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Minnesota Vikings vs Seattle Seahawks: 5 keys to victory

By Adam Carlson

Dec 6, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive back Terence Newman (23) during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Vikings 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive back Terence Newman (23) during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Vikings 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings will be taking on the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs, but what will they have to do to win the game?

It’s that time again. The NFL playoffs start this weekend and the Minnesota Vikings have drawn the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card round.

Seattle has become the hot and trendy pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. However, for them to get to that point, they’ll have to get past the Minnesota Vikings, a hot, young team on the rise. But if the Vikings want to walk out of TCF Bank Stadium with a win, they’ll have to play some of their best football of the season.

Here are the five things the Minnesota Vikings must do to beat the Seahawks on Sunday:

  • Don’t let Russell Wilson run wild. The Minnesota Vikings really struggled with keeping Wilson in the pocket and collapsing pressure around him. The wily quarterback is so dangerous on the run with the threat of a scramble or keeping his eyes down the field that Minnesota will need to make containing him a priority.
  • Get Adrian Peterson running early. During the first game against Seattle, Peterson was an absolute non-factor, carrying the ball just 8 times for 18 yards. He’ll need to have a much bigger game to help out the Vikings young quarterback and establish some kind of offense early. 2.25 yards per carry will not get the job done on Sunday.

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    Stuff Marshawn Lynch at the line.

    Lynch wasn’t even a part of the Seahawks team that dismantled the Minnesota Vikings the first time around this season. However, neither was defensive tackle Linval Joseph. The Vikings will need to slow down Lynch and be sure tacklers to keep him from running all over TCF Bank Stadium.

  • Keep the top on the defense. Seattle has found quite a bit of success with deep passes to dynamic pass catchers like Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, and tight end Luke Wilson. Giving up the big play would really hurt the Vikings chances for success, but with Xavier Rhodes and Harrison Smith in the secondary, it could be a tough battle.
  • Convert third downs and red zone chances. While the Minnesota Vikings have been on a winning streak, the offense isn’t looking consistently efficient. Long, powerful drives can wear down the tough Seattle defense, but the Vikings still need to cash in on those opportunities with touchdowns and not settle for field goals.

    • Those are my five keys to success for the Vikings against Seattle. Do you disagree with any of these points? Have any that you’d like to add? Discuss them in the comments below.

    Also, don’t forget to tune in to the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, January 10, 2016 for the Wild Card playoff game at noon central time.

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