4 changes Vikings must make before the season goes off the rails

After a miraculous run of getting all the way back from starting 1-4 and working to a record of 6-4, the Minnesota Vikings have dropped two in a row.

But, they remain in contention for a playoff berth. There is still plenty of hope, however the Green Bay Packers are gaining on them and things could get real interesting down the stretch.

For the Vikings, help is on the way. Justin Jefferson has been activated and should make his return this week against the Raiders. That return comes at the right time, because Minnesota needs all the help it can get to turn the ship back around.

If Minnesota wants to get back on track and work toward a playoff berth, they have to make some changes, as well. There are a few in particular that should take place.

1. Get Brandon Powell the ball in space

Over the last few weeks, since the absence of Justin Jefferson, wide receiver Brandon Powell has looked real good when given opportunities. He might not be making game-breaking plays, but when he gets the ball in space, he's quick and works up field in a hurry. In his last two games, Powell has catches of 28 and 22 yards on just six total receptions.

The fact Jefferson is returning will alleviate any added attention on Powell, too, which is all the more reason why the Vikings need to get him the ball in space more often. There is going to be a ton of attention on Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson. It wouldn't hurt to let Powell continue to get his opportunities.

2. Re-commit to Alexander Mattison and the run game

Looking back at the recent game against the Bears, it was puzzling to watch the Vikings remain so afraid to run the football in such a close game. It was especially puzzling because of the fact that Alexander Mattison actually looked good -- and that came against one of the league's top run defenses in Chicago.

Mattison only received 10 carries but averaged a healthy 5.2 yards per tote against the Bears. And, in the previous week against an improved Broncos defense, he ran it 18 times for 81 yards; a 4.5 average. It is encouraging to see him start running better as the season has gone on, especially after starting so slow. If he's starting to get hot, give him the rock.

With the return of Justin Jefferson, it is imperative that the Vikings re-commit to Mattison and the run game in order to keep defenses honest. Not that Jefferson needs any pressure removed from him, but opening things up even further is never a bad thing. Get Mattison 14-18 carries per game and make sure those carries are spread out through the game, keeping a healthy dose of the ground game going.

3. Bring Josh Metellus on blitzes more regularly

One of the unsung heroes of this Vikings defense under Brian Flores has been safety Josh Metellus. The 2020 sixth-round pick has blossomed into a stud, and a guy who can really do it all. He's been fairly productive in coverage this year, but where he's shined is when he gets closer to the line of scrimmage.

Metellus isn't afraid of contact and is a willing run defender. But, he's also phenomenal when brought on a blitz. On the season, Metellus has been in on 86 pass rush snaps and has gotten 20 total pressures. That's a rate of 25 percent from a defensive back -- pretty impressive. He's also tallied 2.0 sacks and 29 stops, proving that he is a force around the line of scrimmage.

Looking at the Vikings' upcoming schedule, they get to face two inexperienced quarterbacks in Aidan O'Connell and Jake Browning. O'Connell has been sacked six times in the last three games, while Browning has absorbed nine in the same time span.

With how aggressive Flores can be, it's time to unleash Metellus even more up front. Get that guy up at the line of scrimmage and send him on blitzes more frequently. He's a proven disruptor, and the Vikings need big defensive plays to accompany their inconsistent offense as of late.

4. Let Josh Dobbs throw it downfield more often

Looking at the last four games quarterback Joshua Dobbs has played with the Vikings, you can easily pick out his best outing. It happened to come against the no. 7 passing defense in the league, the New Orleans Saints -- by far the best pass defense he's faced in his time with Minnesota.

During that game, Dobbs threw for 268 yards, one touchdown, no picks, completing nearly 68 percent of his passes and being sacked a season-low (with Minnesota) one time. Interestingly enough, Dobbs also had the highest average yards per attempt at 7.9, and that was also a game played without Justin Jefferson.

With Jefferson returning, the Vikings should look at that game against the Saints and take notes. With Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson all out there, they need to allow him to throw it further down field. One of the ugliest things about the loss against Chicago was that both teams refused to throw it down field. Why wouldn't Minnesota let him throw it? The evidence is there. He can do it, so let him let 'er rip.