Brett Favre Could Be The Key To a New Vikings Stadium In Minnesota

Hey ESPN, we know how you love all things Brett Favre. We know how you couldn’t get enough of his on-again-off-again “retirement” talk. Its good for ratings and fodder, so who could blame you. You’re only doing your jobs as the national sports hype machine.

And Brett Favre, we know how you crave the spotlight. We know how you can’t shake the itch to play, rather to just walk away when critics from all over the nation want to prove you wrong.

We assume there must not be a whole lot waiting for you in Kiln, Mississippi, after all, there is only so much land that can be plowed each year.

This, along with your fiercely competitive nature, one to which I cannot compare in recent memory concluded with the not-so-obvious confederation of you offering your services to your once No. 1 rival, the Minnesota Vikings who clearly wanted you when the Green Bay Packers did not.

Thank you for not only coming to the team, but also for giving it a shot no matter what the outcome. I know you’d have never forgave yourself if you didn’t try knowing you were that close to a deal only to back out on July 30 because you just couldn’t commit to the full season.

The Vikings, and even the most inept fans, knew they were but one manage-the-game Quarterback away from truly taking them to the next level and you obliged. The rest is history but one that can be special as I’ve outlined here.

But if you truly want to make your mark in Minnesota, as well as continue to soothe your ego that the media shamefully loves to exploit, have you considered being the face of an entire stadium drive?

Imagine this scenario: February 7, 2010 Minnesota just defeats ______ for their first NFL Championship in State history.

You will have done what sixteen men: Fran Tarkenton, Joe Knapp, Gary Cuozzo, Tommy Kramer, Wade Wison, Rich Gannon, Jim McMahon, Warren Moon, Brad Johnson, Randall Cunningham, Jeff George, Daunte Culpepper, Tarvaris Jackson, and Gus Freotte have all failed to do in the Vikings 48 years in Minnesota.

Take a long look at that list. How many of them are Hall of Famers, like yourself? How many of them made Pro Bowls, like yourself. You want to know why year-in-and year-out the Vikings are always a sleeper pick to go far in the playoffs, it starts with their incredible consistency and opportunity provided at quarterback.

The list reads like a Who’s Who. By comparison, the Chicago Bears, have had thirty-five men line up under center, and even this less-than-impressive bunch was able to muster 1 NFL Championship (1963) and Super Bowl (1986) in the years since the Vikings joined the league in 1961.

You will be treated a like a Rock Star. You will be treated like a God (relatively speaking of course). But most of all, you will get the attention you crave ten-fold once again on sports biggest stage as the leader of one of the league’s most revered and consistent teams.

Your legacy once thought tampered, will be restored as you prove the naysayers wrong and add to your lone trophy case. The only question will be whether the Vikings would dare put you in their Ring of Honor in the Vikings Hall of Fame or whether you’d dare were purple in your induction ceremony in Canton whenever that comes.

But most of all, you’d have the unique opportunity to be the face of an entire stadium campign that has been in neutral since 1997 after years of failed legislative attempts and proposals. Talk about exposure. Talk about media attention!

Imagine going up the steps of the State Capitol in St. Paul and lobbying alongside owner Zygi Wilf, Vice President of Legal Affairs and Stadium Development Lester Bagley, Rob Brzezinski VP of Football Operations, or Steve LaCroix VP of Sales and Marketing among other officials, decked in purple, serving as lead cheerleader in the newest wave of stadium proposals in the aftermath of the media hype off the Super Bowl Win!

How long do you think it would take the legislators to react favorably knowing the passion the team brings to the state, not to mention national swagger with their history of less than colorful characters not seen on other Minnesota sports teams?

How long do you think it would take for even the most pessimistic legislator to give approval knowing you just delivered on a lifelong goal that had been eluding an entire four state fan base all of their legislative lives and careers?

How long do you think it would take for those legislators, beaming with state pride, many of whom are likely Vikings season ticket holders and fans themselves to get caught up in the moment and agree to the funding that had been so evasive in the past?

I’d say about a week or so. If given the opportunity, the Vikings better strike while the iron is hot and use Brett Favre to his full contractual advantage while they got him and while he still is a media darling.

 

The House that Brett Favre Built

That’s the power only you and your mega celebrity status could bring to a region that was forced to “hate” you for sixteen years while you were in America’s Dairyland. How ironic and fairytalk fitting would it be if you helped your once arch rival achive the goals that have eluded them the most?

Before the made-for-TV soap opera ends, you could be a new state icon, forever enshrined as one of their own. More ME-dia attention! More self-satisfying legacy! You can’t put a price on that and you can’t make this stuff up.

Regardless of how the Brett Favre fairy tale ends, I remain confident all along that worst case scenario, at the eleventh hour, the state legislature will get something done before the 2011 Metrodome Lease expires.

You see, people like the Twins. After the threat of contraction in 2001, many people got back on that bandwagon (winning helped too). Having a bad team was certainly better than having no team. People like the Wild.

