The Viking Age
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Five Keys to Victory: Minnesota Vikings vs Buccaneers in Week 3

By Adam Carlson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 15: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings and Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shake hands after the preseason game on August 15, 2015 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Buccaneers 26-16. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 15: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings and Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shake hands after the preseason game on August 15, 2015 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Buccaneers 26-16. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 11: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball in the second half of the game against the New Orleans Saints on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 11: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball in the second half of the game against the New Orleans Saints on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

#3. Break On Through

Tampa Bay’s rush defense looks amazing through their first game of the season. After a week 1 bye, the Buccaneers crushed the Bears at the line of scrimmage, allowing only 20 yards on 16 carries in the game.

Not only that, but Chicago only picked up one first down on the ground during the entire contest. It is clear that taking away the run is a top priority for Tampa Bay and Minnesota will need to do whatever it can to get going.

This week, rookie running back Dalvin Cook said in interviews that he needs to get off to a faster start in games and that couldn’t be more appropriate of a statement to make than in Week 3 against Tampa Bay. With a solid group of run blocker

With a solid group of run blockers and the possibility of Sam Bradford not being under center, Minnesota will need to lean on their running game to pick up first downs and control the game. If not, this could be a long, long game.

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