By Cesar Castillo@cesar_jul1o)
After a 2020 season in which they failed to reach the playoffs, Minnesota was positioned as a strong postseason candidate in 2021. which they did not. For this campaign, relying on the explosive offense led by Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson, without neglecting what Mike Zimmer’s defensive mind could contribute. Finally, the Vikings’ 2021 season came to an early end, ending Zimmer’s era as HC with the NFC North team, as well as Rick Spielman’s GM role.
The 2021 Minnesota Vikings Season
At the beginning of this season, it was thought that this team had the necessary pieces to sneak into the Playoffs, and even fight for the NFC North championship, particularly due to the unknown that was lived in Green Bay with the desire of Aaron Rodgers to leave the team.
The sad reality for Minnesota is that none of these scenarios were achieved, as their inconsistency and lack of ability to close out games they dominated limited their aspirations throughout the season. As for the division, at no time were they even able to bother the Packers a little, who took the North’s crown without much trouble.
Highly inconsistent, unpredictable, but always fun to watch, the Vikings put up a highly attractive offensive product this season. A Kirk Cousins (4,221 yards, 33 TD and 7 INT) with one of the best seasons in his entire career, in the company of one of the best WR duos with Justin Jefferson – Adam Thielen, not forgetting a dominant running attack led by Dalvin Cook (1,159 yards and 6 TDs).
In this offensive aspect, there is little we can claim when it was what kept the ship afloat and the hopes of the playoffs. As for their defense, it was in the bottom five in total yards allowed — disappointing, considering Zimmer was a defensive-oriented HC.
In the end, the lack of results, questionable decisions and a project that had been stalled for a long time were the arguments that led to the dismissal of Zimmer and Spielman.
The Vikings’ 2021 season MVP
Justin Jefferson-WR
Although it was difficult to return to a 2020-caliber campaign as a rookie, the LSU alum did not disappoint with his explosiveness and production. The wide receiver had 108 receptions for 1,616 yards and 10 TDs, showing game after game as a real threat to opposing defenses as well as his QB’s favorite target.
After a league-breaking rookie campaign, he was not far behind this year, capturing the record for most passing yards within his first two seasons, beating Odell Beckham Jr.
Production, explosiveness, spectacle and with his best level yet to come, Jefferson has been one of the offensive pillars on his team –and one of the best WRs in the league–, for which his contribution in the future will mark where the team is headed. Vikings attack in the next few years.
The best moment of his 2021 season
This came in Week 11 when they beat their hated division rivals the Green Bay Packers by a score of 34-31, in what turned out to be one of the most electrifying games of that week. The defenses simply didn’t show up to play and gave way to a shootout that set the game in dramatic fashion in the final minutes of the game.
Beyond the victory, the close manner in which the victory was achieved and particularly the rival, gave a special emotional flavor to the result, which at that time placed them with a 5-5 record and excited the fans with the possibility of fight for a wild card ticket.
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The worst moment of his 2021 season
Same team, different result. In this matchup, Minnesota was forced to pull out the win at Lambeau Field to keep its playoff chances alive. Unfortunately for them, their QB1 fell on the COVID-19 list, making it impossible for them to participate in the most important game of their season.
Although during the first half it remained closed, in the second the Packers absolutely dominated. The game ended with a score of 37 -10, the Vikings were simply outclassed in all aspects. Not only did they see their postseason chances go up in smoke in that game, but with that victory Green Bay clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
What is expected in the 2022 season?
Undoubtedly, the 2022 season should serve as an introduction to the culture and system that will be sought to implement and permeate the future of the franchise. We’ll pretty much see a total rebuild as the Vikings bring in their next GM and HC simultaneously. This aspect is extremely interesting when considering the direct impact on the continuity of Kirk Cousins, who has always been doubted as a franchise QB.
This team has interesting players who, under a HC that can take the right course, could result in an interesting project. Minnesota’s expectations will be imposed by what happens in the offseason: Draft, free agency and the search for new leaders at the strategic and managerial level will indicate where they are headed and what they can aspire to in 2022.
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Minnesota Vikings 2021 NFL Season Analysis