The Viking Age
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5 keys to victory: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions in week 12

By Adam Carlson

Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-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 /

#1. RUN THE FOOTBALL

Every single week, this is a theme in these pieces and each week, the Vikings disappoint. Sure, the team seemed more successful than usual on the ground against the Cardinals last week, but they only ended up gaining 72 yards on the ground while averaging 3 yards per carry.

Sadly, 3 yards per carry is better than the team average, but Minnesota will need to get themselves organized on the offensive line and get that mean streak back in order to not be the at the bottom of the statistical category in the NFL.

It is hard to get excited thinking about the Vikings rushing attack, especially since the team recently released running back Ronnie Hillman and will now focus primarily on Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata, who have both been struggling to pick up yards on the ground this season.

There is a chance this could be the week the Vikings get back on track though. Detroit gives up an average of 4.2 yards per carry and Minnesota has been opening up many of the quick passing options, so it is possible…however the Lions have only allowed 4 rushing touchdowns this season, so punching it in might be a challenge.

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