The Minnesota Vikings did some big things in the 2017-18 season. They finished the regular season with a 13-3 record and advanced all the way to the NFC Championship, where they got ousted by the eventual Super Bowl champions. With an upgrade at the quarterback position, the return of Dalvin Cook and a top-ranked defense, this team has everything it needs to make another deep playoff run. With their best team under Mike Zimmer, it’s almost Super Bowl or bust for the Vikings in 2018. The expectations are high, but can they live up to them? Let’s dive into the burning questions facing this team as we approach the 2018-19 season.
1st Down: Is Kirk Cousins capable of getting the Vikings to the Super Bowl?
Sports Illustrated
Case Keenum exceeded expectations placed upon him last season, his play being one of the driving forces carrying this team to the NFC Championship game. With Keenum now in Denver, the Vikings will turn to former Redskins signal-caller Kirk Cousins. Despite how well Keenum played last season, this should be considered an upgrade. Cousins has a better set of tools and is also coming into a great offensive situation. With a talented running back tandem, tight end Kyle Rudolph and two of the more underrated receivers in the league in Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, he will have plenty of options to explore. Cousins is not a proven winner yet, however, so this will be a great test for him.
2nd Down: Where does the Vikings running back duo rank among the NFL’s best?
In today’s NFL, it has become commonplace for teams to incorporate two-running back schemes into their offensive game plan. Some teams have enjoyed more success than others. The New Orleans Saints have Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram, while the Bears boast a tandem of Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen. Don’t be surprised if the Vikings backfield enters the conversation this season. Jerick McKinnon is a 49er now, but they retained Latavius Murray. He will pair with Dalvin Cook, whose rookie season was cut short due to injury. It will depend on how he bounces back, but the Florida State product is expected to be at full strength to begin the season.
3rd Down: Will Laquon Treadwell finally have a breakout season?
Laquon Treadwell is entering his third NFL season and he’s been a big disappointment thus far. I’m sure 21 receptions for 215 yards and zero touchdowns in 25 games isn’t what the Vikings projected for their 2016 first-round pick. While this lack of production is certainly cause for pause, let’s not write Treadwell off as a bust just yet. In terms of the skill set, he has it. He has good size and strength. Although he’s not a speedster, he has outstanding quickness and burst. One has to think it’s a mental thing for Treadwell, who was dubbed one of the most talented wideouts in his draft class. If Minnesota uses him right, he could truly flourish with all the attention Diggs and Thielen command.
4th Down: Is Minnesota’s defense the best in the league?
Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune
Who is the best defensive unit in the NFL? That’s actually hot debate topic. There are about five teams that all make legitimate cases. One thing the Vikings have in their favor is the numbers. They finished first in the league in total defense a season ago. There is no reason they shouldn’t be in the mix next season as well. While teams like the Eagles, Rams, Jaguars and Broncos all suffered losses on the defensive side of the ball, the Vikings return all of their key contributors. They also added Sheldon Richardson, further bolstering their defensive line, as well as cornerback Mike Hughes, one of the premier corners in the 2018 draft class. The Vikings defense is Top 3 and they’re not 2 or 3.
You might also like
More from Sports
Bryce Harper and Manny Machado Deserved What They Were Paid
MLB superstars Bryce Harper (13-year/$330 million, Philadelphia Phillies) and Manny Machado (10-year/$300 million, San Diego Padres) both signed lucrative contracts. …
The 2019 Rapper All-Star Draft
The 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend tips off on February 15th, but the All-Star Game Draft is coming up on Thursday. …
Super Bowl LIII: A Tale of the Tape
The biggest spectacle in sports is just days away. On Sunday, the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams …
