As the Minnesota Vikings prepare to face off against their division rivals, the Chicago Bears, they are struggling to find their footing at home. The team has yet to win a single game at U.S. Bank Stadium this season, and fans are starting to get concerned.
Despite having some of the most loyal and dedicated supporters in the league, the Vikings have been unable to capitalize on their home field advantage. In fact, they have lost all three of their home games so far this season, leaving them with a dismal 0-3 record at U.S. Bank Stadium.
This lack of success at home is particularly concerning for the Vikings, given the high expectations surrounding the team coming into this season. After making it to the NFC Championship game last year, many experts predicted that they would be a force to be reckoned with in the NFL this year.
However, things haven’t quite gone according to plan. The team has struggled with injuries, poor performance, and a tough schedule, which has left them with a disappointing 2-3 overall record. And now, they must face the daunting task of trying to turn their season around against a strong Bears team.
One reason for the Vikings’ struggles at home may be the absence of their star quarterback, Kirk Cousins. Cousins has been out with a hamstring injury since Week 2, and his absence has had a significant impact on the team’s offensive production. Without him, the Vikings have relied on backup quarterback Case Keenum, who has struggled to find consistency and rhythm in the pocket.
Another factor contributing to the Vikings’ home woes is their defense. Despite being considered one of the top defenses in the league last season, they have allowed an average of 27 points per game at home this year. This is a stark contrast to their away games, where they have only allowed an average of 19 points per contest.
In addition to these issues, the Vikings have also faced challenges with their special teams unit. They have had several costly penalties and mistakes in their home games, which have ultimately hurt their chances of winning.
With all of these factors working against them, it’s clear that the Vikings need to make some changes if they want to turn their season around. One area they could focus on is improving their offensive line play. The line has struggled to protect Keenum, allowing him to be sacked multiple times in each home game. If they can shore up their protection, it could give Keenum the time he needs to find open receivers and make plays downfield.
Another key area of improvement for the Vikings will be their red zone efficiency. So far this season, they have scored touchdowns on only 50% of their trips inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. This is well below their usual standard, and addressing this issue could help them put more points on the board.
Overall, the Vikings have a tough road ahead of them if they want to overcome their struggles at home. But with a talented roster and a dedicated fan base, they certainly have the potential to turn things around. As they gear up to face the Bears this weekend, fans will be watching closely to see if they can finally secure their first home victory of the season.