Another NFL Expert Reveals Himself as Vikings Doubter

By Ted Schwerzler |

Updated: Sep 1, 2024

The Minnesota Vikings come into 2024 with low expectations. Of course, that’s not what those within the organization are thinking, but few pundits are giving the Vikings a chance to be competitive.

Almost everything the Minnesota Vikings hope to achieve this season is reliant upon Sam Darnold being a better NFL quarterback than he has ever been. That’s certainly plausible, with Kevin O’Connell running the show and a boatload of offensive talent around him. No doubt, he is in the best situation of his career.

Another NFL expert is down on 2024 Minnesota Vikings

But ESPN Senior Writer Mike Clay, isn’t sold. Not only is he out on Darnold, but the longtime NFL expert doesn’t really love any aspect of Minnesota’s makeup, this season. In the team-by-team rankings he released on Sunday, the Vikings check in 26th (out of 32). How bad is it? Clay ranked the Carolina Panthers ahead of them, at No. 25.

Minnesota’s defense is solid after making a few key additions to help offset the departure of Danielle Hunter, but it’s hard to expect much from an offense that has gone from Kirk Cousins (now in Atlanta) to Sam Darnold. Coach Kevin O’Connell will need to work his magic without J.J. McCarthy as a potential starter after his season-ending meniscus tear.
Mike Clay on the Minnesota Vikings (ESPN)

Clay takes a deep dive approach to looking at each unit on both sides of the ball, which raises some questions about his assessment of the Vikings’ defense being “solid”.

Stephon Gilmore should be a big boost to the cornerback group, but he’s only been in camp for a week. The trio of Harrison Smith, Cam Bynum, and Josh Metellus are the only position that is seen as a strength. Ivan Pace Jr. and Blake Cashman do nothing for the linebacker group, and the turnover at edge doesn’t fare well either.

Positional rankings tell the larger story

QB – 32nd
RB – 24th
WR – 9th
TE – 12th
OL – 20th
DT – 26th
Edge – 13th
LB – 24th
CB – 15th
S – 4th

Outside of the QB position, there are way more question marks on the defensive side of the ball. Not to mention, there are more new faces on defense, than there are old ones.

Even if you don’t believe in Darnold, calling him the worst quarterback in the league seems like a stretch. Aaron Jones remains clearly underrated, and having Ty Chandler as a backup seems like a considerable asset. The offensive line has a pair of strong bookends, and the group has trended up in recent seasons.

Sam Darnold taking some of his new weapons for a spin.
Aaron Jones' pass catching ability is fresh for this offense. #Vikings pic.twitter.com/HyJyJaYjEw
— Alec Ausmus (@A_TwiceKSTP) July 24, 2024

Ultimately, national talking heads won’t believe in the Vikings until they start winning games. That’s what happens when you have a completely turned-over defense and a 1st round bust as your starting QB.

It’s understandable that analysts would take a wait and see approach on this team. If they want to change the narrative, there’s only one thing to do and it starts in one week, vs the New York Giants.