Hall of Fame Game: Steelers vs. Vikings preview, prediction

Here’s a quick preview and primer for Sunday’s Hall of Fame Game.

Next: 32 Players With The Most To Prove This NFL Preseason

It’s been a long offseason. Actually, let’s be real: every offseason is a long one. While we now have more access and information than ever, rather than hold us over it only makes the days/weeks/months drag on like a blade.

In case you’ve been kicking it in the sun for the past few weeks and still aren’t geared up for football (understandable, since it’s kinda hard to get amped for pigskin when the entire country is melting), here’s a quick primer for tonight’s Hall of Fame Game.

Who

Minnesota: The Vikings enter this game looking to finally remove themselves from 2014’s ridiculousness. Last season should have been all about Teddy Bridgewater’s promising rookie season, and the positive outlook for Mike Zimmer as a head coach. Instead, the narrative was controlled by Adrian Peterson’s various sagas (child abuse charges, smoking ganga before a court-ordered drug test).

Entering the Hall of Fame Game, the Vikes hope all will be washed away. The team went strong on defense in the draft, and appears to be building through the trenches. Despite all of last season’s turmoil, Minnesota still finished 7-9 (respectable, considering its best player was out). For this game it’s all about working out the kinks, shaking off the rust, and getting some positive mojo going.

Pittsburgh: The Steelers come into the 2015 season looking to make another run at a Super Bowl. After winning the toughest division in football last year, the team now has eyes on a bigger prize.

Surprisingly, the main question with Pittsburgh is its defense. Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu both retired this offseason, and the team cut Brett Keisel and his beard. The Steelers drafted heavily in the defensive backfield, and are looking to reinvigorate an aging unit that ranked No. 18 in both total and scoring defense last season.

As for offense, this game will give a fun look at blazing rookie Sammie Coates – just another weapon for Ben Roethlisberger to chuck it up to.

What

The Hall of Fame Game, compadre. On Saturday, all the greats gathered at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium to induct this year’s banner class. On Sunday, it’s time for hitting.

Where

None other than Canton, Ohio, the cradle of civilization, er, football.

When

8 p.m. ET

Why

As if we need a reason to throw around the pigskin and grease the wheels of the new season.

Prediction

Plenty of discussion about Peterson’s past year, Le’Veon Bell’s suspension and a healthy sprinkling of Deflategate.

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Hall of Fame Game: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings preview

By Jonathan Bass | Aug 9, 2015