The Minnesota Vikings have had an ugly 0-3 start, and they need to turn things around before it gets out of hand. Kirk Cousins is likely in his last season as the quarterback of this team, and Justin Jefferson isn't getting younger.
The offense has firepower, but not enough support. Minnesota is also allowing way too many points, as many areas need to change for this team to get things going. If the Vikings miss the playoffs, it will be one of the biggest surprises of the 2023 NFL season.
The early season struggles stem from the offensive line, running game, and the pass rush. Minnesota still has Cousins and Jefferson, so as long as they improve in these three areas, they can turn the season around.
Changes the Vikings need to make: 3. A plan for their running backs
After the first three weeks of the new season, the Vikings rank 31st in rushing yards, averaging 6.3 yards per game. They recently brought in 24-year-old running back Cam Akers from the Los Angeles Rams to help out Alexander Mattison. A one-two punch of those two might be what this offense needs.
Cousins and Jefferson are playing relatively well, but improving the run game would enable the passing game to leap forward. Akers's ability to flip the field on any play will for sure be a plus and could open up more opportunities for play action as well.
In Week 1, Akers had 22 carries for just 29 yards with the Rams, but Minnesota could be a good fit for him. The Ram's offensive line isn't very good, which was the main issue for Akers in the first game of the season. Hopefully, he can benefit from the change of scenery, as he and the Vikings would love to see the trade pay off.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell continuously has alluded to the importance of the running game, but we need to see the results on the field. Headed into Week 4, they will be facing the Carolina Panthers, who currently have the 18th-ranked rushing defense in the league.
Minnesota already has a must-win game, and it's only Week 4. Passing the ball is not the issue right now, as they rank second in passing yards. What the Vikings need to do though, is utilize the talented running backs to keep the ball moving.
Changes the Vikings need to make: 2. Can't allow Dean Lowry's struggles to slow them down
The Viking's defense is getting torched — they are 27th in total yards allowed through the first three weeks of the season. If they want that to change, it starts with the guys up front. The secondary is struggling right now, and that is stemming from the lackluster pass rush.
One player in particular who is not contributing anything right now is Dean Lowry. The 29-year-old defensive end is having one of the worst starts in his career, as he has zero pressures through the first three games.
After leaving the Green Bay Packers, some were saying his old team would regret letting him go. As it looks so far though, they might've made the right choice. If he doesn't produce in Week 4, he's going to have to answer some questions.
One guy who could step into Lowry's role is rookie defensive lineman Jaquelin Roy. The 22-year-old made his debut this past Sunday but was silent in just nine overall snaps on the field. If he is given more time on the field, he could offer better production than the former Packer.
Changes the Vikings need to make: 1. Start Dalton Rinser over Ed Ingram at right guard
Pass protection is still a problem for Minnesota, and right guard Ed Ingram is at the forefront of it. He is a good run blocker and does help in that area of the game. At the end of the day though, he is allowing way too much pressure on Cousins.
According to PFF, Ingram allowed six pressures against the Los Angeles Chargers this past week. Throughout the first three games of the season, the 2022 second-round pick has allowed a total of 13 quarterback pressures.
This is starting to become a serious problem, as Ingram didn't shine as a pass blocker in his rookie season either. The other option to step into his role would be former Denver Broncos lineman Dalton Rinser.
Cousins has been sacked eight times already, and according to PFF Ingram is responsible for three of those. If the Vikings want to ensure that their quarterback has more time to throw the ball going forward, then they might need to make that change at left guard.