Viktor
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
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LINEBACKERS
On the roster (NFL games/starts): Anthony Barr (85/85), Troy Dye (0), Jordan Fehr (0), Ben Gedeon (39/22), Eric Kendricks (74/70), Blake Lynch (0), Hardy Nickerson (37/9) and Eric Wilson (48/10); Note: Gedeon is on the Physically Unable to Perform List.
What will new Senior Defensive Assistant Dom Capers add to the way this group is deployed?
Head Coach Mike Zimmer's Double-A Gap blitz has benefited from Kendricks and Barr for multiple seasons, but the look's success led to copycats around the league, which led to more reps against the challenge for offensive lines. Capers could help influence the variation of blitzes by linebackers or help refine the art of the blitz by Vikings players.
*Will Gedeon or Wilson return to the third starting spot, or will a newcomer rise the ranks? *
Gedeon dealt with multiple injuries in 2019, but Wilson was always ready when his number was called. There is intrigue in seeing how fast newcomers can pick up the scheme.
CORNERBACKS
On the roster (NFL games/starts): Kris Boyd (16/0), Nevelle Clarke (0), Cameron Dantzler (0), Mark Fields II (1/0), Jeff Gladney (0), Harrison Hand (0), Holton Hill (24/4), Mike Hughes (20/5) and Nate Meadors (2/0)
When will the Vikings first encounter growing pains at the position?
The Vikings will face prolific and veteran quarterbacks often in 2020, beginning with Aaron Rodgers on Sept. 13. If the Week 1 lineup includes Hughes, Hill and Gladney or Dantzler as the starters, that means Rodgers will face a trio of corners who have never started against him.
The Vikings cornerbacks might endure some growing pains early on in 2020, but they also have the potential to flourish by the time the December rolls around with road games against Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Matthew Stafford scheduled in three of the final four weeks of the season.
How will Minnesota handle its nickel package?
Hughes has previous experience on the outside and inside. He's shown he's not afraid to help in run support, either. Will the Vikings ask him to be a hybrid, or have him focus on one or the other as they develop the group?
On the roster (NFL games/starts): Brian Cole II (0), Myles Dorn (0), Anthony Harris (65/31), Josh Metellus (0), Steven Parker (14/4) and Harrison Smith (114/113)
Will having zero in-game experience behind Smith and Harris bite the Vikings?
Harris and Smith are a reliable pair, to be sure, but there's quite the drop-off in experience behind them. If either player is sidelined, Minnesota's options at backup are a trio of rookies and Parker, who recently joined the team. If anyone can develop young defensive back quickly, it's Zimmer.
SPECIAL TEAMS
On the roster (NFL games): K Dan Bailey (138), P Britton Colquitt (160) and LS Austin Cutting (16)
Who will win the punt returner job?
The Vikings are trying to replace mainstay Marcus Sherels and could turn to Osborn who averaged 15.9 yards per return as a senior at Miami. That question will have to be answered without the benefit of preseason games.
Who is gunning for the gunner position?
Boyd really came on strong as a rookie and led Minnesota in special teams tackles. Former safety Jayron Kearse also excelled in the role, but his departure creates a job opportunity.