Detroit Lions: Keys to Beating the Minnesota Vikings

Two down, 14 to go for the Detroit Lions this season.

They've been living up to the hype,but the team has a long way to go. There's plenty of things to improve as they head into Minnesota to face the Vikings.

The upcoming game will be the first NFC North matchup for both sides, as neither team wants to fall to 0-1 within the division.

The Vikings are 0-2 on the season and are in need of a win. After leading 17-0 last week at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Vikings lost, 24-20. Needless to say, the Vikings have something to prove.

The Lions will get their best effort. 

The Lions have a tall order to fill. They haven't won in Minnesota since 1997 when Bobby Ross was the head coach. To do so would be just another monkey off the team's back—Another check off the list. 

Here are five keys to beating the Minnesota Vikings.  

No. 5: Don't Let QB Donovan McNabb Become the Donovan McNabb of Old

So far the jury is out on Donovan McNabb in Minnesota.

After having a horrid game in Week 1, McNabb rebounded with a decent 18-for-30 for 228 yards performance in Week 2. On the season, McNabb is 25-for-45 for 267 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

McNabb has been playing with a chip on his shoulder since he was removed from Philadelphia. He wants nothing more than to prove his naysayers wrong. 

The Lions have to be aware of McNabb in his push to return to prominence. They'll need to rattle the 13-year veteran early and often to remind him that he's past his prime. 

No. 4: Establish the Running Game

Despite putting up a 48-spot on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2, the Lions only rushed the ball for a total of 89 yards.

On the season, leading rusher Jahvid Best is only averaging 3.5 yards/carry. This is something the Lions will have to work on this week in practice. A more balanced approach is necessary if this team if to keep winning football games. 

This isn't an easy task against the Vikings, who have defensive tackle Kevin Williams rejoining the team after his two-game suspension to start the season. Williams is a beast at his position and will be hungry to perform.

The Lions must keep the Vikings defense honest by establishing their running game in order to win on Sunday. 

No. 3: Always Keep an Eye on Percy Harvin

Percy Harvin is one of the most dangerous players in the NFL.

He can do everything on a football field. He proved this in Week 1 when he took the opening kick back for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers. 

Along with his kick return ability, he has nine catches for 83 yards this season. Harvin also has rushed the ball six times for 33 yards.

This is worrisome because the Lions' aggressive defensive line has overcommitted plenty of times in their first two games. Harvin getting loose in the open field on something like an end-around could spell disaster for the Lions on Sunday.  

Getting the defensive line to stay in position should be defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham's main objective this week in practice.

They will have to find a way to halt Harvin from explosive plays. 

No. 2: Keep QB Matthew Stafford Upright

The Lions offensive line has yet to allow a sack this year. It would be best if they can continue this streak on Sunday. 

The Vikings feature a mean defensive line, led by Jared Allen. Combined with the return of defensive tackle Kevin Williams and the sting of last week's loss, the Vikings will come out with a vengeance. 

Now healthy, Stafford is looking worthy of his No.1 overall selection in the 2009 NFL draft. He has Lions fans giddy with excitement of things to come. Keeping him healthy is a must if the franchise is headed towards a dynasty.

Certainly, the aforementioned running game would help keep Stafford off the carpet on Sunday. Look for the offensive line to play their best yet. 

No. 1: Try to Contain Adrian Peterson

Easier said than done, right?

Adrian Peterson is an all-world running back. His 218 rushing yards in just two games is proof. He also has four catches for 27 yards. 

What's scary about Peterson is his yards/carry. Through two games it's 5.3. The Lions are allowing the opposition 4.6 yards/carry thus far and that doesn't bode well for the boys in honolulu blue.

This must change on Sunday if the Lions are to defeat the Vikings. If the Lions defensive line is as good as advertised, they'll prove it by containing Adrian Peterson. "All Day" will inflict some damage, he's too good not to, but the Lions must keep it at a minimum.

By slowing down Adrian Peterson, the Lions will be victorious for the first time in the new millennium.