6:30 p.m., Monday, Patriots by 2
Last meeting
Patriots won 24-17 at New England on Nov. 24, 2002.
Spotlight on: The Vikings’ defense.
They haven’t all worked out – Chris Hovan is long gone and Erasmus James has battled injuries – but those high draft picks Vikes have used on defensive side have paid off. Resurgence of Minnesota D began last year, when Vikings won seven of last nine, during which they allowed 20-plus points twice. The trend has continued this season, with Minnesota having allowed fewer than 20 in each of its six games.
Who knew?
Vikings have scored a league-leading four defensive touchdowns. LB E.J. Henderson and CB Antoine Winfield have scored off INTs and LB Ben Leber and DT Kevin Williams have returned fumbles for TDs. The Metrodome, with its intense noise, is conducive to forcing turnovers. Opposing offensive linemen often are a split second behind the snap, leaving them vulnerable to outside pass rushers.
Etc.
Go figure. Bill Belichick, noted clothes horse and resident genius, is 1-3 in his career vs. Vikings. … Tom Brady 16-4 all-time vs. NFC with 90-plus passer rating. … Game marks homecoming of sorts for Pats rookie TB Laurence Maroney, who played college ball in Metrodome during days at U of Minnesota. … Vikes have won past four at home on Monday Night Footbowel. … Minnie TB Chester Taylor coming off career-high 169 yards vs. Seahawks, including a 95-yard TD run. … Don’t ask how, but WR Doug Gabriel, cut loose by dog-breath Raiders, leads Pats with three TD catches. … Brad Johnson doesn’t have big stats – four TD passes, four INTs – but he stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Not only that, he’s won 26-of-38 starts with Vikings.
Prediction: Vikings 31, Pats 26
– Jim Armstrong
