Improved running game
The Vikings’ running game was basically non-existent for most of the 2018 season. The team has made significant changes to ensure that it is better in 2019.
This offseason, Minnesota hired Kevin Stefanski as their new offensive coordinator and also brought in Gary Kubiak as an offensive advisor. Both of these guys have stressed how important it is to improve the running game next season and they appear 100 percent committed to doing just that.
The Vikings also invested heavily in their offensive line this year in both in free agency and in the NFL Draft. They should have a much better starting unit in 2019 and more depth overall.
Obviously, an improved running game could take away targets from Adam Thielen in 2019, but it can also open things up. He may not have as many receptions but he could have a lot more explosive plays.
A consistent and productive running game will make defenses more honest. Opponents will have to respect Minnesota’s rushing attack on every single offensive snap.
Because of this, Thielen could see opposing safeties start to cheat up towards the line of scrimmage more often. And since he’s savvy enough to take advantage of this, he would figure out how to get behind the safety to haul in a pass for a huge gain.
So while an improved running game could lower Thielen’s final reception total in 2019, chances are high that his overall yardage and touchdown numbers could actually go up because of it.