| Andrew Perna & The RGM Minnesota Vikings Board. 18th April, 2008 - 4:34 pm
 Here at RealGM our hearts beat thanks to the thousands upon thousands of posters that frequent our forums on a daily basis. With the NFL season still months from kicking off, but the ever-important NFL Draft a little more than a week away, what better time than now to check in with the people who care about football even more than some of the players on the field?
2007 Record: 8-8
Additions: Bernard Berrian, WR, Madieu Williams, S, Gus Frerotte, QB
Subtractions: Tank Williams, S (NE), Mewelde Moore, RB (PIT)
Draft Picks: 17th
The Answers
1. What was the best thing(s) that happened in 2007?
deeney0: Adrian Peterson.
A.J.: Peterson.
$$D-Block$$: Peterson emerging as a top back right away and watching him team with Chester Taylor to become the best duo in the NFL. Also, the team buying into Brad Childress's philosophy after an embarrassing loss to Green Bay, which led to a five-game winning streak.
hermes: Peterson.
klomp44: 296.
revprodeji: Peterson easily but also the progression of Childress as a coach and Jackson as a quarterback. Another positive was the defense maintaining its strength after losing Mike Tomlin to the Steelers.
2. What was the worst thing that happened in 2007?
deeney0: Some might say Jackson not emerging (but playing just well enough to get one more shot), but I'll go with the complete lack of a pass rush.
A.J.: Not making the playoffs.
$$D-Block$$: Losing to the Redskins at home when a win would have gotten us into the playoffs, another year where our 'promising young defensive ends' did nothing, terrible play calling, and the misuse of player’s strengths early in the season.
klomp44: Either the diagnosis for Kenechi Udeze (leukemia) or the injury to Peterson.
revprodeji: The worst thing to happen would be Udeze's cancer. If Peterson had not fully healed from the knee injury than that becomes the biggest issue, but I hear he is fine.
3. Who had a breakout season?
deeney0: Peterson.
A.J.: Peterson.
$$D-Block$$: Our line-backing unit. After being among the worst in the league in 2006, all three positions are now strengths on the team. E.J. Henderson's emergence was particularly impressive.
hermes: Peterson.
klomp44: I'm going to say Udeze. Everyone was ripping on him because of 2006, but he came out and had five sacks, which tied for the team high. It’s just too bad that the season ended on a low note for him.
revprodeji: I can’t say that a rookie had a breakout season. Perhaps Chad Greenway, essentially a rookie, but having come back from a nasty injury. Udeze played much better as well and Jackson continued to improve (I expect a breakout from him this fall). Maybe you could say Childress?
4. Who was the biggest disappointment?
deeney0: Udeze and Erasmus James.
A.J.: James.
$$D-Block$$: James. He's really only ever been impressive in the preseason and seems to get injured the minute the season starts. Udeze had a better year than he did in 2006, but still hasn't lived up to expectations.
hermes: James.
klomp44: I'm going to be different and say Troy Williamson. Coming into the season, he had somewhat higher expectations after working at the NIKE camp catching passes all summer. It obviously didn't help him.
revprodeji: It has to be James or Dwight Smith.
5. How could the team have been more successful?
deeney0: Tarvaris made a couple of key mistakes down the stretch that kept the Vikings out of the playoffs. Playcalling was often an issue. A.D. is better rushing with three wide receivers – giving him an extra blocker just makes it more crowded, which wasn't figured out until the last couple of weeks. Despite being a rushing team, they threw probably 75% of the time on third and short. Why do you throw on third and short with Peterson in the backfield?
A.J.: Better quarterback play.
$$D-Block$$: Consistency at quarterback is key. Jackson is still developing, but needs to learn to not put his body in danger so he can stay on the field. Coaching got better towards the end of the season and now that he's in his third year, Childress should have this team ready to take the next step. Consistent pressure off the edge could do wonders for this defense if opposing quarterbacks are forced to get rid of the ball faster.
hermes: More balanced offense, which means better quarterback play.
klomp44: Any semblance of a passing game. A lot of blame is being put on Jackson, but the receivers also need to catch the ball.
revprodeji: This is seen in what we addressed in free agency. We needed a deep threat to take away the box and a safety that would not get burned in coverage. I think the offensive coordinator needs to have plans for the whole game. His first series is great, but after that he lacks bite. Being able to get a rush on the opposing quarterback, would have helped as well.
