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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Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson (92) and defensive end Everson Griffen (97) and defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) force Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) to the ground for a loss in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson (92) and defensive end Everson Griffen (97) and defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) force Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) to the ground for a loss in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

#3. Re-establish the pass rush

There was a time when it looked like the Vikings defense was going to be one of the most feared units in the league. While they are still a very solid unit, there are some areas which dropped off more than others.

A unit that once made the life of Cam Newton miserable and brought down Aaron Rodgers 5 times earlier this season has cooled off in a big way. In fact, the Vikings only have 2 sacks in the last two games, showing some adjustments need to be made.

There are still plenty of talented players on the Vikings roster to get to the quarterback. Everson Griffen, Danielle Hunter, Brian Robison, and the rest of the defensive line will need to get pressure on Carson Palmer, even if they don’t bring him down multiple times.

And this could be a good opportunity to back on track. The Cardinals offensive line has been struggling. They give up the 4th most sacks in the NFL, letting their passer get brought down an average of three times per game.

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