The Difference Between 2-1 and 1-2 Feels Massive
Minnesota, as most of you know, is coming off consecutive disappointing seasons. In both 2020 and 2021, the Vikings believed they had a team that could compete for the Super Bowl, but their record proved otherwise. Each team failed the make the playoffs, which is especially disappointing given that seven teams make it (per conference).
The 2020 season began with a brutal 1-5 record heading into the bye. Things improved last year, but it took Week 5 and Week 6 victories to head into the bye at 3-3.
Like many of you, I’m hoping the Vikings can avoid such uninspiring fates for this season’s Week 7 bye. Indeed, the goal ought to be to get this team to at least a 4-2 record. Playing the Lions, Saints, Bears, and Dolphins isn’t without challenge, but it’s also not a particularly daunting portion of the schedule. Grabbing wins now is important, for we all know how challenging it can be to climb back into the playoffs after early struggle.
Building a Strong Vikings Record
The next game is going to take place at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions are coming to town, a team that is similarly 1-1. Dan Campbell has done a nice job since taking over. His players seem to love him.
Plus, the front office has been able to add some legit talent to that roster. Amon-Ra St. Brown, D’Andre Swift, Penei Sewell, T.J. Hockenson, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeil, and Jeffrey Okudah are just a few players to keep an eye on.
The truth, though, is that Minnesota has more talent on their team. Detroit is in the middle of a rebuild whereas Minnesota has intentionally kept the main components of their roster together.
Indeed, let’s take the focus off the opponent and put it on the home team. There is enough talent on the Vikings roster to compete with pretty much any team in the NFL. That doesn’t mean they have the best squad but, rather, one that ought to at least be able to compete. Overcoming a rebuilding team should be close to automatic.
Leading the charge is none other than Justin Jefferson, who is coming off a disappointing game against Philly. Minnesota’s expectation is that Jefferson will give them a week-in, week-out advantage. There just aren’t too many corners out there who are capable of hanging with him when he’s on his game. Darius Slay did a nice job overall last week, and he deserves credit making life challenging for the third-year WR. Even still, I’m taking Jefferson in a rematch, just as I’d take Jefferson in pretty much any matchup.
The Vikings record, of course, isn’t the result of simply one player. The offense boasts tons of skill. Kevin O’Connell is still figuring out how to make it all work.
The defense, moreover, has the capacity to be very good. The run defense ought to put together a better effort this week, perhaps by keeping more players in the box. Before the year began, I predicted that Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith would combine for 30 sacks. So far, they have 3, so there’s a long way to go. Regardless, they’ve been disruptive through 2 weeks. Being able to really turn up the pressure on Jared Goff will make a 2-1 start far likelier.
Even if the Vikings’ record falls to 1-2, the year will be far from over. Most of the year will still be ahead. However, there should be a sense of urgency, especially for the players who have been around for a little while. Building a strong record rather than needing to overcome a lousy one would be a welcome change.
Hopefully, we’ll see a 2-1 Vikings record by the time supper arrives.
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