The New England Patriots welcome back Randy Moss and a Minnesota Vikings team that play better than their 2-4 record.
As much as fans were worried the San Diego team could have been a trap game for the Patriots, this week should raise more about Patriots team will show up on Sunday afternoon.
The Patriots have outperformed so far this year with a record of 5-1 (the loss coming against the Jests). Accordingly, what seemed like a tough schedule has turned into a schedule of the unknown.
The Chargers, Vikings, Bears and Packers were considered games the Patriots may lose. The Chargers game was won where the Patriots benefited from poor play by the Chargers and themselves playing mistake free football.
The match up this week, brings in the best running back in football in Adrian Peterson and a challenge contain a passing attack that has Randy Moss and Percy Harvin. Here are the Patriot Acts for week 7:
Act 1: Brady, Brady, Brady
Yes, again where Brady goes there goes the offense.Another weekand the offense sputtered in the first half and it only marginally in the second half. Brady continues to struggle in finding the open receiver and was under alot of pressure by the Chargers defense. Brady will face a great front seven and although the Vikings have ntracked up many sacks so far this year, the Pats gave up 4 last week and this week should be no different. Hopefully Matt Light and Sebastien Vollmer have a better game this week.
Act 2: Stopping the run
As mentioned, Peterson is the best running back in football. The defensive line been the strength of the defense this season and have done a tremendous job of stopping the run versus the Ravens and Chargers. This week the D-line has to continue the trend and stop the run. Vince Wilfork, Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes are key players this week.
Act 3: Score early
The Patriots have struggled this year to score early and keep a lead. Since Moss has left New England, the Patriots are averaging one touchdown less per game. Wide receiver Deion Branch is hurting with a hamstring injury, which may limit the who Brady targets this week. Tight end Rob Gronkowski is one possible option to go this week even when not in the red zone. Gronk, Wes Welker and Danny Woodhead have all been scoring options for the Patriots and they will need to score this week as well. Maybe we see some Brandon Tate this week if Branch is not 100%.
Act 4: Pressuring the QB
Defensive pressure on an injured Brett Farve or little used Tavaris Jackson. The Patriots pass rush has been lacking this year, but the front seven have improved each week and in my opinion better than last year. Rookies Jermain Cunningham and Brandon Deadrick have been getting to the quarterbacks the last two weeks against decent offensive lines. The Vikings offensive line has not been as good as past years, so hopefully the rookies, Gerard Warren and Mike Wright may find a few opportunities to get to Farve/Jackson as they move out of the pocket (that is if the Pats can collapse it).
With Patrick Chung out, James Sanders and maybe even undrafted rookie Sergio Brown may come into the box to address the run and blitz into the backfield.
Act 5: Don’t give up the big plays
The Patriots defensive backs allowed the Chargers to get back in the game last week. Moss and Harvin will pose a problem for the shorter, inexperienced group. Patrick Chung is questionable and rookie Sergio Brown may see more time at safety. Brown is big and can tackle well, but he may be exposed in coverage.
If the backs give too much respect to Moss and play deep, Harvin should take advantage across the middle. Gary Guyton had a terrible game last week, but could get the call to cover the middle passing routes. This is an area Rob Ninkovichexcelled in versus the Ravens with two picks.
The Final Act:
The Patriots have not had a consistent running game and this week will be another challenge. The Law Firm had some success last week in short yardage situations, but usually on the same play and was stopped on a key 4th and 1 at the end of the game. Woody should provide a spark here and can help protect Brady and be used in a few play action passes as Kevin Faulk has been used in the past.
The special teams was not so special last week hopefully long snapper Jake Ingram can settle down playing at home. The Patriots need to improve their discipline in regards to the penalties.
The Vikings have had issues withturning the ball over with interceptions and fumbles. Farve is always good for two turnovers per game. Last week proved, the Patriots need to score touchdowns when they force turnovers. This is a key are to watch.
This game will be close in the first half. Overall, the difference will come down to turnovers and how well the Patriots can score.
Patriots 27 – Vikings 23
IN BILL WE TRUST!!