The vikings.com Mailbag is back. Fans are encouraged to submit their Vikings-related questions to the vikings.com Mailbag so we can answer them and provide complete coverage of your favorite football team.
If you would like to submit a question for next week’s vikings.com Mailbag, simply submit your question to mailbag@vikings.nfl.net and remember to include your name and town.
Let’s get to the questions!
Do you think the absence of Brett Favre diminishes the Vikings-Packers rivalry?
-- Todd S., Stillwater
At first glance, one might think so. But in reality I think this bitter border battle will go on and continue to be as heated as it was with Favre in Green Bay. These two teams have been playing one another since 1961, racking up a total of 94 contests heading into the 2008 season. With Green Bay fans living in Minnesota, and Vikings fans living in Wisconsin, I foresee this rivalry forging ahead and not missing a beat.
How do the Vikings change their game week routine when they play on Monday Night Football?
-- Phil, Cold Spring
This is a good question, Phil. Not unlike most of us in our daily lives, NFL teams clearly follow routines, whether they are in the offseason program, training camp or the regular season. In the regular season, for example, the Vikings do the same thing on Wednesday in Week 1 as they do on Wednesday of Week 14. So, when the team plays on a Monday, each day of preparation that week is moved back. A normal Wednesday for you and I is actually a Tuesday for the team. Our Friday is their Thursday, and so on.
What can we expect from Visanthe Shiancoe this year?
-- Kelly A., Chaska
The Vikings made a bold move by signing Visanthe Shiancoe to the deal they did during the 2007 offseason, and they clearly paid him for what they thought about his potential, not for what he’d done in the past. And that’s okay, if he can reach his potential. We’ve seen him drop his share of balls and last year he seemed to be thinking too much, rather than just going out there and playing. His athleticism is excellent, and now he seems to be settling into Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress’ scheme, so maybe this is his year to take a huge step forward.
How will the Vikings defense fare without Madieu Williams?
-- Chad G., Brainerd
Madieu Williams was brought in this past offseason and he represents an upgrade at the safety position opposite Darren Sharper. Unfortunately, he’ll be out for a few weeks with a neck injury and other will have to step in and fill his shoes. It looks as if either Tyrell Johnson or Eric Frampton will start in place of Williams, and I’m sure whoever doesn’t start will also see some playing time at that safety position. The honest answer is the Vikings will not be as strong without Williams. But if the front four can pressure the passer and cause him to make premature throws, I think the rest of the unit can make up for the absence of Williams for a few weeks.
What’s the key to this week’s Vikings-Packers game?
The SportsCenter highlights of this game will likely feature an exciting play from either the Vikings or Packers offense. But when all is said and done, and we take a thorough look at this game after its completion, I think either the defensive or special teams unit from one of the teams will make a play or two that decides the game. Both teams have relatively inexperienced quarterbacks, and I think that will lead to a close game that is decided late. A defensive touchdown or a key play on special teams that flips the field position battle is what will decide this season-opening game at Lambeau Field.