Removing The Large “If” Hanging Over The Minnesota Vikings Season

Danielle Hunter
Nov 4, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) celebrates after a sack during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

One of the common ideas circulating in Vikings Land is that the Minnesota Vikings season will go well if: _______.

There are a variety of things we can put into that blank. Things will go well if Kevin O’Connell is actually a great upgrade over Mike Zimmer. The Vikings will make a playoff push if Kirk Cousins elevates his game. The defense will return to dominance if Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith both stay healthy.

We could prolong this list, including similar sentiments about the offensive line, kicking situation, corners, and rookie contributions.

The broader point is that success is contingent on a variety of factors. True, some are more important (QB play, dominance from edge rushers) than other aspects of the game (a top-tier special teams, elite play at guard). Nevertheless, the truth remains that achieving NFL success requires a lot to go right.

At this stage, the focus for the Minnesota Vikings’ leadership is to ensure they’re doing their utmost to prepare for the season. What are the most critical factors in being able to compete for a Super Bowl? Do we have enough talent and depth on our roster to ensure we can fulfill these demands? If the answer is no, then more work needs to be done.

Like many others, I’m concerned about how the team will respond to an injury to either Hunter or Smith. Heck, the team could even find issues when the vets merely need to take a series off. Perhaps the young depth players will take a step forward under Ed Donatell’s leadership, but that’s no guarantee. It’s possible another free agent would be worthwhile.

Football, quite often, is about making educated guesses. No one really knows how the upcoming season will unfold. All we can do is look at recent history and then the current status for each team. With that knowledge, the Vikings will then do their best to determine if they can overcome the competition. A lot will need to go right, and some of it is simple luck that’s beyond anyone’s control.

Even still, the leadership must objectively consider where this roster is at. From there, make the necessary tweaks and adjustments to do their best to undermine the season being undone by one of those pesky “ifs.”



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