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There's no stopping Vikings' offense
Posted: Tuesday January 12, 1999 05:47 PM
The Vikings score fast and they score often -- their first playoff game was no exception. Their 41 points was the most by any team in this round of the playoffs. Minnesota's passing attack gets a lot of the credit, but the Vikings run the ball well, too. They just don't force it. Offensive coordinator Brian Billick checks to the run when the defense goes to a nickel package or when the offense reads seven in the box. Robert Smith gets many opportunities this way to show his speed and power, and when he's tired, Leroy Hoard comes in and gives the offense a different style. Atlanta middle linebacker Jessie Tuggle needs to stuff the run and outside linebacker Henri Crockett needs to read and defeat the screens. If Atlanta is forced to use its safeties to help with run support, the Viking receivers will end this game quickly. Falcons All-Pro cornerback Ray Buchanan did a good job against Jerry Rice last weekend. But now he has Randy Moss and will be challenged deep. If Falcons defensive coordinator Rich Brooks uses a lot of safety support on the wide receivers, expect the Vikings to use either the flea flicker deep to Cris Carter or to open up tight end Andrew Glover and isolate him to keep the safties honest. Stopping the Viking receivers is out of the question. Slowing them down is possible. I've been talking up the Vikings since I saw them in training camp. And after last Sunday's win over the Cardinals, Carter said, "Our whole team believes we are a team destined to go the Super Bowl." I agree.
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