The New Vikings: No Longer an Offensive Powerhouse

By Krupka | Tuesday, November 15, 2005 | ( 0 )

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The days of the Minnesota Vikings relying on their offense to win games are over. Ever since trading all pro wide receiver Randy Moss the offense has suffered. Coupled with an injury to all pro quarterback Daunte Culpepper, the Vikings identity changed from an explosive high octane offense to a more conservative offense relying on quarterback Brad Johnson's veteran leadership, the defense and special teams.

There was a time when the Vikings would heave the ball deep downfield play after play, break off long runs, and score quickly. Their defense would give up plenty of yards, and it would be up to the offense to win the game. At the same time the offense would turn the ball over a lot putting the defense in an uneasy situation.

Since Daunte Culpepper's injury forcing Brad Johnson into the starting role, the Vikings offense and team identity has changed dramatically. With Johnson in, the Minnesota Vikings run more timing routes, have thrown much shorter passes, and run the ball tremendously more. They try to win games with their defense and protecting the ball on offense. While the offensive yardage has gone way down, the mistakes have decreased dramatically. In both games, Brad Johnson played mistake free football and did not turn the ball over, the offensive line had fewer penalties, and the Vikings are 2-0 under Johnson's leadership.

In Johnson's two games at the helm, the offense has put up 285 yards and 137 yards respectively. Johnson has only thrown for 136 yards and 144 yards in the two games. However, the Vikings defense has forced 8 turnovers combined in the two games, and intercepted Giants quarterback Eli Manning 4 times on Sunday. The defense has also only given up 14 points, and then 21 points to the highest scoring offense in the NFL.

Throw in the extra special play of the special teams in the past two weeks and you have a formula for success. Protect the ball, use field position, and play good defense. Could it be possible the Vikings are a better team with Brad Johnson at quarterback rather than Daunte Culpepper? It's tough to say. Daunte brings scrambling ability, a great arm, and is an all pro. However, it's tough to argue with the results so far. Brad Johnson, zero mistakes and a 2-0 record. One of those wins against a first place team on the road.

The Minnesota Vikings are no longer an offensive juggernaut, yet they are a more balanced team. Again I pose the question: Are the Vikings a better team with Brad Johnson at quarterback?

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