Vikings Fans: It’s Not Time To Tank (Yet)

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Oct 2, 2020
Image courtesy of Purple Reign News.

It doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to realize the Vikings are off to a rough start. However, it might take a detective, or at least an in-tune and overly optimistic fan to find reasons the team could still turn things around. 

After this 0-3 start, many Vikings fans have given up on the season and turned to social media, using the hashtag #TankForTrevor (meaning star Clemson quarterback and likely number-one draft pick Trevor Lawrence). It is disturbing to see how quickly people give up, and despite the many reasons to do so, I am not yet comfortable pulling the plug on this season and boarding the train to tank town. Theoretically, the team could still go 13-3, so there is without a doubt still time to turn things around.

Let me be clear: there is limited time to infiltrate the win column and set sail towards the playoffs. Another loss or two this early in the year would almost certainly seal Minnesota’s fate of a losing season. It would be their first since 2014, when they went 7-9 in Head Coach Mike Zimmer’s first season. If the Vikings don’t win this week or next, tanking to obtain a high draft pick becomes a very real possibility, and I will reluctantly join the #TankForTrevor movement.

Since the team’s struggles have already been thoroughly covered in the media, let’s jump right into the reasons the Purple could turn things around.

Offensive Line Shuffle?

In place of injured right guard Pat Elflein, second-year blocker Dru Samia has had a tough go of it these past two weeks. Since Samia does not yet look ready for a starting role, talks of trying someone else are swirling. General Manager Rick Spielman recently told local radio station KFAN that Ezra Cleveland may “…get his opportunity shortly,” and I’m all for it. As a second round pick, Cleveland has plenty of potential. Keep in mind, Minnesota’s other most recent second-round lineman (Brian O’Neill) was an absolute success even when forced into early action.

A Pass Rush Emerges

After a quiet first two games as a Viking, possibly due to a minor injury, defensive end Yannick Ngakoue made some noise last week against the Tennessee Titans. Both Ngakoue and linebacker Eric Wilson tallied sacks on Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and the pass rush as a whole was creating pressure from multiple angles. Even safety Harrison Smith was seen rushing on the quarterback. Typically, safeties aren’t your go-to blitzers, but if that’s how the team can best produce a pass rush, I’ll trust defensive mastermind Zimmer’s judgement.

Kubiak Getting Dialed In

Fans including myself questioned Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak’s play calling through the first two games of the season. In my opinion, Kubiak redeemed himself Sunday. With Kubiak’s play calling, Kirk Cousins distributed the ball to six different receivers, including rookie Justin Jefferson (more on that later). The game plan was also very balanced, as the offense had almost a perfect 50:50 ratio of run plays to pass plays. Speaking of run plays, Kubiak made good use of Dalvin Cook, who racked up 181 yards rushing on the day. Reminds me of back when the Vikings would ride Adrian Peterson to the playoffs. Perhaps Kubiak will take a similar approach with Cook…

Justin Jefferson On The Scene

Minnesota’s last few first-round receivers have been busts, but Spielman finally seems to have struck gold in Justin Jefferson. In weeks one and two alone, Jefferson had more receiving yards than Treadwell did in his ENTIRE rookie season. And in week three? Jefferson blew up for 175 yards and a score against the Titans. One man can’t carry the team, but he could light the spark that turns this season around.

For more optimistic Vikings takes, you can follow Reid Johnson and his personal Vikings blog, Purple Reign News, on Twitter or Instagram, or subscribe for free.