Understanding the Vikings 2023 Roster: The 4 Weakest Links
As the 2023 NFL season approaches, fans and analysts alike are dissecting the Minnesota Vikings’ roster to identify potential weaknesses. While the team boasts several standout players, there are four positions that could be considered the weakest links. Let’s take a closer look at these positions and the players who occupy them.
Quarterback
The Vikings’ quarterback situation has been a topic of concern for years, and the 2023 season is no different. With Kirk Cousins at the helm, the team lacks a true franchise quarterback. Cousins has been inconsistent throughout his career, and his age (36) raises questions about his ability to sustain a high level of play. The backup options, such as Kellen Mond and Jake Browning, are unproven commodities. This lack of a reliable quarterback could hinder the team’s offensive production and limit their chances of success.
Running Back
The Vikings’ running back position is another area of concern. Dalvin Cook is a talented player, but he has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. His ability to stay on the field is uncertain, and the team lacks a reliable backup. Alexander Mattison has been serviceable, but he’s not the type of player who can carry the load on a consistent basis. The team’s lack of depth at running back could lead to a reliance on the passing game, which, as mentioned earlier, is not a strength.
Defensive Line
The Vikings’ defensive line has been a strength in the past, but it has shown signs of decline in recent seasons. The team lacks a dominant pass-rusher, and their interior defensive line has struggled to generate consistent pressure. This has allowed opposing quarterbacks to have a field day, leading to high scoring games. The team’s inability to generate pressure on the quarterback could be a significant weakness in the 2023 season.
Secondary
The Vikings’ secondary has been a mixed bag in recent years. While they have some talented players, such as safety Anthony Harris and cornerback Jeff Gladney, the overall depth and consistency of the unit are questionable. The team has struggled to cover slot receivers and has been susceptible to big plays. This could be a significant issue, as the Vikings’ defense will need to rely on their secondary to make plays on the ball and limit opposing offenses.
Table: Vikings 2023 Roster – Weakest Links
| Position | Player | Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Kirk Cousins | Inconsistent play, age, lack of backup options |
| Running Back | Dalvin Cook | Injuries, lack of reliable backup |
| Defensive Line | Team | Lack of dominant pass-rusher, struggling interior line |
| Secondary | Team | Lack of depth, susceptible to big plays |
While the Vikings have a talented roster, these four positions could be considered the weakest links. The team will need to address these concerns if they hope to have a successful 2023 season. Whether through free agency, the draft, or improved play from current players, the Vikings will need to shore up these areas to compete in the highly competitive NFC North.
