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Articles by John Tuvey
Minnesota's Halloween Night Showdown with the Cowboys Is Their Most Intriguing Matchup
Nov 22, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws against the Dalles Cowboys in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports When the NFL releases its schedule, there are several games fans circle on the calendar. For the Minnesota Vikings last year, it was a trip to Tampa Bay that was not only an excuse to get away from a harsh winter but a game that turned out to be the turning point of their season.
Dede Westbrook Is the Vikings Answer at WR3
Photo Credit: Douglas DeFelice (USA TODAY Sports) The Minnesota Vikings have been rumored to be interested in former Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Dede Westbrook. The former 2016 Biletnikoff winner was impressive during his two seasons at the University of Oklahoma, recording 1,524 yards on 80 receptions for 17 touchdowns in his senior season.
Ryan Kerrigan Is the Versatile Veteran the Vikings Need
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Follow us on LinkedIn Photo Credit: Brad Mills (USA TODAY Sports) Now that the NFL Draft is over, teams are looking to free agency to fill needs, and no need seems greater than the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive line. Going as far back as the Jared Allen days, the Vikings have always had a dominant defensive line, but they’ve been searching for a veteran presence there since the departure of Everson Griffen last offseason.
Free-Agent Options Remain if Vikings Want to Continue Bolstering O-Line
Photo Credit: Denny Medley (USA TODAY Sports) After drafting offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw in the first round and using a third-round pick on guard Wyatt Davis, the Minnesota Vikings appear to have filled out their dance card for the offensive line.
Janarius Robinson Has the Measurables To Be Minnesota’s Next Breakout Star
247 Sports YouTube screenshot In the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected edge rusher Janarius Robinson out of Florida State. He was a four-star recruit out of high school in 2016 but had a very mundane career in Tallahassee, racking up 48 tackles and three sacks last year. However, his play at the Senior Bowl, his combine performance, and his prototypical defensive end frame caught the attention of NFL teams.
Free Agents the Vikings Could Still Bring In
Photo Credit: Joe Maiorana (USA TODAY Sports) After the draft last weekend, the Minnesota Vikings roster seems pretty set. With most position groups having their starters established, they will go into OTAs and training camp with a pretty good idea of what the roster will look like. But it doesn’t mean that the 2021 Vikings are a finished product. Although the starting positions are settled, they still don’t have depth in several areas.
The Vikings Are a Veteran DE Away From Returning To 2017 Form
(Photo Credit: Luke Inman) The Zimmer era in the Twin Cities has been an interesting saga in Minnesota Vikings history, to say the least. For whatever reason, the team performs among the best in the league during odd-numbered years, while on even-numbered years they couldn’t be more painful to watch. In fact, during the 2015, 2017 and 2019 seasons Minnesota ranked fifth, first, and fifth respectively in scoring defense.
The Vikings Finally Changed Their Type to Upgrade Their O-Line
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee (USA TODAY Sports) So the Minnesota Vikings are on the clock at 14, having just been sniped on a falling Rashawn Slater by the equally OL-starved Los Angeles Chargers. However, Alijah Vera-Tucker is still on the board.
3 Draft Failures the Vikings Need to Avoid
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Becker (USA TODAY Sports) With the 14th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select… hopefully not a bust. Whether they trade up, down, or pick the perfect prospect to win now, fans will be quick to draw conclusions. But, what is the absolute worst-case scenario when pick 14 comes? Here are three ways the Vikings could fail the 2021 draft: They reach for a need It’s a draft day rule that general managers absolutely should not reach for a need on Day 1 or 2.
Vikings Mailbag: Jefferson vs. Thielen, Superhero Punters, WR3 Targets, Remaining Free Agents and More
Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports Welcome to the second installment of Zone Coverage‘s weekly Vikings mailbag, where I try to answer all your burning NFL and Vikings-related questions, submitted via Twitter to @NickOlsonNFL. Is Justin Jefferson already at Thielen’s level? Has Jefferson surpassed Thielen? What does each one do better? Separately, what aspects of JJ’s game are lacking or needing improvement? Can he go much higher? Will we see more of you with the beard?
