The Minnesota Vikings looked like the best team in the NFC in Week 1.
They came into the 2022 season with high expectations after a coaching change brought in offensive-minded Kevin O’Connell over from the LA Rams.
The new-look Minnesota offense led by Kirk Cousins dominated the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Minnesota has always had good weapons, but they just needed the right scheme to utilize them all.
Now with O’Connell, they finally have that.
The new head coach brings a similar offense to Minnesota that the Rams ran last season.
This offense will transition to a more pass-heavy approach and allow Cousins to spread the ball to these weapons.
Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson is the player to watch in this offense.
He dominated the Packers on Sunday, recording nine catches for 184 yards and two touchdowns.
The third-year receiver looks to take over the Cooper Kupp role in the offense and dominate in the passing game.
They move him all over the formation, creating mismatches and getting him lined up against linebackers or defensive players that have no chance of guarding him.
Jefferson has a chance to put up historic numbers this season, with 2,000 receiving yards in the realm of possibility.
it's just nasty pic.twitter.com/6FdQjy0ZYZ
— Luke Braun (@LukeBraunNFL) September 12, 2022
The Vikings also have Adam Thielen at wide receiver.
Despite him not doing much in Week 1, he has been a very productive player for a long time and he will also have success in this offense.
The one player that remains is running back, Dalvin Cook.
Cook is one of the best running backs in the NFL but how will he be utilized in this new offense?
Well, on Sunday he got 20 carries for 90 yards and he had three catches for 18 yards.
It would be wise for Minnesota to continue to use Cook as much as possible.
He is probably the second-best player on this offense and should be utilized as such.
Statistical Milestones
The Vikings will be relying on their offense to put up huge offensive numbers all season.
Cousins has the chance to have a career year as a part of this offense.
His career high in passing yards is 4,917 and his career high in touchdowns is 35.
Both of those numbers could be surpassed by the 34-year-old QB this season.
Everything just seemed so easy for the Vikings in Week 1.
Miss the @JJettas2 Griddy?
📺: #GBvsMIN on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/B10Man82G6 pic.twitter.com/6mWJdpklZn— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2022
They were able to do whatever they wanted against the Packers defense and only scored 23 points.
Last season, the Vikings averaged 25.0 points per game.
Expect to see that number in the low 30s this season.
Aside from Jefferson having a historic season, Cook should also have more room to operate than ever.
In 2020, Cook had 1,557 yards and 15 touchdowns.
While that may be hard to replicate, he should have plenty of holes to run with most defenses concerned with the passing game.
Injuries have been a concern for Cook over his career.
But, if he can stay healthy and play a full 17 games he will most likely shatter his career-high 53 receptions.
This Vikings offense is loaded with players that are all looking to have career years in their new offensive scheme.
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