3 mistakes the Vikings cannot repeat from the 2020 NFL season

Impact the game with the front seven

The Vikings defense fell short of every fan’s expectations in 2020. By the end of the season, despite having the bar set so low to the ground, the Vikings still managed to shatter the hearts of the fanbase by allowing the New Orleans Saints to score six rushing touchdowns on Christmas Day, ruining what is typically a joyous occasion.

Classic.

To no one’s surprise, the Vikings closed out the season with one of the worst defenses across the league. The Vikings rushing defense allowed the sixth-most rushing yards, ninth-most rushing touchdowns and the fourth-most rushing first downs.

They were even worse when it came to getting at the quarterback. In passing situations, the pressure was non-existent and  opposing quarterback sat comfy in the pocket. This is clearly demonstrated when the Vikings finished the season with the seventh-least quarterback hurries, the fifth-least sacks (23), and the fourth-least quarterback pressures.

Currently, the belief is that this will not be the case this season. Reasons for that include Danielle Hunter and Anthony Barr returning from injury, Michael Pierce joining the active roster after opting out of the 2020 season, and both Dalvin Tomlinson and Sheldon Richardson being scooped up in free agency. There is also speculation that a reunion with Everson Griffen could lie ahead.

The Vikings run defense will almost certainly see improvement as the defensive tackle group is clearly among the best in the league at the moment. The concern lies with the pass-rush, which currently features an edge rusher with proven success at getting to the quarterback.

While initial reactions to the Griffen move heavily consisted of shock and surprise, second thought says it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see the Vikings bring back Griffen as the free-agent market has dried up immensely at this point of the year.

However, as teams continue to trim down their rosters, a surprise roster cut could draw interest from the front office.