The Viking Age
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Vikings need to get QB decision right since jobs could be at stake

By Adam Carlson

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 21: (L to R) General manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings speak with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan of the New Orleans Saints at midfield prior to a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 21, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 21: (L to R) General manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings speak with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan of the New Orleans Saints at midfield prior to a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 21, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Head coach Mike Zimmer feels like his job could be on the line if the Minnesota Vikings get the quarterback decision wrong heading into the 2018 season.

It’s crazy to think that a team like the Minnesota Vikings could be considering making some big moves on their coaching staff or in their front office considering the recent history of the franchise.

The Vikings have won the NFC North division two of the last three years and have a 32-16 record over that time period despite major injuries, an offensive coordinator quitting, and moving from the Metrodome to U.S. Bank Stadium.

Even with all that success, one looming decision has Minnesota in a position where the right move could bring them to the Super Bowl while the wrong one sets the franchise back. That decision involves finding a quarterback for the 2018 NFL season and beyond.

Recently, Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer spoke at the 2018 NFL Rookie Combine and discussed just how important making the right call at quarterback is according to the official website of the NFL.

"“It’s important for myself and Rick (Spielman) and the organization we pick the right guy that can help continue to move forward. If we don’t do that, then I’ll probably get fired.”"

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That might be a bit extreme considering how the direction of the franchise has changed dramatically since Zimmer was hired as the head coach, but the future of general manager Rick Spielman may very well be on the line.

Spielman has had some big misses in the first round of the NFL Draft over the course of his tenure as the team’s GM. Names like Christian Ponder, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Matt Kalil are great examples of players who didn’t stick in Minnesota and others like Sharrif Floyd and Laquon Treadwell are in danger of joining the list of first rounders who don’t contribute.

So far, the Vikings have been patient with Spielman, but another questionable or wrong decision won’t help his case in sticking around with the franchise. Whether Sam Bradford, Case Keenum, Teddy Bridgewater, Kirk Cousins, or a rookie is chosen to be the future of the team, it will all come back to the general manager.

"“So after we get here, after we get done looking at some of these young draftable guys, so we’ll kind of sit down and figure out the direction we’re going. But I feel very confident really in all three guys (Bradford, Keenum, Bridgewater). I love all three of them. They’re great people. I love how they work. They understand how we do things there as a team and the way we go about our business.”"

Next: Which QBs are not coming to Minnesota in 2018?

It is still up in the air as to whether or not the decision at quarterback could get anyone fired, but it will be the biggest decision this team has had to make since choosing to hire Mike Zimmer as their head coach.

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