It was a busy off season for me. After the Vikings lost to the Redskins last December and sent to me to another early season ending depression, I got busy. A complete career change, a Twins Spring Training vacation, one kick ass draft party at Winter Park, a few road trips for outdoor baseball games and one brand new baby girl later, I can finally write about the 2008 Vikings season.
Everyone is talking Super Bowl, and expectations are high for the team this season. The Vikings hauled in huge offseason pieces, trading for former Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive end Jared Allen, and signing deep threat Bernard Berrian from rival Chicago, along with safety Madieu Williams (Bengals) to boost the secondary.
Along with Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, Allen gives the Vikings one of the best defensive lines in the league. With a defense that can stonewall any running game, many fans and NFL gurus are chiding that the ‘Purple People Eaters’ are back.
The Vikings offense features a running game headed by All-World, All-Day Adrian Peterson (Yes, I drafted him with the #2 overall pick in my fantasy draft this year- the first time I have taken a Vikings in the 1st round since Randy Moss in 1998) who runs like a bucking bronco. With another great year from Peterson and fellow running back Chester Taylor, the Vikings could actually make the playoffs?
But the biggest question mark is still the quarterback. We all watched T-Jack play decent in preseason right? I mean, he was effective for the few quarters we saw, right? The positive Viking fan would say yes, but the realistic fans would still be reluctant.
There was a reason that Coach Childress and the Vikings to be excited with the possible acquisition of Brett Favre last month. Had the Vikings been able to land the former Cheese Head (aka Captain Intercepto) they would have durable quarterback, a proven veteran, a warrior who was familiar with the offense. But, the Packers made sure their guy didn’t land in enemy territory, leaving the purple with a young, green injury prone quarterback who is backed up by a decent veteran in Gus Frerotte
Looking at legitimate Super Bowl contenders like New England, Dallas, San Diego, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis, one observes a certain formula that all share; a veteran star quarterback, a pound it running game and a smash em in the face defense. The Vikings lack the first element.
My little 4-year old kid strongly disagrees. He thinks that T-Jack is the man, wears a #7 jersey, and calls him “da man.” He also thinks I am the greatest dad in the World. Maybe he is right?
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