In every NFL matchup, there are a seemingly endless amount of angles to analyze. It's hard to get to them all during the week of practice, and I'm sure there were some that slipped through the cracks despite all of the Vikings vs. Lions preview content we provided on vikings.com this week.
With kickoff fast approaching, here are a few final thoughts on today's Vikings-Lions contest.
How to Take in Today's Game Game Time: 12:00 p.m. CT TV:FOXRadio:Vikings Radio Network; KFAN-FM 100.3/KTCN-AM 1130Mobile:NFL Mobile (exclusively on Verizon)
Lions poised to feature ground game?Matthew Stafford is one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL. In fact, he became the first quarterback in League history to throw for 4,500 yards three times in his first five seasons. But today, the Lions may feel inclined to come in with a run-heavy attack.
Calvin Johnson, the Lions top receiver and one of the NFL's best, is doubtful for the game and Reggie Bush, the Lions top running back, is questionable. On top of that, the Lions have allowed 17 sacks this season, second-most in the NFL. It may behoove them to come in with a ground-heavy attack to control the clock and not allow the Vikings defense to change the game by taking advantage of the home crowd and sacking Stafford.
Teddy Time – Take 2The last time Teddy Bridgewater started a game it was right here at TCF Bank Stadium and he helped the offense to 558 yards, 317 through the air. That was against the Atlanta Falcons, a good team in their own right but a defense that is not in the same class as Detroit's through the first five games. Today's test is much stiffer for the rookie quarterback, and it'll be interesting to see how he responds.
Lions boast impressive safety tandemOne aspect of today's matchup that was not addressed on vikings.com is the Lions tandem at safety – James Ihedigbo and Glover Quin. Both were free agent signings – Quin two years ago and Ihedigbo this past offseason. They are playing well in back end of the Lions defense and are a good complement to the disruptive presence the Lions have along their defensive line.
All eyes on Harrison SmithSpeaking of important safeties, the Vikings are expected to have Harrison Smith on the field today. He injured his ankle last week in Green Bay. While he was able to finish the game, there was question early in the week as to whether he'd be able to suit up against Detroit.
Assuming Smith plays, he will be gunning for his third interception in as many games and his fourth on the season, a total that would be a League-high most likely through Week 6. Right now, Smith is tied for the League lead in interceptions with three.
