2021 Minnesota Vikings: The Defense Should be Improved

The Vikings were really productive on offense in 2020 and there is optimism that will be the same with this team. The defense got the blame for the disappointing 7-9 record of a year ago. Injuries played a big part in that as three very good players were injured for a significant amount of time. These guys are back and they’ve added a couple of other players to address needs. Minnesota has a shot at making the playoffs.

Kirk Cousins caught fire in the last 10 games of 2020 and ended up with 4,265 yards for 35 TDs. The Vikings will take that again in 2021. RB, Dalvin Cook is one of the best and he returns with his 1,557 yards and 16 TDs of a year ago. They dynamic duo of Justin Jefferson (88 catches, 1,400 yards and 7 TDs, and Adam Thielen (74 catches, 925 yards, and 14 TDs) are second to no one. The offensive line will be revamped some with No.1 draft choice, Christian Darrisaw and 3rd rounder Wyatt Davis being added to the mix.

Just getting some injured players back from last year might make the defense to Coach Mike Zimmer’s liking. Two-time All-Pro Danielle Hunter missed all of last season with a neck injury and if he returns to form that is huge. The Vikes signed Dalvin Tomlinson (who is a proven run-stopper) and Michael Pierce who opted out last year due to the pandemic. Both linebackers missed significant time last year and are hoping to bounce back. Eric Kendricks has made the Pro Bowl 4 times and Anthony Barr was out for 14 games in 2020. Finally, there is the addition of 8-time Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson who they hope can solidify the secondary. It should be noted that he slipped some last year in Arizona.

Schedule:

Must Wins: Detroit, Dallas, Chicago, at Carolina, at Cincinnati, at Detroit

Toss-Up Games: Seattle, Cleveland, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, LA Rams, at Arizona, at LA Chargers, at Chicago

Probable Losses: at Baltimore, at San Francisco, at Green Bay

Summary in Two Sentences: The Vikings are definitely good enough if Cousins plays like he did the final 10 games of 2020. They took steps to shore up their defense and if those moves pan out they are playoff contenders.

Predicted Finish: 2nd Place in the NFC North *Playoff Team*