After an ugly home loss to the Buffalo Bills last week, the Minnesota Vikings (1-1-1) can’t allow themselves to go winless for a third straight week in what is starting to look like a very strong and competitive NFC North.
With that in mind here’s a look to three keys to victory in their game against the unbeaten Los Angeles Rams:
1.- Contain running back Todd Gurley: He’s an outstanding and dynamic player that can beat his opponents with the running pass as he can explode through tight holes for large gains. When the opponents bring no penetration and fail to contain Gurley he will have easy runs on his way to very productive days. To avoid this the Vikings will have to get constant penetration to keep him inside and force him to run between the hash marks as he’s at his best when he turns the corner and reaches the outside.
2.- Plan against Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh: The Vikings must stop the Rams aggressive defensive linemen from getting inside to stop the run and pressure quarterback Kirk Cousins. That’s why the Vikings offensive line must step up to allow Minnesota’s backs to get outside and beat them with the run. Running inside against Donald and Suh is almost impossible that’s why the Vikings offensive front must create holes that will allow Minnesota’s ground attack to flourish.
3.- Limit the Rams’ explosive plays: The Rams own a very dynamic and dangerous offense that can create big plays in bunches not only with Gurley both as a ground and passing threat but with Goff using Brandin Cooks as a deep threat. Whether is a play action play or a deep throw the Rams can burn opponents in several ways and the way to prevent this from happening is using an effective pass rush that will force Goff to release the ball earlier and throw it into tight coverage as he feels the pressure. The Rams’ tight ends are not good pass blockers so Minnesota must exploit this to get Goff of his spot, force him outside the pocket and make him throw on the run.
