Minnesota utilized a run-heavy offense for much of this season, but with how the Vikings receivers played, that doesn’t have to be the case.
Not only did Adam Thielen remain a great option for Kirk Cousins, but rookie receiver Justin Jefferson has emerged as a star.
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin thinks it’s time to get less run-oriented. She listed the Vikings’ ideal New Year’s resolution: “Commit to using star receivers.” Here’s what she wrote:
“The Vikings can absolutely be a run-first team if they want to continue to carry that philosophy into 2021. It’d probably help if they were less predictable, like running less on second down, and one way to execute that is by prioritizing an uptick in usage for Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. Minnesota has two star wideouts who should each be nearing double-digit targets every game and relied on in critical situations, such as two-minute drives and helping the team get back into contention when playing from behind.”
I think Minnesota’s defense will improve in 2020, but it remains to be seen whether or not it will be a top 10 unit in the league. If not, the Vikings offense might have to keep up. Jefferson and Thielen will be a big help.