It’s easy to be negative right now.
Rationality and level-headedness go out the window whenever the Vikings host their archrival at U.S. Bank Stadium. It doesn’t matter if they’re on our fourth or their 24th quarterback of the year, fans expect a showing that’s much more competitive than 33-10. Instead, fans had to wince and watch as the thread of hope this team had been dangling by finally snapped.
Minnesota’s playoff chances have fallen to a generous 3%, and their chances of actually winning a game should they make it are remarkably more desolate than that. But this season was far from a waste. Despite all its flaws, gaffes, and terrible injury luck, this team fought and grew in ways we could’ve never expected after a 1-4 start. Players emerged, coaches developed, and they discovered the building blocks for the future.
Jordan Addison might be the best example.
In some ways, it’s a shame that Addison lives in Justin Jefferson‘s shadow. If the fanbase’s most recent memory of first-round wide receivers was Laquon Treadwell or Troy Williamson, the season that Addison just had would resonate more with fans. But make no mistake, even if it didn’t break records like Justin Jefferson’s, Addison had a remarkable rookie campaign that portends a bright future in Minnesota.
Even with a revolving door of mediocrity at quarterback for more than half the season, Addison ties all rookies with nine receiving touchdowns. Addison has 854 yards with a chance to finish the season close to 1,000, and he boasts a solid 12.9 yards per catch.
Beyond the numbers, he passed the eye test on plays like this:
Addison proved he could be an elite deep threat with a combination of deceptive speed and elite downfield route running. His ability to subtly use his body control to manipulate defenders at the route stem was lethal, especially when he had Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson draw attention away from him — and when the Vikings had a quarterback who could consistently hit him when he broke open.
It hasn’t just been on deep shots. Addison has been a good receiver in short areas and in the red zone, a remarkable feat for a player with size concerns coming out of college. But even if the 5’11”, 175 lb. receiver isn’t physically dominant, he’s savvy and has a knack for finding open space that has allowed him to reel in so many end zone grabs.
Perhaps my favorite play of the season came off a beautiful red-zone play call at Lambeau Field. Kevin O’Connell lined Addison up in the backfield, ensuring the undersized Addison gets a free release, and then burned Packers star Jaire Alexander with a quick shake and a seam route into the end zone. The play showed the short area quickness, route running, and versatility, making Addison a valuable piece of this offense.
We shouldn’t take Addison’s breakout for granted because he was a first-round pick. Even during the recent explosion of quality receivers across the league, there’s a Quentin Johnston for every Jordan Addison or Zay Flowers. Johnston struggled mightily even though the Los Angeles Chargers gave him opportunities this season. The Vikings aren’t bursting with draft capital, and they have holes to fill on the roster, so it’s essential that they hit on their first-round investment. Even if this season’s final record is destined for forgettable mediocrity, Addison’s explosive debut season deserves recognition.
As the organization plays out the stretch and looks ahead to next season, it’s reassuring to know you’ve got three elite receiving options to act as building blocks of the offense. The Vikings organization has a crucial decision to make as it discerns whether to continue to build around Kirk Cousins coming off his injury or to move on via free agency or the draft. Whether we see Kirk run it back or take a swing in the draft, Jordan Addison’s emergence ensures they’ll have no shortage of elite weapons.
