Vikings Prepare for Matchup Against Broncos
As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for their upcoming game against the Denver Broncos, the SB Nation website has engaged in a Q&A session with Ian St. Clair of Mile High Report, the go-to source for all things Broncos. Here are the highlights from the interview:
1) Russell Wilson’s Renaissance: A Result of Hiring Sean Payton?
After a disastrous 2022 season, Russell Wilson has experienced a remarkable turnaround this year. According to St. Clair, the credit for this transformation goes to the hiring of Sean Payton as head coach. Payton’s competent coaching has instilled confidence in the entire Broncos team, enabling them to believe they can defeat any opponent. Payton demands excellence and has pushed Wilson to regain his form through hard work and honest evaluations.
2) Cracking the Broncos’ Defense
Despite statistics suggesting the Broncos have the worst defense in the league, recent performances indicate they are better than the numbers suggest. Over the past two weeks, they have forced nine turnovers. To find success against Denver’s defense, St. Clair advises following the blueprint set by the Buffalo Bills, who found success by running the ball. The Broncos’ defensive front struggles to gain consistent push, making it crucial for the Vikings to exploit this weakness and replicate the Bills’ strategy.
3) Assessing the George Paton Era
George Paton, formerly an assistant to Rick Spielman in Minnesota, now serves as the Broncos’ general manager. While Paton has excelled in the NFL Draft, his performance in roster-building through free agency and trades has been lackluster. Broncos fans have mixed opinions about Paton, with some believing his departure from the team is inevitable. However, the true verdict on Paton’s tenure remains uncertain, and a potential restructuring of responsibilities could be the ideal solution.
4) Under the Radar Player to Watch
While Jaleel McLaughlin has garnered attention, St. Clair highlights undrafted rookie running back Ja’Quan McMillian as a player integral to the Broncos’ success. McMillian has made a significant impact in the Denver secondary, seemingly emerging out of nowhere. His performance, coupled with the presence of standout cornerback Pat Surtain II, bolsters the Broncos’ defense and could pose a challenge for the Vikings, especially if Justin Jefferson returns.
5) Game Prediction and Over/Under
Considering the recent defensive performances of both teams, St. Clair believes the under is the safe bet for Sunday’s game.