The Viking Age
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Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings: 5 keys to victory

By Adam Carlson

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and safety Harrison Smith (22) against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and safety Harrison Smith (22) against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (21) carries the ball during the second quarter against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (21) carries the ball during the second quarter against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

#3: Maintain a running game

One thing the Minnesota Vikings don’t want to do against the Texans is become a one-dimensional team…especially since Houston will be daring Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata to run the ball.

Houston’s pass coverage is solid, with 21 passes defended and 11 sacks on the season and allowing the fewest yards per game through the air at 162.5 yards per contest and lowest completion percentage through 4 weeks (52.6%). Although Sam Bradford is having a great season with his accuracy and efficiency, transitioning to a pass-first offense would be playing right into the hands of their opponents.

Instead, Minnesota will need to establish the run early and return to it often. Even if it doesn’t yield great results at first, the continued efforts will open up the passing game more and make Bradford’s play action even more powerful as the game goes on.

Last week, McKinnon scored the first rushing touchdown for the Vikings this season, and hopefully the Vikings won’t have to wait another 4 weeks for it to happen again.

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