Pro Football Weekly-Preview

This is what I consider to be the best season preview on the Market. This shows my obsession reading this stuff 3 1/2 months before the start of the season. They gave the Vikings grades on Defense, that would indicate the Vikings having the best D in football with an A on the D-line, a B in the Linebacking core, and an A in the secondary. This is the best of any team for grades as these positions. The Eagles went A-, B, A. The Patriots went A, C+, B+-I believe, the Ravens I don't remember as clearly but were given equal grades with the Vikings. I think they were given like B, A, A, or something similar. They also had Corey Chavous rated as the 8th best safety in all of Football. When I think he should be on the bench, or at least have to compete to start. I don't see a huge hole on paper of the Vikings D. But you still need to ask.

1. Is Kenechi Udeze or Erasmus James gonna to develop into a proven pass-rusher?

2. How will Sam Cowart hold up health wise?

3. Can Napoleon Harris play in Pass-Coverage, or does he need to blitz?

4. What is big Pat's durablity going to be?

So why I am thinking the Vikings should improve for below average to above average on Defense. I am not conviced of such improvement that they will be able to carry the team. The Vikings are counting on mulitiple veterans with durablity issues to help make this improvement (Darren Sharper, Pat Williams, Sam Cowart). So we shall see.

The best parts of the issue are a Mock Draft of a ten team league, building a roster around the best the NFL has to offer, and the always valuable player rankings. PFW shares my thoughts of the Eagles defeating the Colts in the Super Bowl.

Later, Stew

Thoughts

Zyggi Wilf- Don't know much, he is supposed to be loaded, and also be a class act. Reggie Fowler is still involved. Hopefully, he will spend up to the Salary Cap. I would hope he does the following things upon taking ownership. 1. Re-work play contracts (i.e Culpepper, Winfield, Birk) to pay them more this year, to clear more cap room next-year. 2. Re-sign Rob Brezenki-The Salary Cap Genius. 3. Don't re-up Mike Tice till after this season with a demand of a 10-6 record plus a Playoff Win. 4. Push for a retracble stadium, so Minnesota gain get the Super Bowl again, as Paul Tagliabue has promised a Super Bowl to every city that builds a new Stadium, hence why it is back in Detroit. 5. Look into long-term extensions with Kevin Williams, Nate Burleson, and Bryant McKinnie. 6. Hire a O-Line or TE coach so John Tice and Steve Loney don't have to do double duty on Sunday.

Onterrio Smith-Well, he isn't a great back, but would have competed for the Number 1 job. I think unless he goes to treatment, he should be cut.

Corey Chavous- I think Wille Offord should have every chance to beat him out. Offord would provide more of what they really need, and that is a physical presence back there. Cut him if need be.

June 1 Cuts- A return specialist like a Chad Morton of the Redskins might be worth looking at. I don't know what else that is going to be on the Market they really need. A verstaile o- lineman could be worth looking at.

RB Trade- Not from what I am hearing though I wonder about a Brian Williams for Travis Henry swap possibilty. Shaun Alexander I would also not mind looking at since the Vikings have sufficent cap room and could get him for a 2nd in 06 probably.

Pro Football Weekly-There annual preview has the Vikings going 12-4, to combine with ESPN having them 4th in the Power Rankings. If either of these things are true consider me surpised. I see them as a 9-7, 10-6 team. I will comment on thier preview in depth, next week. Buy this if you can.

Paul Edinger- I think Aaron Elling could be the better kicker. Edinger in a competion with Doug Brien went 3 of 7, made 63 percent of his field goals last year. So I question his accuracy big time. I think Elling is the solution for now.

Ten Best Players and Ten Favorite Players

The ten best, I have seen in my time watching the Vikings.

10. Antonie Winfield-He was so good last year, when healthy. So I will slide him in here.

9. Korey Stringer- Although he only made one Pro-Bowl, he really opened some big holes on the Right Side, and could also pass protect.

