The NFL is back, and Sportsnet is breaking down everything you need to know about each of the 32 teams—including why you should or shouldn’t be rooting for them this season—in the month leading up to kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 8. Today, the Minnesota Vikings.
Last year’s record: 11-5
Head Coach: Mike Zimmer
Core players: Teddy Bridgewater (QB), Adrian Peterson (RB), Chad Greenway (LB), Stephon Diggs (WR)
2016 is about… Teddy Bridgewater growing as a quarterback and feeling confident enough to push the ball downfield. Last year he completed only two passes over 30 yards all season, and had the fewest passing TDs of any quarterback who started 16 games. Further, Bridgewater’s 14 TDs to nine interceptions is not a ratio that allows you to win big in the NFL.
Offensive coordinator Norv Turner loves to set up his play-action pass game with a strong running game. That’s what he did in Dallas with Emmitt Smith and in San Diego with Ladainian Tomlinson. However, despite the presence of Adrian Peterson, Minnesota’s passing offence was just 31st in the NFL last year. Much too low considering defences scheme to take away Peterson and stack the box. Bridgewater has to learn to leverage that fact and take full advantage of it passing down the field when safeties creep too close to the line of scrimmage.
They lost… Not much of consequence. The most high-profile departure was receiver Mike Wallace, who the Vikings cut in March partly as a money-saving move. Wallace had just 39 receptions for 473 yards and two TDs in 2016, his only season in Minnesota.
The team also lost strong safety Robert Blanton to free agency—he signed with Buffalo—and tackle Phil Loadholt to retirement. That said, Loadholt missed the entire 2015 season due to a torn Achilles.
But they got… The biggest addition is the biggest man they signed, Alex Boone, who will fortify the offensive line in pass protection and add to an already strong run game. Former first-round pick Andre Smith was also brought in to increase the talent level of the offensive line. Laquon Treadwell was the best receiver in the NCAA last year and drafting him will both help replace Wallace and give Teddy Bridgewater another big target down the field.
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Growing from within: Stephon Diggs was a rookie sensation and fantasy sleeper last year. The fifth-round pick out of Maryland started the season slow but finished strong with 52 receptions for 720 yards and four TDs. He’ll benefit from improved weapons on the opposite side of him in the receiving core.
Matt Kalil had a bounceback year in 2016, overcoming some nagging injuries. If he continues along the same path, he could live up to the lofty expectations that were set for him after his great rookie season.
Why this team? Their defence is scary good. Mike Zimmer’s unit gave up just 18.9 points per game, good for fifth in the NFL. They got after the QB to the tune of 43 sacks, which was tied for seventh. The Vikings boast arguably the best front seven in football. The improved depth on the offensive line, and the addition of a potential No. 1 receiver increases their overall talent level.
Why not? The defence and special teams contributed six TDs last year, which tied them for second in the league. That will be hard to duplicate. The defence isn’t without flaws, either, as Andrew Sendejo and Michael Griffin are weak links at strong safety. Also, because they finished first in the NFC North last year they have the toughest schedule and have to play other division winners in the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers. The final nail: Adrian Peterson played all 16 games last year. What are the chances he remains healthy every Sunday this year? Not something I’d be willing to bet on.
How much hope? 7/10. The Vikings won the division last year, and Mike Zimmer has proven as a good coach worthy of a contract extension. Peterson is still in his prime but won’t be for much longer. They’ll be a tough team to play, especially in their new home, the state of the art US Bank stadium. A playoff spot is a realistic goal, but they shouldn’t be planning any Super Bowl parades anytime soon.