The Minnesota Vikings don’t just believe they can compete in 2022. They are operating like their jobs depend on it.
The Vikings used the same cap strategies that have kept their roster together since 2017. They extended Kirk Cousins for the second time and are raiding the Green Bay Packers’ defense. If anyone is having trouble noticing any significant philosophical change from the Rick Spielman regime, you’re not alone.
With a roster that has been under .500 since January 2020, fans may be skeptical this team can become a legitimate contender. But one of the biggest reasons may have nothing to do with the players. Instead, it’s the type of luck that can only come from a good schedule.
The 2021 Vikings faced a gauntlet of elite quarterbacks. They also had the misfortune of facing these quarterbacks on the road.
Consider that the Vikings started the season by facing Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in Southern Ohio. The Vikings dug their own grave with a slew of penalties. But it would have been harder for Burrow to orchestrate a game-winning drive in overtime in front of a packed U.S. Bank Stadium.
The following week, the Vikings faced Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals. Again, the Vikings were ultimately the cause of their own demise. But with his home crowd behind him, Murray threw for 400 yards and escaped with the victory.
After a brief reprieve against Sam Darnold and the Carolina Panthers, the Vikings were thrown into the wringer again when they went to face the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar Jackson was waiting for them, running for 120 yards and throwing three touchdowns against Mike Zimmer’s defense.
There was no rest for the Vikings as they traveled across the country to face Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers. Herbert only threw for 195 yards, and Vikings fans packed SoFi Stadium. But it was still a comfortable environment compared to what would have been waiting in Minnesota.
In their final road game of the season, the Vikings made their annual trip to Green Bay. Although it’s almost impossible to avoid Aaron Rodgers, he took advantage of what was a broken team. With 288 yards and two touchdowns, Rodgers had an easy night and killed Minnesota’s playoff hopes.
In those five games, the Vikings posted a 1-4 record. When we talk about how close Minnesota was to making the playoffs, these games played a big role.
Fortunately, the Vikings will have an easier slate in 2022. Instead of playing an elite quarterback every week, the lone challenges will be another trip to Lambeau Field and a visit to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. In between, the Vikings will either face quarterbacks who are serving as a stop-gap or are middle-to-low-level starters.
Consider the NFC North. The Vikings will make a trip to Chicago and Detroit, but neither the Lions nor Bears have intimidating quarterbacks. Justin Fields could make a second-year leap, but it’s unlikely he transforms into an MVP candidate. Jared Goff could also be slogging through another rebuilding year or giving way to a rookie quarterback by the time the Vikings visit Detroit.
The Vikings will also have the benefit of playing the NFC East. Carson Wentz has become one of the most disappointing quarterbacks in football. He is now playing for his third team in the past three seasons. A trip to Washington wasn’t intimidating to begin with but favors the Vikings even more with Wentz under center.
The Philadelphia Eagles have a distinct home-field advantage, but they’re still unsure about Jalen Hurts. Although Hurts can exploit a defense with his legs, his passing ability is inconsistent. That could open the door for another Vikings victory.
The same goes for Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins. Mike McDaniel has made it his mission to get the best out of his young quarterback, but it might not happen, despite them adding Tyreek Hill. Even if Teddy Bridgewater takes over, this should be a favorable spot for the Vikings.
Finally, there’s a trip to New Orleans. The Caesar’s Superdome is one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, but Drew Brees and Sean Payton are long gone. With the mercurial play of Jameis Winston, an improved Vikings defense could be up for the challenge.
That’s five road games where the Vikings should have an advantage at quarterback. It’s also an advantage for Kevin O’Connell, who will be learning on the fly during his first season as head coach. By not having sleepless nights wondering how to handle a hostile crowd and an elite quarterback, they should have a foundation for 10 wins.
Even if Minnesota drops road games in Green Bay and Buffalo, the Vikings should have a great chance of having a .500 record on the road. If they can hold serve at home, this should be an improved team in the standings.
The Vikings will eventually have to deal with elite quarterbacks on the road if they can make the playoffs. But with an easier path, they should be able to find more success in O’Connell’s first season.
