Fansided

Five reasons the Minnesota Vikings will win Super Bowl 50

By Patrick Morgan

Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) walks from the field following the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Minnesota won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) walks from the field following the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Minnesota won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) tries to break a tackle by Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis (72) in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) tries to break a tackle by Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis (72) in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Stifling young defense

If Zimmer is the master architect behind the Vikings’ success, his defense is the crown jewel of the purple-and-gold blueprint.

From top to bottom, the defensive roster is brimming with talented playmakers, nearly all of whom are below the age of 30. Safety Harrison Smith is 26, defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd is 24, linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks are both 23 … these players are true difference-makers on the gridiron every Sunday, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.

As a result, the Vikings sport the fifth-best defense in the league in terms of points allowed, and the second highest in their conference behind the Seahawks. It’s an impressive achievement considering how woebegone this unit was just two short years ago.

The cliche of “defense wins championships” will always ring true in some capacity, and if the Vikings are going to take home the Lombardi Trophy, the defense will be a big reason for that.

Next: 1. Adrian Peterson

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