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Since Mike Zimmer took office, the Vikings have alternated the very good and the disillusionments, approaching the Grail in 2017, without ever touching it. Recently extended and known to be a defensive genius, Zimmer transformed the Purple Squad from 31st in 2013 to Top 5 from 2016 to 2018.
But the 2019 defensive vintage was catastrophic compared to the expectations placed in it. Symbolized by an increasingly visible decline of Xavier Rhodes, the aerial cover of Minnesota has been too often exceeded to hope to play the leading roles. It is therefore no big surprise that Zimmer and Rick Spielman, the general manager, have made the decision to make a major renewal on this side of the pitch.
Last season: 10 wins – 6 losses, second in NFC North, eliminated in the divisional round
Offseason movements
The Vikings have been relying on stability in defense for a few seasons now, and it looks like last year’s results have changed their minds. Half of the holders of last season were forced to pack their bags. Xavier Rhodes and Linval Joseph were released from their contracts, Everson Griffen, Mackensie Alexander and Trae Waynes were not extended.
Also at the end of his contract, Anthony Harris (photo of Une) was tagged following his very good 2019 season. He will therefore have to be one of the new executives.
To compensate, Spielman went to get Anthony Zettel and especially Michael Pierce (35 tackles, 0.5 sack). The latter’s mission was to replace the departure of Linval Joseph who left, literally as well as figuratively, a huge hole in the interior line of the violets. Except Pierce won’t be playing this season. He preferred to give up because of the risks of COVID. The losses on air cover were offset by the draft, with three cornerbacks selected, including Jeff Gladney in the first round.
Finally, it is in the heart of the training camp that the greatest reinforcement arrived, with an exchange mounted to recover Yannick Ngakoue.
In attack, the departure of Stefon Diggs animated the spring. Traded for a first round with the Bills, his absence was immediately compensated by the selection of Justin Jefferson. Josh Kline has also been called on to continue his career elsewhere, and everyone is paying for the poor performance on the offensive line. Note the contract extension of Kirk Cousins, which further reduces Spielman’s room for maneuver on the payroll.
Often struggling with their kicking game, the Vikings seem to have found the solution with Dan Bailey and Britton Colquitt. Both extend the adventure in Minnesota.
Notable arrivals: Michael Pierce (DT), Tajae Sharpe (WR), Anthony Zettel (DE), P.J Hall (DT)
Re-Signatures : Kirk Cousins (QB), Anthony Harris (S), Eric Wilson (LB), C.J Ham (FB), Dan Bailey (K), Britton Colquitt (P)
Draft : Justin Jefferson (WR), Jeff Gladney (CB), Ezra Cleveland (OT), Cameron Dantzler (CB), D.J Wonnum, James Lynch (DT), Troy Dye (LB), Harrison Hand (CB), K.J Osborn (WR), Klake Brandel (OL), Josh Metellus (S)
Notable losses: Everson Griffen (DE), Stefon Diggs (WR), Linval Jospeh (DT), Xavier Rhodes (CB), Josh Kline (OG), Trae Waynes (CB), Mackensie Alexander (CB), Jayron Kearse (S), Laquon Treadwell (WR), Stephen Weatherly (DE)
They gave up the season because of COVID-19: Michael Pierce (DT)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux3ApQEcfgg
Le(s) point(s) fort(s)
Ground play was the franchise’s attack last year. The remarkable performance of Dalvin Cook (250 races, 1135 yards, 13 TDs – 53 rec, 519 yards), whether on the ground or in the air, often allowed to dynamite the opposing defenses. And it is the whole offensive squad that has put itself in tune with its runner. After a difficult start to the year, Kirk Cousins (69.1% of passes completed, 3,603 yards, 26 TDs, 6 int) has greatly benefited from Cook’s performance to sign a statistically solid season.
If uncertainty hangs over the cornerbacks, they can always rely on the pair of safety. Harrison Smith (85 tackles, 3 int) and Anthony Harris (60 tackles, 6 int) form one of the most effective duos in the league. With 6 interceptions in 2019, Harris was formidable.
