The 2023 Minnesota Vikings are quite an interesting team. After having poor underlying metrics and a 13-4 season in 2022, they are 2-4 with really good underlying metrics so far this season.
Crazy how the script flipped that drastically right?
It also has the fanbase not sure what to think of the team or the direction. Should they continue to pursue a playoff spot or sell off players that have expiring contracts like they do in baseball?
With a level of uncertainty, until we see the Vikings play out the next two games, we decided to answer some of the questions that the fanbase has. These eight questions tackle a lot of the questions being debated by the fanbase and I answered them all.
Realistic QB VIkings could draft
If the Vikings do select a quarterback in the first round next year, who do you think is the most realistic choice?
Personally, I think its going to be J.J. McCarthy.
— jason 🎃 (@spardisjx) October 20, 2023
Realistic is something that could be taken a lot of different directions right now. With the Vikings sitting at 2-4, they are currently slated to pick seventh overall. If they win the next two games, they will be at 0.500 and in control of their own destiny to make the playoffs.
With that said, it would be a surprise to see the Vikings win less than seven games, so picking at 10 or later is very likely. In that scenario, J.J. McCarthy would likely be the guy taken at that spot. Texas’ Quinn Ewers would also be one to watch. There are a lot of unknowns right now with what quarterbacks would come out because the class is perceived to be deep.
Who can turn it around?
What part of the Vikings team will be able to turn it around come seasons end?
— Mr. Poo, ESQ (@JeffMerrill19) October 20, 2023
The obvious answer is the running back position. The offense has really good underlying metrics, including being Pro Football Focus’ number-one run-blocking team in the NFL. The Vikings also have the fifth-best success rate in the NFL but no explosive runs to show for it.
The lack of success has to do with the running back position. Alexander Mattison has been massively inconsistent and has dropped an NFL-high five passes on just 26 attempts. Cam Akers has been consistently getting two series per game but has looked more explosive than Mattison during his time in the game. One of them will need to take a step up and it’s very likely that they do.
Has Kirk Cousins regressed?
Has Kirk lost a little bit of his fast ball ? Seems that’s why some of his throws are behind hie receivers
— Phil Antinarella (@PhilAntinarella) October 20, 2023
It’s not from a lack of regression with his arm talent. Cousins has been very indecisive this season. Too often, Couisns has been hesitant with his decision making and throwing late to players. Doing that will allow defenders to catch up to the receiver, especially on out routes. How does he show his indecisiveness? He pats the ball and takes an extra hitch, which is essentially a hop. That matters in a game where inches and split seconds are so important.
When Cousins fires the ball to a receiver, it still has the same amount of oomph that he had last season.
Is there a gap between Caleb Williams and Drake Maye
I’d like to know the gap between Maye and Caleb
— Tyler🐺 (@T365Mac) October 20, 2023
The gap is all about how you prioritize different traits.
Drake Maye is significantly better in structure than Caleb Williams. In fact, it’s not even close. Williams’ biggest struggles are playing within the pocket and operating the play with any form of effectiveness.
Williams’ biggest strengths are his rocket arm (Maye also has a strong arm) and his ability to make the Mahomes-type play outside of structure. What gets lost here is that Maye isn’t as good, but is still more than capable to create outside of structure.
I personally have Maye slightly over Williams due to his in structure play, as being able to thrive there is still the most important thing for a quarterback. However, it’s very close and both are great prospects.
Starting edge rushers in 2023
Who do you think will be the starting pass rushers for the Vikings on opening day next year?
— Ameer Eldomiatti 🇺🇦 (@skiyouMeeko) October 20, 2023
There is so much that goes into this question, so I’ll approach it with how I think the Vikings are planning for their future.
The contracts for both Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport were set up for the Vikings to re-sign them and bring them back for the 2024 season. The expectation should be that they come back. However, the free agency class at edge rusher looks deep with Chase Young, Josh Allen and Montez Sweat all pending free agents. A lot could change, but I’m expecting the status quo to stay the same.
Why would the Vikings keep Danielle Hunter?
What do the Vikings hope to gain by allowing Danielle Hunter to play out his current contract? If they lose him to free agency without getting anything of value in return, it will be another big blow to the franchise
— Made in Minnesota (@Sladetrade) October 20, 2023
Easy, make the playoffs and give yourself a chance to win the Super Bowl. You can’t get there unless you make the dance.
Now, if you do lose him to free agency, you would get a third-round compensatory selection. If you do trade Hunter, it would be for more than a third-round pick, which is what the Vikings would already get no matter what.
What's the deal with Lewis Cine?
What’s going on with Lewis Cine?
— West Krueger (@krueger_west) October 20, 2023
I don’t know for certain. His injured hamstring paired with missing the final 14 games of 2022 with a debilitating leg injury and a deep safety room have all impacted Cine not seeing a defensive snap this season.
Here is my theory on this. Cine plays too aggressively and recklessly right now for Brian Flores’ scheme. While the scheme is aggressive, you need to play with discipline. If you don’t, that is when backbreaking explosive plays happen. There is still a real chance that he isn’t any good, but it’s only six games into his second season. Give him time.
Does Jaren Hall throw a pass this season?
Does Jaren Hall throw a pass this season?
— Andy (@AndySGallagher) October 20, 2023
There are three ways that Jaren Hall throws a pass this season.
- An injury to Kirk Cousins that knocks him out of the game for more than one play
- The Vikings are eliminated from playoff contention
- They are getting blown out, Hall is the QB2 and gets into the game late
