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Minnesota Vikings Week 3 preview versus Tampa Bay Buccaneers

By Justin Ekstrom

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 15: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings and Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shake hands after the preseason game on August 15, 2015 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Buccaneers 26-16. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 15: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings and Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shake hands after the preseason game on August 15, 2015 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Buccaneers 26-16. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Case Keenum
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Case Keenum /

Game Projection

With as many variables as this game has, it may be impossible to project this battle. However, I will give it a whirl nonetheless.

Tampa Bay starts off spreading their offense out to get the matchups they want on the outside against the Vikings’ defense. The move pays off as the Bucs start out by putting points on the board in their first possession. A few big plays by the receivers keep their drive alive and send the Vikes to the sidelines searching for answers.

This may be only game three of the season for the Vikings but they play as if their playoff hopes depend on the win.

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The Vikings do answer back by looking much more balanced this week on offense. They will play with much more intensity behind Keenum, who I believe will make another start. The Vikings get the ball out quickly on screens to Cook, Diggs and Thielen. That, in turn, neutralizes the swift defense of the Buccaneers for some time.

The Vikings commit fewer penalties this week and keep the game close throughout and play to the home crowd. A big game from Danielle Hunter makes Winston and his offense hurry much more than they had to in their first game.

Having Bradford would definitely change the dynamic in this game. However, it looks as though Keenum will make the start, although it has not been confirmed. Zimmer did say Bradford is day-to-day and the decision will be made on Sunday.

Next: Four things the Vikings learned in loss to Steelers

Buccaneers’ safety, T.J. Ward is still working into the defensive playbook and is the player that swings this game to Tampa Bay. The Vikings keep it close with Keenum but ultimately go to 1-2 after the Buccaneers win 23-13. This week is hopefully the first week that I am incorrect in the outcome.

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