6 biggest takeaways from the Vikings playoff loss to the Giants

Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes the ball against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes the ball against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
5 of 7
Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) Ed Ingram

The Vikings’ rookie class struggled

It wasn’t so much that the first rookie class of new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was bad, they just didn’t get to have a lot of time on the football field aside from starting right guard Ed Ingram.

The Minnesota Vikings invested in their defense by taking safety Lewis Cine in the first round and grabbing cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. in the second. Both spent more time on injured reserve than on the active roster this year.

Fans heard about plans the team had for using Cine but never got to see them actually get put into play. That will be something to watch for when he finally gets an opportunity to showcase his skills on the field.

Akayleb Evans and Brian Asamoah also dealt with injuries and it will be interesting to see what these young defenders can do when given bigger roles. Both have looked good at times, so if they can develop, that would be nice.

Schedule