NFL Preview: Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings 


Key Additions:
QB Christian Ponder (draft)
TE Kyle Rudolph (draft) 
QB Donovan McNabb (trade)
T Charlie Johnson (FA)
WR Michael Jenkins (FA)
DT Remi Ayodele (FA)
WR Devin Aromashadu (FA)


Key Departures:
DE Ray Edwards
WR Sidney Rice
QB Brett Favre 
QB Tavaris Jackson
LB Ben Leber 
T Bryant McKinnie 
CB Frank Walker 
S Madieu Williams
DT Pat Williams 


Report:

Brett Favre and Tavaris Jackson are gone, and the Vikings are ready for a new era at quarterback. First, they drafted Christian Ponder in the first round of the NFL Draft. Then when the lockout was over they traded for Donovan McNabb. McNabb is a good fit for the Vikings. McNabb is a player that can make plays with his arm and his feet, and it should be easier with the type of running game that they have. RB Adrian Peterson is considered the best running back in the league. Backing him up is RB Toby Gerhart. While Peterson was injured Gerhart played well, and is a perfect third down back. WR Sidney Rice left for Seattle which leaves Minnesota without a proven receiver. WR Percy Harvin must prove whether he can handle the duties of a number one target. WR Bernard Berrian continues to underachieve after being signed by the Vikings. TE Visanthe Shiancoe will teach rookie Kyle Rudolph how to succeed in the NFL. The offensive line has a bunch of holes. They signed T Charlie Johnson following the release of Bryant McKinnie, and he should be an upgrade from the aging McKinnie. G Steve Hutchinson is getting older and more unreliable. 

The defense was ranked 9th against the the run and 10th against the pass, but can they continue that after all their losses. The defensive looks strong again with the return of DE Jared Allen and DT Kevin Williams. They also added DT Remi Ayodele to replace Pat Williams. They must find someone to take over the departed Ray Edward's position. At linebacker Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson are back, but Ben Leber is gone. The Vikings plan for Erin Henderson to be his replacement. The secondary is glad that they are getting CB Cedric Griffin back from injury. While Griffin was gone Minnesota relied on Asher Allen and Chris Cook. They did not do well as offenses were constantly attacking them. At safety Husain Abdullah enojyed a good season, but opposite to him is inexperienced Tyrell Johnson.  


K Ryan Longwell is a good kicker and Chris Kluwe is a good punter. Minnesota has WR Percy Harvin, a lightning quick player, returning kickoffs.


Review:
Minnesota finally feels like they have solidified the quarterback position for years to come. I expect McNabb to have a good season, along with Adrian Peterson. But when I look at the team as a whole I see too many wholes for this team to compete. The defense and offensive line is to shaky for me to consider this team for the playoffs.


Division Finish: TBA