3 Vikings position groups that have improved heading into the 2021 season

Defensive Tackle

Last season, the Vikings allowed 134.4 rushing yards per game. This was a massive increase from 2019 where they only allowed 111.7 rushing yards per contest.

It is not a secret that Minnesota’s defense was terrible last season, but there were a lot of factors that played into the defense being so bad.

First, injuries decimated the Vikings on the first two levels, allowing every team just to run down their throat and they couldn’t do anything about it. New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara rushing for six touchdowns in Week 16 last season is a performance that sticks out.

This is probably the position that Minnesota improved the most this year. The defensive line, as a whole, has gone from a weak point for this team to potentially the strongest and most dominant unit in the entire league. It was evident throughout training camp as they dominated everyone and were unstoppable at times.

With Michael Pierce returning from his year of opting out and joining 2021 free-agent acquisition Dalvin Tomlinson, the defensive tackle position looks to be in good hands for the Vikings this season. Minnesota also made sure they have depth at the position this year by re-signing defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, who is a starting-caliber player.