Gameday: Vikings at Detroit

By Judd Zulgad, Star Tribune

Last update: September 15, 2007 - 7:02 PM

THE BIG THREE THINGS TO WATCH TODAY

1. Nickel in a pickle?

Rookie cornerback Marcus McCauley got positive reviews for his performance last week against Atlanta, but he will face a much tougher test going against a Lions passing offense that could be one of the best in the NFL. McCauley moves to the left cornerback spot in passing situations and veteran Antoine Winfield slides into the slot. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Lions try to match first-round pick Calvin Johnson against McCauley.

2. Center of attention

Rookie running back Adrian Peterson is expected to handle most of the work today with Chester Taylor nursing an injury. Peterson did just fine in this role last week, racking up 103 rushing yards on 19 carries against the Falcons, and also taking a swing pass 60 yards for a touchdown. A Lions defense that is tough up front has spent this week preparing to try to slow the seventh overall pick in the draft. Will it matter?

3. To the right

The right side of the Vikings offensive line namely guard Artis Hicks and tackle Ryan Cook was rarely mentioned against the Falcons. This isn't a bad thing when you're an offensive lineman. But Hicks and Cook might have trouble maintaining their anonymity today. Dewayne White, the Lions left end, was named the NFC defensive player of the week for his performance last Sunday against Oakland. He lines up beside either Pro Bowl nose tackle Shaun Rogers or Cory Redding. These three could make life extremely unpleasant for Hicks and Cook.

GAMEBREAKER: ONE GUY WHO COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING

Tarvaris Jackson: A tough test on the road

Tarvaris Jackson was steady but not spectacular in the Vikings' victory over the Falcons. Of course, that came in front of a Metrodome crowd that was intent on making life miserable on the opponent. Today, we will get to see how Jackson handles a hostile environment at Ford Field. Unlike many years when the Vikings traveled to Detroit late in the season to play a team that was out of it, this game will be the Lions' home opener.

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com