The Hometown Heroes Minnesota Could Add In the Draft Process
Photo Credit: Tim Heitman (USA TODAY Sports) We’re are a provincial bunch here in Minnesota. We love athletes and other celebrities who are “One of Us.” We are also very welcoming and consider just about anyone with any connection to the Land of 10,000 Lakes to be “One of Us.” The NFL is no different, and this year’s draft has a bumper crop of players connected to Minnesota. Everyone loves the Adam Thielen story, a homegrown star that ends up playing for the hometown team.
An Offensive Lineman Minnesota Can Target in Each Round
Photo Credit: Rick Bowmer/Pool Photo (USA TODAY Sports) At the start of the mock draft season, I (only half) jokingly conducted a seven-round Minnesota Vikings mock in which every selection was spent on an offensive lineman. Let’s go full circle on the bit and close down the run-up to this year’s draft with another mock identifying a potential fit for the Vikings with each of their 10* selections.
Minnesota Should Follow Cleveland and Tennessee's O-Line Models
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Becker (USA TODAY Sports) The Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line has let down the rest of the offense for years now. ranked the Vikings’ offensive line 26th in the NFL last season. After watching them play, even that ranking seems too high. After a defensive-heavy offseason, how does Minnesota’s line compare to the rest of the NFL heading into the draft? Maybe the worst part of their ranking is the fact that they were relatively healthy all season.
Vikings Mailbag: What Would a Dream Draft Look Like, How to Fix the Offensive Line and More
Photo Credit: Troy Taormina (USA TODAY Sports) Welcome to the first installment of Zone Coverage‘s twice-monthly Vikings mailbag, where I try to answer all your burning NFL and Vikings-related questions, submitted via Twitter to @NickOlsonNFL.
Which O-Line Prospects Did the Ngakoue Trade Potentially Cost the Vikings?
Photo Credit: Vasha Hunt (USA TODAY Sports) When it comes to the NFL Draft, it’s never too early for hindsight. Why wait to regret missing on a pick when you can regret not even having it at your disposal? For the Minnesota Vikings, that moment will come in Round 2, when the Jacksonville Jaguars go on the clock with the 45th-overall selection. That pick was formerly held by the Vikings until they traded it to Jacksonville for defensive end Yannick Ngakoue last August.
Would the Vikings Really Draft Another Corner in the First Round?
Photo Credit: Melina Myers (USA TODAY Sports) The Minnesota Vikings appeared to have solved most of their problems in the secondary this offseason after signing two corners and a safety. But after Jeff Gladney’s arrest, they may take another corner in the draft, much to the dismay of many fans. Brace yourselves, people. This could mean they will use pick 14 on a cornerback. The Vikings currently have seven CBs on their roster outside of Gladney.
Ben Leber Believes Rashawn Slater is a Day 1 Starter
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Follow us on LinkedIn Photo Credit: Thomas J. Russo (USA TODAY Sports) Ben Leber believes that Rashawn Slater could start on Week 1 for whomever drafts him, despite sitting out last season. The former Northwestern offensive lineman has played both left and right tackle and did not allow a sack in the 2019 season.
What Happened to Trading for Orlando Brown Jr.?
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee (USA TODAY Sports) These days, logging onto Vikings Twitter means a plethora of draft coverage and, in turn, a bevy of opinions on what Rick Spielman should do come April 29. Everybody is their own personal GM, and fans are excited for draft day. In fact, the Minnesota Vikings faithful rank third in mock drafts done in PFF’s simulator (which, if you haven’t done yet, I highly recommend).
Could the Vikings Turn to Another Cleveland for O-Line Help?
Photo Credit: Bryan Lynn (USA TODAY Sports) It used to be that mocking just the first round was an arduous task. But that was back in the days before you couldn’t turn on your hand-held device without bumping into a mock draft simulator. Nowadays, knocking out a seven-rounder takes mere minutes. Which yields a ton of data. All of it speculative, to be sure, but what else is there to do during draft season?
What If Rashod Hill Is Viable?
Photo Credit: Tim Fuller (USA TODAY Sports) When you’re a Minnesota Vikings fan, you get to participate in the annual spring tradition of talking yourself into middling-to-bad offensive linemen. They struck out on some interior offensive line names they were after, and now the draft is looming. Edge rusher might be the choice in the first round, leaving a giant vacancy in Riley Reiff‘s place. If the Vikings played tomorrow, Rashod Hill would likely start.
