The Minnesota Vikings are making a strong case for being the top team in the highly competitive NFC North division, but the status of quarterback Sam Darnold’s knee could change everything. It’s a surprising turn of events that no one could have predicted.
Former Vikings coach Dennis Green (may he rest in peace) would not have allowed anyone to crown a team after just three weeks. However, the NFC North has certainly been turning heads this season.
In the Pick Six column, the focus is on the elite coaching of the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers, while also examining why the Chicago Bears have struggled to make an impact. Let’s not forget about the Detroit Lions, who could still come out on top in the end. There’s a lot to dissect here, so let’s dive into the full Pick Six menu.
A head coach weighs in, saying, “Right now, it is Minnesota first, then Detroit/Green Bay, then Chicago. You know why I put Minnesota at the top? The defense.”
A general manager provides his ranking based on coaching performances, stating, “I would rank them by the head-coaching jobs. I think Kevin O’Connell has done the best job. Matt LaFleur is second. He has done great with Malik Willis, who I don’t think can play. Dan Campbell, pretty good win at Arizona, where I thought they might lose. I think Chicago is in trouble. That coach (Matt Eberflus) is embattled. I don’t blame the quarterback (Caleb Williams) at all. He is running for his life, just like he was at USC last year.”
Looking specifically at the Vikings, it’s hard to believe that just last season they were struggling against quarterbacks like Justin Herbert. Now, with a coordinated defense led by Brian Flores, they are dominating the opposition.
“They overload, but it ends up being a four-man rush, and they roll up on the receivers on the outside,” according to an offensive coach. “They don’t let the quarterback have quick throws. They will bring (pressure) enough to get your attention. Your tendency is to want to get rid of the ball fast. You have to have your protections structured so you can hold the ball a little longer and get the ball down the field, but it’s tough.”
Sam Darnold is no stranger to starting the season hot, as he did with the Carolina Panthers in 2021. However, his season took a turn for the worse with a string of interceptions following a promising start. The Vikings will need a strong replacement if Darnold’s knee injury proves to be severe.
“If something happens there, I think they are f—-d,” says an executive. “You can’t win with Nick Mullens. Kevin O’Connell proved last year he can do better than expected with some of those guys, but when you are down to quarterback three, you are in trouble.”
As the NFC North continues to be a battleground of talent and strategy, the Minnesota Vikings are proving themselves to be a force to be reckoned with. Time will tell if they can maintain their dominance and claim the title of the best team in the division.
