Behind Enemy Lines- Week #2 Matchups
October 16, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA;San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) carries ball during the first half in the game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field. San Francisco won 25-19. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE
Detroit Lions vs San Francisco 49ers
Last years game became infamous after Jim Harbaugh tried to put his hand threw Jim Schwartz’s back. The game was a tight affair in Detroit with the Alex Smith passing for a late TD for the win. Detroit has had a lot of turmoil since that meeting while the 49ers were a couple of turnovers away from the Super Bowl. Last week the 49ers looked down right Awesome in dismantling the Packers in Green Bay. They will most likely use the same game plan against the Lions this week. Play outstanding defense, while controlling the clock and cashing in on every opportunity. It really appears that Alex Smith finally gets the QB position after going several seasons looking like a total bust! It’s impressive what a little more than a year with a good QB coach can do!
Last week against the Rams, the Lions threw the ball over the lot for a ton of yards. The only downfall of the game was the turnovers, and Stafford threw 3 picks which killed momentum and kept the Rams in the game for all but the last 10 seconds. The Lions have to keep from turning the ball over this week. The Lions front seven on defense will also need to have a very good game both stopping the run and from letting Smith get comfortable in the pocket. The Lions will be able to move the ball between the 20’s, but it will be the red zone that determines the outcome.
The Pick- SF 49ers-28 Detroit Lions 21
Sep 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) celebrates his touchdown during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Jaguars 26-23 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE
Minnesota Vikings vs Indianapolis Colts
Unless you read some die-hard from Minnesota’s predictions before the season, there is no way that anyone could have thought this could happen. It is conceivable after week #2 that the Minnesota Vikings could have sole possession of 1st place Sunday Night. The day belonged to the return of Adrian Peterson and his two touchdowns, but the story was the resolve of the Vikings after giving up the go ahead TD with 20something seconds left in the game, to tie it in regulation and win it in overtime.
The Colts showcased rookie Andrew Luck last week who flashed some brilliance and also a lot of turnovers. It’s too bad the only talent they have at running back is Donald Brown because he’s terrible. It was really apparent how bad he was when Brown dropped two easy passes that killed drives. It was nice to see Reggie Wayne play well last week. maybe not too nice!
The Pick
Vikings 23 Rams 21