Rick Sosa’s Territory Journey: The Off-Season Recap
Rick Sosa
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Each month our Minnesota Vikings insider Rick Sosa lends his perspective and talent.
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New staff
Although some people won’t want to admit it Mike Zimmer comes into 2021 approaching the hot seat territory. Or at the very least the uncomfortable seat territory. His new coaching staff selections will be key to his success as Covid and injuries won’t give him a pass this time. His approach is with continuity and probably his best bet at making the postseason and beyond in 2021.
Same playbook
First order of the day was the hire of a new Offensive Coordinator that would bring that continuity on that side of the ball the Vikings had been looking for years. Klint Kubiak taking over his father after his retirement makes the most sense if change wants to be maintained to a minimum. Finishing as a top 5 offense in 2020 not much change is needed. Although Kubiak Jr maintains the “evolution” will be the variance the reality is there won’t be much change to what Mike Zimmer has established. A run first oriented offense. Where Kubiak Jr can add his own staple will be in the play calling. Avoiding the check downs or short routes in second and long or having a more aggressive approach when trailing from behind as it was seen in the final stretch of the Carolina game last season. He has the weapons at his disposal to do this.
Other staff changes
New QB Coach Andrew Janocko moves from WR Coach to his new position and same as Klint Kubiak has a very good relationship with Kirk Cousins. This should help the 10th year pro quarterback feeling even more settled in his fourth season as a Viking. Another significant change is at the Special Teams Coordinator with Ryan Ficken finally getting his opportunity to run this unit after the disastrous Marwan Maalouf stint in 2020. Ficken has already made his first move by signing K Greg Joseph signaling a possible exit by veteran Dan Bailey before free agency begins.
One more new arrival is Keenan McCardell as a WR Coach having worked in Jacksonville with D.J. Chark and Dede Westbrook now coming to help with Justin Jefferson’s development. And last but certainly not least Karl Scott arrives as the new Defensive Backs Coach with the task of helping the young CB group get more acclimated into the NFL. Scott was an integral part of the recruitment system as a member of the coaching staff in Alabama working for the Crimson Tide.
Working meetings
With their new staff set Rick Spielman, Mike Zimmer and all coaches will begin meeting to assemble the new roster going into the 2021 offseason having to decide what players will remain with the team and others that might exit along with new arrivals. As it works out every year it is time to begin a new journey and dream with Minnesota getting its first Super Bowl.