8. Joey Browner- 6 Time Pro-Bowler, who I got to include.

7. Hank Thomas- I loved this guy as a player when he was here.

6. Daunte Culpepper- He's the best QB they have had in my lifetime.

5. Chris Doleman-Best edge rusher they have had, and its not even close.

4. John Randle-I don't think he'll get into the Hall of Fame, but such a tremendous compeitor.

3. Cris Carter- A sure fire hall of famer. I figured I shouldn't have wide outs 1-2.

2. Randall McDaniel-How many straight pro-bowls, the fact that he played fullback on third and short, would be higher if he played a different position. A possible Hall of Famer.



1. Randy Moss- Came into the league as the second coming of Jim Brown. Unbelievable physical tools. Will be a Hall of Famer.


Ten Favorite Players-that never made it big with the Vikings
1. Carlos Jenkins- He was fast, and physical. I remember in 1992, him basically running through, I can't remember if was Warren Moon or the Commander, forcing a fumble leading to a touchdown.

2. Rich Gannon- I always liked him for his running ability, early in his career. I prefered him to Sean Salisbury in the 1992 QB debate, although he was pretty ineffective at times., that season/

3. Rick Fenney-Now he was a touch back to bring down.

4. Leroy Hoard- How can he not be included on this list.

5. Brad Culpepper- He was pretty active when he played with them, they let him go, and he had a nice career along the D-line for the Bucs.

6. Raonall Smith- He's great, the two games a year, he is healthy.

7. Bob Sapp- A Viking that has made it big in K-2 fighting, he was huge then, and really huge now.

8. Wille Offord-For his special teams play and hitting ablitity.

9. Kelly Campbell-More for his mouth, than his game.

10. Chris Walsh-Just for recovering the onside kick at NY to give the Vikings their first playoff win under Denny Green.

Prayer Request

For Ted Cotrell's son T.J.

http://vikings.scout.com/2/379970.html

My least favorite games

Least Favorite Viking Games of All-Time. This is really since I would have started watching them in 1986.

10. I will out down my first ever football game, a 13-10 home loss to start the 1986 season against the Detroit Lions. My dad told my mom to put me in front of the TV to watch it, while he was somewhere else. Hence 19 years later, this website is born.

9. Week 15-1988. The Vikings were coming off a five game winning streak with games they won-44-17, 43-3, 12-3, 23-0, and 45-3. So then they were going into Green Bay who was 4-12, but had beaten the Vikings somehow 34-14 earlier that season. The Vikings at 10-4 laid another egg losing 18-6. The Vikings lost the division title to the Bears, who they had beaten in Chicago 31-7 previously that season. This also cost them homefield in the NFC playoffs, and that team with 9 Pro Bowlers, would have won the Super Bowl.

8. Monday Night at Lambeau in 2000. The Vikings nearly became the only team in NFL history to win a game with a 125 plus penalty yards, and -5 in the turnover department. But Mitch Berger on third down, decided to throw an interception, instead of throwing the ball away. Then the fluke Antonio Freeman play, only the Vikings could have lost that way.

7. When the Vikings had to win one of two games, with an 11-2 record to get home field throughout the playoffs. They got shallacked at St.Louis, the previous week, I let it slide. Since as described previously, the Vikings had dominated Green Bay earlier in the season, there, lost on a fluke, and were playing them at home. But the Vikings D was terrible, as the Vikings lost home field advantage, leading to more problems down the line.

6. the New Year's day playoff loss to the Bears in 1995 was disappointing. After first round playoff losses the previous two years, with a top five Offense and Defense. Despite, the fact that they had already beaten the Bears twice. They got shallacked 35-18.

5. The Christmas Eve game last year, I was so upset, it took me about 3 hours from after the game to show up at my family's Christmas festivities. How Mike Tice could loss two division titles like he did. How EJ Henderson could stand there as a touchdown is complete in front of him on 4 and goal. What was Scott Linehan thinking rushing Micheal Bennett, then throwing it way down the field into double coverage, then a dump off pass on 1st and 25. I knew as soon as Green Bay got the ball back, it was game, set , and match.

4. The 1988 NFC title game, I was young, and knew the Redskins were considered a better team. But the fact that Darrin Nelson dropped a pass that would have sent the game into overtime, adds to the disappointment.

3. This wasn't so much disappointing in the heartbreaking loss aspect, but rather in the fact that of just a terrible performance. 41-0.

