The Viking Age
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5 keys to victory: Minnesota Vikings vs Arizona Cardinals

By Adam Carlson

Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) against the Minnesota Vikings at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) against the Minnesota Vikings at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) dodges a tackle by San Francisco 49ers safety Antoine Bethea (41) en route to a touchdown in the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) dodges a tackle by San Francisco 49ers safety Antoine Bethea (41) en route to a touchdown in the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

#2. Contain David Johnson

One of the best stories of the year is the great play of David Johnson. The Cardinals running back is having an excellent season, rushing for 760 yards and running in 9 touchdowns this year. That is the kind of production the Vikings could only dream of from their backfield right now.

But David Johnson is more than just a runner. He’s a huge threat to catch passes out of the backfield as well. So far, he has 40 receptions for 453 yards and has found the endzone that way as well.

A dual threat player like Johnson always presents a big challenge. The Vikings have struggled to deal with dynamic individual like this in the past, giving up big games to Theo Riddick and Jordan Howard this year as well as some decent games from other backs.

Disciplined defense and solid tackling will keep Johnson from having a massive day. And with head coach mike Zimmer talking about how he is ready to make this team get back to their winning ways, this will surely be stressed going forward.

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