Why Haven't the Vikings Built Their Offense Like Their Defense?
Photo Credit: Harrison Barden (USA TODAY Sports) Over the past few seasons Mike Zimmer has been on the hot seat, but there has always been an excuse for why the team didn’t meet or exceed preseason expectations. Last season it was injuries and poor offensive line play. Finally, it’s starting to feel like it’s playoffs-or-bust for the Minnesota Vikings. Looking at their offseason moves, it’s worth asking if this team is built for sustainable winning — in particular, the offense.
Vikings Records Jeopardized By A 17-Game Season
Photo Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn (USA TODAY Sports) On March 30, the NFL announced it will begin playing a 17-game season next year – the first expansion of the regular season in 44 years. The change was met with mixed reviews outside of network boardrooms and NFL owners’ suites, as some players and coaches bemoaned the added week of wear and tear without the addition of an extra bye week. Fans and players alike can take some solace in the accompanying reduction to three preseason games, though.
Would Christian Darrisaw Be a Reach at 14?
Photo Credit: Lee Luther Jr. (USA TODAY Sports) We’re nearing the end of mock draft season, but not before one last massive cloud of hype and misinformation gets blown across the process. There are inevitably a couple of names who pick up steam as draft day approaches, with Mac Jones being the poster child for 2021.
Mackensie Alexander Is More Than Just A Slot Corner
Photo Credit: Harrison Barden (USA TODAY Sports) The “nickel” corner is a frequently misunderstood position, especially in the modern NFL. Blame Madden, blame fantasy, or blame the general idea of “the third-best guy,” but the nickel corner gets a bad rap. Even Mackensie Alexander himself had trouble adjusting to the idea of being a slot corner. But let’s double-check our perceptions. What is the nickel role in a modern defense, and how important is it?
It’s Not Too Late For the Vikings to Add Another Free Agent
Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing (USA TODAY Sports) If you’re anything like me, no matter how many players like Patrick Peterson or Dalvin Tomlinson the Minnesota Vikings sign, you’re never satisfied. Especially this offseason, because neither of those players are offensive lineman. But it’s not too late! Don’t count out a last-minute deal. Entering free agency, it looked like the Vikings had no cap room for any notable free agents.
Spielman Should Be Tied to Cousins, Not Zimmer
Photo Credit: Harrison Barden (USA TODAY Sports) Let’s give it up for Trader Rick. Few men in this universe can say that they pull their suit pants up over their shoes and make 10-6 records. In his time with Minnesota, he’s attempted to set a world record for most seventh-round draft picks, pledged loyalty to a coach who abhors the forward pass, and handed $84 million to a man who drives a $350 van. He’s a renaissance man — a true, red-blooded swindler.
What Is Actually Worth More: Mason Cole Or A 6th Round Pick?
Photo Credit: Paul Rutherford (USA TODAY Sports) Last week the Minnesota Vikings made a big move to upgrade add to their offensive line, trading a sixth-round pick to acquire Mason Cole from the Arizona Cardinals. In response, Skol Nation delivered a collective “meh.” Personally, my initial response was: Vikings add a guard! Well, a center they're gonna play at guard.
Draft Day Trades To Get Minnesota A 2nd Round Pick Back
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee (USA TODAY Sports) The Yannick Ngakoue trade did not work out. After giving up a second-rounder to get him, the Minnesota Vikings got five sacks and one win before their Week 7 bye. That, coupled with Danielle Hunter‘s surgery, caused them to pull the plug. They flipped Ngakoue back to the AFC for a third-rounder (there was also a 2022 fifth that the Vikings gave up and got back). Now that we know the NFL draft order in full, we can quantify that cost.
The Case For Jadeveon Clowney
Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports Here are some things we know about the Minnesota Vikings in free agency so far. 1) They’ve been more than willing to give generous, short-term deals to veterans in an effort to find immediate starters. 2) They reportedly pursued high-end pass-rushers on Day 1 of free agency but eventually whiffed in their attempts to sign Carl Lawson and Trey Hendrickson.