2. The Vikings vs Cardinals Game to end the 2003 season. They wouldn't have won more than one playoff game. But the fact that they outplayed a team for four quarters, as they had done two weeks earlier at Chicago only to lose again. This time via an onside kick, a hail-mary, and a non-fumble call with about 4 minutes left in the game. This was depressing.

1. Obviously the 1999 NFC title game. I remember being in the stands, and thinking the Gary Anderson kick was good, because it was on the other end of the field. I remember Robert Griffith dropping an interception in the last drive, that would have sent the Vikings to Miami. Obviously, I remember Denny Green taking a knee. I remember leaving in stunned silence. I couldn't read the newspaper, for about 4 days after. Then to top it all off, I had to drive to Fargo in a blizzard.

Games I did cry over-Numbers 4,and 10. Game I should have cried over number 1.

ESPN Power Poll-Number 4

I would be willing to wager with anyone that the Vikings at Week 17, aren't that high. The three teams above them are obvious. Pittsburgh did lose a couple decent O-lineman, so they might not physically dominate like they did last year. I guess all these teams have question marks. I just don't see the Vikings as better than a 10-6 team.

Citation

Here is from

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2058918&CMP=ILC-INHEAD

The article is entitled "Vikings to lean on defense and running game", it was published May 12 with Scouts. INC as its authors

Espn Insider

Here is analysis of the Vikings off-season from Scouts.INC.

The Vikings had no problem grabbing headlines this offseason. Head coach Mike Tice endured a very public Super Bowl ticket-scalping scandal. Then Reggie Fowler's bid to buy the team stalled, and now if Red McCombs does sell the team, there are strong indications Fowler will relinquish his role as lead investor to Zygmunt Wilf.

But aside from who sat in Tice's seats in Jacksonville and the mystery of who will be signing the Vikings' paychecks, the team made plenty of field-related news as well, improving its roster more than any team in the NFL.

Harris

The Eagles beat Minnesota in every phase of last year's NFC divisional playoff game, and following that 27-14 loss, the Vikings' coaching staff realized major changes were needed for them to become legitimate Super Bowl contenders. They started by purging themselves of their biggest headline grabber, wide receiver Randy Moss. Realizing he had become too much of a distraction and had worn out his welcome, the Vikings traded Moss to the Raiders for outside linebacker Napoleon Harris and first- and seventh-round picks in this year's draft. Then they turned to the defense.

In 2003, the Vikings ranked seventh in the NFL with 35 take-aways. Their strategy was to follow the lead of the 1999 and 2001 Rams teams that used timely interceptions to give their explosive offense a short field to work with. The Vikings employed the same philosophy in 2004, but fell to eighth-worst in the NFL with only 22 take-aways, largely because their defense had only marginal playmaking ability.

Smoot

So the Vikings started their defensive overhaul by signing three new starters in free agency (defensive tackle Pat Williams, safety Darren Sharper, cornerback Fred Smoot) and acquiring two new starters via trade: Harris and middle linebacker Sam Cowart. Not only will these five players start, but the five players they replace now will be experienced backups who can fill in on a special teams unit that also struggled in 2004.

The Vikings now can be more aggressive on defense because they have two shut-down, man-to-man corners in Smoot and Antoine Winfield. Both can play on an island, allowing the front seven to blitz more and create more turnovers. As explosive as the 2004 Vikings offense was, their defense didn't give them easy opportunities to score.

Sharper

Talent aside, what really bothered the coaching staff was the number of big plays given up due to blown assignments. That shouldn't be a problem in 2005, since the defense will be captained by safeties Sharper and Corey Chavous. Together they form the most intelligent safety duo in the NFL, and since he came from the Packers, Sharper knows the NFC North as well as anyone. Along with the great feel Cowart has at middle linebacker, expect breakdowns and mental mistakes to greatly decrease.

Minnesota's changes this offseason weren't limited to the defense, of course. A lot of people assume the loss of Moss will really hurt the offense. While he certainly was a great player, his departure means the philosophy of the unit will change. The coaching staff likes to run the football to set up the passing game. They got away from that philosophy in 2004, running the ball 130 fewer times than in 2003. While their 4.7 yards per carry average was high (second in the NFL), their play calling reflected a pass-heavy scheme.

