Niner Noise
FanSided

The top question facing each NFL team entering 2017

By Peter Panacy

FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 31: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts before a preseason game with the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 31: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts before a preseason game with the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
21 of 33
Next
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 25: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after sacking Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers for a safety during the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 25, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 25: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after sacking Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers for a safety during the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 25, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings

Can the Vikings defense do enough to carry the team in 2017?

The Minnesota Vikings are one of those teams one might predict go through a bit of a regression this upcoming season.

While they overhauled their woeful offensive line a bit during the offseason, this unit still needs to jell and didn’t look overly impressive during the preseason. And can we really expect much more out of quarterback Sam Bradford? Not unless rookie running back Dalvin Cook helps make the offense more dynamic.

No, it’s the defense that will carry the load this season.

A year ago, this group allowed the third-fewest total yards in the NFL (5,038). To ensure success this season, Minnesota’s defense will have to repeat its efforts.