The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in an intriguing yet somewhat precarious position following their impressive victory against the San Francisco 49ers, where they were seven-point underdogs.
With a record of 3-4, Kirk Cousins and the Vikings seem ready to make a run against six seemingly easier opponents, indicating a newfound sense of confidence near the midway point of the season.
Their statement win has revitalized the Vikings, making them feel like underdog contenders for the first time this season. However, this newfound energy can be misleading and might tempt the front office to make mid-season trades before the trade deadline. Paradoxically, the wisest course of action may also be the least exciting: doing nothing at all.
During Monday night’s game, the Vikings showcased their most complete offensive performance of the season, with only three possessions (an interception, a punt, and a missed field goal) failing to result in scores. Notably, Justin Jefferson’s absence put Jordan Addison in the spotlight, accelerating his development.
Addison’s performance in a starting role against the formidable 49ers defense was nothing short of impressive. He recorded career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns with a 7/123/2 stat line on 10 targets. One of his touchdowns came from a 20-yard pass, expertly thrown by Cousins.
Speaking of Cousins, he delivered one of the best performances of his career during this primetime game, completing 35 of 45 passes for 378 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He has been exceptional this season, aided by the best offensive line he has ever had, ranking second in passing yards and first in passing touchdowns in the NFL through seven games. PFF even grades him as the sixth-best passer in the league.
The remaining question is whether Cousins can maintain this level of consistency. While he has passed for 340-plus yards in four out of seven games, he has had sub-200 yard games in two of the remaining three.
The Vikings have yet to establish a dynamic rushing attack with Alexander Mattison and Cam Akers. Consequently, they will continue to rely on Cousins, Addison, and Hockenson to move the ball, which they should be capable of with a strong offensive line and an array of offensive weapons.
Akers’ increased involvement in the offense signals a shift towards a committee approach in the running game, aiming to keep running backs fresh and confound opposing defenses.
Should Jefferson recover from his hamstring injury and Addison continue to shine, the Vikings have the potential to become an offensive powerhouse. K.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell provide valuable support as complementary receivers, and the running game, while not dominant, is competent. Couple this with an improving offensive line, and the Vikings possess substantial offensive potential.
On the defensive side, Coach Flores has applied effective exotic blitzes to generate pressure. Still, the Vikings might benefit from acquiring another defensive lineman to complement Danielle Hunter. Players like Montez Sweat and Chase Young from the Washington Commanders are enticing options at the trade deadline.
However, the Vikings don’t necessarily need to make moves to become contenders. They have seen young players step up in expanded roles, discovering talent in players like Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus. Recent draft picks, including Andrew Booth, have shown promise in their limited playing time. Therefore, trading valuable assets at the deadline might not be the best course of action, as it could prove costly in the long run.
To gain a clearer understanding of their roster’s strengths and weaknesses, the Vikings should commit to their current lineup. By doing so, they can assess their existing talent and evaluate their needs for the future. While it might not be the most exciting approach, it is a prudent one given the team’s current state.
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