Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote “Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.”

So, let me put it this way…2016 has been the most unlucky tumultuous year in Minnesota Vikings history.

As the new season drew near, the 2015 NFC North Champions were trending upward. There was a buzz surrounding the team. Everyone knew the defense was superb, the offensive was filled with potential, and the improved depth at nearly every position made the Vikings Super Bowl contenders. However, the football gods (or devils?) gave Minnesota’s favorite team a year to forget:

January 10 – Painful playoff loss to Seattle in which kicker Blair Walsh badly missed a 27-yard field goal (the laces were in Jeff Locke!).

July 25 – Long-time starting right tackle Phil Loadholt retires.

July 29 – Versatile offensive lineman Mike Harris placed on non-football illness list. He’s still on it.

August 30 – Release of veteran center John Sullivan.

August 30 – Vikings promising young quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered what may end up being a career-ending injury (on a non-contact play) a week before the season. He’s out indefinitely.

September 18 – Perennial All-World running back Adrian Peterson and starting left tackle Matt Kalil injured against Green Bay. Both players were placed on Injured Reserve shortly thereafter.

October 11 – Starting right tackle Andre Smith placed on IR with elbow injury.

November 2 – Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner unexpectedly resigns.

November 13 – Replacement left tackle Jake Long suffers season-ending achilles injury at Washington.

December 12 – Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd placed on Injured Reserve.

December 18 – Embarrassing 34-6 home loss to Indianapolis. Likely Peterson’s last game in Purple.

December 23 – Vikings plane goes off the runway in Appleton before the game in Green Bay.

December 24 – Vikings defensive backs decide to disobey head coach Mike Zimmer’s game plan against the Packers and covering Jordy Nelson, with repercussions yet to be seen.

While I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Emerson, I’m not sure how long the Vikings organization (and mainly the fans) will have to deal with heartbreak. Seems to me that we’ve paid our dues and have been through enough. It’s time to right the ship.

Here’s to new beginnings and a playoff run in 2017.

Stefon Diggs (Age 23, 6’0, 191 lbs.) has 80 catches for 874 yards with 2 TD’s this season. The 2015 5th-round pick out of Maryland is proving last year’s emergence was no fluke. Diggs leads the Vikings in receptions and yards. He only trails tight end Kyle Rudolph for the team lead in targets by 3. He is consistently getting open and his hands seem to be getting better with experience. Diggs and quarterback Sam Bradford have a great rapport. Paired with Rudolph and fellow receiver Adam Thielen, Diggs is in position to lead the Vikings receiving core for years to come. Diggs is under contract through the 2018 season.

Adam Thielen (Age 26, 6’2, 200 lbs.) is perhaps the Viking’s biggest surprise of the 2016 season. His 56 catches for 758 yards with 3 TD’s in 2016 are far better than anyone’s expectations. The former Mankato Maverick is shocking everyone with his production. Thielen had 20 catches for 281 yards and 1 touchdown his whole career before this season. While he’s been slowed by a concussion recently, the Detroit Lakes native has emerged as a legit #2 receiver. I don’t see him losing that role without a fight. Thielen will be a restricted free agent after the season but will undoubtedly receive a high-tender offer from his home-state team.

Cordarrelle Patterson (Age 25, 6’2, 220 lbs.) took a noticeable step forward after a miserable 2015. So far this season, the former first-round pick has 49 catches for 401 yards and 2 TD’s. Faced with uncertainty after the team declined his 2017 option, he has excelled at his new role as a punt return gunner and, of course, his existing role as kick returner. He is also showing more promise as a receiver. Patterson can still raise eyebrows with his elusiveness and his versatility is an asset to the team. He has earned a role as a Viking in 2017, but will he want to stay?

LaQuon Treadwell (Age 21, 6’2, 215 lbs.) is my biggest frustration with the Vikings in 2016. Treadwell, THE TEAM’S FIRST-ROUND PICK IN 2016, HAS ONE CATCH THIS SEASON. One. One damn catch. For 15 yards. That I saw in person. And was impressed. He is a talent. He will create matchup issues for defenses. I realize he’s had some nagging injuries this season, but I don’t understand why he has rarely seen the field. Maybe the team gave his knee a year off? Treadwell NEEDS to be a factor next season. If Patterson re-signs and Treadwell emerges, the Vikings will have a very dangerous passing attack in 2017.

Charles Johnson (Age 27, 6’2, 217 lbs.) has 18 catches for 205 yards this season. Johnson has been steady at best, but he hasn’t made an impact in the multiple opportunities he’s been given since joining the Vikings in 2014. A restricted free agent, Johnson may be back but I don’t expect the veteran to make the squad in 2017.

