Anyone have this same nagging suspicion?
I think the Vikings are going to take a step back this upcoming season. Cap issues, underwhelming defense that will most likely get worse, many FAs that will most likely leave. It just has that look to it. Not anyone's fault really, I think Minnesota thought they'd have done better the first 2 years of Cousins contract (although last season making it to the final four in the NFC cannot be looked at as disappointing if we're putting it into perspective}.
That's a snap judgement from the cheap seats this morning....
You can say Reid evolved and maybe Zimmer will too but it took almost 20 years. And he and the Chiefs risked it big time trading up for Mahomes. Heck if Garapollo completes a couple throws or the niners d does a little more, Reid would still be empty handed.
And this organization under Wilf hasn't made a bold move in 10 years--if the next game changing QB is out there for a price they will never have the nuts or brains to pony up for him.
I really see the team as having found it's level of about 9-10 wins and an early playoff exit and moving pieces around this off-season isn't likely to change that.
@"comet52" said: You can say Reid evolved and maybe Zimmer will too but it took almost 20 years. And he and the Chiefs risked it big time trading up for Mahomes. Heck if Garapollo completes a couple throws or the niners d does a little more, Reid would still be empty handed.And this organization under Wilf hasn't made a bold move in 10 years--if the next game changing QB is out there for a price they will never have the nuts or brains to pony up for him.
I really see the team as having found it's level of about 9-10 wins and an early playoff exit and moving pieces around this off-season isn't likely to change that.
I agree. To say Reid never lucked into anything seems odd. He lucked into Mahomes. Like Bud Grant used to say, Players make coaches. Any of Reids past QB's wouldn't likely come from behind to beat the 49ers.
And though the great defense of the 49ers lost in the Superbowl, they crushed the Vikings when they played them. The Vikings aren't on the same level as the 49ers, and I don't think having Kubiak is going to be enough to get them there.
I'm hopeful they can win by making the few moves they will be able to make. But given their history of taking only second tier free agents, trading back for multiple late round picks and hoping for a hidden gem, and inability to keep good players due to cap concerns, I have a hard time seeing more than 9 wins as their ceiling.
Will they still be good at home and bad on the road? Good against bad teams and bad against winning teams?
Can they beat the Packers or the Bears? Can they stop coming out flat when they get extra time to prepare?
We shall see.
Wait...
Acquiring KC wasn't a bold move?
Moving up for Bridgewater and Cook weren't bold moves?
Signing Jared Allen wasn't a bold move?
Signing Brett Favre wasn't a bold move?
Signing Sheldon Richardson at the time wasn't a bold move?
Signing Steve Hutchinson wasn't a bold move?
Now that Tua is medically cleared do I want em to make a bold move for him? I dont think so - unless FSU, MB and BN tell me emphatically he's the next Russel Wilson...
Next week will be the most filling since between FA and the draft they have the ability to fill/re-fill most of the holes on the roster. People have a negative taste in their mouths from our performance against the 49ers, which almost every team reminisces on the final game of the season. But the reality is that most of the subtractions will happen on a defense that was inconsistent at best.
The offense will be supplemented here or there but the performance last year should be expected this coming season. If you wanted to be more liberal you could call that the floor with an anticipated upgrade at LG. But like every other team you're hoping for some injury luck along the way.
Defensively people are worked up about the secondary, but the larger issue still the run defense. It was marginally better in 2019 but still allowed too many 3rd and short situations. It indirectly made the secondary look worse at times (outside of the Dallas game). From what I know, they want to get better up front. They have a lot of faith in Mike Hughes & Holton Hill and you can see why. Doesn't mean they won't add at CB, but an improvement along the D-line, which was the initial approach when Zimmer was named coach probably makes the most sense.
So in that long winded response, I don't think they will take a massive step back. But I also have a hard time seeing the step forward to be a true Super Bowl contender either.
@purplefaithful it would be so cost prohibitive to move up for Tua, even if he somehow slid out of the top 10. Now, if someone leaves a big bag of coke in his car, an ex girlfriend shows up dead, and his uncle posts a video of him on a 4' bong...
For me, the medical history is just too much...players that get hurt in college tend to get hurt in the pros...Hurts in the third is a better option...Hurts draft profile is similar to Dak...if I can get that in the third, I'm a happy guy...
@"purplefaithful" said: Wait...- marginally, maybe. As Eric Eager of PFF put it, they paid for certainty. You can be certain Cousins will put up numbers. However you can also be certain he'll display the numerous flaws we all are sick of watching. Maybe the front office forgot about that part.Acquiring KC wasn't a bold move?
Moving up for Bridgewater and Cook weren't bold moves? Shuffling early-mid draft picks is smart if you make it pay off but bold? No. KC traded a big haul--two firsts and a third--to get from 27 to 10 and take Mahomes. That is what I would call BOLD. The Vikings haven't done anything like that in ages if ever. Ok Herschel Walker. I guess when they did it they did it big, and disastrously in the end.