On the outside of the line, the pass rush promises to be fierce. Danielle Hunter (14.5 sacks) is still impressive and Ifeadi Odenigbo (7 sacks) could reach ten sacks in 2020. The duo turned into a trio with the last minute arrival of Yannick Ngakoue. With 8 sacks last year in Jacksonville, he equaled his lowest total in his career. But completely re-motivated by his move and helped by the presence of Hunter, he could once again post a total of double-digit sacks.
The weak spots)
The problem of the offensive line is beginning to date. Often average, sometimes catastrophic, as against the 49ers in the playoffs, this line has too often proved ineffective in protecting a quarterback not really mobile. If Brian O’Neill is a very solid element, the franchise is entitled to expect more from Garrett Bradbury, selected in the first round in 2018 and struggling during his rookie year. The 2020 season could well be the last in Minnesota for Pat Elflein who, after a good rookie season, seems affected by Matt Kalil syndrome.
Often blamed on Kirk Cousins, Violet’s prime time performance has been historically mediocre since Mike Zimmer took office. Without counting this type of meeting, the Vikings have played 74 games since 2014 for a record of 46-27-1 (62% wins). If we only take the matches in prime time, this record goes to 13-14 (48% of victories). If they ever want to bring a first Super Bowl back to Minnesota, Zimmer’s men are going to have to learn to win against winning teams. One of the problems could be the weakening of the group of recipients. After the departure of Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen (30 rec, 418 yards, 6 TDs in 10 games) is propelled number one. The problem is that there is not a big depth behind him, with the rookie Justin Jefferson and a Tajae Sharpe (25 rec, 329 yards, 4 TDs) who mostly seems to be an additional player. Fortunately, the tight ends Kyler Rudolph (39 rec, 367 yards, 2 TDs) and Irv Smith (36 rec, 311 yards, 2 TDs) are there to lend a hand.
Last negative point and not the least, the Vikings seem to have difficulty keeping the ball for 2 years. Last year, they had the 28th time of possession in the league. By comparison, they were fourth in 2017, the year they failed in the conference final.
X factor (s)
The three most experienced cornerbacks of the 2019 squad are no longer here. They totaled 233 regular season games. Mike Hugues, Holton Hill, and Kris Boyd are the three oldest players in the squad in this role. They total 60 matches. The draft made it possible to strengthen this position, but the lack of experience is likely to be a problem. Luckily for the franchise, the pair of safeties should help a lot, and Mike Zimmer has a reputation for being a miracle worker in this role. There he has a golden opportunity to maintain his legend.
On the defensive line, the absence of Linval Joseph had to be compensated by the arrival of Michael Pierce. Bad luck, the player has asthma. Considered at risk with the Covid, he preferred to ignore the season. If the franchise has publicly supported this logical choice, it does not prevent it from sporting a problem. Thirteenth in run defense in 2019, the Vikings could have a hard time stopping ground attacks.
The player to watch: Eric Kendricks
Erick Kendricks (110 tackles, 12 defended, 0.5 sack) has become over the years one of the defenses of the violets. Since his selection in the second round in 2015, he has always finished top tackle in the franchise.
But his contribution does not stop there. With a very good vision of the game, the linebacker was formidable in cover against the pass. For his sixth NFL season, his experience could be invaluable, in a dramatically rejuvenated squad.
Calendar
Packers, @Colts, Titans, @Texans, @Seahawks, Falcons, Bye, @Packers, Lions, @Bears, Cowboys, Panthers, Jaguars, @Buccaneers, Bears, @Saints, @Lions
The audio preview of the Podcast
In summary
Mike Zimmer has never managed to take the Vikings to the playoffs, two seasons in a row. With the move from 6 to 7 qualifiers, Minnesota has the weapons to get there this year.
On the other hand, it is difficult today to hope to see the end, given the large number of inexperienced players who will play an important role this season.
The prognosis: 9 wins – 7 losses
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