Hmm strange because we got better on both sides of the ball focker. They led the entire league in 3 and outs last year so the defense getting off the field wasn’t the issue it was Geno Smith’s erratic play late in games and more notably in the red zone. The fumbles, interceptions and bone headed plays by Geno Smith kept the Hawks out of the playoffs. Darnold is a steadier hand in the pocket at any rate so I expect a smooth transition with zero drop off at all in terms of yardage. Darnold throws dots
We will have to wait and see. I think at WR we are much weaker, Kupp isn't the player he was and MVS is a downgrade on Locket. Fant was a solid TE I hope Arroyo will eventually be better than him but will take time to get used to the NFL.
I am not convinced Darnold is an improvement over Geno, we wont really find out until the season starts whether Darnolds performance last season was because he has improved since his time in Carolina and New York or whether it was specific to being with the Vikings. The other unknown is how Kubiak will perform compared to Grubb.
I believe getting rid of Geno, Fant, Metcalf and Locket were due to salary cap restrictions rather than we could getter better replacements.
There are a lot of unknowns if everything clicks into place, Darnold plays like weeks 1-17 last year, Arroyo adapts quickly, Kupp is able to hold back father time and / or Bobo or one of the rookies steps up to be a decent WR3 (or 2) along with RG and C not dong too badly and Zabel being a stud we could be a top half.
Worst case JSN, Cross and Walker are the only guys performing at the level expected of a starter (and thats without considering injuries), that could land us rank 32 on offence.