Minnesota Vikings Preview 2021

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Sep 3

Our Minnesota Vikings preview 2021 notes that in 2017 this team won the division title and in 2019, they were a Wild Card. Last season, the Minnesota Vikings (7-9) finished third in the NFC North and out of the playoffs. A lot of Minnesota’s problems in 2020 had to do with their defense, which was ranked 25th or lower in five-of-seven major categories. The one semi-bright spot was interceptions, as the Vikings nabbed 15. That tied them for seventh in the NFL. Some new guys have been signed to upgrade that side of the ball. But has this franchise done enough to ensure they’ll be competitive in 2021?

Vikings Offense

Veteran Kirk Cousins returns as quarterback. Cousins, who tends to be inconsistent, was overall solid last season, as he threw for 4,265 yards, recording 35 TDs and 13 INTs. He started the season with a 1-5 record and 10 picks. However, after that weak beginning, Cousins found his footing and excelled. Still, the signal caller comes with a high price, and the Vikings must wonder if he’s really worth the $31 million he’ll make in 2021 and the $45 million he’s due in 2022. Third-round draft pick Kellen Mond and veteran Sean Mannion will likely back up. The O-line adds Ohio State draftee Wyatt Davis at guard while solid right tackle Brian O’Neill and center Garrett Bradbury return. Another rookie, Christian Darrisaw, the 23rd pick from Virginia Tech, will likely start. He’ll be at left tackle. Guard Ezra Cleveland played well last season and is back. The line’s been upgraded, which should help Cousins

Also helpful to Cousins is the fact that he has one of the best one-two receivers in the league to pass to. Wideouts Justin Jefferson (88REC, 1,400 YDs, 15.9 AVG, 7 TDs) and Adam Thielen (74 REC, 925 YDs, 12.5 AVG, 14 TDs) can get the job done. Irv Smith Jr. takes over at tight end for the departed Kyle Rudolph. Dual threat running back Dalvin Cook (312 ATT, 1,557 YDs, 5.0 AVG, 16 TDs) is one of the best in the NFL. Second man in Alexander Mattison was solid last season, averaging 4.5 YPA and rushing for 434 yards.

Minnesota Vikings Preview – Defense

Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter missed last season due to neck surgery. It’s hoped this year he’ll be back to his old form. That will help the front four a lot. Stephen Weatherly will likely be at the other end while two free agents, Michael Pierce and Dalvin Thomlinson, take on the tackle spots. Our Minnesota Vikings preview 2021 observes that the linebacking group is the best part of the Minnesota D. OLB Anthony Barr and 2019 All-Pro MLB Eric Kendricks both missed substantial time last season. If they can stay healthy, that will be a huge boost to the Viking defense.

Five-time Pro Bowl strong safety Harrison Smith (5 INTs) did not make the cut last season. He’ll be looking to return to his old form in 2021. Eight-time Pro Bowl corner Patrick Peterson comes to Minnesota from Arizona. He too, like Smith, had an off-2020 season. He joins second-year NFL cornerback Cameron Dantzler. A year of pro experience should help the talented Dantzler improve his performance. Free safety Xavier Woods, who for the past three seasons started at that position for the Cowboys, is a strong upgrade.

Minnesota Vikings Special Teams

The Vikings’ special teams were a shambles last season. Thus, a new special teams coordinator, Ryan Ficken, replaces Marwan Maalouf. Placekicker Greg Joseph takes over for an inconsistent Dan Bailey. However, Joseph has been with six NFL teams in four years. In 2018, he was Cleveland’s kicker for the entire season. Punter Britton Colquitt saw his net average dip from 42.7 to 38.0. In order to stay with Minnesota, he took a pay cut in 2021. Long snapper Andrew DePaola, a seven-year vet, replaced a shaky Austin Cutting midway through last season. DePaola performed well and is back. Who will anchor the return game is anyone’s guess?