Vikings vs. Panthers: 4 Second-Half Adjustments Minnesota Must Make

After turning their lonely eyes to Christian Ponder last week, the experiment continues as Minnesota faces the Panthers in Carolina. Vikings players may have been looking forward to the warmer weather, but seeing Cam Newton across the line of scrimmage has been a nightmare for NFL defenses so far this season.

Ponder wasn't able to get a win for Minnesota last week, but he did enough good things to bring some hope to a frankly troubled franchise. The Vikings have made it clear Ponder will get a long look this season.

Look at it this way, Vikings fans. Either Ponder is terrible and Minny ends up with Andrew Luck, or he's great and you've got a new franchise QB.

Here are the adjustments Minnesota should make to get back in the win column today.

1. Limit Steve Smith

It's the same every week for Carolina. They look to run the ball, hit their tight ends over the middle and make a few big plays to Steve Smith on the outside. If Minnesota can limit the last part of the equations, it can take away Cam Newton's most explosive weapon. 

The other Carolina receivers shouldn't scare Minny, and Jeremy Shockey no longer has game-breaking athleticism. Minnesota should commit to doubling Smith as often as possible. 

2. Keep the Ball Out of Christian Ponder's Hands

So far, Minnesota has done a fantastic job of play calling in key spots. A direct snap to Percy Harvin for a touchdown? A shovel pass to Adrian Peterson backed up on third and long? Both brilliant.

In order to win this game, Minnesota will need to keep up those tricky calls. The less crucial plays Christian Ponder is forced to make the better.

3. Get to Cam Newton

This game sits on a razor's edge. Carolina has been able to move the ball with ease so far. It's only turnovers that are keeping this game close. 

Minny's only hope to win may be to knock Cam Newton around. He's shown that when he's given time he can pick out his targets for big gains, but under pressure he's fumbled the ball twice.

In the second half, the Vikings should sell out on the blitz. They'll give up more big plays and possibly some Newton scrambles, but forcing more fumbles and interceptions is the only way for them to stay in the game.

4. All Day

Aside from that sweet shovel pass and the touchdown run at the end of the half, Adrian Peterson can't get a rhythm going today, and the Vikings won't be able to compete for long without him.

It's clear Carolina has decided to load up against the run and force Ponder to beat them. Now is the time to work in more screen passes and three step drops to get some easy completions. Once Carolina has moved off the line a little, AP can go back to work.