Change in offensive philosophy
Adam Thielen put up career numbers in 2018. A big reason why he had so many receptions was that the Vikings threw the ball 80 percent of the time. That number may not be exactly right, but Minnesota threw the ball a ton under offensive coordinator John DeFilippo last season.
Kevin Stefanski is the Vikings’ new offensive coordinator for 2019 and Gary Kubiak was added to the staff as well this year. Both of these guys want to get Minnesota’s ground game back on track and the team will likely be running the ball much more often next season.
This change in philosophy could result in fewer looks for Thielen and the rest of the Vikings’ wide receivers.
If Minnesota’s offense is able to move the ball consistently on the ground, it will take time off the clock and also allow the team’s defense to rest and stay fresh. This is exactly the type of football the Vikings want to play and a lack of pass attempts could be coming next season as a result of it.
A successful ground game will be good for the Vikings, but it could be bad for Thielen. As it was previously stated, he may get fewer receptions in 2019, but the catches he does end up with could go for much more yardage as teams focus in on shutting down Minnesota’s rushing attack.