2008 NFL Preview > Minnesota Vikings Preview
2008 Minnesota Vikings Football Preview
Head Coach: Brad Childress
2007 Record: 8-8
Key Additions: DE Jared Allen, WR Bernard Berrian, QB John David Booty, QB Gus Frerotte, RB Maurice Hicks, S Tyrell Johnson LB Derrick Pope, S Madieu Williams
Key Losses: QB Kelly Holcomb, DE Erasmus James, RB Mewelde Moore, FB Tony Richardson, S Dwight Smith, WR Troy Williamson
Adrian Peterson stormed out of the gates last season for Minnesota, rushing for over 100 yards in three of his first four professional games and setting a single game rushing record with 296 yards rushing against the San Diego Chargers. The star running back totaled 1341 yards rushing and 13 total touchdowns in his rookie season, leading many observers to conclude that he could challenge the Chargers LaDainian Tomlinson as the premier running back in the NFL. Peterson’s stellar combination of speed and power, along with an aggressive upright style often makes him seem like a man among boys, in a league that consists of some of the most athletically gifted and tenacious athletes in the world.
2008 Minnesota Vikings Offense:
While the Vikings are set at running back with Peterson and former 1000 yard rusher Chester Taylor, quarterback remains a much bigger question mark. Tavaris Jackson will return for his third season in Minnesota, and his second as the full time starter. Jackson threw 9 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last year in an underwhelming performance. However, Minnesota is hoping its patience for the young, raw quarterback out of Alabama State will pay off this season. The offensive line is solid, especially the left side which features Pro Bowl caliber lineman Bryant McKinnie and Steve Hutchinson. The receiving corps will likely be improved, as the Vikings snatched deep threat Bernard Berrian from the Bears in free agency and are expecting progress from 2 nd year wideout Sydney Rice, who exhibited some potential during his rookie season. Nonetheless, the offense’s potential will depend on Jackson improving his accuracy and his ability to successfully read defenses and manage the game effectively. If Jackson struggles, Childress may take a hard look at Gus Frerotte.
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2008 Minnesota Vikings Defense:
The Vikings defense was nearly impossible to run on last season, allowing only 74 yards a game on the ground. Minnesota is anticipating that the acquisition of defensive end Jared Allen from the Chiefs will propel their defense into the NFL’s elite. Allen had a league leading 15.5 sacks last season and should provide the Vikings with constant threat of the edge, a vital component for a top tier defensive unit. The Vikings linebackers are big and athletic. Starters Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson have Pro Bowl potential. The secondary may be the defense’s weakest element, but the backline still functions at above an average level and features talented veterans such as Antoine Winfield and Darren Sharper.
2008 Minnesota Vikings Special Teams:
Kicker Ryan Longwell is typically reliable from inside 50 yards. Aundrae Allison may return both punts and kickoffs this season, although he could split kick returning duties with Maurice Hicks.
2008 Minnesota Vikings Expectations:
Now that Brett Favre has officially departed from the Packers, the Vikings are the clear favorites to win the NFC North. This season will be telling for Tavaris Jackson, as the young starter must clearly take command of the Vikings offense in order for the team to contend for a Super Bowl. Even if Jackson struggles, the Vikings strong running game and stout defense may be enough to capture a wild card spot in the NFC.
2008 Minnesota Vikings Prediction: 2nd place in the NFC North
By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer
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