Now we get to see what the new-look Minnesota Vikings are really like, facing off against a playoff-caliber team like the New York Giants.
Before you get all pessimistic about our chances, remember that the Minnesota Vikings are the New York Giants’ kryptonite:
The Vikings are 4-0 against the Giants since 2005 and 14-10-0 in the all-time series.
Eli Manning in particular typically doesn’t fare very well, throwing lots of interceptions; which is convenient, since the Vikings defense has apparently all of a sudden learned how to hold onto the ball.
WALKING WOUNDED
Vikings: Quarterbacks Brett Favre (shoulder) and Joe Webb (hamstring), wide receiver Percy Harvin (migraines), cornerback Chris Cook (knees); defensive end Ray Edwards (sprained right ankle); safety Tyrell Johnson (knee) sat out practice Wednesday.
Running backs Adrian Peterson (ankle) and Toby Gerhart (hamstring), wide receiver Sidney Rice (hip), and guard Steve Hutchinson (broken right thumb) were limited in practice.
Wide receivers Bernard Berrian (groin) and Greg Lewis (concussion) and safety Jamarca Sanford (hamstring) participated fully.
The Giants: Offensive tackle Shawn Andrews (back) and running back Ahmad Bradshaw (wrist) sat out practice.
Cornerback Will Blackmon (chest); safety Brian Jackson (hand); wide receivers Hakeem Nicks (lower leg) and Steve Smith (pectoral); center Shaun O’Hara (foot); and defensive end Osi Umenyiora (knee) were limited.
THE DEETS
The Vikings host the New York Giants at Mall of America Field at the Metrodome on Sunday. Kickoff is at Noon CST and the game will be broadcast on Fox nationally and Fox 9 TV locally.
Your play-by-play guy will be Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will be your analyst with Pam Oliver serving as the sideline “reporter.”
The radio broadcast is on KFAN-AM 1130/KTLK 100.3-FM locally with your usual crew of play-by-play guy Paul Allen, analyst Pete Bercich and sideline reporter Greg Coleman. Pre-game shows starts at 10 AM CST.
OPPOSITION RESEARCH
We got your back, as usual. All the links you’ll need to scout out this week’s Hated Opponent can be found at Minnesota Vikings Chat’s New York Giants News page.
THROWBACK THURSDAY
Have I got a treat for you. For your Throwback Thursday video today, I give you The Mud Bowl. The 1977 Minnesota Vikings face off against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum in a field covered in mud.
The ’77 roster included Bob Lee at quarterback in place of the injured Fran Tarkenton, Chuck Foreman, Ahmad Rashad, Sammy White, Stu Voight, Mick Tinglehoff, and Ron Yary on offense and Carl Eller, Alan Page, Jim Marshall, Matt Blair, Jeff Siemen, Paul Krause, Bobby Bryant and Nate Wright on defense.
Pat Haden quarterbacked the Rams (with Joe Namath on the sidelines!) and running back Lawrence McCutcheon carried the rock.
And a young Irv Cross as an analyst.
You’re welcome. [WATCH the 1977 NFC Divisional Playoffs between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams.]