2020 Minnesota Vikings season explained

Team:Minnesota Vikings
Year:2020
Record:7–9
Division Place:3rd NFC North
Coach:Mike Zimmer
General Manager:Rick Spielman
Owner:Zygi Wilf
Stadium:U.S. Bank Stadium
Playoffs:Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers:RB Dalvin Cook
WR Justin Jefferson
Ap All-Pros:WR Justin Jefferson (2nd team)
Uniform:File:Vikings 2017-2022 (cropped).png
Shortnavlink:Vikings seasons

The 2020 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 60th in the National Football League (NFL), their fifth playing home games at U.S. Bank Stadium and their seventh under head coach Mike Zimmer. This was the Vikings' first time since 2005 that long-time assistant Kevin Stefanski was not part of the Vikings coaching staff, as he left to become the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns on January 12, 2020. After going 1–5 in their first six games for the first time since 2013, the team failed to improve upon their 10–6 record from 2019 after a Week 11 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and failed to match their 10–6 record after a Week 14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention following a week 16 loss to the New Orleans Saints, and ultimately finished 7–9, their first losing season since 2014. The Vikings conceded 475 points during the season, the third-highest total in franchise history, although they also managed to score 430 points, also the third-most in team history.[1]

Offseason

Transactions

Players lost in 2020
NamePositionType2020 teamContractRef.
Mackensie AlexanderCBUFACincinnati Bengals1 year, $4 million[2]
Kentrell BrothersLBUFA
Stefon DiggsWRTradeBuffalo Bills[3]
Everson GriffenDEUFADallas Cowboys1 year, $6 million[4]
Linval JosephDTReleasedLos Angeles Chargers2 years, $17 million[5]
Jayron KearseSUFADetroit Lions1 year, $2 million[6]
Josh KlineGReleased[7]
David Morgan IITEReleased[8]
Xavier RhodesCBReleasedIndianapolis Colts1 year, $3.25 million[9]
Andrew SendejoSUFACleveland Browns1 year, $2.25 million[10]
Marcus SherelsCBUFA
Laquon TreadwellWRUFAAtlanta Falcons1 year, $910,000[11] [12]
Trae WaynesCBUFACincinnati Bengals3 years, $42 million[13]
Stephen WeatherlyDEUFACarolina Panthers2 years, $12.5 million[14]
Players signed in 2020
NamePositionType2019 teamContractRef.
Ameer AbdullahRBUFAMinnesota Vikings1 year, $1.0475 million[15]
Dan BaileyKUFAMinnesota Vikings3 years, $10 million[16]
Britton ColquittPUFAMinnesota Vikings3 years, $9 million[17]
Kirk CousinsQBExtensionMinnesota Vikings2 years, $66 million[18]
Dakota DozierTUFAMinnesota Vikings1 year, $1 million[19]
DeMarquis GatesLBUFAHouston Roughnecks (XFL)1 year, $610,000[20]
C. J. HamFBExtensionMinnesota Vikings4 years, $12 million[21]
Anthony HarrisSUFA (franchise tag)Minnesota Vikings1 year, $11.441 million[22] [23]
Rashod HillGUFAMinnesota Vikings1 year, $1.0475 million[24]
Brett JonesCUFAMinnesota Vikings1 year, $1 million[25]
Sean MannionQBUFAMinnesota Vikings1 year, $1.047 million[26]
Michael PierceDTUFABaltimore Ravens3 years, $27 million[27]
Tajae SharpeWRUFATennessee Titans1 year, $1 million[28]
Eric WilsonLBRFA (second-round tender)Minnesota Vikings1 year, $3.259 million[29]
Anthony ZettelDEUFASan Francisco 49ers1 year, $1 million[30]

Draft

The Vikings had a total of 15 selections in the 2020 NFL draft, a record number since the draft moved to a seven-round format in 1994.[31] Although they had lost their original fifth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens in the trade for kicker/punter Kaare Vedvik prior to the 2019 season and their seventh-round pick in the trade that sent wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills earlier in the 2020 offseason, the Diggs trade gave the Vikings extra picks in the first, fifth and sixth rounds. They also had an extra pick in the seventh round after trading guard Danny Isidora to the Miami Dolphins at the start of the 2019 season, as well as one compensatory pick in the third round and two in the seventh as a result of free agency losses in 2019.

