The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions: 5 keys to victory in week 9

By Adam Carlson

Oct 25, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) gets sacked by Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) during the third quarter at Ford Field. Vikings win 28-19. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) gets sacked by Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) during the third quarter at Ford Field. Vikings win 28-19. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) and running back Matt Asiata (44) run onto the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) and running back Matt Asiata (44) run onto the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Establish the run

Every single week one of these ‘5 keys to success’ articles come out, this is one of the points. And it will continue to be a point until the Vikings stop being an absolute embarrassment in the running game.

Minnesota is currently averaging 2.7 yards per carry, which is the absolute worst in the NFL. Not only that, but they’re a full half yard per carry behind the second worst team, making the competition not even close for who the most dismal team on the ground is. Add in that they have the fewest first downs in the league while running, and you have an absolute mess.

Thankfully, Detroit is struggling a bit against the run. Tied for 21st in the league and giving up an average of 4.4 yards per carry, the Lions appear to be susceptible in that area until it is realized that they have only allowed 3 rushing touchdowns this season.

Establishing the run will be important even if the Vikings need to finish their drives through the air, but getting to the red zone will likely rely on the ability to move the ball on the ground on a more regular basis.

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