FanNation

0x NBA/NFL Champion said 06/20, 05:38 PM
This will be incredibly hard, but why not?

Last year, the Vikings were a legitimate playoff contender. Not a Super Bowl contender, but a playoff one. Their shortcomings were at DE, WR and SS. They couldn't get any sacks, so they got Jared Allen. He may be a little overrated, but he isn't your average DE. He LED THE LEAGUE in sacks, while getting double-teamed. Imagine him on a line with the Williams'. His numbers have the potential to increase.

They couldn't catch the ball, so they got a WR. Berrian is overrated, overpaid and has too high expectations. But he is an upgrade, and he can catch better than the previous guys. Don't forget about Sidney Rice. He has more experience and a veteran WR to help him out. Combined, they will catch passes, and force defenses to play the pass more. This will allow AD to do what he does, and maybe even better.

At S, Madieu Williams will have a bigger impact than thought. Smith was AWFUL against the pass, and that is his strength. He will help GREATLY against the pass.

Jackson is going into his third year. This is the year that guys break out, and he will improve. He is 8-4 as a starter, and finally has WR's; he will be be much better.

0x NBA/NFL Champion said 06/20, 05:59 PM
Tony Richardson was good, but he is 36. They brought in Thomas Tapeh who is just 28. He blocked for Brian Westbrook, he did alright didn't he? He isn't as known as Richardson, but he is a very respectable player.

Yes, they lost a backup, who backs up TWO ALL-PRO DT's.Fred Evans isn't as good, but he has looked impressive. They will be able to manage without a backup.

Jakcson improved his QB rating, TD's, yards and completion %. He is getting better and is going into his third year, when guys typically breakout. He had help, but he is 8-4 as a starter. He wasn't giving away the games. Now, he has an improved receiving corps.

Berrian caught 71 passes for 951 yards and 5 TD's.
Rice caught 31 passes for 396 yards and 4 TD's.
Troy Williamson caught 18 passes for 240 yards and 1 TD.

Rice gave them production as a rookie and will only get better. Berrian is a veteran WR who can step in and catch passes. You better believe that he is HUGE upgrade over Troy Williamson.

But if Peterson was responsible for Jackson's wins, why would that change? AD was a rookie who had some injuries. He is at full-strength and has the ability to improve. He can take pressure off, and be a huge asset.

0x NBA/NFL Champion said 06/20, 06:33 PM
Richardson was good, but he is older. Tapeh is young, and good. He blocked for Brian Westbrook and he had a great year, so why can't he block for AD?

Yes, the defensive line lost Spencer Johnson, but they picked up Jared Allen. I know they play different positions, but I think that an All-Pro defensive end can replace a backup defensive tackle. Since Allen is so good coming off the edge, he will make up for some of what Johnson did. Yes, backups make a difference. But the Vikings have two of the ten best defensive tackles in the entire NFL.

Haha, that did help. But my point is that Jackson IS improving. I can't stress enough that he is now in his third year, which is the typical breakout year for NFL players. He finally has a decent receiving core, which will help a lot.

The pass defense was bad, they got Allen and WIlliams, both are big upgrades.

The receiving was bad, they got Berrian, who is a huge upgrade.


AD is healthy. Jackson is improving. The OL is great. The WR's got better. The LB's are good with Henderson and Greenway. The CB's are fine with Winfield an McCauley. The defensive line is GREAT. Everything combined, it could very well happen.

Great throwdown, Goodell