Purple Project

I didn’t want to devote any time to Brett Favre but it’s hard not to acknowledge the master of the press conference. I’ll try to focus this blog more on Favre’s new teammates in Minnesota. The 2009 Vikings embody one of the top defenses in the NFL. They also have an upgraded offense and powerhouse backfield leader. All the Vikings really were missing heading into this season was a prolific passer. Now Head Coach, Brad Childress, has his team role model and outstanding quarterback to make the Vikings a complete unit. Barring a significant injury, there should be no excuses for Minnesota missing the playoffs.
The 2009 version of Favre isn’t exactly comparable to the 1996 Favre. However, the quarterback who constructed a legend in Green Bay is still an adequate and accurate asset behind center. He doesn’t quite inspire the fear he did as a Packer passer but Favre’s innate ability with the football immediately makes Minnesota a better offensive team. Favre ‘s Jets lacked a solid defense, pass rush and star receivers. His new team has all those components pretty much in place. The gradual strides at the wide receiver position will unravel the knots of last year’s tied up team. The enhanced and deep receivers give the Vikings a chance to be a series NFC threat. Free agent pick-ups a year ago, Bernard Berrian and Bobby Wade are locks to be roster regulars as receivers. Both will positively provide scoring opportunities with their playmaking prowess. The Vikings finally have a finished product at wide receiver since they traded away Randy Moss.
Explosive draft pick, Percy Harvin, joins the strong crop of seasoned professionals on offense. Harvin’s injuries are his main concern. The Florida receiver suffered a shoulder injury in practice and was held out of the Vikings’ preseason opener. Hopefully the shoulder won’t botch his season. The health of the former Gator is important to his success and it’s difficult to access his outlook and chemistry with veteran Favre. I watched Harvin excel with Tim Tebow on the National Championship team for Florida and his speed was exhilarating. The Vikings need him to develop a good relationship with whoever is their signal caller. Sidney Rice is a young talent Childress expects to contribute offensively too. Rice is a mature player with the right attitude to be an instant starter. Cincinnati castoff, Glenn Holt, is another viable option with sizable output. Jaymar Johnson and Darius Reynaud illustrate additional receiver representation and could find themselves catching superb spirals from number four. Johnson seems to be the favorite to snag a spot. The 2008 sixth round draft pick is noticeably larger in stature and can also return punts. Harvin is projected to handle kick returns but Johnson has appeared comfortable in the role as well.
The Vikings are coming off their first ten win season in eight years. Berrian is the Vikings best wideout. He endured a hamstring injury in the preseason opener against the Colts and his return is unknown. The purple-clad quarterback should be able to keep defenses honest with his package of Pro Bowlers on his side. Favre’s experience on the field should allow flexibility in Darrell Bevell’s accentuated offense. Adrian Peterson is the most dangerous running back, and perhaps most dangerous player in the game. He can still improve his pass blocking and work on his route running. Adrian is a quick learner and the coachable former Sooner is as ambitious and focused as ever. Peterson is preparing for another 1,700 rushing season in Minnesota. Last year he became the first player in team history to lead the league in rushing. In just two years with the Vikings, Peterson has accounted for 22 touchdowns. Adrian is a special breed but Childress likes to replace him in third down situations. That’s when Chester Taylor takes over. Taylor lead the NFL with 25 catches on third downs in 2008. Iowa tailback, Albert Young, spent last season on the practice squad, but was the most impressive star in the preseason opener. He rushed for 58 yards and a team high 14 carries. Young is battling rookies Antone Smith and Ian Johnson for backup.
The Vikings have a unique situation at quarterback. Favre is the number one starter but his back-ups are no slouches. All are unproven commodities but capable of managing the game. There are few recognizable differences between Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson. Rosenfels has a slight edge for the number two job. John David Booty, the fifth round pick out of USC in 2008, has been taking snaps behind center as the potential third quarterback. Favre will have a skillful offensive line to work with this year. Center John Sullivan takes over for Matt Birk. Sullivan is backed up by Oklahoma’s Jon Cooper, a rookie. He is looking forward to snapping off to the future Hall Of Famer. A few Vikings are still competing for jobs. Minnesota has two possible quality tight ends in Jake Nordin and Garrett Mills, but Mills is nursing a shoulder injury. The Vikings also possess an emerging star at tight end in Vinsanthe Shiancoe. He led NFC tight ends in touchdown receptions and is a complete player. Jim Kleinsasser is a glorified tackle that will be used to open up lanes for Peterson and Taylor. Offensive tackle, Phil Loadholt, is one rookie who probably earned a starting spot. Third round pick, Asher Allen, is also a likely starter at cornerback for the Vikings’ nickel defense. Finally, Jasper Brinkley, a fifth round linebacker is vying for a spot as EJ Henderson’s backup. Brinkley is a specialist who is not afraid to make big hits. The defensive line has extensive talent. They sport three Pro-Bowl players up front in relentless Jared Allen and Kevin and Pat Williams. The Williams brothers may not play because they violated the anti-drug policy, however.
Now that the quarterback position is stabilized, the Vikings are a Superbowl contender. Favre is going to throw picks in his freelancing style of play. But Minnesota still has a top ten passer with the drive to win. A division crown is not out of the question for Vikings fans.

Parting points: I finally saw “We Are Marshall”. What a great flick. Check it out.