Kleinsasser

The team missed the blocking of tight end Jim Kleinsasser, who went down in Week 1 with a knee injury. Without him, the Vikings went from a two-tight end, one-back offense with a power-run mentality to a three-receiver, one-back offense with a pass-first, run-second mentality. In 2005, the Vikings will look to return to the two-tight end set and pound the football to set up the vertical passing game. This ball-control attack will take pressure off the defense, which was on the field too much last season. With the Moss "star system" no longer a factor, the Minnesota offense will adopt a production by committee approach at running back and wide receiver.

Defensively, the Vikings will implement and call a more aggressive, blitz-oriented scheme designed to create turnovers and good field position. Offensively, they will be more balanced and emphasize the run. The Vikings' additions through free agency and the draft make them the odds-on favorite to win the NFC North in 2005.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN Insider.

Next Week

I'll do my 10 favorite Viking games, and 10 least favorite games, along with my 10 favorite Vikings of all-time. I will also address any situation that needs monitoring like Onterrio Smith.

Best Reactions to Games

The most pissed I remember being after games

1. After the Green Bay loss in 0o' (The Cris Dishman, Antonio Freeman game) I went and started throwing stuff left and right in my apartment about midnight.

2. After the Green Bay loss at home this year, I skipped some of my families Christmas festivities to cool off from the loss.

3. After the Falcons loss in 99', I drove back in a blizzard, and couldn't read the Newspaper for like three or four days, just for the amount of pain it caused. I remember waking up the next morning and not believing it had happened.

The Most excited I ever got

1. When the Vikings beat the Giants on the Eddie Murray kick in the 98 playoffs, I ran around my grandmother's house about then slipped, and almost really hurt my ankle.

2. When the Vikings beat the Broncos in 03', boy did I shoot my mouth off after that game.

3. I have no rushes like when the Vikings beat the Pack at Lambeau in 98, 03, and the 05 playoffs. These were all so-sweet in thier own ways.

Breaking News

Oh My Onterrio Smith was caught with a kit meant to circument drug tests, at the Minneapolis Airport last month. This could lead to big trouble with the league.

The following story is from the Star Tribune at http://www.startribune.com/stories/510/5396655.html

Vikings running back Onterrio Smith was detained last month at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport after police found paraphernalia later identified as a kit used to circumvent drug tests.

Smith was neither arrested nor charged, but as of Tuesday it was unclear whether the incident will affect his status in the NFL's confidential substance-abuse program.

Smith acknowledged to airport police that he was carrying dried urine, along with a device called "The Original Whizzinator" and a bottle of pills labeled "Cleansing Formula." He told police the kit was "for making a clean urine test," according to the police report, and said he was taking the materials to his cousin.

Smith was suspended four games last season after testing positive for marijuana, his second "strike" in the league's program. A third "strike" would result in a yearlong suspension. An attempt to substitute a urine specimen qualifies as a positive test, but NFL spokesman Greg Aiello did not immediately know Tuesday whether possession of a masking device fits that criteria.

Onterrio Smith

Ann Heisenfelt

Associated Press

Smith could not be reached for comment. His agents -- Michael Sullivan, Doug Hendrickson and Jeff Sperbeck -- declined to comment. Vikings coach Mike Tice said he was unaware of the incident and had no comment.

According to the police report, a bag Smith was carrying set off security alarms before an April 21 flight. The alarms later were traced to a tube of toothpaste.

During the search, a Transportation Security Administration officer found "six or seven" vials of white powder in a clear bag, according to the report. Airport police were called to the scene and began inspecting the materials in a private room.

A sample from one of the vials tested negative for cocaine and opiates. Smith was then led into the room and identified the powder as dried urine. He also acknowledged the presence of a Whizzinator.

Smith was allowed to leave after questioning.

The $150 device includes a prosthetic penis attached to a jockstrap and plastic bag. Using a syringe, the user fills the bag with a precisely measured amount of water blended with the urine powder to create a clean sample. When the user takes a drug test in front of an observer, the water is released through the prosthetic with a valve (the instructions recommend the user cough to hide the sound of the valve unsnapping).

