Fansided

5 reasons Vikings can win the Super Bowl this year

By Rucker Haringey

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - AUGUST 09: Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings during a preseason game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on August 09, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - AUGUST 09: Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings during a preseason game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on August 09, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Mike Hughes, Minnesota Vikings
Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images /

4. Vikings corners can hold up in man to man coverage

The Vikings entered the offseason with a clear goal to upgrade their talent in the secondary. Mission accomplished. Adding Jeff Gladney and Cam Dantzler in the draft gives the team’s defensive coaching staff a lot more talent to work with at corner in 2020.

That’s crucial for a team that likes to play as much man-to-man coverage as the Vikings. Zimmer really wants defensive backs who aren’t afraid to challenge opposing wide receivers at the line of scrimmage. He can live with the occasional mistake, but he won’t tolerate a lack of aggression from his outside corners.

Gladney, in particular, profiles as a guy who should secure a starting role as a rookie. He’s not the biggest corner in the NFL, but he’s got excellent hips and balls skills that allow him to make plays down the field. Look for him to earn a lot of plaudits for his willingness to play with confidence despite his inexperience.

Returning starter Mike Hughes still has the chance to be the star of the group. He’s struggled a bit with inconsistency during his time in Minnesota, but he has the physical attributes required to be a No. 1 option. If he steps up and plays like a Pro Bowler, this secondary could take a major step forward.

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