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Coller opines how Vikings can reach SBLV


The Vikings advanced to the Divisional round with the NFL's final eight teams this season but fell short of their ultimate goal.


After watching the Chiefs reach a Super Bowl for the first time in 50 seasons, and win it, what are some keys that could help the Vikings make it to the big dance?


Matthew Coller of SKOR North looked at ways Minnesota can "build off last year's 10-win season and Wild Card round victory" in 2020.


Coller laid out five areas the Vikings should focus on: Improve pass protection, throw to Stefon Diggs more, improve cornerback play, see repeat performances from a trio of defenders and "take some big swings."


Coller wrote the following about Minnesota's cornerbacks:


Overall the Vikings were solid against the pass in 2019. They ranked seventh in EPA against the pass and allowed the 10th-lowest quarterback rating in the league. But their Achilles heel was that opponents could succeed throwing toward their outside corners. Combined between Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes, QBs completed 110 of 154 passes for 1,460 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception, good for a quarterback rating of 117.9, per PFF data.


He opined that the Vikings will need Mike Hughes to "emerge as a star," possibly add a cornerback in free agency or use a first-round pick on the position.


Coller went on to highlight the dominant performance of one player from each level of Minnesota's defense.


The reason the Vikings were able to survive poor play from outside corners and still thrive is because they received some marvelous performances from other players on defense. Harrison Smith, Eric Kendricks and Danielle Hunter all ranked in the top five by PFF grades at their positions (as did Anthony Harris, who is a free agent).


Smith gave up a 35.3 rating when targeted with zero touchdowns and three interceptions, Kendricks had the most pass breakups in the NFL and Hunter was No. 2 in QB pressures. In order to get anywhere next season, they will have to be every bit as excellent.