Signing Jared Allen wasn't a bold move? 12 years ago. It was bold imo but I stated in my post 'in 10 years'
Signing Brett Favre wasn't a bold move? yes but 11 years ago ; again, they haven't done anything in 10 years that I can think of. Unless you want to count bringing him back against his better judgement for year #2 and believing the magic would somehow happen again, lol. That was more like just a butt-stupid move from an organization with no idea where to find a qb, which is kinda where they still are in some ways.
Signing Sheldon Richardson at the time wasn't a bold move? Your definition of bold is pretty thin at this point. Every f.a. signing is bold by this standard. Riley Reiff... bold!
Signing Steve Hutchinson wasn't a bold move? Holy cow 14 years! Even longer ago. The modus operandi especially since RS was given control in 2012 has been ultraconservative, "incremental progress." Unfortunately I think they've adopted an approach that is the football equivalent of Zeno's paradox. They keep taking a step forward that is half as long as the last step, thinking they will get to the goal someday lol.
Now that Tua is medically cleared do I want em to make a bold move for him? I dont think so - unless FSU, MB and BN tell me emphatically he's the next Russel Wilson... The trick was KC identifying Mahomes while others didn't, or worse made a move like trading up to take Mitch Trubisky a number of picks ahead of Mahomes and Watson. Elementary my dear fellow, lol.
Sadly, not only do the Vikings play it safe but I don't see any evidence the organization could identify a talent like Mahomes, who would clearly be #1 in any 2018 redraft, let alone wheel and deal for him. Tua pre-injury was probably a lock to go #1, not exactly someone you have to outsmart other teams to find and win the prize with and way too costly to trade for in that situation.
I don't think they take a step back. Why? I am going with the continued evolution and progress of the offense. I also think that the forced change on defense is going to be helpful. There are some tough choices that have to be made but they are important. Rhodes has to go. He is just taking up a roster spot at this point. I enjoyed his growth and development but his decline has sucked. Griffen might get one last payday somewhere else but not here.
They cannot afford to do it. If he stays, there has to be some sort of reasonable deal. Anthony Harris I don't want to lose but I can see him getting some great offers. Zimmer needs to look at the defense and look at developing young guys and maybe simplifying the defense in the initial stages or finding better ways to integrate the young guys. He also needs to lean more on Patterson and his son in regard to the defense. I don't see Zimmer as a guy promoting his son based on nepotism and I don't think his son is just a puppet. I think this could be a good way for him to loosen the reigns. Also Patterson is going to be more involved. He is very smart and players respect him.
I also think that the different experiences and ages of the co-coordinators is beneficial. There is going to be different perspectives brought to the table. There was some willingness to adapt but we need to see more. Adapt or die. That's just the way it is. The continuity and stability of the defense has been nice but it has run it's course in some areas. Onward and upwards.
@"Geoff Nichols" said: Next week will be the most filling since between FA and the draft they have the ability to fill/re-fill most of the holes on the roster. People have a negative taste in their mouths from our performance against the 49ers, which almost every team reminisces on the final game of the season. But the reality is that most of the subtractions will happen on a defense that was inconsistent at best.The offense will be supplemented here or there but the performance last year should be expected this coming season. If you wanted to be more liberal you could call that the floor with an anticipated upgrade at LG. But like every other team you're hoping for some injury luck along the way.
Defensively people are worked up about the secondary, but the larger issue still the run defense. It was marginally better in 2019 but still allowed too many 3rd and short situations. It indirectly made the secondary look worse at times (outside of the Dallas game). From what I know, they want to get better up front. They have a lot of faith in Mike Hughes & Holton Hill and you can see why. Doesn't mean they won't add at CB, but an improvement along the D-line, which was the initial approach when Zimmer was named coach probably makes the most sense.
So in that long winded response, I don't think they will take a massive step back. But I also have a hard time seeing the step forward to be a true Super Bowl contender either.
Do you think they will target players like Michael Pierce, Jordan Phillips, Danny Shelton, Andrew Billings, or the bigger ticket players like DJ Reader, Javon Hargrave, or Michael Brockers?
I think the first 3 could come in between 5 and 7 mil.
@"Geoff Nichols" said: Next week will be the most filling since between FA and the draft they have the ability to fill/re-fill most of the holes on the roster. People have a negative taste in their mouths from our performance against the 49ers, which almost every team reminisces on the final game of the season. But the reality is that most of the subtractions will happen on a defense that was inconsistent at best.The offense will be supplemented here or there but the performance last year should be expected this coming season. If you wanted to be more liberal you could call that the floor with an anticipated upgrade at LG. But like every other team you're hoping for some injury luck along the way.
Defensively people are worked up about the secondary, but the larger issue still the run defense. It was marginally better in 2019 but still allowed too many 3rd and short situations. It indirectly made the secondary look worse at times (outside of the Dallas game). From what I know, they want to get better up front. They have a lot of faith in Mike Hughes & Holton Hill and you can see why. Doesn't mean they won't add at CB, but an improvement along the D-line, which was the initial approach when Zimmer was named coach probably makes the most sense.
So in that long winded response, I don't think they will take a massive step back. But I also have a hard time seeing the step forward to be a true Super Bowl contender either.
