The first homegame of the season did not go according to plan. Playing the defending Swedish champions proved to be too tall of a task, proven by the 7-27 loss. There is however no room for dwelling on the loss, as the Vikings have a quick turnaround and will play the Örebro Black Knights Saturday may 10th.
What to watch
Against the Crusaders, the Vikings were served a heavy dose of the run. Expect the same to be true this weekend, as the Black Knights lead the league in total rushing yards, averaging 191.3 rushing yards per game. Another thing to note is that the Black Knights pass the ball on less than 45% of their offensive plays, meaning the Vikings will likely be facing a physical opponent that loves to push a defense around.
Through three games the Vikings have been hot and cold offensively, lighting up the scoreboard for 55 points in one game, and then putting up 14 points combined in the two others. It might not be necessary to score 55 points in a game (but who doesn’t love a 50-burger am I right?), but it is definitely necessary to score more than 7 points in a game. Injuries may have taken a toll against the Crusaders with multiple players leaving the field on the offense. So what does the Vikings offense look like going into this weekend? Hopeully we will see the fireworks show that was on display in Copenhagen.
Special teams may be neglected by many, but it could be the deciding factor between winning and losing. Playing against a team in Örebro that likes to run the ball, are very proficient at doing so, and in turn churn the clock leaves the Vikings with fewer opportunities to score. Getting good field position will be absolutely critical. They say you can score from anywhere on the field in football, but it sure is easier to score when starting at midfield compared to backed up inside your own 5-yard line.
Players to watch
I just mentioned special teams being important this game, and who better to shine the lights on than punter/linebacker Ryan Hatch? First, Hatch can pin the Black Knights deep with a long punt, and then he will be an important part of the brick wall that needs to be in place this game to stop the run.
The trenches. They say the game of football is won here, and it may not be truer than in this coming game. Against a team like the Black Knights, the defensive line has to be able to control the line of scrimmage and not allow the opponent to push them around. One player working to limit rushing lanes is Emmanuel Okon. Okon will be absolutely critical to limit gains up the middle and eat up blockers. Off the edge Petter Frausing will have to be efficient in what might be limited pass rushing situations, and snuff out runs quickly. We might even seea surprise appearance by Thomas Holt Sundby like we did against the Crusaders. Plain and simple, the entire Vikings defensive line has to perform in this game, and the spotlight will be shining on them this weekend.
After a 1-2 start to the season the Vikings have to rally to be legitimate contenders, and one player that has shown some fire is quarterback DeAndre Clayton. Two things happen when you see the teams starting quarterback trying to run through a linebackers face. First you go “oh no please be careful and don’t injure yourself”. Then you realize Dre didn’t take a hit, he delivered a hit. Playing with a quarterback willing to get physical shows a team what he is made of, and Dre Clayton sure as sh*** isn’t going to back down. That is the type of player a team rallies behind, and after two tough losses the Vikings needs some fire going forwards. Look out for Dre in this game, he might just pop off and have his best game yet in a Vikings uniform.
Come out to Frogner for a fine Saturday with football. There might just be some good football, fun butchering of names courtesy of our resident Scotsman, a lively crowd led by boosters and former players. The game kicks off at 14.00 sharp so don’t be late! As a public service announcement, Holmenkoll staffetten goes past Frogner Stadium while the game is being played so there might be limited parking and some changes to public transport. To anyone running in the relay, make some noise for the Vikings as you go past!