The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings looking for a dynamic receiving duo

By Nicholas Coyer

Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Charles Johnson (12) and wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Charles Johnson (12) and wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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In order to take pressure off of Adrian Peterson and Teddy Bridgewater, The Minnesota Vikings need consistent threats with different styles to make the offense multidimensional.

Percy Harvin, Jerome Simpson, Gregg Jennings, Mike Wallace, Michael Jenkins. All were good wide receivers, maybe even great at times, but they only had limited success in during time with the Minnesota Vikings. They had a good game here or there, but overall the results were less than spectacular.

Related Story: Training camp battles on the offensive line

In 2014 it was the Browns practice squad pickup Charles Johnson who stole the spotlight and became Teddy Bridgewater’s go to outlet. In 2015, due to injury and ineffectiveness, it was Stefon Diggs who rose to the occasion in Week 4, but because he was the sole receiving threat, defenses were able to scheme against him.

In both of those seasons, the Vikings had enlisted the help of speedster Mike Wallace to be the WR1. After 2 seasons, 39 catches, 473 yards, and a paltry 2 touchdowns Minnesota released him and saved 11.5 million in salary cap space.

Asking for 2 receivers to be effective for the Vikings sounds like a stretch but it will be what it takes to press the whole team to an elite status. The Minnesota Vikings have a running game for days, and a defense that can possibly be a top 5 Vikings all-time team defense, and the quarterback needed to lead the way.

Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) catches a pass during the second quarter against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) catches a pass during the second quarter against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

The best offenses of all-time had complimentary receiver sets. The Vikings duo of Cris Carter and Randy Moss worked together from 1998-2000, with Randy Moss making the high wire, speedster, amazing catches and Cris Carter making the premier side line toe tapping catches, and having one of the most reliable sets of hands all time. Together they made 2 NFC Championship games and a NFC Divisional game matchup.

In NFL history other duos had even more success. John Stallworth and Lynn Swan led the Steelers to 4 Super Bowl titles, Jerry Rice and John Taylor led the 49ers to 3 Super Bowl titles, Mark Duper and Mark Clayton combined for 9, 1000 yard seasons for Dan Marino and the Dolphins, Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt averaged over 70 catches apiece and 1000 yards a year for 9 seasons together with the Rams, and Randy Moss also paired up with Wes Welker for the New England Patriots for 3 years, completing the only perfect 16-0 record in NFL history.

Jun 15, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) high fives Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) during mini camp. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) high fives Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) during mini camp. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

In today’s NFL the premier combination arguably belongs to the NY Giants. That duo currently consists of Odell Beckham Jr and Reuben Randle. Adding Victor Cruz back in to the mix this season will make them even more potent. If Martavis Bryant and Antonio Brown would have played a full season for the Pittsburgh Steelers together, they would have easily been at the top of the list.

Honestly, the Minnesota Vikings would likely just appreciate consistent production across the board from whoever makes the team. If Laquon Treadwell and Stefon Diggs can prove a dynamic duo, it’s even better. Maybe Charles Johnson will regain 2014 form. Maybe Cordarrelle Patterson will step it up from being just a return specialist. There is also hope Moritz Boehringer, as raw as he is, can find a spot on the team.

Next: Vikings game-by-game 2016 season preview

This coming season we will see if the Minnesota Vikings offense can light up the scoreboards while the defense slows down opponents. If the wide receiver position shores up, Minnesota will be a complete team. The 2016 season cannot start soon enough.

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