In a state that pride’s itself as the “State of Hockey” despite having never won and titles at its highest level of competition offered (NHL) its high schools and colleges are loaded each year with the nation’s top prospects and athletes vying for the draft.

But people absolutely love the Vikings.

Like I stated, they give the team the most national exposure in the nation’s most popular sport.

They give them team the most press and swagger with their longest slate of success (36/48 seasons of .500 or better ball), and they give the state the most varying storylines from Ontario Smith’s embarrassing Whizzanator incident, to the Randy Moss years which, like former Governor Jesse Ventura, exposed Minnesotans to the more Rock Star atmosphere more suited for big city New York or bustling L.A. than the passive, laid back Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. Finally the 2005 “Sex Boat” controversy brought maybe the most banter from jocks all over.

Losing the Vikings to a market like L.A. for example, would all but seal the fate of any legislator who happened to vote against what would ultimately be deemed-a-last resort, all-or-nothing,moving-vans-are-a-coming bill. They have to know this, and this is why I doubt we’ll ever see that day.

In an evolving state that somehow got a new stadium for the backpage boys, the Minnesota Twins, one that I never thought I’d live to see having grown up a fan of the team and their small market epitome if their ever was one, to the brand new, about-damn-time TCF Bank Stadium for the perennial bottom feeding Golden Gophers, the truly ironic fact remains that the state’s most popular and successful team is going to be the last one to receive its stadium they covet.

At an average of 8-6 each season based on their 385 wins and 316 regular season loses, there is perhaps no more consistent team never to win the sport’s ultimate prize than the Men of Norway, the Minnesota Vikings.

Perhaps the fact that at likely $1 billion or more for all the bells and whistles rumored, to the probable development of land at its final location, the final stadium in the trio will also be the most expensive and thus, the delay. But for now at least we have a two or three year stop gap in TCF Bank stadium.

After legislation is passed in spring of 2011 and by the time they break ground that fall, to when the first game is played sometime around September of 2015, Brett Favre and the Vikings should just be entering their seventh year of marriage together with him being the 45 year old guy lined up under center, since we all know he’s never really going to retire…..

Can you see any other logical ending?

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Adrian Peterson Did the Work, but Brett Favre Deserves Some Credit

You’re right, Minnesota fans. Adrian Peterson deserves the credit for the Vikings’ 34-20 victory over the hapless Cleveland Browns.

Most of it, anyway.

Yes, 180 yards rushing isn’t easy to come by. And scoring three touchdowns, well, that’s the definition of “carrying” an offensive load.

Peterson, while every bit as dazzling and athletic as advertised, wouldn’t have had as much success on Sunday if it weren’t for Minnesota’s sound offensive line, quality play calling, and well-rounded supporting cast.

Having an elite defense doesn’t hurt, either.

But the main factor that is being glazed over is actually how “little” Brett Favre impacted the game statistically.

While NFL analysts and writers commented on how Favre’s presence made a world of a difference, all I see on B/R is how AP deserves 100 percent of the credit, how Favre “did nothing,” and that he’s still washed up.

But I don’t see it that way.

I actually even think it’s arguable that Favre will help AP in 2009 more than AP will help Favre.

True, Peterson is already the coined “best back in the league.” He already has an NFL rushing title, has topped 1,700 yards in a season, and with three scores on Sunday, is seven touchdowns away from three-straight seasons of 10 or more trips to the end zone.

Still, it’s hard to imagine him having that great of a game with Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels under center.

It’s not because he’s not good enough; he most certainly is. And it’s not because the Browns are a good defense; they most certainly are not.

But the way things were headed at half-time, with Cleveland taking a 13-10 lead on a Josh Cribbs punt return, the Vikings were in a sticky situation—one that begged Brett Favre to help them get out of.

Because let’s be honest…

Before Peterson put the game away with his 64-yard touchdown run, the game was still in question. It took a Favre touchdown pass to rookie Percy Harvin and another Favre-led drive to a field goal to give the Vikings a relatively convincing 27-13 lead.

Yes, Adrian Peterson was the man of the hour. He was the money-maker.

But Brett Favre’s presence behind center kept the Browns guessing, gave AP room to run, and lifted the Vikings over the Browns.

No, 110 passing yards isn’t much. But maybe we’re looking at the wrong numbers. How about zero interceptions?

How about a 95.3 passer rating? How about a 66.7 completion percentage?

Favre wasn’t Drew Brees or Tony Romo on Sunday. Both because he didn’t have to be, and he didn’t mind playing second fiddle.

And that’s why he’s the real MVP for Minnesota after Week One. Despite all of the cries toward his ballooning ego, he put it aside and let someone else take all the credit.

So, like it or not (like him or not) let’s give a little back to the old guy.

Read more Minnesota Vikings news on BleacherReport.com

Brett Favre and Percy Harvin: The Start of a Beautiful Friendship

If the Fox Sports broadcast team made one thing clear on Sunday, it was this: Brett Favre and Percy Harvin really dig each other.

