Colts & Vikings clash with both teams looking for their first win

Indianapolis Colts: With a 29-13 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 1, the Colts look to rebound in Week 2. The Colts had a combined 15 rushes for 53 total yards while Manning was 30 of 49 for 257 yards and 1 touchdown. Numbers do not show it but Manning looked out of sync because he had not taken a snap all preseason due to having surgery to remove an inflamed bursa sac from his knee on July 14. The Indy defense got to the quarterback twice against the Bears but was not able to stop the Chicago offense as Kyle Orton went 13 for 21 for 150 yards. The Bears added two rushing touchdowns while kicker Robbie Gould added 2 field goals.

Minnesota Vikings: Minnesota QB Tarvaris Jackson was only 16 of 35 for 178 yards including one touchdown and one interception. Adrian Peterson was on point running for 103 yards on 19 carries and 1 touchdown. The running game continues to be their strong point as they were first in rushing yards per game with an average of 164.6 in 2007. However, Jackson must settle down and complete more than 45.7% of his passes to beat the Colts. On defense the Vikings let Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers pick them apart as he threw for a 81.8 passing percentage. The D did not sack the quarterback once, something they must improve on so they can rattle Peyton’s cage.

Roster Updates/ Injuries

Indianapolis Colts: With tight end Dallas Clark not practicing Thursday it is unlikely he will play against theVikings, though Dungy has not confirmed. With the waiving of defensive tackle Ed Johnson after being arrested Wednesday for drug possession, rookie Eric Foster will try to fill his shoes. Although returning to practice this week, center Jeff Saturday is still unlikely to play, citing the Colts want him at 100% before he suits up. Other big names like Dwight Freeney and Bob Sanders sat out practice earlier this week for rest.

Minnesota Vikings: No major roster changes or injuries to report from the Viking’s camp. Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has a minor knee injury but was able to do full participation in Thursday’s practice so he will be the #1 QB come Sunday.

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Keys to the Game

It is a tale of two teams when it comes to this match up. Two keys to watch are the Colts’ passing game and the Vikings’ running game. The Colts are aware of Minnesota’s running game of Chester Taylor and (mainly) 2007 Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson, whom they have never faced. With Coach Dungy comparing Peterson to Walter Payton you know they will buckle down on there run defense in practice this week. Up in Minnesota the adjective mostly used when describing Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is inconsistent. If Indianapolis shuts down the running game, Jackson will have difficulty against the fast Colts defense whom could jam the Vikings’ running game and cause Jackson to make plays with his arm. On the other end you have Peyton Manning who looked sluggish in his opening game against the Bears. This will happen when you, again, do not take a snap all preseason. Manning will progress and get more comfortable as the season rolls on and with one game and a week of practice under his belt look for week 2 to be his coming out party. Another key factor is that in Week 1 he did not have help from the running game. If the rushing yards increase then pressure will subside and Manning will be able to sit back in the pocket and fire. The Vikings’ defense had no answer for Aaron Rodgers in week 1 so look for them to work on pass coverage and rushing the quarterback in practice in an attempt to shut down Manning.

Colts vs Vikings Prediction

With both quarterbacks not shining in week1 and with the Vikings relying solely on their running game, I look to the Colts to get the W in week 2. They are an all around better team on both sides of the ball. The Colts have started the last three seasons with at least a 7-0 record so I look for them to get back on track after an out of the ordinary week 1 loss. The only thing on the Vikings side is that they have beaten the Colts at home the last 5 years. Though that is impressive, I believe in two things that will be important in this game: streaks and records were meant to be broken and you should never bet against a Manning!

By Nathan Miller
ProFootball-fans.com Indianapolis Colts Correspondent