5 matchups that will define NFL Week 4: Ware, Miller ready to rush Vikings

With running back Adrian Peterson's return, the Minnesota Vikings' slow progress in the passing game has been understandable.

Yet as the quarter mark of the season approaches, Teddy Bridgewater finds himself leading the league's last-ranked passing attack and averaging fewer than 25 attempts per game. And Sunday's challenge is by far the most difficult on his early slate.

The Denver Broncos' top-ranked defense, allowing a league-best 176.3 yards per game through the air, gives Minnesota even more reason to rely on Peterson. But they'll have to turn to Bridgewater at some point, which would mark the end of the Vikings' cautious approach.

Minnesota has already identified its most troublesome matchups: outside linebackers Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, who was the NFL's defensive player of the month in September with 3.5 sacks.

Vikings offensive tackles Matt Kalil and T.J. Clemmings haven't had to face a pass-rushing tandem like Miller and Ware, so far. Kalil has fared well after struggling in 2014 and can quell last season's criticisms with another solid performance. Clemmings' role as a rookie wasn't designed to be so demanding, but he had to fill in for the injured Phil Loadholt.

“[Miller] probably has the quickest first step in football. And if he doesn’t have it, then 94 on the other side [Ware] does,” Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner said, according to The Star Tribune. “So it’s going to be a challenge for our guys.”

Here are four other matchups that could define Week 4 in the NFL:

Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill vs. New York Jets secondary

Tannehill once again is under fire heading into one of the Dolphins' games in London.

Last year the signal-caller used the International Series game against the Oakland Raiders to answer questions about his standing as the team's starter. Coming off a three-interception performance last week against the Buffalo Bills, Tannehill needs to find a similar turning point for this season.

But relief might be hard to come by against the Jets. In six career games against New York, Tannehill has just four touchdowns to six interceptions and averages 207.2 yards per game. And none of those defenses were as strong as this year's unit, ranked first in points allowed and takeaways.

Still, the Dolphins need Tannehill to jump-start an offense that has not been able to run efficiently. If he can find wide receiver Jarvis Landry early and avoid turnovers, Miami might find the rhythm that has eluded it so far.

Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton vs. Kansas City Chiefs OLBs Justin Houston and Tamba Hali

Sitting behind only the Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers in quarterback rating through three games, Dalton is one of the biggest early-season surprises.

The fifth-year pro's efficiency can be attributed in part to quicker decision-making. But Dalton also has been well-protected by the Bengals' offensive line and has been sacked just twice this season.

Dalton's ability to remain cool under pressure could be tested by Houston and Hali, the best pass-rushing tandem the Bengals will face in the early season. With a well-documented history of struggling against the blitz, Sunday marks an opportunity for Dalton to demonstrate he has grown as a quarterback.

If Cincinnati can withstand the Chiefs' onslaught, it should have opportunities through the air. Rodgers posted 333 yards and five touchdowns last week on Kansas City while being sacked only once. The Chiefs get cornerback Sean Smith back from a three-game suspension, but Philip Gaines is out for the year with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Arizona Cardinals offensive line vs. St. Louis Rams defensive line

Having been sacked just once so far this season, Carson Palmer has the Cardinals' downfield passing attack operating as Bruce Arians visualized.

But the Cardinals might not be able to count on their ability to throw deep against the Rams, whose defensive line continues to rattle teams.

Second-year defensive tackle Aaron Donald leads an offensive line that is tied for second with 13 sacks this season. And defensive ends Robert Quinn and Chris Long bring consistent pressure off the edge.

The Cardinals will have left guard Mike Iupati available for the first time since he signed with the team in the offseason. But to hold off the Rams' rush, the Cardinals likely need a healthy performance from Chris Johnson and the running game.

Detroit Lions WR Golden Tate vs. Seattle Seahawks CBs Richard Sherman and Cary Williams

An 0-3 start has the frustration rising in Detroit, with Tate saying this week that opponents have called out the Lions' plays in advance.

It's a tough time for Tate to face off against his former Seahawks teammates, who rank No. 2 in pass defense despite their opening-week struggles. Having left Seattle on somewhat icy terms, Tate now has the chance to get the upper hand.

Detroit has become one-dimensional, as their running attack ranks as the league's worst and least used. The shortcoming has allowed defenses to gear up against the pass, and the offensive line has given up a league-high 51 quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.

With Seattle's defensive line likely to wreak havoc, Tate's role Sunday could come down to turning short passes into big plays. If he's able to pick up yards after the catch, he could get the Lions back on track.

Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.

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