Key Free Agents the Vikings Missed Out On
Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta (USA TODAY Sports) The Minnesota Vikings may have made some head-scratching free-agency moves this offseason, but there has to be a reason they signed a 30-year-old cornerback and a nose tackle instead of bolstering the offensive line, right? You would think the first position they would go after would be a starting offensive guard or pass rusher to complement Danielle Hunter. Nah.
Looking For O-Line Gems On the Day 3 Scrap Heap
Photo Credit: Justin Ford (USA TODAY Sports) One popular definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. The Minnesota Vikings’ track record of using Day 3 picks on interior offensive linemen and hoping to field a competent offensive line might fit that definition. However, with the 2021 NFL Draft fast approaching, there is little indication the Vikings intend to invest any meaningful resources into their offensive line.
Ben Leber Isn't Buying the Hype On Gregory Rousseau
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Follow us on LinkedIn Photo Credit: Sam Navarro (USA TODAY Sports) Ben Leber is one of the few professional athletes that has made the transition from playing career the media look easy. He went from a stud linebacker to a dynamite radio personality, sideline analyst, and college football color commentator. Well, now we can add draft analyst to that list. Over the last couple of seasons, Leber has been doling out his opinions on possible draft picks.
Last Year's Saints Embarrassment Had a Big Affect on Minnesota's Offseason Approach
Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports The Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints have faced off four seasons in a row now. And as we’ve seen in the past, that particular matchup can carry a lot of weight into the offseason. For instance, the Minneapolis Miracle outcome led to numerous extensions and extra job security for Mike Zimmer. The 2019 Wild Card win led to an extension for Kirk Cousins.
Luis Arraez Could Be the Odd Man Out On a Deep Twins Team
Mar 10, 2020; Clearwater, Florida, USA; Minnesota Twins infielder Luis Arraez (2) prepares for batting practice before the start of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports What are the Minnesota Twins going to do with Luis Arraez?
The Guard with Big Upside Minnesota Should Take a Draft Chance On
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas (USA TODAY Sports) Joe Thuney won’t be walking through that door, Vikings fans. Neither will Kevin Zeitler or Brandon Scherff. At this point, the best free-agent guard options are grabbing front-row tickets to the Kyle Long comeback tour or plucking Forrest Lamp off the scrap heap and hoping he plays more like the college version of himself and less how he fared with the Los Angeles Chargers the past three seasons.
Mike Zimmer Needs a New Kicker and a New Approach
Photo Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn (USA TODAY Sports) On Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings announced that they had cut ties with kicker Dan Bailey. This came as no surprise to the Minnesota faithful. I think I heard the cheers all the way over here in Central New York. Moving on from Bailey was one of the obvious cuts that Spielman had to make. The 10-year veteran finished 2020 with a career-worst field goal percentage of 68.2%, and six missed extra points.
3 Ways To Turn Riley Reiff's Release Into A Better O-Line
Photo Credit: Brad Rempel (USA TODAY Sports) On Wednesday, the first major domino fell for the Minnesota Vikings’ 2021 offseason. Their best offensive lineman from last year, Riley Reiff, declined an extension and will test free agency. The Vikings wanted to keep Reiff in the building for as long as possible, but the 2021 free-agent market is a chaotic one.
Alijah Vera-Tucker is Purple Rain for Minnesota’s Guard Drought
Dec 18, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) during the Pac-12 Championship against the Oregon Ducks at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Oregon defeated USC 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports In last week’s Minnesota Vikings draft adventure, Rashawn Slater fell into Minnesota’s lap, and Rick Spielman used the 14th overall pick to add him to the mix.
Only Six Players Remain from the Minnesota Miracle Roster
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports Change is inevitable in the NFL thanks to its hard salary cap, non-guaranteed contracts, and increasing lack of patience from front offices. Unsuccessful teams are getting dismantled quicker than ever, while successful teams routinely descend into salary cap purgatory once they start compensating their stars.
5 Sneaky Free Agents to Upgrade Minnesota's Pass Rush
Aug 16, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports Every year, every team’s fan base thinks their team has a chance at the best available free agents. This year is no different, but as a (somewhat) realistic Minnesota Vikings fan, I want them to get an affordable pass rusher to create a sack-filled rebound season.
