Scouting report: Minnesota Vikings

How did you become a Vikings fan?
This is one of my favourite questions people ask me. I’ve been a football fan for as long as I can remember. When I was little, I of course liked the colour purple, so I immediately picked the Vikings. However, as I got older I started to realise that my dad was a big Packers fan, and so that just strengthened my love for the Vikings – always fun to have some rivalry in the house. I will always love the Vikings, not matter what happens during the season.

Our teams don’t meet that often but what do Vikings fans think of the Ravens?
Well, as you said, we really don’t play that much. We obviously don’t have such strong feelings against them as we do other teams, but any team playing us that given week isn’t a favourite of ours! As Vikings fans, we’ve learned to never overlook an opponent.

What previous games between our teams stick in your mind?
I can’t think of any in particular, but if my memory serves me right I believe we played in Baltimore in a very snowy game a few years back that had a pretty crazy ending. I think Cordarelle Patterson, who I’m a big fan of, had a pretty good game that day so I was excited!

How has the first quarter of the season been?
Well, in typical Vikings fashion, it has been… interesting. We started off hot, then didn’t look so great the next week. Then with the loss of Dalvin Cook and other injuries causing players to miss a game or two, including our starting QB, we’ve definitely had some ups and downs. However, I also think our defense has really shown some good things, and our receivers are really starting to show off what they’re capable of. I think the remainder of the season is going to be really interesting, especially in the NFC.

What do you think will be the key areas of the game?
I think the Vikings defense and the Ravens running attack will be a good match up to watch. Both teams have a strong defense, so it may be more of a defensive battle. I’m going to have to go ahead and take the Vikings on this one at home, especially as they are coming off a huge win against NFC north rival Green Bay. But I think Baltimore will be coming in ready to prove something after their loss to Chicago.

Top photo: Joe Bielawa