| BUFFALO BILLS | PS 2 | MINNESOTA VIKINGS |
| @ |  |
| Date: | 17 August 2012 | Location: | Minneapolis, MN |
| Time: | 7:00 PM Central | Stadium: | HHH Metrodome |
| TV: | KARE-11 | Know Thy Foe: | Buffalo Rumblings |
| Chris' Prediction: | Who cares, as long as everyone stays healthy | ||
| Final Score: | Vikings 36, Bills 14 | ||
Did you. . .did you see what I did there? Buffalo? Roam?
Ah, what do you know from funny, anyway?
But yes, we're at the halfway point of the exhibition season in the National Football League, and the starters are going to get some more playing time tonight than they did in San Francisco last Friday. So, what are some of the things we're looking for in this one?
1) No injuries - Again, this should be the main thrust of every pre-season game. As it stands now, the only two Vikings that are going to miss this evening's game (according to reports) are defensive tackle Letroy Guion and tight end John Carlson, both with knee issues. Other than that, every other player on the roster will apparently see the field at the Metrodome tonight.
2) Can this team stop the run? - The Vikings got thrashed in the running game last week at Candlestick Park. Yes, they didn't play Jared Allen or Kevin Williams and Guion got hurt early, but still, it was ugly. While the Niners were one of last year's better rushing teams (7th in the NFL in that category), the Bills aren't slouches in that category last year, either, ranking 13th. They have their own star running back returning from injury, as Fred Jackson broke his fibula late last season. He didn't see a carry in the first game for the Bills, and I haven't seen anything one way or another saying whether he was playing this evening or not.
3) Focus on the offensive line again - Last week, the Vikings saw what might be the league's best overall defense. This week, they get a look at another outstanding front seven, as the Bills come in led by last year's big free agent acquisition, Mario Williams. Defensive tackles Kyle Williams (a Pro Bowler) and second-year man Marcell Dareus are no slouches, either, and the Bills brought in former Chicago Bear Mark Anderson as well. This will be a good test for Minnesota's revamped offensive line, and it will be interesting to watch the potential Mario Williams/Matt Kalil match-up when it happens.
Also, keep your eye on Vikings' safety Harrison Smith, who is getting his first start tonight after playing with the second unit last week.
Not long until game time, ladies and gentlemen, as the Metrodome will soon be hosting football once again.
SKOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL VIKINGS!!!!