Strib: The Vikings are going to suck this year

[StickierBuns]

"I learned a long time ago that there's no sense feeling sorry for yourself, for your circumstances." - Kevin O'Connell. The Vikings took some serious punches this summer ahead of a regular season that pundits don't have high hopes for." - Kevin Seifert, ESPN

"Kevin O'Connell has tried to project "hope and genuine excitement" after a beloved draft pick was killed, the rookie QB was lost for the season, the CB position needed an emergency overhaul and the defensive coordinator's character became subject of a national debate." - Kevin Seifert, ESPN

"A related + sobering reminder here. Sam Darnold ranks No. 29 of 30 QBs evaluated in @Sando's NFL's annual QB Tiers survey. In short, the consensus from 50 NFL coaches/execs is that Darnold is not a QB they would want to start all 17 games. https://nytimes.com/athletic/5715508/202...k-mahomes/"


Full story - https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/4098...thy-steady

[purplefaithful]

Certainly been a challenging off-season for the org.

I have no idea how this team will do; too many unknowns.

I am not ready to throw 24 away waiting for 2025, thats for sure.

Looking forward to the opener.

[pattersaur]

Honestly yeah we might suck. It's more likely we're just a run of the mill team that on any given Sunday can upset GB or DET or CHI or whoever.

Even if we're underdogs in most games, I'll still be watching and enjoying what I can. Some years I have high hopes/stakes/dreams/expectations but this year isn't one of them. And that's fine. Ebbs and flows of life and fandom.

[comet52]

Embrace the suck!

[Montana Tom]

So did Kwesi and KOC sit on their thumbs when dealt with tough news?

The assumption was that Darnold was going to start the season, hopefully play the entire season. So no surprise and no immediate effect on JJM's injury. I think we're actually in better shape with QB depth this year than last year. Mullins was a pick machine, Hall got a concussion on his first series and never really came back. Both of them look better (against 2nd-3rd stringers, admittedly). I'm more concerned about Jaren Hall's mysterious leg injury and how potentially putting him on IR for the year.

Did they give up on the CB position when the promising Oregon CB was killed in a car wreck? Welcome Stephon Gilmore.

Did Flores respond defiantly to Tua's claims about him being a jerk? No, he said he had grown, and his players in purple have defended him.

Sorry Chicken Little, I do not believe the sky is falling.

[MaroonBells]

Honestly yeah we might suck. It's more likely we're just a run of the mill team that on any given Sunday can upset GB or DET or CHI or whoever.

Even if we're underdogs in most games, I'll still be watching and enjoying what I can. Some years I have high hopes/stakes/dreams/expectations but this year isn't one of them. And that's fine. Ebbs and flows of life and fandom.

That's about how I see it too. Viking fans tend to see all the weaknesses in their team and every other team as the '85 Bears. Couple things to keep in mind...

1. The Lions WR2 is Jameson Williams. He's done absolutely nothing in his career to date. His deep speed is legit, but he struggles to separate and catch the ball.
2. The Packers Christian Watson averages about 9 games a year due to injury
3. The Packers drafted Jordan Morgan to play left tackle. He's already been moved to guard.
4. The Bears are starting Caleb Williams, who is going to do amazing things. He's also going to turn the ball over. A lot. 
5. The Lions starting LDE is Marcus Davenport. 
6. The first time QBs see a Brian Flores defense, he typically makes them look silly. See Jordan Love and Brock Purdy in 2023. Soon see also Daniel Jones week one 2024. 
7. The 49ers could still be without Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk week two. 

The Vikings may not be a playoff team, but they will compete with all of these teams.

[hogjowlsjohnny]

They may suck, but they could also do quite well. I understand why, but I think Vikings fans may be giving the other NFCN teams more credit than they deserve.
The key for me is whether or not the offense can provide Darnold enough pass protection to let him build his confidence and play with a calm mind. The Giants aren't a good team but they have a guy in the middle that can dominate Bradbury and a defensive coordinator who loves to blitz. So we will know how Darnold reacts right from the get go. If they can run the ball it will help a ton.
My expectation at this point, is they will actually be better than what most people expect. How much better, who knows?

[Vikergirl]

My son says 5-6 wins so if it's better than that it's a win

[RS_Express]

We knew that when they signed Darnold.

[CFIAvike]

Low expectations for this team. 5-6 wins is likely, but could be worse. If we somehow exceed that…it’ll be gravy.

Not going to a game for the first time in 30 years (minus those couple at TCF). My son and I will of course pay attention but this is definitely more of a “fantasy football” focused year.

2025 isn’t THAT far away, and we’ll rev up for that. Weird feeling not really caring about the team this year