After taking Louisiana State wide receiver Justin Jefferson 22nd overall with the first-round pick they acquired from the Bills,[32] the Vikings traded their original first-round pick (25th overall) to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for the 31st overall pick, as well as selections in the fourth and fifth rounds;[33] with the 31st overall pick, the Vikings took Texas Christian cornerback Jeff Gladney.[34] The Vikings used their second-round pick on Boise State offensive tackle Ezra Cleveland,[35] then took Mississippi State cornerback Cameron Dantzler in the third round,[36] before trading their third-round compensatory pick to the New Orleans Saints for the Saints' remaining picks in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh rounds.[37]

In the fourth round, the Vikings used the picks they acquired from the 49ers and Saints to select South Carolina defensive end D. J. Wonnum and Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch, before taking Oregon linebacker Troy Dye with their original fourth-round pick.[38] The Vikings traded the fifth-round pick they acquired from the Bills to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft, before using their remaining fifth-round selections on Temple Owls cornerback Harrison Hand and Miami wide receiver K. J. Osborn.[39] In the sixth round, the Vikings traded the other pick they acquired from the Bills – along with the seventh-round selection they got from the Dolphins – to the Ravens for another seventh-round pick and a fifth-round pick in 2021 before taking Oregon State offensive tackle Blake Brandel and Michigan safety Josh Metellus.[40] The Vikings then had four remaining picks in the seventh round, which they used on Michigan State Spartans defensive end Kenny Willekes, Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley, Mississippi State safety Brian Cole II and Washburn guard Kyle Hinton.[41]

Pro Bowler
2020 Minnesota Vikings draft
Draft orderPlayer namePositionCollegeContractNotes
RoundSelection
224 years, $13.123 million[42] From Bills
25Traded to the San Francisco 49ers
314 years, $10.991 million[43] From 49ers
2 584 years, $5.537 million
3 894 years, $4.586 million
105Traded to the New Orleans Saints Compensatory pick
4 1174 years, $4.046 million From 49ers
1304 years, $3.985 million From Saints
1324 years, $3.974 million
5 155Traded to the Chicago Bears From Bills
1694 years, $3.594 million From Saints
170Traded to the Baltimore Ravens
1764 years, $3.563 million From 49ers
6 201Traded to the Baltimore RavensFrom Bills
2034 years, $3.46 million From Saints
2054 years, $3.455 million
7 219Traded to the Baltimore Ravens From Dolphins
2254 years, $3.395 million From Ravens
239Traded to the Buffalo Bills
2444 years, $3.373 million[44] From Saints
2494 years, $3.37 million Compensatory pick
2534 years, $3.37 million Compensatory pick
Notes

Draft trades

2020 Minnesota Vikings undrafted free agents
NamePositionCollegeRef.
Brady AielloOLOregon[46]
Jake BargasTENorth Carolina
Dan ChisenaWRPenn State
Nevelle ClarkeCBUCF
Quartney DavisWRTexas A&M
Myles DornCBNorth Carolina
Jordan FehrLBAppalachian State
Nakia Griffin-StewartTEPittsburgh
Tyler HigbyOLMichigan State
Jake LacinaOLAugustana
Blake LynchLBBaylor
David MoaDTBoise State

Preseason

The Vikings' preseason schedule was announced on May 7, but was canceled in late July due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[47]

WeekDateOpponentVenueResult
1Houston TexansU.S. Bank StadiumCanceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2at Cincinnati BengalsPaul Brown Stadium
3August 30at Cleveland BrownsFirstEnergy Stadium
4Seattle SeahawksU.S. Bank Stadium

Regular season

Schedule

The Vikings' 2020 schedule was announced on May 7.[47]

