Preseason week four preview: Vikings vs Rams
Now that the Minnesota Vikings have played their first football game in U.S. Bank Stadium, everyone can concentrate on the specter that is preseason football. Most feel the fourth and final preseason game is a somewhat sloppy waste of time. However, tell that to the players competing for a roster spot and you might end up a disheveled heap in a gutter somewhere.
The game may be filled with names most casual fans are unfamiliar with but that makes it even more important to watch. The Viking coaches will all be watching intently as grown men’s careers depend on their opinion. With the injury to Teddy Bridgewater fresh in everyone’s minds, coaches and fans will be looking at the productivity of the passing game and the depth of the offensive line.
This game should be a must watch as two defensively deep rosters battle it out, when the Los Angeles Rams come to town Thursday, September first at 7:00 pm Central Time to face off with the Vikings. The Rams are 2-1 after an abysmal performance at the Denver Broncos last Saturday night. The Vikings, however, put together another preseason win versus the Chargers to move their record to 3-0.
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What to expect
As neither team has had much success running the ball this preseason, expect both teams to run the ball, run the ball, and run the ball some more. Both offensive lines have left plenty to be desired as well; expect various combinations from both teams in an attempt to establish their respective run games.
Fans can also expect some sloppy play and possibly late scrums in the trenches as most of these players are fighting tooth and nail for a roster spot. Rams’ head coach, Jeff Fisher, is as tough nosed as they come and with Greg Williams as defensive coordinator, his players have a tendency to extend the action past the whistle. Many remember last year’s game where the Ram’s LaMarcus Joyner took a cheap shot at Bridgewater, not only knocking him out cold but forcing him from the game with a concussion as well. Williams has a history of encouraging such play from his defense as the Bountygate scandal is still fresh in the minds of Vikings’ fans.
What to look for
Now that Teddy Bridgewater is done for the season, the running game for the Vikings will once again become weapon number one. Look for the Vikings to establish the run as Joel Stave should see extended action in this one. The best way to attack the Rams vaunted defense is by keeping them off balanced and using quick hitting pass plays followed by the occasional long bomb. It is likely that even though Hill is now the starter, he will see some reps to further acclimate himself to live action.
The defense has been struggling against the rush this preseason, look for the Vikings to make a concerted effort to shut down Todd Gurley and the Rams’ much improved rushing attack. Zimmer cannot be satisfied with the results of his team’s run defense at this point. For Zimmer, the key to defense is shutting down the opposing team’s run game. The secondary has been playing at a high-level as they look well prepared for the regular season. They should have little difficulty shutting down the Rams’ inferior passing game. Another multi-turnover performance could be expected.
Essentials to win the game
Stop the presses if this has been heard before — the Vikings need to run the ball and stop the run. A few short years ago, the Rams starting defense had one of the toughest front lines in all of football. Although they lost several key pieces on defense, their starters will more than likely sit this one out, regardless, their depth and scheme will be a challenge for the Vikings’ offensive line.
In order to win a fourth preseason game, everyone will have to do their part from the special teams units all the way to the coaching staff. Both teams have great rushing attacks; if the Vikings can bottle up the running game and get to the quarterback, a victory should be close at hand, especially with their defensive depth.
Possible downfalls to avoid
Besides injuries, procedural penalties are always a killer when backups are fighting for a roster spot. Players’ and coaches’ emotions can get out of hand quickly if the offense moves backwards.
With the deadline for the 53-man roster coming Saturday at 3:00 PM Central Time, one little penalty or mistake could mean the practice squad or even worse for players.
Gamewise, the Vikings will need to avoid settling for field goal attempts. However nice it is that Blair Walsh is getting into a groove, red zone touchdowns win games.
Player spotlight
The Rams have themselves somewhat of a quarterback quandary as well. Jared Goff is their number one overall draft pick but he is the likely number two on the depth chart, or even possibly the number three guy behind Sean Mannion. The two young quarterbacks will fight it out to see who backs up starter, Case Keenum.
Joel Stave, as of now, is the Vikings’ backup quarterback on this roster. He may see most, if not, all the action in this game; he needs to instill much more confidence in his coaches to remain in the number two spot.
Two former Division II players from West Texas A&M who expected to see added time Thursday night, are Eugene Sims and Ethan Westbrooks. According to Jesse Dougherty of the Los Angeles Times, the two defensive ends are in line to help make the defensive line the deepest on the Rams’ roster.
Will this finally be the week fans see an extended look at Moritz Bohringer? The German wide receiver has seen plenty of camera time, but has been limited on the field as of yet. If he gets a chance to play, he will need to make the most of it earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Game projection
This is by far one of the toughest games to project as only the coaches know who they want to see extended playing time from. Extended looks from the second and third-teams make for interesting player combinations.
Either way, the Rams will look to solidify their running game as it projects to be one of the best in the NFL this season. Although the Rams were without their starting running back, Todd Gurley, they racked up 150 yards rushing against a stout Denver defense last weekend.
The biggest concern for the Rams should be how they matchup against the Vikings defensive front. Last weekend they gave up six sacks to a Denver front that operates much like the Vikings.
While the Vikings now have concerns at quarterback, the game plan for this week remains unchanged. Attack the weak front offensive line and protect the quarterback, whoever it is. Stave should see the majority of reps as he needs to show he can hang onto the ball and his position on the team.
If the Vikings can continue to get into the red zone and capitalize with at least field goals, though it would be nice to see them come away with seven, they should finish with an undefeated preseason. However, if the run defense continues to give up big plays on early downs, this one could get away in a hurry.
Blair Walsh and Greg “the leg” Zuerlein will be well showcased in this battle of field position and field goals. The Vikings’ roster is just too full of talent to have a repeat performance of last year’s preseason finale. Vikings are victorious 17-13 as their defense continues to shine.
Justin Ekstrom can be followed on Twitter @thesportscrib21 and be sure to follow and comment about vikings32 on Facebook and Twitter.
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