Everything about this games tells me that the Steelers should win. For some reason, though, I have this silly optimism that tells me that the Vikings could pull off a good win here. Why? Defense The Vikings defense, although statistically ranked low in the league, is looking pretty good in the past few weeks. Granted, this has been against sub-par teams (with the exception of the Giants). But the pass defense has tightened up nicely and the run defense has stopped most running games. Pat Williams on the inside at 330 pounds is a force, and we get Kevin Williams back this week to make that interior D line extremely stout. Running to the perimeter is where we should be vulnerable, and now that one of our outside linebackers is out (Keith Newman), this may be a spot that Parker is able to take advantage of. Napolean Harris and R. Smith are filling his spot...its about time we see Harris justify the Randy Moss trade. Sam Cowart has been playing extremely well, and I wouldn't be surprised if we cheat a safety from time to time to shore up the outside. The pass defense has been incredible lately. Brian Williams is playing unbelievable...so much so that he is replacing Smoot as a starting corner - and Smoot is still very good. If we are forced into a lot of nickel defenses we have one of the best secondaries in the league. The only real weakness of this group is the linebackers, which will be the key point to watch on the Vikings defense. Offensively Well, its not the 98 Vikings, but we're also not a Kyle Orton lead Bears team. The offense, although statistically very unimpressive, has been effective when they need to be. The three game winning field goals show that this team is able to turn on the switch when they need to, and last week's response to St. Louis tying the game at 13 was more proof of how the offense can turn on the switch. This is one area that I still have trouble with Tice. When he gets a lead, he gets extremely conservative in his play calling. The result is that teams are able to chip away at the lead and we have to get another effective drive out of our offense. I'd like to see him take the offense and bring the score to an unreachable level before he gets conservative. But then again, its hard to argue with 6 games in a row. The Pittsburgh defense is good and will certainly shut down the Vikings for the most part. Our running game is extremely unreliable, and Brad Johnson is good for 200 yards in most games. But the offense should still be able to muster about 20 points with the help of the defense and special teams. Overall Pittsburgh is the best team the Vikings will face for the rest of the year. Unlike Vikings teams in the past, this team is boasting a balanced approach to games. Although not impressive in any of the past 6 wins, they have been effective, and I expect them to do the same against Pittsburgh. The key will come down to stopping the Pittsburgh run and continuing to be efficient, conservative, and mistake free on the offensive side of the ball. I tenatively predict that the Vikings will win this game in once again an unimpressive fashion. The crowd noise at the dome will play a part, and the momentum from the past 6 games will help.
It could happen. The Steeler D is not that great. However on the other side of the ball. The Steeler's strength is the Vikes weakness. I'd expect the Steelers to make a strong effort to take control of time of possesion early & keep the crowd factor to a minimum. BTW where is SF?
It's going to be a tough game to win, but the Vikings might have a chance to win. If the defense the can stop the run, and if the offense control the clock than the Vikings will win.
I'm here...and I'm going to say that Pittsburgh won't lose to an NFC team, especially this time of year needing to win out for a playoff spot. Minnesota is improved, but not that improved. It looks like there's a chance for the Vikes here, but not much.
I think the Steelers will do a pretty good job of pounding the rock and will scrap a win by doing this, I think the only thing going for the Vikings is that their Offense is better than Chicago and Johnson can throw TD passes if necessary What the Vikes need to do is get some good field position fom their kick returns and it could come down to an Edinger field goal try??
If it comes down to an Edinger field goal try, then he's money. As far as losing to an NFC team, the NFC is actually shaping up better than it was looking. The Vikings could, in theory, end up 11-5 and miss the playoffs. If an 11-5 team is missing the playoffs, you know you have some good competition.
I think the vikings have too much momentum too slow down. Theyll be able to do things on the offensive side but the defense might be where the Vikes mess up. Stop the run and itll be a W.
I rather see the Vikings win this one so they can keep pace with the Bears but in reality I don't think they match up good with Pittsburgh. Pitt has a strong running attack that can wear you down and Minnesota is stronger against the pass than run. Over on the offense side of the ball Johnson is great at managing a game but Pitt does stop the run well and can put pressure on the QB. Johnson needs help to win a game. He's not like an Marino or Elway where he can make a game changing play on his own. That's not his style. I think Pitt wins. Vikes are tough at home though which might be the difference maker.
