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Minnesota Vikings Staff Report: Front Office
Published: May 19, 2009
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Coaching staffs are often the over-looked pieces of a team. They’re responsible for the team when they are victorious and are scapegoat when they falter.
For the Minnesota Vikings, it’s no secret that Head Coach Brad Childress is under a microscope with every flaw being carefully examined and nit-picked. Especially, under owner Zygi Wilf. One can only wonder heading into ’09 what plans and improvements they plan to make.
Today, I will be beginning a three-part series on the coaching staff of the Minnesota Vikings starting today with their front office officials that steer the direction of the team.
Minnesota Vikings Position Battles to Watch as Training Camp Approaches
Published: May 18, 2009
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The Minnesota State University: Mankato has played host to the Minnesota Vikings training camp ever since 1966 (Before that, Bemidji State University played host to the Minnesota Vikings training camp from 1961-1965) and this year will be no different.
The Minnesota Vikings at this point have four remaining organized team activities before camp, but the potion fights are on the card and stamped for mid July.
Many teams go out over the offseason to improve a team’s week spot through free agency or the draft, still, I am a firm believer that there is no substitute for answering a need from within and letting the players on the roster solve the dispute for the position.
Competitive nature is what makes football what it is and is the truest form of showing a player at their best, but what battles will the Vikings be watching heading into camp? Let’s take a look…
The Minnesota Vikings Players on the Bubble Heading Into Training Camp
Published: May 17, 2009
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Training camp can bring a rush of emotions to young players who are searching for a shot to play on a team. Some are simply trying to cling to the team for dear life.
It can also bring out the best in players through the spirit of competitiveness. There is no truer form to judge who is best qualified to be a start on a NFL team then whom is the greater competitor.
Which ever the case, the Minnesota Vikings have certain players on the verge of finding themselves either out of a job or outgunned for their position in 2009. Some veterans are also finding themselves in trouble as they are being outplayed on the field and can see the writing the wall of what 2009 will bring.
Where will these misfits fit (or not fit) in?
1998: The Year That Made a Generation of Minnesota Vikings Fans Believe
Published: May 16, 2009
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Many seasons that define a franchise are not just the years that a record is broken. It’s not always the year a goal is met. It’s not always the year a promise is kept.
It isn’t always the year that a team wins the Super Bowl.
It’s defined by the adversity, the passion, and everyone’s personal story converged to one. A sense of unity. It’s this that defines a true champion.
To those who remain faithful in Minnesota, a championship has eluded them, despite four appearances, but nothing to show for it.
The Vikings currently have a division-leading 17 division titles and a division-leading 25 playoff appearances, despite having the shortest history of all NFC North franchises. They also have are tied for the most Super Bowl appearances (4) in the NFC North all-time.
Despite the fact, that the Minnesota Vikings have had arguably the most successful history in the NFC North, they remain without rings, a Lombardi trophy or anything to call their own… except a season; a year that will remain in the minds and hearts of all Minnesota fans of recent history and generation that defined the franchise and showed that even though a team may not be projected a winner, projections to decide passion, focus or dedication are the true measure of what a team needs to have to be successful.
After a second season of disappointment for the Minnesota Vikings, head coach Denny Green had just finished the 1997 season. The Vikings had finished the regular season 9-7 and just barely catching the playoffs, among the four teams (of five) in the NFC Central Division.
The Vikings began the playoffs by facing a potent New York Giants team in the Wild Card round. By half time, the Vikings trailed the Giants 22-13. However, to everyone’s surprise, with less then 90 seconds remaining, the Vikings came back to win the game 23-22.
It was the first time since 1988 that the Vikings had won a playoff game, and Denny Green’s first as head coach.
The win showed the potency and dedication of the club, but was dashed away a week later in the divisional round as the San Fransisco 49ers defeated the Vikings 38-22.
