5 major differences to expect from the Vikings in 2021
By Dean Jones
Pressure
Once considered an area of substantial strength where the Vikings are concerned, the lack of pressure in opposing backfields was glaring in 2020. This is something not normally associated with Mike Zimmer’s defenses and it also had an adverse effect on the secondary to complicate matters further last season.
Not having Danielle Hunter exploding off the edge was a primary factor surrounding this issue. The defensive end missed the entire campaign with a serious neck problem and now that contractual issues with the Vikings have been resolved, expect the LSU product to cause some significant havoc once again.
Free-agent signing Dalvin Tomlinson and Michael Pierce manning the defensive line interior should also help. As will the presence of Sheldon Richardson following his return to Minnesota after a tremendous spell with the Cleveland Browns.
The Vikings can also call on some athletic young pass-rushers next season. D.J. Wonnum showed glimpses of potential as a rookie, with the additions of Janarius Robinson and Patrick Jones II during the draft being something else working in their favor.
Providing there are no more complications on the health front where Hunter is concerned, expect pressure to be plentiful and a far cry from what Minnesota produced during the previous campaign.