Viktor
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
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Well, folks, we made it. After 16 games and plenty of drama, the Vikings put a bow on the 2020 season with a 37-35 win over the Lions.
And just like that, we're already at the starting point of Minnesota's 2021 offseason. With that said, here are three things on the top of my mind as we start to look ahead:
1. Hope for good (defensive) health in 2021
It's no secret the Vikings defense was obliterated by injuries and absences in 2020. Danielle Hunter (injury) and Michael Pierce (opt out) didn't play a game, while Anthony Barr saw the field for less than six quarters.
Eric Kendricks missed the final five games of the season, and the Vikings cornerbacks group (except for Jeff Gladney) all missed multiple games with various injuries. Mike Hughes, a 2018 first-rounder, played in just four games when he was expected to be relied upon as a consistent starter.
Assuming all of those players make a full recovery this offseason, there's no doubt that collective group will give the defense a boost in 2021. But one could argue that more work needs to be done on defense.
The run defense struggled all season, and while there are young players with potential in D.J. Wonnum and maybe James Lynch, perhaps the defensive line gets a bit of a makeover. Some players up front have been here for a few seasons and might not be back, as roster turnover is a constant in the league.
And speaking of potential changes, Anthony Harris and Eric Wilson are scheduled to become free agents, so the Vikings will have to reach new deals with them or see them on other teams next fall.
If the Vikings are at full health (or at least have better health), and with the young players getting more familiar with Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer's scheme, Minnesota's defense should be much improved in 2021.
Let's hope for a little luck in 2021.