When the Vikings convened for training camp this summer, they did so with a sense of urgency following a disappointing and dysfunctional collapse last season.



The way the bottom fell out on a 5-0 start put the pressure squarely on GM Rick Spielman and coach Mike Zimmer to stabilize things and deliver a much more competitive roster.



Sitting at 9-2 with a stranglehold on first place in the NFC North and eyes on homefield advantage in the playoffs, both leaders have rebounded in a major way.



Every GM has missteps over the years, and Spielman is no exception. Matt Kalil, Alex Boone, Laquon Treadwell, Willie Beavers, T.J. Clemmings — there have been misses. Spielman’s inability to address the offensive line in the draft or free agency in recent seasons was a major reason the Vikings were such a mess last year, and let’s not even bring up Christian Ponder.



This offseason was a banner one for Spielman, executive vice president Rob...