Fansided

Vikings’ new-look defense could carry them deep into January

By Adam Patrick

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a fumble recovery during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a fumble recovery during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Vikings are aiming for their first Super Bowl win in franchise history, and a pair of rookies along with a fine defense look to lead them there.

Best-case scenario

Once again, the ultimate goal for the Vikings is to win the Super Bowl. Despite some notable departures this offseason (Stefon Diggs, Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph, Xavier Rhodes), the Vikings should still be among the top teams in the NFC with a roster featuring guys like Dalvin Cook, Kirk Cousins, Adam Thielen, Danielle Hunter, Eric Kendricks, Harrison Smith, and Yannick Ngakoue.

New Minnesota offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak has helped lead teams to championship victories in the past. Can Kubiak do the same for the Vikings in 2020?

Worst-case scenario

This year, the Vikings roster underwent a lot of changes, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Most figure Minnesota will able to remain competitive without the guys who left this offseason, but there’s still a chance that the team could trend in the wrong direction in 2020 because of these departures.

If the Vikings’ new-look defense struggles and the team’s passing attack can’t recover from the loss of Diggs, it could turn into a disappointing season the purple and gold.

Biggest offseason move

After failing to convince Everson Griffen to return this year, Minnesota felt the need to go out and find another Pro Bowl-caliber defensive end to pair with Danielle Hunter. So the Vikings sent some draft picks to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange or pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue.

Not only did Minnesota land a suitable replacement for Griffen, but Ngakoue will also likely turn out to be an upgrade during the upcoming season. The picks might end up being second and third-round selections, but that’s pennies on the dollar for an absolutely disruptive force on an already brooding defense.

Draft pick who makes the big impact

In this year’s NFL Draft, the Vikings were able to land wide receiver Justin Jefferson and cornerback Jeff Gladney. Both will likely end up being important contributors for Minnesota this season, but Jefferson is the one who will likely have the biggest impact on the team.

The Vikings will be looking to their rookie receiver to make up for the loss of Diggs and Jefferson should be up to the task.

Overall expectations

Contending for a championship is a very realistic possibility for Minnesota this season, especially after the recent addition of Ngakoue. The Vikings will have a number of familiar faces returning in 2020 and during a year in the NFL that is expected to be full of uncertainty, experience will likely be more valuable than ever.

Minnesota should be able to win the NFC North for the third time since 2015 and earn a spot in the playoffs for the second-straight season. If the majority of their roster is able to remain healthy, don’t be surprised if the Vikings are able to at least make to the NFC Championship.

If Minnesota makes it that far, then it’s really up to the football gods to decide if the team will play in the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1976 season or not.