Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Minnesota Vikings: Game preview
By Rob Leeds
Minnesota Vikings breakdown
Strengths
Does anything more need to be said? Cook is the best running back in the NFL by a mile. With great speed, agility, vision, and hands, Cook has been a massive part of this Viking offense from day one.
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Few running backs in the league can do what Cook has accomplished and with his efficiency. Tampa Bay has a stellar run defense, but Cook could still take this game into his own hands if the Buccaneers aren’t prepared.
Safeties
With one of the best safety duos in the NFL, the Viking defense could cause some substantial issues for Tom Brady. Brady has struggled with seeing the safeties so far this season, and Anthony Harris and Harrison Smith could have a field day if the Buccaneer offense isn’t locked in.
Receivers
Todd Bowles has hopefully done his homework on this one. Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson could post career days against this defense if the corners continue to line up 10 yards off the line of scrimmage
Biggest weakness
Kirk Cousins is a better quarterback than he gets credit for, but his performance could be one of the most important today. If he is on, Cousins could immediately spell trouble for the reeling Buccaneer defense. If Cousins is having an off day, the game could be over early.