Oakland Raiders: Keys To Victory Over Minnesota Vikings
By Kevin Saito
Nov 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) is congratulated by wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) after catching a touchdown pass against the New York Jets in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Start Fast, Don’t Let Up
The Raiders would do themselves the biggest favor imaginable against the Vikings by getting off to a lightning quick start. The offense is more than capable of putting together some big plays, marching down the field quickly, and scoring.
Oakland comes into the game with the league’s seventh ranked scoring offense, putting up 26.6 points per game. The Vikings are the league’s second ranked defense in points allowed at 17.5 points per game. It’s a fantastic match up of strength versus strength.
But the Raiders have proven they can move the ball and move it quickly. And it would behoove them to put Minnesota on the defensive and in as big of a hole as they can – as early as they can. If Oakland can manage to do to the Vikings what they did against the Chargers and the Jets – which was jump out to a big lead early – they are going to be in a good shape.
The big benefit of putting Minnesota in an early hole is that it will force Minnesota to more or less abandon he run and try to throw their way back into the game. Any time you can get Adrian Peterson off of the field and force Teddy Brigewater to try and beat you, that’s a bet you would take every single time. Peterson can take over games. Bridgewater, as good as he is, hasn’t shown the ability to do that just yet.
Minnesota comes in with the league’s thirtieth ranked passing offense. Bridgewater is averaging just over 208 yards per game and has thrown six touchdowns against six interceptions. He’s good, but he’s not exactly lighting it up. Putting the game in his hands gives Oakland the best shot at winning.
The Raiders are going to want to do themselves a big favor and put the Vikings in a big, early hole – and then keep pouring it on.
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