Vikings-Jaguars: Biggest Matchups Start In The Trenches

Once again, the Vikings find themselves facing a must-win game. Although inexplicably at the top of the NFC North with a 5-5 record, a win is needed if the playoffs are a goal. The other teams at the top of the division are the Chicago Bears; who play and will beat the Rams, and the Packers; who will play a game with the Saints. We aren’t here to discuss the merits of why the Saints will beat the Packers, so we’ll assume that the Packers will exit Week 12 with a 6-5 record.

The Vikings will have to win as well.

Enter: Jacksonville; another team that is nearing desperation mode. The Jaguars are remarkably similar to the Vikings, which should make this game (which the Vikings are currently favored by 2.5 points) a very exciting one to watch.

Here are the biggest matchups going into the game:

Jacksonville Offensive Line vs. Minnesota Defensive Line

This one is undoubtedly the most crucial battle in this game, and it’s true on both sides of the field. The Vikings need to break through to David Garrard because if they don’t he will become a horrible nightmare. Garrard has excellent poise and great accuracy. Like I said earlier this week, he isn’t very mobile but if given enough time can make anyone look like Chris Carter.

He, like Frerotte, isn’t the best scrambler in the game. Garrard is at a level of quickness Frerotte had when he was six years old, though. Even though his feet aren’t exactly cemented in concrete Garrard would much prefer to stay put after taking the drop-back, but he is very much capable of stepping out of the pocket or throwing off defenders to make a play. To get through to him, the Vikings will need to breach a fairly pathetic offensive line.

At left tackle is Khalif Barnes. While he is the best offensive linemen on this team, he certainly isn’t a superstar. He is very strong and agile, and has a great arsenal of moves to throw at the defender, but struggles blocking for the run. Good ‘ol Jared Allen will line up opposite of Barnes, and you can expect a game-long showdown between those two which should be very fun to watch.

Left guard is normally occupied by Chris Naeole, but the Jaguars placed him on injured reserve about a month ago. Taking his place is Uche Nwaneri who struggles at almost everything. At 330 pounds he has a huge body that he struggles to control. Nwaneri, who was drafted out of Purdue just a few years ago, shouldn’t be a starter in the NFL until he develops some technique. It is unfortunate for the Jaguars that he is placed in this position — where he can be exploited so easily — but he will get better faster on the field.

Brad Meester

Going into the season, Brad Meester was the starting center for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Needless to say, he is now elsewhere, and any update that anyone could give me would be appreciated. All I know is that he has had a very rough year. If you want more information, please read this article. You may even recognize his name as he went to Northern Iowa University quite a few years ago.

Currently at center is Dennis Norman. He too is a backup at best and doesn’t have great body control. Should the two Williamses’ play in this game havoc will be raised.

The right guard is Milford Brown. He is a 330-pound monster with below-average technique. His sheer body mass may sway Pat Williams (providing he plays), but Pat will just push back with his 317 pounds. That’s a whole lot of weight going in opposite directions, but Williams will succeed because of his experience.

Tony Pashos will start at right tackle for the Jaguars. He is a good, albeit big and tall athlete. At 6′6” and 325 pounds Pashos is, quite frankly, not someone who I’d want to meet at the grocery store, much less mess with. His feet aren’t very quick, though, and that is why he isn’t an elite tackle in the league. Ray Edwards will have his hands full come Sunday.

Minnesota Offensive line vs. Jacksonville Defensive Line

I know; creative, huh? Although it seems repetitive, this matchup is equally as important as the previous one. The Vikings will need to do two main things this game; one, protect Frerotte and two, let Peterson run. Both of those hinge on the performance of the Viking offensive line. Because I’m sure you’re at least somewhat familiar with the Vikings o-line, I’ll spare you the full scouting report. Let’s turn the focus instead to the Jaguars.

The Jacksonville defensive line is much better than its offensive counterpart. Much more athleticism resides on this side of the ball, as well as a much fiercer battle for the Vikings.

Starting at the left defensive end is Paul Spicer. Spicer has average speed and quickness but makes up for it with his outstanding technique. Ryan Cook wouldn’t have had a chance against this guy, but he is being replaced by Artis Hicks. As Manimal mentioned earlier, Hicks has done a much better job than Cook so far this year. While I don’t expect Spicer to be stopped completely, he shouldn’t have a four-sack day.

Left tackle is Rob Meier. Although a veteran in the league, Meier shouldn’t be a starter in this league. He isn’t a good athlete and is more or less a “body-filler.” As the ESPN Scouting Report says, “He [Meier] has success tying up or occupying blocks to free up his linebackers.” 

The man giving Frerotte nightmares.

At right tackle is John Henderson. He is battling a sore knee but is listed as probable for Sunday’s contest. Henderson is ranked by some as the fifth best defensive tackle in the game. In the prime of his life and in great shape, Henderson will have Matt Birk and Steve Hutchinson to deal with. Although he will still have success in this game simply because he his skill, I am oddly comforted by knowing who will try to stop him.

At right defensive end is Reggie Hayward, who is still recovering from a torn Achilles heel. That injury also took away a lot of his speed, and he is a shell of his former self. A veteran in the league who went to Iowa State, Hayward is still a solid player who needs to be dealt with. 

As a whole, the Jaguar defensive line is scary. Frerotte will be banged up on Sunday regardless of how well the Vikings offensive line plays. Maybe we’re to the point where a Jackson-Frerotte combo is needed?

This game will be won or lost in the trenches. If the Vikings can consistently get through to Garrard and bang him around his “ultra-efficiency” may return to that of a normal 30-year old quarterbacks.

Adrian Peterson will have a tough game against a solid Jaguar defensive line. Frerotte will also get banged up at least three times in this game. It will be very fun to watch the trenches on Sunday, as this contest may come down to simple willpower and who wants it more.

Although most attention will be on the glamour players (don’t ask for an example) the real battle will be in the center of the action.

Predictions

Gus Frerotte - 14/27, 148 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Adrian Peterson - 109 yards, 1 TD, 1 Fumble
Chester Taylor - 65 yards, 1 TD
Bernard Berrian - 87 yards on five catches, 1 TD
Sidney Rice - No catches 

Vikings 24, Jaguars 21

Originally written by me at VikingVigil