Studs and Duds after Week 15 win over the Chicago Bears

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s tenure in Minnesota hasn’t always been smooth, and many believed Adofo-Mensah would be on the hot seat after the season if his offseason moves didn’t work out for the team. team. Namely bringing in journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold to be rookie JJ McCarthy’s bridge quarterback. There was a good chance of crashing and burning, considering what Darnold had done previously in the NFL.

While the decision to bring in Darnold has largely proven to be good for the Vikings, what Adofo-Mensah has done for the Vikings defense this offseason has gone somewhat unnoticed and deserves praise. The additions of Jonathan Greenard, Blake Cashman and outside linebacker/edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel have been crucial pieces of the puzzle for defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

When you combine those moves, Sam Darnold’s success — and confidence that head coach Kevin O’Connell was the right man to take on this recovery project — and the decision not to bring back the quarterback fullback Kirk Cousins ​​​​on a massive deal, Adofo-Mensah has a strong case to be named Executive of the Year once the season is over.