Minnesota Vikings: 4 steps to beating the Chargers

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Sep 20, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated San Diego 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

4) Limit Philip Rivers

Despite Philip Rivers’ early struggles in games, he has still posted some decent outings. The Minnesota Vikings need to get to him to hassle him early and shut him down.

Even the best quarterbacks in the league can struggle against pressure, though Rivers has been doing quite well. Rivers has been stellar against pressure so far this season (tops in PFF’s rankings) even though he has had the second shortest amount of time in the pocket on average at just 2.24 seconds.

Fortunately, I the Vikings have key players like Brian Robison (second best graded 4-3 defensive end according to PFF) and company to harass Rivers.

But it won’t be only about harassment. Rivers also has to be limited by the defensive secondary. Trae Waynes is fired up already and guys like Harrison Smith and Xavier Rhodes have got to be salivating at the possibility of picking off Rivers (three interceptions already in 2015).

The Vikings have a unique combination of strong pass rushing and solid coverage. Many of the other teams in the league don’t have the same balance that the Vikings have on defense. The combination should be enough to limit Rivers, but they can’t rely on just coverage or just rushing the passer. Rivers is too good for that.

Next: Teddy Bridgewater complements Adrian Peterson perfectly

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