Minnesota Vikings First Quarter Review: What we’ve learned so far

There’s plenty of season left to turn things around

Ah, yes. The ever-optimistic take of a team struggling early in the season. It sounds like something at the bottom of a pitcher of purple Kool-Aid, but hear me out.

Last year, the Vikings had a 2-2 record over the first four games. After a loss to the Detroit Lions at home (and where Dalvin Cook had torn his ACL), the Vikings had lost their starting quarterback, still had issues along the offensive line and had some tough matchups on the horizon. They would go 14-1 over their next 15 games and reach the NFC Championship Game.

Such a hot run may not be on the horizon for the Vikings this time around, but there are reasons to believe that this team can turn it around. The offensive line is getting healthier and with another change (#MOVEREMMERSTORT) or two (#FREEBRIANONEILL), they could find their footing as the season goes along.

The passing offense has also exceeded expectations and with the Buffalo loss notwithstanding, Cousins, Diggs and Thielen have been able to put up points without a steady running game.

Even the biggest point of concern, the defense, is an area that deserves the benefit of the doubt. Mike Zimmer has a track record and perhaps the last two weeks are what this team needs to regain its focus and take off starting with Sunday’s game in Philadelphia.

The schedule will loosen up after the Eagles game with three of the next four opponents currently holding losing records and three of those four coming in the friendly confines of U.S. Bank Stadium. Although the Minnesota Vikings have not started the way many had hoped, there’s enough there to believe that they can turn things around.