Harvin admires how much Favre has to teach him. Favre admires how quickly Harvin learns. Favre loves throwing passes to Harvin. Harvin loves catching passes from Favre.

Harvin likes Favre’s beard. Favre likes Harvin’s tattoos. They’re thinking of getting an apartment together. Harvin is thinking of taking Favre’s daughter to dinner and a movie.

Or something like that.

If you get past the buddy-cop overtones of the rookie’s bond with the greybeard, though, you can’t help but notice that Farve-to-Harvin is shaping up to be Minnesota’s Next Big Thing.

Favre still hasn’t spent a full month in purple, and his ultra-conservative approach in the season opener—14-of-21 for 110 yards, one touchdown, and no picks—signaled that the Vikings aren’t ready to take off the training wheels yet. 

He completed more passes to running backs (five to Chester Taylor, one to Adrian Peterson) than he did to wide receivers (three to Harvin, two to Sidney Rice). Most of his throws amounted to extended hand-offs.

But when the Vikings got the chance to blow the game open following Cedric Griffin’s interception midway through the third quarter, Harvin became Favre’s weapon of choice.

After a Shaun Rogers sack pushed the Vikings back to 2nd-and-18 deep in their own territory and threatened to put the kibosh on the drive, Favre found Harvin in stride for 21 yards and the first down. Seven plays later, Favre connected with Harvin on back-to-back tries in the red zone—first to turn a 2nd-and-12 into a manageable 3rd-and-3, then to knife into the end zone for a 23-13 lead.

Favre punctuated the score, Harvin’s first as a pro, with a running tackle that made the quarterback’s preseason crackback block look downright tame.

Harvin had better get used to it: With Bernard Berrian still finding his way after a hamstring injury that cost him the preseason, and Bobby Wade out of the picture after leading the team in receptions last season, the first-year receiver will have plenty of opportunities for an encore.

Minnesota’s passing attack still has a long way to go in its quest for respectability. The Vikings aren’t going to rush for 225 yards a week, and in the long run, four first downs in the air won’t get the job done.

But the budding buddy-cop story about the old fogey from Mississippi and the young hotshot out of Florida might have a very happy ending.

In other news…

Fool Me Twice? Not This Time

After a direct snap to Josh Cribbs netted the Browns a first down on the very first series of the season, it’s easy to understand why Eric Mangini would be high on the concept.

But Cleveland’s use of the formation on consecutive snaps at the Minnesota goal line in the second quarter was a clinic in how to botch the Wildcat.

On 2nd-and-3 from three yards out, Cribbs took the snap and ran for two. When he lined up to take the snap again on 3rd-and-1, he might as well have been wearing a sign that said, “I’m the guy to tackle.”

And tackle him the Vikings did. Ray Edwards blew up the play in the backfield for a loss of two, and the Browns had to settle for a field goal.

The Wildcat works when the defense doesn’t know what’s coming. Take away the element of surprise, and it’s just a good way to subject your receivers to big hits.

You’re Gonna Want To Lock That Down

The first time the Vikings punted the ball away to Cribbs on Sunday, their special teams coverage looked stellar. Linebacker Heath Farwell teamed up with cornerback Karl Paymah to drop Cribbs after a three-yard return.

The second time they punted? Cribbs ripped off a 67-yard runback for a touchdown.

It was enough to invoke bad memories of the havoc Reggie Bush wreaked on Minnesota’s punt coverage last October, when the Vikings coughed up two of their league-worst four return touchdowns allowed.

Farwell, the team’s special teams MVP from 2007 who missed all of last year with a knee injury, was supposed to help stop the bleeding. So was Paymah, who led the Broncos is special teams tackles last season before coming to Minnesota as a free agent.

Cribbs, of course, is a proven threat in the return game. The fifth-year receiver has recorded seven career scores on kick and punt returns, including three in 2008. And the Vikings nailed him for a three-yard loss the next time he fielded a punt.

But giving away points on special teams is the kind of a problem that prevents a good scoring defense from being a great one.

If You Drafted Adrian Peterson…

…then you’re probably having a good Monday.

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Vikings Leave Much To be Desired, Despite a Convincing Win in Cleveland

The Minnesota Vikings were the victors in their week one bout with the Cleveland Browns, capping off the game with an outstanding 64-yard touchdown run by Adrian “All Day” Peterson (his third touchdown of the day).

In spite of the 34-20 on the scoreboard; however, I was all but impressed by the Vikings’ performance.

Disappointed, in fact.

Beyond Adrian Peterson’s 198 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns coupled with rookie standout Percy Harvin’s promising playmaking ability, little appeared different from last year’s Division winning Vikings team.

Don’t get me wrong, a 10-6 record is formidable, sure. But the Minnesota Vikings aren’t aiming towards the Division title. The Super Bowl, as many analysts and critics muse, is a very real possibility given the talent spread around this Vikings team.

