Grading the Vikings offense, defense, and special teams at mid-season

The Minnesota Vikings are sitting at 5-4 through the first couple months of the season. The team has dealt with crushing injuries, yet still finds itself firmly in the playoff mix.  There are a few aspects of the team that have underperformed, but a few more that have impressed. With the season halfway over, we […]

Bryce Lazenby
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The Minnesota Vikings are sitting at 5-4 through the first couple months of the season. The team has dealt with crushing injuries, yet still finds itself firmly in the playoff mix. 

There are a few aspects of the team that have underperformed, but a few more that have impressed. With the season halfway over, we now know quite a bit about this team. 

Today, I want to grade all three units' performance thus far. 

Offense

The Vikings are currently 8th in yards per game, 13th in points per game, 29th in rushing yards per game, and 2nd in passing yards per game. Clearly, running the football has been the major problem for this unit. Alexander Mattison has been ineffective and nobody else has been able to step up either. 

The running issues may get worse before they get better. Cam Akers, who looked explosive at times, will miss the rest of the season with an Achilles injury. It will be interesting to see if Ty Chandler or DeWayne McBride get called upon in the back half of the season. 

The offensive line has been fantastic and all five starters have earned high marks. 

Overall, this offense has been great this year. Sure, the unit will take a few steps back without Kirk Cousins, but there are enough playmakers to still make a difference. Justin Jefferson will be back soon as well. The running game brings the Vikes a grade lower than they otherwise would be. 

Grade: B

Defense

The Vikings are 14th in total yards per game allowed, 17th in points per game allowed, 12th in rushing yards per game allowed, and 18th in passing yards per game allowed. 

Essentially, this unit has been average in most categories. The team has collected 24 sacks, but 14 of those are just from Danielle Hunter and DJ Wonnum. The Vikes also have a -5 turnover differential, which is partially the offense's fault, but partially the defense for not forcing more. 

The secondary is much better than it was last year, though. Akayleb Evans and Mekhi Blackmon continue to improve while veterans Harrison Smith and Byron Murphy Jr. continue to play at a high level. Camryn Bynum has also been playing at a Pro Bowl level. Expect the team to add to the front seven this offseason. More pass rushers and big bodies to stuff the run are needed.

Grade: B-

Special Teams 

Punter Ryan Wright has been solid. The punter has the 8th-best average in the NFL, with 49.6 yards per punt. Where Wright has really struggled is pinning punts inside of the 20-yard line. Only Blake Gillikin has fewer than Wright's five punts inside the 20. 

Kicking has been a problem. Greg Joseph has made just 76.5% of his kicks and is just 3/5 on 50+ yard kicks. The team definitely needs more consistency from this position. Whether a midseason move is made or the team waits until the offseason, Joseph's days as a kicker in Minnesota are probably numbered. 

The return game has also been disappointing. Kene Nwangwu should help in this aspect, but so far, the results have not been great. 

Grade: D

Featured image via © Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

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