• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Oct 22, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) celebrates his sack in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Week 15 Keys to a Vikings Victory

December 16, 2017
Buffalo Completes the Sweep in New England: Patriots Standout Performances in Week 16

A Golden Opportunity Awaits the Super Bowl-Starved Buffalo Bills

January 24, 2021
New England Enemy Profile: Buffalo Bills

Overdue Bills? Allen is the Key to a Buffalo Berth in Super Bowl LV

January 24, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

January 24, 2021
Bills

NFL Betting: Bills Well Represented on Conference Championship Props

January 24, 2021
Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic Ready for ‘Fresh Start’ in Columbus

Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic Ready for ‘Fresh Start’ in Columbus

January 24, 2021
NFC Championship Odds: Packers Maintain Betting Edge Over Visiting Bucs

NFC Championship Odds: Packers Maintain Betting Edge Over Visiting Bucs

January 23, 2021
AFC Championship Odds: Bills Visit Kansas City as Attractive Underdogs

AFC Championship Odds: Bills Visit Kansas City as Attractive Underdogs

January 23, 2021
Detroit Lions Conclude Coaching, Front Office Searches

Detroit Lions Conclude Coaching, Front Office Searches

January 23, 2021
Dolphins Active With Reserve/Future Contracts, Coach Shuffling

Dolphins Active With Reserve/Future Contracts, Coach Shuffling

January 23, 2021
Giants Free-Agency Targets: EDGE Shaquil Barrett

Giants Free-Agency Targets: EDGE Shaquil Barrett

January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron’s Consistency Was His Greatest Asset

Hank Aaron’s Consistency Was His Greatest Asset

January 22, 2021

AFC Championship Preview: Three Keys To Victory

January 22, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Sunday, January 24, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL Game Previews

Week 15 Keys to a Vikings Victory

Sam Smith by Sam Smith
December 16, 2017
in Game Previews, Minnesota Vikings, NFC, NFC North
Reading Time: 4min read
0
Oct 22, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) celebrates his sack in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 22, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) celebrates his sack in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Last week’s loss to Carolina provided viewers with a good look at what makes the Vikings successful. The fact that they failed to follow through with those strengths is the reason they lost. They failed to run effectively, allowed big plays in the run game and did not get consistent pressure. Now they have a perfect opportunity for a bounce-back against a cratering Bengals team.

Here are five keys for the Vikings to get back on track in their quest for the NFC’s top seed.

More FromFPC

Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

January 24, 2021

NFC Championship Odds: Packers Maintain Betting Edge Over Visiting Bucs

January 23, 2021

Detroit Lions Conclude Coaching, Front Office Searches

January 23, 2021

Giants Free-Agency Targets: EDGE Shaquil Barrett

January 22, 2021

Run between the tackles early and often

Cincinnati is missing all three of its starting linebackers. Geno Atkins may be one of the three best defensive tackles in football but even he cannot produce at an elite level without his linebackers. There should be a lot of openings up the middle in the run game for the Vikings and they have to take advantage. Last week, after some early success, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur all but abandoned the running game after halftime. As a result, Minnesota’s play action became ineffective and the Panther line pinned their ears back and came after Case Keenum hard. That should not happen tomorrow.

Exploit the middle of the field

Again, the dearth of starting linebackers for the Bengals means the middle of the field should open in the passing game, as well. Adam Thielen should have a field day out of the slot, as should Stefon Diggs running crossing routes. Kyle Rudolph, who Mike Zimmer ruled out yesterday, has been upgraded to questionable. If he plays, the Bengals are going to have a nigh-impossible task of containing him. Without any starting linebackers, it should be a mismatch every dropback. But even if David Morgan ends up starting, Keenum has to look to exploit the openings in the middle of the field.

Hit Andy Dalton

In 2017, there has been an inverse correlation between how much Andy Dalton is hit and his passer rating. The more sacks he takes, the lower his productivity dives. Minnesota typically has a lethal pass rush, but a week ago, they struggled to make Cam Newton uncomfortable. As a result, Newton was either able to find open receivers on his third and fourth reads or run for big gains. Dalton does not have Newton’s maneuverability so if they make him antsy, they will force bad throws. But Dalton also has the poise and weapons to make plays downfield if kept clean.

Keep Joe Mixon in the first two levels

Edit: Mixon failed concussion protocol and has been downgraded to out. Apply everything below, albeit to a lesser extent, to Gio Bernard.

The Bengals’ offensive struggles against the Bears a week ago were likely in part due to being without their talented rookie running back. Joe Mixon has the slipperiness to get into the second and third level consistently and to make men miss in the open field. As we saw last week, when the Vikings allow backs to get into their third level, it opens up potential for b game-breaking plays. Minnesota’s defense is a stout run-stopping unit in the first two levels but if Mixon gets isolated with a defensive back in the open field, it could be trouble.

Take advantage of good field position

Twice late in last week’s game, the Vikings turned field position: Once on a long return by Marcus Sherels and the other on an Andrew Sendejo interception run-back. Both times, the Vikings went three-and-out and came away with a total of three points. The Bengals are a team that makes mistakes; they are flawed on both sides of the ball. But if the Vikings fail to take advantage of mistakes, this game will end up a lot closer than it should.

