5 questions heading into the Vikings’ 2019 training camp
By Chris Schad
What will Kevin Stefanski’s offense look like?
One of the biggest downfalls for the Vikings in 2018 was the deterioration of their offense. After averaging 24.5 points per game in the first nine weeks, the Vikings averaged 15.25 in their first four games after the bye week. As a result, offensive coordinator John DeFilippo was fired in favor of Kevin Stefanski, who would eventually be promoted as full-time offensive coordinator for this season.
Vikings fans got a small taste in what could be on the table in the final three games of last season as Stefanski featured Dalvin Cook and the running game more and used more play-action passes to help Kirk Cousins behind a leaky offensive line. While the offense struggled in the season finale with 10 points against the Chicago Bears, Stefanski’s offense looked rejuvenated in wins over the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions.
In addition to plugging in Stefanski as the offensive coordinator, the Minnesota Vikings also hired Gary Kubiak as an offensive consultant and Rick Dennison as their new offensive line coach. Mix in a couple of new additions including top draft picks Garrett Bradbury and Irv Smith Jr. and this could be an offense that’s substantially better in 2019.
That road starts in training camp and while Stefanski won’t lay all his cards down on the table, there may be a couple of quirks that can be spotted during the opening weeks of camp.