Tampa Bay v. Minnesota

by John Michael

Short week. After the devastating and controversial loss against the New Orleans Saints, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must immediately turn around on short rest to take on the Minnesota Vikings on the road. This is the Buccaneers' first road game in four weeks, and first prime-time road game since 2008. It is also the first nationally televised game for the Buccaneers since their Monday Night Football appearance last year against the Indianapolis Colts.

So many yards, so little time.

The last meeting between these two teams took place last year in Minnesota, ending with a Buccaneers' victory of 24-20. The Vikings led the Bucs 17-0 at halftime, but Josh Freeman led the offense in the fourth quarter to score the game winning touchdown with a LeGarrette Blount run with only 35 seconds left. That Vikings team would go on to finish the season with a 3-13 record.

This year's Vikings team is dramatically improved from last year's squad. At 5-2, they already have achieved more wins with an offense led by former Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder and the return of running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson was injured at the end of last season, tearing his ACL. His impact at the beginning of this year was questionable, but he has proven that his injury has not slowed him down at all, leading the Vikings to seventh in the league in rushing yards. In seven games so far, Peterson has rushed for 652 yards and 3 touchdowns, along with an additional 135 yards receiving.

Percy showing no mercy.

Another huge weapon in the Vikings' arsenal is former Florida Gator Percy Harvin. Harvin plays several roles on offense, catching 53 passes for 577 yards and 2 touchdowns along with one touchdown on the ground. Harvin is also a threat in the kickoff return game, having returned one touchdown already this season.

I bet he chose "69" on purpose.

The Vikings' defense isn't the best in the league, but it is still pretty solid. Their passing and rushing defense are ranked eleventh and twelfth, respectively, and their turnover margin is at -1. But the Vikings are excellent at attacking the quarterback. Led by one of the most intimidating linebackers in the game, Jared Allen, the defense has combined to sack the opposing quarterback 22 times - tied for third in the league.

Keys to Victory

Contain Adrian Peterson. There is no stopping Adrian Peterson. But the Buccaneers can slow him down. The Bucs still have the third ranked rushing defense, and show no reason to let up. They showed they can stop a legitimate running threat in Jamaal Charles, but Peterson is a completely different animal. Should the Buccaneers keep up their stellar run defense against Peterson, the next key will come into play.

Also, he's a 'Nole. He needs to go down.

Attack Christian Ponder. The Vikings' offense has been firmly rooted in their running game. Should the Buccaneers limit the run, it would put the game in the hands of Ponder. The passing game has not been an area of expertise of the Vikings, who are ranked 27th in the league in total passing yards. The Bucs must break through the Vikings offensive line and get to Ponder consistently, hurrying the pass and causing turnovers. Giving Ponder time will prove tough for a Buccaneers secondary that has been having trouble against the pass, as the Bucs are ranked 31st in the league in passing yards allowed.

Strength at the O-line. Jared Allen will be looking to add to his sack total this season. The offensive line must not let him or any other Viking defender through. The line has had trouble at times this season, but have improved over the past few weeks. With more time in the pocket, Josh Freeman has thrown career highs in passing yards in the past few games. Keeping the defense out of the pocket will give Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams more time to get open downfield, and help the running game establish itself early by creating holes for Doug Martin.

Going on the road in a short week, following an emotional loss to the Saints, will be a difficult challenge for this young Buccaneers squad. The Bucs have played to the end in every game this season, never losing by more than one score. But the pressure of having to play under the lights before a national audience is more than the Bucs have faced in a while. The Vikings also have yet to lose at their home field. All of these reason lead me to make a difficult choice. If this game was Sunday, the Buccaneers would have a better shot at victory. The biggest obstacle is going on the road so soon after their last game. Because of this, I pick the Vikings to win in yet another game that goes down to the wire.

John Michael's Prediction:

Vikings win 24 - 21