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 wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) signals during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) signals during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

#4. Slow down the Arizona offense

A Minnesota Vikings defense that opened the season looking like a dominating force has come back down to earth over recent weeks. The sacks and turnovers haven’t been happening at the same kind of rate as before, and getting back to that form of play would be huge for the team.

However, it won’t be easy to do against the Cardinals. As far as their offense goes, they are #7 in total yards of offense coming into week 11, averaging 382 yards per game. With over 100 of those yards typically coming from the ground, it’s a healthy mix of run and pass.

Even if the Vikings do manage to get Arizona with their back against the wall, there is no guarantee that the Cardinals will struggle. They are #9 in 3rd down percentage at 43% and move the chains well to own the time of possession with 32:59 minutes per game. While some of that is from overtime contests, it still shows they can hold on to the ball for extended drives.

This might be the biggest challenge for the Vikings after struggling to stop much less dynamic offenses in previous weeks.

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