12-10-2017, 03:43 AM
A look at the key departures, and what their absences have allowed for the Vikings in this above-average season.
The Minnesota Vikings are thriving despite three deconstructed knees and five constructive “nos.”
When the history of the Vikings’ 2017 season is written, the second or third paragraph will cite the team’s ability to overcome injuries to Sam Bradford, Teddy Bridgewater and Dalvin Cook — two franchise quarterbacks and a budding star running back.
What may not be mentioned, yet could be just as important, is the Vikings’ willingness to part with five people who only a couple of years ago were considered vital to the franchise.
Here are the key departures, and what their absences have allowed:
1. Norv Turner: When the Vikings offensive line and season went south in 2016, Turner quit. Instead of devastating the program, Turner’s departure opened the door for Pat Shurmur, who is much more creative and adaptable, and has helped this year’s team go 10-2 with a backup quarterback, backup running backs and a remade offensive line.
2. Matt Kalil: The third pick in the 2012 draft, Kalil produced one excellent season, then a series of disappointments. Even when healthy, he didn’t produce like a top draft pick, and his replacement, Riley Reiff, has become one of the most indispensable players in the league, turning a position that was a black hole into a brick wall.
3. Adrian Peterson: Even at his best, Peterson made the Vikings offense predictable and one-dimensional. As he went into decline yet expected the same role, he became a potential problem.
4. Alex Boone: Desperate to improve their offensive line play in 2017, the Vikings released their most experienced offensive lineman, Boone, during their final cuts. With Boone out of the way, the Vikings remade the middle of the line with rookie Pat Elflein and former centers Joe Berger and Nick Easton, giving them three smart, versatile players working together.
5. Cordarrelle Patterson: As a receiver, he was a less-accomplished version of Peterson, a player whose physical skills were so impressive that not giving him the ball always seemed to be a lingering problem for the front office and coaching staff. But you can’t play receiver in the NFL if the coaches and quarterbacks don’t trust you.
Without Kalil and Boone, a top pick and an expensive free agent, the Vikings line is far better. Without the renowned Turner, the offensive coaching is far better. Without Peterson and Patterson, two remarkable talents drafted in the first round, the offensive production is far better.
The 2017 Vikings offense is a triumph of intelligence and cohesion. Credit Rick Spielman and Zimmer for making tough choices and remaking their team on the fly.
http://www.startribune.com/vikings-multi...463075003/
The Minnesota Vikings are thriving despite three deconstructed knees and five constructive “nos.”
When the history of the Vikings’ 2017 season is written, the second or third paragraph will cite the team’s ability to overcome injuries to Sam Bradford, Teddy Bridgewater and Dalvin Cook — two franchise quarterbacks and a budding star running back.
What may not be mentioned, yet could be just as important, is the Vikings’ willingness to part with five people who only a couple of years ago were considered vital to the franchise.
Here are the key departures, and what their absences have allowed:
1. Norv Turner: When the Vikings offensive line and season went south in 2016, Turner quit. Instead of devastating the program, Turner’s departure opened the door for Pat Shurmur, who is much more creative and adaptable, and has helped this year’s team go 10-2 with a backup quarterback, backup running backs and a remade offensive line.
2. Matt Kalil: The third pick in the 2012 draft, Kalil produced one excellent season, then a series of disappointments. Even when healthy, he didn’t produce like a top draft pick, and his replacement, Riley Reiff, has become one of the most indispensable players in the league, turning a position that was a black hole into a brick wall.
3. Adrian Peterson: Even at his best, Peterson made the Vikings offense predictable and one-dimensional. As he went into decline yet expected the same role, he became a potential problem.
4. Alex Boone: Desperate to improve their offensive line play in 2017, the Vikings released their most experienced offensive lineman, Boone, during their final cuts. With Boone out of the way, the Vikings remade the middle of the line with rookie Pat Elflein and former centers Joe Berger and Nick Easton, giving them three smart, versatile players working together.
5. Cordarrelle Patterson: As a receiver, he was a less-accomplished version of Peterson, a player whose physical skills were so impressive that not giving him the ball always seemed to be a lingering problem for the front office and coaching staff. But you can’t play receiver in the NFL if the coaches and quarterbacks don’t trust you.
Without Kalil and Boone, a top pick and an expensive free agent, the Vikings line is far better. Without the renowned Turner, the offensive coaching is far better. Without Peterson and Patterson, two remarkable talents drafted in the first round, the offensive production is far better.
The 2017 Vikings offense is a triumph of intelligence and cohesion. Credit Rick Spielman and Zimmer for making tough choices and remaking their team on the fly.
http://www.startribune.com/vikings-multi...463075003/