The Vikings’ gaze is set upon the Vince Lombardi Trophy, as a team reminiscent of last year’s Wild Card runner-ups just won’t cut it anymore…especially given the tough division they’ve been dealt. It’s not quite the NFC West.

Now in all fairness, I don’t mean to dog on the Vikings, and I certainly don’t mean to downplay their achievements on Sunday afternoon. A 34-20 win is definitely not something to take lightly. With that being said, there were several blaring shortcomings during Sunday’s game, and unfortunately, they were the same shortcomings that held the Vikings from achieving their goals last year. For instance:

 

Special Teams

I’ll give the Vikings’ return game some credit. The addition of Percy Harvin has given the kick return a new, sleeker, meaner look. It’s only a matter of time before that guy finds the end zone on a kickoff. Also notable was the addition of punt returner Darius Reynaud, who averaged an impressive 27 yards-per-return with a long of 36.

However, the team that gave of six touchdowns on special teams last season—a league worst—failed to show any signs of improvement, giving up a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown by Josh Cribbs. In games such as their away game at Soldier Field last year, special teams touchdowns can be the difference between a win and a loss, as the Vikings gave up two special teams touchdowns and lost by seven points in that game.

 

The Passing Game

Again, to the Vikings’ credit, Brett Favre didn’t look like Gus Frerotte tossing three INT’s to one TD or anything, but the Vikings brought in Favre to strike fear into the opponents’ backfield, keeping them from stacking eight or nine guys in the box against Adrian Peterson (who still manages to have outstanding games, I might add).

That didn’t happen, at all.

Favre compiled 110 passing yards to five different players, while Peterson muscled through dehydration, cramps, and an arm spewing blood, to record 180 yards rushing, 18 receiving, and three touchdowns. This was all through the course of 25 rushes and one reception. Hardly, what I would call a passing game.

Granted, Favre isn’t necessarily supposed to be the Vikings’ gunslinger/quasi-franchise quarterback, but I can’t help but think back to the 1998 season when the Vikings brought in another star quarterback who was also well past his prime to lead the second most productive offense in the history of the NFL (only surpassed by the 2007 New England Patriots).

Randall Cunningham could throw the ball, and so can Brett Favre. I wouldn’t expect Favre to be as productive as Cunningham, necessarily. Let’s face it. Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice, and Percy Harvin aren’t Cris Carter, Randy Moss, and Jake Reed, but they aren’t incompetent oafs either.

Air the ball out, Brett!

Or maybe Childess: Let Brett air it out. Let Percy Harvin air it out. Hell, let someone throw the football!

Speaking of others throwing the football, this leads me to my final grievance about the Viking’s week one performance…

 

Where Is This Fabled Vikings’ Wildcat Offense?

I was dismayed that the Vikings didn’t let the cat out of the bag this week. Every third down, my heart fluttered a little bit as the Vikings broke from the huddle, and each time, it was crushed when Favre lined up behind center and Harvin lined up in the slot.

I can only speculate that the Vikings aren’t going to reveal anything about their rendition of the Wildcat, until they absolutely need to. If that’s the case, then I wouldn’t doubt if they withhold the Wildcat until their week four Monday Night Football brawl against their arch-rival, the Green Bay Packers.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Childress wants to keep their toughest opponents guessing, giving them as little to work with on film as possible.

Or things could actually be as they seem…a flashy paint job on an old vehicle. The same Minnesota Vikings we all know and love.

The team that always manages to fall just short.

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Minnesota Vikings’ Strong Start: Favre a Non-Factor, Peterson Dominant

On Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings executed the game plan they will use all season to help them to be successful in 2009.

Brett Favre was 14-21 for 110 total yards, with a touchdown pass to electric rookie receiver Percy Harvin. Even without an effective Bernard Berrian, Favre still got five players involved in the passing game, with Harvin being the lead recipient (three catches, 36 yards).

With Jim Brown in attendance, Adrian Peterson did his best impersonation of the legend by motoring around, over and through the Cleveland Browns for 180 yards on 25 carries. Despite suffering from apparent dehydration that required an IV at halftime, he still scored three touchdowns.

The Vikings defense looks to continue where it left off at the end of last year, as they allowed a good running team to accumulate only 89 yards on 20 carries. Minnesota is not going to need to score a lot of points to win games this year because of that fantastic defense.

However, for the Vikings to make a run at the NFC Championship this season, it is Peterson, not Favre, that needs to be the dominant force.

The next two games for the Vikings are very winable. They will make a trip to Detroit and then host San Francisco. Both teams have had defensive issues, and Peterson should be able to continue putting up enormous yards.

But the true test for Brad Childress and his staff will be in the fourth week, when Favre makes his first start against now-divisional rival Green Bay. The Packers have a talented offense and Favre’s heir, Aaron Rodgers, ready to throw the ball as much as needed.

