PurplePTSD: The NFC Is A Lot Less Dangerous

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

K. Joudry

2022-03-09

Quarterback is, without question, the most important position in football. QBs can single-handedly raise the play of the roster in a manner that, say, a corner, OT, or WR can’t. The recent news, then, is good for the Vikings insofar as it helps clear a path for a NFC playoff push.

True, Aaron Rodgers is staying in town, so that means the NFC North is theirs to lose. With Rodgers and Davante Adams returning, the Packers will be a legitimate threat to take the conference next season. One does wonder, though, about what kind of sacrifices will need to be made in order to accommodate their two best offensive players. Does it mean losing Za’Darius Smith and De’Vondre Campbell? If so, the defense could be a lot less formidable, especially if Rashan Gary and/or Preston Smith take a step back.

More broadly, the NFC ought to be easier for the Vikings to navigate. Tom Brady is retired, and Russell Wilson is now a Bronco.

With this reality in mind, how many NFC QBs actually scare the opposition? Dak Prescott and Kyler Murray are both above average, though neither are elite. Perhaps young players like Jalen Hurts, Justin Fields, and Daniel Jones will rapidly improve, but there isn’t a ton of reason to believe they’ll ascend into Wilson/Rodgers territory.

After Rodgers, the next most dangerous NFC QB is either Murray or Matthew Stafford. One could then make the case that Kirk Cousins is next in line.

The AFC, in contrast, is loaded at QB. Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen. Russell Wilson, Justin Herbert, Ryan Tannehill, and Derek Carr. AFC defenses better be prepared heading into the 2022 season.

The point I’m trying to make is that the Vikings have a shot in the NFC. Winning the division would indeed be a challenge, but the Wild Card spots ought to be a lot easier to snag. Mind you, just sneaking into the playoffs is no one’s idea of success. Getting into the playoffs and making noise is the goal. Heck, the real goal is to go even further than that.

If the ultimate goal is attained, it’ll be because Cousins found a way to elevate his game beyond its current level.

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.