Minnesota Vikings: 4 Quarters- 2016 preseason review
The Minnesota Vikings finished the preseason with a perfect record, but it was far from an ideal month for the former NFC North champions.
Do you remember what you were doing when the hopes of Minnesota Vikings fans crumbled in a news alert? Do you remember how you felt before, the news of Vikings practice being cancelled after just 25 minutes, and the press being ushered away from practice?
Well, before the news broke I was spending a day at Valleyfair with my kids, in that moment, about 1:50pm, standing in the concourse between the Tilter and the Antique Autos, I felt more sick than any ride could make me feel. A million things popped through my head and it was mostly just hoping that things were not as bad as they seemed. Then the picture of the ambulance at Winter Park popped up… In that moment I knew it was the worst case scenario coming to fruition.
My wife, kids and I have included Teddy Bridgewater in our prayers, and really wish him the speediest recovery to full heath. It truly sounds like Teddy has the courage and resolve to bring himself back to the NFL next season. Beyond the physical toll this injury has taken, I cannot imagine the mental toll that this has taken on the young man. His preseason was showing that he was developing the skills and decision-making that would have led to accomplishing the predictions I had earlier made, and in light of the Sam Bradford trade I am keeping in place.
In my opinion preseason football is stale, its primary intent to help coaches whittle their teams down to the final 53 while ramping up the core starters to season ready. During most seasons the preseason answers questions that settle position battles and solidifies confidence in the players at key positions. This season, going in to the first game, there are some things, the QB situation being a major thing, that are left unanswered, and a couple of things that still shine light on the season ahead.
The QB situation:
Teddy is out and for the time being. I believe Shaun Hill is in week1. The only glaring weakness that GM Rick Spielman has in the Vikings was exposed the moment Teddy was declared out. The lack of a capable back up to Bridgewater. Obviously nobody thought this was going to happen, but the Minnesota Vikings were not ready for it to happen.
Enter Sam Bradford, the Purple Savior, who needs to be able to be present and starting as soon as possible to justify his being traded to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2017 first round draft pick. Making a playoff push and making the draft pick in the high 20’s would definitely justify the trade. It would be a tough chore to be ready to start week 1 against the Titans, but it may be the trial by fire required to bring him closer to up to speed for week 2 against the Packers opening up US Bank Stadium. Whomever does start for the Vikings will only benefit from…
The O-Line situation:
The release of John Sullivan represents the Vikings feeling solidified on the O-Line. A slow start to the preseason jump started worries about protection but by midseason they will prove themselves a strength. The importance of the O-Line play, due in part to the Bridgewater injury, has been magnified because the now will have to lead the way for…
Adrian Peterson:
Hopefully sitting out the preseason has the Minnesota Vikings beastly back ready to once again carry the hopes and dreams of Minnesota Vikings players, coaches and fans on his back. It was believed his performance was going to be boosted by Teddy and the strong core of youthful talented wide receivers, but now it will be like last season, minimize mistakes in the passing game and pound the ball. A couple of keys to helping AP help the Vikings will be, spelling him for rest appropriately, and making sure AP actually gets involved in the game plan. The main key for AP to help the team will be not fumbling the ball, his only weakness, and making sure the Minnesota Vikings retain possessions, and sustain drives to not only score touchdowns, but to rest and reenergize….
The Minnesota Vikings ball hawking defense:
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Mackensie Alexander doesn’t do what? Create turnovers? Nope wrong again! A couple of times this season the athletic Alexander has made interceptions and showed why he was worthy of a second round draft pick and proven himself NFL ready right out of the gates, with still potential to be a top star in the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings starting defense will prove to this season be the heart and soul of the team, one would be hard pressed to find any glaring deficiencies, even in the backups. Mike Zimmer has assembled a very complimentary cast that will be vital to the Minnesota Vikings season and provide the spark to ensure a high level of excitement for…
The fans:
This part is on us the fans, to be loud and proud and supportive, and the best fans in the NFL. The 12th man. The Minnesota Vikings organization has done everything in its power to ensure that the Minnesota Vikings remain the team on a meteoric rise.
Next: Vikings game-by-game 2016 season preview
The Minnesota Vikings have defeated history before, becoming the first NFL team in a transplanted stadium, TCF Bank Stadium, to be a playoff team, and we need to beat the curve again, No team who has traded for a first round draft pick has ever made the playoffs in the first season with the team. Its time for the Minnesota Vikings to be the first team to not only make the playoffs, but… How about win a Super Bowl?