bjames

There is no doubt that the Vikings are going to want to run the ball with no mercy on Sunday in an effort to sustain drives, chew clock, rest the defense, move the chains, neutralize the pass rush, set up the play action, and to simply impose their will and put points on the board.

The big question is can they do it?

That feels weird to ask such a question, as Vikings fans have grown accustomed to having the most dominant running game in the NFL, but questions now surround their ability to pound the rock.

The Vikings ended up ranked as a middle-of-the-pack running team at 13th with an average of 120 yards per game.  The Cowboys defense is ranked 4th against the run, giving up only 90 yards on the ground per game.  This has the makings to be a great fight.

It doesn’t matter which way you run the ball, you are going to run straight into a front-seven player with plenty of talent when trying to run against the Cowboys.  Ratliff in the middle is being backed up by Bradie James and Keith Brooking.  Olshansky, Spears, Ware, and Spencer are on the outside.  And even the corners and safeties are considerably good run defenders and tacklers.  Marcus Spears is probably the weakest link when it comes to run defense, but that isn’t saying much.

The Vikings offensive line is going to have to buckle down and pave the way for Adrian Peterson and company.  We all are plenty aware of what Peterson brings to a game and that he is going to be a warrior out there, just like he always is.

After watching Wild Card Weekend, and noticing that I have never seen four games in which so many defenders were slapping desperately at the ball trying to jar it loose, I really hope that Peterson has learned his fumbling lesson and put that behind him for good.  The Cowboys are going to be attacking that football every time he carries it.

Run success is something the Vikings must establish early on.  This offense has been unstoppable when the attack is balanced.  If Peterson isn’t getting the job done, then the Vikings need to utilize the talents of Chester Taylor and Percy Harvin in an effort to keep the defense honest.

If the Vikings can gain a minimum of 4 yards per carry, then I think this offense will have their way with the Cowboys.

PLAYER TO WATCH:  As if there is any question, the player to watch is going to be Adrian Peterson.  Peterson has started a great legacy for himself over the last three years, but now it is time to earn greatness via some post0season success.  As I mentioned in an article a few weeks back, Peterson has become a more complete back than he ever has been previously.  He’s improved at pass catching, pass protection, short yardage situations, and toughness.  I expect for AD to come out firing in front of a home crowd that thinks the world of him.