The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings: 4 Quarters- 2016 Season Preview- Part 1

By Nicholas Coyer

January 29, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Hawaiian hostesses Chelsea Hardin (far left) and Mahina Garcia (far right) pose with Team Irvin quarterback Teddy Bridgewater of the Minnesota Vikings (5), Team Rice running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings (28), Team Irvin linebacker Anthony Barr of the Minnesota Vikings (55), Team Rice defensive end Everson Griffen of the Minnesota Vikings (97), and Team Irvin free safety Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings (22) during 2016 Pro Bowl photo day at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 29, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Hawaiian hostesses Chelsea Hardin (far left) and Mahina Garcia (far right) pose with Team Irvin quarterback Teddy Bridgewater of the Minnesota Vikings (5), Team Rice running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings (28), Team Irvin linebacker Anthony Barr of the Minnesota Vikings (55), Team Rice defensive end Everson Griffen of the Minnesota Vikings (97), and Team Irvin free safety Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings (22) during 2016 Pro Bowl photo day at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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With players preparing to head to Mankato for training camp 2016, fans hopes and expectations are at an all time high after the Minnesota Vikings 2015 NFC North Championship.

In just over a week the Minnesota Vikings are due to arrive to report in training camp. As of Thursday July 28th last season will officially be put to rest and the focus will be on who will make the 52 man squad for the 2016 campaign. In such a brutal, physical sport it is often difficult to ensure you can bring the best 52 because preseason injuries have caused players to miss parts of or all of seasons and even delayed the starts of promising careers.

Last season, a preseason injury to Phil Loadholt changed the Vikings plans on the offensive line, and even though the entire squad started all 16 games, they were a weakness that will hopefully be shored up this season.

In my predictions I am going to make I am basing everything off of having a generally healthy full squad and the key players for the Minnesota Vikings staying on the field. Offensively it’s imperative that Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson are both able to play in all 16 games.

phil loadholt
Oct 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Phil Loadholt (71) walks on the sidelines against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports /

Teddy Bridgewater is possibly replaceable for a short-term but that situation would be less than desirable. An injury to Adrian Peterson would really hurt though. He is the generational player that defenses always have to account for which will open up the Minnesota Vikings entire playbook.

Defensively I feel we have more than enough depth but players such as Xavier Rhodes, Anthony Barr, Linval Joseph, and Harrison Smith elevate the play of everyone around them. They are so good at covering their assignments as well as being able to get to the football in broken plays, minimizing the damage done by opposing teams. With that said here is to 2016!

Team Predictions

  • Record 13-3
  • Minnesota Vikings will not lose back to back games
  • Second consecutive NFC North crown
  • Will host NFC Championship game at US Bank Stadium
  • 5 players will be voted in to the Pro Bowl
  • Hope on a limb 2016: Super Bowl

Offensive Predictions

  • Teddy Bridgewater will throw for over 4000 yards
  • Teddy Bridgewater will throw 20+ touchdowns/10- interceptions
  • Adrian Peterson will rush for 1400+ yards/12+ touchdowns
  • Two Minnesota Vikings WR will total 2000 combined receiving yards
  • Laquon Treadwell will be considered for top offensive rookie
  • Hope on a limb 2016: AP for MVP

Defensive Predictions

  • Everson Griffen And Danielle Hunter will combine for 30+ sacks
  • Minnesota Vikings will return 6+ turnovers for touchdowns
  • Minnesota Vikings rush defense will rank 3rd or better
  • Minnesota Vikings pass defense will rank 5th or better
  • Minnesota Vikings defense will be 3rd or better overall
  • Hope on a limb 2016: Harrison Smith for Defensive Player of the Year

Next: Vikings game-by-game 2016 season preview

Obviously it’s almost impossible to achieve every single one of the predictions I have made. The 3 hopes on a limb are almost more of a wish than a prediction obviously, but of the 15 other predictions, I expect them to achieve 9 minimum. Success breeds expectations, the Minnesota Vikings have the skill and position players to make a run and as Adrian Peterson has told his teammates, you never can be assured of making it back to the playoffs, it’s not easy and never guaranteed.

Game analysis coming in Part 2.

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