4 Vital Vikings Stats That Need Improvement Post-Bye
The Minnesota Vikings enter their bye week with a record of 3-2. While they have achieved some victories, there are significant areas requiring improvement. The team’s recent performances indicate they are fortunate to have three wins, especially given their struggles in several games. They have found themselves trailing in the fourth quarter of four out of five contests.
Need for Improvement: Key Statistics Post-Bye
The Vikings face a challenging schedule ahead. As they prepare for their next games, four critical statistics demand immediate attention:
1. Sacks Allowed
No team has surrendered more sacks than the Vikings this season. They have allowed 21 sacks on 180 dropbacks, resulting in a league-high rate of 11.7 percent. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been notably affected, taking nine sacks in just 55 dropbacks, while Carson Wentz has faced 12 sacks on 120 dropbacks.
- J.J. McCarthy: 9 sacks on 55 dropbacks (16.4%)
- Carson Wentz: 12 sacks on 120 dropbacks
Addressing these issues is crucial for the Vikings, particularly against an Eagles defense that has struggled with sacks thus far.
2. Third Down Conversions
Third down efficiency needs significant improvement as the Vikings convert less than 30 percent of their opportunities. They rank near the bottom of the league, only ahead of the Tennessee Titans. Last season, the Vikings achieved nearly 40 percent conversion. Issues on third down can be attributed to early down performance, leading to challenging third and long situations.
3. Run Defense
The Vikings’ defense has performed well in many areas, but run defense remains a liability. They allow 47 percent of their opponents’ first downs to come via the run, the highest percentage in the league. Last season, this statistic was drastically lower, showcasing a marked decline.
4. Penalties
Discipline on the field must improve, as the Vikings lead the NFL with 44 accepted penalties. This problem spans offensive, defensive, and special teams play. Their tendency to commit flags consistently puts them in challenging situations.
Conclusion
As the Minnesota Vikings look ahead, focusing on these four vital statistics is imperative for their success in the latter half of the season. Improvement in these areas will be crucial for their competitiveness against a tough upcoming schedule.
