This article is part of our Team Previews series.
STATE OF THE FRANCHISE
The Vikings could be a playoff contender in 2015 with the return of Adrian Peterson, a promising quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater and with improvements on defense under coach Mike Zimmer. Despite getting just one game out of Peterson in his first season as the team's head coach, Zimmer led the Vikings from a 5-10-1 mark in 2013 to a 7-9 showing in 2014. Peterson was essentially suspended for the season after the first game when child abuse charges against him came to light. He later pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault for disciplining his child with a switch. Despite talk in the offseason that he may hold out and seek a new contract, and amid some bad feelings over how he felt the Vikings handled the suspension, Peterson reported to OTAs in June.
The Vikings made a major change at quarterback early in the 2014 season as No. 32 overall pick Bridgewater took over for an injured Matt Cassel in Week 4. Improvements that Bridgewater displayed over his last six games as a rookie cemented his status as the team's starter.
Without Peterson, the Vikings turned the running game over to Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata. McKinnon showed promise with a 4.8 YPC before a season-ending back injury in Week 12. Asiata didn't hold up well as a primary ballcarrier (3.5 YPC), but showed prowess as a goal-line back (nine TDs) and as a pass-catcher. But both will take
STATE OF THE FRANCHISE
The Vikings could be a playoff contender in 2015 with the return of Adrian Peterson, a promising quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater and with improvements on defense under coach Mike Zimmer. Despite getting just one game out of Peterson in his first season as the team's head coach, Zimmer led the Vikings from a 5-10-1 mark in 2013 to a 7-9 showing in 2014. Peterson was essentially suspended for the season after the first game when child abuse charges against him came to light. He later pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault for disciplining his child with a switch. Despite talk in the offseason that he may hold out and seek a new contract, and amid some bad feelings over how he felt the Vikings handled the suspension, Peterson reported to OTAs in June.
The Vikings made a major change at quarterback early in the 2014 season as No. 32 overall pick Bridgewater took over for an injured Matt Cassel in Week 4. Improvements that Bridgewater displayed over his last six games as a rookie cemented his status as the team's starter.
Without Peterson, the Vikings turned the running game over to Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata. McKinnon showed promise with a 4.8 YPC before a season-ending back injury in Week 12. Asiata didn't hold up well as a primary ballcarrier (3.5 YPC), but showed prowess as a goal-line back (nine TDs) and as a pass-catcher. But both will take a back seat to Peterson this season.
To his credit, Bridgewater put up respectable numbers despite a shaky receiving corps. Cordarrelle Patterson appeared poised for a breakout season, but mental lapses saw him benched early on. Charles Johnson made the most of the job opening and solidified a starting job for 2015 with 19 receptions for 328 yards and two touchdowns over his final six games. Greg Jennings endured a second lackluster campaign with Minnesota and was let go after the season. Kyle Rudolph was set for a large role in Norv Turner's tight end-friendly offense, but missed significant time due to injury (hernia, knee) for the second consecutive year. To add a needed threat to the passing game, the Vikings traded for Mike Wallace in the offseason.
Minnesota saw a dramatic improvement on defense under Zimmer, a former coordinator for the Bengals, as the team moved to 11th in points allowed after finishing 32nd in 2013. The uptick was largely fueled by an upgraded secondary that saw the Vikings improve to 14th in yards per passing attempt from 23rd in 2013. With the Vikings using their top two draft picks on defense and aggressively adding veteran depth to the secondary, the unit should be even better in 2015.
OFFSEASON MOVES
Key Acquisitions
Mike Wallace – WR, DolphinsThe Vikings hope he'll emerge as the deep threat their offense has lacked.
Taylor Mays – S, Bengals
Slated to compete for a starting safety role next to Harrison Smith.
Trae Waynes – CB, Michigan State
(ROUND 1, 11th overall)
A candidate to start right away in an improving secondary.
Eric Kendricks – LB, UCLA (ROUND 2, 45th overall)
Should start at middle linebacker out of the gate.
Terence Newman – CB, Bengals
Provides the Vikings with added veteran depth in the secondary.
Stefon Diggs – WR, Maryland (ROUND 5, 146th overall)
Showed big-time talent at times in college, but may struggle to get on the field as a rookie
Key Losses
Greg Jennings – WR, DolphinsSigned by the Dolphins, who had earlier sent fellow wideout Mike Wallace to Minnesota.
Matt Cassel – QB, Bills
Became expendable, with Teddy Bridgewater taking over as the team's starter.
TEAM NOTES
SAME Adrian Peterson AFTER YEAR OF DRAMA AND AT 30?Peterson's status with the Vikings was the biggest question the team faced heading into the offseason, but he was reinstated by the NFL from his suspension and reported to practice in June and looks set to have a normal training camp. Peterson (or his agent) tried to force an offseason trade and had hinted he may hold out while seeking better contract terms. Peterson has three years left on his six-year, $96 million contract, but he has no more guaranteed money in his deal after 2015. Assuming he doesn't change his mind and hold out, he'll give the offense a massive boost as opposing defenses will suddenly have to focus on the run. That said, while Peterson ran for 1,266 yards in his last full season, there is some risk the 30-year old's production could stall, given the historical decline of running backs in their thirties.
Teddy Bridgewater TAKES CHARGE
While Bridgewater's overall numbers weren't eye-popping (14 TDs and 12 interceptions in 13 games), they masked a late-season improvement and high degree of difficulty. Specifically, he recorded an 8.1 YPA and 69 percent completion rate over his last six games. Only six quarterbacks had those marks over 16 games. Bridgewater amassed those numbers without the help of Adrian Peterson, while working with an unsettled receiving corps and a shaky offensive line. Bridgewater could take a quantum leap this year, with defenses focused on Peterson and with improved receiving talent. He was the third-most accurate quarterback on throws of 15 or more yards, according to Pro Football Focus, which could make newcomer Mike Wallace a potent deep threat.
IS THE DEFENSE BECOMING A TOP UNIT?
It appears the defense will be an asset and not a liability in 2015, with coach Mike Zimmer rolling with a 4-3 scheme with flexible formations. Despite a revamped defensive line, the Vikings ranked ninth in sacks in 2014. Anthony Barr had a strong rookie season (four sacks), and Everson Griffen had a breakout season with 12 sacks. The secondary went from a porous to potentially formidable unit. Xavier Rhodes graded as one of the top cover corners in the league in the second half of his sophomore season, Captain Munnerlyn plugged a hole against covering the slot receiver, and safety Harrison Smith became a difference-maker after missing half of 2013 due to injury. In addition, the secondary should improve with the team making Trae Waynes a first-round draft pick, and the addition of veterans Taylor Mays and Terence Newman.
VALUE METER
Rising:Teddy Bridgewater's second half stats in 2014 offer promise, which will be bolstered by a more balanced attack this year.Declining:Cordarrelle Patterson appeared on the cusp of stardom after his rookie season, but hasn't been able to get out of new coaching staff's doghouse.
Sleeper:Charles Johnson, a former practice squad castoff, has developed into the team's best receiver according to offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
Supersleeper:Stefon Diggs has the talent to surprise despite an uneven college career and could find a role if Patterson continues to struggle.
IDP WATCH
Anthony Barr – LBHe proved a disruptive force in the passing game, collecting 70 tackles, four sacks and three fumble recoveries in 12 games.
Harrison Smith – S
Bounced back from injury woes to become a difference-maker, en route to notching five picks and three sacks.
Everson Griffen – DE
Finally capitalized on his promise with 12 sacks.
