32 Teams In 32 Days: Minnesota Vikings
August 12, 2009 by Evan Higgins
Filed under adrian peterson, brad childress, Football, Minnesota Vikings, nfl, NFL Predictions, Percy Harvin, Preview/Prediction, Tarvaris Jackson, Uncategorized
Minnesota looks to fit the part to be a Championship team. They have the best running back, and arguably the best player in the NFL, in Adrian Peterson, a good offensive and defensive line, great linebackers and good defensive backs.
So what is stopping them from becoming super?
A reliable quarterback.
Last year, they had Tarvaris Jackson and Gus Frerrote as there starters. Frerotte starting 11 games, Jackson starting five. Jackson lost the starting nod to Frerotte, just to gain in back when Frerotte went down with an injury. Jackson ended up starting the final four games, throwing for nine touchdowns and only one interception.
Frerrote is now gone, and Sage Rosenfels is in after acquiring him for a fourth round pick from Houston during the offseason. Rosenfels and Jackson will compete for the starting nod during the preseason.
But, besides the quarterback position, there isn’t much to complain about this franchise. There defense is one of the most dominant in the league lead by Jared Allen, Kevin Williams, Pat Williams, E.J. Henderson and Antoine Winfield.
With the addition of Percy Harvin via NFL Draft, this offense should be even more explosive. This team could be extremely dangerous this season.
Offseason Acquisitions:
Added:
Glenn Holt, WR. Karl Paymah, CB. Sage Rosenfels, QB.
Lost:
Matt Birk, C. Vinny Ciurciu, LB. Gus Frerrote, QB. Napoleon Harris, LB. Maurice Hicks, RB. Marcus Johnson, OT. Darren Sharper, S. Dontarrious Thomas, LB. Ellis Wyms, DT.
Take out Rosenfels, Birk and Sharper, and there are not many big names gained or lost on this list. Darren Sharper will be missed incredibly on this defense with his skill and leadership. Sage Rosenfels was acquired from Houston for a fourth round pick and will compete for the starting job.
Draft Picks:
1(22). Percy Harvin, WR. Draft Grade: A
Love the pick here, fits this offense perfectly. He’s as dangerous as they come, playing as a receiver and running back.
2(54). Phil Loadholt, OT. Draft Grade: B-
Struggled a little during his senior season, but a overall a good tackle.
3(86). Asher Allen, CB. Draft Grade: B+
Good overall corner. Good steal in the third.
5(150). Jasper Brinkley, LB. Draft Grade: B
He’s big at 250 pounds, but runs well for a heavy guy.
7(231). Jamarca Sanford, S. Draft Grade: C
A project. Has been arrested twice.
Draft Grade: B
Breakout Player: Tarvaris Jackson, QB.
Minnesota could be in the run for a Super Bowl. If either Jackson or Rosenfels are able to be good, consistent quarterback throughout the season, I don’t see any reason why they won’t in the running for a Super Bowl trophy. The loss of Darren Sharper was a blow to this defense, but second year safety Tyrell Johnson will replace him.
On the offense, rookie Percy Harvin gives this team another threat that will make defenses worry even more.
Minnesota has improved every year under Brad Childress, and I think this could be there big year.
Projected Record: 11-5
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