Green knew that with the talented squad before him, he needed to make a big grab in the NFL draft to make this offense a thriving one and to take their shot before time ran out.
He long had hoped that the character plagued Randy Moss of Marshall would slip to them at pick 21. To their surprise, they spared no time taking the dynamic receiver.
Many immediately criticized Coach Green for his foolishness to take such a player with off the-field-issues, but Green had faith in his veteran receiver Cris Carter to help shepherd the young receiver to one day be his successor.
Another player memorable from the 1998 draft was the sixth round pick, center Matt Birk from Harvard. As the all-pro center Jeff Christy faltered to injury late in the 1998 season, the young Birk made a surprising impact as a rookie who would for many years to come become a staple in the offensive line.
To many people’s surprise, however, young Randy Moss was behaving himself and proved to be a big time player in training camp training with veteran Cris Carter.
Through camp, many faces began to show their personality and general focus for what they had hoped to bring to the squad in ’98. These players being the key veterans Cris Carter, John Randle and Randall McDaniel.
In a more political light, the organization wanted there to be an owner with a more superior control to guide the team rather then have ownership split amongst the private investors. As such, the team was sold to San Antonio, Texas business man, Red McCombs.
Then began the preseason. The Vikings went straight through the preseason without much distress, cruising through all four games to be 4-0 in the preseason. Then began the real test.
The Vikings opened their 1998 season against the then division foe, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. To open the season, the young Randy Moss made an immediate impact as he caught four passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns. The Vikings would go on to win the game handily 31-7.
That would only be the start of a unexpected season to come. The next week, the Vikings would head into St. Louis to face the Rams and a high octane offense starring Marshall Faulk and escaped with a 38-31 victory.
They then faced three straight division opponents in the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers and pulled off victories. They never scored any less than 29 points.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Venue | Record |
| 1 | 09/06/1998 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W 31-7 | HHH Metrodome | 1-0 |
| 2 | 09/13/1998 | St. Louis Rams | W 38-31 | Trans World Dome | 2-0 |
| 3 | 09/20/1998 | Detroit Lions | W 29-6 | HHH Metrodome | 3-0 |
| 4 | 09/27/1998 | Chicago Bears | W 31-28 | Soldier Field | 4-0 |
| 5 | 10/05/1998 | Green Bay Packers | W 37-24 | Lacmbeau Field | 5-0 |
| 6 | Bye | — | — | — | 5-0 |
| 7 | 10/18/1998 | Washington Redskins | W 41-7 | HHH Metrodome | 6-0 |
| 8 | 10/25/1998 | Detroit Lions | W 34-13 | Pontiac Silverdome | 7-0 |
| 9 | 11/01/1998 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | L 24-27 | Reymond J. Stadium | 7-1 |
The Vikings would go on to one of its best starts in franchise history, an unbelievable 7-0. The Vikings soon became one the two frontrunners in the NFL for a Super Bowl bid along with the Denver Broncos led by re-surging John Elway.
It was at this point the Vikings would lose its first game of the season against the very team they beat in the first game of the season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Raymond James Stadium, 24-27.
What happened next, I remember well, as a 10-year-old boy who had just gotten introduced to this intriguing game of football. My father had finally been able to find a stable job for over three years and the company wished to reward him by giving him two tickets to a Vikings game.
The date was Nov. 8, 1998. It was a cool day. I remember donning my father’s old Alan Page sweater that he had from when he was young man watching the ‘Purple People Eaters’ at the old Metropolitan Stadium.
The seat was Gate F, Section 119, Row 2, Seat 12, right behind the endzone. I walked into the stadium as the smell of hot dogs, brats and beer filled the air, all foreign to young boy like myself. I had been to a couple Minnesota Twins games, but nothing like this.
The noise in the stadium was unlike any other I had ever heard. As the Vikings entered, the roar intensified and I found myself screaming along with them, somehow uncontrollably as if I had been hypnotised.
