Minnesota Vikings

5 questions behind enemy lines: Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Take a look behind enemy lines as FanSided’s Jacksonville Jaguars site Black and Teal gives Minnesota Vikings fans a peek into the big week 14 matchup.

The Minnesota Vikings are looking to keep their divisional and playoff hopes alive in week 14 of the NFL season when they travel to Florida to take on a struggling Jacksonville Jaguars football team.

This game will be big for several reasons. There could be several Jaguars coaches and players fighting to keep their positions after such a dismal year. Meanwhile, the margin of error for the Vikings to get in the postseason keeps getting smaller and smaller.

Because of this, The Viking Age took a look behind enemy lines by getting the inside scoop on what is going on with Jacksonville by asking Daniel Lago of FanSided’s Black & Teal website 5 questions about the teams and the upcoming game.

Thankfully, Mr. Lago took the time to answer some questions about Jacksonville. Here are his answers along with a little analysis on them to prepare for the Sunday, December 11, 2016 contest:

Dec 4, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley reacts after a play in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

1. What is the primary reason the Jacksonville Jaguars season is falling apart this season?

“The season was doomed before it began when the front office decided to retain head coach Gus Bradley. It was trumpeted as a show of faith and patience, but it was clear in 2015 that Gus Bradley is not cut out to be a head coach. He’s affirmed that sentiment this year, as he’s established himself as statistically the worst head coach in the history of the NFL. He just hasn’t prepared the team well enough week in and week out, and he’s been atrocious in terms of game management.

The TVA Take

The Vikings know just how devastating it can be to have a coach and quarterback combo that just aren’t right for the team. Thankfully, that appears to have ended with the hiring of Mike Zimmer and the interesting quarterback situation between Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Bradford. For the Jaguars sake, hopefully they don’t keep holding on to hope for too long.Next: #2. Wait...who is THAT guy?

Nov 27, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Marqise Lee (11) against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Buffalo beats Jacksonville 28 to 21. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

2. Who is one player on each of offense, defense, and special teams for Jacksonville that Vikings fans may not know, but should?

“Offensively, Vikings fans may not be up to speed on Marqise Lee. He was a big name a few years ago after being drafted in the 2nd round, but he’s fallen by the wayside thanks to nagging injuries. He’s finally healthy this year and he’s been the most consistent receiver on the team. He’s bailed out Bortles a few times and he’s showcased the speed that made him a highly touted prospect. Defensively, keep your eye on 3rd round pick Yannick Ngakoue. The focus was on Dante Fowler Jr. this year after missing his entire rookie season with a torn ACL, but Ngakoue has outshined the former first round pick and he currently sits 2nd among rookies with 6 sacks, and his 3 forced fumbles are the most among rookie pass rushers.On special teams, I wouldn’t really worry about anyone. Maybe look for first round pick Jalen Ramsey – he’s levied a few big hits on punt returns this year.”

The TVA Take

There was a lot of potential in Lee coming out of college. He looked to be a fantastic possession receiver with the ability to make some big plays when called upon. Meanwhile, Ngakoue isn’t even close to a household name, but will be intriguing to keep an eye on. Finally, Ramsey is an explosive player any return man needs to keep their eyes open for.

Dec 4, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) warms up prior to a game against the Denver Broncos at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

3. What is the most important thing Jacksonville will need to execute from their game plan in order to win this game?

“This one is easy – don’t turn the ball over. The strategy to beat the Jaguars has been comically simple this year – play it safe offensively and wait for Blake Bortles to turn the ball over. Bortles has obliged to the tune of 15 interceptions, with 4 of those returned for touchdowns. For the Jaguars to have any chance this week, Bortles has to protect the football and stop digging the team into holes they can’t dig out of. With the Vikings offense struggling as well, the Jaguars should try to keep this a low-scoring, field-position affair.”

The TVA Take

One of my major criticisms of Bortles, even through college, was that he takes a lot of chances. Making big plays is great, but gambling with possession of the football is something that should only be done in calculated situations. He has many of the tools to succeed in the NFL, but needs to get better when it comes to limiting turnovers.

Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) looks on against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

4. If you could take one player from the Vikings to put on the Jaguars, who would you choose?

“There are plenty of guys I would love to have, but I’d have to go with Harrison Smith. Johnathan Cyprien has been better this year, but he’s still been a massive disappointment and he’s perennially been one of the worst tacklers in the league. He’s also horrendous in coverage. Smith paired with Tashaun Gipson in the back-end would give the Jaguars a solid coverage duo at the safety position.”

The TVA Take

Even with Harrison Smith out right now due to injury, that’s one heck of a choice. Smith is such a versatile safety that he could do just about anything the Jaguars asked him to do. Plus, there would be a LOT of sad Vikings fans if something like this were to ever happen.Next: #5. Who is going to win?

Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings celebrate during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

5. What is your prediction for the game?

“It’s hard to envision the Jaguars winning this game. They’ve played worse teams than the Vikings and lost soundly. The Vikings defense is very good and should take advantage of a questionable Jacksonville offensive line and a quarterback stuck in a historically bad slump. I think the Vikings get a special teams or defensive touchdown and coast to a rather easy victory, without having to put too much on Bradford and the offense. Vikings 20 – Jaguars 9”

The TVA Take

Huge thanks go out to Daniel Lago of FanSided’s Black & Teal website. To check out the 5 questions asked about the Vikings, be sure to see their feature titled Keep Your Enemy Close. And don’t miss the game between the Jaguars and Vikings on December 11, 2016!