For the first time since 2012, the Minnesota Vikings are fun to talk about in January. It is a relief that we are not like a number of teams, for once, that have to talk about what coaching changes will be made and how a high numbered draft pick will make this team better. The fact of the matter is that hiring Head Coach Mike Zimmer two years ago was finally the right move. The Vikings defense was a mess, and we're not talking a small mess, but instead a giant one.
Two seasons ago, the Vikings ended up giving the most points in one season in the history of the NFL. For many of us that have friends and families who are fans of the rival Green Bay Packers, this was a hard pill to swallow. The Vikings also took a big gamble by drafting Quarterback Christian Ponder as the franchise quarterback by drafting him 12th overall in the NFL Draft. Thankfully, the Vikings moved on from the Christian Ponder era.
When Mike Zimmer was hired prior to the 2014 season, the Vikings knew their defense was sure to improve as Mike Zimmer had been a long time defensive coordinator for both the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys. The Vikings didn't want a one sided team, so Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman decided to work his magic on draft day in 2014 and move up back into the first round and draft Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with the final pick in the first round. This gave the fans the hope they have been hungry for since 2009, the last time the Vikings won the NFC North Division.
So, looking ahead, the Vikings had a very successful 2015 campaign. They went 11-5, a record that nobody could really only dream of considering they had a second year coach and second year starting quarterback. Speaking of that defense, the Vikings were one of the best when it came to allowing points scored by opposing teams. Teddy Bridgewater also showed great improvement. Teddy Bridgewater had a career high in a game this season by throwing for four touchdowns and running for one. Teddy also threw for over 3,000 yards this season, something that hasn't been done for a while, and also something that should silence the critics who continuously compare Teddy Bridgewater to Christian Ponder.
One of the low points of this past season was a game against the Vikings first playoff opponent, the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks put a whooping on the Vikings by beating them by a score of 38-7. This one sided contest has made the Vikings fans extremely nervous. As the fans finally get to feel the excitement of making the playoffs and also coming off a big win beating the Green Bay Packers at Green Bay, the Vikings first round match up may be the most difficult first round game.
I am not sure what to think about the Vikings first round playoff game. I won't lie, I am very nervous that a repeat of the regular season match up with the Seattle Seahawks may occur again. I mean, why would we allow a team to beat us as badly as the Seahawks did at any point of any season. So, I was kind of one of the fans who was hoping that we could've lost that final regular season game against the Packers so we could have had a first round match up with the Washington Redskins. Then, I realized that it is the NFL Playoffs. First of all, if there is any hope to make to the grandest stage of them all, the Super Bowl, then you have to beat the good teams. So, the Vikings will have to continue to look forward and play the way that gave an 11-5 record. In addition to that, the weather will be much colder and three key players that were injured and out for that first meeting with the Seahawks, will be back, Those players are Linval Joseph, Harrison Smith, and Anthony Barr. These three players are all difference makers.
With the weather being extremely cold at game time by having a high of two degrees above zero with a windchill of -15 degrees. My prediction is this. I am going to be extremely positive here and believe in the Vikings and their game plan with a healthy team, which is the situation we have here. I think the coldness will keep the overall score down, but I think the Vikings will win by a score of 20-17. I think it will be close, and I think the Vikings know this is a golden opportunity and will take advantage of it.
Good Luck Vikes!
#skolvikings
Nice work as always Timmy!! keep em coming
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