On its website, manufacturers of The Original Whizzinator market the instrument as an "undetectable,"foolproof" and "re-usable" urinating device.

Like other professional sports leagues, the NFL administers random drug tests to players.

According to Aiello, the NFL's testing guidelines include having the player take his shirt off and pull his pants down below his knees in front of an observer.

Smith, 24, was kicked off the University of Tennessee football team in 2000 for marijuana use and finished his college career at Oregon. Scouts considered him one of the top running backs available in the 2003 draft, but questions about his past drug use and character dropped him to the fourth round.

He rushed for 579 yards as a rookie and led the Vikings last season with 544 yards. Barring another suspension, Smith is expected to compete with Michael Bennett and Mewelde Moore for the starting job.

Comment: This looks like a year-long suspension just waiting to happen. Why would he have this equipment. We will see, but it wouldn't shock me if he got cut even, because of this. Thereby depreiving the Vikings of any sort of young power back, but Bennett is faster, and Moore is a better pure runner. This could open the way for Ciatrick Fason, but he still has a ways to go.

NFC Round-UP/ Vikings Sale

Sorry if I haven't been as quick in posting a response to the Vikings new owner in Zyggi Wilf. Wilf will be approved and in charge of day to day operations within a couple weeks. Wilf is looking to develop land in Lino Lakes into a stadium. From what I hear Wilf is a thirty year season ticket holder for the Giants, and a class act. Wilf is going to be more reclusive probably than Red as an owner. Anoka County already has a deal in place with an approved 3/4 percent sales tax increase. Five times the amount of the Twins increase. We will what is going to happen.

Since last week I evaluated the NFC Central as well as the Vikings, this week I will look at the rest of the NFC.

The Philadelphia Eagles in my mind will be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in Detroit, assuming Terrell Owens doesn't become too much of a distraction. While they did lose a couple pieces in Jermaine Mayberry, Ike Reese, and Derrick Burgess. All of these guys can be replaced. They also stregthend their depth through the draft. To go on talent alone, this year they take the next step and win it all.

Dallas-I really like their off-season in adding a Big Nose Tackle in Jason Ferguson, a quality DB in Anthony Henry, as well as their top three draft picks. They added a stud guard in Marco Rivera, an upgraded to a medicore QB in Drew Bledsoe. I really think this team will contend for the playoffs. I love their off-season moves as much as anybody.

Washingston- They didn't improve talent wise, but I think they are a well-coached enough team, especially with Gregg Williams D, to be a .500 team nobody wants to face.

Ny Giants- I don't think Eli Manning will develop enough for them to compete for a playoff berth, and I think Tiki Barber could start to decline. There O-line even after signing Kareem Mckenzie still isn't that great. I think they are another year away to really start to compete, but having Micheal Strahan healthy should help, but this isn't the same Micheal Strahan. I see about a 6-10 season.

Atlanta- They should be able to run the ball quite well, but Micheal Vick still needs to develop as a passer for their offense to take steps to the next level. They also wouldn't have O-line genius Alex Gibbs around. I'm not convinced that Edgerton Hartwell is that big of an upgrade over Matt Stewart. I also am not sure that their Defense will be able to sustain their level from last year. I see a team around 9-10 wins this year.

Carolina- I wonder if their offense will be able to find a healthy back, but their O-line got the best lineman in free agency in Mike Wahle. They improved their D with the Physical secondary presences in Ken Lucas, and Thomas Davis. I like this team in this division. As I see their only real big weakness as running back durablity. I think they bounce back and win 10-11 games.

New Orleans- I don't know how they addressed their attorcious D. Dwight Smith and Josh Bullocks aren't going to cut it. But they should be able to pressure the Qb enough, that they can improve some. Aaron Brooks is just too inconsitent though to expect a much better record than last year.

Tampa Bay- Tampa's D isn't what it once was, and none of their big three defenders will be around come the start of the season (Sapp,Lynch, Brooks), They still have a couple pieces on D, but they are becoming medicore on D. I don't know that they are really set at QB, and thier offense still needs to develop some. Improvements will be needed along the O-line and another receiver would help. They are between a 5-8 win team.

