The Minnesota Vikings are quite the fascinating team going into their week 10 matchup. Sitting at 5-4, the record is objectively fine considering their schedule, but how they got there could end up being a movie.
Despite injuries to their best three players on offense against the Atlanta Falcons, they willed themselves to a win.
After a wild first half of the season, we went tot the fans to see what questions they had about the team moving forward. These seven questions are fascinating and we answered them.
QB of the future
Which QB prospects skillset best fit for Vikings offense? Outside of Drake Maye who is clearly BPA. Penix seems high, but lots of questions, same as Nix. If people buy into the idea KOC can make anyone good, Daniels or Milton should be the ones right?
— Norse (@norseman79skol) November 8, 2023
This is an interesting one. I don’t necessarily believe there is a singular type of quarterback for Kevin O’Connell’s system. He has shown the ability to work with both a pocket passer and a dual-threat. The one thing that O’Connell does prioritize is accuracy.
When you look at who the Vikings could select at quarterback, there are quite a few options. It’s about which one you prefer and who is realistic. I think that player is J.J. McCarthy from Michigan. Drake Maye and Caleb Williams are going to be out of reach, but the tools and dual-threat ability that McCarthy possesses along with his experience in similar concepts is incredibly appealing.
Struggles running the ball
Do you believe the Vikings struggle running the ball is an issue with the running backs, offensive line, offensive scheme, or all of those things?
— Tyler Ireland (@TylerIrelandNFL) November 8, 2023
I think its a multitude of factors. On Sunday, it was mainly on the offensive line. They were getting blown up with consistency and that was a major impact in the running game.
The running back room hasn’t exactly been exemplary this season. Alexander Mattison struggles to string things together with any form of consistency. He doesn’t have exemplary traits or vision and that has been a hindrance. We were starting to see more from Cam Akers before he ruptured his Achilles tendon against the Falcons.
All in all, I don’t think the running game will see a massive shift in a positive direction this season. However, Ty Chandler is the best hope to seeing growth this season. In the offseason, the Vikings should make an effort to upgrade the position.
S2 Cognition Test
Draft hindsight request: looking back now, your thoughts on the last-minute "dirt" that was thrown at CJ Stroud regarding his 18 score on the S2 Cognition Test (and how the Texans didn't fall for it), plus the marginalizing of Will Levis that caused him to fall to Round 2.
— I Can't Unsee That Movie (@CantUnseeMovie) November 8, 2023
Right now, I don’t believe we have enough data from the S2 Cogntion Test to make any concrete determinations. However, I do think it can be a good addition to the process in time. Stroud’s ability to see the field and attack vertically wasn’t something that should have been diminished with the test.
Regarding Levis, he was a very complicated evaluation. His arm talent was on a borderline elite level but he took too many sacks when pressured and didn’t use his arm talent well enough. I think early second round was a very fair spot for him to go but the hype from some people because of the arm talent gave it a different appearance.
Justin Jefferson vs. Jordan Addison
Hey Tyler, here in MKE don't get to see every Vikes game. Could you please compare and contrast JJ's and Jordan Addison's games? Which traits and/or skills make them alike or different? I do see some similarities with route running but don't grind hours of tape as you do. Tks
— Mike Oemichen (@MikeOemichen1) November 8, 2023
I think this is a fascinating question. What makes Jefferson special is his ability to make cuts without losing any speed. Pair that with his incredible body control that draws comparisons to Gumby and you have an elite wide receiver.
Addison is also an excellent route runner but he dips his hips deeper than Jefferson does to gain his separation. He doesn’t appear fast, but Addison can scoot.
The Vikings have two of the better route runners in the league in a system that allows them to be maximized.
Stars returning in 2024
Do you see Jefferson, Darrisaw, Kirk and Hunter all on the roster week 1 of next year with new contracts? If not, who gets let go?
— Jake (@Skol_Fan_Jake) November 8, 2023
I think Jefferson and Darrisaw are guarantees so let’s look at the other two.
I think the likelihood of Cousins returning is very high at this point. His value on the open market is likely going to be minimal due to his Achilles injury. Cousins doesn’t have the strongest arm in the world and a brutal injury like that could end up taking some of his arm strength away.
Hunter I also believe will be back. Not entertaining offers at the deadline paired with the raise and Hunter’s desire to be here should help him be back.
Mattison?
Why are they sticking with Mattison so much when he doesn’t have much juice it seems
— West Krueger (@krueger_west) November 8, 2023
Mattison has always been a capable athlete. I think many compare him to what Dalvin Cook was in his prime and they were just different. The biggest issue with Mattison is consistency. He is averaging his worst yards per carry in his five-year career at 3.6 yards per carry. I don’t think things will get better in the running game unless Mattison takes a step forward.
Draft capital
Hi Tyler! How is the depth of the 2025 draft compared to 2024? Could the vikes wait and make moves for the 25 draft instead or are they wanting to have capital for 24 instead of 25?
— Graham Power (@GrahamPower3) November 8, 2023
This is an interesting question. I think it all depends on what they think of the quarterback class. There could be anywhere from 2-6 top quarterbacks that choose to stay in school, including Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. I think that will determine how the Vikings will prioritize their draft capital.