With Rudolph's Release Comes the End of an Era
Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports For the past several days, NFL teams have been doing what they always do this time of year: releasing veterans, in large part to create salary cap room and prepare for the beginning of the league year in mid-March. Things had been eerily quiet on the Minnesota Vikings beat in this regard, yet it was obvious something was nigh. Moves need to be made to get them under the cap.
The Vikings Have To Take Rashawn Slater If He's There at 14
Dec 1, 2018; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Chase Young (2) rushes the line (2) in the first half against Northwestern Wildcats lineman Rashawn Slater (70) in the Big Ten conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports You know the Minnesota Vikings need to fix their offensive line. I know the Vikings need to fix their offensive line.
Why You Should Root for Washington in the NFC Playoffs
Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale (USA TODAY Sports) After a 7-9 season filled with ups and downs, the Minnesota Vikings missed the playoffs, finishing third in the NFC North behind the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. Despite a 1-5 start, Minnesota managed to climb back into the playoff picture in the middle of the season, winning five of six games after the bye week before losing three straight and getting eliminated from the playoffs. The question now becomes who to root for in the NFC.
5 Takeaways From the 2020 Season
Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post-Crescsent-USA TODAY NETWORK The Minnesota Vikings finished 7-9 and weren’t close to meeting expectations this season. While they were hit hard by the injury bug, especially on defense, they were simply outmatched in many of the games they played. The 2020 season will definitely go down as one of the more frustrating ones in recent Vikings’ history, but there are some things to take away from the lost year.
Why You Should Be Rooting for the Bills This Year
Photo Credit: Rich Barnes (USA TODAY Sports) As the Minnesota Vikings wrapped up their 2020 season in Detroit last Sunday, there was a feeling of disappointment. Coming into the season with (delusional?) thoughts of contending in the NFC North, the Vikings completed the Jeff Fisher special by going 7-9 and subjecting their fans to a long offseason of possibilities.
MNUFC's Roster Starts To Take Shape With Moino Out, Trapp In
Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez (USA TODAY Sports) Following the conclusion of the 2020 season, Major League Soccer was given a chance to breathe. A congested, confusing, and ultimately unnecessary season, was concluded by crowning the Columbus Crew as MLS Cup Champions on Dec. 12th. The Crew defeated the Seattle Sounders, reigning champions and heavy favorites, 3-0 in stunning fashion. A reminder: Minnesota United FC collapsed late against Seattle after holding a two-goal lead at halftime.
Minnesota Missed an Opportunity to Try Out 2021 O-Line Prospects in Detroit
Photo Credit: Raj Mehta (USA TODAY Sports) The way the Vikings’ 2020 season went down, it should come as no surprise that Week 17 was party to yet another missed opportunity. From one-point losses to playoff teams to Dan Bailey missing the third-most kicks of any kicker this millennium, “Missed Opportunity” is the runaway favorite for the title of the team’s 2020 highlight reel.
This Town Isn't Big Enough for Kirk Cousins and Mike Zimmer
Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports It was high noon at U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer stood across from Kirk Cousins at the 50-yard line as the two were about to stage in an old-fashioned duel. As both men took their 10 paces, Cousins stopped, turned around and looked back at Zimmer. “I just have one question for ya,” Cousins said through his gritted teeth.
The O-Line Was Abysmal from Start to Finish Against Chicago
Photo Credit: Brad Rempel (USA TODAY Sports) Sometimes you just know it’s going to be one of those days. After forcing what would turn out to be the Chicago Bears’ only punt of the afternoon, the Minnesota Vikings ran a straight drop-back pass from their own 11-yard line. What happened next has become all too familiar when the Vikings use straight drops this season.
Kaapo Kahkonen Gets Another Chance To Prove He Is NHL Ready
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Follow us on LinkedIn Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports On Wednesday the Minnesota Wild announced that they had signed goaltender Andrew Hammond to a one-year two-way contract and that Alex Stalock would be out indefinitely with an upper-body injury. The move most likely signals Hammond will play in Iowa while Kaapo Kahkonen will begin the season with St. Paul backing up Cam Talbot.
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