The opposing New Orleans Saints entered the stadium and like the rest of the crowd, I expressed silent disregard for the out of town opponents.
The Vikings would defeat the Saints 31-24 handily thanks in large part to the play of Robert Smith and Brad Johnson.
To this day, I remember that day as my biggest sports day of my life. In large part for what it brought to my relationship to my father and to my love for football.
It was after this game that the Minnesota Vikings became 8-1 and never looked back.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Venue | Record |
| 10 | 11/08/1998 | New Orleans Saints | W 31-24 | HHH Metrodome | 8-1 |
| 11 | 11/15/1998 | Cincinnati Bengals | W 24-3 | HHH Metrodome | 9-1 |
| 12 | 11/22/1998 | Green Bay Packers | W 28-14 | HHH Metrodome | 10-1 |
| 13 | 11/26/1998 | Dallas Cowboys | W 46-36 | Texas Stadium | 11-1 |
| 14 | 12/06/1998 | Chicago Bears | W 48-22 | HHH Metrodome | 12-1 |
| 15 | 12/13/1988 | Baltimore Ravens | W 38-28 | Ravens Stadium @ C.Y. | 13-1 |
| 16 | 12/20/1998 | Jacksonville Jaguars | W 50-10 | HHH Metrodome | 14-1 |
| 17 | 12/26/1998 | Tennessee Oilers | W 26-16 | Vanderbilt Stadium | 15-1 |
The Vikings would then put the cruise control on to become the third team in NFL history to win 15 games in season. Twelve of their 15 wins came by a margin of at least 10 points.
The Broncos would end the season as the best team in the AFC with a 14-2 record, making the Vikings by records the best team in the NFL in the regular season.
The Vikings also led in Pro Bowl participants for the ’99 Pro Bowl with ten representatives including:
- QB Randall Cunningham (3704 Pass Yards, 34 TD’s, 10 INT’s)
- RB Robert Smith (1187 Rush Yards, 6 Rush TD’s, 2 Rec TD’s)
- WR Cris Carter (1011 Rec Yards, 12 Rec TD’s)
- WR Randy Moss (1313 Rec Yards, 17 Rec TD’s)
- T Todd Steussie
- G Randall McDaniel
- C Jeff Christy
- DT John Randle (10 Sacks)
- LB Ed McDaniel (7 Sacks)
- K Gary Anderson (35/35 Field Goals)
The Vikings were at the top of the world and were going to get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. From the outside looking in, they had done what no one could have imagined.
There were many reasons for their success to that point. For one, Denny Green had been stockpiling this talent for near eight years heading into 1998.
Even more so, the offensive mastermind behind this explosive offense was none other then Brian Billick, who would become head coach of the Baltimore Ravens that next year in 1999 and lead them to a Super Bowl victory in 2000.
It also came down to the unexpected and explosive play of young Randy Moss, who highlighted his best performance against the Dallas Cowboys on national television with three catches for 163 yards, all three for touchdowns! He went on to set a record of 17 touchdowns in a season by a rookie.
On top of just Moss, the combination of Cris Carter and Jake Reed, easily No. 1 receivers on any other team, made this receiving corps among the most dangerous in history.
Another reason for their success was the consistent play of their kicker Gary Anderson, who not only kicked 35 of 35 field goals during the regular season (a first by an NFL kicker), but made every extra point as well.
Robert Smith’s unexpected healthy season also factored into the Vikings’ success, playing 14 games in 1998. It also helped Smith that he had three Pro Bowl lineman blocking for him in Todd Steussie, Randall McDaniel and Jeff Christy.
Lastly, it was the play of the Vikings defense led by Ed McDaniel and John Randle that kept opponents to 296 points in the regular season. Randle would go one to have the most sacks by a defensive tackle in a career in the NFL.
