5 keys to victory: Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys in week 13
By Adam Carlson
#3. Don’t become too focused on the run
The first key absolutely stands true. The Minnesota defense should be focusing on stopping Elliott once the ball is in his hands. But using all the team’s resources on that aspect of the game opens up some dangerous options for Dallas.
Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott has proven that he is capable of making throws when asked to do so. Opponents of the Cowboys have tried taking away Elliott and making him throw the football in hopes Dallas’ offense would fall apart.
That hasn’t been the case though. The man Jerry Jones calls “The Daddy” for some reason has put together an impressive rookie season, throwing 18 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions and is on track to throw for over 4,000 yards this year.
The Vikings will need to win the one-on-one battles with the Cowboys receivers, putting strain on the defensive backs and eliminating some bodies what could be used help stop the run. Thankfully, Minnesota has some talented cornerbacks who should be up for this tough task.