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Minnesota Vikings Strengths and Weaknesses for 2017 Week 3

By David Harrison

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 1: Xavier Rhodes #29 of the Minnesota Vikings intercepts a pass by Matt Barkley #12 of the Chicago Bears in the first quarter of the game on January 1, 2017 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 1: Xavier Rhodes #29 of the Minnesota Vikings intercepts a pass by Matt Barkley #12 of the Chicago Bears in the first quarter of the game on January 1, 2017 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up before the start of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up before the start of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

KEYS TO THE GAME

So, we’ve identified the biggest strengths and weaknesses for the Minnesota Vikings heading into their Week 3 bash against our beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers. What does it all mean though? How do the Bucs exploit this knowledge?

1. GET OUT OF THE HUDDLE EARLY

I can’t emphasize this enough. Winston’s head works at about 1,000 thoughts per second. He needs time to read the formation, give some hard counts, make some adjustments.

We saw a much smarter quarterback in Week 2 against Chicago, largely due to the fact he had time in the pocket to survey the field.

He’s not getting that this week. The Vikings defense is much better, and much better at getting to the quarterback.

The Bears actually have more sacks to this point, but Minnesota gets there with their front-four much better than Chicago ever will in 2017.

This gives them the ability to keep more in coverage without having to dedicate additional players to rushing Winston. Which in turn, makes his throwing lanes smaller and more congested.

Going on some quick counts, hard counts, and even silent cadences will keep the Vikings defense guessing. It’ll also force them to expose their own schemes from time to time, and give the Buccaneers’ offense a little tip of the defensive cards.

You can’t do all this unless you’re getting out of the huddle fast, so having a solid plan of attack and staying on schedule will be crucial to facilitating this.

Next: Beckwith's Next Opportunity

2. GO NO HUDDLE

Only thing faster than a quick huddle, is no huddle at all.

If there’s a defensive formation Winston is more comfortable working against, and you get the Vikings in that set, keep it.

Go no huddle. Winston works best when he’s not over-thinking and overdoing himself.

Lining him up against the same front for multiple plays while the defense is forced to keep the same package on the field is an amazing benefit, and can really help slow down such an aggressive defense.

3. DON’T RUSH TO FAILURE

Dalvin Cook is a talented back, and if linebackers and safeties get too excited to support the run, then he’s going to find all kinds of daylight to run through.

Playing disciplined, yet hard-hitting defense at the second and third levels is going to be crucial to forcing the Vikings into a pass-first mentality.

I don’t think Minnesota will abandon the run as quickly this week as they did in the last one. If the Buccaneers can gain an early lead, it’s going to take three scored I believe before the Vikings bail on the run.

This means more Cook than the twelve carries he got against the Steelers.

The rookie is averaging more than five yards per carry so far, and it’s because he knows how to take advantage of lanes.

Gap and edge discipline may be the third key here, but it’s going to be a huge one come Sunday.

This wrap up my look at the Vikings strengths and weaknesses heading into Week 3 against the Buccaneers. What do you think of them, and what else do see being big factors in this next Bucs victory?

Comment, find me on Facebook, Twitter, or email me at walkingtheplankpodcast@gmail.com to discuss this or anything Buccaneers and fantasy football related.

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