The Vikings have been known for their shutdown defense in recent years. But now it's their offense that has people talking.
Last year, Minnesota won its first division title since 2001 but faltered in the first round of the playoffs. By drafting Florida playmaker Percy Harvin, the Vikings added the flashiest receiver the team has had since Randy Moss was traded away. Minnesota hopes Harvin will be the missing piece that complements Adrian Peterson and Bernard Berrian, sparking what was a lackluster offense at times last season.
"Our team and the position we're in now, as division champs, it's important to step up in areas we needed to try to find a way to pull away,"
owner Zygi Wilf says.
There are some potential issues, though. The Vikings still don't have an established quarterback. It's the same problem they've had throughout the Brad Childress era, now in its fourth year. The big question is, will that quarterback indeed be the rehabbing future Hall of Famer Brett Favre? If his arm doesn't hold up, either Sage Rosenfels or Tarvaris Jackson must be the smart, accurate QB who can keep defenses honest with the passing game. Harvin's presence should make that easier.
What's new
Offense: The Vikings' offense is dependent on the run and the presence of Peterson and Chester Taylor, arguably the best two-back tandem in the NFL. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who calls the plays, works closely with Childress. Bevell likes to use bootlegs and play-action passes to take advantage of defenses geared toward stopping Peterson. The system incorporates occasional deep passes (usually to Berrian) and zone blocking from the linemen.
What can this team accomplish with decent quarterback play? That's the question Vikings fans have been asking for some time now, and all signs point to Favre getting a chance to answer.
If Favre is healthy and in training camp as it begins, he gets the job. If not, the starter might not be named until deep into preseason. Jackson has the arm strength and mobility, but Rosenfels, 31, has more experience and played in a West Coast offense with the Texans.
Harvin's versatility means he can be used as a slot receiver to turn short catches into long gains after the catch, run reverses and line up in the backfield as well.
Defense: Coordinator Leslie Frazier was a hot candidate for several head-coaching vacancies in the offseason but remained in Minnesota. Frazier's defense ranked sixth in the NFL last season and No. 1 against the run for a record third consecutive year. His Tampa-2 scheme relies upon tough, hard-nosed cornerbacks to be sure tacklers and not give up big plays down the field. Frazier keeps opponents off-balance by bringing blitzes from different positions, including the corners.
The strength and success of the defensive line will depend upon whether tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams win their legal battle with the NFL regarding their four-game suspensions issued last season after they tested positive for a banned diuretic. If the "Williams Wall"
prevails, the line should be at full strength in 2009.
View from the other sideline
An opponent breaks down the Vikings:
"I think it's kind of déjà-vu all over again. They're in the same situation they were a year ago, mainly at the quarterback spot. I think that's the first thing they have to get figured out: Who's going to be the quarterback? If Tavaris Jackson is the quarterback, how much better is he going to be than last year? At some point, they're going to have to throw their way to victory. The offense was really explosive (last season) if you look at the number of 20-yard runs and passes and that type of thing. No. 2, I think the offensive line (could be a concern). The coaching staff believes (center) John Sullivan is going to be good, but that remains to be seen."
"The three key things are No. 1, the play of the quarterback, No. 2, how good is the right tackle (Phil Loadholt) going to be? And No. 3, will Percy Harvin add an explosive element to the offense? If those three things fall into place, the offense could be much better. The defense will be the same thing, I don't think having Tyrell Johnson at safety is going to matter."
Burning question"
Would the addition of a healthy Favre make the Vikings the NFC's team to beat?
"I thought Minnesota failed last offseason by not acquiring a quarterback to lead them. While Brett is at the end of his career, he would be better suited than any QB they have to lead this offense. It will be a running offense, so there will be less pressure on Brett to carry this team with his arm, but when asked to he will still excel."
— ESPN NFL analyst Mike Golic
Bottom line
The Vikings could be a quarterback away from reaching the Super Bowl. Expectations are high, and with a team built to win now behind a tough defense, it's time for Childress and the Vikings to deliver. Minnesota hasn't won a playoff game since 2004 under former coach Mike Tice.
If Childress can keep Peterson fresh and healthy, find creative ways to juice up the offense and get steady quarterback play, this team should be dangerous.
Projected depth chart
Offense
QB: Sage Rosenfels, Tarvaris Jackson
RB: Adrian Peterson, Chester Taylor
FB: Naufahu Tahi, Jeff Dugan
WR: Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice
WR: Bobby Wade, Percy Harvin
TE: Visanthe Shiancoe, Jim Kleinsasser
LT: Bryant McKinnie, Artis Hicks
LG: Steve Hutchinson, Brian Daniels
C: John Sullivan, Anthony Herrera
RG: Anthony Herrera, Artis Hicks
RT: Phil Loadholt, Ryan Cook
Defense
DE: Ray Edwards, Jayme Mitchell
DT: Kevin Williams, Letroy Guion
DT: Pat Williams, Fred Evans
DE: Jared Allen, Brian Robison
SLB: Ben Leber, Heath Farwell
MLB: E.J. Henderson, Jasper Brinkley
WLB: Chad Greenway, Heath Farwell
CB: Antoine Winfield, Marcus McCauley
CB: Cedric Griffin, Karl Paymah
SS: Tyrell Johnson, Husain Abdullah
FS: Madieu Williams, Eric Frampton
Specialists
K: Ryan Longwell
P: Chris Kluwe
KR: Percy Harvin
PR: Bobby Wade
