Minnesota Vikings Offseason Progress Report
Will JJ McCarthy give the team more than his predecessor?
Overview
2024 Record: 14-3
General Manager: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
Head Coach: Kevin O’Connell
Starting Quarterback: JJ McCarthy
Key Extensions:
EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel (1 year, $23 million, $22.44 million guaranteed)
Key Additions:
iOL Ryan Kelly, iOL Will Fries, DL Jonathan Allen, DL Javon Hargrave, CB Isaiah Rodgers, WR Adam Thielen, iOL Donovan Jackson, WR Tai Felton
Key Departures:
QB Sam Darnold, OT Cam Robinson, EDGE Patrick Jones II
Offense
Offensive Coordinator: Wes Phillips (Kevin O’Connell calls plays)
2024 Ranks:
EPA/play: 15th Success Rate: 12th PPG: 9th (25.4 ppg)
Projected Starting Offense (11 personnel):
QB JJ McCarthy
RB Aaron Jones
WR Justin Jefferson
WR Jordan Addison
WR Adam Thielen
TE TJ Hockenson
LT Christian Darrisaw
LG Donovan Jackson
C Ryan Kelly
RG Will Fries
RT Brian O’Neill
Offense Notes:
After deciding to move on from Kirk Cousins and start over with a rookie, the Vikings ended up having to play Sam Darnold for the season. The fact that Darnold looked mostly insulated and secure is a credit to Kevin O’Connell. Backed by a strong receiver tandem in Jefferson and Addison, the Vikings erupted to a 14-3 regular season record, only losing to the Lions and Rams (who also beat them in the playoffs).
There were noticeable areas of weakness, particularly along the interior offensive line. Minnesota seems to have adequately addressed this in the offseason, spending big on two starters from the Colts and spending one of their few draft selections on a starter. This season, it will be up to first-time starter JJ McCarthy (and KOC helping him) to take this offense to even greater heights.
Defense
Defensive Coordinator: Brian Flores
2024 Ranks:
EPA/play: 3rd Success Rate: 7th PPG: 5th (19.5ppg allowed)
Projected Starting Defense (Base 3-4):
DE Jonathan Allen
NT Jalen Redmond
DT Javon Hargrave
OLB Andrew Van Ginkel
LB Blake Cashman
LB Ivan Pace Jr.
OLB Jonathan Greenard
CB Byron Murphy
CB Isaiah Rodgers
S Harrison Smith
S Joshua Metellus
Defense Notes:
Similar to the offense, the defense also experienced a coaching masterclass. Brian Flores’ unit was disruptive, creative, and efficient - to the point where they had the most takeaways in the NFL last season. Minnesota’s defense also excelled at getting teams off the field via 3rd and 4th downs. The only real weakness of this was allowing yardage through the air, but teams often had to pass a lot to keep up.
Still, like with the offense, the team did a good job investing in the interior of the front, in hopes of being even more disruptive next season. The additions of Allen and Hargrave should make a strong front even stronger, and while it may be hard to replicate the 3rd and 4th down numbers they put up last season, the Vikings should be able to be better on early downs.
Outlook
Overall, it’s hard to find flaws with this roster. All of the glaring needs were addressed this offseason - the trenches were reinforced. Fourteen wins may be a high expectation, but the talent is on the roster to get it done again.
The biggest question about this time lies at the most important position: can JJ McCarthy be an average to above-average starter in his debut season? While Sam Darnold provided a valiant effort throughout most of the season, his flaws ultimately held the team back in the playoffs. Is it reasonable to expect McCarthy to perform any better?
With an improved interior offensive line, absolutely. There will be growing pains to start, as there are with any ‘rookie’, but this is a roster and a coaching staff that’s ready to compete. With the turnover from the Lions coaching staff, to the Packers inconsistencies, this division is certainly winnable for a team that almost did it last season.
Expectation/Goal for 2025: Win NFC North, Playoff Run
2025 Schedule
Primetime games are BOLDED, all times EDT/EST
*Week 4 game vs. Pittsburgh is in Dublin, Ireland*
**Week 5 game vs. Cleveland is in London**
***Week 17 game vs. Detroit is on Christmas Day, Thursday 12.25***