Monday Impressions: Minnesota Vikings Control Their Playoff Destiny

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If you told me before the season that the Minnesota Vikings would head into their final four games in control of their playoff destiny, I’d be thrilled. To be fair, this iteration of playoff destiny has had more than its usual share of ups and downs. Nevertheless, the simple fact is that the Minnesota Vikings find themselves in the NFC’s final playoff spot. Upward and onward, people.

Offense

  1. Kirk Cousins played worse than his stats suggest. True, it’s hard to be overly critical of a 300 yard, 3 TD performance, especially since he orchestrated a game-winning drive in OT. Nevertheless, the INT is at least partially his fault, and the fumble between him and Dalvin Cook was concerning. Indeed, the worst part of Cousins’ day was his inability to deliver the knockout punch to the Jaguars in the fourth quarter.
  2. At this point, it’s hard to envision a reasonable argument for anyone winning Offensive Rookie of the Year other than Justin Jefferson. A humdrum 9 catches, 121 yards, and a touchdown. Through twelve games, Jefferson has 61 catches, 1039 receiving yards, and seven TDs.
  3. The Vikings do indeed have a Dalvin Cook problem. In my mind, the issue isn’t with Cook’s explosiveness, or lack thereof. The issue rests in the play calling. It’s not only high time to ensure Cook gets more rest to keep his legs fresh, it’s also time to ensure the Vikings are using the pass to set up the run.
  4. Part of what makes Minnesota’s coaching staff great is their stubbornness. They have a vision and they pursue it, NFL trends be damned. However, part of what makes Minnesota’s coaching staff frustrating is their stubbornness. It’s time to move on from Dakota Dozier.
  5. Free Brett Jones!

Defense

  1. It was the best game of Cameron Dantzler‘s young career. Nicknamed The Needle, Dantzler was tremendous on Sunday. True, Mike Glennon isn’t a good quarterback, but the Jaguars receivers are very good. Dantzler’s day: seven targets, one catch allowed (for seven yards), an INT, and a forced fumble. Someday we may be referring to “Dantzler Island.”
  2. One of the priorities for the Vikings in the offseason ought to be upgrading at defensive tackle. Shamar Stephen is underrated. Armon Watts has potential, especially as a depth lineman. Nevertheless, we desperately need help along the interior.
  3. Unpopular opinion: Anthony Barr may be far more important to this Vikings defense than fans will admit. The linebackers have taken a huge hit this year.
  4. All things considered, it wasn’t a bad performance, especially since Eric Kendricks was unable to play due to a crazy pregame calf injury. Keep in mind that seven points came off a pick-six. Another seven points came off of Kris Boyd‘s deflection to Laviska Shenault.
  5. Jordan Brailford deserves a ton of credit. He is a practice squad player who got his shot because of the D.J. Wonnum injury. One thing Brett Jones continually reiterates is that NFL players need to take advantage of opportunities. With a forced fumble and a safety, Brailford certainly took advantage of his opportunity.

Special Teams

  1. The weekly tradition continues: another game, another mess for the special teams. This week, Dan Bailey missed two extra points and a field goal. We’d be having a very different discussion this morning if the Jags were able to win yesterday.
  2. Dan Chisena learned how to tackle at the best time. His work in OT as a gunner is a key factor in keeping Minnesota’s season alive.

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