[dropcap type=”3″]J[/dropcap]ust a few days away from one of the biggest games in the franchise’s recent history, the Minnesota Vikings are preparing for their anxiously awaited rematch against the Seattle Seahawks. The stage is set: The Vikings will have an NBC prime time game for the third week in a row. They’ll face the two-time defending NFC Champions on the same field where they were walloped 38-7 just over a month ago. The game will be one of the coldest in franchise and playoff history. The loser goes (or stays) home while the winner forges onward in the playoffs towards the Lombardi Trophy.
There’s a lot at stake for the Vikings this upcoming Sunday. And where there is a lot at stake, there is typically a lot to lose.
This isn’t an attempt to preemptively make excuses for a game that hasn’t been played yet. (In fact, I want to make it very clear that I’m cautiously optimistic about the Vikings’ chances this Sunday.) It’s not an attempt to suggest the current opportunity in front of the Vikings isn’t a huge one.
It’s simply a reflection on the 2015 season, and what made it one of the more successful ones in recent memory.
Heading into the season, expectations were high for the Vikings. The young team in its second year under Mike Zimmer was finally starting to catch the eye of popular media outlets. Many people had the Vikings as a dark horse team to make a playoff run in the NFC.
But not many people considered the Vikings to be a threat to take the title of NFC North Champion from its long-time owner, the Packers. The Vikings were considered a strong up-and-coming team, but the North belonged to Green Bay. And the few brave souls that suggested otherwise were likely not taken very seriously — considered to have sipped just a little too much purple Kool-Aid.
After both teams suffered significant losses very early in the season (or preseason for the Vikings), the Vikings and Packers managed to stay neck and neck atop the division. And after losing handily to the Packers at home in Week 11, Zimmer’s resilient group bounced back. They strung together some impressive outings against both teams they beat and teams they didn’t, ultimately earning themselves a chance to take the North if they could upset Green Bay in their own house at Lambeau Field in Week 17.
They did just that.
The Vikings (11-5) managed to have their best season and first NFC North Championship since 2009.
With just this accomplishment alone, the Vikings’ 2015 season is a success. But that’s not going to stop us from further reveling in additional 2015 achievements.
The Minnesota Vikings are one of the youngest teams in the NFL and have been over the past 3-4 years. In the two years prior to 2015, this fact was obvious — each season resulted in a losing record. However, after some very promising rookie draft classes, it was clear this team was full of potential, clear it was populated with young, developing players that had the ability to become superstars.
That potential materialized this season for many. And once again, the incoming rookie class showed that it was not without its own promise.
Let’s just run down the list:
Teddy Bridgewater (23) hasn’t had the year many expected him to have after finishing the 2014 season red-hot. However, he’s shown that he still has the potential to be a very strong quarterback in this league. Some will find that statement debatable, and no doubt it’s something that’s been contested on the pages of Vikings Territory. However, I still believe that, all things considered and the hurdles Bridgewater has had to overcome this year, he’s developed well and taken the next step in becoming the future quarterback for this team.
Anthony Barr (23) in just is second year in the NFL is already one of the best linebackers in the league and is on his way to becoming an elite defender.
Jerick McKinnon (23) has provided the explosiveness and versatility in his sophomore season that Adrian Peterson has been unable to add to Norv Turner’s offense.
Shamar Stephen (24) has proven to be a reliable backup and dangerous rotational piece in Zimmer’s defense.
Trae Waynes (23) performed well in fill-in duty when injuries required him to take the field. He’s been one of the Vikings’ best performers on special teams and still has the tools to be a great corner opposite Xavier Rhodes.
Eric Kendricks (23) has shown flashes of greatness throughout the season and shown that he can be the other half of a formidable duo alongside his college buddy, Anthony Barr.
Danielle Hunter (21), considered athletically gifted but raw coming out of LSU, has developed more rapidly than anyone expected and has been a playmaker in rotational duties along the defensive line.
MyCole Pruitt (23) has flashed his athleticism with limited opportunity and should be a promising pass-catching tight end for the Vikings moving forward.
