VIKINGS (2-0) VS. PANTHERS (1-1)
SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM, CHARLOTTE uTV: FOX, DIRECTV 710
Announcers: Chris Myers, Ronde Barber, Jennifer Hale
About the Vikings: If Sunday night’s home win against the Green Bay Packers is any indication, the defending NFC North champions appear to be in capable hands with newly acquired QB Given his limited time with the team, Bradford looked right at home in his Vikings debut. He played without the benefit of a running game, hooking up with WR for nine receptions on 11 targets, 182 yards and one touchdown. Even before RB
(50 yards on 31 carries through two games) exited with an injured right knee late in the third quarter, the Vikings were unable to move the ball on the ground.
About the Panthers: The Panthers lost focus and nearly squandered a 21-point lead in the second half against the San Francisco 49ers, but they regrouped and won by 19 points. It shows that Carolina and reigning MVP QB can still kick it into another gear when pressed, perhaps as long as WR and TE stay on the field. But coach can’t be overly pleased with his team’s sloppy play (four giveaways, eight penalties, one blocked extra point attempt) or a hamstring injury to RB
Newman will be giving up 7 inches to Benjamin, who has come back with a vengeance from last season’s torn anterior cruciate ligament. Benjamin has 13 catches for 199 yards and three TDs. Newman likely will get first shot at Benjamin, but Waynes (6-0, 190) The Panthers’ Kelvin Benjamin has 13 catches for 199 yards and three TDs.
also is an option. Waynes had a game-clinching interception late against Green Bay.
Player to watch: Bradford. The seven-year veteran is expected to make his second consecutive start after being acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 3. Bradford left briefly in the second quarter Sunday night against Green Bay after injuring his left pinky but returned to finish the game.
Times the 49ers
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
defense hit Newton in the pocket and when he was running the ball, 12 fewer times than in Week 1 when the Denver Broncos came after him with a vengeance.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Walking wounded: Stewart will miss one to two weeks and Peterson (torn knee ligament) has an uncertain timetable for his return. The focus will fall on their backups —
for Carolina and for Minnesota. Whittaker accounted for 131 yards from scrimmage against the 49ers, including a career-high 100 yards rushing on 16 carries.
2. Bragging rights: Both teams boast highly regarded defensive units and numerous Pro Bowlers at every level. The Panthers’ strength lies with their front seven, most notably against the pass (198.0 yards per game) with DT and LBs
and The Vikings are stingy against the run (47.5 yards per game) and feature DE
and S among others. Look for a game in the low 20s.
3. Chief concerns: Protecting Newton against the 49ers is one thing, but keeping the Vikings’ relentless pass rush at bay will be quite another. Against Green Bay, the Vikings defense posted five sacks from five linemen, had eight QB hits, picked off one pass and forced four fumbles, recovering two. That kind of pressure puts a premium on solid pass protection from the Panthers’ inconsistent offensive line.
Brian Allee-Walsh LB