The Viking Age
FanSided

5 wild predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Philadelphia Eagles

By Josh Zinger

Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrates his touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrates his touchdown against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (21) catches a pass against the Houston Texans in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (21) catches a pass against the Houston Texans in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Jerick McKinnon rushes for 100+ yards

Going into the season, many would have called you crazy if you said that the running game would be what’s holding the Vikings back, but here we are. Through five games, the Vikings’ leading rusher in each game has averaged only 47 yards.

All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson struggled mightily early in the season, and after he tore his meniscus in Week 2 neither Jerick McKinnon nor Matt Asiata have been much better. McKinnon has shown promise, with a dynamic skill-set of speed, agility, and vision, but the offensive line has simply been unable to open up any holes for him.

However, after a bye week to reassess the state of the offensive line, first-year offensive line coach Tony Sparano should get the unit to perform better. The line has been faced with a rash of injuries to start the year, but the unit should finally be able to benefit from a little stability after another week of practicing together.

With the offensive line opening up lanes for Jerick McKinnon, he should finally be able to eclipse 100 yards against the Eagles’ 18th ranked run defense.

The running game has been the one thing holding the Vikings back from being a complete and balanced team this year, but this will be the week that they get on track, led by improved blocking and the dynamic running of McKinnon.

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