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2009 Team Report: Minnesota Vikings

Quarterbacks

Starter: Brett Favre
Backup(s): Sage Rosenfels, Tarvaris Jackson, John David Booty

Starting QB: The soap opera continues as Brett Favre signs a 2-year contract in the middle of August to quarterback the Vikings. Favre is a first ballot Hall of Famer who, even last year, was productive until a torn biceps ligament derailed his season. He has surgery to correct that in order to facilitate a return, but did not correct a partially torn rotator cuff. At his age, and with a torn rotator cuff, Favre's injury risk is much higher than most assume (almost everyone assumes Favre will play 16 games each and every year), but if he can manage to stay on the field, he's a clear upgrade for the Vikings over Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson. Favre benefits from knowing the Vikings offensive system (it's very similar to the WCO he ran in Green Bay) but still has precious little experience practicing with his new receiving corps. Gone are the days when Favre will throw 600+ passes, Adrian Peterson is too talented to not feature. But that may help Favre as, for once, he gets to be a part of a winning formula rather than the main ingredient.

Backup QB: The Vikings gave up a fourth-round pick to get Sage Rosenfels and then gave him every indication he would replace Tarvaris Jackson as the Vikings starter. But with Brett Favre officially signing, Rosenfels finds himself in a familiar place -- veteran backup. Rosenfels is a gunslinger in the Brett Favre mold, but unfortunately doesn't throw as many TDs to go along with a high number of turnovers. Last year, as a part-time starter in Houston, he threw six touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. Also of concern is his lifetime TD to INT ratio of only 30 to 29. Still, he is a big, strong passer with decent mobility and has completed over 65 percent of his passes over the past few seasons. It certainly appears that Tarvaris Jackson is destined to be released or traded at this point. He had a poor effort in the playoff game against Philadelphia and that likely sealed his fate for the 2009 campaign. However it should be pointed out that he is young and he did manage to toss nine touchdowns against just two interceptions in limited duty. He also had two good games to end the regular season in 2008, throwing for 230+ yards in both games against the Falcons and Giants. He is a talented kid, and it is too early to write him off completely.

Running Backs

Starter: Adrian Peterson
Backup(s): Chester Taylor, Albert Young
Fullback(s): Naufahu Tahi

Starting RB: Adrian Peterson is a man amongst boys, literally in every sense of the word. He is almost unstoppable at times and only his take no prisoners approach can derail him due to injuries. Peterson rushed for 1,760 yards last season on 363 carries. At 6'2 and 217 pounds, he is a load to tackle in open space as he can run through a defender or around him with his exceptional agility. The only concern in regards to his game in 2008 was the nine fumbles. He will have to cut that number down, but Peterson is only 24 years old and still maturing as a player.

Backup RBs: Peterson is one of those rare running backs that come one every few seasons, but the Vikings have a great backup as well. Chester Taylor is a quick, powerful running back in his own right. He is the perfect compliment to Adrian Peterson, spelling him when needed and capable of 20+ carries per game if called upon. He has caught 40+ passes in three of the last four seasons. He is a multifaceted running back that could start on a number of other teams around the NFL.

Fullback: Naufahu Tahi is there to block for the talented running backs on the roster. He will do his job well.

Wide Receivers

Starters: Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice
Backups: Percy Harvin [R], Bobby Wade, Glen Holt

Starting WRs: Bernard Berrian had a difficult season to breakdown in 2008. He only managed to catch 48 passes, which is a very low number for a WR1. However, he did average 20.1 yards per catch and scored seven times. Some of the blame for the low reception total likely falls on mediocre quarterback play, but the club needs him to improve that total this season. He may be miscast as a primary receiver but would be ideal as the WR2 in an offensive scheme. The other starting receiver currently is Sidney Rice, who caught four touchdowns last season. However, that is taking a 'glass is half full' approach to analyzing his season as he only managed to grab 15 total passes on the season with a horrible 9.4 yards per catch. Both veteran Bobby Wade and new rookie Percy Harvin will push for playing time and Rice could slide as low as fourth in the depth chart unless he improves.

Backup WRs: The Vikings added a missing ingredient through the draft this year by selecting Percy Harvin in the first round. He has a first step that is second to none and his explosiveness will give defenses nightmares as they try and prepare for the power running attack only to be hit with blinding quickness from Harvin several times per game. He will carry the ball, catch screen passes and cause havoc all over the field. Great pick for the Vikings. He may beat out Sidney Rice for the WR2 position in order to have him on the field making plays more often. Bobby Wade had a productive season in 2008. His statistics were almost identical to his 2007 campaign (53 receptions for 645 yards and two touchdowns), and he will slot into the picture somewhere as well. The other receivers are simply role players who will have a minimal impact.

