How the Vikings can reach their ceiling in 2022
The Minnesota Vikings have a new season on the horizon. The team is largely the same, but with a few new players at key positions and a coaching staff, there are some unknowns. I lay out the factors that will be influential in deciding whether the Vikings hit their ceiling or their floor.
The Vikings need to stay healthy to reach their maximum potential. Last season, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills were the least injured teams in the NFL. The best teams come the end of the season are the healthiest. Minnesota ranked 21st in adjusted games lost last year. Adam Thielen has missed 12 games over the last three seasons. Danielle Hunter has played seven games in two seasons and missed 10 games with a pec injury in 2021. Za’Darius Smith has been injured all but one game. Harrison Phillips missed a few games last season. The Vikings are betting on several injury-prone players and players returning from major injuries at key positions.
New head coach of the Vikings, O'Connell, has to improve the team's performance on the field. The Vikings finished 14th in points per game, 12th, in yards, 16th and 11th respectively last season. O’Connell needs to emphasize the Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson connection more. The team needs the playoffs or major roster changes. In 2021, the Minnesota Vikings ranked 27th on rush DVOA compared to 12 tht they ranked in pass DVoa. They ranked 17th yards per carry and 26th run grade. It doesn't mean O'sConnell has got to turn the offense into the Buccaneers'.
The Vikings defense has been in decline since Mike Zimmer's last season. Harrison Phillips will improve the run defense. Patrick Peterson will return for another season, but Cam Dantzler and Andrew Booth Jr. are unknown. The Vikings were gashed often in the passing game, allowing the fifth-most yards to opposing passers. They ranked 13th in pass DVOA and 18th-best coverage unit. The key will be avoiding disasters at any position. If the defense can repeat its efficiency marks and eliminate any glaring holes in coverage, it can be an average unit and survive.
Kevin O'Connell is a new head coach in Minnesota. He has a lot of work to do to improve the team. The team's ceiling is 12-4. If injuries and growing pains plague the Vikings, they could go 6-11. Only 28.6 percent of new coaches make it past the Wild Card round in their first year.
