Fansided

5 signs the Minnesota Vikings are for real

By Nathaniel Reeves

Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) reacts after making a sack in the fourth quarter. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 22-10 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) reacts after making a sack in the fourth quarter. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 22-10 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

4. The offense has some intriguing weapons, even without Adrian Peterson

The early-season rash of Vikings injuries has impacted primarily the offensive side of the ball. Along with Bridgewater, the Vikings lost Adrian Peterson for an extended period of time with a knee injury and also placed top offensive lineman Matt Kalil on injured reserve last week.

That’s a lot for any team to deal with, but the Vikings’ offense has done enough through three weeks to support the defense. Minnesota’s offense is functioning more efficiently without Peterson, and the roster has some interesting options for Bradford to work with.

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One of the most important players for the Vikings over the rest of the season will be second-year wide receiver Stefon Diggs. A fifth-round pick out of Maryland, Diggs is one of the most explosive athletes in the NFL, and a guy who can generate a big play anytime he touches the ball.

Diggs’ early season form should thrill the Vikings, as he has 20 catches for 325 yards and a touchdown already. With Diggs occupying the attention of opposing defenses, other Vikings receiving options like Kyle Rudolph and Adam Thielen should benefit.

The Vikings don’t have a running back as good as Peterson on the roster, but they also look a little more creative without him. Athletic third-year back Jerick McKinnon has some intriguing upside, particularly if Minnesota can involve him a little more in the passing game.

One more name to keep an eye on is 23rd overall pick Laquon Treadwell, who racked up 1,153 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in his senior season at Ole Miss, but is yet to play much. The Vikings don’t need much from their offense this year, and they have the pieces to at least generate a few splash plays per game.

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