The divisional matchups keep coming for the Minnesota Vikings, as last week they lost to the Chicago Bears at home 19-17. This week, they travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers. Minnesota has been a very tough out on the road this year, going 3-2 away from US Bank Stadium, but can they sneak into enemy territory and steal a crucial division win? To preview Sunday’s game, here are three positional battles to keep track of.
Position Battle #1: Vikings Pass Rush versus Jordan Love
Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores loves to turn up the heat and blitz on passing downs. If Minnesota wants to have a shot at stealing a win on the road this Sunday, Flores is going to have to put on a masterclass in the art of pressure to get Jordan Love off balance. Love tends to be inaccurate under pressure, which can lead to turnovers. Nabbing a turnover or two could turn the tide of this game for the Vikings.
Position Battle #2: Vikings Tackles versus Packers EDGE rushers
It’s no secret that quarterback J.J. McCarthy has struggled mightily since coming back from injury, but over the last two weeks, he has shown elusiveness in the pocket, only being sacked one time during this span. However, he is going against one of the best EDGE duos in the NFL in Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary. Parsons and Gary have combined for 15.5 sacks on the year and are going to look to make life miserable for McCarthy. Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill have their hands full this week, but this tackle tandem is also very good in its own right.
Position Battle #3: Vikings Secondary versus Packers Receivers
The Green Bay Packers’ wide receiver room is both a blessing and a curse. While it is clear they do not have a bonadife WR1 on the roster, they have a litany of guys who can explode during a game. This is a weaker Vikings secondary that might be stretched thin by a deep receiver room. If the pass rush can get home for Minnesota, it’s less time these receivers have to get into space and cause trouble. But if the pass rush struggles, any one of these Packers could have a monster day.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings position battles heading into week 12 against the Packers
