The Minnesota Vikings are cycling through quarterbacks at a rate that would make the 2010 Panthers blush.
Of course, the Panthers' offensive line is doing little to protect Newton and ensure he plays out the full season. He made his share of mistakes, of course, but no matter who is to blame for the offensive woes, six points is not going to cut it this week. The Vikings have, despite all their failings, at least shown they can consistently put some points on the board, no matter who's behind center.
Skull Splitter - The Orkney Brewery, Scotland
The Brewery
The Orkney Brewery calls the beautiful Orkney Islands of Scotland home, in an area that has been inhabited for 5,000 years (hence their slogan "5,000 years in the making").
The Brew
Named for the 7th Viking Earl of Orkney, Orkney Brewery's Skull Splitter is a big, warming Scotch ale. It is an excellent version of the style, with a very rich sweetness, touch of alcohol and notes of what beer geeks usually simply refer to as "dark fruit" (think figs, dates, plums, raisins -- that sort of thing).
How it relates to the game
Sure, the offensive line needs to step up. And Cam needs to find some weapons so that Gettleman doesn't go out and try to pick up every McNutt off the street. But for some reason -- call it false hope, perhaps -- I feel the defense is going to really bring it to whomever plays at quarterback for the Vikings, be it Ponder, Cassell or Freeman.
What better beer with which to watch the Panthers beat the Vikings than with a Viking-themed beer itself? Fight fire with fire. The Panthers pass rush needs to reestablish itself and do some skull splittin' (or maybe Kraken).
Price Point / Availability
You can find Skull Splitter at most NC bottles shops. It retails for around $5.99 for a 16 oz. bottle, but you can often find it in four-packs of 12 oz. bottles as well.
Looking to drink craft beer at the game? Here's a list of craft beers in Bank of America Stadium.