5 Things for Vikings Fans to be Positive About
Adam New
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On the back of two defeats in games that we’re very winnable, sitting with a 3-5 record — not to mention an underperforming team being led by failing coaching staff — it might not seem like the obvious time to look for positives.
But that is exactly why I needed to find some. On the back of the Ravens game and heading into a showdown with the LA Chargers, there are five things for Vikings fans to be optimistic about.
1 – Playoffs Still a Possibility
Despite a largely disappointing season thus far, the Vikings remain just one game outside of a playoff spot. Whoever finishes second in the NFC West out of the Arizona Cardinals and the LA Rams will take a wild card place. The two that remain are up for grabs, with a host of mediocre teams in the running. Two of the Saints (now quarterbacked by Trever Siemian or Taysom Hill, neither a good full-time QB option), Panthers, Falcons, 49ers, Seahawks, Eagles, Giants, Bears, and of course Vikings, will make it to the playoffs.
Minnesota has played two of those teams this season and defeated them both. None of those teams look vastly superior to Minnesota. Nine wins will probably be enough. That isn’t out of the question for this team. One hitch — a win against a good team will have to come somewhere on the schedule.
2 – Rookies Are Starting to Get a Chance
Led by Christian Darrisaw, who has not disappointed since he finally recovered from injury, the rookie class of 2021 are finally starting to see meaningful action. Some are already shining. Pro Football Focus gives Darrisaw a solid overall grade of 65.3 and recently noted his excellent pressure rate.
Camryn Bynum was thrust into a starting role due to Harrison Smith’s absence this past Sunday. He exceeded all expectations — not only his athletic interception but an impressive all-around debut. With a PFF grade of 90.5 and racking up 12 combined tackles, it was a debut to remember for the rookie.
Kene Nwangwu proved the spark I had been hoping for on special teams — starting with the 98-yard kick-off return for his first Vikings touchdown, then the equally impressive nine-yard run on a fake punt to gain a 1st down. It’s the kind of creativity not expected from this Vikings team, but something you can try with a player of Nwangwu’s speed and skillset. I would hope to see some touches on offense next.
3 – Tyler Conklin Is a Serviceable TE1
Irv Smith’s injury left the team slim at tight end. A trade for Chris Herdon was made, which hasn’t exactly been fruitful. Save for a solitary touchdown, the former Jet has had little involvement. Free-agent signings Ben Ellefson and Luke Stocker bolstered the ranks as blocking tight ends, who will see the occasional target.
That leaves Tyler Conklin as the standalone guy at tight end, and he has delivered. He’s not Travis Kelce or Kyle Pitts, but his rise up the depth chart since being drafted in the fifth round in 2018 has been impressive.
Each year in Minnesota, his role in the team has increased, and each time he has answered the call. This year, he has already doubled his career reception and yards tally with 32 catches for 342 yards in eight games. This puts him on pace for over 700 yards for the season, a feat last achieved by a Vikings tight end in 2016 — when Kyle Rudolph amassed 840 yards, the only time in his ten-year tenure with the Vikings he went over 700 yards.
The return of Irv Smith next season will give the team a talented tight-end duo that is still young.
4 – Justin Jefferson Isn’t a “Flash in the Pan”
After a record-breaking rookie season, all eyes were on the LSU alumnus in Year Two. Despite the opposing defenses having a year of tape on him and being the receiving threat opposing teams will focus on, coupled with playing on an offense that blows hot and cold, managing not to get a target to their star wide receiver for long stretches — Justin Jefferson looks just as impressive as last season when the ball does come his way.
Through eight games, Jefferson has 46 catches for 632 yards and four touchdowns. Impressive numbers — just think what he could do in a consistent and dynamic offense. Hopefully, that’s not just a pipe dream and will come to fruition. If not this season, then it must happen next year. Wasting a talent like Jefferson during his rookie contract would be criminal.
5 – It Could Be All Over Soon
If you’ve simply had enough of the Mike Zimmer tenure (who can blame you at this point), you may not have long to wait before change happens.
A change after the season has finished still appears the most likely scenario. Defeat to the Chargers followed by a loss at US Bank Stadium to bitter arch-rivals Green Bay could lead to the hot seat under Mike Zimmer becoming intolerable.
The winds of change are blowing, and if we reach that point, it would be hard to argue against change as positive. How deep would the change run? It’s difficult to say. I do not firmly believe Rick Spielman, Mike Zimmer, and Kirk Cousins are all married together. The dismissal of one doesn’t necessarily mean the removal of all three — whether it is a time for a spotless slate will be for ownership to determine.
This Sunday’s game against the Chargers is huge. Lose this one, and the pressure when Green Bay comes to town will be enormous.
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