Vikings vs. Buccaneers: NFL Week 2 preview
Right now, maybe in Blaine, some guy is painting his freshly-shaven head purple. Over in Roseville, another die-hard is admiring his brand-new plastic Vikings helmet, complete with Heidi braids. He'll look good in those, no doubt.
They're just two in sea of thousands that will cram the revamped Metrodome at high noon Sunday when the local pro football club holds its home opener. Last week, that almost-upset in San Diego has fans wondering if 2011 will be another nightmare.
Only one way to find out. Fire up Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" so loud that it makes our ears bleed -- and bring on those Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
As for what to watch for after the opening kickoff, here's what some of the experts are saying at the final hour:
First, to Fox Sports North's Brian Hall, who writes that Donovan McNabb will indeed be under scrutiny. But so will Vikings' offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave. Key point.
Former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski has rushed to McNabb's defense, by the way. He tells the Pioneer Press that Donovan's mechanics are solid and could have used some help last week from his receivers and offensive line.
Will McNabb and the Vikes turn it around to avoid an 0-2 start? The Star Tribune's Mark Craig did some numbers crunching -- and in most cases, 0-2 isn't a happy place.
Finally, the number seven. As in, seven Vikings who need to do better to insure a victory. An yes, No. 5 tops that Bleacher Report list.
What do you think? Optimistic heading into Week 2? Or time to slap that purple panic button?
