NFC North: Biggest question for each team in 2020

Minnesota Vikings: Will a revamped defensive unit be stout once again?

Back in 2017, the team from the Twin Cities led the league in total defense while allowing the fewest points in the league. The Minnesota Vikings finished 13-3, primarily with Case Keenum at quarterback. But the club’s heralded defensive unit stubbed its toes a bit in the miraculous 29-24 playoff win over New Orleans. And then a week later at Philadelphia, Zimmer’s club was taken apart in the NFC title game by the eventual Super Bowl champions, 38-7.

The Vikings haven’t really been the same team since and slowly but surely, there’s been some slippage on the defensive side of the ball. This past season, the club was back in the playoffs but in many ways was carried by quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Dalvin Cook and the Minnesota offense.

This offseason, the club saw massive changes to Zimmer’s defense. Interior presence Linval Joseph and cornerback Xavier Rhodes were released and latched on with the Chargers and Colts, respectively. Cornerbacks Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander both signed with the Bengals. End Stephen Weatherly (Panthers) and safeties Jayron Kearse (Lions) and Andrew Sendejo (Browns) are elsewhere as well.

General manager Rick Spielman and the team selected 15 players in April, the most ever in a seven-round draft. Nine of those choices were on defense. Let the retooling begin.