The 3 Main Questions the Vikings Have to Answer on MNF
The 14-3 Minnesota Vikings from a year ago made way more changes this offseason than most other 14-win teams. It’ll be a different-looking squad in 2025. In Week 1, the Chicago Bears stand between the Vikes and a victory.
The 3 Main Questions the Vikings Have to Answer on MNF
There are still some unknowns.
Is McCarthy a Baller?
Everyone knows the single most important item on the list of Vikings questions is the development of quarterback J.J. McCarthy, not just for this season, but also for the remainder of the 2020s.
A first-year starter will always make mistakes that experienced players don’t, and McCarthy won’t be any different. He’ll test windows that work in college but not at the next level, and the game speed requires an adjustment, too.
The good news is that he’s surrounded by pros. Kevin O’Connell and Josh McCown have some NFL experience in their resumes, and they have helped Sam Darnold to a Pro Bowl season. Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Adam Thielen (and eventually Jordan Addison) are as good a receiving group as there is in the league, and the Vikings have invested in the running game.
Nobody should expect a flawless first game, but there’s a big difference between looking like a Pro Bowler and a rookie who’s not ready. He’ll probably slot in somewhere between those two extremes, but we don’t know where.
Is the OL Fixed?
Another aspect that can help McCarthy is the offensive line. It’s a revamped group between tackles Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw, two Pro Bowl-caliber players. Darrisaw’s status remains a mystery, but the signs have been encouraging.
All three interior starters (plus a backup) were replaced in March and April. Ed Ingram was traded to Houston, Garrett Bradbury was cut (he’s now with the Patriots), and Dalton Risner left in free agency (recently signed with the Bengals). Blake Brandel, the starting left guard, was replaced by rookie first-rounder Donovan Jackson and is now the top alternate.
Jackson played a ton of football in college, but like all rookies, he’s a total mystery box. Center Ryan Kelly is a proven veteran, and although an aging player, played well in recent years while also providing experience to set protections, which helps McCarthy.
Will Fries was an expensive signing at right guard. He’s coming off a significant left injury that cost him all but five games last season. Kelly’s former Colts teammate is envisioned to be the club’s best guard in years.
Much was invested in the spring, but does the group really hold up?
How Does the Secondary Look?
Speaking of a revamped unit that needs to hold up, the secondary will look different, too.
Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin left unsigned. The latter is on Seattle’s practice squad, and Gilmore is still available. The Vikings will continue to rely on Pro Bowler Byron Murphy Jr., who signed a massive deal in March.
Next to him, Brian Flores wanted the front office to acquire Isaiah Rodgers, and he got his wish. He’ll be a first-time starter. Jeff Okudah is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating players on the roster. His injury history and on-field play haven’t been too encouraging, but he brings some characteristics that fit Flores’ system.
Because the only backup is undrafted sophomore Dwight McGlothern, it’ll be on those three to get the job done without much of a threat behind them.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.