The Vikings have found a formula that is working like a charm for them.
Vikings have returned to prominence through a tried and true formula.
While watching the Minnesota Vikings cruise to another victory for the 4th straight time this season against a formidable opponent, it got the wheel in my head turning: the Vikings, along with the Eagles, are the only two teams remaining with an undefeated record of 4-0.
What is even more shocking is that the Vikings have done this without their franchise QB Teddy Bridgewater and All Pro Running back Adrian Peterson, who has missed the last two games on injured reserve.
So, the million dollar question is how have the Vikings been able to continue to win, and win impressively? Well, it starts from the top with General Manager Rick Spielman, who ironically enough was with the Miami Dolphins from 2000 to 2004. Spielman has done a magnificent job of building this Viking team through the Draft.
The main evidence of this can be seen in the Vikings Defense.
The Vikings Defense has been downright lights out impressive. During their first four games the Vikings Defense has only allowed 12.5 points per game (2nd best in league), sacked the opposing QB 15 times (2nd best in league), made 5 interceptions (2nd best in league), and recovered 5 fumble recoveries (tied for best in league). This defense is made even more impressive when you realize that 8 of the 11 starters on defense have all been drafted by Rick Speilman…and this doesn’t even include other notable draftees such as Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander who see a significant amount of playing time.
Then on offense, the Vikings have 5 starters that were drafted by Spielman, 2 undrafted players signed by Spielman, and 2 players such as Patterson and McKinnon that do not start, but contribute heavily to the offense…and this does not even include Peterson and Bridgewater who were also Viking 1st round picks.
Most pay per head software fans would agree that this team was clearly and successfully built through the draft by a former Dolphin who led the organization for 4 years. And that knowledge does sting quite a bit.
Lastly, head coach Mike Zimmer has done an excellent job of creating a very simple yet successful Offense. From watching last week, on most passing plays there was always a running back in the flat that was available for the quick dump off pass if Bradford was either under pressure or could not find someone open down the field. There was nothing complicated about this offense, and it’s not like Bradford is a Super star QB, but the reality is they are making positive plays and move the chains.
Vikings have set up a strong foundation in a team concept that is built from within.
Now, back to the Dolphins.
If Coach Adam Gase can prove to be the guy, then just maybe in 2 or 3 years the Miami Dolphins can emulate the Vikings success.
The Dolphins already have three of their 2016 Rookies in Tunsil, Howard and Drake making significant contributions to the team this season. They also still have high hopes for Carroo and Grant, so with a couple more solid drafts this team “could” really become loaded with youth and talent: if Mike Tannenbaum can keep hitting in the draft…and, maybe even do it without using the extra picks to accomplish it.
But, that word “could” isn’t exactly comforting.
For Gase’s part, he just needs to find a way to kick start this offense. Maybe take a page from the Vikings play book of simplifying the offense with some more quick passes and change of tempo, which could help to get this offense to begin moving the chains. Whatever it is, Gase needs to prove he is the coach of the future. Because with so many other areas in flux, Miami desperately needs stability, and since Head Coach is the anchor of a franchise, without that foundation the franchise will be set adrift — again.
If the Dolphins can just focus on minimizing the negative plays, then they can move past the ‘beating themselves stage’ (feels like they have been in that stage forever), and move on to beating their opponents.
This comes down to good coaching and acquiring players who can be coached. The Vikings have done it, maybe there’s hope for Miami?!