Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers: 5 keys to victory

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Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes (26) intercepts a pass in front of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

#2: Don’t get beat deep

So far this season, the Minnesota Vikings have endured the season without their top cornerback, Xavier Rhodes. His return would be huge for the team, but if he can’t come back then it will likely be Terence Newman and Trae Waynes as the starters.

Both these men are susceptible to deep plays, as Newman is not a speedster and Waynes was picked on heavily by Aaron Rodgers last week. When you add in Tedd Ginn Jr. to the mix, you have a dangerous situation where the Panthers could score points unbelievably quickly if the Vikings aren’t playing disciplined defense.

Kelvin Benjamin could be a deciding factor in this game. His size will be an enormous factor during the contest and how the Minnesota Vikings tackle the task of covering him will be interesting to watch, especially in deep jump ball situations.

And if the game comes down to needing one big play for Carolina, the threat of a deep completion or pass interference is absolutely real.

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