As the Vikings enjoyed a week to relax, their divisional opponents, the Arizona Cardinals led by Jake ‘The Snake’ Plummer defeated the Dallas Cowboys 30-7 to advance from the Wild Card round on to face the Minnesota Vikings in the Divisional Round.
The Vikings would easily handle the Cards in a 42-21 throttling and a full speed ahead into the NFC Championship game.
It was here that the Vikings faced their ultimate test against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons, like the Broncos, had gone 14-2 during the regular season. The game would prove to be the ultimate game for deciding the NFC representative in the Super Bowl.
After putting the game in their favor, the Vikings lead 20-7 just before halftime. Some would argue that the Vikings got greedy with their play-calling after that, as they called a deep pass play on 3rd down, which led to a Cunningham fumble deep in Minnesota territory. Shortly thereafter, the Falcons scored to cut the lead to 20-14.
The Vikings were again leading 27-20 with two minutes left in the 4th quarter and had a chance to potentially put the game out of reach with a field goal.
However, kicker Gary Anderson who had gone 35 for 35 in the regular season, missed a 38-yard attempt which would have sealed the Vikings victory. Instead, it allowed the Falcons to tie the game.
The Vikings got the ball before regulation expired, but opted to down the ball and take their chances in overtime even though they had arguably the most dynamic offense in NFL history.
The Vikings won the toss, but ended up punting after three quick plays that accumulated for little.
Afterwards, the Falcons would drive down into Minnesota territory, coincidentally, for a 38-yard field goal, the same the Gary Anderson missed. Kicker Morten Anderson for the Falcons made the kick and sent the Falcons onto the Super Bowl where they lost to the Denver Broncos 34-19.
The Minnesota Vikings then became the first and only team to ever go 15-1 and not make the Super Bowl.
The Minnesota Vikings would go on to the playoffs two years under Denny Green. In 1999 the Vikings got in as a wild card with 10-6 record, but lost in the divisional round. In 2000, the Vikings returned to the NFC title game, but were mangled 41-0 by the New York Giants.
After of which, Denny Green’s Vikings went 5-11 in 2001, leading to his timely removal from the head coach position.
The Vikings have since not seen the NFC Championship and would only see the playoffs again in 2004 when the Vikings defeated their long hated division rivals the Green Bay Packers, only to be tossed aside in the divisional round by the Philadelphia Eagles.
It was last year, in 2008, that the Vikings finally returned to the playoffs, but once again were kicked out by the Eagles in the Wild Card round.
The Vikings fan base has as such not seen as great a team as 1998 Vikings and may never again see a team quite the same. Many hadn’t given Cris Carter, John Randle or Ed McDaniel any credit for their position until after the 1998 season.
It was year that made shaped the destiny for the team.
Now, 11 years later…
The Minnesota Vikings are making the moves to possibly make a similar run with similar circumstances to that of the ’98 Vikings.
Much like 11 years ago, the Vikings have drafted Percy Harvin, a wide receiver who is a big playmaker, but has off the field issues.
Once again, the Vikings have a defense that can hold its own and once again, the Vikings have an offense that is ready to become elite.
The 2009 season marks the next big opportunity for the this generation of Vikings fans, but none will know this franchise any differently then the way it became what it is in 1998, the year that got away.
The Minnesota Vikings Jigsaw Puzzle (Watch The Edges)
Published: May 15, 2009
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As the offseason now enters it’s final stages before training camp, teams are now fumbling their last minute grabs off of free agency. However, some teams, like the Minnesota Vikings, can only measure their offseason based on whom they didn’t resign.
The Vikings have been littered with many questions other then just who their starting quarterback will be come the start of the 2009 season. The Vikings face the looming issue of the end of 2012 season and no where to play in the state of Minnesota as they will have to leave the Metrodome.
On top of that, Brad Childress for a little over a season now has been pacing the Minnesota sidelines with a giant target on his back. Many have looked at his coaching style and find it too conservative for they type of players/talent they possess.
