2012 Opponent Preview: Minnesota Vikings face Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In this edition of opponent preview, we will preview games to be played in Week 7 and 8. The first six games have been previewed before.
Week 7: Arizona Cardinals
Arizona cardinals have a major problem to solve this offseason. They are unable to decide who will be their starting quarterback for the coming season.
Quarterbacks Kevin Kolb and John Skelton are both fully fit and ready to play. However, both of them have failed to fully utilise the talent of their teammate wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald has performed remarkably well despite getting bad response from both of his quarterbacks. One of them has to perform well if Cardinals want to have a good season.
The defence looks good with the mix of young and experienced players.
Cardinals’ defensive team looks to have a lot of playtime this season if their quarterbacks continue to perform like they did last season.
There is not much to choose from between these two sides. Both sides have their positives and weak points. However, Cardinals still have a slight edge.
Both sides faced each other last season and Vikings won that match comfortably with 34-10.
Head-to-Head
A total of 24 games have been played between Cardinals and Vikings. Vikings are up with 14 wins with Cardinals having 10 wins. The two teams have played each other twice in the playoffs.
Week 8: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming from a disastrous campaign. In the 2011 season, they finished 4-12 and lost their last ten consecutive games.
This season they have hired a new Coach Greg Schiano, who is coming with a reputation of being strict and making his team more disciplined.
If their quarterback Josh Freeman plays well then Vikings will have a chance of qualifying for the playoffs.
Buccaneers also have a very strong and fast offensive line. This will make their rushing attack even better.
Their defensive team has also been boosted with a couple of good draft picks this year.
With the new signings, the current roster is looking very balanced and deep.
Vikings will have their work cut out when they face an emerging team like Buccaneers.
Last game between these two sides was held in the 2011 season. It was a thrilling match with Buccaneers winning 24-20.
Head-to-Head
Vikings and Buccaneers have played 52 games against each other. Vikings have won 31 and Buccaneers have won 21.
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