2017
Offense
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Defense
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2016
Offense
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Defense
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Offense
I took some liberties and made some assumptions with this year's offense. The starting offensive lineup in any game is obviously dependent upon the first play. The Vikings have been leaning on the running of Adrian Peterson pretty much since the midpoint of the 2007 season. It's a different Vikings offense now. There'll be fewer two-back and more multiple-receiver sets. No matter the schematic reason, the personnel differences between the expected offense this year and last is striking. Only Stefon Diggs, Kyle Rudolph, and Alex Boone return as starters this year at the same position as last year. The right guard position will probably be the most contested offensive position in training camp. Joe Berger might top the depth chart but he'll see competition from Jeremiah Sirles and rookie Danny Isidora. The other line positions could be up for grabs as well but I'd be surprised if Riley Reiff, Alex Boone, Pat Elflein, and Mike Remmers aren't four of the starting five.
Defense
The defense shouldn't change much. It was usually stout last year and should be better this year. Danielle Hunter is on the verge of stardom. Brain Robison should still play a lot of snaps but it's Hunter's time. Defensive tackle is a question spot. If Sharrif Floyd can return from a career-threatening nerve issue in his knee he's the likely starter. When he's on the field he's an explosive, disruptive force. Datone Jones was added in free agency and is likely first up if Floyd can't return. Rookie Jaleel Johnson should be in the mix as well. Replacing Chad Greenway at weakside linebacker should also be a well-populated competition. Emmanuel Lamur might penciled in at the top of the depth chart entering training camp but Edmond Robinson and rookies Ben Gedeon and Elijah Lee should all get a shot. It's been assumed by the media and fans that the Vikings have been trying to find an alternative for Andrew Sendejo at strong safety for a couple of seasons. The ideal strong safety would be one that is nearly as versatile as the ultra-versatile Harrison Smith. There aren't many of those. Sendejo is a solid but limited starter. He'll face competition from Anthony Harris, Jayron Kearse, and rookie Jack Tocho in camp.
If the Vikings were only moving on from the Adrian Peterson years it would be a significant change. He was one of the best, most productive, explosive, game-breaking, entertaining football players to ever play for the Vikings. It was an era that was over way too soon. It feels as though it was just the other day that he cut loose for 296 yards against the San Diego Chargers. There won't be much that's recognizable about the Vikings offense this season. I'm not sure how I feel about that mostly because the Peterson years were so damn fun. But the Vikings offense wasn't much fun, or productive, last season. It had to change. That change started with the offensive line. The 2017 line might not be the most physically gifted line in the league but it should be a tougher, more cohesive line than has been seen in Minnesota for a while. Sam Bradford shouldn't see the ridiculous number of free rushers that he saw last season. It's a minor miracle that he made it through the 2016 season in one piece. On paper, the Vikings offense looks vastly different and improved. That doesn't mean much if it doesn't translate into improved play on the field. The defense should be great.
The defense shouldn't change much. It was usually stout last year and should be better this year. Danielle Hunter is on the verge of stardom. Brain Robison should still play a lot of snaps but it's Hunter's time. Defensive tackle is a question spot. If Sharrif Floyd can return from a career-threatening nerve issue in his knee he's the likely starter. When he's on the field he's an explosive, disruptive force. Datone Jones was added in free agency and is likely first up if Floyd can't return. Rookie Jaleel Johnson should be in the mix as well. Replacing Chad Greenway at weakside linebacker should also be a well-populated competition. Emmanuel Lamur might penciled in at the top of the depth chart entering training camp but Edmond Robinson and rookies Ben Gedeon and Elijah Lee should all get a shot. It's been assumed by the media and fans that the Vikings have been trying to find an alternative for Andrew Sendejo at strong safety for a couple of seasons. The ideal strong safety would be one that is nearly as versatile as the ultra-versatile Harrison Smith. There aren't many of those. Sendejo is a solid but limited starter. He'll face competition from Anthony Harris, Jayron Kearse, and rookie Jack Tocho in camp.
If the Vikings were only moving on from the Adrian Peterson years it would be a significant change. He was one of the best, most productive, explosive, game-breaking, entertaining football players to ever play for the Vikings. It was an era that was over way too soon. It feels as though it was just the other day that he cut loose for 296 yards against the San Diego Chargers. There won't be much that's recognizable about the Vikings offense this season. I'm not sure how I feel about that mostly because the Peterson years were so damn fun. But the Vikings offense wasn't much fun, or productive, last season. It had to change. That change started with the offensive line. The 2017 line might not be the most physically gifted line in the league but it should be a tougher, more cohesive line than has been seen in Minnesota for a while. Sam Bradford shouldn't see the ridiculous number of free rushers that he saw last season. It's a minor miracle that he made it through the 2016 season in one piece. On paper, the Vikings offense looks vastly different and improved. That doesn't mean much if it doesn't translate into improved play on the field. The defense should be great.
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