Minnesota Vikings: Silver Linings

Dec 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback

Teddy Bridgewater

(5) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Detroit won 16-14. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings were not a good enough football team to make the playoffs this year. It is a painful reality, but it is true. Too many close games have been lost and no division games have been won, which ultimately will never get the job done. Realistically, the Vikings have not really been good enough to make the playoffs since 2009. They made it in 2012, and considering they won 10 games I won’t say they didn’t deserve it, but without an otherworldly season from the exiled Adrian Peterson, they would not have even sniffed the postseason that year.

All that said, I do not come to bury the Vikings. I come to discuss the positives that exist, and why I truly believe things are trending in the right direction in the Land of the Ice and Snow.

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The biggest reasons for my optimism are our rookies at the team’s two most important positions. First, even though it has been up and down, I am a big Teddy Bridgewater believer. He has shown a clear understanding of the profession, and has steadily improved as his inaugural campaign has worn on. Yes, his two interceptions Sunday played a large role in the loss at Detroit. Still, a rookie will make mistakes. As long as he uses them to learn and grow, it is okay. I believe he has done that so far. I am also of the opinion that we probably would not have beat the Jets or the Redskins without him. He has a calming presence and the respect of his team, and rarely makes poor choices. The first interception this past Sunday was a mental error; The second was the correct read where he simply missed the throw. He has improved on missteps all season, and expect him to continue doing so going forward.

The other rookie I am most excited about is not Anthony Barr, although I am very big on him as well. Instead, it is our coach Mike Zimmer. He has completely transformed our formerly moribund defense into a respectable squad, with very few personnel changes. He also seems to know the right buttons to push with this team. I get the sense that he was not surprised to be in this position with such a young team, as he is not automatically “Rah-rah” after wins, nor always angry after losses. To wit: He recognized that barely beating an inferior Jets team at home was not cause for celebration, while also seeing that nearly beating a very good Lions team in Detroit was nothing to hang our heads about. He has seemingly universal respect from both current and former players, and I truly believe he is the coach to lead our team out of the wilderness.

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Make no mistake, I realize changes will be necessary to compete for division championships and more. For one, the offensive line must be shored up. Simply being healthier up front would help Teddy’s cause, but more talent is needed as well. In addition, the running back corp is simply not good enough at this point. A healthy Jerick McKinnon would go a long way towards fixing that; Adrian Peterson being back in the fold would likely help even more, although no one knows what will happen with his situation at this point.

All being said though, I fully believe the ship is heading in the right direction, and feel like we will have a special team on our hands sooner rather than later. Here’s hoping Zim’s confetti dreams come true.

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