The Minnesota Vikings suddenly found themselves in the playoffs after winning four straight to go from 1-4 to 5-4.
Things have certainly improved, but this team still has plenty of question marks as we head into the second half of the NFL season.
Heading into a Week 10 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, here’s a look at 4 big questions this team needs to answer as the season progresses.
What’s going on at the QB Spot?
Obviously, Joshua Dobbs will be the Vikings’ starter in Week 10 against the Saints. That being said, the topic of the Vikings’ starting QB appears to be just beginning. Rookie Jaren Hall started last weekend, and while we didn’t get a chance to see much of him due to his concussion, the fifth-round pick seemed ready for the moment.
It would make sense for the Vikings to give him another chance this season given that they have the most commitment to him in terms of draft status as well as contract, but that might require a poor outing from Dobbs.
Then we also have to consider that Nick Mullens might return from IR soon, and he has proven to be a capable passer during his limited NFL starting experience. There’s currently a three-horse race, so who will the Vikings ultimately decide to ride?
What does the offense look like when Jefferson returns?
When Justin Jefferson went on IR, it seemed like all hope was lost for this Vikings team. Instead, they won four straight without him, and Kevin O’Connell did a great job finding ways to get other players involved.
In fact, the Vikings offense found a way to be more efficient without Jefferson in the lineup, going from 17th in EPA in the five weeks with him to 7th in the four weeks without him.
Part of the reason may be that the Vikings simply fed him too much of the ball, making their offense a little predictable. Now that O’Connell has found the magic potion to get all of his receivers involved, can he continue to do so with his star WR1 in the lineup?
Who takes on the RB2 role?
Cam Akers was lost for the season due to an Achilles injury. As a result, the Vikings are once again faced with a similar question as earlier this year: Who exactly is going to take on the RB2 role for the team moving forward?
There are candidates on the roster in Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu, but neither of them have played a significant role in the offense thus far in their NFL careers. Chandler has only recorded 13 touches for 85 yards in 2023, and Nwangwu has yet to play an offensive game this year.
DeWayne McBride could be a dark horse candidate. The 2023 seventh-round pick has been on the practice squad all season awaiting his opportunity, so perhaps the Vikings will choose to elevate him at some point this year as well. Regardless, the Vikings will need to find someone to replace Akers’ abilities in the running game and as a blocker.
Will Marcus Davenport return?
One of the Vikings’ key signings in free agency this spring was pass rusher Marcus Davenport. He’s had a bit of an uneven start to his career, but Minnesota was hoping his potential would come to life and replace Za’Darius Smith.
Unfortunately, Davenport suffered a sprained ankle against the Chicago Bears, and he has been on IR ever since. There has been little discussion about the timetable for his return either. The Vikings could use another consistent passing threat on their defense, but it remains to be seen if he will be able to return to the field in 2023.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of the College of Idaho and editor-in-chief of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, playing, or supporting the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
