The Minnesota Vikings sit at an interesting if precarious position. After a colossal win as seven-point underdogs at home in primetime over the San Francisco 49ers, Kirk Cousins and the 3-4 Vikings find themselves primed to go on a run against six easier opponents after appearing to put it all together for the first time this year near the midpoint of the season.
With a statement victory that didn’t feel flukey, the Vikings are newly energized and feel like underdog contenders for the first time all season. But that jolt of energy can be disorienting and may tempt the front office to make mid-season moves before the trade deadline when, in fact, the wisest course of action is also the least exciting: Do nothing at all.
The Vikings put together their most complete offensive performance of the season on Monday night, with only three drives (interception, punt, missed FG) not resulting in a score.
Justin Jefferson’s absence thrust Jordan Addison into the spotlight, accelerating his development after the Vikings gave him limited snaps to start the season. Addison immediately responded, showing incredible capability and poise in a starting role against a fierce 49ers defense.
Addison saw 36 passing snaps and set career highs for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, accumulating a 7/123/2 stat line on 10 targets. The first score of the game came on a 20-yard pass in which Addison ran a crossing route that took him on an almost straight path, splitting the difference between safety Tashaun Gipson and linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Cousins threaded the needle expertly, fitting the ball just behind Greenlaw for Addison’s first touchdown reception of the game.
Cousins also starred in primetime, putting on what may be the best performance of his career. He finished with 35 completions on 45 attempts for 378 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
Cousins has played magnificently behind the best offensive line of his career. He has the second-most passing yards and most passing touchdowns in the NFL through seven games. PFF grades him as the sixth-best passer in the NFL, and the Vikings have relied on him to keep them close in games.
Now the only question that remains is consistency. Cousins has passed for 340-plus yards in four of seven games this year. However, he has put up sub-200 numbers in two of the three other contests.
The Vikings haven’t created a dynamic rushing attack with Alexander Mattison and Cam Akers, so the offense will rely on Cousins, Addison, and Hockenson to move the ball. And Cousins should perform to that standard with fantastic offensive line performances and the weapons to eviscerate defenses.
The Vikings increased Akers’ touches on Sunday, signaling a move to a committee approach that would keep running backs fresh. It should also force defenses to gameplan for multiple attacks out of the backfield.
If Jefferson returns to form after his hamstring injury and Addison continues to rise, the Vikings can create an offensive juggernaut. K.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell are good complementary receivers, and the running game is competent. Combine that with an improving O-line, and Minnesota has a lot of offensive upside if the stars do their job.
On defense, Flores has gotten pressure with his exotic blitzes. However, the Vikings would benefit from acquiring another defensive lineman to pair with Danielle Hunter. The Washington Commanders have made it clear that they’re making players available, and Montez Sweat and Chase Young are interesting potential additions at the deadline.
Montez Sweat seems to be viewed higher by the league, an interesting development as Young was the second-overall selection in 2020. But Young has plenty of potential despite battling injuries throughout his career. Young is also having the best year of his fledgling career, with six sacks and a 78.7 PFF grade through seven games.
However, the Vikings don’t have to add at the deadline to turn themselves into contenders. They have young players who are stepping up in increased roles. Moving a valuable pick at the deadline would be penny-wise, pound-foolish, and the team doesn’t need to pigeonhole themselves into buying or selling.
The Vikings will learn more about their current roster by fully committing to competing. They’ve found gems in Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus, and recent draft picks like Andrew Booth have seen increased roles and performed well in limited time. Ultimately, the team will benefit the most from standing pat, or making a move that doesn’t require giving up any premium asset. While it’s not the most exciting course of action, it fits the state of the team and will allow for a more clear vision of what exactly the team needs for the future.
