5 Things the Minnesota Vikings Must Do Well in 2016

The Minnesota Vikings took a step in the right direction by winning the NFC North in the second year of Mike Zimmer’s tenure. Expectations are higher this season for the purple and gold.

Mike Zimmer has completely changed the vibe in Minnesota. Gone are the days when the Vikings and their fans hope to compete. Expectations are way higher than that after the Vikings won the NFC North last season.

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The Vikings have a talented roster that features a good blend of veteran talent and young talent. Couple that with good coaching and the Vikings are primed to take the next step into contender status.

For the Vikings to take the next step, they must play better offensively. Minnesota finished 29th in total offense in 2015. For the offense to be better, third year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has to continue to improve and develop. The Vikings will go as he goes.

If the Vikings are going finally win a playoff game and advance to the divisional round, they must do these five things well.

1. Throw the Ball: The Vikings passing game was awful last season. They finished 31st in the NFL at 183.0 yards per game. If the Vikings are going to be more balanced, they need to throw the ball better. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner needs to play to Teddy Bridgewater’s strengths more by getting the ball out of his hands quicker.

2. AP Must Be AP: I know some naysayers around the NFL are predicting a decline for Adrian Peterson because he’s 31 but I don’t think it’s going to happen. He’s in great shape and he’s still an elite talent. As long as AP is playing at the level we’re all accustomed to seeing through the years, the Vikings will still have a big play threat in the backfield.

3. Get More Out of the Tight Ends: The Vikings need more out of the tight end position this season. Kyle Rudolph finished with 40 catches for 495 yards and five touchdowns. Those aren’t terrible numbers but Rudolph and second tight end MyCole Pruitt must be bigger factors  in the passing game and give Bridgewater a reliable targets underneath.

4. Play Well At Home: Moving into a new stadium is an opportunity to develop a home field advantage. The weather will no longer be an advantage for the Vikings but if they play well at home and win games, the fans will get into and U.S. Bank Stadium will be a tough place to play.

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5. Win Your Division Games: The Vikings won the NFC North last season because they went 5-1 in the division – the only blemish a loss at home to the Packers. One year earlier, they were a combined 1-5 vs. their longtime Black and Blue rivals. If they do that again, they’ll win the division again. They have to take care of business against the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions and split against Green Bay again. If they do, they’ll be in a good spot.