One Unit Has Seen a Fantastic Turnaround for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025
The Minnesota Vikings have seen mixed results to this point in 2025.
A big reason for the inconsistencies with the team have been injuries that have hampered a number of players on the offensive line, defense, and QB J.J. McCarthy.
However, one group that has seen a big step forward from 2024 to 2025 has bee the special teams.
The Minnesota Vikings’ Special Teams Has Been Awesome in 2025
For years, the Vikings have seen struggles on special teams. Whether it be the historical kicking woes that the franchise has endured at the worst possible moments, or in more recent years, some really inefficient returning, the group has been an issue for much of recent history.
2024 is a great example of these struggles. The Vikings ranked dead-last in yards per punt return with just 6.8, and they were second to last in yards per kick return at 24.4.
Those numbers have flipped in the best way during 2025, and a big reason for it is the consistency of Myles Price as a return man. So far this year, the Vikings are up to 11.1 yards per punt return, which ranks 17th in the NFL.
However, there is a bit of a caveat to that ranking. There are six teams that have recorded a punt return touchdown to boost those numbers on limited, and five of them rank ahead of the Vikings as a result.
Take the Washington Commanders, for example. They have a 90-yard punt return touchdown to their name, but on their 11 other returns, they are averaging just 7.9 yards per return. Minnesota’s longest punt return is 29 yards on their 14 opportunities.
Speaking of those 14 punt returns, they are a further testament to the Vikings’ increased efficiency in the punt returning category as that total is more than any other team in the NFL to this point. Of the 16 teams with a higher punt return yardage average than the Vikings, only three of them have totaled at least 10 returns.
In terms of kick returning, the Vikings rank 18th in the NFL with 25.1 yards per return. Tai Felton, who has been getting more involved in this department in recent weeks, is averaging 27.8 yards per return on four chances. Three of those came during Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Vikings have been even more impressive in kick and punt coverage. For kicks return coverage, they have allowed 24.7 yards per return, ranking 11th in the NFL. Meanwhile, they punt return coverage team has allowed 7.9 yards per return, ranking seventh in the league.
We can’t forget about the kicker and punter here, either. Will Reichard has begun the season with a perfect kicking resume by nailing all eight of his field goal attempts (including a 59-yarder and franchise record 62-yarder) along with each of his eight extra point attempts.
As for Mr. Ryan Wright, there was some scuttlebutt that he could be in danger of losing his job during training camp, but he has returned to his 2022 form. His 44.1 net yards per punt are the highest of his career and ranks fifth in the NFL. He also has yet to have a punt result in a touchback, indicating he is putting the ball in great spots and allowing the coverage team to get downfield and prevent it from bouncing into the end zone. His average hang time of 4.62 seconds ranks fifth in the NFL.
You put that all together, and PFF has given the Vikings’ special teams as a whole a very impressive grade of 90.2, tied for the third-best in the NFL.
Coordinator Matt Daniels has done a great job with Minnesota’s special teams so far this season.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Reference.
You must be logged in to post a comment.