Week 1 predictions: Vikings vs. 49ers
Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2015 7:56 pm
Alright we're one week away.. It's for real now.
I think it's appropriate to start looking at some individual matchups and start imagining how the game will unfold.
First let's look at the offense..
I think our O-line gets a gift this week. With no Aldon, no Justin, no Ricky-jean, no Patrick.. Etc.
Their front seven is a 3-4. Their key players start with Navorro Bowman. This guy is a straight beast and should challenge us upfront when he adds pressure. Ahmad Brooks is another key guy over there, and together they should provide a tough test for our running game. We should be able to present matchup issues with Kyle Rudolph here though, as their outside backers are somewhat unproven and questionable. Ther d-line was a victim of one of the worst offseasons in recent memory, and we should be able to get a good surge up front.
In the backfield, Tremaine Brock, Sharrice Wright, and Eric Reid provide a decent core of playmakers. Much of the time Reid will have to come down into the box to deal with Adrian. This will leave Ted the chance to make good decisions, and exploit single coverage. If we can establish the run like I anticipate, Ted should be able to go into surgical mode and dissect this defense.
Defensively we are in for a surprising challenge. Although, outside of Joe Staley, they are pretty much starving for o-line talent. A lot of unproven guys front should allow our d line to EAT.. I expect a healthy rotation of Tom Johnson, Danielle Hunter, and Maybe even a bit of Trattou to keep our guys fresh.
I like Hyde as a bruising runner, however I don't see him gaining more than 75 on the ground. With our mismatch up front, I expect our LBs to clean up nicely and force them to use Reggie more often and try to find him in open space. Kendricks, Barr, and Hodges should be able to keep those quick flat passes under control as well. If they can't establish a good run game I expect Kaepernick to be running for his life- A Lot...
Xavier, Terrance, and Trae will have a decent challenge this week against Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin. Vernon Davis should provide another wrinkle that will keep us honest. I hope that Xavier ends up following Boldin around as he would be a better physical matchup. Terrence and Trae should be ok with Torrey Smith, especially of we keep Harrison over the top of the non-Xavier side.
This leaves our LBs vs. Kaepernick. we will need Our ends to be disciplined on contain, and Barr & Kendrick's better be ready to run sideline to sideline. We all know what Kaepernick is capable of on the ground and so I'm sure there will be huge emphasis on setting the edge.
I strongly feel, we should always keep Harrison over Trae/terrence, and Blanton/Exum over Xavier.
In the special teams realm I think we have the edge in both returning, and coverage due to our superior depth.
I have little doubt our coaching staff is superior to theirs.
Official prediction: 30-13 Vikings
I think it's appropriate to start looking at some individual matchups and start imagining how the game will unfold.
First let's look at the offense..
I think our O-line gets a gift this week. With no Aldon, no Justin, no Ricky-jean, no Patrick.. Etc.
Their front seven is a 3-4. Their key players start with Navorro Bowman. This guy is a straight beast and should challenge us upfront when he adds pressure. Ahmad Brooks is another key guy over there, and together they should provide a tough test for our running game. We should be able to present matchup issues with Kyle Rudolph here though, as their outside backers are somewhat unproven and questionable. Ther d-line was a victim of one of the worst offseasons in recent memory, and we should be able to get a good surge up front.
In the backfield, Tremaine Brock, Sharrice Wright, and Eric Reid provide a decent core of playmakers. Much of the time Reid will have to come down into the box to deal with Adrian. This will leave Ted the chance to make good decisions, and exploit single coverage. If we can establish the run like I anticipate, Ted should be able to go into surgical mode and dissect this defense.
Defensively we are in for a surprising challenge. Although, outside of Joe Staley, they are pretty much starving for o-line talent. A lot of unproven guys front should allow our d line to EAT.. I expect a healthy rotation of Tom Johnson, Danielle Hunter, and Maybe even a bit of Trattou to keep our guys fresh.
I like Hyde as a bruising runner, however I don't see him gaining more than 75 on the ground. With our mismatch up front, I expect our LBs to clean up nicely and force them to use Reggie more often and try to find him in open space. Kendricks, Barr, and Hodges should be able to keep those quick flat passes under control as well. If they can't establish a good run game I expect Kaepernick to be running for his life- A Lot...
Xavier, Terrance, and Trae will have a decent challenge this week against Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin. Vernon Davis should provide another wrinkle that will keep us honest. I hope that Xavier ends up following Boldin around as he would be a better physical matchup. Terrence and Trae should be ok with Torrey Smith, especially of we keep Harrison over the top of the non-Xavier side.
This leaves our LBs vs. Kaepernick. we will need Our ends to be disciplined on contain, and Barr & Kendrick's better be ready to run sideline to sideline. We all know what Kaepernick is capable of on the ground and so I'm sure there will be huge emphasis on setting the edge.
I strongly feel, we should always keep Harrison over Trae/terrence, and Blanton/Exum over Xavier.
In the special teams realm I think we have the edge in both returning, and coverage due to our superior depth.
I have little doubt our coaching staff is superior to theirs.
Official prediction: 30-13 Vikings
