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The Call: Vikings at Buffalo

By Matt Vensel

October 18, 2014 at 11:59PM

Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew, right, blocks against Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams (94) as Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes the ball during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

WEEK 7: noon AT Buffalo • ch. 9 (100.3-FM, 1130-AM)

20

BILLS

16

VIKINGS

One man's prediction: Last week's offensive performance was ugly, with the Vikings scoring as many points (three) as Teddy Bridgewater threw interceptions. The Lions swarmed Bridgewater in the 17-3 loss, and if the offensive line isn't significantly better, we could see it again this week against the Bills, who rank third in the NFL with 19 sacks. I think we'll see progress, but not enough to get a win on the road.

Three keys

bouncing back

After playing well in his first two games, Bridgewater threw his first interception against the Lions. Then another. Then another. The last two picks were deflected, but regardless, it was the first shaky performance of the promising rookie's career. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner said Bridgewater can rebound if he gets back to trusting what he is seeing and lets it rip instead of being indecisive. He did that in a strong first outing against Atlanta.

heads up, teddy?

The Vikings should be thankful that Bridgewater is in one piece and able to start after they allowed eight sacks against the Lions, a week after Christian Ponder was sacked six times by the Packers. It's not all on the offensive line, but head coach Mike Zimmer sent a message to his starting five by saying he was considering changes. We should see the same five Sunday, and they must play better. And Buffalo's pass rush is just as strong as Detroit's.

ironman, part 2

After missing the past three games because of broken ribs (and seeing his long consecutive starts streak end), outside linebacker Chad Greenway is expected to return. He is officially listed as questionable and could always be a last-minute scratch, but it's encouraging that he practiced fully each day this week. The Vikings can really use him, with his replacement, Gerald Hodges, out because of a hamstring injury.

Player to watch

Phil

Loadholt, Vikings

Much attention — and rightfully so — has been paid to the struggles of left tackle Matt Kalil, but Phil Loadholt has also been a liability in pass protection. He has been beaten for three sacks and 20 total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, and faces another tough task in Mario Williams on Sunday. Williams, the former No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, has the speed and pass-rushing moves to give Loadholt problems on the right edge.

Minnesota Vikings tackle Phil Loadholt looks on during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) ORG XMIT: NYOTK (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Mario Williams (94) and linemate Kyle Williams are among a unit that ranks third in the league in sacks with 19. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)