Although, with giant off the field questions hanging overhead, the Vikings face immediate issues with who will be playing on the field in ‘09.
Quarterback: (Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels, J.D. Booty, [Brett Favrte?])
Official Grade: C- (w/o Favre) A- (w/ Favre)
One could only wonder which QB from this platoon will be leading come late August. Tarvaris Jackson’s efficiency (or lack thereof) has kept him in the mix, but Sage was brought in for a fourth-round pick and is expected to out-duel Jackson for the job.
Booty could prove to be a delightful surprise if he comes out firing in camp, but to think he’ll outmatch both Jackson and Rosenfels is a bit of stretch. The naysayers still think the Vikings will trade for a QB using other players on the roster including but not limited to Chester Taylor, Tarvaris Jackson, or Sage Rosenfels. Sage wants the opportunity to start, and he’ll have that in Minnesota…assuming Brett Favre doesn’t sign.
As for this offense, they need a much better QB if they want to win the first Super Bowl title in the franchise’s history. Jackson is hardly first string material and Rosenfels has been a career back-up, much like the now recently departed Gus Frerotte. The only eyebrows that might be raised is if Sage clicks well or Booty makes a splash at camp…the former being more likely.
All the same, the intrigue of Favre could clear that final hurdle for the purple, but only time and a doctor will tell.
Running back: (Adrian Peterson, Chester Taylor, Albert Young, Ian Johnson) Official Grade: A+
What more can you say about the running back core if it boasts arguably the best running back tandem in the league? Adrian Peterson’s short career already has quite a list of mentionable achievements that could put place him in the Hall one day.
After leading the league last year in yards, the current single game record holder of yards in game with 296, NFC Rookie of the Year, and 2007 Pro Bowl MVP to name a few. Chester Taylor features probably the best number two running back numbers in the past couple years. These two are the centerpiece of the offense.
Add Percy Harvin to this backfield and it’s immediately lethal.
Interesting enough, former Boise State Bronco Ian Johnson, whom played against Adrian Peterson when he was a Sooner at Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl in 2007. It was long remembered as one of the finer Bowls in recent history. Irony that both starting running backs from that game are on the Vikings roster heading into camp?
Fullback: (Naufatu Tahi, Jeff Dugan) Official Grade: B
As the resigning parade continued, Tahi was tendered to come back to the Vikings, a move that will be remembered this offseason as a vital one. Tahi is a big impact on the Vikings primary running attack and remains a pivotal piece of the Vikings offense.
Dugan should resume his back up role as the H-back/F-Back and pass-block tight end.
Wide Reciever – (Bernard Berrian,Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, Bobby Wade)
Official Grade: B+/A-
Before Berrian joined this receiving core, it was a solid C- at best. A year later, and millions spent on Berrian, the Vikings have a true deep threat in Berrian, something they’ve been craving since Moss was sent to Oakland and Carter went on the shelf.
Sidney Rice was plagued with injuries last year and however reliable Bobby Wade is, he’s still a number three receiver at best.
The Vikings defiantly made a great move by grabbing Percy Harvin as a big time playmaker that could make an immediate impact. Harvin’s speed is explosive and has natural hands. One could expect that Harvin could have a big time career in Minnesota, if he’s healthy and stays out of trouble.
Tight End: (Visanthe Shiancoe, Jim Kleinsasser, Garret Mills) Official Grade: C-
Shaincoe is proving more and more to be an offensive threat, wherever he is on the field. He’s been of the more deeper threats lately seemingly because he isn’t being guarded by the fastest guys on the field. The resigning of Kleinsasser was a must.
Without him, this offensive line, now Birk-less would be average and thus making Peterson a much lesser threat. Shaincoe still has great upside and seems to have a nose for the endzone, but until he utilizes his height and athleticism, he’s still just an average tight end.
