It’s a quick turnaround for the Minnesota Vikings. After coming away with a win against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, the team will have to heal up quickly and prepare for Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Wisconsin.
Here are my 3 keys for Vikings when it comes to the Vikings only scheduled prime time game this year:
Sep 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) rushes against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Establish a run game early. Last week against the Falcons, the Minnesota Vikings pounded the football on the ground and gained 241 yards. While the Falcons run defense is not good, Green Bay is ranked last overall in the NFL in rush defense. The Packers AVERAGE giving up 176 yards per game rushing to their opponents. Look for huge games from Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon that will help open up the Vikings pass game.
Oct 27, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws over Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) during the third quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Packers defeated the Vikings 44-31. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Be more efficient on 3rd downs defensively. The Minnesota Vikings have been absolutely horrible on third downs, allowing teams to convert 28 of their 56 chances (50% conversion), which is tied for second worst in the NFL. It seems as though many of the converted plays were a third and long that were either miscommunications, poor tackling, or poor angles taken. With the Packers high powered offense led by Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb, the Minnesota Vikings could find themselves struggling again to get a high-powered offense off the field.
Sep 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) defends during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 36-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Protect the quarterback. Offensive line play has been questionable the first 3 weeks of the Minnesota Vikings season, but the team played well against an anemic Falcons defense. The quarterback should find more pressure against the Packers, who aren’t afraid to send a blitzer like NFL superstar Clay Matthews or Datone Jones to disrupt the passing game. This could be a major issue if rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater isn’t available, because he seems to handle pressure in the pocket much better than his current backup, Christian Ponder.
If the Minnesota Vikings can accomplish these three goals, they should be able walk out of Green Bay, Wisconsin with a victory on Thursday Night Football. Otherwise, it could be a long night for the boys in purple.