What We Learned No. 9
Vikings depending on continuity for offensive line success
The argument can be made that Minnesota's offensive line took some steps in the right direction last season. However, the group still had plenty of moments where they were dominated by the opposition, especially their three interior blockers.
But despite the struggles of center Garrett Bradbury, right guard Ed Ingram, and left guard Ezra Cleveland, the Vikings are on track to begin the 2023 season with the same starting offensive line that they had in 2022.
Minnesota has a budding All-Pro in left tackle Christian Darrisaw, and if he's able to recover from his Achilles injury, right tackle Brian O'Neill should be able to return to his Pro Bowl form.
As for the three guys in the middle? Keeping them all as starters for the second season in a row seems like a risk. But the Vikings have clearly decided that the risk is worth taking.
What We Learned No. 10
Minnesota wants a quality over quantity rushing attack
With a starter like Dalvin Cook, most probably assumed that Minnesota was at least satisfied with their rushing attack in 2022. But this, apparently, wasn't the case.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell spent portions of the offseason talking about how he wants the offense to be more efficient when running the ball in 2023. To help in these efforts, Minnesota retained C.J. Ham, signed free-agent tight end Josh Oliver, and they are expected to utilize more of a committee approach to their offensive backfield more than they have in the recent past.
The Vikings might not be the home of the best running back in the NFL next season. But if Minnesota is able to improve their rushing efficiency in 2023, then no one is really going to care about who is the one carrying the football.