Jarius Wright (Age 27, 5’10, 191 lbs.) is last but not least. Wright was lost on the depth chart this season….and I, for one, think it’s a travesty. Did you know that of Wright’s 130 career receptions, 85 of them have been for first downs? He has proven he can produce for the Vikings, and that seemed to be what the team thought when it signed Wright to a 4 year, $15M extension last year. He was bothered by injuries early in the season, but when healthy he is a solid receiver, specifically in the slot, and the team would be wise to play him next season, especially if Patterson and Johnson don’t return. It would cost the team $1.68M if he were traded or released.

The surplus of depth at wide receiver has been both a blessing and a curse for the Vikings. There is always a reliable option to step in if there is an injury, but the lack of roles (and playing time) is frustrating the receivers. I believe addition by subtraction will solve this issue. If I were GM, I would re-sign Patterson as a running back (offer him a multi-year deal), re-sign Thielen and let another team sign Johnson. Those moves would result in the following wide receiver depth chart for 2017:

1. Stefon Diggs
2. Adam Thielen
3. Jarius Wright
4. Laquon Treadwell
5. Moritz Bohringer/Isaac Fruechte/Rookie/FA/UDFA

For a team in the playoff hunt that was supposed to be rejuvenated by the return of running back Adrian Peterson, Minnesota downright embarrassed themselves at home Sunday against Indianapolis.

Linval Joseph set the tone early as he had one of the dumbest penalties I’ve ever seen on a 21-yard field goal attempt. He’s over 300 pounds and tried to jump OVER the center to block the field goal. Why??? It was a gimme field goal and the 3 points would have given the Colts a 6-0 lead. Instead, the Colts got a first down, scored a touchdown on the drive, took a 10-0 lead and never looked back.

The Vikings looked pitiful. They had ONE drive in the first half get deep into Colts’ territory before Peterson fumbled. With the fumble, Peterson virtually guaranteed he will not be a Viking in 2017. His issues with fumbles seem to surface at the worst possible times for the Vikings.

For the Vikings, there was nothing positive about Sunday’s performance. Both Charles Johnson and Stefon Diggs committed false start penalties, as wide receivers. Left tackle T.J. Clemmings played horribly once again. It’s fascinating the team continues to play him. Andrew Sendejo is an awful coverage safety. He needs to become a part-time player as he simply cannot handle coverage duties and is one of the worst wrap-up tacklers the Vikings have ever had.

The Colts dominated every aspect of the game. Contrary to Minnesota, Indianapolis proved today that a patchwork offensive line can still be effective, even against the best defensive line in football. It’s time for that excuse to end.

While the Vikings are not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, there’s no way this team will see the postseason after Sunday’s demoralizing loss.

When it comes to managing the salary cap, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman and salary cap manager Rob Brzezinski are two of the best in the NFL. The pair annually puts the franchise in a comfortable economic position. Because they are so good at budgeting, the Vikings will have some extra spending money this offseason.

The Vikings are expected to have around $22-25M in cap space when the offseason begins.

With Adrian Peterson due to make $18M in 2017, he will either be released, traded, or have his contract restructured to give the Vikings more cap room. In all likelihood Peterson will be released, giving the Vikings $18M in cap savings. Sharrif Floyd is scheduled to make $6.75M in a 5th year option, but the team may choose to release the oft-injured defensive tackle and let him test free agency with no dead cap hit. These (expected) moves will give the Vikings around $46.75M in cap space.

It’s no secret the Vikings need help on the offensive line. This amount of cap space will allow the front office to re-sign any in-house free agents they would like to keep and then sign multiple unrestricted free agents. That being said..there’s not a whole lot of offensive line help in free agency. Much of what happens this offseason will depend on if left tackle Matt Kalil re-signs with the team.

Adrian Peterson (Age 31, 6’1, 220 lbs.) is likely playing his last season in Minnesota. He is due to make $18M in 2017, but can be released or traded without a dead cap hit this offseason. The Vikings offensive philosophy has changed from run-first to pass-first, so it makes little sense to bring Peterson back unless he accepts a DRASTIC pay cut. If I were GM, I’d explore trading Peterson this offseason to see if I can improve the offensive line and/or acquire an early round draft pick for the distinguished running back.

Jerick McKinnon (Age 24, 5’9, 204 lbs.) has shown he can be an explosive runner in space. He has also shown promise catching the ball out of the backfield. He CANNOT handle every down duties, but he is a solid change-of-pace back that will hopefully prove he can handle more touches during a contract year in 2017.

Matt Asiata (Age 29, 6’0, 219lbs.) has proven to be a capable BACKUP in short-yardage situations. He has underrated hands and is also a pretty good pass blocker. Asiata may be starting to show his age, but given his durability and toughness, he has easily earned another 1-year deal that will give him an opportunity to earn a roster spot in 2017.

