2015 NFL Preview: Can Bridgewater lead the Vikings back to the playoffs?
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Minnesota Vikings
| 2014 Record | 2014 Finish |
|---|---|
| 7-9 | 3rd in NFC North/10th in NFC |
A disappointing 2-5 start was too much for the Vikings to overcome in 2014, but the emergence of Teddy Bridgewater down the stretch made the season far more successful than the win column suggests. The impressive 5-4 run to close out the season showed flashes of what this team is capable of.
Highlight of 2014
The Vikings were at risk of dropping a late-season home game to the lowly New York Jets before Bridgewater found Jarius Wright on a screen pass in overtime. Wright quickly got up to full speed after slipping a tackle at the line of scrimmage, finding the end zone for the 87-yard game-winning score.
Preseason Power Ranking - #11
The return of Adrian Peterson makes the Vikings a team to watch in the NFC North this season. Factor in Teddy Bridgewater and Mike Wallace, and Minnesota could end up finishing with a top-10 offense. More ...
2015 Season Outlook
Head Coach: Mike Zimmer
Off. Coordinator: Norv Turner
Def. Coordinator: George Edwards
With talent in place at the offensive skill positions, and a defense coming into its own under the guidance of Mike Zimmer, the Vikings' chances of challenging for a playoff spot this season will depend on Bridgewater's continued NFL development.
Building on the promise he demonstrated toward the end of his rookie season could soon give the Vikings a highly productive passing game to complement a running game led by the always dominant Adrian Peterson.
Key Additions
- WR Mike Wallace
- CB Trae Waynes (1st Round)
- LB Eric Kendricks (2nd Round)
- DE Danielle Hunter (3rd Round)
- OT T.J. Clemmings (4th Round)
- CB Terence Newman
- QB Shaun Hill
Key Departures
- WR Greg Jennings
- LB Jasper Brinkley
- QB Christian Ponder
- G Charlie Johnson
The Vikings' front office put together a strong draft class for the second consecutive year, this time placing a clear emphasis on the defensive side of the ball. Waynes, Kendricks, and Clemmings should all challenge for starting jobs by Week 1, while Hunter has an opportunity to earn plenty of snaps as a rotational pass-rusher.
Landing Mike Wallace in a trade with the Miami Dolphins gives the Vikings one of the NFL's most dangerous deep threats to stretch the field vertically, which should go a long way in furthering Bridgewater's sophomore year development.
Bold Predictions
Xavier Rhodes will lead the NFL in interceptions. Rhodes is quickly establishing himself as one of the league's top young cornerbacks, and he should step into a role that allows him to shadow opposing teams' top receivers this year. While he's only recorded one interception through two seasons, the increased opportunities should put him in position to make more plays on the ball in 2015. - Dan Wilkins
The Vikings will lose four games down the stretch by a combined 10 points, missing the playoffs by a game. The Vikings will take a big step forward, entering Week 14 at nine wins with a firm grasp on a playoff spot. But an inability to finish will doom the team to a 9-7 finish, narrowly missing the postseason. - Joe Thomson
Five or more Vikings will make the Pro Bowl. Adrian Peterson, Harrison Smith, Everson Griffen, Anthony Barr, and at least one more Vikings player will qualify for the NFL's mostly meaningless all-star game. Last season, for the first time since 1983, the Vikings didn't have a single player elected to the Pro Bowl. - David P. Woods