Minnesota Vikings: 5 keys against San Francisco 49ers
By Luke Sims
Sep 3, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Titans won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings open the 2015 regular season against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night and it’s going to be the start of a critical period for the Vikings.
With the title window opening for Teddy Bridgewater and company, this game will set the tone for the season
The Vikings enter the game with plenty of opportunities to establish themselves as a true contender in Adrian Peterson’s return after a lost season in 2014. They will be hoping to show dominance against a San Francisco team that has literally been bleeding players all offseason long.
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While this is in no way an easy game for the Vikes, it’s definitely a game that many expect them to win.
The 49ers are entering the game seemingly in turmoil as new head coach Jim Tomsula works to right a ship that is reeling with the departure of former head coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh built a juggernaut over the last few seasons, reaching three conference championships out of four seasons and notching a Super Bowl appearance.
Many people expect the Niners to be able to get back on track under Tomsula’s leadership. Whether he can get them going in Week 1 is up in the air, especially against a formidable opponent like the Minnesota Vikings.
There are five keys to this game that will establish the Vikings not only as winners, but as contenders in the 2015 season. If they can put it all together, then the NFC North and the rest of the NFL will be forced to take notice.
From the top of the roster to the bottom, here’s what to look for out of the Vikings on Monday.
Next: The glorious return of Adrian Peterson