Saint Louis-I don't know that getting rid of the injury prone Tommy Polley for the aging Dexter Coakley and injury-prone Chris Claiborne is going to help improve the D, and I don't know that Adam Archueleta playing Free Safety is such a good idea, or moving Pisa Tisamosa to strong. This team will be able to score points though. This team just doesn't have enough 8-9 wins.

Seattle- They brought in a couple Corners who should help, their front 7 still needs work. I don't think they are going to be more consistent at the WR position. I think Shaun Alexander this year could create a few locker room rumblings that wouldn't help, due to his franchise tag status. I see 8-9 wins.

Arizona-People seem willing to annoit them as champs I say wait up. They are the best coached team in the division, but would be probably the worst coached team in the NFC east. I see don't know about their running game, or their O-line. While Clancy Pendergaast was clever with Defense schemes last year, I don't know if they have the talent yet to play at a real high level. I see them as. a .500 football team

San Fransisco- They have a ways to go, but will have their two best players back in C Jeremy Newberry, and LB Julian Peterson. This will improve both units enough to win a few more games. They still have holes though throughout the team. I see them as a 3-4 win team and clearly the worst in the NFC.

2005 NFC Playoffs-8 Months Away

MN vs Dal- I am going to say the Mike Tice Era ends here in fine fashion- 24-20
STL vs Atl- Atl would still probably be able to manhandle the Rams, the Rams won't turn the ball over as much though-31-28

Phil vs Dal- Dallas ain't that good-Phil 31-13
Car vs Atl- Homefield helps them prevail late-Car-16-13

Phil vs Car- They get their revenge-Phil 24-14

Super Bowl XL- Phil vs Ind- I haven't broken down the AFC, the Colts just seem like a good choice, but I like Phil-27-24

Next Week: I'm not sure what I will talk about. I could go through the Vikings schedule week by week, I could unveil my suggestions for the next new owner, or whatever.

Minnesota Vikings 4 Months out-Offense

First of all, great news today from Hennepin County in agreeing to the sales tax to fund a new Twins stadium in Downtown Minneapolis. If it can get approved at the Capitol, finally the 10 year struggle will be over.

Here is how I see them position by position

QB- Daunte Culpepper I consider to be the 4th best Quarterback in the NFL behind Brady, Manning, and Mcnabb. Will he be as good without Randy Moss, we shall see, I doubt it. But Culpepper I still see competing for a Pro-Bowl Berth. He will be helped by having Kleinsasser and Mike Rosenthal back to prevent as many blitzes. I see a season of about 32 td passes, 4 rushing touchdowns, with about 4000 yards through the air. I see his interception total going from about 11 to 15. I see Brad Johnson as a back-up capable of doing ok in a game or two, but the Offense would greatly suffer without Daunte anything beyond that.-The Vikings have the best QB play in their division.

RB- This position is obviously in the Air. I think Mike Tice is leaning towards Micheal Bennett, due to his big play potential. Bennett actually for such a speed back is pretty-tough, he lacks great vision though. Mewelde Moore is my favorite back due to his toughness, vision, and pass-catching ability. When Moore gets the ball good things seem to happen. He reminds me of Preist Holmes, and I heard he had a terrific run at mini-camp this weekend. Onterrio Smith is a hard-runner, with decent speed, and abover average vision. He seems to be the best back at wearing a Defense down. I see Ciatrick Fason having a limited role for now. Moe Williams role shouldn't change that much, except I think we will see more of Mewelde Moore on third down.- I would put the Vikings as having similar running back situations to the Bears, and Lions but behind the 1-2 punch of the Packers. They don't have a clear number 1 back, so they could be number 1 in the division or number 4 if nobody steps up.

WR- I think Travis Taylor will surpise, by this I am not saying 1500 yards, but him becoming the number 2, and having 800 yards would not surpise me. I guess he was the most impressive player at this weekends' mini-camp. Marcus Robinson will get injured sometime, but if not is a more than capable number 2 receiver. Troy Williamson looks to be a 3 or 4 at this stage in his career. Nate Burleson should do OK as a number 1 receiver due to his route-running ablity, and decent size. This is a trait that Peerless Price and Alvin Harper did not have. Kelly Campbell is up in the air.- I think the Vikings are probably right behind the Lions here, and the Packers though if Donald Driver loses a step as some speculate than the Vikings could be the best in this division. But I would put them third now.

