him to seek treatment in the locker room during Week 3, Minnesota's wide receiver corps could potentially be without its No. 2 and 3 receivers against a top-notch Broncos secondary.
If both Wright and Johnson are forced to take a seat this Sunday, rookie Stefon Diggs should make his NFL debut. It should be expected for Adam Thielen and Cordarrelle Patterson to see more snaps in their absence as well.
The loss of two key playmakers in the Vikings offense certainly is not ideal, but it does open the door for Patterson and Diggs to make an impact.
Diggs, who has been inactive all three weeks this season, was a highlight-reel performer for the Vikings during the preseason and possesses the talent to have an immediate impact if given the opportunity.
Patterson, who was relieved of his starting wide receiver spot last season, should see enough playing time to prove whether or not he has improved enough from a fundamentals standpoint to allow his outstanding natural talents to shine.
Backup Justin Trattou and Sendejo also did not practice on Wednesday. Audie Cole practiced in a limited capacity.
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Key Matchups
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Vikings Defensive Secondary vs. Broncos Wide Receivers
Minnesota's defensive secondary has faced difficult challenges in back-to-back weeks with Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and Keenan Allen in town, but Denver's offense should pose the biggest threat to date.
The Broncos wide receiving corps boasts Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, a pair of pass-catchers who combined for 3,023 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2014. With Peyton Manning at the helm, this duo has become consistently lethal and nearly impossible to stop, having already amassed 507 yards and three touchdowns in 2015.
Cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes and Terence Newman will likely be Minnesota's answers in man-to-man coverage, but rookie Trae Waynes may see the field more after a strong showing in his debut last Sunday.
As in the case of Adrian Peterson, it's rarely possible to completely shut down Denver's passing offense, but limiting the damage will go a long way toward a Vikings victory.
Vikings Offensive Line vs. Broncos Pass Rush
What makes Denver such a dominant team is having not one but two premier players at key positions. For example, Thomas and Sanders lead the wide receiver group, and elite cornerbacks Chris Harris and Aqib Talib round out arguably the best defensive secondary in football.
As for the Broncos pass rush, it's headed by a duo of Pro Bowlers in linebackers Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. Not only have Miller and Ware produced elite pass-rushing results essentially every year of their careers, but they attack from all angles, putting Minnesota's entire offensive line on notice.
Left tackle Matt Kalil has played very well in what appears to be a rebound season, but he won't be the only one charged with defending against Denver's lethal pair of edge-rushers. Rookie T.J. Clemmings must be prepared for the battle of his life, as Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips won't show any mercy this weekend.
HC Mike Zimmer vs. QB Peyton Manning
The way in which coaches influence the game goes largely unnoticed for the most part, but Mike Zimmer will play a huge role in Sunday's matchup. Being the defensive play-caller for Minnesota, Zimmer will be tasked with overwhelming Manning, a highly intelligent and experienced quarterback who has been around the block a few times.
Simply put, it's very difficult to confuse Manning with defensive coverages and blitzes, so Zimmer will need to bring his A-game to Denver. If the Vikings head coach can make enough impact calls to allow Anthony Barr and Co. to rattle Manning, Minnesota will have a chance to win this game.
Matchup X-Factors
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Vikings X-Factor of the Week: LB Anthony Barr
Those who watched Minnesota's defensive performance against the Chargers know just how critical a role Anthony Barr played in flustering Philip Rivers.
The second-year linebacker is quickly becoming a key cog in Minnesota's defensive plan, pressuring quarterbacks and creating turnovers. While he still is a bit of a liability in pass coverage, Barr has proved to be a game-changing player for the Vikings thanks to his ability to annihilate signal-callers.
If Barr can land a few healthy (and clean) shots on Peyton Manning this Sunday, Minnesota will be able to be more creative on defense and potentially force the veteran signal-caller into a rare poor decision.
Manning no longer has youth on his side, making it far more difficult to get up after taking a hard shot to the chest from a truck like Barr.
Broncos X-Factor of the Week: CB Aqib Talib
A couple years ago, it was the Broncos offense that led it to victories, covering up a suspect defense by lighting up the scoreboard. In 2015, however, Denver is guided by a plethora of defensive playmakers who are the main reason it is 3-0 early this season.
Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Chris Harris and even Bradley Roby have been huge difference-makers for Denver so far this season, but its hard to deny Aqib Talib's claim for defensive MVP through three weeks.
Talib, who currently is tied for the NFL leads with two interceptions and one defensive touchdown, has been completely untouchable through three weeks. According to Pro Football Focus, he has been targeted 18 times, allowing just 10 receptions, 102 yards and a long of 25.
Teddy Bridgewater has struggled with accuracy at times this season, which makes him susceptible to the playmaking ability of Talib. If the Vikings quarterback misfires in the direction of the top Denver cornerback, the ball could end up headed in the other direction—potentially for six points.
Prediction: Broncos 24, Vikings 14
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The Vikings certainly have a chance to leave Denver with a win on Sunday, but it's far more likely that Minnesota will head into its bye week with a .500 record.
On paper, the Broncos are not only stronger offensively and defensively, but their kicker Brandon McManus is enjoying a fine start to the season—something that cannot be said of Blair Walsh.
Minnesota will also be forced to play in Denver at a stadium that maintains potentially the greatest advantage of any home field due to its high elevation.
The Vikings' game is feeding Adrian Peterson the ball as much as possible, which may prove difficult due to the side effects of playing at Mile High Stadium. As a result, Teddy Bridgewater will need to rival Peyton Manning on Sunday, something the talented young quarterback will undeniably have difficulty doing.
If Minnesota is to win, it will need to not only shut down Denver's rushing attack—which shouldn't be too difficult based on recent performances—but also be efficient with Peterson, receive a very strong performance from Bridgewater and make at least one game-changing play on the defensive side of the football.
That's quite a bit to ask from a Vikings team that is just now beginning to scratch the surface of its potential. Don't count Minnesota out—as Bleacher Report's Chris Simms did—but understand that winning in Denver against a well-rounded Broncos team would be nothing short of a remarkable upset and a true landmark performance for the Vikings.
All statistics courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com, unless otherwise noted.
For more Vikings news, analysis and discussion, find me on Twitter @RobertReidellBT.
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