2022 Minnesota Vikings Season Preview

Now that preseason games are done, we need to take a look at where this team is at heading into the season.

Offense
The Minnesota offense is in good shape heading into the season, all things considered. Now, we didn't see much of the starting skill players. All reports out of training camp are saying Cousins, Cook, Jefferson, and Thielen are all good to go. The first team offensive line has played in all 3 preseason games, and they haven't blown me away but they haven't been terrible either. There is hope there. TE Irv Smith Jr. is supposed to be ready for Week 1 against the Packers, and all reports point to that he will make that date. This is good considering the rest of the Vikings tight end depth hasn't been inspiring on the catching side of things. I am hoping to see more development from the likes of Johnny Mundt and Ben Ellefson, the latter of which is a 3rd year player in the NFL. 
Minnesota has always had a habit of signing great running backs, and that hasn't changed with the new regime. With the addition of Ty Chandler this offseason, and Kene Nwangwu coming back, I could see the Vikings letting go of Alexander Mattison next offseason and still being in a good position.
The purple could put a top 10 offense on the field this year, just have to see where the coins fall.

Defense
Minnesota's defense has come a long way from where they ended last year. While the purple has lost all 3 preseason games this year, they don't look outmatched on defense. Now, we didn't see anything from defensive stars Danielle Hunter, Dalvin Tomlinson, Za'Darius Smith, Cameron Dantzler, Patrick Peterson, or Harrison Smith. I don't think we need to see them too much though, we will hear a lot about them in the coming weeks. The depth behind them is starting to grow and show. DJ Wonnum is a very solid outside linebacker, he has also played on the defensive line before. Rookie Andrew Booth Jr has shown out quite a bit this preseason and I could bet you money he will share starting time with one of the corners at one point this season. The other defensive rookie, Lewis Cine has impressed as well. I am not quite sure he will be available to start the season, but once he does I think he will make a big impact and could even take the starting spot from role player Camryn Bynum. The biggest area of improvement was this side of the ball and I hope it shows during the season.

Special Teams
Ah, always a point of contention amongst Vikings fans is the special teams unit. The purple is staying with Greg Joseph as place and field goal kicker this year. In fact, Joseph had an insane camp hitting many excellent field goals. (don't forget to knock on wood). His holder and will the Vikings new punter this year, Ryan Wright an undrafted free agent. Minnesota let go of 3 year punter Jordan Berry just a week ago. Andrew DePaola will be the long snapper. Kene Nwangwu will be the Vikings kick returner this year and Ihmir Smith-Marsette will be the Vikings punt returner. Both returned kicks and punts last year for the Vikings. This unit is typically pretty solid, but a re-evaluation never hurts. Lets hope this crew can keep it together.

Overall I feel the Vikings are in good standing to start the season. Like I said in the schedule release article, the Vikings have a ceiling as high as 14-3, and a floor as low as 8-9. Lets hope its the former.

Up Next
In two weeks, the Vikings kick off the season at home against the Packers at US Bank Stadium. Kickoff is at 3:25 PM on FOX.

​#SKOL