Vikings Uncertain in Critical Areas of Super Bowl Checklist
K. Joudry
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Not too long ago, I put together a 10-item Super Bowl checklist. The goal was to offer a rough guide for what teams need to compete for a Super Bowl. Very seldom do teams hit on all 10 items, and yet it’s an ideal to strive towards. My plan was to return to the list, not only to add nuance but to see how close the Vikings are to the Super Bowl.
Before getting to our purple friends, take a look at this brief refresher. There are 10 things ranked from most to least important:
1) A High Floor, High Ceiling QB
2) A Brilliant Strategist at HC
3) A No-Fear Matchup Corner
4) A Pair of Pass-Rush Terrors
5) An Identity-Allowing Offensive Line
6) A Pair of Dynamic Playmakers
7) A Clutch Capable Kicker
8) A Do-It-All Defender
9) A Special Teams That Doesn’t Beat Itself
10) An Ability to Elevate Depth
The two most important items – QB and HC – are a bit of a wild card. Even after four years in Minnesota (and a decade in the NFL), there’s no consensus on Mr. Cousins. Matthew Stafford’s success last year gave many hope that Cousins is indeed good enough since they’re in the same tier of NFL QB. I certainly do get that, though it’s worth noting that Stafford is more gutsy than Cousins. The LA QB also demands less cap space, carrying just $13.5 million into the 2022 cap. The trade off, in fairness, is less future cap flexibility for the Rams. Nevertheless, I have concerns about Cousins’ cap hit.
Kevin O’Connell may end up being excellent, but this is his first time as a head coach. His ability (or, perhaps, inability) to infuse this roster with new life will go a long way in Minnesota’s ability to get to the playoffs. If the Vikings have any shot at the Super Bowl, it’ll be because O’Connell was excellent. His excellence will need to involve pushing Cousins to new heights.
Some items that the Vikings do firmly tick off the list are 4, 6, and 8. Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter are a great pair of edge rushers. Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen could plausibly be the best WR duo in the NFL (and let’s not forget Dalvin Cook, Irv Smith Jr., and K.J. Osborn). Minnesota has at least two do-it-all defenders: Eric Kendricks and Harrison Smith. Both can be used to help nullify the opposition’s best, most versatile players.
If these three items pan out and the first two fall into place, then perhaps the Vikings will have a shot.
Otherwise, I’m seeing a fair bit of uncertainty on the list. One area that concerns us all is the offensive line. The hope, of course, is that all our handwringing will be much ado about nothing. Ideally, that young tackle tandem takes another step forward, giving Minnesota tremendous play at the two most important positions along the OL. From there, we’re all hoping that the robust competition along the iOL leads to a cleaner pocket for Mr. Cousins. The end result would be a better chance for Cousins to show he’s capable of fulfilling the first and most important item on the list.
If the OL allows Minnesota to stay true to its offensive identity, then the Vikings will have a much better chance at competing. Indeed, the game often starts up front, so let’s hope that players on the roster can get it done.
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