Stealthy Storylines for the Vikings This Summer
Each week, we engage Minnesota Vikings fans for their opinions on the purple team.
The Vikings have plenty of storylines for the summer, but we asked fans for the under-the-radar ones they’re following heading into training camp.
The club has its first regular season games in 12 weeks, so we asked the group about under-the-radar storylines for the summer. Items like Christian Darrisaw’s injury recovery will, of course, dominate the discourse, and rightfully so.
Question to our panel: Tell us the under-the-radar storyline for the Vikings that you’re monitoring this summer. For example, this would not be “How does J.J. McCarthy look?” It would be something more undercover than that.
Here’s how they replied. You can read last week’s fan contribution here.
Mekhi Blackmon’s Performance
From: Steve Berglund | @Vikesin18
For me, it’s Mekhi Blackmon. The third CB is so important. If he can stay healthy, he has a chance to be a really nice CB. That gives the Vikes a top 3 that can defend with anyone.
Ivan Pace Jr.’s Next Step
From: Jens | @rednpurple77
I want to see if Ivan Pace takes another step. He’s so good as a blitzer, and he’s awesome in run defense. If he only could be decent in coverage too, we might have a special special player on our hands.
Offensive Line Fusion
From: Eric Horstman | @ehorstman23
I think my under-the-radar storyline is going to be — how does the o-line mesh together? Outside of Donovan Jackson, it is a line full of veterans, but they still need to have chemistry for things to go well. I believe they will be able to figure things out quickly, but I think a lot of this year’s success will depend on how soon that chemistry can come together.
The CB2 and CB3
From: Ivan, Czar of Bohunks | @up4discussion_7
I think the storyline of who will be CB2 and CB3 is fascinating, and getting overlooked by the offense. Byron Murphy (traditional slot CB) is pencilled in as 1, but could a trade or free-agent signing move him down? Who will step up between Blackmon, Rodgers, Nudie, or Okudah?
The Odd Man Out at Cornerback
From: Bruce Johnson | @sachikojohnson
There has been no position group with more speculation about adding another veteran player than cornerback, and the fact that the Vikings have not pulled the trigger seems to suggest that they might be happy with what they have. I do think it’s a wonderful quality to appreciate what we have, but I’m looking at the backend of the cornerback roster battles and see an intriguing battle.
I see two roster spots for Dwight McGlothern and Jeff Okudah, both of whom I believe in; however, there are also glowing reports about the UFA, Zemaiah Vaughn. I’m wondering who will be the odd man out. Of course, it all could be decided by injury, so it’s nice to have depth.
Offensive Playcalling Balance
From: SKOL Tom | @SKOLfromWI
It’s not a supremely “under the radar” storyline, but rather one that is being overshadowed by the J.J. McCarthy storyline. The one I’ll be focusing on is the split between the run and pass game, especially with this reworked offensive line, and how the rotation of Jones and Mason will look.
Rookies Standing Out Immediately
From: Tadd | @ST7Cubs
Hoping some rookies stand out immediately. I’m excited for this season, but inevitable big decisions are already on my mind. Can Tai Felton take some pressure off the Addison payday? Could UDFA Logan Brown look like a future starter? Anything like that will be a pleasant surprise.
You must be logged in to post a comment.