The impulse will be for Childress to, at some point, get his owner’s $25 million-worth out of Favre and throw the ball more than 21 times in a game. If the Vikings can avoid the temptation to open up the passing game, the mere threat of Favre’s arm to opposing teams could be enough to lead to an incredible season for Peterson.

Harvin made a strong statement in his first NFL game, adding 99 return yards and 22 rushing yards on two carries. With his skills, and the other weapons on Minnesota’s offense, he could make a strong case to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year.

With a string of games like he had in Cleveland Sunday, he would be well on his way.

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NFL Season Opener Week’s Got Me Thinkin’ Bold Prediction Time

Ladies and gentlemen, it is finally here: That week that has me and countless millions of NFL football fans as giddy as little kids on their first trip to the zoo. Season kickoff week.

 

 

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2009 Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Football Preview

This article, and more previews, can be seen on Tab’s new fantasy football home, Top Fantasy Football.

Just like in Chicago, Minneapolis is selling jerseys for their new quarterback faster than they can put the letters and numbers on the jersey.

Both teams, and their cities, are excited about adding a quarterback with a big arm, but there are headaches from each quarterback’s past that both franchises have their public relations teams handling every day.

The similarities end there, though. Jay Cutler’s a nice, 25-year old quarterback with his entire career ahead of him still. Brett Favre is already one of the greatest of all time.

The addition of Favre is a fascinating issue to work through, both as a fan and as a fantasy owner. The implications of the two-year, $25 million contract on such a talented team could run ripple effects throughout a fantasy draft, both positively and negatively. For the Vikings, though, it’s up to Brad Childress and his staff to make everything work together to win games.

Quarterback: Brett Favre

2008 Numbers: 343-522 (65.7 percent)  3,472 yards  22 TDs  22 INTs

2009 Projections: 277-450 (61.5 percent)  3,100 yards  19 TDs  13 INTs

Thoughts:

This is a really, really tough situation to predict across the board for fantasy this season. The Vikings could go one of two directions: they could either get their money’s worth by letting Favre throw the ball 30-40 times a game with the talented receivers he has, or they could stay a running team with Adrian Peterson carrying the mail most of the offensive plays.

If the Vikings take the ball out of Peterson’s hands, they’re foolish. He’s their meal ticket, the bread winner of the franchise and should stay that way. Favre should be treated as the older, rented quarterback that he is and should be asked to, dare I say it, “manage the game” instead of being the headliner.

With Peterson in Minnesota, unless he gets hurt, the Vikings should continue pounding the ball all Sunday, every Sunday. That should bring Favre’s numbers back to the middle of the quarterback pool.

Considerations:

How healthy is Favre? Can he stay healthy? Will he be okay playing a supporting role to Peterson? Will the coaching staff be able to resist the temptation to let Favre be the Brett Favre fans have watched making plays for the last two decades? And can Favre avoid making the critical mistake?

Running Back: Adrian Peterson

2008 Numbers: Rushing – 363 att  1,760 yards 4.8 yds/carry     Receiving – 21 rec  125 yards    10 total TDs

2009 Projections: Rushing – 340 att  1,700 yards  5.0 yds/carry     Receiving – 15 rec  100 yards    12 total TDs

Thoughts:

Cut and paste everything I said about Favre here. If the Vikings know what’s good for them, you shouldn’t see a drop off in Peterson’s production and he should continue to be among the top fantasy running backs in the game.

Based on the preseason, there hasn’t been an indication that Peterson shouldn’t be consistent with his historical averages. In fact, if anything you should see his yards per carry go up (from almost five?) because teams won’t be able to load up the box as much because of respect for Favre.

Considerations:

Remember to be fully aware of your league’s scoring when considering a running back as early as Peterson generally comes off the board (top five overall picks). Many leagues on ESPN and Yahoo are scoring receptions, but not rushing attempts.

If that’s the case, you will want to consider that when thinking about Peterson, who isn’t a factor in the passing game. He’ll get you yards, and he’ll get you touchdowns, but there might be points left on the table with another back if receptions score.

One other point to consider is that Peterson puts the ball on the ground; he coughed the ball up nine times last year, losing four of the fumbles.

Wide Receiver: Bernard Berrian

2008 Numbers: 48 rec  964 yards   7 TDs

2009 Projections: 75 rec  1,050 yards   6 total TDs

Thoughts:

Berrian had a nice 2008 season, catching balls from Tavaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte. He averaged over 20 yards per reception and his seven quiet touchdowns were a surprising total for an offense that was so dominated by the running attack.

Because of Favre’s presense in Minnesota, Berrian should be a more significant factor on a weekly basis in the game plan. His reception total should go up, but, as I mentioned in my noted for Peterson, the respect for Favre’s arm will back up the secondary and there won’t be as much open turf around Berrian.

Considerations:

Favre has always been a big believer in tight ends in the red zone, and Percy Harvin’s athletic ability will make him a popular target as well. So while Berrian should see more of the ball and an increase in gross yardage, his touchdowns could decrease.

