Minnesota Vikings

5 keys to victory: Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars in week 14

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:27 p.m. ET

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What are the 5 most important things the Minnesota Vikings will need to do in order to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 14 of the 2016 NFL season?

It has reached do or die time for the Minnesota Vikings. After suffering a crushing loss to the Dallas Cowboys in week 13, the team is desperate for a big win to keep them in contention for the playoffs.

Their opponent in week 14 is a struggling Jacksonville Jaguars team in Florida. They have only been able to get two wins while struggling to protect the ball or take it away from their opponents.

On paper, this should be a game that heavily favors the Vikings. However, every game in the NFL is always up in the air until the final moments tick off the game clock and a W or an L are given to the teams.

So, what do the Minnesota Vikings need to do in order to go on the road and defeat the Jaguars? Check out the 5 biggest keys to getting a win, starting with trying taking advantage of opportunities.

Dec 4, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws a pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

#1. Take advantage of Jacksonville’s gambles

There is a lot to like about Blake Bortles. He’s a big quarterback with a big arm who can make throws all over the field. However, the one big knock on the Jacksonville’s passer is that he can be a bit of a gambler.

Having a strong arm and a lot of confidence can be both a blessing and a curse. This season, it has resulted in 15 interceptions in just 12 games with 4 being returned by the defense for touchdowns.

Bortles will take more of those shots during this game. It will be up to the Vikings pass rush to pressure him into being off target and the secondary to make big plays on the football in when it is thrown.

And knowing the Vikings defense, their opportunity to get some points on the board to take pressure off the struggling offense could be a huge benefit to the team’s attempt to stay in the hunt in the NFC.

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) hands the ball off to running back Matt Asiata (44) in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

#2. Run the football

Every week, this will continue to be a part of the Vikings keys to success until they effectively manage to get a real ground game going and can use that to open up the passing game down the field.

The last couple of weeks have been encouraging on this front. Minnesota has gained around 80 yards per game in each of the last two contests, giving hope that there might be a 100 yard rushing performance in the future.

That won’t be easy against Jacksonville though. The Jaguars are in the top half of the NFL when it comes to stopping the run since they are only giving up 4 yards per carry. However, they have allowed 14 rushing touchdowns this year as well as 115.6 yards per game, so there is a chance this could be the week!

A healthy Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata are key for this to happen. Also, the offensive line will need to get a solid push…which hasn’t been their strong suit lately. But I’ve got a good feeling about week 14!

Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive back Marcus Sherels (35) fields a kick in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

#3. Clean up special teams

If not for errors on special teams, the Vikings would have put the Dallas Cowboys in a really tough spot last week. Two fumbles on returns showed that even teams with usually solid units can struggle at times.

With the return of Mike Zimmer as the head coach, special teams coach Mike Priefer can return to his regular duties. This should help with organizational and structural preparedness and execution before and during the game.

Also, the importance of punt returner Marcus Sherels was highlighted last week. He missed time due to a rib injury and in his absence the Vikings special teams return units struggled in a big way.

Thankfully, things look to be getting back on track for Minnesota. With the return of Priefer to special teams and Sherels on track to play against Jacksonville, there is reason to believe the team will be back on track.

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) passes in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

#4. Be efficient in the passing game

Jacksonville is a pretty generous team when it comes to pass defense. They are 21st in the league in opponent completion percentage and allow a passer rating of 92.2 to opposing quarterbacks.

However, teams are getting a lot of success against the Jaguars in the short passing game. Allowing 6.4 yards per completion puts them at 3rd in the NFL and 2nd in the league when it comes to passing yards per game.

This should all play right into the hands of the Vikings, whose offense is built on getting the ball out fast to pick up yards after the catch and help to cover up for a struggling offensive line when it comes to pass protection.

Minnesota should be able to control the clock by picking up first downs and their defense should do a solid job of keeping Jacksonville off the field. This should be a game heavily dominated when it comes to holding on to the football.

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) catches a touchdown pass past Green Bay Packers cornerback Damarious Randall (23) in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

#5. Take some chances

Here is something that sounds contradictory, but is just the next step in the Vikings offense. While moving the ball efficiently and establishing the run will keep the score low and give Minnesota a great chance of winning, the team needs to take the next step.