Tight Ends

Starters: Visanthe Shiancoe
Backups: Jim Kleinsasser, Garrett Mills

Visanthe Shiancoe had a breakout season for the Vikings last year, setting career highs in receptions, yardage and touchdowns. He finished as the fifth-best fantasy tight end in 2008; his previous high had been 32nd. It is unlikely he will finish that high again in 2009, so expect him to slide back down the ladder this year. However, he is a big, strong target over the middle and it is possible he develops some chemistry with new quarterback Sage Rosenfels and has another solid campaign. Shiancoe is the clear-cut No. 1 tight end with veteran Jim Kleinsasser being nothing more than a blocking tight end at this point in his career.

Place Kicker

Ryan Longwell, Taylor Mehlhaff : In 1998, Gary Anderson scored an NFL record 164 points for the Vikings. In the nine subsequent years, they averaged only 99 kicking points a year. Last year Ryan Longwell scored 127 points, and the Vikings ranked seventh in kicker scoring for their first Top 10 appearance in a decade. Longwell has been relatively consistent since joining the Vikings, hitting 21 of 25 (84.0 percent) field goals in 2006, the 20 of 24 (83.3 percent) in 2007, and 29 of 34 (85.3 percent) last year. He has been perfect from under 40 yards each of the last three years, except for two kicks that were blocked last year. Longwell was at the bottom of the standings on kickoffs in 2006, so he spent the off-season working on them and rebounded the last two years. That makes the Vikings signing of Taylor Mehlhaff, as a potential kickoff specialist, seem a little odd.

Kick and Punt Returners

Kick Returners: Darius Reynaud, Glenn Holt, Chester Taylor, Asher Allen, Adrian Peterson, Jaymar Johnson, Benny Sapp, Percy Harvin

The Vikings annual search for a kickoff returner once again has plenty of potential players. WR Darius Reynaud showed promise (8 returns, 25.1 avg.) after being promoted from the practice squad towards the end of last year. Free agent acquisition WR Glenn Holt averaged over 24 yards in each of his years with Cincinnati and scored once in 2007. RB Chester Taylor had experience returning kickoffs from his years with the Ravens, and had 10 returns with a 23.4 avg. for the Viking last year. Third round draft pick CB Asher Allen averaged 24.6 yards on kickoff returns at Georgia. The team was willing to occasionally use RB Adrian Peterson in 2007 (16 returns, 25.8 avg.), but not as willing last year (one return for 11 yards). Speedy WR Jaymar Johnson averaged 18.5 yards on kickoff returns during his college career at Jackson State. CB Benny Sapp averaged 24.9 yards during his senior year at Northern Iowa, but didn't fare as well for Kansas City in 2007 (15 returns, 16.7 avg.). First round draft pick WR Percy Harvin did not handle returns at Florida, however the Vikings have tried him in that role in practice.

Punt Returners: Bernard Berrian, Bobby Wade, Percy Harvin, Jaymar Johnson

The two Vikings who posted the best numbers on punt returns last year were/are too busy on offense to be given more work on special teams. WR Bobby Wade averaged 11.7 yards on his 3 returns. After struggling with hanging onto the ball on punt returns with the Bears in 2005, Wade became a reliable returner for the Titans and now the Vikings. Another ex-Bear, WR Bernard Berrian, also put up strong numbers on limited work (7 returns, 16.3 avg., 1 TD). Jaymar Johnson averaged 9.6 yards and scored once during his college career at Jackson State. After two straight years in the top ten in fantasy returns, the Vikings slipped to 19th in 2007 and to 21st last year.

Offensive Line

Projected Starters: LT Bryant McKinnie, LG Steve Hutchinson, C John Sullivan, RG Anthony Herrera, RT Phil Loadholt
Key Backups: C Ryan Cook, G/T Artis Hicks

If rookie Phil Loadholt can step into the starting lineup and play with poise, the grade for this unit probably goes up to an A. He looks to be a dominating run blocker but could struggle against the pass rush. Ryan Cook and John Sullivan will battle for the starting center position vacated by long-time Viking Matt Birk. The left tackle, left guard and right guard positions are set with good players.

Team Defense

In 2008 the Vikings were again a Top 10 defense in any scoring system. They finished above average in scoring, yardage allowed, sacks and takeaways. DE Jared Allen and the DT tandem of Pat and Kevin Williams form three quarters of a line that is devastating against both run and pass. MLB E.J. Henderson returns after a season-ending foot injury. He was extremely productive in 2007, adding 5.5 sacks to his stout run support play. The unit's only offseason departure was veteran safety Darren Sharper, and the Vikings were prepared for that as last year's second-round pick Tyrell Johnson will step in. Role players like OLB Chad Greenway and FS Madieu Williams have the talent and instincts to generate big plays alongside the disruptive talent in the front seven. The Vikings unquestionably deserve consideration as the second or third DST off the board, but prospective owners will want to confirm that the ongoing court case against Pat and Kevin Williams ends favorably this summer before drafting them ahead of another top tier defense like Baltimore or the New York Giants.