Zach Line (Age 26, 6’1, 233 lbs.) has quietly been very solid for the Vikings. He is an above average blocker. He can play fullback, tight end, or running back. His familiarity with the playbook and versatility is extremely valuable to the offense. As GM, I would sign him to a 2-year extension this offseason.

If I were GM, I would scout mid-round running backs to replace Peterson. I would seek runners that can handle every down duties. I have a change-of-pace back with McKinnon and a short-yardage specialist in Asiata. A feature back would complete the trio.

The Vikings kept their post-season hopes alive Sunday, beating the 2-10 Jacksonville Jaguars in ugly fashion. The 25-16 win gives Minnesota momentum heading into the playoff run.

Sean’s Synopsis:

• Sam Bradford showed off his downfield accuracy. The offensive line created enough time for Bradford to hit Kyle Rudolph, Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs on deep downfield passes. All were over 40 yards. Finally…big plays!
• The offensive line gave up zero sacks on Bradford.
• Danielle Hunter, the Vikings future Pro Bowl defensive end, now has 10.5 sacks this season.
  • Everson Griffen has 8.
  • Brian Robison has 7.
• Safety Anthony Harris did (fairly) well filling in for the injured Harrison Smith.
• The Vikings absolutely suck at getting 1 yard on the ground.
• Punter Jeff Locke did a good job getting hit after a punt, resulting in a personal foul penalty on the Jags.

Any win is a good win, and the Vikings will look to increase their playoff chances next Sunday at home against the Colts.

Sam Bradford (Age 29, 6’4, 224 lbs.) has played admirably for the Vikings despite being traded just one week prior to the season. His 71% completion rate would be a career high and he has only thrown 3 interceptions this season. Bradford is under contract for $17M in 2017. With Teddy Bridgewater’s future in doubt, Bradford is Minnesota’s franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future. If I were GM, I’d look to sign Bradford to a 3-year extension in the offseason to ease his $17M cap hit and create stability at the position to attract potential free agents.

Teddy Bridgewater IR (Age 24, 6’3, 215 lbs.) From what I’ve heard from former team doctors, Teddy’s NFL future looks bleak. Bridgewater’s leg essentially fell off at the knee, with skin and nerves holding it on. Luckily no arteries were severed. It would be shocking to see Teddy play in 2017. Because of the injury, it remains to be seen if the young quarterback will ever play in the NFL again. The doctors have major doubts. Bridgewater’s contract expires after the 2017 season. As GM I’d have to see how Bridgewater’s recovery goes before making a final decision on his 2018 team option.

Shaun Hill (Age 36, 6’3, 230 lbs.) played decent as a starter Week 1 and has done a solid job as backup since 2015. Hill will turn 37 in January and his contract expires after the season. The Vikings will look to get younger at quarterback, thus Hill will not return to the Vikings in 2017.

Taylor Heinicke (Age 23. 6’1, 205 lbs.) has impressed as scout team QB in practices since returning from injury. With Hill likely gone (or retired) after the season and Heinicke’s contract running through the 2017 season, he will have every opportunity to win the backup job in 2017. If I were GM, I’d find a young quarterback or two this offseason to compete with Heinicke as primary backup to Bradford next season.

Lets begin with something unrelated to football…for those of you who are scuba certified, I highly recommend checking out the Dry Tortugas. The islands are 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. Go see Fort Jefferson. It’s amazing. It’s a great stress reliever when your team loses 6 of 7 games.

While I was gone, the Purple lost to the Dallas Cowboys 17-15. From what I hear the refs sucked, Jeff Locke became terrible again, and T.J. Clemmings hit a new low.

Clemmings showcased the skills that have him ranked as the 4TH WORST TACKLE EVER GRADED by PFF (Pro Football Focus) since they began analyzing lineman in 2006. By comparison, Matt Kalil rated 68.4 in 2015. This year, Clemmings is a 28.3 on a scale of 0-100. He is a liability that puts the Vikings assets (Sam Bradford, ummmm, more…?) at risk of getting hurt. He simply must be replaced.

Here’s how the rest of the line grades out (courtesy of PFF https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-dont-blame-sam-bradford-for-vikings-struggles/).

I knew Locke’s turnaround was too good to be true. And in typical Vikings fashion, he picked a terrible time to digress. If he can’t keep it together for the rest of the season, he should not be a Viking in 2017.

In short…nothing has changed. And THAT is an issue. The Vikings have now lost 6 of 7. It’s obvious changes need to be made if this team wants to turn things around.

If I were GM, I would move Alex Boone to left tackle. That allows Nick Easton to start at center while Joe Berger slides over to left guard. Clemmings is benched and plays ONLY if there is an injury. If that doesn’t work, try playing recent acquisition Rashod Hill at left tackle. There are options on the line and they MUST be explored because you are risking too much by playing T.J. Clemmings, including your playoff chances.