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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Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) throws during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) throws during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

#3 Be efficient on offense

Fans love to see big plays in today’s NFL. It is fun to watch the ball sail for what feels like miles in the air before landing in a receiver’s hands or seeing a huge run broken off with missed tackles everywhere.

While the big plays may appear for the Vikings on Thursday, the team shouldn’t be building around them in hopes for offensive success. Instead, the Vikings should look to quick passes and picking up first downs to establish their offense.

This can be achieved by opening up some run plays with screens, slants, curls, and other short passes. With Bradford having little time under center, these kinds of plays help out the offensive line as well.

That doesn’t mean a home run play won’t happen. Considering the elusiveness, speed, and acceleration of many members of the Vikings, these routine plays can become big yardage situations without risking a turnover or wasting a play.

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