Sometimes, when you're facing a slump, a great challenge in front of you can seem like it's too much.
Sometimes, it can be just the tonic you need.
620WTMJ Packers Radio Network analyst Larry McCarren believes that might just be what the 7-2, first-place Minnesota Vikings offer a Green Bay Packers team which has lost three straight games.
"This is a heck of an opportunity considering the Packers' circumstances. If there is a team and a situation, the Vikings - a good team - a first place team, over at their place. That's a challenge," said McCarren on "Wisconsin's Afternoon News" Thursday.
"If this team has the right stuff, and I'm assuming it does...it's not a problem, it's an opportunity to galvanize the thing, rally the forces and go and get back on track. If this isn't a challenge everyone can sink their teeth into, we've got problems."
That challenge includes the NFL's leading rusher, Adrian Peterson. He has 961 yards rushing so far this year, on pace for 1,708 yards on an astounding 4.9 yards per carry.
"Adrian Peterson is an elite player. They have one elite player," McCarren explained.
"After three quarters against Oakland, he had 66 yards. He ends up with 203. His nickname 'All Day' certainly applies and he can break it at any time."
The Vikings, coached by second-year man Mike Zimmer, also boast the NFL's second-best scoring defense at 17.1 points per game. They're also third-best at stopping teams on third down - a category where the Packers' offense has struggled.
"Since Zimmer got there, I thought they were on the right track. They look like a good football team now. You can see them heading in the right direction since last year."
Listen for much more about Larry discussing the Packers, and topics including weather, traffic, trips to Portugal, lie detector tests and killing a snake once caught in his drain (only Larry), in the Soundcloud player above.
