After the first four games of the 2018 NFL season, what grades are appropriate for each aspect of the Minnesota Vikings so far?
Expectations could not have been much higher for the Minnesota Vikings heading into the 2018 NFL season. But they were deserved.
The Vikings were coming off a year in which they won 13 games and made it all the way to the 2017 NFC Championship. Minnesota also added a Pro Bowl quarterback in Kirk Cousins and a former Defensive Rookie of the Year in Sheldon Richardson to their roster.
On paper, the Vikings appeared to be on the right track to earn their first spot in a Super Bowl since 1976. However, Minnesota encountered a few speed bumps on the way to the regular season, especially the team’s offensive line.
The Vikings’ position group was delivered its first big blow of the year when offensive line coach Tony Sparano unexpectedly passed away right before the team began training camp. Then a little later, starting left guard Nick Easton was lost for the entire 2018 season due to a neck injury.
Minnesota also had to begin the year without starting center Pat Elflein, who was recovering from offseason ankle and shoulder surgeries.
Through the first four games of the 2018 season, the Vikings are sitting with a record of 1-2-1. Not exactly the start that Minnesota was hoping for, but ending the year with a championship is still very possible.
After four weeks, how has the Vikings’ offense, defense, special teams, and coaching staff performed?