Vikings Players to Watch vs. Chargers
The Minnesota Vikings head to California this Sunday to face the Los Angeles Chargers, and it feels almost make or break for head coach Mike Zimmer. A sixth defeat could put him on the brink of joblessness.
It’s not just a big game for the coaches. Certain players need a big performance. I’ve picked out some that I think are worth keeping an eye on.
Justin Jefferson
Remember the battle for offensive rookie of the year last season? Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert took the accolade much to the disgruntlement of many Vikings fans. There was plenty of heated debate on social media on the rights and wrongs of Herbert winning the award. It led to a somewhat heated rivalry between two sets of fans that was a bit childish.
Fans looked forward to the game as if victory for one would somehow prove them right, which was nonsense. To be frank, Vikings fans now have bigger worries.
For starters, seeing their team get their star wide receiver more involved and getting back to winning ways before the season is over is more important.
Getting the ball to Justin Jefferson more is an obvious answer to improving the fortunes of the team. Can Klint Kubiak find a way to do that? I’d expect early touches to Jefferson, and the offense has had a lot of success on the scripted plays to start the game. We’ve seen Jefferson have early success in games and then almost disappear. They have to find a way to keep him in the game consistently, which shouldn’t be as tricky as the Vikings seem to be making it.
Jefferson comes across as a level-headed guy, speaking well in front of the media. He shows no signs of going down the Stefon Diggs path, but the last thing the team needs is Jefferson becoming frustrated.
Kene Nwangwu
Klint Kubiak’s statement of intent to get Kene Nwangwu touches on offense is music to my ears. If Kubiak wants to keep his job as offensive coordinator, he needs to make it happen. Explosive, exciting, dynamic, words we all want to hear describing the Vikings offense — words that describe Kene Nwangwu. We’ve seen a little bit of his magic. Now we need to see more. Kubiak needs to get opportunities to Nwangwu on Sunday. If he fails, it will be another stick to beat him with, as people continue to criticize his playcalling and demand change at offensive coordinator.
Camryn Bynum
With Harrison Smith set to miss another game, it means another start at safety for rookie Camryn Bynum. The fourth-round pick had only played nine snaps on defense before his first career start in Baltimore. His debut couldn’t have gone much better, with a stunning diving interception as the icing on the cake. But it was an all-around display that showed a talent that belonged. Pro Football Focus gave him an exceptional overall grade of 90, the highest grade of the team. Impressive.
The big question is whether he can back that performance with another one. There is the pressure of expectation. Eyes will be on Bynum to see if last week’s performance was a one-off.
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Nick Vigil
In a twist of fate, Nick Vigil is set to return to the Vikings starting lineup this weekend against the team he played for last season as Anthony Barr misses yet another game with an injury. Barr has remained a regular on the injury report since returning to the team, and it felt like a matter of time before he would miss a game. After four games, Barr has been ruled out due to a knee injury.
Vigil had a promising debut against the team that drafted him into the league, which was the Cincinnati Bengals. He will be hoping for something similar against the Los Angeles Chargers. With so many players missing on defense, the Vikings need Vigil to step up.
Mason Cole
There will still be no Garrett Bradbury on Sunday, with Mike Zimmer confirming another start at center for Mason Cole.
Cole performed well in his first Vikings start. And with question marks hanging over Garrett Bradbury, another good performance will give the Vikings coaching staff food for thought. Another good blocking display is essential, but from the coaching staff’s point of view, his performance reading and calling protections will be just as important.
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