Closing out 2007

[A.E]

One positive of being a Minnesota Vikings fan is "lack of expectations." When the Randy Moss era died, so did all my post-season aspirations. This season was no different from any other in the past 4 years, I figured 7-9 at best.

A dismal 3-6 start, Tarvaris Jackson looking like a "lame duck" when he's not hurt and who's to blame for not investing more into the WR corps or finding a better back up QB not named Bollinger? The emergence of Adrian Peterson was a pleasant surprise. I won't lie, I was all for Brady Quinn on draft day. I was not a Tarvaris guy and I was content with Chester's production in 2006. I am not ashamed to admit that I was wrong.

Nothing could compare to the excitement brought to Minnesota by Adrian Peterson. Though quiet through the final weeks of this season, his big weeks were 'monster' weeks and not since Randy Moss was making immaculate receptions downfield, have I been so on the edge of my seat watching games.

This team stuck together and they fought hard, ripping off 5 straight wins and suddenly finding themselves on the brink of a wildcard berth. As much as I hate Brad Childress, I have to credit him for believing in Tarvaris Jackson when I had lost all hope. Tarvaris grew this season and I have seen enough positive from the guy to look anywhere other than quarterback come 2008 draft day.

Credit to Lennie Frazier for coming in and picking up where Mike Tomlin left off. Our defense was incredible this season and continues to be one of my favorite parts of any Vikings game. I was disappointed that the Vikings could not capitalize with a win 2 weeks ago versus the Redskins but again...I was not surprised. When I stop and think about it, neither the Redskins or the Vikings are ready for that level of competition yet and both would be bounced by Tampa Bay in the wildcard round.

Today's game has closed out the year of Vikings football by reminding me of key points that need to be evaluated heading into next season:

- Troy Williamson still cannot catch the ball and needs to be gone.
- Ryan Cook is not good enough to start at right tackle in this league.
- Chester Taylor is still far too valuable to let go at this point. On days where Adrian Peterson is ineffective, Taylor is pounding the ball up and down the field.
- Signing Visanthe Shiancoe in hopes that he could be the big west coast TE was a huge mistake.
- Cedric Griffin is still a year or 2 away from being "great".
- Darren Sharper needs to stay in purple past 2008.
- Our biggest off-season concern needs to be addressing the WR corps.

Overall, I am proud of the fight that this team had in them. This team improved and matured more than I thought possible this season and the future looks awful bright in Minnesota. Tarvaris Jackson showed me today that he can learn from his mistakes and make big plays with his arm and his feet. Note how many times Tarvaris opted to throw the ball away or tuck it and run when nobody was open. Adrian Peterson was limited today but Chester Taylor did a fine job spelling him with the run game. Even Mewelde Moore was an outstanding change of pace to put in the backfield at times.

Though I am disappointed with the fact that the Vikings will be missing from the post-season, I knew in my heart that the Redskins had much more to play for. Not only is it truly a feel good story but it is the ability to adapt and overcome that has the Redskins playing their hearts out. I wouldn't say that the Redskins wanted it more but I would go as far as to say that Washington made a promise to honor their fallen friend...and they are 'owning' up to that promise.

I thank the Minnesota Vikings for giving us a chance to believe this season. Instead of watching the last few weeks of the season in dismay, we were all watching the last few weeks with hope in our hearts and playoffs in our dreams. I close my thoughts to the 2007 season with thoughts of the bright future ahead and the possibility of the Vikings climbing back to the high ranks of the NFC.

I look forward to draft day, the offseason, training camp...kick off 2008. This past season may have been one to remember but something tells me that next season will be something that we will never forget. -AE

 

[The Young One]

Nice article.
But one question how did you feel about sidney rice performance?

 

[Grandy28]

At least you guys were close to a playoff spot and did better then the 7-9 Lions. I think next year it'll be either the Vikes or Lions time a top of the division.

 

[jarrod2323]

I agree that when Sidney Rice was allowed to play and thrown the ball, he performed.. I think he's having problems with routes and blocking assignments, though

 

[A.E]

Nice article.
But one question how did you feel about sidney rice performance?

I was satisfied with Sidney's performance in retrospect. I was obviously hesitant about drafting another WR out of South Carolina, especially such a young guy, but he has sure hands (unlike Williamson) and showed some flashes that he can be a big game WR. The guy has the height and vertical leap necessary for those jump balls and I think he developed some good chemistry with Tarvaris as the season went.

I can tell you one thing, the Vikings were missing him the past few weeks. Sidney hasn't played since the Chicago game and if you were watching, you saw what Troy Williamson did in his place...drop more passes.

Sidney came out of South Carolina as a sophomore and still has a lot of growing to do but I think that with about 10 more pounds, more time spent in the film room, and more time around veterans like Bobby Wade and Robert Ferguson...this kid could be a solid #1 option for the Vikes some day soon.

I was also pleased with the play of DE Brian Robison out of Texas as well. The Vikings were able to snag him in the 5th round of the draft when most mocks had him a sure 3rd rounder. His biggest downside is that he is undersized for a DE but the guy is quick and has a nose for the ball. Aside from his contributions to special teams, Robison was able to step in with the starting d-line this season and make plays. He gets off the ball quick and even with his smaller size he can crash the end. Like Rice, this kid needs another year or two and he can be "money."

 

[vikesfan]

I agree with most of the article, people I'd like to see gone include:
Shiancoe (overpayed tightend who consistently drops perfectly thrown passes)
Williamson (he had nobody within 15 yards of him tonight, and he still dropped the ball, BUST)
Kleinsasser (just don't like him lol)
Erasmus James (can't stay healthy)

Pretty much it, I think we are on the right track though. Mills was a pleasant suprise tonight, I would make him the starting tight end next year. Tarvaris still hasn't won a primetime game, we'll see, but I do see improvement and hope he keeps improving. I think with the draft we should draft a tight end who can catch, a cornerback, another quarterback in case TJ has plateued. I like our linebacker core. Maybe draft another defensive end who can get pressure. Overall they improved this year from last year, hopefully the ball keeps rolling in the direction.