Defensive Line

Starters: DE Jared Allen, DE Ray Edwards, DT Kevin Williams, DT Pat Williams
Backups: DE Brian Robison, DE Jayme Mitchell, DE Kenechi Udeze, DE Otis Grigsby, DT Fred Evans, DT Jimmy Kennedy

Starting DL: Jared Allen, acquired prior to the 2008 draft, is arguably the best all around defensive end in the NFL and brought a much-needed pass rusher to the Vikings. Allen has averaged more than 50 solos and 12 sacks over the last four seasons, including a league leading 30 sacks in the last two years. Lining up opposite Allen is Ray Edwards, who had a disappointing 2008 season. Edwards, who predicted he would have 20 sacks last year, only had 4.5 and that was a career high for him. On the inside for the Vikings are Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, generally regarded as the best DT combo in the league. They are a big reason why the Vikings are annually among the league leaders in run defense. Kevin Williams had a huge year in 2008, racking up 61 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Pat Williams is still a solid player at 36 years old and has averaged over 40 solos per game over the last seven years.

Backup DL: Brian Robison is the top backup at DE and he could compete for a starting job if Edwards doesn't show improvement. Robison, like Edwards, was disappointing last year, finishing with only two sacks after having five as a rookie the year before. Jayme Mitchell returns and will compete for playing time as well as helping on special teams. Kenechi Udeze hopes to return this year after missing the 2008 season with leukemia. He has had five sacks twice and if healthy, should make the team as a backup. Otis Grigsby will battle for a roster spot. Fred Evans is the primary backup at DT. With Pat Williams turning 37 during the year, Evans could see more playing time. Jimmy Kennedy is a former first round pick who has been a major disappointment. The Vikings lack depth at DT and Kennedy has a chance to earn a backup spot there.

Linebackers

Starters: MLB E.J. Henderson, WLB Chad Greenway, SLB Ben Leber
Backups: MLB/OLB David Herron, MLB Jasper Brinkley [R], LB Erin Henderson, OLB Heath Farwell

Starting LBs: Starting middle linebacker E.J. Henderson missed a majority of the 2008 season after tearing his ACL and with some players taking up to two years to fully recover, it is unknown how well Henderson can play this year. Henderson was on pace for his second straight 90 solo tackle season before being hurt in week 5. When healthy, he is one of the most consistent MLBs in the league. Chad Greenway had an outstanding season last year, finally living up to the billing that made him a first round pick in the 2007 draft. Greenway finished with 115 tackles, five sacks, and three forced fumbles. Ben Leber returns to start at strong-side linebacker. He is very good in coverage and an adequate run defender. Leber played some in the middle last year when injuries ravaged the Vikings at that spot.

Backup LBs: David Herron started three games at middle linebacker after starter E.J. Henderson was hurt. He can also play OLB and can contribute on special teams. Herron finished with six tackles in the three games he started. Rookie LB Jasper Brinkley will compete for playing time as a backup MLB and should contribute immediately on special teams. Erin Henderson, brother of E.J. Henderson, will compete for a roster spot. Heath Farwell is a dynamic special teams player and capable backup. He missed the entire 2008 season after tearing his ACL. Farwell had a combined 57 tackles in the last two seasons that he played.

Defensive Backs

Starters: CB Antoine Winfield, CB Cedric Griffin, FS Madieu Williams, SS Tyrell Johnson
Backups: CB Charles Gordon, CB Benny Sapp, CB Asher Allen [R], CB Marcus McCauley, CB Karl Paymah, SS Eric Frampton, FS Husain Abdullah, FS Jamarca Sanford [R]

Starting DBs: Antoine Winfield is one of the best all around cornerbacks in the league and arguably the best run defending CB. Winfield is annually near the league lead in tackles among DBs. In the last four full seasons that he has played, Winfield has had more than 80 solo tackles. Lining up at the other corner is another physical player, Cedric Griffin. Like Winfield, Griffin is an excellent run defender. Griffin has topped 80 solos the last two years. After missing the first half of last season with a neck injury, Madieu Williams returned and played solid football for the Vikings. He was acquired prior to the season after spending his entire career with the Bengals. Williams racked up 42 solos and had a couple of picks in his nine games. With the departure of Darren Sharper, Tyrell Johnson will start at the other safety spot. Johnson replaced Williams last year and racked up 21 tackles in his seven starts.

Backup DBs: Charles Gordon returns this year after missing the last seven games in 2008 due to a broken leg. He was the nickel back for the Vikings prior to being injured last year. Gordon played a total of 25 games in the last two years and he racked up 62 solos and added two picks. Another competitor for nickel back duties is former Denver CB Karl Paymah, a dynamic special teams player who also started five games at CB in the last two years. Benny Sapp is in the mix to be in the nickel and dime packages. Sapp had 22 tackles and two picks last year. After a 54 solo rookie season, Marcus McCauley struggled last year and he will be fighting for a roster spot this year. Rookie Asher Allen will be in the mix for a backup spot at CB. Eric Frampton will compete for a backup safety spot along with Husain Abdullah and seventh round pick Jamarca Sanford.

Last modified: 2009-08-20 08:43:39