5 reasons the Minnesota Vikings can save 2016 season without Norv Turner

After the sudden resignation of offensive coordinator Norv Turner, here are five reasons the Minnesota Vikings can save an once-promising season.

After a second straight dismal showing on Monday night against the Chicago Bears, ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report Norv Turner has resigned as offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings.

An injury-riddled, and thus even more talent-deficient, offensive line is the top reason for the Vikings’ offensive struggles since their bye week. But that bad play from the offensive line dates back to last season, as Teddy Bridgewater was pressured more than any quarterback in the league.

Sam Bradford was not sacked much during Minnesota’s 5-0 start, but the Philadelphia Eagles offered a blueprint to change that in Week 7 (six sacks) and the Bears followed it on Monday night while finishing with five sacks of their own. Bradford acknowledged as much during his post-game press conference Monday night, suggesting the Vikings are seeing more zone coverage to take away the quicker passes that allowed the offense to operate efficiently during the undefeated start.

Turner is gone, by resignation or veiled firing, but here are five reasons the Vikings can turn around their 2016 season in short order.

5. Less Strain On The Defense

The Vikings’ defense was the lead reason for the 5-0 start, but on Monday night they had their worst effort of the season against a Bears’ offense that should have easily been handled. Four punts by Jeff Locke in the first quarter Monday night surely didn’t help

Minnesota’s defense is too talented to struggle for long, but a constant parade of three-and-outs by the offense over the last two games probably has the unit fatigued. Turner is to blame for that lack of offensive efficiency, so his departure and the prospect of sustained drives should put the Vikings’ defense back on track quickly.