Vikings At Miami Dolphins: 5 Keys To A Minnesota Victory

The Minnesota Vikings are scheduled to take on the Dolphins in Miami on Sunday. The 7-7 Dolphins should be a great test for this young 6-8 Vikings team, but there a couple things that Minnesota can do to help them achieve victory.

Here are my 5 keys to a Vikings victory on Sunday against Miami:

Dec 14, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) tackles Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Get to Ryan Tannehill. Minnesota pass rush was off to an excellent start at the beginning of the year, but since then they have struggled a bit. They failed to sack Matt Stafford last week, but look to bounce back against against a solid Miami offensive line. They only allow 2.53 sacks per game, but have saw their star quarterback brought down 10 times in the last two weeks. Everson Griffen will be going up against Miami backup Dallas Thomas in a matchup that Griffen should be able to win on a regular basis.

Don’t let Mike Wallace get open deep. The Vikings pass defense has been quite good this year. They are only allowing 216 passing yards per game, which is good for 6th best in the NFL. But that doesn’t mean that they’re immune to making mistakes. Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace is known for his ability to outrun defenders to get open deep in the secondary. Minnesota should be able to contain him if they have safety help over the top.

Dec 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) makes a pass as he is pressured by Detroit Lions defensive end Darryl Tapp (52) during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Protect Teddy Bridgewater. Let’s be honest. The Vikings offensive line is in shambles. Their starting right tackle and right guard have been placed on injured reserve and an ineffective Matt Kalil has been struggling mightily at left tackle. When you add in that Charlie Johnson hasn’t practiced at all this week due to an ankle injury, you have three backup linemen starting to protect a rookie passer. Hopefully Bridgewater’s trip home to Miami can be a pleasant one.

Contain Lamar Miller. Minnesota has struggled against the run this year. They’re giving up an average of 123.9 rushing yards per game this season, which is very disappointing considering the money and high draft picks that the Vikings have spent on their defensive line and linebacker group. Keeping Lamar Miller in check will be essential if Minnesota hopes to get a win in Miami.

Dec 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata (44) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Establish a run game. The Vikings have failed to get their run game going since rookie running back Jerick McKinnon was placed on season ending injured reserve with a lower back injury. The combination of Matt Asiata, Joe Banyard, and Ben Tate had only 46 yards rushing against Detroit, 78 yards against the Jets and 75 yards against the Panthers. Minnesota hasn’t had their running backs go over 100 yards on the ground since week 7 against the Buffalo Bills.

The game between the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings is scheduled for a noon central time kickoff. It can be seen on FOX. Check your local listings for availability.

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