2006 Minnesota Vikings Preview
I am already on record as saying that the Minnesota Vikings have made one of the best offseason additions in the entire league by selecting former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator, Brad Childress to become their next head coach.
Childress has already begun altering the erratic personality of a team that has perennially had plenty of talent, but has lacked direction and leadership for quite some time.
I undoubtedly believe that Childress will be successful, however, when that success will begin, is another story altogether. Nevertheless, I don’t expect it to be too far into the future, as the Vikings have brought in 10 veteran free agents to help speed up the process. Here is my 2006 preview of the Minnesota Vikings.
Quarterback
Brad Johnson proved last season that he could still be effective when he gets adequate pass protection in the pocket. The 38-year-old veteran is one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league and still has enough arm left to make the tough throws as well. Johnson also has a firm grasp of the west coast offense that Childress will install. If Johnson goes down though, the Vikes could be in trouble. Backup quarterback, Mike McMahon has may be one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the league, it’s too bad the man has a football IQ that’s in single digits.
Running Back
The Vikings’ running back situation has miraculously “whizzed” itself clean. Minnesota will start veterans, Chester Taylor at tailback and Tony Richardson at fullback. Neither of the pair is what I would call a “threat” to score from anywhere on the field, but both players are more than competent, although it should be interesting to see what Taylor can do as a starter for the first time in his career. Richardson, on the other hand, is a multi-talented fullback who can run it almost as good as a halfback, and catch it the ball out of the backfield as well as any back in the league.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Last season’s first round draft pick, Troy Williamson, is now the number one receiver in Minnesota. Whether he’s ready for that role or not, we shall soon find out. Veteran, Travis Taylor may start on the other side although another veteran, Marcus Robinson, could push him, while former Philadelphia Eagle, Billy McMullen will fill out the receiving rotation. Tight ends, Jim Kleinsasser and Jermaine Wiggins, are both decent pass catchers, which will be a huge plus in Childress’ system. Kleinsasser will start but both layers should see plenty of time. Overall, I’d say the Vikes’ receivers have plenty of talent, but lack experience, which, as we all know, only comes with playing time on the field.
Offensive Line
The Vikings offensive line was borderline, atrocious last season. Minnesota did address the situation by obtaining former Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowl guard, Steve Hutchinson, who will immediately upgrade the offensive line. Hutchinson will combine with left tackle Bryant McKinnie, who is approaching a Pro Bowl level of play himself. Having veteran center Matt Birk back after missing the entire 2005 season, will also help solidify the offensive line as will the acquisition of another former Eagle, Artis Hicks, who will play right guard. Youngster, Marcus Johnson, will play right tackle and get plenty of on-the-job-training this season.
Defensive Line
Tackles, Pat and Kevin Williams (no relation) are a competent pair that seems to be improving with each game. At defensive end, former first round pick, Erasmus James, needs to fulfill some of the potential that made him a first rounder, while the other end position will be manned by another first round draft pick, Kenechi Udeze.
Linebackers
Rookie, Chad Greenway, E.J. Henderson and veteran Ben Leber, will be the starters for Minnesota at linebacker. Unfortunately, after these three, the Vikings’ linebacking core is painfully thin. If Childress doesn’t try to upgrade this area with another free agent signing or two, Minnesota could be in trouble here.
Defensive Backs
Whatever Minnesota’s linebackers lack, the secondary more than makes up for it. Fred Smoot and Antoine Winfield form a capable pair of corners who are only a cut below Pro Bowl caliber. Free safety Darren Sharper, a player the Green Bay Packers thought was on the downside of his career, showed last season that he still has plenty of gas left in the tank with an All-Pro season in 2005. Former Tennessee Titan, Tank Williams, another proficient veteran, will start at strong safety.
Special Teams
Former Green Bay Packer, Ryan Longwell has now pledged his allegiance to the Vikings, giving them an accomplished kicker who knows how to put the ball through the uprights in foul weather. As good as Longwell is, the Vikings other leg man, punter, Chris Kluwe may be in for a fight after ACL surgery. Minnesota’s punt and kickoff return situation is tenuous at best, although veteran, Mewelde Moore, will probably be featured in both packages.
Coaching
Childress is a smart coach who knows that change starts at the top. Having said that, Childress has brought in a bunch of fresh young blood to help him alter the Vikings mentality. However, I believe Childress should have hired at least one experienced coordinator. Darrell Bevell (offense), Mike Tomlin (defense) and Paul Ferraro (special teams) are all rookies in their respective positions; a fact that I believe will slow the Vikings’ growth process by at least one season.
