3 wks to go -

A lot of concerns with the secondary, but overall think the defense is going to be much stronger and think overall that is going to make us a better team than last year. The OL is greatly improved and we continue to have top playmakers so our young QB does not have to carry the offense. I actually do think we will be a better team. The schedule does look ridiculously tough, but you never know how teams will perform year to year. Do not see us having a better record, but think we will be much more prepared for a playoff run.

JR44 wrote:
A lot of concerns with the secondary, but overall think the defense is going to be much stronger and think overall that is going to make us a better team than last year.  The OL is greatly improved and we continue to have top playmakers so our young QB does not have to carry the offense.  I actually do think we will be a better team.  The schedule does look ridiculously tough, but you never know how teams will perform year to year.  Do not see us having a better record, but think we will be much more prepared for a playoff run.

Yah...

No way I would predict a record, but I agree (on paper) this should be a team that can compete "better" in the post-season. 

Need JJM to be a step above game mgr yr1

purplefaithful wrote:
Anything less than winning 1 playoff game would be a disappointment for me. 

Minimally? We gotta end the season knowing we're set at QB going forward. 

What say you???

That’s my expectation as well. Honestly, I’ve said it multiple times and I believe it: I expect white Jayden Daniels out there year 1. We’re primed like no other Vikings team in recent history. Barring injury, we should legitimately be competing for the conference.

purplefaithful wrote:
Anything less than winning 1 playoff game would be a disappointment for me. 

Minimally? We gotta end the season knowing we're set at QB going forward. 

What say you???

Agreed. Gotta know if you have your guy, first and foremost. With that being said, I'll place money on KOC being able to make JJ a top tier QB after making chicken salad out of chicken shit the last couple of seasons. At the very least I believe he'll show that he's the guy going forward for the next 10-15 years.

Additionally, this team is too talented from top to bottom to not at least be expected to go past the first round this year. Which brings us back to the first point. If JJ is even halfway decent, then I think this team should be a serious contender.

If McCarthy looks the part then this season is a win by me, no matter what the record shows.

10 wins sounds about right but if it’s less than that, I’m fine so long as JJM is balling.

purplefaithful wrote:
Anything less than winning 1 playoff game would be a disappointment for me. 

Minimally? We gotta end the season knowing we're set at QB going forward. 

What say you???

Agreed, but the 2 big If's at QB are large. IF Jr.-Mac is as advertised...IF he can stay healthy....  If yes to both of those, then hell-yes, I agree with you, with a 11-6 or 12-5 finish being very realistic. Team is loaded and he is not expected to carry the load, just not blow the load.  The year off to sit back and absorb will turn out to be a good thing, I believe.   3 weeks indeed!   To quote Bart Scott, "Can't wait!".

Given that we were pegged to win what...6.5 games last year with "bust" Darnold probably at the helm (before JJM got injured), and pulled off a 14-3 record, I truly feel this is a better roster on both sides of the ball, with no weak links on offense and a tougher DL by far.

It is hard to imagine going 14-3 again for a second year, but I do have optimism (but I do not predict).

Can't get here soon enough.

purplefaithful wrote:
Minimally? We gotta end the season knowing we're set at QB going forward. 

pattersaur wrote:
If McCarthy looks the part then this season is a win by me, no matter what the record shows.

This. All day this.

MaroonBells wrote:

This. All day this.

Right?

Last year was a year to kick-back and enjoy what entertainment they might bring to the field. See what KOC might be able to do with Sammy. 

For me? That was a great big check mark, even with the disappointing loss to LA. 

This year? All about JJM

Viking fans are going to lose their s hit if he's what Sticky says he is

purplefaithful wrote:
Anything less than winning 1 playoff game would be a disappointment for me. 

Minimally? We gotta end the season knowing we're set at QB going forward. 

What say you???

Rookie QB,  new OL, not sure I set the bar that high.  We've got a bitch of a schedule this year.  I think even making the playoffs will be an accomplishment.  I want to see our team compete in those tough games and for once put away the weaker opponents early and crush their spirits so we dont have a nail biter in the 4th.  Fuck the ratings and the betting lines,  let's see a team that dont fuck around like we used to see.

purplefaithful wrote:
Anything less than winning 1 playoff game would be a disappointment for me. 

Minimally? We gotta end the season knowing we're set at QB going forward. 

What say you???

Last year my prediction before the season was; This team is going to the playoffs.
This year my prediction is; This team is going to the playoffs.

I'm definitely thinking playoffs, but the story will be who the team is as the season progresses. JJM has had the extra time to heal and soak up the offense, the trenches have gotten much-needed upgrades, the overall team has gotten continuity from coaches and culture...but, how long does it take to get it all focused correctly, and can the team/coaches gain and maintain momentum heading into January?

Stay tuned....

purplefaithful wrote:

Right?

Last year was a year to kick-back and enjoy what entertainment they might bring to the field. See what KOC might be able to do with Sammy. 

For me? That was a great big check mark, even with the disappointing loss to LA. 

This year? All about JJM

Viking fans are going to lose their s hit if he's what Sticky says he is

If JJM is what Sticky says he is, is what KOC clearly believes he is, then Viking fans are going to go apeshit. Of course that is a mighty big IF.

StickierBuns wrote:

There's no need to fear, JJ McCarthy is here:

It's a bird! It's a plane! 

Seth MacFarlane's fav Superman joke.

Full episode of Club Random w/ @billmaher and @macfarlaneseth is available on all major platforms

Watch here: https://t.co/ZkH7INVbgS pic.twitter.com/SeJ4ZmemXA

— Club Random with Bill Maher (@ClubRandom_) January 1, 2024

I also am predicting white Jayden Daniels, but with a better roster. That said, I'm not going to be disappointed if it doesn't happen. I just want him to look like the guy who can grow into a SB winner by the end of the season.

StickierBuns wrote:

Ooooeeee....white Jayden Daniels? Damn boy.....drinking the Kool Aid. I like it. Spot on in bold, that's what my hope is. I won't put wins or playoff wins in my must haves for this season.

I think as a passer he can match, or even better, Jayden Daniels' 3500 yards, 25 TDs and 9 INTs. But I don't see him rushing for 900 yards and 6 TDs. Like most people, I'll be happy if at the end of the season we simply know, without question or qualification, that JJ is our franchise QB. 

Like I've said before, the good thing is that we likely will have a definitive answer. There will be none of the usual "what ifs" surrounding JJ, like there is with so many young QBs who were drafted high. No "what if we gave him better weapons?" "What if we improved his line?" Surrounds don't get any better than what JJ already has.