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NFL playoffs 2016: Contenders in trouble

By Russell S. Baxter

Nov 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Tennessee Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 47-25. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Tennessee Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 47-25. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Jake Long (72) lays on the ground after suffering an apparent leg injury against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. The Washington Redskins won 26 – 20. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Jake Long (72) lays on the ground after suffering an apparent leg injury against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. The Washington Redskins won 26 – 20. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Vikings (5-4)

Despite some early devastating injuries, head coach Mike Zimmer had the Purple Gang headed in the right direction. The Minnesota Vikings opened with five straight wins and were the last NFL team to lose a game this season. Now this group suddenly can’t find a way to post a victory, losers of four consecutive outings.

What’s Right: Minnesota’s defense is a Top 10 unit across the board. The team is allowing the third-fewest yards per game in the league. The Vikings have given up 14 offensive touchdowns to date. The defensive front is largely responsible for the club’s 22 sacks. Zimmer’s squad has also forced 18 turnovers, just four fewer than all of 2016. And this unit as well as the special teams have scored four touchdowns of their own this season.

What’s Wrong: The lack of firepower on offense is catching up up to this team. The club has scored a combined 56 points during its current four-game skid. No team in the NFL has managed fewer total yards (302.3) and rushing yards (69.8) per contest. There are currently 10 players in the league that have gained more yards on the ground than Minnesota’s total of 628.

Of course, these Vikings were not an offensive juggernaut even with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Adrian Peterson healthy. And it’s somewhat interesting to note that second-year wide receiver Stefon Diggs has caught exactly 13 passes each of the last two games – without scoring a touchdown. And the lack of a reliable offensive attack is slowly but surely taking its toll on a defense that has started to show some vulnerability to the run.

Next: Freefall in the Steel City

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