The Minnesota Vikings’ regular season is just around the corner, with only 112 days left until their first game against the New York Giants. Excitement and anticipation are building among fans and players alike, as everyone eagerly awaits the start of another action-packed season. However, as with any team, there are always areas for improvement. In this article, we will take a look at the three worst parts of the Vikings’ roster and what can be done to address them.
1. Offensive Line Woes
One of the biggest concerns for the Vikings heading into the new season is their offensive line. Last season, the Vikings’ offensive line struggled with consistency and was plagued by injuries. As a result, quarterback Kirk Cousins was constantly under pressure, and the running game was not as effective as it could have been.
To make matters worse, the Vikings lost starting left tackle Riley Reiff to free agency, leaving a gaping hole in their offensive line. The team did sign veteran left tackle Rashod Hill, but it remains to be seen if he can fill Reiff’s shoes. The Vikings also drafted offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw in the first round, but he is still a rookie and may need some time to adjust to the NFL.
To address this issue, the Vikings should consider signing a veteran offensive lineman in free agency. There are still some quality players available, such as Russell Okung and Mitchell Schwartz, who could provide stability and experience to the offensive line. The Vikings could also look to make a trade for a proven offensive lineman, as they did with Yannick Ngakoue last season. Whatever the solution may be, it is clear that the Vikings need to improve their offensive line if they want to have a successful season.
2. Lack of Depth at Wide Receiver
Another area of concern for the Vikings is their lack of depth at the wide receiver position. While they have one of the best wide receivers in the league in Adam Thielen, their second option, Justin Jefferson, is still relatively inexperienced. The Vikings also lost depth at the position with the departure of Bisi Johnson, who suffered a torn ACL during OTAs.
To address this issue, the Vikings should look to add a veteran wide receiver to their roster. There are still some quality players available in free agency, such as Golden Tate and Dede Westbrook, who could provide valuable experience and depth to the position. The Vikings could also look to their practice squad for potential options, as they have some promising young receivers who could step up and make an impact.
3. Uncertainty at the Kicker Position
The Vikings have had their fair share of struggles at the kicker position in recent years. Last season, they had to go through three kickers before finally settling on Greg Joseph, who was inconsistent at best. While Joseph did make some clutch kicks, he also missed crucial ones, including a game-winning field goal against the Arizona Cardinals.
To address this issue, the Vikings should consider bringing in some competition for Joseph during training camp. They could also look to sign a veteran kicker in free agency, such as Stephen Gostkowski or Dan Bailey, who have proven track records in the NFL. It is essential for the Vikings to have a reliable kicker, especially in close games, and this should be a top priority for the team heading into the new season.
In conclusion, while the Minnesota Vikings have a strong and talented roster, there are still some areas that need improvement. The offensive line, lack of depth at wide receiver, and uncertainty at the kicker position are the three main concerns for the team heading into the new season. However, with the right adjustments and additions, the Vikings have the potential to be a dominant force in the league. Let’s stay positive and have faith in our team as we eagerly await the start of another exciting season. Skol Vikings!
