NFL Playoffs 2016: 5 reasons the Minnesota Vikings still make it
By Adam Cox
The Minnesota Vikings were once 5-0. They are now 6-6 and in eighth place in the NFC. Vikings fans should not despair, however. Here are five reasons they will still make the playoffs.
The Minnesota Vikings started the 2016-17 NFL season with such promise. Last season, head coach Mike Zimmer led the team to a 11-5 season and an NFC North title. The Vikings came into this season as presumptive Super Bowl contenders.
A superstar running back and developing, young quarterback behind an experienced offensive line was a recipe for offensive success. There was little question the defense would be one of the best in the NFL. A 5-0 start to the season reflected these beliefs.
Then the wheels fell off.
Of course, by “wheels” I mean offensive line and by “fell off” I mean catastrophic injury. Starting left tackle Matt Kalil was placed on IR following a hip injury in Week 2. A triceps injury in Week 4 ended the season of starting right tackle, Andre Smith. Former All-Pro Jake Long, who was signed to mitigate the losses of Kalil and Smith, went down with an Achilles injury only one month after joining the team.
It’s not just the offensive line, however. The Vikings best wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, has been periodically dinged up throughout the season. Harrison Smith, who may be the best safety in the NFL, now may be out for the season. Starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was lost during the preseason. Even Mike Zimmer can’t stay healthy.
Not to mention the non-trivial fact that Adrian Peterson hasn’t played since Week 2 due to a knee injury.
And yet the Minnesota Vikings remain in the playoff hunt. Here are five reasons why they will still make the playoffs.
5. The Vikings may be getting a bit healthier
The greatest detriment to the Minnesota Vikings this season has been a complete inability to remain healthy. The team currently has five offensive starters on injured reserve. As noted above, this includes three tackles, quarterback and running back. The majority of these injuries occurred early in the season, hampering the Vikings from the start.
But it’s not only those who are out for the season which has slowed the Vikings’ offensive progress.
Stefon Diggs has missed time with a variety of injuries. Tight end Kyle Rudolph was hindered by rib and clavicle injuries earlier this season. Left guard Alex Boone and center Joe Berger both missed games due to concussions. Jerick McKinnon, who took over the starting running back spot following the injury to Adrian Peterson, missed multiple weeks with an ankle injury.
Not only has this hurt the Vikings offensive depth but also continuity.
The team may finally be getting healthy, however. Diggs and Rudolph both appear to be back to full health. Boone and Berger have returned. And soon McKinnon could once again be providing depth behind Peterson, who may soon return to the field.
The Vikings’ depth may have been permanently damaged, but a return to health for those still available is a boon for their offense.