Can the Vikings Win the NFC North with Questions at Quarterback?
The Minnesota Vikings surprised the NFL last season, finishing with a 14-3 record and second in a crowded division. The NFC North was won by the Detroit Lions in a Week 18 rivalry, where the Vikings struggled in a must win game. Quarterback Sam Darnold had a resurrection year under offensive minded head coach, Kevin O’Connell. O’Connell won AP NFL Coach of the Year this past season and is regarded as the league’s best quarterback whisperer. After being a third overall pick in 2018, Darnold underwhelmed and bounced around the league until he experienced success in Minnesota. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl and led the team to the Wild Card round. After a disappointing performance in the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Darnold would go on to sign a three-year deal, worth $100.5 million with the Seattle Seahawks. This year’s quarterback market was desperate for signal callers, but low on talent. The demand for Darnold was high given his surprising season and the scarcity in free agency and within the draft class.
The Vikings organization now must prove to fans the team will be successful under a second-year quarterback who played zero snaps last season. J.J. McCarthy was taken 10th overall in last year’s draft and went into the season with projections to be the team’s franchise guy. He started the preseason looking worthy of the top 10 selection but sustained a torn meniscus in his right knee during his first preseason game. The injury sidelined McCarthy for the entire season, which put Darnold in position to be the starter for the entire year, in which he took full advantage of. After not re-signing Darnold and allowing backup quarterback Daniel Jones to sign with the Colts, the Vikings have instilled full trust that McCarthy will be able to sustain his winning traits he brought from his college career at Michigan, after winning the NCAA title.
The Vikings provide an offense that is ready for most quarterbacks to step in and be competitive amongst the NFC’s best. Wide receiverJustin Jefferson is a top three player at his position and his contract reflects his production. They also rely heavily on second-year receiverJordan Addison who has quickly become one of the top number two options in the league.T.J. Hockenson has had a great young career at the tight end spot, and Aaron Jones re-signed with the team on a two-year, $20 million deal in March. The veteran and highly talented skill positions are a play caller's dream and will allow McCarthy to slowly adapt to the NFL once fully healthy and given the keys to lead the team. With another great year on the defensive side of the ball called by coordinator Brian Flores, the Vikings will be in position yet again to win their division with the brilliant mind from O’Connell and consistency at quarterback.