Offensive Line: (Bryant McKinnie, Steve Hutchinson, John Sullivan, Anthony Herrera, Phil Loadholt , *Artis Hicks, *Ryan Cook) Official Grade: C+
Without Birk in this line, it is simply average. Sullivan will be baptised under fire this year, fortunately for him, he’s got Steve Hutchinson on his left shoulder.
If McKinnie can prove his worth this year, he just may become a top-dollar tackle. Although,until he can stay out of trouble and overwhelm his opposing defensive ends, he’s a good tackle, but certainly not great.
Herrera is solid and should keep his spot at right guard despite the incoming fight for the job.
Phil Loadholt, the 6′ 8″ behemoth drafted in the second round by the Vikings should easily come in and take the starting right tackle spot. His large frame should prove to compliment left tackle Bryant McKinnie (also 6′ 8″) well.
Ryan Cook is too much risk nowadays. He’s had his better days, but when you’re getting flagged this much, you’re obviously trying to compensate for something. Cook could get moved back to center where he thrived at New Mexico State as a three-time All-American.
Word on the street is that Artis Hicks may earn a much desired spot as the new center. He certainly would deserve and fit the bill. Although it is quite likely Minnesota will keep Hicks as a versatile backup as he is much more valuable there.
Defensive Line: (Jared Allen, Pat Williams, Kevin Williams, Ray Edwards)
Official Grade: A
The two things Minnesota has as it’s bread and butter…running the ball and stopping the run. Jared Allen has made this line five yards short of immortal. Allen produced 14.5 sacks last year that Minnesota was craving, forcing trouble in the passing game which Minnesota has struggled with in recent years.
As a result, O-line’s and QB’s were more worried about Jared Allen and the Williams Wall then say…on first time Pro Bowl corner Antoine Winfield. The only factor that remains is that the Williams’ may have to see time out for anywhere from 1-4 weeks suspension, otherwise the league may have to fork up some doh. Either way, the line is strong enough to hold their own, even without the Williams’ Wall.
Linebackers: (E.J. Henderson, Chad Greenway, Ben Leber) Official Grade:B
Chad Greenway stepped up in only his second year of playing with the team (injured his rookie season). He led the team in tackles in 2008 with 115 tackles in the stead of the team captain, E.J. Henderson.
E.J. has been waiting for his year, his prime. Without a doubt 2008 was meant to be that year. Although the Vikings will be careful with him, expect E.J. to try and make up for his year of absence in a big way. With him healthy and if Winfield can play at the same intensity he did in 2008 the whole season, this defense could be downright scary.
Cornerbacks: (Antoine Winfield, Cedric Griffin, Charles Gordon, Benny Sapp, Marcus McCauley, Asher Allen) Official Grade: C
It’s hard for me to put a “C” grade of any sort next to Antoine Winfield, but he’s the only one really doing anything for this group. He achieved his first Pro Bowl selection in his 11 years in the league and is now enter the final year of his contract.
Griffin just received an extension and it’s an honest bet that the Vikings will try to find a consistent player with experience to add to the mix in the secondary probably to fill the role of the now departed Darren Sharper. Until Gordon, Sapp, and McCauley prove they’re more then just fill-ins, Griffin will have a solid hold on a CB spot, especially after they invested a lot of money in him.
Asher Allen, the Vikings third round pick, who’s been compared in ways Antoine Winfield, will be fighting for a spot in the nickel scheme and should prove to be a great pick up as long as injuries don’t plague him.
Expect a three to four year deal heading Winfield’s way before this season is over, despite the early setbacks. Griffin and Rice will be coming into this year to prove they are worth what they’re paid and worth what they are on their team’s depth chart.
Safeties: (Madieu Williams, Tyrell Johnson) Official Grade: C-/D+
With Madieu battling injuries through the last season, he’s yet to be proven on his new team since coming to the Vikings last year. Yes he’s a great player, but he needs to prove he’s durable and able to lead this secondary.
