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Minnesota Vikings Week 2 preview at Pittsburgh Steelers

By Justin Ekstrom

CANTON, OH - AUGUST 9: Stefon Diggs
CANTON, OH - AUGUST 9: Stefon Diggs /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Everson Griffen (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Everson Griffen (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Essentials to Victory

The Vikings’ offense had themselves one heck of a first game. Essentially, they have to duplicate that; minus the penalties. The Steelers’ 3-4 defense is meant to disrupt offensive attacks; hence the seven sacks. A large majority of the sacks were due to coverage being tight downfield. The great equalizer needs to be tight end, Kyle Rudolph. Rudolph can soften up the middle of the defense and make it easier for Adan Thielen and Stefon Diggs to operate.

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Vikings News: Minnesota makes a QB decision for Week 15 vs. the Bengals
Vikings News: Minnesota makes a QB decision for Week 15 vs. the Bengals /

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    • Defensively, the Vikings need more pressure up-the-middle. Linval Joseph and Tom Johnson were amazing up front against the run versus the Saints. hey will now be going against an offensive line that is one of the best in the business. In order for the defense to stifle Roethlisberger and Le’Veon Bell, Joseph and Johnson need to win their battle up front.

    Downfalls to Avoid

    Much like the Vikings, the Steelers are built to have a lead. Once the offense is up by two scores or more, the defense can pin their ears back and rush the quarterback. Certainly one of the biggest downfalls to avoid is being down big early. Although they performed well, I’m not so sure the offensive line would be ready for the full force of the Steel Curtain with a lead.

    This game should be close; special teams should play a large role. If the Vikings give up field position to a great offense like the Steelers, this game could get ugly. Certainly giving up a return for a touchdown has got to be number-one on the do not do list.

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