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 /

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Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (21) carries the ball during the first quarter in a preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

#3: Use McKinnon and Asiata wisely

Adrian Peterson is out for the Vikings, but that doesn’t mean that Minnesota will give up on the running game. Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata will likely share the carries, and this combination has found success in the past.

The biggest positive here is that Sam Bradford will be able to run more plays out of the shotgun formation. Unlike Adrian Peterson who prefers to get a big running start, McKinnon has been more than capable to excel running out of a formation that will be beneficial to the passing game as well.

McKinnon’s speed, acceleration, and agility will give the Minnesota Vikings offense a different look, but his ability coupled with the pounding running style of Matt Asiata should lead to a successful situation.

In addition, both McKinnon and Asiata will serve as great outlets in the passing game, as the two running backs are sneaky plays to catch the ball out of the backfield and gain yards.

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