Jun 9, 2021; Minnesota Vikings running back Kene Nwangwu (26) catches a pass in drills at OTA at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings had five players attending the Pro Bowl after the conclusion of their 2021 season. That’s a high number considering their record of 8-9. However, it also shows how talented the roster is. Four offensive players and one defensive player were chosen to represent the NFC at the event.
Like running back Dalvin Cook, quarterback Kirk Cousins is now a three-time Pro Bowler. Star receiver Justin Jefferson was named to his second consecutive All-star game, while Brian O’Neill had his debut. After a one-year absence, Harrison Smith was voted to his 6th Pro Bowl.
[brid video=”1040942″ player=”30316″ title=”4%20Concerns%20about%202022%20Vikings%20%20with%20Janik%20Eckardt” duration=”944″ description=”Janik Eckardt tells Dustin Baker about his four biggest concerns about the 2022 version of the Vikings.” uploaddate=”2022-06-26″ thumbnailurl=”https://cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/19437/snapshot/1040942_th_1656267353.jpg” contentUrl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/19437/sd/1040942.mp4″ width=”16″ height=”9″]
In Vikings history, only Randall McDaniel (11), Alan Page (9), Cris Carter (8), Ron Yary (7), and Adrian Peterson (7) were part of the team more often.
Nick Shook from NFL.com named one potential first-time Pro Bowler for every NFL team. For the Vikings, he chose a 2021 snub who definitely should’ve been there.
It’s not hard to find talent on the Vikings roster, but most of them have been to a Pro Bowl. Nwangwu, however, somehow didn’t make the team. He had a marvelous season as the team’s kick returner after missing the start of the season. Once he was active, his returns were scary for opponents.
The rookie running back was inactive for the first six games. In Week 8 against the Cowboys, Nwangwu played his first career snaps. All five on special teams, but he didn’t record a kick return.
With his second career return, he scored a touchdown in Week 9 against the Ravens — a considerable play that looked to win the Vikings the game. However, the Ravens came back against a poorly playing Vikings team afterward. The dynamic play stands, and he looks like he’s just toying with the coverage unit. Nwangwu’s speed is on a different level.
Just three weeks later, against the San Francisco 49ers, the running back scored another return touchdown. If there’s a hole, he’s uncatchable.
Unfortunately, the Vikings lost both games and couldn’t take advantage of Kene’s contributions. Nevertheless, his Pro Bowl snub is still a strange case. He was one of only eight players who scored on a kick return. However, he was the only of who scored on two of them, despite having just 18 attempts. The second-fewest of the eight players on the list. Yet, he missed the honors.
“The Vikings are in a strange state for this exercise. They have plenty of returning Pro Bowlers, but the younger portion of their team doesn’t offer many slam dunks (yet) for future accolades. I’m going to turn to special teams, then, and choose an overlooked returner who took two kicks back for touchdowns in his rookie season. Nwangwu probably won’t see much action as a running back, but he proved to be a weapon in the kick return game despite only fielding 18 kickoffs last season. Give him the job over a full season and we might even see that total hit three, at which point he can no longer be overlooked.”
– Nick Shook, about Kene Nwangwu
Nwangwu didn’t only lead the league in kick return touchdowns but also average yards per return. His 32.2 yards per return was the highest number in the NFL of anyone with at least three tries.
In addition to all of his returns, he also picked up a first down on a fake punt against the Ravens.
His numbers were absolutely Pro Bowl worthy in his rookie campaign.
The Vikings new special teams coordinator already acknowledged Nwangwu’s talent. He’s excited to work with him, and the running back’s job as the return man is secured.
“Kene is exactly what I thought he was – an explosive athlete.”
– Special Teams Coordinator Matt Daniels, about Kene Nwangwu
The question is if his role on offense will increase in 2022. He had 61 rushing yards on just 13 attempts. Additionally, he caught four passes for nine yards. His role on offense was negligible in 2022, but with the arrival of the new head coach and offensive mind, Kevin O’Connell, he could get more opportunities.
Nwangwu’s speed is unique, and every offense can use someone with his pace. He’s not the quickest runner in terms of change of direction, but his straight-line speed is a gift for every offensive coordinator. It will be interesting to see how well he does with more carries on offense in the upcoming preseason.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. He chose the Vikings as his favorite team, despite Christian Ponder being the quarterback at the time. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and Classic rock is his music genre of choice. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
Vikings Territory Also Read: Former Vikings Safety Joins Packers