Minnesota Vikings: The 4 Vikings With the Most to Prove in 2015
Oct 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Matt Kalil (75) blocks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Minnesota Vikings defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Kalil
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Matt Kalil’s 2014 season was a tale of two halves. The first half of the season he was absolutely dreadful. It was strange, because he played really well as a highly-touted rookie and was better in 2013 than the first half of 2014. His issues appeared to stem from injuries and a lack of confidence.
The injury problems were related to an “on and off” knee issue, according to Ben Goessling of ESPN. The confidence issue probably sprung from whatever was ailing him. The fans and media certainly noticed his struggles; His head coach took note as well. When asked about it in October, Zimmer said:
"“I heard that he had mentioned about the confidence. That’s got a lot to do with him. We can try and build his confidence but you’ve got to go out and play good. That’s part of it. That’s how you get confident, you play good, really. You see teams that have that kind of swagger, because they’re playing good. They have confidence; they have belief in what they can do. A lot of that’s going to be up to him.”"
After that, Kalil was able to turn things around. He only gave up one sack over the final five weeks and limited himself to three penalties. It was certainly a welcome turnaround for the man drafted to be the team’s franchise left tackle. The question is whether or not he can sustain that high level of play. As we have touched on before, the Vikings will have to decide whether or not to pick up his fifth year option the day after the draft. If they do it will have to be a bit of a leap of faith. An expensive one too, but at least it is only a one year extension.
In the same vein as Patterson, Kalil has a previous track record of success and loads of talent so I think he will figure it out in 2015. It will certainly be in the team’s and his own best interests that he does.