The Minnesota Viking s have had a mixed start to the season. They currently sit at the bottom of the NFC North with a record of 3-2 after victories over the Giants, Raiders and Falcons, but defeats to the Packers and Bears. Whilst it is too early to write them off, this level of performance is not what Vikings fans were expecting and hoping for going into the 2019 season after a disastrous 2018 campaign.
Whilst in 2018, the Vikings had been the clear favorite to win the conference and make it to the Super Bowl, things didn’t go to plan for the team. Going into the 2019 season, the Vikings looked strong, making them one of the most-liked teams for the NFC North this year. This clear favorite status stemmed from their 4-0 record during their four NFL Preseason games in August, where they trounced the Saints 34-25 and the Cardinals 20-9, as well as taking victory over the Seahawks and the Bills.
Unfortunately, it looks like the Vikings may be repeating their recent history. Their 2018 season was derailed after the team made a disappointing start and failed to turn their fortunes around, eventually ending with a 8-7-1 record.
What’s Changed?
The Viking’s biggest weak point in 2018 was on the offensive line. Quarterback Kirk Cousins, who had recently signed an $84 million contract with the team did not live up to expectations. This was evident in the fact that they ranked 30th in rushing during last season, meaning they were unable to deliver on the offensive potential in the team.
Cousins moved to the Vikings because of his former team, the Washington Redskins, were not willing to offer him an elite-level contract. Whilst the Vikings saw something in him that the Redskins didn’t, he needs to demonstrate that he is worth the money they have offered him. In particular, he needs to perform under pressure when a game could swing either way.
These weaknesses have been addressed through free agency trades and the NFL Draft ahead of the 2019 season. This includes new solid guard, Josh Kline, who moved to the Vikings from the Tennessee Titans, and former North Carolina State center, Garrett Bradbury, who was 18th overall draft pick. Whilst defense is the Vikings’ biggest strength, defensive tackle, Shamar Stephen, will need to step up this season after Sheldon Richardson made the decision to sign with the Cleveland Browns.
Beaten by the Bears
The Chicago Bears were NFC North winners in 2018, taking the title that had been the Vikings’ to lose. Their victory over the Vikings in week 4 is troubling; it will likely be a major knock to the confidence of the team that, if not managed, could fester for the remainder of the year.
The team should have the skills to beat the Bears but consistency in the application of this talent, particularly from Cousins, is the biggest threat. If the Vikings had won the first three games of the season, the confidence levels would have been much higher and could have made beating the Bears easier.
Prognosis
The Vikings have made the playoffs 4 times in the last 10 years, with 3 wins in the NFC North during that same period. The last of these was in 2017, and the lineup has not radically changed in the years since. It seems the opening few games in 2019 may have set the tone for the whole season, but there is still time for them to turn it around. The Vikings are yet to win a Super Bowl, and 2018 looked to be their best chance before the season began.
Before the 2019 season got under way, it looked like this year could be their opportunity to reverse their misfortunes, but it seems that this is not going to be the case. Whilst a division title is still a possibility, the chances of making it to the Super Bowl are shrinking rapidly.
