$5 Things To Look Forward To In Second Half of Minnesota Vikings\' Season$

5 Things To Look Forward To In Second Half of Minnesota Vikings' Season

By Kristen Fazio

5 Things To Look Forward To In Second Half of Vikings' Season

vikings second half — At midseason, there is plenty to look forward to in the second half of the Vikings' season. At 4-5, the team has an outside chance of making the playoffs and has come on in the past two games. These are five things to watch for in the stretch run of the season.

5. Continued Improvement of the Defense

anthony barr harrison smith

5. Continued Improvement of the Defense

anthony barr harrison smith — The defense has been one of the bright spots for the Vikings and has shown substantial improvement week-to-week. Harrison Smith has developed into one of the best safeties in the league, Anthony Barr is in the running for defensive rookie of the year and Everson Griffen is first in the NFL among defensive ends in sacks (9). The pass defense is remarkably improved while the run defense ranks 15th in the NFL.

4. Return of Kyle Rudolph

kyle rudolph vikings

4. Return of Kyle Rudolph

kyle rudolph vikings — Tight end Kyle Rudolph has been out since Week 3 after having sports hernia surgery and is aiming to return after the Vikings bye week in Week 11 against the Chicago Bears. Rudolph should be a big help to rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater who has utilized other tight ends in Rudolph's absence.

3. Potential Run At the Playoffs

greg jenning matt asiata

3. Potential Run At the Playoffs

greg jenning matt asiata — The door has been left open for the Vikings to make a push for the playoffs with four games remaining against divisional foes and a weak NFC. The defense has kept the Vikings in games, but the offense must continue to improve if the team has any hopes of making the playoffs.

2. Possible Return of Adrian Peterson

adrian peterson rams

2. Possible Return of Adrian Peterson

adrian peterson rams — At this point it is unclear if, or when, Adrian Peterson will return, but if he is able to, it would be a giant boost to the team to get their best player back. Like Rudolph, getting Peterson back would aid Bridgewater and give him more weapons to work with.

1. Continued Development of Rookies

teddy bridgewater jerick mckinnon

1. Continued Development of Rookies

teddy bridgewater jerick mckinnon — The rookies have been key pieces to the Vikings and have even carried the team at times. Bridgewater is the future of the franchise, but he needs to continue to work on his completion percentage and throwing the deep ball. Barr has been extremely impressive, and Jerick McKinnon has filled in admirably for Peterson. In the second half, look for them to continue to progress.

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