The
Minnesota Vikings are coming off a 7-9 2014 record which is obviously did not
earn a trip to the playoffs however the record is what it is.
I look back
and see so much positivity coming into the 2015 season. I looked back at the
schedule last season and see the last 7 games after the bye the team finished
3-4 in those games. The part to look at this season to become better was in the
4 losses, 3 on the road and 1 at home the team only lost by about 4 points per
game.
It came down
to just not being able to hold the lead which can definitely be fixed. The
losses were at Chicago by 8, Green Bay at home by 3, then back to back losses
by 2 on the road to Miami and Detroit. Yes, 3 were NFC North games which could
have been huge turning a 7-9 into an 11-5. Yes, it’s done and over but it’s
important the team learns how to finish on the road or at home for this 2015
campaign.
I want to
look at reasons the teams can compete for not only the division title but also
the playoffs and after that who knows;
TEAM ROSTER COMPOSITION
I love how
the 53 man roster has been built as we have 34 of 53 from the past drafts. Chad
Greeneay (2006), Adrian Peterson and Brian Robison (2007), John Sullivan (2008),
Phil Loadholt (2009), Everson Griffen (2010), Kyle Rudolph and Brandon Fusco
(2011), 2012 has 8 of 10 draft choices on the roster, 2013 has 4 of 9, 2014
has 6 of 10 and 2015 has 8 of 10.
The 2014 had
10 picks with 7 on the roster, and both Yankey and Brandon Watts on the
practice squad. Jabari Price must sit out the first 2 games due to a league substance
violation so only one is not part of the purple at all and that is defensive
back, Kendall James.
I look at
the starters and you see Greenway, Peterson, Robison, Sullivan, Griffen,
Rudolph, Fusco, Floyd, Rhodes, Locke, Barr, Bridgewater as guys who are performing
as we as fans hoped since they are draft picks. Yes, Loadholt is out for the
season by 2015 draft pick, Clemmings is now the man to get the job done.
The team has
done a much better job of not spending the big bucks in free agency not trying
to win the title at all costs rather they are building with youth. Captain
Munnerlyn and Linval Joseph have come by way of free agency.
The
undrafted rookie free agents have contributed as well as I throw out the names,
Adam Thielen and Marcus Sherels.
In summary
the team is comprised of a great number of starters who came by way of the
draft and sprinkle in very few free agents and a couple rookie free agents and
you are building and developing from within.
COACHING
Mike Zimmer
is the man who I feel might just be the greatest coaching hire since Bud Grant.
No, I have never met the guy but watching him on TV, listening to the radio
this guy is full of confidence on how to build a winner.
THE 2015 SCHEDULE
I look at
the schedule and feel it is strong enough to make the team strong as they will
face very tough opponents.
I believe
the team can be 13-3 with only possible losses in Denver, at Green Bay and
maybe at Atlanta. I never want my team to lose and I no going undefeated in
today’s NFL is almost impossible.
I love our
home schedule seeing Kansas City, San Diego, Seattle, New York Giants, St.
Louis, Green Bay, Chicago and Detroit. This is the year where fans will need to
make more noise than ever.
I just
imagine when the Vikings beat Seattle just how much confidence this team will
have.
ONLY CONCERN
I know not
everything can be perfect so I throw out 2 concerns that I also believe will be
fixed and solidified in a short amount of time.
They are the
right side of the offensive line with 2 new guys, T.J. Clemmings and Mike
Harris and to see how Blair Walsh makes the adjustments in his kicking game. I
have full belief in special team coordinator, Mike Priefer and Offensive Line
Coach Davidson will give these 3 players are the help they need to get better
and be successful.
PUTTING A WRAP ON THINGS
I have given
3 major reasons the team will have a successful year and the hope of course is
the playoffs and then the Super Bowl. Monday night in San Francisco will be a
great test for the purple. Yes, several 49ers are no longer on the team and
they have a new head coach but when the purple plays like its capable we will
come home 1-0 and the next 2 at home.
Thanks for
reading
Purplestick
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