5 Minnesota Vikings on the hot seat at the 2020 midseason point
By Dean Jones
Which Minnesota Vikings are on the hot seat at the 2020 midseason point?
It’s been a season full of ups and downs for the Minnesota Vikings so far. The team began the campaign in a dismal fashion to find themselves at 1-5 entering their bye week, but a significant turnaround in their fortunes has reignited hopes of an unlikely playoff spot.
This would be a substantial turnaround for a franchise that appeared to be going through a period of transition. The Vikings lost some key veterans during the offseason who’d been a big part of the organization’s success and although most couldn’t complain about being moved on, it’s taken some time for a relatively new-look roster to familiarize with one another with no preseason games to do so.
Providing Minnesota continues to build on its positive momentum during a run of games that do appear winnable, then there is every chance they can be fighting for a postseason berth at the business end of the campaign.
One thing you can never do is write off a team coached by Mike Zimmer, who didn’t panic and used the bye week to make big adjustments that brought some instant results.
That being said, there are still some Vikings who will be nervously looking over their shoulders after an indifferent first half of the season. Here are five such examples.
Dakota Dozier – OG
The Vikings interior protection has become a real source of frustration this season. Center Garrett Bradbury has shown signs of progress, but those occupying the guard positions haven’t lived up to their billing.
One such player is Dakota Dozier, who could find himself on the outside looking in next year if he doesn’t make substantial improvements through the next eight games.
He’s already given up two sacks and three penalties this season and although his run blocking has been eye-catching over the last fortnight, much more will be needed.