Stefon Diggs (22) has been the Vikings’ best receiver in his rookie year and was considered one of the top-2 rookie receivers in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. (Tyler Lockett was the other.)
And that’s not even including other players from the 2014 and 2015 draft class that have been key contributors throughout the season despite their occasional struggles. Guys like Antone Exum, Scott Crichton and T.J. Clemmings have all played a role in the Vikings’ accomplishments this year.
The average age of the Minnesota Vikings’ roster is 25.83 years old (7th youngest in the NFL). As good as they’ve performed collectively so early in their careers, the potential of Minnesota’s young roster is absolutely thrilling. And the fact that a majority of the cornerstone players on this roster are all under age 25 is just another reason the Vikings’ 2015 season is a success.
It’s not worth rehashing the events that took place in 2014 and during part of this past offseason. It’s been covered intimately here at Vikings Territory. The Adrian Peterson saga could have gone in a number of directions after everything that transpired. There was a lot of uncertainty how Peterson would perform after being away from football for so long, especially with the fact that he’d be 30 years-old at the start of the season.
At times throughout the season, Adrian Peterson has been the spark this Vikings team needed to succeed the way it did. For the third time in his career, he led the NFL in rushing. He eclipsed 100 yards rushing multiple times and often put the team on his back when it needed him most. Peterson proved once again that regardless of the hurdles put in front of him or the odds stacked against him, he is not someone you want to bet against.
There’s no telling what the future holds for Peterson and the Vikings. And, quite frankly, I have no interest in speculating what happens after this season before it’s even over. Although at times there seems to be an inherent conflict between the strengths of Adrian Peterson and Teddy Bridgewater, there’s no denying that Peterson is a key contributor to the success of the 2015 season.
Because of the generally positive outcome of a saga that, at times, seemed dismal and beyond repair, the Vikings’ 2015 season is a success.
Maybe the biggest reason the Vikings’ 2015 season is a success is because they have Mike Zimmer. It’s really that simple. After what seemed like an eternity of searching for the right guy to lead the Minnesota Vikings to better days, we have found that person; it’s Mike Zimmer. And he is not only the reason the 2015 season is a success, but also the reason for likely continued success into the foreseeable future.
Since Zimmer took over the team, all he’s done is improve virtually every facet of the franchise. After 2013, he took the team from a 5-10 record to 7-9 and then from 7-9 to 11-5. He took a defense that was the worst in the NFL, improved them to a mediocre defense with promise in 2014, and then to a defense that ranks in the top-five in points-per-game allowed this season. He’s taken young players who were struggling without him and turned their careers around.
Statistically, Zimmer’s left his mark, improving this team in a number of different ways.
But most importantly, Zimmer has given the Vikings the leadership required to create a championship team. He has given the fans hope that on Sundays, they’re going to see a passionate group of players who will put their all on the line. He’s given the players a figure they can look up to and learn from — one that will always have their backs.
Mike Zimmer is honest, strong and passionate about the Vikings. He is a leader that will not settle for anything less than greatness out of every single member of this team.
Mike Zimmer is main reason the Vikings’ 2015 season is a success.
When Mike Zimmer was introduced as the Vikings’ Head Coach on January 17, 2014 he said the following:
[pull_quote_center] I want Vikings football to be a tough, smart and aggressive team that plays with passion and that works relentlessly for one common goal. I pride myself in making each player better with technique, and teaching them every aspect of the game. I want our fans to be proud of the way we play – tough, resilient, physical football and a team that makes big plays and represents them on the field and in the community. We don’t win alone. We win as a team and I am determined to bring a championship to Minnesota[/pull_quote_center]
Zimmer has created the Vikings team he described that day when he took his position as head coach (Championship pending).
View Comments
A year from now the team will benefit from having been in the playoffs in 2016
Were close, and from where we were two years ago, this season is av absolute success. But even with all these players developing there's only one thing that will define the next two years : the development of Teddy Bridgewater.
Here were all biased, in a good way like Paul Allen. But after reading and seeing many views around the league, Teddy has a long long ways to go. As much as coaches talk about "a team effort" or "football is a team game", times have changed and it's not. A quarterback has the potential to make a 2-14 team a playoff team (the Packers) but also the potential to take a playoff contender from 12-4 in the conference championship to missing the playoffs (Indy).
