Week 4 Showdown: Vikings vs. Steelers in Dublin

How Morning Football Changes the Sunday Experience

For many football fans, the timing of a game can significantly influence their Sunday routine. When a game is scheduled in the morning locally, it often means waking up earlier than usual to catch the action. This shift in schedule can lead to unique traditions and adjustments.

Brandon Warne shares that he doesn’t change much about his routine. With two young kids, he’s already up before kickoff anyway. He might even sneak in an earbud during church, though he jokes about not telling his pastor, who is also a Vikings fan. On Sundays, he works a late window game, so he spends the early window watching whichever game is on locally. For him, it's just another enjoyable day of football.

Christopher Gates mentions that the biggest difference is having to drag himself out of bed earlier. However, he notes that this isn’t too different from when the Vikings are on a bye or playing a prime-time game. After the Vikings game ends, he usually tunes into the Red Zone channel or mows his yard while listening to the SiriusXM NFL channel on his phone.

David Stefano finds that morning games mean more football watching, with an extra 3.5-4 hours of coverage. He enjoys the bonus of eating breakfast food during the pre-game buildup. Sam Buegler, on the other hand, treats himself to a nicer breakfast and a more upscale coffee when there are early morning games. He then spends the rest of the day watching the Redzone, enjoying the stress-free football viewing.

Grading Carson Wentz's Performance

Carson Wentz's performance in Week 3 has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike. Brandon Warne believes it's too early to judge him, noting that one game isn't enough to determine a quarterback's potential. He gives him a C+ for now, acknowledging that he did what was asked of him but hasn’t shown anything exceptional yet.

Christopher Gates thinks Wentz played well given the circumstances. He acknowledges some sacks that were less than ideal but praises his ability to move the offense. He expects a solid performance in Week 4, predicting around 65% completion and a couple of touchdowns. He hopes Wentz can avoid turnovers.

David Stefano describes Wentz’s performance as fair to middling. He expects 20/30 completions, 225 yards, 2 touchdowns, and one turnover. Sam Buegler gives him a B- for a solid outing, expecting a few sacks and maybe an interception but still enough to secure a win.

Choosing the Next International Game Location

If given the chance to pick a new location for the Vikings to play an overseas game, the panel had some interesting suggestions. Brandon Warne leans towards Norway or Iceland due to their Viking ties. If forced to choose elsewhere, he would go with Italy, specifically the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Christopher Gates suggests SunCorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, citing his wife's heritage and the desire to see the Vikings play down under. He envisions the team adding another continent to their list of locations.

David Stefano prefers Reykjavík, Iceland, even if they need to build a larger stadium. He’d love to hear the SKOL chant echoed by Icelandic fans. Sam Buegler strongly supports Norway, particularly Bergen, where the Bran Stadion offers a beautiful view.

Concerns About Facing the Steelers

The panel shared their concerns about facing the Steelers. Brandon Warne is focused on Aaron Rodgers and D.K. Metcalf's chemistry, as well as the mental battle between Rodgers and Harrison Smith. He hopes Rodgers doesn’t perform like his old self.

Christopher Gates worries about Rodgers potentially having a big game, especially after the rumors of his interest in joining the Vikings. He believes the Steelers' struggles on the ground will leave them vulnerable.

David Stefano is concerned about T.J. Watt disrupting the offensive rhythm and the historical significance of the game in Dublin. Sam Buegler is excited about the Rodgers vs. Smith matchup, hoping for an interception or sack from Smith.

Final Score Predictions

The final score predictions varied slightly. Brandon Warne predicts a 24-14 victory for the Vikings, believing the defense will keep Rodgers uncomfortable. Christopher Gates expects a 24-20 win, with Jordan Mason wearing down the Pittsburgh defense. David Stefano goes with a 31-14 victory, while Sam Buegler predicts a close 24-20 win, expecting the Vikings to move to 3-1.