Hot off their bye week, the Vikings return to NFL action this week to face the Carolina Panthers at home. Both teams currently have 1-3 records, and neither team is where they hoped to be at this point in time, and both coaches are now on the hot seat with their respective organizations. For the Vikings, Matt Cassel will get another opportunity to prove his value as the starter for this team, with Josh Freeman right on his heels. Freeman will be inactive during his first game as a Viking, as he is still learning the offensive playbook and the coaching staff doesn't think he's ready for game action yet. The Vikings' defense is looking for its first great game of the season, as it has been a big disappointment this year so far, but this Panther offense may be just what the doctor ordered because Cam Newton and his offense have largely failed to get in rhythm this year. This is a game the Vikings need to have in order to keep their faint playoff dreams alive, as they need all the momentum they can muster if they want to get back into the NFC North race. As always, here's the major questions surrounding this team as they start the second quarter of their season:
Offense
What we're not talking about: Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson suffered an unimaginable tragedy yesterday when one of his sons died after suffering abuse at the hands of the mother's current partner. Our thoughts and prayers are with Adrian and his family at this time. Adrian will be playing Sunday, but now is not the time to discuss football. Some things in life take precedence over football, and losing a child is one of them.
Will the offensive line be able to handle Carolina's front seven?
The Vikings' offensive line has had its struggles early on, but they need to be on the top of their game if they want to slow down the scary Carolina front. The interior of the Vikings' line will face the steepest task, as their guards have been their weak link these past two years, and new rookie defensie tackle Star Lotulelei has been a monster both against the run and at pressuring the quarterback. The weakness of the Carolina offense is its secondary, so if the Vikings' offensive line is able to give Matt Cassel ample time this offense should be able to succeed.
Will Cassel make the front office's job harder?
Matt Cassel will be getting the starting nod for the Vikings Sunday, as new addition Josh Freeman still needs time to learn the Vikings' playbook. Cassel performed admirably in his first start for the Vikings against the Steelers, leading them to their first win of the season with a 123 passer rating and zero turnovers. Now that Freeman has been added to the team, Cassel's days as the starter might be numbered, unless he can change the brass' mind Sunday. If Cassel can play turnover free football again and lead the Vikings to another win, it's safe to say Leslie Fraizer may have trouble pulling Cassel off the field. Cassel seems to have the support of several of his teammates already, and we'll see Sunday if he can make that support extend to the front office, too.
Defense
Will the defensive line rise up like in London?
The Vikings' defensive line was pretty quiet throughout the first three weeks of the season, but they stepped up their game during week four of the season to sack Ben Roethlisberger four times. The Panthers' front has proven to be vulnerable, as just last week they surrendered three sacks to the Cardinals. After a week of rest, the Vikings defensive line should hopefully be recharged and healthy, and ready to take it to the Panthers' offensive line. Defensive end Brian Robison was given a new contract during the bye week, and now the rest of his teammates will have to start competing to be the next one with a new deal.
How will a now healthy secondary come back together?
The Vikings' secondary was depleted for most of their last two games, but cornerback Chris Cook and safety Jamarcus Sanford will be suiting up against the Panthers. The Vikings' secondary has been just about the worst unit in the league, as the Vikings' rank 30th in passing yards per game in the NFL, and were 32nd before the bye week. If there was ever a game for this unit to perform, it would be this one, as Cam Newton has struggled with his accuracy this year and the Panthers lack a consistent threat in the passing game. Is this the game where a Vikings' cornerback finally records an interception? For the sake of the team, they better hope so.
Can the defense keep Cam Newton in the pocket?
This is the first time this year the Vikings are facing a "read-option" quarterback, as Cam Newton has proven to be deadly both with his legs and with his arm. Newton is in a new offensive scheme this year that is trying to mold him into a pocket passer, but so far the results have been poor, to say at best, as the Panthers only win has come when Newton was allowed to run. If the Vikings are able to contain Newton in the pocket and limit his ability to run, they should be able to limit the offensive success of the Panthers and lead the charge for the Vikings' second win.
Coaching
Can Leslie Fraizer keep this team believing?
When the Vikings started 0-3, the despondency in the locker room was there for all to see. Now, there's still hope for the Vikings as their next two games are very winnable, facing the 1-3 Panthers this week and the 0-6 New York Giants the week after that. Next, they will have an opportunity to face the Green Bay Packers at home, which could be their chance to take control of the NFC North. None of the teams in the division have pulled ahead so far, and so even after their rough start the Vikings can still get back in the playoff hunt if they keep believing. Leslie Fraizer kept this team's morale high last year when they were on the brink, let's see if he can do it again.
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