Biggest concern heading into the season?

[StickierBuns]

We'll keep McCarthy out of this as he's obviously the biggest variable to the team's success or lack thereof. For me otherwise, the biggest would be the offensive line not gelling or living up to the hype. I really, really like what they've done on paper. Love it actually. I've said as much since it all came together in free agency and the Draft. When Minnesota took Jackson with their first pick, I was like 'they get it. They really get it now...they are serious'. But Darrisaw is returning from injury (when?), Fries has yet to practice because of his recovery from a broken tibia and more than likely a rookie will be starting at OG. They need all the TC reps to get ready for the season. 

It seems like everyone is SO sure that this is a top 5 offensive line now and I have to see it first despite being very optimistic about it mostly. Its just this nagging kind of uncertainty for me.

[purplefaithful]

Outside of JJM, that would be my 2nd...I have lots of doubts re: secondary coming together.

[AGRforever]

Oh it’s by far and away the defensive backfield. The OL will be fine.

I’d say:

JJM
D Backfield
Injuries to oft injured players we signed as FAs.

[MaroonBells]

McCarthy is the big obvious unknown, so not much to say there. As for the rest, I think I'm actually more bullish on our corners than most, but I do have mild concerns in various places. 

In no particular order...

1. Will Fries did what he did for 5 games. He was fantastic in those 5 games, but my goodness that's a small sample size for $88M. He's a RG, so the offense won't fall apart if he fails to live up to expectations, but still...

2. Harrison Smith was born during the Bush administration. The FIRST Bush administration. When he was born, the Berlin Wall was still standing. He's old enough to be JJ McCarthy's father...and might actually be. And I think we're counting on him to be a starter, alongside a player (Theo Jackson) who has zero starts. Again, it's at safety, so we'll probably be fine. Just seems a bit dicey. 

3. Aaron Jones turns 31 before the playoffs. He's had two healthy seasons in eight. He was completely healthy last year, so Jones missing games this year is probably more likely than not. I love Jordan Mason, but if he's RB1 after an injury to Jones, Chandler, whom the team does not trust in pass pro, is now our change-up, with literally no one behind him...unless you count a very, VERY unheralded UDFA in Tre Stewart from tiny Jacksonville State University, a school who has had one player drafted in the last 34 years. And I don't. 

Everywhere else, we gold tho.

[purplefaithful]

I like those MB...But quit the Fries observations huh? I was successful at putting that out of my head till now.

I was pounding the table for a RB #1 ad nauseam (even in a trade back). I suspect we'll pick one up b4 the opener.

I think the over 30 ages of Kelly, Allen and Hargrave give me some pause. Maybe not for 25, but any time beyond.

[Vikesrock]

It's a little about JJ McCarthy, but injuries injuries injuries. I read a bit about, and I don't recall the year, but Grigson essentially did the same thing in Indy where he threw together a bunch of olderish veterans to fill some holes, but injuries derailed the season.

I think if the Vikings have fairly injury free-ish season, I don't see how they win less then 12 games. Right now, today, this team is as good or better then the 14 win team from last year. You have an all world left tackle coming back, you have 3 new interior offensive lineman that can move people and pass block. You have 2 shiny new interior defensive lineman for the mad scientist, you have a new ball of clay at QB for KOC, and what I think is a seriously underrated running back room with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. On top of that you have a pass catching group that probably rivals any group in the NFL. I guess the only thing left is the kicker to screw something up, but that is just what the Vikings do.

Btw, I know Jones ran down a bit towards the end of last year, and maybe it was just me from watching all those years with Peterson and Cook, but I don't recall Jones ever really losing yards. Sometimes he didn't break for big yards, but it always seemed to be moving forward.

[greediron]

I agree with Sticky, O-line for sure. 2 returning from injury, 3 new starters. Hope they jell quickly and give JJM time to get comfortable.

[Kentis]

O’Neil has zero guaranteed money left on his deal, better get it done…

[MaroonBells]

One more thing. I don't think Sam Howell is anything close to what the Vikings wanted or expected at QB2.

[pattersaur]

Biggest question mark for me is probably which of our JJs will win SB MVP