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Minnesota Vikings vs. Dallas Cowboys Keys to the Game

By Paul Bellesen

Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) celebrates with defensive end Everson Griffen (97) and defensive tackle Tom Johnson (92) during the fourth quarter 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 defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) celebrates with defensive end Everson Griffen (97) and defensive tackle Tom Johnson (92) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the hottest team in the NFL coming to town tomorrow, the Minnesota Vikings has a few keys to the game that could help them win.

Early in the year, this matchup looked like it would be a great game. Things have changed a little bit since then, but this game has the potential to still be a great game in front of a national television audience. The Minnesota Vikings will look to get back on the right track tomorrow night.

This season, Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott has seen very little blitz. That is due to teams preparing for his ability to scramble.

If the Vikings can score early, the Viking defense will be able to pin their ears back and rush the rookie quarterback. This will be one of the keys to the game.

Another key will be to stop the run. With the best offensive line in the league, and a prominent rookie workhorse running back in Ezekiel Elliot, the Cowboys have used the rushing game as their top weapon this season.

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This keeps the pressure of Dak, and their defense off the field and staying fresh when they do go in. This also keeps the opposing defense on the field longer, tiring them out in the end of game situations.

Next, the Vikings need to get Stefon Diggs, or whoever is open, involved early and often. Bradford was calling for more explosive plays earlier this week. That will take better blocking from the front line, and those plays could have a chance to develop.

Last week, on the final Vikings offensive play, rookie Laquon Treadwell was wide open deep on the play in which Bradford threw an interception. If Bradford would have stepped up in the pocket, there could have been a chance for a game sealing play.

Lastly, Xavier Rhodes needs to get in Dez Bryant’s head. Bryant has been known to be one that is highly emotional and occasionally looses his head, in example last week’s matchup with Josh Norman.

Rhodes has been able to do this this season. He has shut down top wide receivers and has the mouth to get inside their heads, in example Odell Beckham Jr. This could be one way to limit the effectiveness of Bryant.

Next: Minnesota Vikings Playoff Scenarios

This game will be important for the Vikings, and they try to right the ship and take back the NFC North division. They are now 2 games back, due to the tiebreaker with Detroit, so there is a lot of work to be done.

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