2009 NFL Preview: Minnesota Vikings

By 49er16:

So anything exciting happen in Minnesota over the off season in Minnesota? Oh yeah, Brett Favre once again waffled on whether or not he would come out of retirement. But this time he wanted to play for the team he wanted the Green Bay Packers to originally trade him to. Brad Childress completely threw his quarterbacks under the bus, in his pursuit of Favre.

Well Favre said no to Minnesota, and Childress and the Vikings have to start over again. They brought in Sage Rosenfels to compete with Tarvaris Jackson. Jackson was benched last season in favor of Gus Frerotte. Frerotte was eventually hurt and Jackson started for Minnesota in the playoffs. And of course having T-Jack start in a playoff team against a world-class defense, Philadelphia, was a disaster. So where does Minnesota go from here?

Rosenfels or Jackson?: Sage Rosenfels is a 31-year old journeyman who has the penchant for committing a turnover during a key moments of the game. While Rosenfels is certainly an improvement over Frerotte, he's not exactly a barn burner.

Jackson on the other hand is just under-whelming. He won't kill you with interceptions, he only threw two last season, but he won't help you with his arm. He's a decent throwing quarterback who can run exceptionally. Right now both quarterbacks have had an inconsistent summer. So who wins the starting job, will be any body's guess.

They still have Adrian Peterson: Adrian Peterson has been a beast for Minnesota since arriving. And last year was even better than his rookie season. Peterson lead the league in rushing yards last season, 1,760, which was the most yards rushed by a sophomore running back since Eric Dickerson. So while Minnesota is searching for a quarterback, they still have a strong running back and offensive line.

Tempers: I think you can say that tempers fly at every training camp. And they eventually flied on the last day of training camp for Minnesota. After rookie receiver Percy Harvin was tackled and hurt, during a drill in which there was not suppose to be any tackling, Brad Childress called off the practice and told the team to go inside to watch film. One of the most overrated arguments is whether or not training camp fights hurt or help a team. It doesn't effect a team at all, tempers are just high because these guys are practicing in hot weather.

Percy Harvin: The Vikings first draft choice was Florida receiver Percy Harvin. And Minnesota has plenty of work for him. Harvin right now looks great as a returner for the special teams. But that's not all what he will do. Apparently Minnesota sees Harvin as their Wildcat specialist. Harvin was one of the most dangerous players in the open field at Florida and he could fit in right away at the wildcat position.

More Rookies: Besides Harvin looking good in his first training camp, the other Vikings rookies have looked great. Rookie offensive tackle Phil Loadholt has filled in nicely at the right tackle position. The right tackle position was a weak spot last year for Minnesota and Loadholt looks to be a vast improvement over Ryan Cook. The Vikings have also added depth in their already great defense with rookie cornerback Asher Allen and rookie linebacker Jasper Brinkley.

Awkward?: Minnesota drafted Boise State running back Ian Johnson. Johnson of course is the player who scored the game-winning two-point conversion in the dramatic 2007 Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma. And of course Minnesota's starting running back Adrian Peterson played for Oklahoma in the 07 Fiesta Bowl. He even scored two touchdowns. I wonder if these guys have had conversations about that game?

Schedule: Minnesota starts the season with two road games against Cleveland and Detroit then go home for two road games. The Vikings have to play the tough AFC North and the soft NFC West so the schedule is particularly tough for them.

Video: A look at Adrian Peterson's incredible two seasons in the NFL.



UPDATE!, VIDEO PART 2: JFein brought to my attention something I forgot about. Remember in the playoff game against Philadelphia when Tarvaris Jackson was body slammed by Eagles player Chris Clemons during an interception return?



Prediction: 10-6, 2nd NFC North, Despite their problems at the quarterback, the Vikings do field a playoff team. Their defense is one of the best in the league, especially their defensive line. Also they field one of the best offensive lines in the league to go along with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. They are a playoff team that will once again loose in the first round.