4 ambitious goals for the Minnesota Vikings in 2022
By Dean Jones
Have three 1,000-yard receivers
It’s been a long time since the Vikings had three wide receivers capable of putting up significant numbers. However, there is real hope this ongoing problem has been solved.
Obviously, Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen remain the starting tandem. Both players boast Pro Bowl or better capabilities and in the LSU product’s case, he could propel himself to the NFL’s most prolific wideout with additional improvements in Year 3 of his pro career.
Thielen might be more of a possession guy at this stage of his career. But that’s not to say he cannot become a reliable weapon providing his recent injury problems are a thing of the past.
If that wasn’t bad enough, opposing defenses also have to account for K.J. Osborn after a breakout campaign in 2021. It was a sophomore year to remember for the former Miami standout, who became a trusted target for Kirk Cousins and demonstrated a real knack for getting in the end zone.
Given how expansive the Vikings’ offense is expected to be under Kevin O’Connell, having three receivers go over 1,000 yards is an ambitious target. It would be quite something, but one couldn’t dismiss the notion entirely considering all the factors in this particular equation.