How Can the Vikings Save Their Season After a Rollercoaster Start?
Minnesota’s season has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Starting in Week One, J.J. McCarthy scored three late touchdowns to lead a comeback against the Chicago Bears. This was a very encouraging and needed spark, as it had been a rough first three quarters before that. Following that game, the Vikings took a tough loss to the Falcons in Week Two. Since then, the team has struggled with injuries, including McCarthy, which has derailed the hopeful season. There is still plenty of time to turn things around, but there are a few things that need to be done to ensure that.
For starters, the defense needs to grow more consistent. The team currently allows 23.1 points per game, which ranks 18th in the league. While many of the team's struggles are related to injuries and the offense, if Minnesota can reduce that, then it will go a long way in helping them win games. There are plenty of positives on the defensive side, as they have 18 sacks, which is tied for the 10th most in the league. The Vikings also rank in the top five in both forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. Unfortunately, the area that needs to see improvements is interceptions. That unit has recorded three, which ranks 22nd in the league. Turnovers are one of the best ways to swing momentum, so improving in that department only aids the team's chances of winning.
Speaking of turnovers, Minnesota needs to start winning that battle. Currently, they have a turnover differential of negative four, which is 23rd in the league. This is unacceptable, as winning the turnover battle is one of the keys to winning the game. While this is representative of the defense's lack of turnovers, it also shows the struggles of the offense. There have been 12 turnovers, which ranks fifth-worst in the league. If the team wishes to turn around the season, then they need to find a way to swing this battle to their advantage.
Unfortunately for the offense, turnovers are not the only area of concern. On average, they score 22.1 points per game, which, just like the defensive side, ranks 18th in the league. Injuries to the offensive line have been one of the major reasons for this, as the Vikings have allowed 28 sacks, which is the third most in the league. McCarthy is set to return soon, which brings some hope, but in order to succeed, the number of sacks and pressures needs to be cut down.
Another way to take the pressure off the passing game is through the rushing attack. Coming into the season, the two-back system was set to lead the way. Once again, injuries set this back as Aaron Jones went down early in the season. Now that he is back, Minnesota aims to get the running game back on track. Creating a balanced attack would go a long way in saving the Vikings' season.
At this point in the season, Minnesota is at a crossroads. Through the first eight weeks, there has been a mix of injuries and inconsistent play. There is still a way to turn this around. If they can get healthy, win the turnover battle, and get consistent on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, then the Vikings may still contend for a playoff spot. The attention now turns to the next few weeks to see if the team can rally and save their season, or if they let another year slip away.
