Football Diner 2008 Team Reviews / Previews
Minnesota Vikings
by Sam Monson
18/6/2008
 
Overview
 
A decade ago the Vikings were about to tear up the league with a record setting Offense, inspired by a rookie wide receiver by the name of Randy Moss. Moss would propel that team to a 15-1 record, and the NFC Championship game in the Metrodome, before Gary Anderson would endeavour to spoil his perfect season by saving the only kick he would miss for the only time it was crucial. In 2008 the Vikings once again find themselves with arguably the league's most explosive playmaker in the form of Adrian Peterson, but that's where the similarities end. Brad Childress has reached the make or break season in his first head coaching tenure, and owner Zigi Wilf's new stadium drive is crying out for a winning season. Childress and Co. have made aggressive personnel moves to patch the holes his 2007 outfit had, but in reality the Vikings season, and Childress' job, are tied directly to his hand-picked quarterback, Tarvaris Jackson. Jackson is likely to define both the Vikings season, and the success or failure of the Childress regime.
 
Quarterbacks
 
Jackson had a rollercoaster 2007, his first year starting for the Vikings. Early in the year he had some truly horrific games, but he quietly played through some nasty injuries, including a groin problem and a broken finger on his throwing hand. Later in the year Jackson turned in some excellent performances as the Vikings won 5 straight to get in playoff contention. He was mixed in the final two season-defining encounters that ultimately saw the Vikings miss the playoffs, but crucially for Vikings fans, with Minnesota 19 points down against Denver, the training wheels came off Jackson, and he was allowed to operate the Offense on his own. The result was several key drives, with major clutch plays that saw Jackson lead the team back to send the game to overtime. If Jackson can smooth out the wrinkles the Vikings are in good shape. Veteran backup Gus Ferotte provides a capable upgrade over Brooks Bollinger as Jackson's backup, as well as a proven mentor. 5th round rookie John David Booty will battle Bollinger for the #3 job, and provides a ready made Plan B should Jackson fail to work out.
Grade: C+
 
Running Backs
 
Adrian Peterson was the biggest thing to hit Minnesota since Randy Moss. The rookie runner tore up the league for 5.6 yards per carry, 1,341 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Peterson displayed more speed and explosion through holes than anybody expected, and with Chester Taylor stepping in when he was hurt, proving he's still a capable starter in his own right; the Vikings have arguably the league's best running tandem. Mewelde Moore departed via free agency, being replaced by Maurice Hicks for the #3 role. Thomas Tapeh replaces Tony Richardson as lead blocker.
Grade: A+
 
Receivers
 
The Vikings spent big in free agency to bring in Bernard Berrian to be the deep threat Troy Williamson wasn't in 2007. Second year man Sidney Rice displayed massive potential in his rookie year and moves into the starting line-up in 2008, allowing Bobby Wade to move back to the slot. Aundrae Allison showed speed in abundance as a rookie, and is being brought along slowly. Behind those four guaranteed spots a host of receivers are battling to make the roster. Incumbent veteran Robert Ferguson holds the advantage, though it wouldn't take much for 6th round rookie Jaymar Johnson to unseat him. At tight end Visanthe Shiancoe has slimmed down and feels faster and more agile, which will surely fix his hands of stone. Kleinsasser might be the best blocking tight end in football, and youngster Garrett Mills will look to make an impact in the passing game.
Grade: B
 
Offensive Line
 
The Vikings O-line received a lot of undue credit in 2007 on the back of the running game. Whilst as a unit they are dramatically better run blocking than they are pass protecting, they are far from elite, especially on the right edges where Ryan Cook and Bryant McKinnie can both be badly exposed by speed at times. Rookie centre John Sullivan was drafted in the 6th round and looms in Matt Birk's rear view mirrors as he continues to talk about a new deal.
Grade: B
 
Defensive Line
 
The Vikings broke the bank, and the trade chart, to bring in 2007 sack champion, Jared Allen from Kansas City. Allen will team up with the Williams Wall to form arguably the best defensive line in football. Ray Edwards moves back to the left side of the line with Allen's arrival, his college position, and could exploit a season of one on one matchups this season. Depth was added in the draft and free agency leaving a host of players battling for roster spots. Brian Robison becomes a situational rusher, spelling Jared Allen on the right side.
Grade: A
 
Linebackers
 
A reasonable group with three starters firmly entrenched. EJ Henderson enjoyed a Pro-Bowl calibre 2007, and is joined in 2008 by his younger brother, an undrafted rookie free agent. Derrick Pope fills the role vacated by Dontarrious Thomas' departure as the utility backup. Erin Henderson has a real shot to make the final roster in place of special teams letdown Vinny Ciurciu.
Grade: B
 
Secondary
 
The Vikings' secondary was picked on last year, but the addition of Jared Allen should help that immensely by adding pass rush up front. Antoine Winfield is still a quality corner, but ageing quickly. Cedric Griffin, Marcus McCauley and Charles Gordon fill the depth chart with a group of talented and young corners. Benny Sapp should contribute in sub packages and special teams. At safety Madieu Williams upgrades Dwight Smith next to Darren Sharper, and top draft pick Tyrell Johnson will look to see time in nickel formations.
Grade: B-
 
Special Teams
 
Chris Kluwe might be the best directional punter in the league, as unlike New York Giants Jeff Feagles, he has the range to land it inside the 20 from a distance. Ryan Longwell is getting long in the tooth, but still has the leg for anything up to the 50s. The Vikings have been trying to nail down return man jobs for years, and have a host of players battling for the jobs including Aundrae Allison, draftee Jaymar Johnson, UDFA Darius Reynaud and free agent acquisition Maurice Hicks.
Grade: B
 
Coaching
 
This might be the biggest question mark about the Vikings. Brad Childress has proved to be a fantastic talent man, and has assembled a paper champion in a few short years. He's proved repeatedly inept during games though, and was the primary reason the team collapsed against Washington in the must-win game in Week 16. If Jackson is to succeed Childress needs to help him out and put him in positions to win.
Grade: C-
 
Outlook
 
The Vikings became the first team in decades to lead the league in rushing offense and rushing defense and yet still manage to miss the playoffs. That's because they could neither pass, nor stop the pass, effectively for much of the year. They spent big money and time trying to fix both problems, and Jared Allen and Bernard Berrian will be expected to have major impacts. Despite their problems the 2007 version finished 8-8 with some obvious close games that were allowed to get away. Having taken steps forward all over the roster the 2008 version will be looking for the playoffs, and have become many people's fashionable pick. In the end this team will go as far as Tarvaris Jackson can take them, and that may depend on how far Childress allowed him to go. The signs are good so far, with Jackson completing touchdown passes in OTAs that were not even reads in 2007's playbook. The training wheels have come off…can he keep upright?