Sunday, August 26, 2012

Starvin Harvin: Minnesota Vikings Season Preview


2011 Record: 3-13

2011 Ranks
Total Offense: 18

Run Offense: 4
Pass Offense: 28

Scoring Offense: 19
Total Defense: 21
Run Defense: 11
Pass Defense: 26
Scoring Defense: 31

Offense

Last year's first round pick Christian Ponder enters his first full season as a starter without much to work with. Adrian Peterson is coming off a torn ACL but seems to be well on his way towards recovering and being ready for Week 1. Toby Gerhart is a decent backup and should be able to shoulder the load if Peterson misses any time. The Vikings don't have a whole lot of weapons for Ponder on the outside, but Percy Harvin is an all-around threat any time he gets his hands on the ball.

Defense

The Vikings had one of the worst scoring defenses in the league, giving up 34 passing touchdowns, the most in the league. They traded up into the bask of the first round to pick Harrison Smith (S-Notre Dame) who should help the pass defense. The one bright spot on this sude of the ball was /jared Allen who rang up an insane 22 sacks last season.

Intangibles

Ponder had a 54% completion percentage last year. Regardless of who he's throwing to, that has to get better if the Vikings are going to be competitive. This team just doesn't have the firepower to compete in this division. Looks like it will be another long year in the great white North.

Prediction

The Vikings just don't have enough on offense or defense to compete in the arms race that is the NFC North. It will be another rebuilding year for the Vikes. 4-12.

No comments: