The Viking Age
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Key players on Thanksgiving: Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions

By Jordan Ison

Nov 13, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) runs with the ball en route to a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) runs with the ball en route to a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions defeated the Vikings 22-16. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions defeated the Vikings 22-16. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Kyle Rudolph

The Vikings have had a hard time getting efficient results from their tight end lately. Kyle Rudolph, for the longest time, was the Vikings’ biggest red zone threat. Anymore, it seems as if he disappears on any play in which he’s not blocking.

Kyle Rudolph is a veteran on this young Vikings team, and his leadership is not in question. His statistics as of late are, though. Whether it’s just Bradford not targeting him or Rudolph’s inability to get open, the tight end has not been efficient lately.

To come out victorious this Thanksgiving, the Vikings need more production from Kyle Rudolph. They need to be able to depend on him when they get to the red zone, instead of having to settle for field goals, which have been iffy all season long. Getting touchdowns during red zone visits instead of field goals could be the difference in this game.

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