Viking fan here— they seem very similar to me as well. Defenses that you’ll just have a better chance of success if you can air it out versus pound it on them… Offenses that would much prefer to pound it out versus air it out… Very physical on both sides of the ball. The only vast difference is that the Titans have a known commodity in their head coach whereas many Vikings fans have already decided Brad Childress isn’t their guy (me not being one of them).

I’m no Gonzo (Daily Norseman writer) and you guys will surely hear from him, but in my opinion, the matchups to watch will be:

Chris Johnson vs. our persuit. I don’t think we’ve seen a back quite like him for a long time. We know we can handle the best of the best when it comes to your stereotypical dominant runningback, but this kid is a different breed. To me (correct me if I’m wrong), he seems like Reggie Bush in his rookie season if Reggie had been all that he was expected to be. Our defense hasn’t seen speed like this and it will definitely be a challenge… It will also be a nice practice test considering we’re facing Reggie Bush the following week and he actually seems to be living up to his college status lately.

Albert Haynesworth versus Steve Hutchinson. Obviously the most critical matchup for the Viking offense as well as the Titan defense… Two of the very best at their respective positions. Will this be like that flying fight scene in the final Matrix Movie?

Kyle VB versus Artis Hicks. I expect us to be throwing more often than we’d like to. Artis has been challenged by an elite rusher every week while filling in for Bryant McKinnie and this week is no different. He has filled in almost as well as we could hope but it still has to be considered a mismatch.

Titans O Line versus the Four Norsemen of the Apocalypse. This will be as good a test as either unit will see this season in my opinion.

Players on the Titans I’m looking forward to watch in person: Keith Bulluck, Haynesworth, Chris Johnson.

Players on the Vikings you Titans fans should pay extra attention to: Our linebackers are some of the best in the league (obviously I’m biased but trust me, they’re legit)— the most underrated of which has to be MLB, E.J. Henderson. Antoine Winfield is a big thing in a small package and makes an impression. Adrian Peterson is obviously capable of busting something at any time, but I feel like if the Vikings win this game, it won’t be directly because of him.

I think this game will be decided by whichever defense scores more. 28 combined points at the very most. If both teams escape injury free, it will be a small miracle.

Teams have had to take it to the air against the Vikes. Our run defense has been so dominant that some teams chose to abandon the run before the game even started. That coupled with lack of pass rush the last two seasons has made the Viking secondary look questionable. The opposing QB had all day for his receivers to get open. We have some good players in our secondary (although Cedric Griffin has done NOTHING to impress me yet) but Antoine Winfield is one of the better play making corners in the league. Sharper is still a stud but has been fairly quiet so far this year. We are starting a rookie in place of injured Madieu Williams at safety. That hurts a little bit.

Now that being said, the pass rush is coming around. Jared Allen and the Williams wall are gelling and Ray Edwards is no slouch. Better pass rush as seen in the second half against Carolina = better secondary play. Oh and as Drew10 noted above, EJ Henderson is a beast of a linebacker. He is turning out to be one of the best MLB’s in the league and should easily make the pro bowl if he gets his due recognition. Leeber is very good and Greenway is deceptively fast and going to be a very good OLB. I look forward to the challenge the Titans present this weekend. I just hope our pass offense continues to come around as Gus shakes the rust off. GO VIKES!