Expectations are extremely high for the Minnesota Vikings this season, and several players need to raise their game if this team is to meet them in 2019.
To say that last season for the Minnesota Vikings was a disappointment is an understatement. The expectations to build on another NFC Championship loss in 2017 pointed toward nothing short of a Super Bowl appearance.
Unfortunately, the Vikings underperformed, finishing with an extremely disappointing 8-7-1 record, and ending up nowhere near the postseason.
Following the recent NFL Draft that saw Minnesota select three offensive linemen, the expectations for 2019 will certainly be to re-take the division and advance in the playoffs. In order to do just that there are some Vikings players who will need to raise their game this coming season
But do not expect to find quarterback Kirk Cousins on the list.
Cousins threw 30 touchdowns with a 70.1 completion percentage, both career highs, in 2018. His 10 interceptions last year were the fewest in a season since becoming a full-time starter in 2015.
His 4,298 passing yards were the most for a Minnesota quarterback on this side of 2009, when Brett Favre threw for 4,202 yards. There is really nothing more Cousins needs to do. He just needs to keep from regressing too much.
Outside of their quarterback, who are five players that need to step up and improve their play in 2019 if the Vikings are to rebound and make the playoffs?