Tight End: Visanthe Shiancoe  SLEEPER

2008 Numbers: 42 rec  596 yards  7 TDs

2009 Projections:  85 rec  850 yards  9 TDs

Thoughts:

Favre has always found his tight ends, and Shiancoe’s athletic ability should ake him just as popular. Shiancoe came on late in the season and put up nice numbers, putting up very similar stats to Chicago’s Greg Olsen. This year, just like Olsen, he should see a pleasant jump in his scoring and he should be a nice sleeper to get you catches and touchdowns with decent yards as well.

Considerations:

Last year, Peterson was stuffed on six of 18 attempts inside their opponent’s 10 yard line. That should, in theory, make Shiancoe a popular red zone option. And Favre has historically looked for tight ends in the red zone, which builds the case for him to get more touchdowns. But fewer defenders in the box because of Favre, coupled with additional respect for Shiancoe’s abilities, should help Peterson get into the end zone more often.

Wide Receiver: Percy Harvin

2008 Numbers: n/a – Rookie

2009 Projections: 35 rec  400 yards   1,300 return yards   3 total TDs

Thoughts:

Harvin projects as a Devin Hester Light, used in a number of formations and handling the ball in any number of ways to simply get him, with the ball, into space. He could develop into a dangerous punt and kickoff returner, and could probably be counted on more for special teams touchdowns in his rookie year than receiving touchdowns.

Considerations:

He’s a rookie, on a running offense. He’s also listed at 192 pounds, which I’ll believe when I’m the mayor of New York. Like Hester, it won’t be easy for the Vikings to find ways to get Harvin the ball, but they won’t have to because of Peterson. He’ll get what he can, but will always be a threat to take it to the house.

Running Back: Chester Taylor

2008 Numbers: Rushing – 101 att  399 yards 4.0 yds/carry     Receiving – 45 rec  399 yards    6 total TDs

2009 Projections: Rushing – 125 att  440 yards  3.5 yds/carry     Receiving – 35 rec  440 yards    6 total TDs

Thoughts:

Taylor gets the hand-me-down yards from Peterson, but his versatility in the receiving game might make him a good late round pick in a deep league. The respect for Favre’s arm, and willingness to go deep, should raise Taylor’s yards per catch by pulling the secondary off the line of scrimmage.

Considerations:

He’s Adrian Peterson’s backup.

Defense/Special Teams

2008 Numbers: 20.8 ppg  45 sacks  12 INTs 0 Def TD   1,642 total return yards  1 return TDs

2009 Projections:  22.9 ppg  37 sacks  14 INTs  0 Def TDs   1,800 return yards  2 return TDs

Thoughts:

They have one of the best tackling corners in the game in Antoine Winfield and one of the best pass rushers in Jared Allen. They’ll continue to hold down opponents’ running games, and the addition of Harvin could get additional yardage and another touchdown on special teams this year.

Considerations:

The division around the Vikings improved. Jay Cutler is in Chicago, and he’s more mobile than Kyle Orton is in his best dreams. The sacks won’t come as easily, but the interceptions could increase. The upgraded talent might see opponents scoring more on the Vikings as well.

2009 Schedule

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A Look at The Minnesota Viking’s Rookie Class of 2009

The season starts next week, and thanks to three preseason games, we’ve got a good look at all the Vikings’ rookies. How do they stack up? Let’s take a look.

Round 1:  Percy Harvin, WR

There’s no doubt that Harvin is an immensely talented athlete. The Vikings are just beginning to scratch the surface of the ways they can use him, even if the vaunted Percy-cat formation doesn’t work out.

First round receivers usually don’t produce much until their second year, but Harvin has the skills to have an excellent rookie season.

Round 2:  Phil Loadholt, T

Loadholt’s answered a lot of questions after being handed the starting right tackle job almost immediately after being drafted.

He’s a raw, physical blocker who has had a solid preseason, but he definitely needs some game experience. He’s looked fine run blocking, but his footwork has been a bit suspect in pass protection.

Round 3: Asher Allen, CB

After starting off training camp hot, Allen’s buzz has cooled somewhat. It’s not that he’s playing badly, but more that he’s not been able to match his fantastic production from earlier in camp.

Still, he’s a lock to split time with Benny Sapp in the Vikings’ nickel package.

Round 5: Jasper Brinkley, LB

Brinkley’s a lock to make the special teams unit, where his straight line speed and hard hitting will be a boon to one of the NFL’s worst units from last year.

His understanding of the defense has improved significantly from the start of camp, and the Vikings seem very comfortable with Brinkley being the top backup to middle linebacker E.J. Henderson.

Round 7: Jamarca Sanford, S

Sanford has made a few good plays on special teams, but hasn’t really separated himself from the pack, especially playing behind last year’s preseason superstar safety Hussein Abdullah. Still, Sanford will probably make the team to improve safety depth, and hopefully another year of work will bring him more up to speed next offseason.

