NFL Executives Think Minnesota is a Mid-Tier NFC Team
K. Joudry
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The Athletic is among the foremost sports publications today. It isn’t perfect, but it consistently offers up entertaining, informative pieces.
Earlier today, Mike Sando published a piece where he shares the opinions of five anonymous NFC executives. Their task was to offer up an NFC power ranking.
Tompa Bay – very reasonably – is the unanimous selection for the #1 spot in the conference. Vikings fans will be disappointed to see Green Bay coming in at #2. We’re collectively hoping that the team finally implodes. From there, it’s the Rams, Seahawks, 49ers, Saints, Cowboys, and then our Vikings come in at #8 (perhaps in honor of our ever-controversial QB1).
Honestly, I can’t argue too much with the #8 spot.
Basically any outcome appears plausible heading into the season. 13-4? I could see it. The d-line may end up being dominant, and the hope is that the o-line may take a step forward. 5-12? Wouldn’t be surprised. We’ve already encountered some really difficult circumstances, so there’s some reason for concern. The likeliest outcome, though, is that we’ll be good-but-not-great. Our position on the list reflects that reality.
Like many fans, I quibble with the ranking for the Cowboys. No one can deny that they have legit talent. What’s more debatable is whether Mike McCarthy can actually do something with it. It also wouldn’t be shocking to see the Saints struggle to replicate past success. Ditto for the 9ers.
Here is how one exec framed their opinion about the Vikings: “‘I don’t know what direction they are heading in, whether it’s up or down,’ a voter who ranked Minnesota seventh said. ‘Once they paid the quarterback, the complexion of that team changes dramatically and they have stretched themselves and retained a lot of veteran players defensively, but do they have the horses to play the way they want to defensively?'”
It’s probably a touch to simple to say that this team will only go as far as Cousins takes them, but there’s a lot of truth in there. Kirk will need to be excellent (and available) for Minnesota to succeed. The defense, of course, will also need a bounce back, but the greatest concern at this stage appears to rest with the offense. The preseason left a lot to be desired.
The 14th and 16th teams on the list are the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions (part of the reason why our division isn’t being respected). Let’s hope that ends up being accurate.