The Vikings' Immediate Schedule Does Not Get Any Easier
Photo Credit: Hannah Foslien, Getty Images
One year after winning the NFC North with an impressive record of 13-4 and a season filled with miraculous comebacks, the Vikings have begun the 2023 NFL season with two consecutive losses. If you count the preseason, the Vikings have suffered six consecutive losses beginning with last year’s wild card loss to the Giants. The Vikings’ immediate schedule does not get any easier.
In Week 1, the Vikings lost to the Buccaneers 20-17 at the hands of journeyman quarterback Baker Mayfield (four teams in three years). The season and home opener was supposed to be a building block for another successful season. Instead, Kirk Cousins fumbled twice and the offense mustered an embarrassing 41 rushing yards on 17 attempts. Ouch.
On Thursday Night Football, the Vikings went to Philadelphia to take on the reigning NFC Champion Eagles. In the third quarter, the Eagles held a commanding 27-7 lead that appeared to be insurmountable. Cousins and the offense roared back like old times, only to fall short in the final minutes 34-28. Four Vikings accounted for four lost fumbles; the worst of which occurred when star receiver Justin Jefferson fumbled into the end zone rather than scoring, prompting a touchback and handing the Eagles the ball back before halftime. On the stat sheet, Cousins and the passing game were buzzing. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
The next three games are as follows: Chargers (home), Panthers (away), and Chiefs (home). The Chargers and Chiefs were both playoff teams last year and the latter won the whole dance. Don’t bet against Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes; they are two quarterbacks that can elevate their team to another level (subtle jab). Panthers quarterback Bryce Young didn’t have a particularly stellar debut against the Falcons with three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble), but he has every opportunity to pick apart the rebuilding Vikings defense. It’s not that hard, just ask Baker Mayfield!
If the Vikings hold their own and collect one win during that three-game stretch, the team would have a record of 1-4. After a 13-4 season. That’s not to say the season would be over, but take a look at the rest of the NFC North.
Jared Goff and the Lions are fresh off beating the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs on Thursday Night Football in Week 1 and play the Seahawks this week. They’re trending upward.
The Packers carved up the Bears last week 38-20 behind the stellar play of quarterback Jordan Love. He played so well, talk show host Colin Cowherd enabled a discussion of whether or not he’s the real deal yet. ONE GAME!
The Bears… aren’t ready to join the big boy conversation yet.
In sum, the Vikings’ immediate schedule does not get any more promising. Turnovers are rampant and the run game is non-existent. Long-time fantasy football handcuff Alexander Mattison has been rendered ineffective. Changes need to be made in Minneapolis, or else, the Vikings will not be anywhere close to the success they enjoyed last year. Additionally, each game the team loses hurts Jefferson extension talks and fans the rumors of Cousins’ exit.
