Gameday: Vikings vs. Carolina

THE BIG THREE: What time is it?

1 Good timing? Gus Frerotte will try to improve to 4-0 against the Panthers today. He beat them in 1995 and '97 while playing for Washington and did it again in 2005 during his one season with Miami. Frerotte's performance in that '05 game was nothing sensational as he completed 14 of 33 passes for 171 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in a 27-24 victory. Frerotte, 37, replaces Tarvaris Jackson only two games into the season, a fact that doesn't thrill the Panthers. Carolina felt like if it kept Jackson contained, he would take off and be an easy target. Frerotte is 37-44-1 as a starter, but the Panthers worry about his veteran savvy.

2 Bad timing? The Vikings' pass defense has been victimized by the big play in its first two games, and it's certainly going to be vulnerable again today. Panthers receiver Steve Smith returns after a team-imposed two-game suspension, and there is little doubt he will be looking to duplicate the 11-catch, 201-yard performance had against the Vikings in 2005. The Vikings could look to get veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield matched up against Smith and will use safety help. Smith's presence also should benefit veteran receiver Muhsin Muhammad, who is back in Carolina after three seasons in Chicago.

3 Just like old times? The last time Julius Peppers played at the Metrodome he had three sacks, five quarterback pressures, one pass breakup, nine tackles and blocked a field-goal attempt. The Panthers lost that 2006 game 16-13 in overtime despite Peppers' brilliance from the left end position. Peppers, who has only 2.5 sacks in his past 16 games, is now playing right end and has looked good this season. Today he goes against Vikings left tackle Artis Hicks, who held up pretty well against the Colts' Dwight Freeney last week. This marks the third consecutive game Peppers has faced a backup left tackle.

GAMEBREAKER: One guy who could change everything

Steve Smith, Panthers, WR He missed the 2006 meeting because of a thigh injury, but Smith has had two memorable days against the Vikings. His 201 receiving yards in 2005 established a Panthers single-game record and, as a rookie in 2001, he took the first kickoff of the season-opener 93 yards for a touchdown at the Metrodome. Smith, who celebrated one of his catches in '05 by sitting in the end zone and rowing an imaginary boat shortly after the Vikings' infamous Love Boat incident, will be looking to make a similar splash today.

KEY STAT: 5

Gus Frerotte will become the fifth starting quarterback the Vikings have used since Childress became coach in 2006. According to our research, that will tie Atlanta, Carolina, Oakland and San Francisco for the second-most starters in that time. Miami and Tampa Bay have used six starting quarterbacks apiece since 2006.

IN FOCUS: A Williams party?

The Vikings' Pro Bowl defensive tackle tandem of Kevin and Pat Williams will be going against a banged-up offensive line for the third game in a row. This time the Panthers are playing without starting left guard Travelle Wharton, who has a knee injury.

JUDD'S PICK: Vikings 21, Carolina 17

Adrian Peterson might not play because of a bad hamstring, Frerotte is trying to develop an on-field chemistry and three of the Vikings' top four receivers are banged up. It shouldn't matter. Vikings need to win this game if they want to have a realistic chance of getting to the postseason -- since 1990, only three clubs have made the playoffs after starting 0-3 -- and a change at quarterback could be the (short-term) spark this team needs.