The Vikings’ Top 3 Questions Moving into the Tampa Bay Game

The Vikings’ top trio of questions rolling into Week 3 could all get boiled down to a single triumphant question: who is going to win?

Obviously, the final outcome is paramount. Underneath that towering question is a series of smaller quibbles, queries, and conundrums for getting to the conclusion. Consider what some of those can be moving into the game that gets moving at 3:05 p.m. CT.

The Vikings’ Top 3 Questions

No. 1 — Just How Good is Kyler Murray?

In a lot of ways, Carson Wentz is Kevin O’Connell’s ideal quarterback.

The 6’5″ veteran boasts ample mental bandwidth, allowing him to digest Coach O’Connell’s complex scheme. He’s great at adjusting at the line of scrimmage and reading the defense. Generally speaking, he doesn’t put the ball in harm’s way. His problem is his declining arm strength and mobility.

Kyler Murray’s task is to replicate what Wentz does well while adding plenty of athletic sizzle. Being able to run and putting zip on the pigskin isn’t an issue for the former Cardinal.

Obviously, everybody likes to see the “wow” plays that only a handful of people can make. What tends to win games, though, are the small moments of confident competence. So, look for some of that Murray pizzazz while also leading the team with solid decisions done over and over again. Minimize turnovers, generate 1st downs, and sprinkle in a brilliant moment here and there.

No. 2 — Can Baker Mayfield Become Victim #3?

Neither of Jordan Love nor Caleb Williams could escape the pressure. Not for the whole game, at least.

Mayfield isn’t as good as the previous pair of passers. Nevertheless, he’s a good ball player who boasts more experience. Arguably, he’s got a better crew of pass catchers. Can those two factors — experience and pass catchers — coalesce into ensuring he’s not getting walloped consistently?

Oh, and his top bodyguard is Tristan Wirfs, who is an excellent player.

It’s tough to envision a Vikings loss if Dallas Turner, Blake Cashman, Jalen Redmond, and the others being as ferocious as these past pair of games.

No. 3 — Which Levers Does Kevin O’Connell Pull?

As the head coach, Kevin O’Connell needs to sort through the push-and-pull of success right now and in the future. Part of that process means finding a balance between putting too much on Murray, on Aaron Jones, on the defense, and so on.

Some possibilities to watch for:

• Does Jordan Addison get manufactured touches like bubble screens and jet sweeps?
• What about a screen or two to Demond Claiborne?
• Does leaning on Carson Wentz for a QB sneak(s) make sense? One less tough hit to Kyler Murray.
• What about putting more carries onto DeeJay Dallas to preserve Jones?
• Max Bredeson could be an option for a touch or two. Fullback screen? Goal line carry?

In short, O’Connell needs to dip into his bag of tricks to ensure that he continues with a balanced offense. Doing so means controlling the clock and boasting a better chance at winning the game all while not overworking guys. He’ll need to have another crisp day.

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