Moment No. 5
Vikings say goodbye to defensive veterans
In need of cap space before the start of the new league year back in March, Minnesota knew they were going to have to make some tough decisions.
Some of these decisions resulted in the Vikings parting ways with a number of longtime contributors on the defensive side of the ball including Linval Joseph, Xavier Rhodes, Everson Griffen, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander.
Due to these departures and a number of notable players suffering injuries, Minnesota’s defense took some tremendous steps backward this year.
Moment No. 6
Barr gets knocked out of the season
During his tenure with the Vikings, some have struggled to put their finger on the actual impact that Anthony Barr has on the team’s defense. Barr clearly did enough for Minnesota to reward him with a lucrative new contract in 2019, but this deal also left some with a bunch of confusion.
Unfortunately, the Vikings had to experience what life was like without their top linebacker this year after he suffered a season-ending injury during the team’s second game on their schedule.
With how poorly the defense has performed in his absence, especially against the run, Minnesota will certainly be excited to welcome Barr back into their starting lineup next season.