A new dawn for the Vikings; what to expect in 2022?
Heading into the 2022 NFL season the Vikings can been seen as somewhat of a wildcard. Record predictions for the team have been all over the place with some believing that they can be a real threat to challenge for the top spot in the NFC, but others predicting they’ll be as mediocre as the past few years.
There are lots of factors which could make or break the season for the Vikings; we’ll take a look at some of the key areas which can lead to new head coach Kevin O’Connell getting off to the perfect start in his inaugural season, as well as what direction the Vikings are heading in for the future.
Last chance at the helm for Kirk
Ever since joining the Vikings Kirk Cousins has been consistently criticised for his large salary and seemingly inability to win when it matters. But when you look at his stats it does not look like a man who is on the hot seat.
Since 2018 Kirk Cousins has:
- 16,287 yards – 7th best
- 124 TDs – 5th best
- 1.7% INT rate – 5th best
These stats put Kirk amongst the best QBs in the league. Infact, they are similar to those produced by Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes and the GOAT, Tom Brady.
So why is he under pressure? Kirk Cousins seems to lack the “clutch gene” that the other top QBs have, this is what makes the likes of Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes so great. They perform when it matters. Until Kirk shows he can go up against the best then he will always be under pressure.
This is where Kellen Mond comes in. Drafted in 2021 with hopes of being the successor to Kirk Cousins, Mond will be itching to get his chance on the big stage. Kevin O’Connell will have to take a good look at Mond and put him in a position to be a successful NFL QB, unlike what Mike Zimmer was able to do.
This could be a win-win for the Vikings as Mond puts pressure on Kirk Cousins to perform and potentially have a career year, as well as being in place for the Vikings to have a future QB ready.
Offensive line woes
The Vikings OL seems to be revolving door over the past 5 years, the only star they have is RT Brian O’Neill. On the opposite side, LT Christian Darrisaw showed strong potential in his first season with hopes of taking a further leap.
The interior of the OL has been nothing short of a mess for the Vikings.
First round pick Garrett Bradbury did not pan out at center and it looks like this could be his last season in Minnesota. LG Ezra Cleveland has shown some flashes but has been inconsistent. The RG spot has been filled in by anyone who can play there the past few years; the battle for this spot will be interesting to watch at training camp.
The Vikings are still in need of a couple of additions up front. J.C. Tretter has been talked about being a potential signing, and he would an ideal addition to shoring up this unit.
Another question which must be asked is how much blame can the OL take for Kirk Cousins not showing up when it matters? Considering Kirk is pressured on 29.9% of dropbacks, it seems that the OL has a big part to play.
Eras coming to an end, new ones starting
New head coach Kevin O’Connell is bringing a new culture to Minnesota in hopes of replicating the success he had whilst working as an assistant for the Rams.
He is an offensive minded coach who will look to get the most out of his young weapons, especially a certain Justin Jefferson. And who knows what plans he has to get the most out of Dalvin Cook.
With this new era starting we also have to recognise that other eras are approaching an end.
Long-time Vikings Harrison Smith and Adam Thielen are both into their 30s. They may finally start to regress. Veteran CB Patrick Peterson has certainly lost a step but the Vikings still rely on him to perform at a high level.
Even Eric Kendricks, one of the best performers in recent years, has recently turned 30. It feels like he was on his rookie contract playing alongside Anthony Barr (another who has seen his Viking era end) not so long ago.
This means one thing: The Vikings need to win now.
A new defensive scheme
For as long as I have watched the Vikings the defence has used a 4-3 scheme, Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen both flying off the edge. The new coaching staff brings a 3-4 scheme with them, giving Danielle Hunter a new position at OLB and a new rushing partner in Za’Darius Smith.
Last year the Vikings defence can only be described in one word: Hopeless. Being the 30th ranked defence in the NFL is not something Kevin O’Connell will want to replicate in his first season.
The new scheme and 2022 rookies, Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth, will both play a significant role in taking the Vikings back to one of the top defences in the NFL.
So, what to expect from the Vikings in 2022?
I believe the Vikings will be very competitive in the upcoming NFL season. There are no major holes to be seen in the roster, it is just a matter of putting everything together to fulfil the team’s potential.
Justin Jefferson will continue to do what he does best, while Dalvin Cook will be unleashed like never before under Kevin O’Connell.
The combination of elite veterans and high potential rookies on defence will be a problem for opposing offenses.
Are these predictions or manifestations? Honestly, both. But I am expecting bigger and better things in Minnesota next season.