While I think that Hill is a decent player, I would have a hard time relying him because of his off the field issues. Though maybe the new CBA helps here. I am curious to see if they can retain Waynes, since it sounds like Alexander wants to test the market and we need some stability at corner.
I do worry about going back to Sendejo after Harris played so well. Sendejo is fine, but can be reckless at times.
DT was already a major need before releasing Joseph & now it is a critical need. We might be able to get away with Stephen for a year at NT, but it is bot ideal. Johnson has never established himself & Watts seems like a nice player to rotate in. We don’t seem to have anyone who can command double teams or consistently generate quick interior pressure. I’d like to see a FA plus a draft pick used on DTs.
I'm a bit frustrated D is our #1 draft need - after years of investing heavily on that side of the ball. The payoff was NFCCG losses. The joy of being a Vikings fan.
Now it can be argued effectively that DT and CB are the #1 needs on this team. OK, LG too.
I'm seriously hoping that Love slides, the Colts come calling with the #34 and #44, and we solve all three problems before the third round starts. Gallimore, Cushenberry, and Terrell.
BOOM!
@"BarrNone55" said: I'm seriously hoping that Love slides, the Colts come calling with the #34 and #44, and we solve all three problems before the third round starts. Gallimore, Cushenberry, and Terrell.BOOM!
You almost had me but I'm a No on Terrell. Never lived up to the hype.
Gallimore and Watts intrigues me. Shit, sign Ragnow or McGovern and go Blacklock and Gallimore and I'm your Huckleberry.
Some nice NT options in FA too. Folks tend to forget that Joseph wasn't a Tier 1 Free Agent.
@"FSUVike" said:@"BarrNone55" said: I'm seriously hoping that Love slides, the Colts come calling with the #34 and #44, and we solve all three problems before the third round starts. Gallimore, Cushenberry, and Terrell.BOOM!
You almost had me but I'm a No on Terrell. Never lived up to the hype.Gallimore and Watts intrigues me. Shit, sign Ragnow or McGovern and go Blacklock and Gallimore and I'm your Huckleberry.
Some nice NT options in FA too. Folks tend to forget that Joseph wasn't a Tier 1 Free Agent.
Which Terrell are we talking about? AJ? If so, I think he's the most underrated CB in the draft. But he'll go in the 1st round.
@"BarrNone55" said: I'm seriously hoping that Love slides, the Colts come calling with the #34 and #44, and we solve all three problems before the third round starts. Gallimore, Cushenberry, and Terrell.BOOM!
I think Love goes in the top 10. Before Herbert.
@"MaroonBells" said:@"FSUVike" said:@"BarrNone55" said: I'm seriously hoping that Love slides, the Colts come calling with the #34 and #44, and we solve all three problems before the third round starts. Gallimore, Cushenberry, and Terrell.BOOM!
You almost had me but I'm a No on Terrell. Never lived up to the hype.Gallimore and Watts intrigues me. Shit, sign Ragnow or McGovern and go Blacklock and Gallimore and I'm your Huckleberry.
Some nice NT options in FA too. Folks tend to forget that Joseph wasn't a Tier 1 Free Agent.
Which Terrell are we talking about? AJ? If so, I think he's the most underrated CB in the draft. But he'll go in the 1st round.
I sort of like that we don't always agree. Terrell will go late 1st early 2nd and I don't know why. Strikes me as a guy who's always right there to make the tackle after the completion but is rarely doing anything to prevent it. At least that's how he looked against LSU's NFL level WRs.Just feels like a year where a lot of the Cornees are supposed to be really good but when I watch them I'm hardly blown away. Diggs, Terrell, Delpit at Safety. Great athletes that don't make near as many plays as the hype.
But I am starting to dig your guy Blacklock more and more. I was keen on Madubuike at first but he's got some more work to do, might have a lower floor and a lower ceiling.
I'm starting to think based on Guru's comments that the D-Line is the 1st pick unless a Tackle falls instead of CB. He's right that the team gave up way too many 4-8 yard runs up the gut last year to set up 3rd and shorts. Reader and a high round 3T with Johnson and Watts as rotational pieces would go a long way to fixing that.
@"MaroonBells" said:@"BarrNone55" said: I'm seriously hoping that Love slides, the Colts come calling with the #34 and #44, and we solve all three problems before the third round starts. Gallimore, Cushenberry, and Terrell.BOOM!
I think Love goes in the top 10. Before Herbert.
I was listening to speculation that he may be ahead of Tua on some boards. The logic is Tua got hurt in college so he will likely be injury prone as a pro and it has him sliding.
@"MaroonBells" said:@"BarrNone55" said: I'm seriously hoping that Love slides, the Colts come calling with the #34 and #44, and we solve all three problems before the third round starts. Gallimore, Cushenberry, and Terrell.BOOM!
I think Love goes in the top 10. Before Herbert.
Probably. I think this QB is grossly overrated. I think four years from now, Hurts and Fromm might fare as well as any of the first 5.
Edit Post (mod action — author will see a notice)
Warn Poster
Suspend User (3 days)
The user will be suspended for 3 days and will receive an email with the reason and information about how to appeal.