 

UDFA: Nick Urban, G

Urban was cut this week after failing to distinguish himself in a fairly mediocre guard unit. At least he has that job at Target to fall back on.

UDFA: Bobby Williams, WR

Williams won’t make the 53 man roster, but it won’t be for lack of trying. He’s had a solid camp, putting in a lot of work with Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels. He will probably slip onto the practice squad, and may eventually make the team.

More likely, he’ll turn out to be the Vikings’ Ryan Hoag, a preseason superstar year after year, who never makes it past the last round of cuts.

UDFA: Jon Cooper, C

Cooper is currently considered the Viking’s second best center, though Ryan Cook would probably start ahead of him in the event of a John Sullivan injury.

Still, there’s a lot to like about Cooper, a former linemate of Phil Loadholt at Oklahoma. In a few years, he could be starting someplace else.

UDFA: Ian Johnson, RB

Johnson has a great feel good story, leading Boise State to a Fiesta Bowl victory over the aforementioned Sooners on a trick play touchdown, and then getting engaged on national TV.

Unfortunately, the fairy tale is probably over for Johnson, who hasn’t played well enough in camp to supplant Albert Young as the Vikings’ third running back. Still, I think he has a chance of catching on with another team or sneaking onto the practice squad.

UDFA:  Vinnie Perretta, WR

I don’t know what the Vikings were trying to do here. Replay that Fiesta Bowl game during practices, I guess. Perretta’s a fine young guy, but he’s not going to make any teams this year. Maybe he can hook on to a Canadian or UFL squad.

UDFA: Antoine Smith, RB

Already cut. Smith was added to give a little depth to the training camp backs. He actually had a few nifty little runs in his limited playing time, but he’s not an NFL ready back. Might be a practice squad guy if they can’t hold onto Johnson.

UDFA: Colt Anderson, S

Colt Anderson filled the Vikings’ desperate need for a player named “Colt,” but not much else. He’s actually a fine player, if a bit small. I just don’t see him making the squad. Good training camp body though.

UDFA:  Nick Moore, WR

Moore wasn’t even that great a wide out in college. Just a warm body to run routes.

UDFA: Antoine Holmes, DT

The Vikings are actually hurting for young tackle depth, so I could see Holmes getting picked up for the practice squad. He’s got one of the most unintentionally hilarious MySpace pages, I’ve ever seen by the way. There’s a drawing of him as a Dragonball Z character, and it looks like it was made by a 14-year old girl. Pretty awesome.

UDFA:  De’von Hall, CB

The Vikings’ defensive backfield  is suddenly a bit crowded. Hall is a developmental player in a position where the Vikings need consistency. Possibly a practice squad guy, but he won’t make the team.

UDFA: Andy Kemp, G

Kemp’s a good run blocker who needs to work a lot on technique. While he’s not an NFL level talent yet, he’s a good pick to keep around, and maybe groom into a potential replacement for Hutchinson down the road.

Kemp would really have benefited from playing in a program like NFL Europe. Which is too bad.

UDFA: Juan Garcia, C

He’s just center depth, outplayed by Cooper in camp. He got a medical red shirt and a regular red shirt, so he spent six years in college. That makes him two years older than you want your developmental players to be.

UDFA: Tremaine Johnson, DE

Johnson adds good depth to a line that could use it. He’s probably not going to make an active roster this season, but if the Vikings take a roster hit later this year, I could easily see them adding Johnson, because he seems to have picked up the system pretty well.

Read more Minnesota Vikings news on BleacherReport.com

Brett Favre Debuts; Tarvaris Jackson Keeps Job; Vikings Beat Chiefs

On a day that both Minnesota sports teams defeated a Kansas City sports team with the Twins defeating the Royals 5-4 in 10 innings and the Vikings denying the Chiefs victory in the final seconds 17-13; the game of least relevance seemed to be the one that drew the most attention.

Brett Favre did the unthinkable as he walked out of the tunnel at the Metrodome in purple as a Minnesota Viking. Never has a Vikings preseason game been so packed and so loud prior to kickoff. However, Favre’s debut wasn’t exactly eye-popping.

Brett would only play two series and go 1-for-4 for four yards and took a few shots, but overall drew the largest standing ovation ever for a Vikings quarterback in recent memory.

Despite a lackluster day, Brett made a lot of decisions that made him look like a veteran star quarterback. On top of that, his lone completed pass to Percy Harvin showed the true arm-strength of Favre and catching ability of young Harvin in double coverage.

Two-Cents on Favre’s Start

If anyone was expecting 80 yard passes out of the gates, they were sadly mistaken. Favre is as nervous as the next guy playing for the team he had as a sworn enemy for 16 seasons. Lets not forget, he did just sign Tuesday.

Not to mention, who said this guy wasn’t going to make good chemistry with the team? Word has it that’s going with defensive end phenom Jared Allen hunting.

Percy Harvin only caught two passes for 9 yards, but nothing can be determined of his versatile value as the Vikings never did unveil Harvin passing or running the ball, however he did line up in the backfield on a couple plays.

