Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers: 5 keys to victory

Nov 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (24) and linebacker Chad Greenway (52) tackle Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (24) and linebacker Chad Greenway (52) tackle Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
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What are the 5 most important things the Minnesota Vikings need to do in order to get a win over the Carolina Panthers during week 3 of the NFL season?

Nov 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) celebrates his sack during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) celebrates his sack during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

On paper, things are looking great for the Minnesota Vikings. They are the returning NFC North champions, have started out the season 2-0, and have established one of the top defenses in the National Football League.

A deeper look at the team reveals a squad scratching and clawing to survive. Very few teams could go without so many starters and still play at high levels. Thankfully, head coach Mike Zimmer has this team believing they can do anything and ready to take on any challenge.

And the Minnesota Vikings will be facing a major challenge when they take on the Carolina Panthers during week 3 of the NFL season. Carolina represented the NFC in the Super Bowl last year and have many pieces in place to make opposing teams frustrated in every phase of the game.

What will the Vikings need to do in order to get out of Carolina with a win? Here are the 5 most important things Minnesota must do on Sunday, starting with a new face in a new place.

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