Minnesota Vikings: is Norv Turner on the chopping block

If Norv Turner is unable to turn the Minnesota Vikings offense around in 2016 he might be looking for a new job next season.

Mike Zimmer proved with the firing of Evan Marcus (strength and conditioning coach) that if you don’t perform he’ll show you the door. Marcus had multiple players get injured under his watch, and his new employer, Cleveland, just lost Desmond Bryant for the season due to a freak workout accident.

Jeff Davidson (former offensive line coach) was also handed his walking papers. Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks were put on their backs 45 times in 2015, with Teddy Bridgewater taking 44 of them. Once again, if you don’t perform Zimmer will find a replacement without hesitation.

Could Norv Turner be the next man up on the chopping block?

The Minnesota Vikings offense has had its struggles under Norv Turner. To his credit he did inherit a mess upon arriving in 2014. With the exception of Adrian Peterson, the entire offense was in need of a total overhaul.

Unfortunately when we look closer at the numbers Norv Turner’s system has yet to take hold, in fact things have actually gotten worse.

Norv Turner’s system is predicated around attacking defenses with a deep passing game. The biggest knock against Teddy Bridgewater however is his inability to throw the long ball. So where does that leave the Viking’s offense for 2016?

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Drafting Laquon Treadwell should help. Norv loves that big possession type of receiver (e.g. Michael Irvin) and Stefon Diggs can run deep with the best of them. Another Norv Turner specialty is a tight end that can beat a linebacker or safety on passing routes. Have you noticed the bond being formed between Teddy and Kyle Rudolph this offseason, Teddy is preaching putting more trust in Rudolph for the 2016 season. Kyle maybe in store for the best statistical year of his career.

Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman has assembled the puzzle pieces that Norv loves to work with. Adrian Peterson is still a beast and Jerick McKinnon could start on most NFL rosters. He’s got the possession receiver (Treadwell), the tight end (Rudolph), and a revamped offensive line that should give Bridgewater time to make some deep throws. The talent is in place, like Mike Zimmer would say, no more excuses.

So, what if the Minnesota Vikings offense gets off to a slow start?

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Enter Tony Sparano and Pat Shurmur. Both are former head coaches and both are considered brilliant offensive minds. Just how much input will these new hires have in the offensive philosophy is yet to be determined. Without having to say a word Mike Zimmer appears to be sending a warning shot at Turner by bringing in talented and experienced play callers.

If the Vikings do struggle one could assume Turner will be looking for a new job in 2017.