NFL Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings’ 2014 Midseason Report Card

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By @Kristen_Fazio

Minnesota Vikings' 2014 Midseason Report Card

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Although there have been an array of injuries, off-filed distractions and the Vikings currently sit at 3-5, tied for last in the NFC North, there has been a significant improvement in the team's play compared to last season. Mike Zimmer's team still has much to grow upon, but at midseason, the defense and rookies have stood out the most. This is the Vikings' midseason report card.

5. Offense

teddy bridgewater
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5. Offense

teddy bridgewater
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The offensive struggles are evident and with two rookies starting at key positions -- Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback and Jerick McKinnon at running back -- they are going to go through growing pains. The Vikings currently rank 29th in points per game at 17.4 and have been without Adrian Peterson, Kyle Rudolph and Brandon Fusco. Norv Turner's offense has shown flashes of potential, but overall, the unit has been mediocre.

Grade: C-

4. Defense

everson griffen
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4. Defense

everson griffen
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The defense has been greatly improved this season and has had streaks of dominance. They currently rank 12th in points allowed at 21.6 and have had many players step up such as Everson Griffen, Harrison Smith and Xavier Rhodes. So far they have seven interceptions, four fumble recoveries and 25 sacks (second in the NFL). They have had some trouble getting off the field on third down, but as a whole, they have been very solid.

Grade: B+

3. Special Teams

blair walsh
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3. Special Teams

blair walsh
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The Vikings are second in total kick return yards (594) and sixth in total punt return yards (161). Blair Walsh is 16-for-19 (84.2) on the season on FGs. Coverage has been solid on kick returns -- opposing teams average 20.8 yards a return and they have not allowed any touchdowns. The special teams has been good, but there have been many costly penalties that they must clean up.

Grade: B+

2. Coaching

mike zimmer
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2. Coaching

mike zimmer
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The Vikings' new coaching staff has the team playing better football than they were a year ago and overall the team has made strides in the right direction. Zimmer has been given all he can handle in his first year and the players believe in him.

Grade: B-

1. Draft Picks

anthony barr
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1. Draft Picks

anthony barr
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One of the biggest positives for the Viking is their draft picks. Anthony Barr has shown he is worthy of the ninth overall pick and could end up being DROY. Teddy Bridgewater has shown flashes of brilliance and Jerick McKinnon has been a pleasant surprise. All three have stepped up and led the way. Jabari Price and Antone Exum have contributed on special teams. Rick Spielman and the Vikings hit a home run with their draft picks.

Grade: A

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