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueAttendanceRecap
1September 13Green Bay PackersL 34–430–1U.S. Bank Stadium0Recap
2September 20at Indianapolis ColtsL 11–280–2Lucas Oil Stadium2,500 Recap
3September 27Tennessee TitansL 30–310–3U.S. Bank Stadium250Recap
4October 4at Houston TexansW 31–231–3NRG Stadium12,102Recap
5October 11at Seattle SeahawksL 26–271–4CenturyLink Field0Recap
6October 18Atlanta FalconsL 23–401–5U.S. Bank Stadium0 Recap
7Bye
8November 1at Green Bay PackersW 28–222–5Lambeau Field0Recap
9November 8Detroit LionsW 34–203–5U.S. Bank Stadium0Recap
10at Chicago BearsW 19–134–5Soldier Field0Recap
11November 22Dallas CowboysL 28–314–6U.S. Bank Stadium0Recap
12November 29Carolina PanthersW 28–275–6U.S. Bank Stadium0Recap
13December 6Jacksonville JaguarsW 27–24 6–6U.S. Bank Stadium0Recap
14December 13at Tampa Bay BuccaneersL 14–266–7Raymond James Stadium16,031Recap
15December 20Chicago BearsL 27–336–8U.S. Bank Stadium0Recap
16December 25at New Orleans SaintsL 33–526–9Mercedes-Benz Superdome3,000Recap
17January 3at Detroit LionsW 37–357–9Ford Field0Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Green Bay Packers

This was the Vikings' first loss in their season opener since 2015. The 43 points scored by the Packers was the most the Vikings had conceded in a season opener in franchise history.[48] Wide receiver Adam Thielen scored two touchdowns for the first time since Week 5 of the 2019 season against the New York Giants.[49]

Week 2: at Indianapolis Colts

This loss dropped the Vikings to 0–2 for the first time since 2013. Quarterback Kirk Cousins was intercepted three times on 26 pass attempts that included just 11 completions for 113 yards; he ended up with a passer rating of 15.9.

Week 16: at New Orleans Saints

With the loss, Minnesota was eliminated from the playoffs, clinching their first losing season since 2014 and only the second under head coach Mike Zimmer.

Week 17: at Detroit Lions

Standings

Conference

Statistics

Team leaders

CategoryPlayer(s)Total
Passing yards 4,265
Passing touchdowns 35
Rushing yards 1,557
Rushing touchdowns Dalvin Cook 16
Receptions 88 *
Receiving yards 1,400 **
Receiving touchdowns 14
Points 108
Kickoff return yards 352
Punt return yards 42
Tackles 122
Sacks 5.0
Interceptions 5
Forced fumbles 2
Bold = League leader
  • = Franchise Rookie Record
    • = NFL Rookie Record
Source: Minnesota Vikings' official website[50]

League rankings

CategoryTotal yardsYards per gameNFL rank
Passing offense 2,059 228.8 22nd
Rushing offense 1,382 153.6 5th
Total offense 3,441 382.4 9th
Passing defense 2,411 267.9 27th
Rushing defense 1,041 115.7 15th
Total defense 3,452 383.6 24th
Source: NFL.com[51]

Pro Bowl

Two Vikings players—running back Dalvin Cook and rookie wide receiver Justin Jefferson—were selected for the 2021 Pro Bowl,[52] the team's lowest contribution to the event since 2014, when they had no Pro Bowlers. Cook received the most votes among NFC running backs to go to his second Pro Bowl (after his rookie season in 2017),[53] and only Russell Wilson received more votes out of any position in the NFC team, while Jefferson was the Vikings' first rookie wide receiver to be selected since Percy Harvin in 2009.[54]

