Minnesota Vikings: 5 keys against San Francisco 49ers

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Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) runs after an interception in the second half of their game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Bears won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

5) The Minnesota Vikings must create turnovers

The best teams in the NFL are gifted at creating turnovers. It demoralizes the opponent and gives momentum to the entire team.

The Minnesota Vikings are among the better teams in the NFL, but establishing themselves a turnover threat with the defense on the field will go a long way toward pushing to the playoffs and beyond.

Kaepernick only tossed 10 picks in 2014 and had eight fumbles as a ball carrier in 2014. Similarly, Carlos Hyde fumbled just once in 2014 and Reggie Bush had just one playing for the Detroit Lions in 2014.

It will be a tough unit to create turnovers against. The Vikings managed to notch 13 picks (18th in the NFL) in 2014 and cause just nine fumbles.

It’s a clear area to improve in for the Minnesota Vikings. If they can begin to create turnovers, then they will truly start to cement themselves as one of the great teams in the modern NFL.

If there’s a spot where I’m not certain the Vikings can succeed in these keys to their Week 1 matchup, it’s this one. While I am confident in the ability to the defense (especially at linebacker and in the secondary) they have not been stellar at creating opportunities for their offense. Free safety Harrison Smith leads a unit that needs to step up in this aspect.

Hopefully we’ll see an improvement as the 2015 season begins.

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