3 Reasons to Believe in the 2021 Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have had a busy off-season trying to improve on things from 2020. In many ways, the Vikings have had a spectacular few months, and should be well on their way to the postseason once again.
Here are 3 reasons you should believe in the Vikings in 2021:
- The offensive line is FIXED.
It feels really good to be able to type out that statement above. The offensive line is fixed. For so many years the offensive line has been the downfall of a team loaded with talent at all other positions. But for once and for all we get to brag about our offensive line a little bit. There will be no more Dakota Dozier. Dru Samia shouldn’t sniff any playing time whatsoever. The Vikings finally have an identity in the offensive trenches.
Minnesota absolutely NAILED the draft when it comes to shoring up the offensive line. Hopefully, these guys play up to their potential, and Kirk Cousins won’t have to run for his life.
2. Zimmer has a defense again.
We all can agree the 2020 Vikings’ defense was a mess. They couldn’t stop a nosebleed. It was bad. Zimmer took that personally and is on a mission to fix the issue that shouldn’t have been an issue in the first place.
Since Zimmer has never had a bad defense, right? Yes, the Vikings suffered many injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Danielle Hunter? OUT. Anthony Barr? OUT. Michael Pierce? OUT. You get the point. Now with all those players presumably returning, it’s a pretty safe bet that this defense will be a lot better in 2021.
The Vikings also signed:
- Patrick Peterson- Cornerback
- Mackenzie Alexander- Cornerback
- Dalvin Tomlinson- Defensive Tackle
- Xavier Woods- Safety
- Stephen Weatherly- Defensive End
- Nick Vigil- Linebacker
That is a very impressive group of players that will now be added to the mix of an already improved unit on the defensive side of the ball. Patrick Peterson brings talent and veteran presence to a young secondary. Dalvin Tomlinson will now join forces with Michael Pierce in the interior of the defensive line. And Xavier Woods can be a ball hawk opposite of Harrison Smith. This defense looks stacked on paper, and I can’t wait to watch Mike Zimmer go to work.
3. Justin Jefferson will be even BETTER.
Justin Jefferson is special. His route running, ability after the catch, and like-glue hands are only a few things that pop out when watching the former first round pick go to work.
Jefferson caught 88 passes and broke almost every rookie receiving record known to man. And Jefferson didn’t even start the first two weeks of the season. The sky is limit for Justin Jefferson, and it is scary that he is only scratching the surface.
I’m looking at a stat line for Jefferson of about 110 catches for over 1,500 yards. By season’s end, we could be looking at a top three receiver in the entire NFL.