Sports Gear Stores: Will the Vikings Pull Through?

For the Minnesota Vikings, the 2016 season began with a shaky start. Losing both their quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, and their star running back, Adrian Peterson to injury, the Vikings seemed destined for defeat. Acquiring quarterback Sam Bradford in a last minute deal, football fans questioned the Vikings’ ability to pull their team together. Was it even possible for Sam Bradford to learn the Vikings’ playbook virtually overnight? Would the team manage to maintain a unified front with its change in leadership and loss of key players? How would head coach Mike Zimmer handle the unexpected changes?

In an almost impossible feat, Mike Zimmer pulled the Vikings together by creating a powerful defense. For five games in a row, the defense shut down some incredible teams such as the Carolina Panthers and were the only undefeated team in the NFC. The Panthers lost their first home game in almost two years to the Vikings, in which the Vikings sacked quarterback Cam Newton eight times. The other teams blindsided by the Vikings defense in 2016 include the Tennessee Titans, the Green Bay Packers, the New York Giants and the Houston Texans. However, all good things must come to an end.

The End of the Winning Streak

Unfortunately, the Vikings winning streak ended at Lincoln Financial Field when the Philadelphia Eagles beat them 22-10. Surely this game was painful for Sam Bradford for many reasons. Earlier in the season, Bradford was an Eagles quarterback before he was traded to the Vikings. Apparently the Eagles played off of his weaknesses and the weaknesses of Vikings offense by sacking Bradford six times. More apparent than ever, the Eagles highlighted the Vikings offensive shortcomings.

The Vikings Turmoil Continues

The Chicago Bears crushed the Vikings at Soldier Field the following game, beating the Vikings 20-10. Despite the problems between Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and head coach John Fox, the Bears crushed both the Vikings defense and offense. Just two days later, Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner shocked football fans nationwide by resigning from his position. Not only were outside teams surprised, but even the Vikings players were blindsided by his decision.

What Happens Now?

By this time, the Vikings are no strangers to sudden change, but can they rebuild their offense? For now, tight ends coach Pat Shurmur will step in as Vikings defensive coordinator for the time being. Since 2010, Shurmur has worked closely with Sam Bradford on both the St. Louis Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles. Will Shurmur be able to rebuild the offense and help solidify the Vikings as a powerhouse team? Considering the suddenness of Turner’s departure, the future of the Vikings remains unclear. However, we are hopeful that the Purple People Eaters will work through this mess as they roll with the punches.

The next Vikings game occurs at US Bank Stadium November 6 against the Detroit Lions. The Lions recently ended a winning streak of their own against the Houston Texans with their wavering offense. Perhaps the Vikings will take advantage of the Lions’ offensive shortcomings and win once again.