NFL
By Steve Rogers
As usual, the NFL talk has begun, and as usual, the Minnesota Vikings are flying under the radar. Well, here’s where those who are under the impression the Vikings aren’t worthy of being considered a contender will find themselves having nightmares over how they missed them coming completely. Firstly, this somehow underrated, highly potent offense returns almost unchanged from a year ago. The difference now is a completely new pass-happy offense. They are masterminded by the new Head Coach Kevin O’Connell. The same O’Connell who just won a Super Bowl with the Rams as the offensive coordinator. Also, O’Connell had previously coached QB Kirk Cousins when they were both in Washington.
Speaking of Cousins, who continues to consistently high-caliber numbers yearly. Like how bout the fact in a RUN-first offense the last two years, he’s put up over 4000 yards. Matthew Stafford threw for 4886 yards last year in this offense. I see no reason Kirk can’t or won’t throw for at least that. He has Super Star Justin Jefferson, who is hungry to get over 1500 yards this year. Then he has All-Pro Veteran Adam Thielen, who since the start of 2020 has snagged 27 of 32 passes to come his way inside the Red Zone. Good for the highest percentage of any receiver (per Pro-Football Ref). Since 2020 Thielen has hauled in 24 TDs of those, 20 have been in the Red Zone, second to only DeVante Adams. K.J. Osborn sealed the deal on the third receiver spot and looks primed to break out this year.
Now they won’t be abandoning the run altogether as they still have one of the best RBs in the game in Dalvin Cook. Who wants to prove he is and can be a bell-cow type lead back. A solid backup in Alexander Mattison, which creates a pretty dynamic one-two punch at running back. Maybe even a top ten duo? Little known fact Cook actually caught the ball well in college averaging over 26 rec. per year (12-13 games). In his three years at Florida State University, Cook racked up 935 yards. Good for an average of 11.8. I say that to tell you that in this new offense, he has been lining up as a wideout ala a reverse Deebo Samuel?
How bout the ever-growing need to have a reliable pass-catching TE. The Vikings are hoping to have that this year in Irv Smith Jr. after missing last year with a knee injury. Smith and the organization have expressed confidence in him being a big part of the offense Six real legit Weapons for Cousins all set on kill mode might just scare even the “Greatest Show on Turf!”. Let alone defenses in the league this year.
Speaking of defenses, how’s this for starters? Starting at DE will be a healthy and motivated Danielle Hunter. In the secondary and the defensive QB of the unit Harrison “The Hit Man” Smith. Plus, in between those two linebackers will be Anthony Barr, and Eric Kendricks, all of whom have played several years together. The newly acquired linebacker from Green Bay ZaDarius Smith. With Patrick Peterson returning for his second year in purple as the top cornerback. That’s six guys all starting on this defense that can and do scare even the MVP himself, Aaron Rogers.
For any and all who have already counted out the Vikings, I believe come playoff time you will be counting yourselves among the sorely mistaken crowd. I’m convinced this team is the strongest in the division and therefore has to be the front runner to win the NFC North. The Odds Makers are putting the over-under at 8.5 wins. I see no reason this team can’t win 10 -12 games when I look at this schedule. What’s that? I can’t hear you over this Skol chant.
