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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Oct 13, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

#4: Contain Cam Newton

You can’t talk about the Panthers without talking about last year’s National Football League MVP, Cam Newton.

Newton’s passing is scary. Even though he’s only completing 57.5% of his passes and averaging 248.5 yards per game through the air, it is the situations that arise that make Cam rise to the occasion.

Make no mistake, Carolina is a running team. They will grind down defenses on the ground before having their way with them later. The threat of rushing the ball goes much deeper than just the team’s running backs though, because Newton himself typically gets about 8 carries per game and can be a danger to find the endzone if the defenses are focused on keeping coverage.

Cam is going to be impressive. He’s too good to completely shut down. However, there are plenty of things the Minnesota Vikings can do to keep him in check, and head coach Mike Zimmer will likely make that a focus on defense.

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