Are the Minnesota Vikings all-in for the 2021 season?

The Minnesota Vikings appear to have loaded up, placing all their chips in the middle, and they are going for it all in 2021.

In 2020, the Minnesota Vikings were torn apart by injuries, particularly on defense. Couple that with the fact that both starting cornerbacks were rookies. It was a recipe for disaster.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer did a great job over the first few games of the season protecting his young cornerbacks by making sure they always had help one way or another. However, when the injuries eventually piled up, it was almost impossible.

This offseason, Minnesota identified all the needs of the roster and acted aggressively in free agency. They signed five new cornerbacks and a safety. There was no way the Vikings could go into another season that thin at the cornerback position.

Another dire need for Minnesota’s defense was upfront. With Danielle Hunter missing the entire year with injury and 2020 free agent signing Michael Pierce opting out, the Vikings couldn’t buy a pass rush or stop the run last season.

With the return of these two, along with the signings of Sheldon Richardson, Dalvin Tomlinson, and now Everson Griffen, Minnesota possesses one the best, if not the best defensive line in the entire league.

Will the offensive line hold up for the Minnesota Vikings this season?

Even with a porous offensive line, the Vikings still ranked fourth in total yards and seventh in total touchdowns last season. However, it was evident that Minnesota was in need of some help up front.

The Vikings’ offensive line ranked 26th overall in 2020 according to Pro Football Focus, and it was no surprise they ranked that low. Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins barely had any time in the pocket, making it difficult to move the ball at times.

A first and third-round draft pick were spent on shoring up the line earlier this year. If rookie offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw can get healthy and anchor the line by protecting Cousins’ blindside, the Vikings look to be a tough matchup for all comers.

Minnesota appears to have addressed all their issues on both sides of the ball. There is no reason that the aim for this season shouldn’t be to go all the way. With everyone healthy and firing, it will be tough to stop the Vikings in 2021.