Notes and References

  1. News: Minnesota Vikings Franchise Encyclopedia - Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks . Pro-Football-Reference.com . Sports Reference . January 5, 2021 .
  2. News: Dave . Clark . Reactions: Mackensie Alexander joins Cincinnati Bengals as slot corner, per reports . Cincinnati.com . Gannett . March 19, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  3. News: Jeremy . Bergman . Bills acquire WR Stefon Diggs from Vikings in trade . NFL.com . NFL Enterprises . March 16, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  4. News: Grant . Gordon . Cowboys signing former Vikings DE Everson Griffen . NFL.com . NFL Enterprises . August 12, 2020 . September 10, 2020 .
  5. News: Jeff . Miller . Chargers agree to terms with veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph . Los Angeles Times . March 18, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  6. News: John . Maakaron . Newly Acquired S Jayron Kearse May Face NFL Suspension . SI.com . Maven . March 19, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  7. News: Will . Ragatz . Vikings Release Right Guard Josh Kline . SI.com . Maven . March 18, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  8. News: Will . Ragatz . Vikings Release David Morgan, Could Bring Him Back Pending Injury Status . SI.com . Maven . March 13, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  9. News: Kevin . Hickey . Details emerge on contract for Colts CB Xavier Rhodes . Colts Wire . USA Today Sports Digital Properties . April 2, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  10. News: Michael David . Smith . Browns sign Andrew Sendejo . ProFootballTalk . NBC Universal . March 20, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  11. News: Jordan . Dajani . Falcons agree to terms with Laquon Treadwell, former first-round pick of Vikings . CBSSports.com . CBS Interactive . March 22, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  12. News: Matt . Urben . Examining the contracts of WR Laquon Treadwell, LB LaRoy Reynolds . Falcons Wire . USA Today Sports Digital Properties . April 1, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  13. News: Tyler . Dragon . Source: Cincinnati Bengals to sign cornerback Trae Waynes . Cincinnati.com . Gannett . March 18, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  14. News: Andrew . Krammer . Former Vikings DE Stephen Weatherly agrees to sign with Panthers . StarTribune . March 16, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  15. News: Chris . Tomasson . Vikings re-sign Ameer Abdullah, agree to terms with Dakota Dozier . TwinCities.com . MediaNews Group . March 27, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  16. News: Andrew . Krammer . Kicker Dan Bailey agrees to three-year contract extension with Vikings . StarTribune . March 19, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  17. News: Chris . Tomasson . Vikings agree to contract extension with punter Britton Colquitt . TwinCities.com . MediaNews Group . March 16, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  18. News: Patrik . Walker . Kirk Cousins agrees to multiyear extension with Vikings, who get cap relief with the move . CBSSports.com . CBS Interactive . March 16, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  19. News: Chris . Tomasson . Vikings to re-sign guard Dakota Dozier to one-year, $1 million deal . TwinCities.com . MediaNews Group . March 27, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  20. News: Will . Ragatz . Vikings Sign Former XFL, Ole Miss Linebacker DeMarquis Gates . SI.com . Maven . March 24, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  21. News: Chris . Tomasson . Vikings, C.J. Ham agree to four-year, $12 million extension . TwinCities.com . MediaNews Group . March 16, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  22. News: Nick . Shook . Vikings use franchise tag to keep Anthony Harris . NFL.com . NFL Enterprises . March 16, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  23. News: Grant . Gordon . Vikings S Anthony Harris signs franchise tender . NFL.com . NFL Enterprises . May 17, 2020 . May 18, 2020 .
  24. News: Mike . Florio . Rashod Hill chooses to stay with the Vikings . ProFootballTalk . NBC Universal . March 20, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  25. News: Charean . Williams . Brett Jones re-signs with Vikings after Cowboys show interest . ProFootballTalk . NBC Universal . March 26, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  26. News: Darin . Gantt . Vikings bring back Sean Mannion . ProFootballTalk . NBC Universal . March 18, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  27. News: Charean . Williams . Vikings agree to three-year, $27 million deal with Michael Pierce . ProFootballTalk . NBC Universal . March 18, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  28. News: Josh . Alper . Vikings sign Tajae Sharpe . ProFootballTalk . NBC Universal . March 25, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  29. News: Josh . Alper . Eric Wilson signs Vikings RFA tender . ProFootballTalk . NBC Universal . May 8, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  30. News: Josh . Alper . Anthony Zettel signs with Vikings . ProFootballTalk . NBC Universal . March 25, 2020 . May 9, 2020 .
