Week 1 was all about debuts for the Colts and Vikings. The Colts introduced their new franchise quarterback, Andrew Luck, and the Vikings put on display the rebuilt knee of Adrian Peterson. For Indianapolis, the introduction of Luck didn’t go too well as he threw three interceptions and the team ended up losing to the Bears by three touchdowns. On the contrary, the Vikings won on opening day, defeating the Jaguars by a field goal in overtime. They also got more than they hoped for from Peterson's return. He saw 32 snaps and crossed the goal line on two of them, resembling his pre-injury form.
This week, the Colts will host the Vikings in their home opener and try to get Luck and first year coach, Chuck Pagano, into the win column. The Vikings will be looking for a surprise 2-0 start to the season and to build some momentum while Peterson’s knee gains strength. Here are three matchups to focus on during Sunday’s game:
Adrian Peterson vs. Colts Run Defense
Peterson will be looking to build on his stellar return from knee surgery and the Vikings will continue to monitor his workload. It may be tough to get him off the field this week as Peterson is likely salivating at an opportunity to go against a Colts defense that struggled mightily against the run in Week 1. The Bears basically ran at will against the Colts' newly-installed 3-4 defense to the tune of 114 yards as Indy appeared lost at times on defense. Everyone knew the transition would be a work in progress, but Peterson isn’t going to feel bad for them and could have a big Sunday. Look for the Vikings to run Peterson to the right early and often here. He was +2.9 running outside to the right in the opener and that just happens to be where the Colts' weakest run defender from Week 1, Cory Redding (-6.0), will be lining up.
Wayne vs. Winfield
Reggie Wayne surprised many in the offseason when he opted to stay with the rebuilding Colts, but against the Bears he showed why that was a wise decision. Wayne was targeted 18 times and he performed very well, catching nine of those passes for 135 yards. He is clearly Luck’s go-to receiver and his security blanket in this offense and could see even more opportunities as the season goes on. This week the task of covering Wayne will go mainly to the Vikings best cover man, Antoine Winfield.
Winfield’s season got off to a good start against the Jaguars as he finished with an overall grade of +2.7. Thrown at three times, Winfield allowed a meager 11 yards against the Blaine Gabbert-led offense. He is certain to see a lot more action this week as Wayne saw 32 snaps in the slot against Chicago which is one of Winfield's primary responsibilities. Count it as a huge plus for the Vikings if Winfield can blanket Wayne and force Luck to go deeper into his progressions.
Anthony Costanzo vs. Jared Allen
One thing that would benefit the Colts' passing game greatly (or any team's passing game, really) would be time to throw. Two players that will be paramount to that this week are Anthony Costanzo and Jared Allen. A virtual non-factor going against Eugene Monroe of the Jaguars last week, Allen didn't show himself at his best; he finished the game with only one tackle and one quarterback hit. Perhaps inspired to rebound, he'll surely test Costanzo's ability to protect the franchise quarterback’s blind side — something he did rather well to open 2012, allowing only two hurries against a touted Bears pass rush. The injury to starting right tackle, Winston Justice means the Colts may often have to provide extra help to the right side, leaving Costanzo to handle Allen by himself. How Costanzo handles the veteran pass rusher will go a long way in determining whether or not the Colts' offense succeeds this week.
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