"Last year, we were just OK in the run game, and sometimes not very good," Joseph said. "And, in our division with San Fran being a run-first offense, the Rams being pretty run-first, Seattle being a run-first offense – we had to be better in the run game."
"Our front-seven is a lot better than we were last year at stopping the run game, and that's going to be key to success," he continued. "If we can stop the run, and we can win first downs, then we can dictate second and third down – which obviously, allows us to rush the passer."
The Cards (1-0) did just that last week, allowing Chandler Jones to have a franchise-tying record five sacks.
It isn't as if the Vikings can't pass the ball. Receivers Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson form one of the better duos in the league, and quarterback Kirk Cousins did end up with solid statistics last week (351 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions).
But the Vikings (0-1) not only have to deal with the Cards' attacking pass rush, but also what figures to be a crowd anxious to get loud as they refill State Farm Stadium.
"That was a big aspect that was lacking last season, particularly at home," coach Kliff Kingsbury said. "We have such a great fan base, and the peasantry of the gameday experience is awesome – even being on the road last week, you just felt a different type of energy. So, I can't wait to see what it's like on Sunday."
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