On this week's edition of the Wobcast, vikings.com's Mike Wobschall and I compare and contrast two of the best starts to a season in Vikings franchise history.
In 2009, the Vikings started the season 10-2, an identical record to the current season. Quarterback Brett Favre and running back Adrian Peterson had two of the best seasons of their careers, helping Minnesota finish 12-4 and advance to the NFC Championship.
We pull up the numbers and compare some of the offensive, defensive and individual statistics.
We go on to preview the matchup against the Carolina Panthers, take questions from fans and much more.
00:00: News and notes
Wobby pulls up some of the NFC playoff scenarios with four games to play as the Vikings currently have the number one seed in the NFC*. *
(Note: This recording was done before the Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints 20-17 on "Thursday Night Football.")
We relay a statistic that supports why the Vikings have the best third-down conversion percentages on both offense and defense this season.
07:07: Comparing 2009 to 2017
Wobby brings a first-person account of how different the vibe was at Winter Park during the 2009 season compared to this season.
Both teams started the season 10-2 through the first 12 games of the year and have some interesting similarities and differences.
We take a listen to Voice of the Vikings Paul Allen's Xs and Os segment on KFAN 100.3-FM radio during which he interviews Vikings quarterbacks coach Kevin Stefanski.
Stefanski is currently the longest-tenured Vikings coach (12 seasons) and was a member of the 2009 staff.
17:30: Know your enemy (Carolina Panthers)
Wobby and I preview the Vikings next opponent in the Carolina Panthers (8-4).
The Panthers have won four of their past five games, but the Vikings have taken care of Carolina in the two most recent matchups, including last year at Bank of America Stadium.
We identify three storylines heading into the game including the vaunted linebackers in the middle of the Carolina defense, the dual threats at quarterback/ running back, and the wide receiver targets that Cam Newton currently has.
Wobby talks through this week's "Film Room" segment on vikings.com with Pete Bercich.
24:00: Wobby's Mailbag
Wobby takes three questions from fans this week and brings a unique perspective as to why the defense hasn't had as many sacks in the past few games.
He also answers what it's been like to see the SKOL Chant in stadiums on the road this season.
29:10: Over/under
The over/under segment is back this week after a fan on Twitter asked for its return.
Wobby and I make our picks on Newton's rushing yards total, Everson Griffen's sacks total and Christian McCaffrey's all-purpose yards total.
Wobby challenges number 97 heading into this week's game.
