Minnesota Vikings: 4 steps to beating the Chargers
By Luke Sims
Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Charles Johnson (12) catches a pass against the Chicago Bears in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
2) Convert third downs
Another clear difference between weeks 1 and 2 for the Minnesota Vikings is in third down conversions.
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In Week 1, the Vikings only converted one of nine third downs. In Week 2, the Vikings managed to convert seven of 14. That’s a significant improvement and helped the team from stalling on offense.
In the NFL it is critical to keep the pressure on the defense. Three and outs are not going to keep that pressure on the defense. It is much better to be concerned over long drive not coming away with scores than it is to not have drives getting started. Not converting third downs is a good way for the latter to occur.
Now, hopefully we see the Vikings convert third down to avoid three and out and also to keep long drives going. Blair Walsh’s inconsistencies are still a concern and settling for field goals does not give the team an overwhelming edge.
Whether the Vikings choose to feed Adrian Peterson (see slide one) or not, passing or running for first downs must be a priority. Plays that don’t get get the offense past the marker are not very helpful in this endeavor and offensive coordinator Norv Turner has to implement plays that can feasibly get past the marker.