Grading every Minnesota Vikings position group from the 2020 season

(Photo by Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports) Kyle Rudolph
(Photo by Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports) Kyle Rudolph /
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) Mike Zimmer /

Coaching Staff/Front office

The coaching staff of the Vikings was dealt with some big challenges this past offseason. Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman failed to give the team any capable interior offensive linemen, hindering a potentially amazing season Kirk Cousins could have enjoyed.

In addition, the Vikings were unprepared at cornerback, displaying a huge lack of experience and leadership at that position which became even more apparent as injuries piled up.

When left with in-game time situations, the coaching decisions were met with mixed results at best. Questionable play-calling, poor clock management, and a lack of adjustment in games all hindered the team.

Minnesota’s positional coaches and coordinators must also be on the hook for not making adjustments when needed as well as preparing for upcoming games.

Spielman had a botched trade for Yannick Ngakoue that ended up being a short rental instead of a blockbuster move to create one of the best pass rushes in the league. The mistake dropped the Vikings’ second and fifth-round draft picks to a third, impacting the talent that can be brought in at the 2021 NFL Draft.

A lack of talent on the roster, lack of preparation, and lack of proper adjustments were all key reasons for why Minnesota had a losing season. Those issues fall on the coaching staff and the front office and they must be accountable for them this season.

2020 Grade: D+

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