After almost completing a miraculous playoff run back in 2018, the Minnesota Vikings have been nothing but mediocre.
The offseason following the Minnesota Miracle, they signed QB Kirk Cousins to a three year deal with fully guaranteed money.
That caught numerous headlines as many believed Cousins was overpaid given his track history of underperforming in the big moments.
As it currently sits, with one year left on his contract, Cousins might be on his way out if he cannot get the Vikings back to the playoffs.
But, he’s not the only big name in Minnesota who is on the hot seat.
HC Mike Zimmer Is On The Hot Seat
Most would be in concurrence that Mike Zimmer is one of the better coaches in the NFL.
Known for his defensive mind, Zimmer has proven he can put together a winning team.
During his tenure in Minnesota, Zimmer has acquired a total record of 64-47-1 (playoff record of 2-3).
But, it is hard to ignore the fact that Minnesota has underachieved during the Kirk Cousins era.
One playoff win in three years is beyond disappointing.
Betting odds show Vic Fangio, Matt Nagy and Mike Zimmer on the hot seat https://t.co/qKgsYbxsZq
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 9, 2021
We have seen the latest trend in the NFL where owners have a real short leash with coaches and other staff members in upper management.
His divisional rival, Matt Nagy is on the hot seat as Chicago just can’t seem to figure things out.
Vic Fangio, Doug Pederson and others are considered amongst most to be on the hot seat.
Many have heard this before, but I’ll re-emphasis it now.
The NFL stands for, “not for long”.
That applies to both players and coaches.
Owners want results; they simply don’t care about how much potential the team has or how strong they finished the season.
No results, no job.
Make Or Break Year For The Minnesota Vikings
As alluded to earlier, this upcoming season is huge for the Minnesota Vikings.
With Cousins entering his final year and Zimmer on the hot seat, they need to figure out a way to dethrone the Green Bay Packers.
There is no denying they have the talent.
Most games with 100+ receiving yards in 2020
💯 Calvin Ridley – 8
💯 Stefon Diggs – 7
💯 Justin Jefferson – 7
💯 DeAndre Hopkins – 7
💯 Davante Adams – 7 pic.twitter.com/6y4uYyEMpy— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) April 4, 2021
In fact, that is why many find it so hard to believe why they can’t find success.
An offense with the likes of Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson should be one of the best in the league.
But, Minnesota is at their best when they are playing solid defense.
Back in 2018, they had a top 5 defense and thus, found themselves playing in the NFC Conference Championship.
Over the last two seasons, the defense has gotten worse statistically.
Blame it on Zimmer, blame it on injuries.
Quite frankly, blame who you want.
But, at the end of the day, it’s the coach who typically gets fired when owners aren’t happy with the results.
A lot can still occur between now and the end of the 2021 season, but Mike Zimmer is going to need to figure things out before it’s too late.
Do they get aggressive and try to trade up in the draft?
Or, do they trade elsewhere and try to get a guy like Orlando Brown Jr.?
Why Minnesota Vikings should trade for Orlando Brown Jr.
🔊: https://t.co/F4WblN9Rex pic.twitter.com/3dc48aY5Wj
— SKOR North (@SKORNorth) February 26, 2021
The offensive line has been quite an issue for this Vikings team.
If they sure it up by making a blockbuster move for Brown Jr., maybe they can find better results in 2021.
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