Minnesota Vikings 2008 Season Preview

Minnesota Vikings Preview: Overview

The Minnesota Vikings finished the 2007 season with an 8-8 record which was good for second in the NFC North but not good enough to qualify the Minnesota Vikings for the playoffs. The 8-8 record was an improvement on the previous season’s 6-10 record but the Minnesota Vikings failed to make the playoffs for the third season in a row. On paper, the Minnesota Vikings had all of the ingredients necessary for a playoff run but poor quarterback play held the team back. The Minnesota Vikings must find better play at that position if they want to advance in the NFC.

Minnesota Vikings: Offseason

Recognizing their weakness and lack of experience at the quarterback position, the Minnesota Vikings signed veteran QB Gus Frerotte who has played in a West Coast system before. Gus Frerotte has spent the offseason adjusting to Head Coach Brad Childress’s version of the offensive system. The Minnesota Vikings also added the much-needed depth at the position by drafting USC QB John Booty. At USC, John Booty was a Heisman Trophy candidate, held back by his inconsistency. John Booty has the balance and awareness to avoid pressure and may even compete for the starting job at quarterback. The Minnesota Vikings also added talented DE Jared Allen to an already strong defense.

Minnesota Vikings Preview: Offense

It may seem that the Minnesota Vikings favor a quantity over quality approach at quarterback. The Minnesota Vikings are currently five deep at the quarterback position with no real standout star. The likely starter is Tarvaris Jackson who has the confidence of the Minnesota Vikings organization in spite of the fact that he has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns in his career. The addition of veteran QB Gus Frerotte shows that the Minnesota Vikings are looking for a mentor for their young quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.

The Minnesota Vikings boast one of the best running offenses in the NFL. On the shoulders of their running backs, Offensive Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor, the Minnesota Vikings averaged over five yards per carry in 2007. The talented offensive line of the Minnesota Vikings is anchored by OL Steve Hutchinson and the right-side duo of Anthony Herrera and Ryan Cook has great size. Look for the Minnesota Vikings to continue to run next season until one of their quarterbacks proves talented enough to run an offense.

Minnesota Vikings Preview: Defense

In 2007 the Minnesota Vikings were the best in the NFL when it came to protecting against the running game. The addition of Jared Allen at defensive end will only strengthen their interior defense and make the Minnesota Vikings the best defense in the NFL. Young players Brian Robinson, Cedric Griffin and Chad Greenway make the Minnesota Vikings defense more versatile. With the defensive back corps of E.J. Henderson, Darren Sharper and Pat and Kevin Williams being joined by veteran safety Madieu Williams, the Minnesota Vikings are stacked with talent at every position, making them more than just a run-stopping team. The Minnesota Vikings defense is expected to make big plays in 2008.

Minnesota Vikings: Special Teams

Kicker Ryan Longwell struggled a bit with long kicks last season, only making one of four, but he did hit 20 of 24 field goals and 39 of 40 extra points. Punter Chris Kluwe added to the strong play of the Minnesota Vikings special teams by placing almost half of his 81 punts inside of the 20-yard line. The Minnesota Vikings signed free agent Maurice Hicks to a three-year contract. Maurice Hicks comes to the Minnesota Vikings with special teams experience returning kicks and covering kick offs. Last season, Maurice Hicks averaged nearly 24 yards per return. Bobby Wade was the Minnesota Vikings top receiver last season while pulling double duty but with the addition of WR Bernard Berrian, Bobby Wade will most likely contribute more as a punt returner.

Minnesota Vikings Preview: Outlook

Though the quarterback position is posing more questions than answers, with a defense that only got better, the Minnesota Vikings are projected to be the top team in the NFC North this year. The quarterback play will mean the difference between being the top team in a deteriorating conference and being one of the top teams in the league. With a top-tier defense, the top running game and strong special teams play, the Minnesota Vikings are one well-rounded quarterback away from NFL prominence. One thing is certain, the Minnesota Vikings are sure to rock crowds at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.