Game Preview
Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings
sunday, september 14, 2008 - 1:00 pm
*Manning, Colts hoping to rebound vs. Peterson, Vikings*
Indianapolis (0-1) at Minnesota (0-1), 1:00 pm EDT
MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The Indianapolis Colts will not have long to correct their problems from the opening week.
Peyton Manning and the Colts seek a better performance Sunday when they face Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome.
Indianapolis looked out of sync in its 29-13 loss to the Chicago Bears. Rookie Mike Forte rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown for the Bears, who held the high-powered Colts offense to 293 total yards.
It will not be any easier this week for Indy, which is facing last year's top rushing team. Peterson ran for 103 yards and a score during Monday's 24-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
The Colts will also need a better performance from their offense. Manning completed 30-of-49 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown and the rushing game was not a factor.
Despite decent numbers, Manning did not look like his usual dominant self. He failed to connect on the big pass play throughout the night, slightly overthrowing Reggie Wayne on a couple of deep routes.
With Manning missing training camp and the preseason recovering from offseason knee surgery, Indianapolis needs the running attack to be much better. Joseph Addai had 44 yards on 12 carries and was tackled in the end zone for a safety.
The Vikings do not share the same problem. Minnesota led the NFL last season with 164.6 rushing yards per game.
The Vikings' problem still resides in their pass defense. Minnesota, which ranked last in pass defense in 2007, gave up 178 yards passing and a TD to Aaron Rodgers, who was making his first career start.
Unlike last year, the Vikings also struggled against the run Monday night. After having the top- ranked run defense last season, Minnesota surrendered 139 yards rushing to the Packers.
Tarvaris Jackson passed for 178 yards and a score but threw a critical interception on the final drive for the Vikings, who also gave up a punt return for a touchdown in their opener.