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Five questions on the Vikings with Daily Norseman

We spoke with Jackson McIntire from Daily Norseman to talk about the Vikings 2015 season and to preview Sunday's game against the Lions.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

To prepare for Sunday's game between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings, I asked Jackson McIntire from Daily Norseman five questions about the Vikings and the game on Sunday.

1. How much of the Vikings' offensive struggles in Week 1 can be attributed to the loss of John Sullivan?

The loss of John Sullivan certainly had a huge effect on the Vikings' offensive struggles in Week 1. Sullivan excels at pre-snap reads and diagnosing where the blitz will be coming from. With Joe Berger at center, there was a clear downgrade in this aspect, as well as a downgrade from a blocking standpoint as Teddy was under constant pressure throughout the night.

2. How big of a disappointment was the Vikings run defense in Week 1? Was it an aberration or did the 49ers expose a flaw in Minnesota's defense?

The run defense in Week 1 was an embarrassment. However, I do think it can be fixed. The main issue was defensive ends and linebackers not setting the edge and allowing cutbacks for Hyde. I think the defense will be motivated to offset last week's struggles and will turn in a solid effort this Sunday against the Lions.

3. How has Mike Wallace adapted to his new team?

Despite a slow start to the preseason for Wallace, he looked good throughout the offseason program and came out in Week 1 with a solid effort despite the offense's struggles. There was a blatant pass interference on a beautifully thrown deep ball to Wallace in the end zone on Monday that dubiously did not result in a flag being thrown. In time, I am confident that the deep ball to Wallace will become a staple of our offense.

4. What was the biggest silver lining from Monday night's game against the 49ers?

Despite the lopsided score, there were a few silver linings to take away from Monday night's game, perhaps none bigger than the solid play of maligned left tackle Matt Kalil. The former top-5 pick's play fell off a cliff the last two years after making the Pro Bowl as a rookie, and after finishing the offseason on a good note, his performance in Week 1 has provided some optimism for the Viking fan base. Another silver lining was the great play of linebacker Anthony Barr. While he didn't record a sack he was chasing Kaepernick around all night and made 12 tackles.

5. What is it going to take for Blair Walsh to lose his job? Do the Vikings have a backup plan ready?

The tricky thing here is that Walsh just signed a big money deal (For a kicker) this offseason with guaranteed money. Ever since signing this deal, he has looked absolutely awful. The Vikings currently do not have a backup plan ready which is very worrisome to this fan base. For Walsh to officially lose his job, I think it will take something big. For example, Vikings down 7 with a minute left and score a touchdown only to have Walsh miss the extra point. Or, if he is still missing roughly a field goal a game come mid-season, something could and should be done about it.

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