Tyrell is young, did well in his short stint in place of Williams last year, but only proved that he’s still too young to rely on. Johnson has a lot of potential, but only time will tell if this tandem can function well in transition. Although it is possibly they will grab a veteran safety to help the transition for Johnson.
Kicker: Ryan Longwell Official Grade: A+
Longwell has been flawless and you can only expect him to keep up his good work; going into 2009 after going 29-for-34, not missing anything under 30 yards, and perfect from beyond 50 in 2008.
Punter: Chris Kluwe Official Grade: C+
Kluwe and other members of the special teams may need to keep better eye and mind on what they do with the ball. The Vikings gave up a record amount of touchdowns on returns last season.
With a new special teams coach, this should be addressed ASAP. And as long as Kluwe doesn’t kick the ball to Reggie Bush twice in the same game when he already takes it back to the endzone once.
Kick/Punt Returners: (Chester Taylor, Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin)
Official Grade: B+
This was supposed to be solved with Maurice Hicks last year, but ended up being a complete flop. It seems the Vikings will look within to fill this void, but Taylor, Gordon and Berrian are defiantly good enough to do this if the need arises.
Not to mention with new acquisition Percy Harvin, the open field game could be flashes of Devin Hester-like returns if Harvin proves a deadly return man.
Coaching Staff/Ownership: (Brad Childress, Rick Spielman, Zygi Wilf) Official Grade: D-
There’s no telling where this team would really be if the coaching staff made some decisions that didn’t merit the term “pansy.” Childress’ lack of assertiveness in the Wild Card round of the playoffs this year probably cost the team the game in the final moments.
It is known fact that Childress sticks to his strengths, but to play a game like that with run plays in the final five minutes becomes asinine when you’re only a score away playing for your season’s longevity. All the same, Childress is now in his fourth season of his contracted five. He’ll be fighting this year to keep his job.
Spielman has done little to nothing to improve the team over the offseason into the 2009 season. Other then the resignings, the trade for Sage Rosenfels and an attempt to sign star wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Spielman has only prepped for the Draft.
It’s pretty clear to say Vikings fans were spoiled by the Vikings ’07-’08 offseason with the acquisitions of Bernard Berrian, Jared Allen and Madieu Williams. As such, when the Vikings made it clear a QB change was to be made, many thought this meant a big name QB would be leading this offense. Obviously that isn’t the case…yet.
Zygi Wilf. New Stadium. Failure. Need I say more?
Percy Harvin: The Best Thing That Ever Happend To… Brad Childress?
Published: May 11, 2009
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The Minnesota Vikings have been silent all offseason to answering their needs during free agency. On top of that, they scratched 78 names off of their potential draft picks before the big day, thus narrowing the field even more.
As such, many who were spoilt by Minnesota’s ‘09 offseason spending spree were deflated by the lack of activity from the Vikings this offseason.
Low and behold, the Vikings made a bold move in the NFL Draft by selecting Percy Harvin at No. 22 overall, a move that is considered very uncharacteristic of head coach Brad Childress and company. Even more so was the fact that it was a day-of-decision.
Harvin possesses the rare ability to take it the distance every time from several positions on the field. He has natural hands and a certain quickness that negates the mediocre 4.41 40 yard dash he did at the combine. He also comes with the achievement of being on two national championship teams.
He has great versatility to play around the offense, after Florida moved him around because of depth issues. As such, Harvin has played both running back and wide-out, with exceptional numbers. In 2008 he rushed for 660 yards and 10 touchdowns and caught for 644 yards and seven touchdowns.
With that said, the question the Vikings now face is how to use young Harvin in their offense with Adrian Peterson and Bernard Berrian? Will the Wildcat be born in Minnesota next to No. 28? Will the Vikings put Chester Taylor, Percy Harvin, and AP in the backfield? Will they set up a reverse? The possibilities go on and on.
How does this involve Brad Childress you might wonder?
To read more… click here.
