Vikings-Bears Week 15 Preview

Breeland’s rank? 129th out of 135, with PFF giving him an overall coverage grade of 45.3 out of 100.

That isn’t what Breeland probably had in mind when he signed with the Vikings this offseason, and it’s fair to say the Vikings probably expected more of the veteran this season. In the end, things just didn’t work out between the Vikings and Breeland.

One of the first things that came to my mind were Zimmer’s comments from over a week ago when he criticized that group for being lined up incorrectly and being misaligned throughout the Steelers game.

I’m not saying Zimmer was talking directly about Breeland there, but I doubt he was talking about Patrick Peterson. Minnesota felt it was better to go forward with Dantzler as the other starter.

Warren will now get his wish and see Dantzler in the lineup. The second-year corner by the way, has been OK this season, as his PFF grade based on the above criteria is 63.8, which ranks him 61st out of 135.

Zimmer has been critical of Dantzler this season, whether it was the final play in Detroit or against Pittsburgh. But with four games left, he has a chance to end his season on a high note.

As for Doug’s email, I’d argue the Vikings did address that group outside of Peterson this offseason. Both Breeland and Mackensie Alexander were added in free agency, so the team thought that quartet would be sufficient.

But it’s safe to say it hasn’t worked out as planned.

Peterson has missed some time and generally been reliable, while Alexander has struggled with a PFF coverage grade of 43.3 this season. That puts him at No. 134 out of 135 cornerbacks with at least 100 coverage snaps in 2021.

With Breeland gone and Peterson and Alexander playing on one-year deals, it’s not hard to believe the Vikings will have to address that position group yet again this offseason, whether it’s through the draft or via free agency.