Vikings redzone production will be key to the playoffs

Nov 11, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier watches as his team prepares to play the Detroit Lions at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE

As we all know it is about that time of year were every game during the football season is meaningful. We all know the inconsistentency issues the Vikings have with the passing game, but the major issue has been in the red zone. The Vikings are tied for 10th in the league in red zone scoring attempts per game with 3.3, however, they ranked 15th in red zone scoring TDs per game with 1.7. With a monster running the ball in AP and also Percy, the Vikings shouldn’t have as many problems in the red zone as they do. Not only do they have AP and percy, but they also have 6 foot 4 Michael Jenkins and 6 foot 6 Kyle Rudolph. I know that the field is more condensed, but with targets that huge there’s bound to be a mismatch somewhere. The Vikes need to figure out their problems in the red zone if they plan on taking this season to the next level because ranking 2nd in points per field goal attempt is not exactly a place you want to be. All that tells other teams is that this team doesn’t have that “killer instinct,” and will eventually slow themselves down. This week is a bye week for the Vikings. It is also about to be the toughest part of the schedule. Although Blair Walsh has been stellar in long distance kicks, those points will not compete with the Vikings next opponents. The Bears rank 5th in points per game with 26.9, the Packers rank 10th with 26.6 and the Texans are 5th with 27.8 points per game, The Vikings are at 14th with 23.8. The bottom line is the Vikings leave points on the field that need to be translated into TD’s not FG’s. This particular area will more than likely be the difference maker when it comes to the Vikings playoff hopes.