Vikings Offense Evidently Isn’t Good
If you’re excited about the Minnesota Vikings’ offense in 2025, you shouldn’t be, according to Bleacher Report.
One outfit claimed last week that the Minnesota Vikings’ offense simply isn’t very good on paper.
That outspoken outfit ranked the NFL’s best offenses last week, with the regular season about 15 weeks away, and per Brent Sobleski, the Vikings own the league’s 12th-worst offense.
It’s a curveball theory.
Vikings’ Offense Fetches No. 21 Ranking
Sobleski assigned the underwhelming No. 21 ranking and wrote, “The Minnesota Vikings experience some slippage despite having one of the league’s best offensive play-callers in Kevin O’Connell and elite weapons, because quarterback J.J. McCarthy remains untested. The Vikings traded up to acquire McCarthy with last year’s 10th overall draft pick.”
“Unfortunately, the first-round signal-caller suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee, which ended his rookie season before it could actually begin. With Sam Darnold leaving in free agency to sign with the Seattle Seahawks, McCarthy now can step into the starting lineup. If the sophomore signal-caller performs well, the Vikings will be difficult to slow.”
Most Vikings fans considered the club’s offense an asset, not a hindrance.
Sobleski added, “The organization clearly viewed their offensive interior as a weakness. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah attacked the problem and brought in veteran center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries before using the team’s first-round draft pick to select Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson.”
“A stronger offensive line, coupled with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, TJ Hockenson and Aaron Jones Sr. at the skill positions, form a superb supporting cast for McCarthy to shine.”
One might file this under the “can’t please them all” category.
14th per EPA/Play in 2024 … with Sam Darnold
Last year, Minnesota finished 14th in the NFL per offensive efficiency. And they achieved that respectable mark with Sam Darnold under center, a man considered a career-long bust before signing in Minnesota.
The purple team also lost offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw for the season in late October, making the offensive mission statement even more difficult.
While there’s a chance that Sobleski is correct and Minnesota’s offense drags near the bottom third of the league, most believe that if Darnold could drag the franchise to 14th-best, new quarterback J.J. McCarthy can do similar.
All the Offensive Tools
McCarthy will be allotted several tools and more than most young passers. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Jalen Nailor, and rookie Tai Felton will be there to support McCarthy on Sundays. In some ways, all he has to do is guide the ship and avoid seismic mistakes.
McCarthy’s offensive line is also revamped, showcasing, from left to right, Darrisaw, rookie Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and Brian O’Neill.
It would be odd for a team with that many notable offensive personalities to become the NFL’s 12th-worst offense.
J.J. McCarthy as the Question Mark
The real reason Sobleski ranked the Vikings so low? It must be McCarthy.
To Vikings fans, McCarthy is set up to thrive, mainly because O’Connell is known as a “quarterback whisperer” and folks saw enough of McCarthy last summer to tell of his upward trend.
But a national audience just doesn’t care. They must “see it to believe it” with McCarthy, and he’ll get his chance in 15.5 weeks to prove naysayers wrong.
Ravens as the Top Dog
Headlining Sobleski’s top offenses pecking order? The Baltimore Ravens as the pace-setter, followed by the San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Sobleski noted on the Ravens: “The only significant loss the Ravens offense endured this offseason was at left guard after Patrick Mekari signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent. Even with Mekari’s loss, the right side of Baltimore’s offensive line should make a leap with guard Daniel Faalele and right tackle Roger Rosengarten establishing themselves last season and getting to play their first full season together at those respective spots.”
“Otherwise, this group, including the offensive coaching staff, remains intact. Plus, the Ravens added veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the mix.”
The Vikings play the Ravens on November 9th at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Sobleski added, “Even if the two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and a 31-year-old Derrick Henry regress to a degree, they have room to spare and still be the league’s best offense. Last season, the Ravens posted a 37.2 percent DVOA, according to FTN’s Aaron Schatz. The Buffalo Bills, with 2024 MVP Josh Allen, finished second at 28.4 percent.”
“There’s no reason to think the Ravens are going to take a significant step back offensively this fall unless injuries hit.”
Minnesota’s offense will feature four new starters this season: Fries, Jackson, Kelly, and McCarthy.
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