defensive Players that need to show up for the Vikings to win

Nov 11, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield (26) celebrates his touchdown against the Detroit Lions with defensive end Jared Allen (69) in the second quarter at the Metrodome. A review of the play reversed the call and indicated the pass was not intercepted but incomplete instead. The Vikings win 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE

Jared Allen

Allen has underachieved this season after leading the league in sacks the previous year. Currently, he has seven sacks on the season. The Packers are second in the league in giving up sacks with 38. Last week should’ve been Allen’s opportunity to have multiple sacks, but the Bears beefed up their line with some tight end and running back chip blocks. With Rodgers getting into a groove with receivers Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson, it is absolutely necessary that the Viking defensive line is on its game and that starts with Allen. When Allen gets pressure it allows for the entire defense to play better. The Vikings are 4-2 when Allen has at least one sack and out of those wins the opposing team has at least one turnover. Forcing Rodgers to throw early will allow the secondary to play tight to the receivers.

Vikings secondary

I pick the entire secondary because the Packers throw all over the place.

The chemistry between the Rodgers and his two favorite targets, Cobb and Nelson is deadly. The Vikings are still without Chris Cook and will need rookie, Josh Robinson and Veteran Antoine Winfield to play big. Nelson is a big target at six foot three and may be a problem for the Vikings smaller corners. Winfield is listed and five foot nine and Robinson is listed at five foot ten. I imagine that Robinson will cover the speedy Cobb and Nelson will be seeing some help over the top. The Vikings have improved their 26th ranked secondary from last season and are now 13th. They have reduced its pts. per game average by 6. The Packers have the 14th ranked pass offense, but with Rodgers slinging the ball like he is right now they are dangerous from anywhere. The Vikings need to key in on those two receivers. Jennings will be back on the field; however, it is unsure how much he will contribute to the offense. If Jennings is really back at 100 percent, then the Vikings are in for a lot more than they thought.