  31. News: Craig . Peters . Eric . Smith . Lindsey . Young . 3 Factors That Prompted Vikings to Break NFL Draft 7-Round Record . Vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football . April 25, 2020 . April 26, 2020 .
  32. News: Lindsey . Young . Vikings Select LSU WR Justin Jefferson with 22nd Overall Pick . Vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football . April 23, 2020 . April 26, 2020 .
  33. News: Craig . Peters . Vikings Trade 25th Pick to 49ers, Net 2 Selections . Vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football . April 23, 2020 . April 26, 2020 .
  34. News: Eric . Smith . After Trade, Vikings Select TCU Cornerback Jeff Gladney with 31st Pick . Vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football . April 23, 2020 . April 26, 2020 .
  35. News: Craig . Peters . Vikings Select Boise State OT Ezra Cleveland at Pick No. 58 . Vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football . April 24, 2020 . April 26, 2020 .
  36. News: Lindsey . Young . Vikings Select CB Cameron Dantzler at No. 89 Overall . Vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football . April 24, 2020 . April 26, 2020 .
  37. News: Eric . Smith . Vikings To Begin Day 3 With Whopping 13 Picks After Trade . Vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football . April 24, 2020 . April 26, 2020 .
  38. News: Craig . Peters . Eric . Smith . Lindsey . Young . Minnesota Vikings Fourth Round 2020 NFL Draft Picks . Vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football . April 25, 2020 . April 26, 2020 .
  39. News: Craig . Peters . Eric . Smith . Lindsey . Young . Minnesota Vikings Fifth Round 2020 NFL Draft Picks . Vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football . April 25, 2020 . April 26, 2020 .
  40. News: Craig . Peters . Eric . Smith . Lindsey . Young . Minnesota Vikings Sixth Round 2020 NFL Draft Picks . Vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football . April 25, 2020 . April 26, 2020 .
  41. News: Craig . Peters . Eric . Smith . Lindsey . Young . Minnesota Vikings Seventh Round 2020 NFL Draft Picks . Vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football . April 25, 2020 . April 26, 2020 .
  42. News: Chris . Tomasson . Vikings agree to terms with first-round pick Justin Jefferson, seven other draftees . TwinCities.com . MediaNews Group . July 22, 2020 . July 22, 2020 .
  43. News: Chris . Tomasson . All 15 Vikings' draftees have signed deals as rookies report to camp . TwinCities.com . MediaNews Group . July 23, 2020 . July 23, 2020 .
  44. News: Will . Ragatz . Nate Stanley Becomes First Vikings Rookie To Officially Sign Contract . InsideTheVikings . ABG-SI . July 13, 2020 . July 22, 2020 .
  45. NFL announces 32 compensatory draft choices to 15 clubs . Press release . National Football League . March 10, 2020 . March 11, 2020 .
  46. News: Vikings Agreed to Terms with 12 Undrafted Free Agents . Vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football . April 27, 2020 . April 27, 2020 .
  47. News: Nick . Shook . Roger Goodell writes letter to NFL fans as training camps start across U.S. . NFL.com . National Football League . July 27, 2020 . July 27, 2020 .
  48. Web site: Team Game Finder Query Results - In a single game, from 1940 to 2020, playing for the Minnesota Vikings, in the Regular Season, in 1st week of season, sorted by descending Points Allowed . Pro-Football-Reference.com . Sports Reference . September 14, 2020 .
  49. Web site: Adam Thielen Career Game Log . Pro-Football-Reference.com . Sports Reference . September 14, 2020 .
  50. Web site: Team Stats . vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football . January 3, 2021 . January 3, 2021 .
  51. Web site: NFL Team Stats . November 18, 2020 . NFL.com . November 18, 2020.
  52. News: NFL reveals complete AFC, NFC rosters for 2021 Pro Bowl . NFL.com . National Football League . December 21, 2020 . January 4, 2021 .
  53. News: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes tops fan voting for 2021 Pro Bowl . NFL.com . National Football League . December 21, 2020 . January 4, 2021 .
  54. News: Lindsey . Young . Eric . Smith . Dalvin Cook & Justin Jefferson Named to 2021 Pro Bowl . vikings.com . Minnesota Vikings Football . December 21, 2020 . January 4, 2021 .