Vikings’ defense to be challenged by big Bucs

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have a back-to-basics approach on defense this week.

Tackling was a problem in the season-opening loss at San Diego, negating some of the solid pass coverage the Vikings applied downfield. Even the best tacklers like cornerback Antoine Winfield and linebacker Chad Greenway missed on a few plays, and the Chargers were able to move the ball by running after the catch and completing short throws in the middle of the field.

This week, the Vikings host Tampa Bay, and the Buccaneers feature a couple of big bodies to bring down in quarterback Josh Freeman and running back LeGarrette Blount.