The Minnesota Vikings have been making headlines this offseason, and it’s not just because of their quarterback situation. While the departure of Kirk Cousins and the addition of Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy have been the main talking points, there are other important questions that need to be addressed as the team heads into training camp.
One of the biggest questions facing the Vikings is the status of their offensive line. Last season, the line struggled to protect Cousins and open up running lanes for Dalvin Cook. As a result, the team finished with a disappointing 7-9 record and missed the playoffs. This offseason, the Vikings made some moves to address this issue, including signing veteran guard Josh Kline and drafting offensive tackle Brian O’Neill in the second round. However, there are still some concerns about the overall depth and talent of the offensive line. Training camp will be a crucial time for the team to evaluate their options and solidify their starting lineup.
Another area of focus for the Vikings will be their defense, specifically their secondary. Last season, the team struggled to defend the pass, ranking 30th in the league in passing yards allowed per game. To address this issue, the Vikings signed veteran cornerback Terence Newman and drafted cornerback Mike Hughes in the first round. However, with the departure of Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes, there are still some question marks surrounding the depth and talent of the secondary. Training camp will be a key time for the team to develop chemistry and find the right combination of players to improve their pass defense.
In addition to these on-field questions, there are also some off-field concerns that the Vikings will need to address in training camp. One of these is the ongoing contract negotiations with star wide receiver Adam Thielen. Thielen has been a key player for the Vikings over the past few seasons, but his current contract is set to expire after the 2020 season. The team will need to work out a new deal with Thielen to ensure he remains a vital part of their offense for years to come.
Another off-field issue that the Vikings will need to address is the recent arrest of defensive end Danielle Hunter. Hunter, who has been a dominant force on the Vikings’ defensive line, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman in a hotel room. While the details of the incident are still unclear, the team will need to handle this situation carefully and make sure that justice is served.
Despite these challenges, there are also plenty of reasons for Vikings fans to be excited about the upcoming season. The team has a talented roster, including Pro Bowl players like Cook, Thielen, and safety Harrison Smith. They also have a strong coaching staff led by head coach Mike Zimmer, who has a proven track record of success in the NFL.
One player who will be looking to make a big impact in training camp is rookie quarterback Kellen Mond. The Vikings drafted Mond in the third round of this year’s draft, and he has the potential to be the team’s quarterback of the future. While he may not be ready to start right away, training camp will be a crucial time for Mond to learn from veterans like Darnold and McCarthy and develop his skills for the future.
Overall, there are many important questions that the Vikings will need to address in training camp. From the offensive line to the secondary to off-field issues, the team will have their work cut out for them. However, with a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, there is no doubt that the Vikings have the potential to be a top contender in the NFC this season. As fans, we can’t wait to see how these questions are answered and how the team will perform on the field. Skol Vikings!
