Detroit Lions 2015 Schedule Preview: Minnesota Vikings
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Lions stay on the road in week two of the 2015 season for their first NFC North game of the year against the Minnesota Vikings.
To check up on the Vikings, I got together with Adam Carlson, editor of The Viking Age.
Here are my questions followed by Adam’s answers.
1. How would you assess the team’s offseason? Did they do what they needed to do through the draft and free agency?
"The Vikings had a very solid offseason. They traded for a deep threat in Mike Wallace and had a solid draft. The team covered many of their holes on defense and have put themselves in a position where national media outlets are seeing this young team as one that could surprise folks. It’s a good time to be a football fan in Minnesota."
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2. Which rookie are you most excited to see play in 2015 and why?
"The easy answer here is Trae Waynes, but the more appropriate one is linebacker Eric Kendricks. This is a smart, instinctive, and fast player who could be the answer to the Vikings problems at middle linebacker. for years, the team has had to rely on aging veterans or stopgaps at the position, but putting Kendricks in a linebacker grouping that includes his former UCLA teammate Anthony Barr could prove to be very valuable."
3. What is the biggest question that still needs to be answered heading into training camp?
"The situation at guard on the offensive line is still very fuzzy. At this point, fans aren’t even sure which spot is open, as Brandon Fusco is rumored to be moving to left guard. Whichever spot it is, we’ll see Berger, Yankey, Clemmings and other players fighting for the chance to be a starter this year."
4. What are your expectations for the team in 2015?
"Improvement. When you’re watching a young team grow, you always want to see them do more. That’s true when it comes to the players and the squad’s win-loss record. Despite all the hardship that the Vikings faced during the 2014 season, the team still ended up with a 7-9 record. The job this season is to translate that into a winning season and maybe even a playoff birth this year."
5. Right here, right now, are you marking down the game against the Lions as a win, loss or toss-up?
"The Lions always play the Vikings tough. However, I feel that we’ll see the two teams split their series this year and each come home with one win each. Teddy Bridgewater made some horrible decisions against that Lions pass rush last season, but I feel another year of seasoning will help him overcome those freshman follies. Whenever the Vikings play against the Lions, you have to circle that one on the calendar, because you know it’s going to be one heck of a game."
For more on the Vikings, check out The Viking Age.
Next: Lions 2015 Schedule Preview: San Diego Chargers