Minnesota Vikings ready to take next step forward?

For the Minnesota Vikings, what do you need to do to take the next step forward? We’ll preview the NFC North champions as they report for camp…

The Minnesota Vikings were the team everyone wanted to pick as their sleepers last year, and to be honest, I don’t think anyone was disappointed.

The Vikings, despite their memorable finish in the playoffs against the Seahawks, finished the regular season on as high a note as they could have possibly asked for. Tied with a 10-5 record going into the last game of the season, the Vikings strolled into Lambeau Field and did what not many teams can do.

Not only did they beat Green Bay on their home field in the cold, but they flat out won the division and proved to the NFL world that they are for real.

As much as the Vikings accomplished last year winning 11 games, there’s room for improvement and growth. This team got better, and as a result, they re-signed head coach Mike Zimmer to a brand new contract extension.

The roster looks really similar this year compared to last year, at least in terms of the starting lineup, and that continuity is important in this league. They return the majority of starters at every position, and spent money this offseason taking care of their own players. In the draft, they used their top two picks on wide receiver Laquan Treadwell and cornerback Mackensie Alexander, two players who should figure into the rotation at their respective positions early on.

With a new stadium, a team that is really starting to come together as a whole, and a head coach that finally seems to have this team pointed back in the right direction, there’s reason for a ton of optimism in Minneapolis this year, and unlike many years prior — it’s not unfounded.

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With Zimmer calling the shots, the Vikings and their fans can expect a tough defense, but what I think we’re going to see this year is a much more high-powered offensive attack. Teddy Bridgewater is entering his third season as the starter for this team, and while his flaws are well-known, I think he’s only going to get better the longer he’s in this league.

The leadership of this Vikings team is strong. The drafting has been absolutely excellent. The Vikings have done really well in free agency and are primed to defend their NFC North title and perhaps contend for an NFC title this season.

A lot will hinge on the development of Bridgewater, but this is a team I could see going deep into the playoffs.

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