Some Of The Reasons For 5-0

With a somewhat shaky win over the New York Jets in London, the Minnesota Vikings didn’t storm into their bye week. They do, however, step into their bye week at 5-0. Record-wise, the start to the 2024 season couldn’t have been better. From players to coaches to the front office to the equipment staff, it was very much a team effort. Coming up with a handful of individuals as the reasons for 5-0 is difficult. Here’s an attempt.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah

-and the rest of the team’s decision-makers

The road to 5-0 started in the offseason. The players added in free agency received modest attention from national talking-heads.

Sam Darnold

Aaron Jones

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Jerry Tillery

Jihad Ward

Blake Cashman

Shaquill Griffin

Stephon Gilmore

Through five games, this is one of the best free agency classes in team history. Every one of the above players have played critical roles in the strong start. 

Due to tragedy and injury, the Vikings 2024 draft didn’t flood the roster with immediate difference-makers. Despite that, a few rookies have played a role. 

Dallas Turner

Will Reichard

Taki Taimani 

Dallas Turner collected a sack in Week 1 and was injured in Week 2. He returned in Week 4 and his opportunities should ramp up as the season progresses. His freakish talent is obvious. Will Reichard has been a revelation as a rookie. Kicking has been a franchise problem for decades. That problem is finally solved. I realize that Blair Walsh also had an outstanding rookie year and a few strong seasons. This Reichard kid just feels different. It’s still early but I really believe that the Vikings kicking problems are finally solved. Undrafted free agent Taki Taimani has earned a solid role in the defensive line rotation.

Coaching and Play-Calling

Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores have established themselves among the best play-callers in the league. O’Connell has received some criticism for his calls against the Jets. Perhaps deserving. I think that the offensive issues in London were more a combination of an off-day and a problematic Jets defense. 

Brian Flores and the defense has been outstanding. 

Players

Sam Darnold

Aaron Jones

Justin Jefferson

Brian O’Neill

Harrison Phillips

Jonathan Greenard

Andrew Van Ginkel

Blake Cashman

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Joshua Metellus

Stephon Gilmore

Shaquill Griffin

Will Reichard

Ryan Wright

And T.J. Hockenson is on the way. 

Mike Parson and the Vikings Equipment staff

All of the above and so many more are responsible to the 5-0 start of the Minnesota Vikings. It’s very much a whole team achievement.