The Vikings can make the playoffs the next two years with relative ease due to the intense talent everywhere. With Fusco returned to RG, Sullivan and Loadholt back and a solid LG our ol will be set.
Barring a crazy situation well be in the playoffs but winning and being 1 and done will boil down to Teddy Bridgewater. If Theodore plays like the first 14 weeks of week 17 well never scare anybody, but if he develops and can put on a performance like he did against Detroit or New York, we're in business.
Let's face it this year for him was a disaster, take away two games and he had 8 TD passes in 14 games. Thats unacceptable for a third stringer not to mention a starter. Heck Brees had nearly that in a single half of a single game.
So if we get Teddy Manning, we're super bowl bound, if he continues to be Teddy Ponder, time to start scouting quarterbacks again.
By the way, last time I criticized Teddy, the next game he had the game of his career. Let's hope that trend continues.
In that case, keep it coming!
Me too, I criticized his play against Seattle and the first Green Bay game. Then had to take my medicine, eat some crow, admit I was wrong. And then came the second Green Bay game after that! So, TB has no place in the NFL, will never be great, we are better off with Ponder...
There, that should assure over 300 yards passing, 50 running, two TD throws and one rushing... GO VIKES!!
I really don't think Teddy has as far to go as you're saying. I've made excuses for bad QB play before (Ponder) so what do I know... But I truly think this time it's different. (And I learned quite a bit from being a Ponder apologist.)
Can we at least agree that Bridgewater has had a lot of cards stacked against him? Horrible pass protection, an average receiving core, poor game planning that puts Bridgewater in difficult situations, etc.
While I agree with that, but I don't believe the pass protection is that bad.
But... look at Tom Brady he's got much worse linemen and receivers. Grant it, he's the greatest quarterback of all time but it is proof it can be done. Your list is the only reason I haven't written him off, but time will tell.
What say you to this?
Great Read Brett - Yes TB needs to develop but more importantly...Everyone should agree with your main points Vikings arrow is straight up! Vikes are young & talented and Zimmer is the man to lead this team.
My only add - Spielman is just as important. He is real good. First selecting Zimmer (Huge) but then cultivating a clarity of vision between GM, Coach & scouting staff for team need, talent evaluation, and player fit is what really has me positive about our Minnesota Vikings now. This plan is working, it's long-term and its better then the Moss 2 year cracked window or 2009 Farve glimpse at greatness. Its the 1970s Bud Grant/Page/Tarkenton thing where Vikes are legitimately good and they will earn several shots at taking home the trophy.
Teddy's development is HIGHLY impacted by the performance of the offensive line, which has been missing two established starters all year. Brady has far more time to scan the field than Teddy has had. Keep track during a game... he is often facing pressure at the count of two or three. No QB, including Tom Brady, can effectively handle that. And when teams are able to pressure Brady from time to time, he doesn't perform nearly as well.
What I notice is that we seem most effective when we have the crossing patterns going, much the way New England's passing game is based. I believe it was the Bear game where we crossing-patterned them into a rout. We don't have a Megatron-type receiver, but we do have some pretty good RAC guys. I really feel this is the way to attack Richard Sherman. Don't let him just own his side of the field on a single receiver - he'll win that battle. Make him switch off and chase receivers across the field - not as dominant there.
By the way Brett, I completely agree this can be termed a successful season, and was just thinking about making such a point sometime soon. Winning the division the way we did was a huge step, and I see the makings of a truly dominant defense with the combination of the players we have and Zimmer's leadership. Well written piece, sir!
I would have to agree with the fact that this was a successful season. Teddy was running for his life more often than not, but at times the run blocking could be pretty good. Of course the blocking of Zach and Ellison had a bit to do with that. No one expected the Vikes to take the division. Although I look to the Pack losing at home to the Bears and Lions as a big part of that. Of course, one could look at the Vikes "should've/could've beat both the Broncos and Cards on the road as well. What was the Vegas line at the beginning of the year? Was the over/under for wins at 6 games? Just a tad better than that.