The Ron Johnson Show: How the Minnesota Vikings Can Make It to the NFL Elites Next Year

The Minnesota Vikings have been a competitive team in the NFC for the past few seasons. After a tumultuous end to the 2022 season, which saw them get bounced in the first round of the playoffs, the Vikings came back strong in 2023, securing a spot in the postseason again. While this shows that the Vikings are on the right track, the ultimate goal is to take the next step: making it to the NFL elite and competing for a Super Bowl.

On “The Ron Johnson Show,” Ron Johnson, a former NFL player and Minnesota Vikings analyst, has been discussing the current state of the Vikings and what they need to do to elevate themselves to the upper echelon of the NFL. In his analysis, Johnson looks at various areas in which the team can improve, from the quarterback position to defensive consistency, as well as how they can build on the successful elements they already have.

In this article, we will explore some of the key takeaways from “The Ron Johnson Show” and break down how the Minnesota Vikings can go from being a competitive playoff team to an elite contender in the 2025 NFL season.

1. Quarterback Play: The Key to Minnesota’s Success

The quarterback position remains the most important in the NFL, and for the Minnesota Vikings, it is both a strength and a source of uncertainty. Kirk Cousins, who has been with the team for several seasons, has been a solid, if unspectacular, performer. He is capable of putting up big numbers, leading the team to victories, and managing the offense effectively. However, for all his regular-season success, Cousins has struggled to win games in the postseason, particularly in critical moments.

Ron Johnson has been outspoken about the importance of the quarterback position in elevating a team to elite status. While Cousins has had some high points in his career, especially in 2023, there are still questions about whether he can lead the Vikings to a Super Bowl. In “The Ron Johnson Show,” Johnson often emphasizes that elite teams in the NFL are led by elite quarterbacks, and the Vikings’ path to becoming an elite team likely hinges on whether Cousins can take his game to the next level or whether the team will need to look elsewhere for a long-term solution.

In the 2023 season, Cousins was productive, throwing for over 4,000 yards and leading the Vikings to a playoff berth, but when the stakes were raised, especially in the postseason, he struggled to carry the team across the finish line. As Ron Johnson has pointed out, to truly compete with the NFL’s elite teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or the San Francisco 49ers, the Vikings will need to have a quarterback who can deliver in high-pressure moments.

It’s not just about putting up stats during the regular season; it’s about performing when it matters most. In 2025, the Vikings will need to decide whether to stick with Cousins and hope that he can improve in clutch situations, or whether they will look to make a change at quarterback—either through the draft, free agency, or via a trade.

2. Building Around Justin Jefferson: The Ultimate Weapon

On the offensive side of the ball, one of the primary strengths of the Minnesota Vikings is wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Jefferson has already established himself as one of the top receivers in the league, and he is widely considered a game-changer. His combination of size, speed, route-running ability, and hands make him a threat on every snap. If the Vikings are to compete for a Super Bowl in 2025, they will need to build around Jefferson and make sure that he remains a focal point of the offense.

In “The Ron Johnson Show,” Johnson often points to Jefferson as the centerpiece of the Vikings’ offense and stresses the importance of making sure that the offense revolves around getting him the ball. The Vikings have a strong supporting cast, including Dalvin Cook in the backfield and a solid offensive line, but Jefferson is the key to unlocking their full offensive potential. The 2023 season proved just how dangerous Jefferson can be when he is allowed to dominate the game. He finished the season with over 1,700 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, and he has the potential to take over games at any moment.

However, to elevate the offense to an elite level, the Vikings must ensure they continue to maximize Jefferson’s impact while also finding additional weapons to complement him. This could mean upgrading the tight end position, adding more depth at receiver, or finding ways to get creative with offensive schemes to better utilize Jefferson’s skill set. In 2025, teams that win championships are able to get the most out of their top players, and for Minnesota, that player is Justin Jefferson.

3. Defensive Improvements: Staying Competitive in a High-Scoring League

While the Vikings have been known for their offensive explosiveness, the defense is an area that needs improvement if they are to compete with the NFL’s elite teams. Despite having some standout individual players, such as linebacker Eric Kendricks and edge rusher Danielle Hunter, the Vikings’ defense has struggled at times to stop high-powered offenses, particularly when it comes to defending the pass.

Ron Johnson has pointed out that the Vikings’ defense needs to be more consistent, especially in the postseason when facing elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes or Jalen Hurts. In the 2023 season, Minnesota’s defense showed signs of improvement, but they were inconsistent in key moments. Johnson believes that the Vikings’ defense needs to get tougher and more reliable, particularly in the secondary, where they have been vulnerable at times.

The Vikings’ defensive line, led by Hunter, is one of their strongest units, but they need to improve their pass rush and generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This will help alleviate the burden on the secondary, allowing the defensive backs to cover for shorter periods. Additionally, the Vikings could look to bolster their cornerback and safety positions in the offseason to help combat the NFL’s increasing reliance on the passing game.

In 2025, if the Vikings can solidify their defense, they will have the ability to compete with any team in the league. This means addressing weaknesses in both their pass rush and coverage, and ensuring that defensive coordinator Brian Flores (who was brought in to improve the unit) can develop a more cohesive and aggressive defense.

4. Improving the Offensive Line: Protecting the Franchise QB

While Kirk Cousins has proven to be a capable quarterback, one of the key areas in which the Vikings can improve is their offensive line. A more consistent offensive line would help provide better protection for Cousins (or whoever the quarterback is in 2025), giving him more time in the pocket to make plays. It would also allow running back Dalvin Cook to perform at a higher level, making the offense more dynamic and unpredictable.

Ron Johnson has discussed how important the offensive line is to the overall success of the team, and he has pointed out that while the Vikings’ offensive line is solid, it is still an area that needs improvement. The Vikings have made efforts in recent years to improve the offensive line, but a few more key additions could make all the difference.

In 2025, if the Vikings can improve their protection up front, they will give their quarterback more time to distribute the ball to playmakers like Jefferson and Cook, and in turn, create a more balanced and explosive offense. Offensive line play is critical to both the running and passing games, and without a strong front, it will be difficult for the Vikings to compete with the NFL’s elite teams.

5. Coaching: The X-Factor for the Future

Finally, one of the key components of the Vikings’ potential rise to NFL elite status is their coaching staff. Kevin O’Connell has shown promise in his first seasons as the Vikings’ head coach, but in 2025, he will be expected to take the team to the next level. The Vikings have an offensive-minded coach who has the potential to elevate their offensive play, but O’Connell must work on creating more consistency in both game planning and in-game adjustments.

Ron Johnson has emphasized that coaching is just as important as talent in the NFL, and the Vikings’ coaching staff must be able to outmaneuver opponents, especially in high-pressure playoff situations. O’Connell and his staff will need to continue to develop young talent, make smarter in-game decisions, and prepare the team to win in critical situations.

In 2025, the coaching staff will be under scrutiny as the expectations for the Vikings rise. To take the next step, they must maximize the team’s potential while addressing weaknesses and making in-game adjustments that will help them compete against the best of the best.