3 Dragons the Vikings Can Slay to Establish Themselves as Contenders
K. Joudry
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Far too often in recent years, the Vikings have been just pretty good. At times, a bit above that level and certainly plenty of moments below the somewhat nebulous “pretty good” threshold. We’d need to go back to 2017 to find a Vikings team that was a clear-cut top squad in the league.
Thankfully, the 2023 season is another opportunity. There are dragons the Vikings can slay to help overturn their modest lot in life.
Last season’s record was elite (13-4) but there were plenty of reasons to be skeptical. The meltdown against the Giants simply reaffirmed what all the detractors insisted. Predictably, many people around the league insist we’re gearing up for more underwhelming Vikings football.
The full schedule has now been released. Some early trends and takeaways have emerged, but I’d like to zero-in on a few opportunities for Minnesota to firmly prove they’re a top team in the NFC.
Dragons the Vikings Can Slay: A Drama in 3 Acts
Act 1 – at Philadelphia Eagles
Week 2 – Thursday Night Football
How about starting with a victory over the team many are picking to repeat as NFC Champions?
Going into Philly and overcoming the fierce birds is no small feat. Fresh off a massive extension, Jalen Hurts will be looking to take the next step in his career, continuing his ascent as a top-tier QB. He plays behind one of the game’s best o-lines and has tremendous weapons to help him on his journey.
Oh, and their defense? Well, they led the NFL with 70 sacks last season (the 2nd-best was down at 55). True, they saw Javon Hargrave walk away (more on that in a minute) but they added Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith in the opening round of the draft.
Somehow overcoming this team would firmly signal that Minnesota isn’t to be taken lightly.
Act 2 – San Francisco 49ers
Week 7 – Monday Night Football
More bright lights for a QB who, according to the detractors, wilts under them.
After yet another offseason when he was constantly in the headlines as a potential trade candidate to SF, Kirk Cousins will get a chance to overcome the dreaded 49ers. Their already formidable defensive front added Hargrave, so we’re yet again looking at a game that could lead to a Cousins clobbering.
Perhaps the glimmer of hope simply rests in the uncertainty under center. Not too many folks feel threatened by Sam Darnold. However, what we haven’t seen is Darnold getting the start with Kyle Shanahan as the playcaller. Beware the seemingly average QB in a Shanahan offense.
Act 3 – Detroit Lions
Week 16 – Noon
The Kardiac Kitties. The Detroit Knee Biters. The First-Round Analytics Overcomers. Yes, they all apply to this young upstart franchise.
By Week 16, we’re going to know a lot more about this team than we do right now. From our current vantage point, we see a group that’s clearly on the ascent.
Retaining Ben Johnson to keep coordinating that offense is a massive win. Adding Cam Sutton and C.J. Gardner-Johnson – a player Rick Spielman wanted to draft – was similarly impressive. Add all that with the presence of Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell, and Amon-Ra St. Brown and you’ve got a team that may actually challenge for the North.
I know, I know: it’s the Lions. All I’m saying is that they’re clearly getting better and have been a pretty tough opponent since Mr. Campbell arrived in Michigan.
Depending on how things go, the Vikings and Lions could very reasonably be duking it out for NFC North supremacy during this game.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
