2007 Rankings
Rushing: 1st (164.6)
Passing: 28th (171.6)
Total Offense: 13th (336.2)
Run Defense: 1st (74.1)
Pass Defense: 32nd (264.1)
Total Defense: 20th (338.1)
What was the Vikings’ best move during the offseason?
No question the deal the Minnesota Vikings swung to get defensive end Jared Allen was by far their best move of the offseason. They may have paid a steep price, but lined up next to defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams, he should pay huge dividends. Allen is already among the best pass rushers in the league. With the attention that must be paid to the interior of the Vikings’ defensive line, though, he could take his game to an all new level. Which should be a scary thought for opposing offensive coordinators, who are going to have to figure out a way to control three Pro Bowl caliber players on that line.
Wide receiver Bernard Berrian was also a nice offseason acquisition even if they might have overpaid in the free-agent market to get him. He obviously isn’t the second coming of Randy Moss, but he will allow the Vikings to stretch the field vertically with his ability to get deep. His addition also allows the team to put Bobby Wade back in the slot, where he is a much more natural fit. And Berrian’s presence on the outside should open more things up for second-year receiver Sydney Rice, who showed a lot of promise as a rookie.
What needs to go right for the Vikings to succeed this season?
The Vikings ran the ball for nearly as many yards as they passed it in 2007, which means they have a great running game. Unfortunately, it also means their passing game isn’t where they would like to see it. And a lot of that is because starter Tavaris Jackson is still a raw prospect. Last year he had perhaps the worst mechanics in the league, but seemed to improve in that area as the season progressed. The team needs him to simply manage games and not make dumb mistakes. If they want to be an elite team, however, they need him to start winning games with his arm and not just tag along for the ride.
Other than the quarterback position, the Vikings don’t have a lot of big areas of concern. The offensive line, which is as strong on the left side as any in the league, faces an early challenge, though. They must withstand the loss of left tackle Bryant McKinnie to suspension over the first four games of the season because of violations of the league’s personal conduct policy. His loss for a quarter of the season, while not devastating, is a significant blow to the unit, and seven-year veteran Artis Hicks will most likely be asked to take up the slack in his absence. Hicks is capable of filling in on a temporary basis, but there’s no question the Vikings lose something with McKinnie sidelined.
Where will the Vikings finish the 2008 NFL season?
Like the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings are a team that is built to win now, but questions at the quarterback position could hold them back from reaching their potential. Their running game and ability to stop the opposing ground attack (both ranked No. 1 in 2007) should keep them in most games.
The difference between playoff contender and Super Bowl hopeful, though, is the performance of Jackson at quarterback. If he can manage games without giving them away, Minnesota should be in the playoff hunt this year. If he takes his game to another level, however, and forces teams to respect the Vikings’ passing game, the club would be considered Super Bowl contenders.
Prediction: 9-7 and second in the NFC North.