TE-Jim Kleinsasser is one of the best blockers in football when healthy, Jermaine Wiggins is a good number two tight-end. The other roster spots are up for grabs.-The Vikings have the Best TE's in their division.

OL- Having Matt Birk and improved G play will help a ton in running the ball. Having Birk out combined with Dixon wearing down really weakened the Vikings running game last year. Rosenthal will help too, as will an improving Bryant McKinnie, who I expect to have his best season in Minnesota. Basicallly Birk makes the running game go, and he needs to be healthy or the Vikings will become one-dimesional. The problem is Matt Birk with his three hernias, I am not sure will be. The Vikings have the best O-line in thier division, since the Packers lost both their G's.

DL- The Vikings will have the best D-line in thier division. I look for Kenechi Udeze to have a better second season. I think Kevin Williams will emerge as the best defensive player in the NFC, as Pat Williams will occupy space. I think Darrion Scott will be a very good two down run defender, and they have good back-ups in Erasmus James and Lance Johnstone who can rush the passer, although I don't think either of them can do that well against real good LT's and Spencer Johnson who I think will be a very good third tackle. I think this will be thier best D-line since they traded Chris Doleman after the 1994 season and Hank Thomas left via-free agency. Although none of the other D-lines in the division are all that good.

LB- It wouldn't shock me if EJ Henderson beats out Sam Cowart at MLB. Henderson needs to play more disciplined, if he does it is a huge boost for the Vikings D. Cowart though would be an improvement just in the discipline he brings to the position. I actually think Napoloen Harris will be ok at a 4-3 linebacker, where he doesn't have to be as disiciplined on the Outside. He will be better than Claiborne when Claiborne was banged-up, but not as good as Claiborne when he was healthy. Raonall Smith is the favorite on the weak-side. He played the best game from a Vikings LB in years against Tennessee last year, but then got injured. If he stays healthy, they will be clearly improved. If not which I expect he will not, then Donatarrious Thomas will have to improve.-The Vikings aren't as good as the Bears, the Packers and Lions both have thier issues here.

DB- This is where the Vikings will be sweet. To have Ken Irvin as thier 4th corner, will be huge. Smoot and Winfield can both cover at a pro-bowl level, allowing their linebackers to blitz, The Safety's I still have questions about. I question Darren Sharper's range, and physicalty though I would probably be better than Brian Russell. I also think Wille Offord should start and Corey Chavous should be on the bench. I think you need a physical presence at the safety position that neither Chavous or Sharper offers, and Offord although not having great cover skills, will provide that. I think Dustin Fox based on mini-camp reports could surprise. Well the Vikings are clearly superior here to the Packers, and neither the Bears or Lions have a pair of corners to match the Vikings.

Special Teams- Here is the weak area. It looks like Aaron Elling will be the kicker, and I don't think he is too bad, but I don't have a ton of confidence making a 40 yarder on the road with the game on the line either. Darren Bennett is adequate, and they don't lack a return threat. The Vikings have the worst specialists in the division, although the Bears don't impress me a ton either.

Division Break Down

1. Vikings- The Packers have made a step back, as Wahle and Rivera are huge losses on the O-line, and they don't have anyone to replace them. Also Brett Favre will probably keep losing a step. The Vikings seem to have the most talent on both sides of the Ball. They look like a 10-6 team.
2. Lions- They don't really impress me with thier d all that much, by this I mean they could be in the bottom third, where as I see the Vikings in the middle. They have a lot of Offensive weapons but no one to really get the ball vertically down the field at QB, and I don't know if Kevin Jones will open things up as much as they think. 8-8
3. Packers- They have done nothing to improve their Defense. Which wasn't very good, neither was the Vikings but they did add some pieces, and the Vikings D wasn't that bad with a healthy Antoine Winfield. There Offense will take a step back without those guards, but they will still be good enough to finish at 8-8.
4. Bears- They have done nothing to improve their O-line. I think Muhammand had a fluke year last year, and will disappoint, and they have no number 2 receiver. There D isn't good enough to carry them to much better than 6-10