By Tom Krasniqi

 

Every team in the NFL this season will play a nationally televised game on Thursday night.  This week, it’s the Bucs turn.

The 2-4 Bucs visit the 5-2 Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night football.  For both teams, it’s an uphill climb to get ready on a short week.  In a conference call today with reporters, Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier called the task of preparing on a short week “very challenging”.

Bucs defensive end Michael Bennett says the downside of getting ready in such as short period of time is trying to stay in good physical shape.  Bennett points out that during a normal week, it typically takes until Wednesday or Thursday for his body to get over the pounding from a Sunday game.  Bucs players say the coaching staff has does a great job of protecting the players with some much needed rest. 

The team didn’t practice on Monday but they were on the practice field on Tuesday.  They will fly to Minnesota on Wednesday.

 

News & Notes:

  • The challenge of facing the Vikings offense is trying to limit the big play potential of Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson.  Bucs DT Gerald McCoy called his good friend Peterson “a freak of nature” and calls AP “the best running back we have in this league”.  Peterson is 3rd in the NFL in rushing which is amazing considering the devastating knee injury he suffered last December.
  • As for Harvin, he’s an all-around threat.  The Vikings line him up in the backfield, in the slot as well as outside.  Oh, and he’s also a dangerous kick returner.  Harvin recorded a 105 kick return for a score against the Lions and he’s 2nd in the NFL in receptions with 53.
  • Vikings have been terrific at home this season with a 4-0 mark.  Meanwhile, the Bucs are 0-2 on the road this season.
  • Bucs GM Mark Dominik spoke the league Tuesday about the field goal penalty that cost the Bucs in the Saints game.  According to Dominik, the league maintains that the official thought he heard Mason Foster simulate a cadence which was why the penalty was called. 
  • Catch the Bucs-Vikings game Thursday on 620 WDAE, your home of the Bucs.  Our pre-game coverage begins with Steve Duemig at 3pm.