5 keys to victory: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers in week 16

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and forces a fumble in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and forces a fumble in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman T.J. Clemmings (68) against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman T.J. Clemmings (68) against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

#5. Stop it with the dumb penalties

It’s okay to get frustrated sometimes. It happens to the best of people. However, when that frustration results in your football team eating a big penalty and shooting themselves in the foot, it just can’t happen.

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In addition, plays like last week when Linval Joseph went rogue trying to leap the center on a field goal attempt just plain can’t happen. Against a good team like Green Bay, the Vikings can’t give away extra chances for them to put points on the board.

It’s not just the defense either. False starts and illegal hands to the face have become common calls on the Vikings offensive line. When the team is already struggling to move the ball, tacking on a big penalty like that can become overwhelming.

Minnesota will need to be disciplined during this game if they want to win. That means keeping cool, playing smart, and playing within the rules. It sounds simple on the outside, but executing it on the field is a whole different story.

Next: Harrison Smith returns to Vikings practice

What are your keys to victory for the Minnesota Vikings as they take on the Green Bay Packers in week 16? Do you agree or disagree with the keys listed in this article? Leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

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