Minnesota Vikings 2005 Preview

By John Onan  |   Monday, August 22, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Minnesota Vikings
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This will be the 3rd season, and a pivotal one, for Mike Tice at the helm of the Minnesota Vikings. Tice has been one of the most often criticized coaches in the league the last two years, as his team has limped to the finish line both years, missing the playoffs in 2003 and almost repeating the feat last year. Randy Moss has been shipped to Oakland, but the Vikings still boast a strong array of weapons on offense.

Strengths: Even without Moss, quarterback Daunte Culpepper will still put up big passing numbers with four great receivers. Nate Burleson and Marcus Robinson are a formidable pair of starters. When you add 1st round pick Troy Williamson and former Baltimore Raven Travis Taylor to the mix, Minnesota is deep at this position. They will miss the big play ability of Moss, but they will be well balanced in 2005. Tight end Jermaine Wiggins is off a career year with 71 catches, and is a threat in the middle of the field.

A glaring weakness for the Minnesota Vikings last season, the pass defense, can now be considered a strength, with the arrival of CB Fred Smoot from Washington and safety Darren Sharper from division rival Green Bay. Antoine Winfield was the only dependable cornerback last season, and he and the other safety Cory Chavous will benefit from having the new guys in the fold. Minnesota ranked 29th last season defending the pass, this new group sets them up as a possible top ten unit.

The Minnesota Vikings bring back most of the same crew of offensive linemen from last season. As long as Matt Birk is healthy at center, the middle of the line will be as solid as in years past. On the outside, having RT Mike Rosenthal and Jim Kleinsasser back in the mix after their 2004 seasons ended early will help also. Rosenthal broke his foot in week two, and Kleinsasser was lost a week before the regular season opener with a ruptured ACL.

Weaknesses: Despite the fact they have some depth at running back, none of these guys have established themselves as a "feature" back. Injuries problems in 2004 caused the Minnesota Vikings RB situation to resemble a revolving door. It seemed like a different guy was starting every week. With Onterrio Smith suspended, Michael Bennett gets first dibs with Moe Williams and Mewelde Moore adding support. It would be good for the offense to have some stability back there this year; makes it easier on the linemen and Culpepper.

The Minnesota Vikings must strive for continuity on defense. While the secondary should be improved right away, it'll take time for the front seven to develop chemistry with all the new faces. The acquisition of Napoleon Harris helps in coverage and having Sam Cowart and Pat Williams in the middle helps to defend the run. How they gel with the holdovers will be the key to improving on some poor 2004 numbers. Tice has usually had his team come out of the blocks quickly, then fade late. It could be tougher this year with the new faces on defense.

The Vikings have some big questions to answer on special teams. Williamson and Moore look like the top candidates to return kicks. Aaron Elling and Paul Edinger are competing for place kicking duties, and veteran Darren Bennett should open the year as punter. Bennett was a former All-Pro with the Chargers, but his numbers have been in a steady decline the last few years.

Overall: Even without Moss, this offense led by the top passer in the NFC. Daunte Culpepper will rack up yards and points. The defense will improve, but how much is still the key question. Can Mike Tice motivate this team to play hard every week? Will they fall apart in the second half of the season again?

The sky is the limit with the 2005 Vikings and I would be surprised if they don't make the playoffs. There is simply too much talent not to win consistently. I see them going 11-5 and winning the NFL North Crown.
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