The Minnesota Vikings are looking to speed up the rebuilding process in 2014, hoping that a careful mix of youth and experience will lead the franchise back to the top of the NFC North. Just like all 32 teams in the NFL, the Vikings start the season with dreams of showing what they can do in January. In order for that happen, a few things need to fall into place as we present to you our 3 Keys To A Successful 2014 Season For The Minnesota Vikings.
1. Have a plan at the quarterback position and stick to it.
According to ESPN.com, first-round pick Teddy Bridgewater has impressed the Minnesota Vikings' brass early on with his presence and command on the field. This is leading to first-team reps during the Minnesota Vikings' organized offseason activities. New head coach Mike Zimmer is giving Bridgewater the opportunity to compete with veterans Matt Cassel and Christian Ponder for the starting job, which is fine in and of itself. However, whoever wins the job needs to retain the full backing of Zimmer unless disaster strikes. Having another all-season controversy at the position won't do anyone, especially Bridgewater, any favors.
2. A rebuilt defense needs to become the lynchpin of the entire team.
How far the Minnesota Vikings go depends on their defense. General manager Rick Spielman completely retooled the Vikings' D this offseason after the team finished dead last in the NFL in 2013 in points allowed. Hiring former Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer as head coach was the start. Signing former Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn and former Giants nose tackle Linval Joseph was next, as nine of the team's twelve free agent signings this offseason were on defense. Adding linebacker Anthony Barr and defensive end Scott Crichton makes the entire unit that much more talented on paper - now it's up to the new guys to produce results worthy of all this offseason work.
3. Adrian Peterson must be "All-Day," every day.
Former backup RB Toby Gerhart is the new man in Jacksonville. New backup Matt Asiata saw action in two games in 2013, with 44 carries for 166 yards. He had 30 carries and three touchdowns in a 48-30 December victory over the Eagles. The bad news? He only picked up 51 yards on those 30 touches. The Vikings did draft Georgia Southern's Jerick McKinnon in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft, but he will still need a fair amount of seasoning transitioning to the NFL level.
This leaves Adrian Peterson. If he stays healthy, the team can be a dark horse contender for a playoff spot. If not, the Vikings may be the outside looking in for the fourth time in five years.
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