3 Key Vikings Pursuing New Statistical Heights
So much of the attention is on J.J. McCarthy. In response, the Vikings’ leadership has sought to beef up the roster, thereby lessening the load for the first-time starter.
Yes, that’s the paradox sitting in front of Minnesota: the quarterback carries a disproportionate amount of weight in the team’s pursuit of success; accordingly, the response has been to counteract that basic NFL reality with high-end players all over the roster. Some of those players will be looking to push their game to a new statistical level. Doing so will bode well for Minnesota’s chance of overcoming expectations in 2025.
3 Key Vikings and New Statistical Highs
Vikings Player #1 — Christian Darrisaw, Left Tackle
Key Stat: Allow Zero Sacks
Initially, the temptation was to insist that having Mr. Darrisaw for all seventeen games was the goal. The recent word suggests that Week 1 may not be super likely, so shift the focus.
Once the left tackle is back in action, look for the left tackle to shine. Obvious, yes, but crucial nonetheless.
That’s going to mean keeping McCarthy’s jersey clean. Every passer performs better when he’s unencumbered by the massive men along the defensive line. The basic truth may be especially pronounced for a sophomore who is 22 and who has yet to throw a real pass in the NFL.
Christian Darrisaw needs to get fully healthy. Once he does so, he needs to fulfill his elite potential by offering weekly excellence.
Vikings Player #2 — Jordan Addison, Receiver
Key Stat: Surpass 1,000 Receiving Yards
Promise has shined through across the opening pair of seasons for Jordan Addison. Can he improve further?
So far, his production has been very good but not quite elite. Justin Jefferson is going to continue feasting as Minnesota’s WR1. What would make a nice difference is if Addison raises his game, clearing the 1K benchmark.
Complicating matters will be the presence of T.J. Hockenson for (hopefully) a fully healthy season alongside a renewed commitment to running the ball with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Another obstacle is that Jordan Addison could be suspended due to his driving infraction from last offseason. Hurdles aplenty, both from a football and off-the-field perspective.
Mr. Addison is nevertheless going to look to prove that he’s a trustworthy target for McCarthy. His opening pair of seasons have involved averaging 13 and then 13.9 yards per reception. Pushing that number higher by a decent bit could be the key to hitting the statistical achievement.
Vikings Player #3 — Dallas Turner, Edge Rusher
Key Stat: Hitting 8 Sacks
Dallas Turner’s rookie season was a disappointment.
To a certain extent, that’s not his fault. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah surrendered a pile of picks to go get the defender who oozes potential. And while there’s some merit in the insistence that Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel were hogging the snaps, there’s a basic reality that’s also present: both of Patrick Jones II and Jihad Ward earned more playing time.
Indeed, Dallas Turner’s sophomore season involved being the EDGE5. Not the end of the world — the sophomore is still only 22 — but Minnesota is looking for more. A lot more.
He’s ultra talented and can get shuffled around the field. Brian Flores is a fan and thinks the Alabama alumnus is going to take a step forward. Minnesota is banking on the improvement since the remaining depth options among the edge rushers are all UDFAs. Indeed, Bo Richter and Gabriel Murphy are both undrafted sophomores while the others — Tyler Batty, Chaz Chambliss — are rookie UDFAs.
Coming off a 3-sack debut season, Turner needs to step up his production.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF and Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