6. What do you make of the team’s offseason progress at this point?
deeney0: I'm happy with it, because they addressed almost all of their needs. They still desperately need a pass rusher though.
A.J.: Very good, if not better.
$$D-Block$$: The team did a great job of targeting players and going out and getting them. The addition of Madieu Williams, Bernard Berrian, and Thomas Tapeh gives us three immediate starters.
hermes: It has been very good, with the Berrian signing being huge.
klomp44: Pretty good. I like our signings so far, and it helps that there won't be a #4 in Green Bay next year.
revprodeji: We have not addressed the defensive pass rush issues. Other than that we have addressed our biggest needs with very good players. I am very happy with our offseason.
7. Where are the team’s biggest needs in the draft?
deeney0: A pass rusher, without a doubt. We are still weak at receiver and tight end. They also need another quality defensive back.
A.J.: Defensive end, offensive line and cornerback.
$$D-Block$$: As of now the biggest needs on the team are defensive end, offensive tackle and safety. Other needs that may be addressed in later rounds include tight end, defensive tackle and linebacker.
hermes: Defensive end, cornerback, offensive tackle and quarterback.
klomp44: Running back. Just kidding, probably a defensive end or tackle.
revprodeji: A left defensive end, tackle and cornerback. Perhaps depth at linebacker and a project, second day quarterback to be a future backup.
8. Who do you hope the team drafts with their first pick?
deeney0: I’d love to find a way to get Derrick Harvey. I wouldn't mind reaching on Philip Merling or Calais Campbell either, it would be better than taking someone like Kenny Philips or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
A.J.: Harvey.
$$D-Block$$: We need help in a lot of areas, so going ‘best player available’ seems like the best option. The most likely candidates are Harvey, a tackle (Jeff Otah, Chris Williams or Ryan Clady), or maybe even Quentin Groves. Even though I don't see quarterback as a need, Brian Brohm may be an option as well.
hermes: This could go a lot of different ways. So I'll say the best player available if he fills a need – that would be a bonus.
klomp44: Best player available.
revprodeji: I’m an advocate of ‘best player available’. If one of the top-three defensive ends are there, or one of the top-four offensive tackles, then I’ll be very happy. Merling is often projected to be, and I feel he would make a very good, left defensive end with what we are trying to do.
9. Which player will be on the hot seat in 2008?
deeney0: Jackson and coach Childress. I think it ought to be playoffs or bust, baring something unusual.
A.J.: Jackson.
$$D-Block$$: Jackson is going to have to show growth and, more than that, lead this team into the playoffs in order to keep his job. Without a playoff berth, I don't see T-Jack being the starter at the end of the season.
hermes: Jackson.
klomp44: I'm going to be different and say Bryant McKinnie. If he slumps this year, after the offseason troubles he's had, I think things could get interesting.
revprodeji: We understand the baby steps with Jackson, but continued progression and good health will be expected. He has a legit number one wideout now, a young growing number two and a very good slot receiver – not to mention the best running back in football. He is on the hot seat, but I expect him to breakout. You could also say Childress is on the hot seat as he heads into his third year.
10. What are the realistic expectations for 2008 at this point?
deeney0: If Tarvaris stays healthy and doesn't make stupid mistakes, A.D. stays healthy, the Vikings can find some semblance of a pass rush and players like Pat Williams, Darren Sharper, Antoine Winfield and Matt Birk don't start to seriously show their age...Vikings will be in the playoffs.
A.J.: The NFC North champs.
$$D-Block$$: Considering how well the team performed in the second half of the season against some good teams, including the Super Bowl champs, the playoffs are definitely the goal for this team. Depending on how well we come out of the gate, and how well Aaron Rodgers performs in Green Bay, a division title isn't that farfetched either.
hermes: The playoffs, possibly even the NFC North champs.
klomp44: It’s hard to say, but I think a winning record is realistic with the talent we have.
revprodeji: Nine to ten wins and the NFC North title if they address the left defensive end situation. I feel with our depth and youth we can perform well, even with the typical injuries.
Surf over to RealGM’s NFL forums to weigh in on your favorite team as we continue to hold ‘Summit’ conversations on each of the league’s thirty-two teams. |
