Who could be scapegoats for the Minnesota Vikings if things don’t go according to plan in 2021?
There are plenty of reasons to be encouraged about the 2021 NFL season for the Minnesota Vikings. A frantic offseason of player comings and goings has left the roster primed for an instant return to playoff contention providing everything clicks into place right away. This would be a welcome relief to a team that flattered to deceive more often than not in 2020.
The Vikings normally make the postseason every other year in recent history. Head coach Mike Zimmer will be hoping for the same fortune once again, and considering the questions surrounding other teams in the NFC North, it could be an opportunity for them to make some real noise.
Sounds easy, in theory.
But Minnesota has some potential complications of their own to overcome if they want to achieve their objectives.
It all starts on defense, which was abysmal last season and not in keeping with the dominant unit Zimmer’s prided himself on throughout his time at the helm. Minnesota’s offensive line also needs to show a marked improvement in key situations next time around, with their interior pass protection not up to the required standard.
A reliance on young, inexperienced players rather than aging veterans past the peak of their powers might come with some growing pains. Still, it’s going to be better for Minnesota in the long run despite the win-now culture within NFL fans across the country.
With this in mind, here are four Vikings players who could become scapegoats if things don’t work out for the team in 2021.