  • Fall from Grace for the Once-Proud Minnesota Vikings Defense
  • Vikings at Buccaneers: Preview and Prediction
  • NFL Monday Night Football Odds: Vikings Favored to Claim Rare Win in Chicago
  • Lions Commit Three Turnovers, Get Run Over in Loss to Minnesota
  • Disappointing Vikings Poised for a Second Half Run

–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Vikings and Full Press Coverage NFC North. Like and Follow @samc_smith Follow @fpc_vikingsFollow @fpc_nfcn

Tags: Adam ThielenAFCAndy DaltonCase KeenumKyle RudolphMinnesota VikingsNFCNFL Week 15Stefon Diggsvontaze burfict
Share603Tweet377
Previous Post

Full Press Lions staff picks for Week 15

Next Post

Know Your Enemy: Washington Redskins

Sam Smith

Sam Smith

Next Post
Week 15 Fantasy Football DraftKings Preview

Know Your Enemy: Washington Redskins

Titans Head Back West

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Packers 2021 Mock Draft 1.0

Packers 2021 Mock Draft 1.0

January 1, 2021
Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chicago Bears: Predictions For Week 6 Matchup against Carolina Panthers

October 14, 2020
Love

Cavs-Warriors Discussed Kevin Love Trade

November 14, 2020
Nov 17, 2018; Athens, GA, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen wide receiver Andy Isabella (5) runs past Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Christopher Smith (29) to score a touchdown after catching a pass during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings Mock Draft 3.0: Post-Combine Edition

8
Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

7
LeBron

LeBron, not Michael, is the Greatest of All Time

5
Buffalo Completes the Sweep in New England: Patriots Standout Performances in Week 16

A Golden Opportunity Awaits the Super Bowl-Starved Buffalo Bills

January 24, 2021
New England Enemy Profile: Buffalo Bills

Overdue Bills? Allen is the Key to a Buffalo Berth in Super Bowl LV

January 24, 2021
Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

January 24, 2021

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Yankees acquire Jameson Taillon
    by Full Press Coverage on January 24, 2021 at 6:54 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8481815609.mp3
  • Ep 22: Championship Weekend Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on January 24, 2021 at 1:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8343554021.mp3
  • Ep 60: Conference Championship Weekend/Remembering Hank Aaron
    by Full Press Coverage on January 23, 2021 at 8:20 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2498603921.mp3
  • Ep 47: AJ Lee
    by Full Press Coverage on January 23, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9258885629.mp3
  • Ep 60: R.I.P. Ted Thompson
    by Full Press Coverage on January 22, 2021 at 10:56 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8176794666.mp3
  • Ep #86: Chiefs vs Bills AFC Championship Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on January 22, 2021 at 4:22 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9619884388.mp3
  • Ep. 185 - Just Chatting
    by Talkamania on January 22, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43062341/talkamania_episode_185.mp3
  • Ep.60: Horsemen Business
    by Full Press Coverage on January 22, 2021 at 12:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2752739688.mp3
  • Episode 30: NFL Playoffs, Bears DC Search, Good Vibes on Deshaun Watson? (with Richie Chicago of Shoot Your Shot Sports)
    by Full Press Coverage on January 22, 2021 at 4:53 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9697694193.mp3
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 9:38 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4775422577.mp3

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 47: AJ Lee
    by Evan Gomes on January 23, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • WWE NXT Results, Grades & Opinion: January 20, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 21, 2021 at 5:21 am

    WWE NXT Results: January 20, 2021 A.K.A. Fight Pit 2: Electric Boogaloo Results: Leon Ruff & […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: January 20, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 21, 2021 at 3:53 am

    AEW Dynamite Results: January 20, 2021 A.K.A. The One With -1’s Birthday Results: “Hangman” […]

  • Royal Rumble 2021: Making the Case For Big E
    by Evan Gomes on January 19, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    It is time for Big E to get his own Wrestlemania moment. After striking out on his own brand away […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: January 18, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 19, 2021 at 4:50 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Analysis: January 18, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Alexa Goes Full Fiend […]

More Wrestling News

  • Newest Jets Forward Dubois Already “At Home” in Winnipeg
    by Carter Brooks on January 24, 2021 at 8:05 pm

    Saturday's blockbuster deal featuring the likes of Pierre-Luc Dubois, Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic […]

  • Ovechkin Tops NHL’s 2021 UFA Class
    by Bob Duff on January 24, 2021 at 4:31 pm

    The Capitals Alex Ovechkin tops an impressive free agent class this offseason. The post Ovechkin […]

  • Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic Ready for ‘Fresh Starts’ in Columbus
    by Carter Brooks on January 24, 2021 at 12:32 am

    It was a trade that nearly every armchair GM could have made, and nearly everyone within the cities […]

  • 2021 AHL Schedule Release Breakdown
    by C.C. Hawkley on January 23, 2021 at 7:08 pm

    The AHL released its 2021 regular season schedule on Friday. C.C. Hawkley breaks down the number of […]

  • Blue Jackets Ship Dubois to Jets For Laine and Roslovic in NHL Blockbuster
    by Lyle Richardson on January 23, 2021 at 5:46 pm

    The Pierre-Luc Dubois and Patrik Laine sagas are over as the Blue Jackets and Jets swap disgruntled […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
  • Ep 47: Recapping the Bruins Offseason to this Point
    by Full Press Coverage on October 21, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    Ian and Chris the free agent moves the Bruins have and haven't made as […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/21440275/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F5e55ff65a935458b843f84f596268c6e.m4a
  • Ep 46: NHL Free Agency Wishlist; Krug and Chara's Future; Rask to Stay
    by Full Press Coverage on October 9, 2020 at 8:21 pm

    Ian and Chris recap the Bruins draft and take a look ahead to the start of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/20863092/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F02c7a7b0f8c9979d30155fe48c48dfba.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage