Alright Hamilton!

Rams v Vikes

By Tom Daymont and Michael Haas

The Vikings and Rams square off at the Metrodome on Friday, with a lot riding on the biggest game so far this year. The much anticipated rematch of the 2006 season finale looks to be a tightly contested match up, featuring two of the best teams to not make the playoffs last year. The purple look to avenge the crushing 2006 season ending loss, a game that went down in history as one of the best ever played. The anticipation for Friday's game caught another twist, when a beloved security guard passed away during training camp just days before the big game. Individuals close to the team feel that the players will be playing with a chip on their shoulder because of the tragic death, yet the Rams remain 2-pt favorites in the game.

Vikings Offense vs. Rams Defense

One area where experience shouldn’t be a problem is at the Vikings quarterback position. The two contender’s going into this years season are rocket-armed Tarvaris Jackson and alliteration Brooks Bollinger. Tavaris has a total of four NFL games under his belt with a quarterback rating of 62.5 for his career; while a more seasoned Bollinger has totaled over a full season of starts and seven career touchdowns. Look for Childress to go to Jackson early in the season, as he favors inexperience over slightly less inexperience. Arguably the most exciting new addition to the Purple and Gold this year is Oklahoma standout running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson, a Texas native, will look to make an immediate difference in the Vikings offense this season. An imposing back that has size, speed, quickness, power and a busted collarbone will be a great compliment to Chester Taylor in the backfield.

The Rams defense is anchored by linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa and Canadian safety Oshiomogho Atogwe. Beyond these two fellows, the Rams defense is a bit of a mystery. It’s a bit of a mystery to me at least, since I can’t think of anything else to say about them. They were just OK last year, although they did allow 21 points to the Vikes. (garbage touchdowns? I can’t recall) Look for this unit to shutdown the crappy purple offense on Friday.

Advantage: Rams

Rams Offense vs. Vikings Defense

The Rams offense has been retooled since their vaunted west-coast style offense lead them to two super bowls. Marshall Faulk and other elements of the exciting passing game have been replaced by road graders like guard Mark Setterstrom and true running back Steven Jackson. The veteran wide receiver tandem of Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce recently turned a combined age of 63 years old. The man who will be throwing the ball to them is named Marc Bulger. He recently signed a brand new contract, but he still seems like a cheapskate middle-of-the-road quarterback. The focus of the offense will again be bruising pro bowl running back Steven Jackson. Last season, as the Rams offensive line crushed the Williams boys and the rest of the Purple defense, Jackson ran for 142 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The Vikings, on the defensive end, are a bit of an enigma. Last season, they shut down opponents running games in a dominating fashion, until the met the Rams. It doesn't matter whether you chalk the uncharacteristically poor play to Randy Moss disorder (play when I want to) or their just plain shittyness. I'd imagine their feelings were hurt, the way they were run over with such ease. Look for the purple to try to redeem themselves on Friday. Of course, if the running game doesn't work, most teams find they can complete passes with ease against the swiss-cheese like purple defense.

Advantage: Rams

Special Teams

The difference in this game could come down to the play of the special teams. If you really think about it, special teams account for like a bunch of plays during a football game. You see, special teams are special because technically, they are neither offense nor defense. These units take the field for a very specialized purpose. Punting, kicking off, receiving a punt or kickoff, kicking a field goal, or dumping Gatorade on the coach are all Special Teams.

Advantage: Minnesota


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