5 second-year Vikings poised for a big sophomore season in 2022
By Clay Vasquez
Ihmir Smith-Marsette – WR
It took a while, but towards the end of the 2021 season, Ihmir Smith-Marsette started to come into his own.
In the final game of the 2021 campaign, Smith-Marsette put up an impressive performance, catching three passes for 103 yards and one touchdown, and while people may question how serious of a game it was, it was clear while watching the game that Smith-Marsette has something.
He may not be the most physically imposing wide receiver, but he’s shifty and has immense big-play potential, something the Minnesota Vikings could be in store for in 2022 with new head coach Kevin O’Connell taking the helm.
Some fans may be questioning how Smith-Marsette will factor into the offense in 2022, with Adam Thielen set to return and K.J. Osborn having a breakout in 2021. Will Smith-Marsette even see the field?
There is not a definite yes or no to this question, but if you look at the Los Angeles Rams offense in 2021 (who had Kevin O’Connell as their offensive coordinator), you’ll see that they used 11 personnel sets on 85 percent of offensive snaps, leading the league.
11 personnel run three receivers out on the field, opening up far more opportunities for multiple receivers to get their stats, including No. 4 receivers, who will cycle in throughout the game.
Smith-Marsette clearly has the talent, he just needs an opportunity to prove himself, and while the Vikings most likely won’t run the 11 personnel sets as much as the Rams did in 2021, O’Connell could potentially bring in a more open scheme to Minnesota. Having an open scheme can lead to everyone getting fed, including the big-play threat that is Smith-Marsette.