The Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers are two teams that have struggled so far this season despite showing (albeit limited) glimpses of hope through their first seven games of the season. One of the teams with rookie quarterbacks should leave Week 8 with a bit of momentum, however, as they face off this weekend in Charlotte.
The main story of Sunday's game will be Christian Ponder facing off against fellow rookie Cam Newton in a battle of quarterbacks taken in the first round of the most recent NFL Draft. Newton is getting quite a bit more hype as he continues to set rushing and passing records for rookies, but Ponder has shown he might be worth his first round pick status after nearly leading the Vikings to an upset win against the undefeated Green Bay Packers last week.
Aside from Ponder, running back Adrian Peterson should be heavily involved if the Vikings are to get their second win of the NFL season. If he's able to have a huge day -- as in 325 yards on the ground -- Peterson would also replace Robert Smith as Minnesota's all-time leading rusher.
For more on the Vikings, be sure to visit Daily Norseman. If interested in joining in on the Panthers community, Cat Scratch Reader should have everything needed.