Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Lowest lows
1. Let's just say the Vikings didn't experience Hoosier Hospitality during their visit to Indianapolis.
The Colts hosted the Vikings for a Week 2 matchup, and Minnesota's offense struggled mightily en route to just 175 total net yards.
Indy's secondary had a field day, with three defensive backs – Kenny Moore, Khari Willis and T.J. Carrie – picking off Cousins, who didn't throw a touchdown pass. The Colts held the Vikings to just 113 receiving yards, a season low. Jefferson recorded three catches for 44 yards, and Thielen was targeted eight times but had just three catches for 31 yards. Johnson added 24 yards on one reception.
2. The Vikings had a chance to get it done but couldn't come up with the plays.
Against Dallas in Week 11, Minnesota got the ball back with 1:37 left in the game and trailing by just 3. Cousins connected with Dalvin Cook for a 4-yard gain on first down, and that was the final time the Vikings moved the ball.
A pass over the middle to an open Jefferson was dropped, and a third-down throw to Thielen was disrupted by cornerback Jourdan Lewis. The Vikings had no choice but to go for it on fourth down, but a pressured Cousins missed Thielen downfield.
After a hard-fought game that came down to the final minute-and-a-half, Minnesota was unable to execute and fell 31-28.
"Just being able to go out there and make those big plays for the team, putting points on the board and setting this team up for success. That's all that really matters. It boosted my confidence a lot, coming out here and having a game like that on a high level. More to come, and we've just gotta keep working."
– Jefferson after scoring first career TD against Tennessee
"I didn't necessarily know what to expect, but I've said this before: The moment I first saw him run routes and catch the football, I knew there was something special there. Did I think he was going to break every record and be one of the best receivers in the NFL this year? I don't know. That's … pretty tough to do as a rookie. But it's been fun to watch. It's been fun to be a part of. Again, another guy you kind of cheer for, and you're excited for him to have success just because of the locker room guy he is, the guy he is every single day, the smile that he brings. His presence, man, it affects people around him, so it's pretty cool."
– Thielen on Jefferson's impact in his rookie season
"All of the doubts, all of the people that doubted me at the beginning of the season and didn't think I was going to have this type of season or didn't think I was the player that I am. All of that was just built up on me. I just released the beast. I just went out there and played my ball. Just was true to the process and let my game play for itself. I'm definitely stoked about this season."
– Jefferson reflecting on Year 1
Pressing Questions for 2021
1. Will the Vikings solidify a sure-fire WR3 heading into next season?
There's no question about Minnesota's starting receiver duo. Thielen and Jefferson combined for 2,325 yards and 21 touchdowns on the season, helping the Vikings rank fourth in total yards per game. Thanks to yards-per-reception averages of 12.5 (Thielen) and 15.9 (Jefferson), Minnesota also ranked third in the NFL in passing yards per play (7.8).
But behind the dynamic duo, did the Vikings establish a strong third receiver heading into the 2021 season? Beebe's participation increased to be sure, and it seems likely that he'll continue to see an uptick in production. Even so, Minnesota didn't utilize him a ton.
The Vikings signed free agent receiver Tajaé Sharpe in the spring, but the 26-year-old was active for just four games and had just three targets with no catches before being released on Dec. 14.
Looking ahead to next year, will Minnesota continue to look at Beebe and Johnson as WR3 candidates, or could a new addition be in the cards?
2. Will Vikings receivers see increased action next season?
Minnesota has two of the best receivers in the game, but the team also utilizes a run-heavy offense with one of the NFL's best backs in Dalvin Cook.
According to Sportradar, pass plays accounted for 54.3 percent of the Vikings snaps from scrimmage, which ranked sixth-lowest in the NFL, which also means Minnesota's run play percentage (45.7) was the sixth-highest. Cousins averaged 17.8 passing attempts to wide receivers per game.
Although there is some uncertainty as to whether Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak will return for a second season in the role, it seems unlikely that Zimmer will change his offensive philosophy. Which is not a bad thing, but it will be interesting to see if the Vikings increase the number of opportunities for receivers on a week-to-week basis.