Vikings Secondary Talents Could Play Huge Role Sunday
Ted Schwerzler
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No, the Minnesota Vikings defense has not been good this season. This isn’t about the secondary though, instead thinking that alternative options on offense could be a major factor against the New York Giants.
When the Minnesota Vikings took down Brian Daboll’s team less than a month ago, they did so in nail-biting fashion. Greg Joseph needed to kick a 61-yard field goal in order to send fans home happy. Looking to avoid that scenario this time, Kevin O’Connell would much prefer his team to pull away early and create some separation.
With the Vikings defense being what it is, it will always be hard to expect a safe lead offensively. Kirk Cousins has done everything he can to absorb hits and find Justin Jefferson all season long. Dalvin Cook has left something to be desired, but the unit as a whole has put up a respectable amount of points. With Adam Thielen slipping from his career levels of production, someone else may need to step up.
Last time out the Vikings torched New York with the tandem of Jefferson and newly-acquired tight end T.J. Hockenson. Both players racked up more than 100 yards on the day, and each hauled in a touchdown while recording at least 12 catches. It was truly a two-man show through the air. Presumably, the Giants will look to limit that regardless of who they have in the secondary.
Thielen has always been reliable from a hands standpoint, but it’s hard to view him as a featured target now. With Irv Smith Jr. back in the fold at tight end, and K.J. Osborn having broken out of late, they could find themselves in a difference-maker position.
Taken in the same draft as Justin Jefferson, Osborn’s development has been somewhat of a slow burn. He put up his first 100-yard game just a matter of weeks ago, and then doubled-down on it a couple of weeks later. With opposing secondaries focused on Jefferson, Osborn should have room to work.
At the tight end position there has been no breakout yet for Smith Jr. At this point, the starting gig is Hockenson’s to keep, but Smith Jr. could benefit in a short burst. Returning last week against the Chicago Bears, Smith Jr. hauled in all three of his targets for 14 yards. It certainly wasn’t an impressive performance, but returning to health and being available following the contest have always been half the battle.
If the Giants look to take away some of the top options, Osborn and Smith Jr could benefit. We have seen Osborn do it, and Smith Jr. has had bright spots over the course of his career. Every time Jefferson steps on the field he knows he’ll get the opposition’s best, and the better Minnesota can exploit defenses using secondary options, the more pressure gets removed elsewhere.
Sunday will need to be a total team effort, but there are more than a few avenues for guys to step up.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
