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December 16, 2009
Vikings' Childress downplays mismatch vs. Panthers' injury-depleted O-line
Minnesota coach Brad Childress just spoke with reporters in Charlotte on a conference call and tried to diffuse the notion that his team would be able to take advantage of significant matchup advantages against a Carolina offensive line that's without starting tackles Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah.
When the two teams meet Sunday night at Bank of America Stadium, the Panthers will be playing their fifth game without Gross, who has a broken leg, and their first without Otah, when went on injured reserve Tuesday after suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee two days earlier in a loss at New England.
Geoff Schwartz, a 2008 seventh-round draft pick, is expected to take Otah's spot in the lineup. It will be the first start of his career.
The Vikings' defensive line includes end Jared Allen, who's second in the NFL with 12 1/2 sacks.
Childress said apparent mismatches sometimes are much more even than expected.
"My experience is the guys generally kind of bow up and compete," said Childress. "I think a lot of times when you look at things on face (value), you can say things on paper, (that) `it appears this way,' then many times it doesn't end up being that way because of the human aspect.
"Somebody thinks, `Well, this guy is just starting for the first time.' That's a little extra motivation, you know. We always invoke the Wally Pipp rule here. Somebody gets knocked out, sometimes guys don't get back in."
-- Charles Chandler
Posted by Observer Sports on December 16, 2009 at 11:56 AM | Permalink
Comments
We'll See. "Because of Human Aspect," we may not win, but we may just the same. The good thing is Brett is starting to play a little worst, but the bad thing is Peterson has his legs back. Here's hoping!
Posted by: Panthers2003 | Dec 16, 2009 1:01:24 PM
They are going to shred our o-line. ooooh my its going to be a long day
Posted by: Nick | Dec 16, 2009 3:44:36 PM
I wonder what Beason has to say about this one...? Jucius Poopers vs Jared the Redneck!?
Allen's production has been a bit stagnant lately. I wonder if he can make up for it against a beat up offensive line and a QB who is not doing so well udner pressure and seemed a bit scared last week.
He should have a little less pressure on him now knowing that the Panther's chances of making the playoffs are all but out of the question and that nobody on this planet, except for Catman who is trying to sell tickets for that game for several hundred dollars, expects the Panthers to win.
Posted by: SYRPIS | Dec 16, 2009 8:00:13 PM
Charles, did you seriously write that the Vikings would take advantage of advantages?
Where's the copy editor? Where's the managing editor?
Posted by: Air Borden | Dec 16, 2009 8:53:26 PM
This will be something to watch. As someone wrote a week ago, the Panthers are at a point to see what they have in their younger players. Jared Allen is going to eat our beat up line but I will be interested to see how we deal with the pressure. More jobs are on the line at this point and we shall see who still wants to be here next year.
Posted by: Trey Griffin | Dec 17, 2009 12:42:56 PM
The Vikings will have their way with the Panthers on Sunday night. Just hope it doesn't get too out of control.
Posted by: Don | Dec 17, 2009 2:56:45 PM
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