This will be a different kind of coaster than the one we just got off with Cousins. In a season when my expectations are rather low (even though my in-game blood pressure won't be), I can't wait to see Darnold sling it around to a talented cast with an arm that's better than Kirk's. I feel like the two biggest on-field keys will be the line (please do your job, guards) and Aaron Jones. Hope to see more boots (with Darnold's athleticism helping), better screens and a large uptick in YOLO balls.
I'll say 8-10 to be optimistic. My hot take though is that this will be our worst injury season in the last decade or so. Not based on anything but instinct.. I just have a feeling our (non qb) depth is going to get decimated.
What really is so weird is how easily you can convince me w go 10-7... At the same time, if you told me we start 2-5 (but Darnold looks good) we ship out Darnold to someone who lost their starter) Aaron Jones and Gilmore (and maybe a couple of other older players) and go 5-12.
I see your thinking. I just refuse to believe the Wilfs would greenlight trading Darnold if he's playing well despite a poor record at that point. They don't seem the types to lean into submission. Then again, maybe they wish they'd traded Hunter last year before the deadline to build the warchest for a trade up in the draft. Who knows.
2. This year can be considered a mulligan from a record point of view. The fan base is already happy and the years is already a success. , QBOTF is in the building and if a bad year means more draft capital for the future so be it.
Your point is valid (the Wilfs do not like sucking) but IF things go sideways, then if makes sense (and the if is pretty big... Lets say we start 3-3... Then we are in pretty good shape for the weaker part of the schedule and I can not see the Wilfs (nor team management) thinking a tank is a good idea.
Oh, I'm on board, 100%, and I hope the Wilfs would finally see it that way for the sake of the 2025 season. I don't think early season failure would be an indictment on KOC or Kwesi. So sell what you can and load up on picks. ... That said, I imagine they'll figure out a way to remain somewhat relevant even before the trade deadline. This franchise seldom has outright bad teams, and any squad with such star power and leadership as the '24 Vikings is bound to find a way to hang around and be competitive. And drive us absolutely f*cking insane along the way.
Appears Addison will be lost for six games due to his off the field transgressions. Losing Addison along with Hokensen will make Darnold's job more challenging. A healthy Nailor and Adam Jones out of the backfield may help a little. No-one expects much from the Vikings this year largely because the experts don't believe Darnold is capable of having QB1 talent. Your article points out that it may be possible.
Addison will likely not be suspended at all this season.. then it’s likely to be one game… NFL rules cal for a one game suspension for personal conduct first time offense non-violent
This will be a different kind of coaster than the one we just got off with Cousins. In a season when my expectations are rather low (even though my in-game blood pressure won't be), I can't wait to see Darnold sling it around to a talented cast with an arm that's better than Kirk's. I feel like the two biggest on-field keys will be the line (please do your job, guards) and Aaron Jones. Hope to see more boots (with Darnold's athleticism helping), better screens and a large uptick in YOLO balls.
What's your Joshtradamus prediction on the record?
Damn. You know I'm a pessimist. I'm going to say 7-10. That's as optimistic as I can be based on the QB slate they face.
I'll say 8-10 to be optimistic. My hot take though is that this will be our worst injury season in the last decade or so. Not based on anything but instinct.. I just have a feeling our (non qb) depth is going to get decimated.
I hesitated to "like" your comment but did it just because I know where you're coming from, sister.
We speak the same language, my friend.
What really is so weird is how easily you can convince me w go 10-7... At the same time, if you told me we start 2-5 (but Darnold looks good) we ship out Darnold to someone who lost their starter) Aaron Jones and Gilmore (and maybe a couple of other older players) and go 5-12.
I've been exactly the same about my expectation for the season. Honestly, no record they get will shock me. I truly think anything is possible.
What's their ceiling for wins, in your opinion, Stephanie?
I see your thinking. I just refuse to believe the Wilfs would greenlight trading Darnold if he's playing well despite a poor record at that point. They don't seem the types to lean into submission. Then again, maybe they wish they'd traded Hunter last year before the deadline to build the warchest for a trade up in the draft. Who knows.
1. Maybe they have learned something
2. This year can be considered a mulligan from a record point of view. The fan base is already happy and the years is already a success. , QBOTF is in the building and if a bad year means more draft capital for the future so be it.
Your point is valid (the Wilfs do not like sucking) but IF things go sideways, then if makes sense (and the if is pretty big... Lets say we start 3-3... Then we are in pretty good shape for the weaker part of the schedule and I can not see the Wilfs (nor team management) thinking a tank is a good idea.
Oh, I'm on board, 100%, and I hope the Wilfs would finally see it that way for the sake of the 2025 season. I don't think early season failure would be an indictment on KOC or Kwesi. So sell what you can and load up on picks. ... That said, I imagine they'll figure out a way to remain somewhat relevant even before the trade deadline. This franchise seldom has outright bad teams, and any squad with such star power and leadership as the '24 Vikings is bound to find a way to hang around and be competitive. And drive us absolutely f*cking insane along the way.
Appears Addison will be lost for six games due to his off the field transgressions. Losing Addison along with Hokensen will make Darnold's job more challenging. A healthy Nailor and Adam Jones out of the backfield may help a little. No-one expects much from the Vikings this year largely because the experts don't believe Darnold is capable of having QB1 talent. Your article points out that it may be possible.
Addison's suspension will likely be three games. It's probably just a matter of when. It won't be six.
Addison will likely not be suspended at all this season.. then it’s likely to be one game… NFL rules cal for a one game suspension for personal conduct first time offense non-violent
If he's convicted, it's three games, per NFL policy. But who knows how long it'll take for the case to play out.
It’s just brutal that the Vikings have such a tough schedule with a 3rd place finish last season.