Vikings vs. Packers: Halftime Observations for the Vikings

There aren't many things better than watching a divisional matchup on Monday Night Football. It's even better when you get to see your rookie quarterback start to blossom into a franchise signal-caller. Christian Ponder has already exceeded expectations in his first two career NFL starts, nearly upsetting the Packers in Week 7 and outperforming Cam Newton for the win in Week 8.

Ponder hasn't made all the right decisions, but the rest of the offense isn't making it easy for him. Let's take a look at a few keys for the Vikings getting back into this game in the second half. 

Contain A-Rod

Aaron Rodgers has been virtually unstoppable this season. If you can't stop him, you at least have to contain him.

Rodgers is already on pace for his third 300-yard game, but the Vikings defense has to do a better job at limiting the damage. Aaron is going to move the ball, but the Vikes need to step up on every third down and force the Pack to use their kickers. 

Play to Your Strengths

Ponder doesn't have an elite downfield throw, unless he just has failed to show it yet. I like the creativity the Vikes showed in the flea flicker, but I don't like a young rookie forcing a throw that did not seem like it was there at all.

The Vikings need to play to their strengths with the young quarterback. He has excelled in the short pass game along with the screen game. The Vikings have a lot of weapons, it's just about utilizing all their options. 

Mental Edge

The minute you feel you can't win a game is the minute you lose. There have been a lot of second-half comebacks in the NFL this year, so the Vikings can't be willing to admit defeat, especially against a division opponent.