The true gem of Friday’s game against the Chiefs however was the unexpected play of Tarvaris Jackson. Word on the street is that T-Jack’s job was suspect with the Vikings having four quarterbacks on the current roster. Childress has expressed the thought of keeping four and after Friday, he just might.

Jackson threw 12-for-15 for 202 yards and two touchdowns including a 64 yard strike to Darius Reynaud. A lot of rumors said that Jackson needed at least a 150 yard passing performence, at least one or two touchdown passes, and no foul ups (sacks or interceptions) which he easily was able to accomplish.

Jackson said of his performence, “Whenever you play well, you always feel good.Regardless of the situation or the circumstances, it felt good. It was a long week for me. It just shows that if you just stay focused, you’ll be fine.”

Jackson’s other strike included a 13 yard throw to tight end Visanthe Shaincoe on a jump ball.

A battle that seems to be drawing interest is surrounding third year running back Albert Young and the undrafted rookie free agent out of Boise State University, Ian Johnson. Both gathered good playing time and although Young got 17 yards to Johnson’s 9, the rookie also proved to be a receiving threat out of the backfield with two catches for 24 yards.

The Vikings will obviously have quite a fix with their crowd of four at quarterback and running back.

Notes:

Jared Allen (ankle), Sage Rosenfels (ankle sprain), and Bernard Berrian (hamstring) sat out of the game to rest fatigue-related injuries.

The Difficulties Of The Vikings Faithful…

It’s that time of year again. 

Once again the Viking faithful have had their team talked up for a deep playoff, and possible championship, run. 

Is this the year we finally shake off years of disappointment and reach our expectations, or will we once again be let down by the greatest tease in all of professional sports?

With all the talk about Brett Favre joining the Vikings, many other stories about this year’s squad have been overlooked. After a strong showing last year the team has improved in every questionable area. 

The defense, which ranked 6th overall and 1st against the run, will be getting E.J. Henderson back. Before getting injured last year, E.J. was playing very well and his return should give the defense a boost. 

Last year’s acquisition of Jared Allen added strength to an already solid defensive line, adding 14 sacks. Chad Greenway also had a great year, leading the team with 115 tackles. 

The only real loss on defense was Darren Sharper. While being an excellent leader, he only had one interception and, being 33, the team decided not to resign the veteran; starting duties will go to 2nd year man Tyrell Johnson. 

The offense last year again relied on the strong running of rushing leader Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor, finishing 5th in the league for team rushing, but also showed signs of things to come in the passing game. 

Bernard Berrian led the league in yards-per-catch and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe finally overcame a case of the dropsies, ending up with seven touchdowns.

The only major loss on offense was the departure of center Matt Birk, an intelligent leader for the offensive line. Birk’s duties are projected to be taken over by rookie John Sullivan and it will be interesting to see how the newcomer handles the pro game. 

Also new to the offensive line is massive rookie tackle Phil Loadholt who is expected to start opposite gigantic Bryant McKinnie, giving Favre a wall of muscle for protection. 

First round draft pick Percy Harvin is expected to be a versatile weapon both on offense as a wide receiver and possible “wildcat” option, and special teams as a return man. His speed will add more firepower to the already explosive skill position players.

The special teams, which struggled last year, also received a few changes by promoting assistant coach Brian Murphy. How he will change up the poor coverage teams has yet to be seen but the resigning of ace Heath Farwell will make his job easier. 

Chris Kluwe finished 6th among punters by averaging 47.6 yards a punt. If Murphy can straighten up the coverage problems, this unit can be solid.

I have talked about many areas of this year’s squad, saying very little about the one most interesting element; what about Brett Favre?

His addition should make the Vikings passing attack worthy of some defensive attention, opening up opportunities for the dangerous Peterson. If Favre can get opposing defenses to not stack the line with eight players keying in on the run, his acquisition will be worth the drama. 

But bringing in Favre also adds another, less talked about story to the squad. Which quarterbacks will secure spots on the roster?

Tavaris Jackson was expected to compete for the starting job with newly acquired Sage Rosenfels while the Favre drama played out. Now there are four quarterbacks gunning for three roster spots. 

Rosenfels looked composed in the preseason opener, while Jackson struggled, leaving the back up position up in the air. Also, what to do with 2nd year man John David Booty. 

Favre adds hall of fame experience and knowledge which could be used to mentor a young gunslinger, but who is the team going to stick with? Will it carry Jackson, and his contract, or groom in the young Booty? 

Seeking outside help from Favre shows the organizations doubt about Jackson being the future of the team and I think he may end up being the odd man out, being potential trade bait.

Once again, I sit brimming with excitement over the potential of this year’s squad, hoping against hope that they can bring it all together. Will our expectations be let down once again? 

We can only watch and see how it turns out, sitting on our couches with family and friends, appetizers and refreshing drinks by our side.  Doesn’t sound too bad to me.

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