Coach Mike Zimmer gave his Vikings some incentive two weeks ago -- win the two games heading into the bye and Minnesota would receive an extra day off. Zimmer's tactic worked, as the Vikings departed the team facilities this week with a five-day weekend.
Entering the team's bye week, things were falling in line for Minnesota (4-5). Two straight wins, a surprisingly strong defense and more progress from rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, all of which have changed the outlook for the Vikings.
Minnesota has seven more games left in Zimmer's first season as coach.
Here are three reasons to be optimistic about the Vikings at the bye week:
1. A dominating pass rush
Nowhere is Zimmer's influence seen more than the changes on defense. Last year, Minnesota allowed the second-most passing yards in the league (287.2 per game). This year, the Vikings own the league's fourth-ranked pass defense, allowing just 213.6 yards per game. Zimmer's teaching and techniques have helped cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes and Josh Robinson improve, along with the addition of Captain Munnerlyn.
But as Zimmer and defensive coordinator George Edwards say often, pass rush and coverage go hand-in-hand and those areas are working in tandem for Minnesota. The defensive line, in particular, has adapted to Zimmer's scheme and belief in rushing as a unit of four. The result is a league-high 30 sacks, including 20 in the past four weeks. The Vikings had 41 sacks as a team last year with Jared Allen.
In Allen's place has been Everson Griffen, who is making the big-money, free-agent contract he signed this offseason look like a smart signing. Griffen is tied for second in the league with nine sacks and leads all defensive linemen. Another offseason addition, defensive tackle Tom Johnson, has been strictly a backup, rotational player but he's made the most of his opportunities with a career-high 5.5 sacks, which is second on the team and second among all defensive tackles in the NFL.
Zimmer's rotation includes significant snaps for three defensive ends (Brian Robison starting with Corey Wootton off the bench) and four defensive tackles. Sharrif Floyd has taken a step in his development as a starter along with Linval Joseph. And rookie Shamar Stephen, a seventh-round draft pick, looks to be a steal while playing as a reserve with Johnson. Rookie linebacker Anthony Barr is a dangerous blitzer.
The rush and secondary has to work together, but the Vikings' effective pass rush means less pressure on the secondary.
2. More time
Simply put, more time should mean improvement for Minnesota. The Vikings are a young team trying to grow under a new coaching staff. More time with Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner should only benefit Minnesota.
Like the work of the front-four, the defense is acclimating to Zimmer's schemes and philosophies. The Vikings have allowed more than 17 points just once in the past four games. Minnesota's defense is 10th in the league in third-down percentage and 13th in fewest points allowed per game.
The offense had four straight games with fewer than 20 points, but seemed to take positive steps in Sunday's win against the Washington Redskins. The Vikings posted their highest point and yard totals since Week 4 in Sunday's win. The offensive improvement coincides with growth from rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
Bridgewater should continue to develop as he gets more time under center. Sunday, when he was 26 of 42 for 268 passing yards and a touchdown, was just Bridgewater's fifth NFL start. Minnesota is relying on Bridgewater and two other rookies, Jerick McKinnon and Anthony Barr. Receiver Cordarrelle Patterson is just a second-year player who is still raw, and Floyd and Rhodes are sophomores who are still developing.
Zimmer has talked often about developing his team and establishing a new culture. Change has occurred, but time is needed for the true impact to be seen. More time should help the Vikings continue their growth.
3. A promising schedule
Zimmer says he's building something in Minnesota and it will take time. But Zimmer also says he's impatient and the focus is still on winning games through the development. The Vikings are 4-5 and 1.5 games out of first place in the NFC North entering the bye week.
Detroit leads the division at 6-2. Zimmer is still hopeful for the playoffs this season. The remaining schedule will give Minnesota a chance at a postseason berth. The Vikings are the final team in the NFC North to take a bye. Green Bay (5-3) is ahead of Minnesota and Chicago (3-5) is in last place.
Two games against the Bears are left, starting with the first game in Chicago following the bye. The Bears have lost four of their last five games. The Vikings host Green Bay and have to travel to Detroit in the final seven weeks. But the daunting early-season schedule is over.
Minnesota was at 2-5 before beating Tampa Bay and Washington. The Vikings have home games against Carolina (3-5) and the New York Jets (1-8) and a road game at Miami (5-3). Weathering the pre-bye schedule, Minnesota has the potential to make some noise in the stretch run, especially if the team's defense can continue its recent run.
And here are three reasons to be pessimistic for the Vikings with seven games left:
1. The maligned offensive line
No piece of Minnesota's team took more lumps through the first nine games than the offensive line. Left tackle Matt Kalil is having a difficult season following offseason surgery. Right guard Brandon Fusco has been lost for the season, and the unit as a whole has struggled in pass blocking. The Vikings haven't been as stout in run blocking as they have in the past.
Time wouldn't appear to be the salve for the offensive line's wounds. Much of the unit has been together for four years. The group had to deal with newcomer Vladimir Ducasse taking over for Fusco, but now Joe Berger is in at right guard and Berger has been in the same meeting room for four years and been a part-time player. Cohesiveness and communication should not be an issue.
Yet Minnesota has allowed 30 sacks, the second-most in the NFL. Certainly it's been a shared responsibility. Bridgewater and Christian Ponder deserve some blame for some of the sacks and holding the ball too long. McKinnon has had issues in pass protection, as well.
But no one can say the line has played up to its capability. Zimmer admitted earlier he expected the line to be a strength this season. Instead, it's been a weakness and the Vikings' offense won't be able to reach its peak without improvement along the line.
2. Penalties
If there's one aspect that has upset Zimmer the most this season, it's the undisciplined play leading to penalties. Minnesota has been penalized 78 times this season for 522 yards.
The Vikings have a penalty on special teams in all but one game this season. The penalties have negated some quality returns. The issues led Minnesota to deactivate rookies Antone Exum and Jabari Price for last week's game because they had been repeat offenders.
On defense, penalties have given opponents first down 20 times, including five times last week against Washington. Rhodes has been called on a team-high eight penalties, although three have been declined. Offensively, the Vikings have been penalized for false start or holding 29 times. Kalil has been whistled for an infraction six times, including three false starts and two illegal use of hands that have been upheld.
Minnesota is giving up too many free plays and free yards and nothing will frustrate Zimmer more. Zimmer has talked often about wanting a smart football team.
3. An inconsistent passing game
Was Sunday's second-half passing a sign of progress or an aberration? Yes, Bridgewater should improve as he gets more experience. The offensive line must provide more time for Bridgewater. Aside from the second half on Sunday and hurry-up, end-of-half moments the previous game, the Vikings passing game has shown little cohesiveness.
Minnesota is averaging 197.1 passing yards per game this season, the second-fewest passing yards in the league. The Vikings have a league-low six touchdowns through the air. Bridgewater hasn't been accurate and receivers haven't gotten open on a consistent basis. Receivers have also dropped 16 passes this season, according to STATS, which is tied for the seventh-most in the league.
Making matters worse, Bridgewater and Patterson can't get on the same page. Minnesota needs more from the ultra-talented Patterson. Patterson has had little impact after his breakout rookie season. He's tied with Jarius Wright for second on the team with 26 receptions and third with 308 receiving yards. Bridgewater overthrew Patterson twice on deep passes in Sunday's game.
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