Posts Tagged ‘Bernard Berrian’

Are Minnesota Vikings Final Missing Piece to Brett Favre?

You can talk about deja vu, waffling, retirement, the Packers, betrayal, or legacies all you want.

None of that changes what’s about to happen to the NFL in 2009.

While we probably all thought we knew what we were getting from Brett Favre as a Packer for 16 seasons, we had a “first” with Favre landing in New York last year, and are once again heading into the unknown with the future Hall of Famer.

However, while “unknown” could mean just about anything after a second consecutive summer of Favre drama, the Vikings are still inheriting an ageless quarterback who possesses all the excitement and possibility that Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson couldn’t muster up, not even if their talents were combined.

Forget about Favre’s shoulder, the new “tear in the rotator cuff” bit, and don’t buy that he’s coming back to “stick it” to Ted Thompson.

Don’t even make the mistake in assuming he’ll have another late-season meltdown, simply because his past four seasons haven’t ended favorably for him.

If you take a good, hard look at Favre, his role players, and what Minnesota has to offer him, this signing and this entire team has the makings of division winners, and quite possibly Super Bowl contenders.

The offensive line is solid. That means we shouldn’t be cringing in fear of an end to Favre’s streak.

That also means the holes for Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor should remain open enough for the to do what they do best.

The special teams is good, led by consistent and reliable Ryan Longwell, while boosted by the versatile and explosive Percy Harvin.

The deep passing game? Check. Got it. See ya later.

Favre to Berrian. Write it down and save it. You’ll be hearing a lot of it.

Their tight end is probably the most athletic and complete tight end Favre has had in 10 years. Adrian Peterson is ten times the player and runner that Thomas Jones is, and Favre helped turn Jones into a red-zone free agent bust, to a Pro Bowl, 13-touchdown back.

Oh, and that defense led by the “Williams Wall” and Jared Allen-it ain’t half bad.

The point is, this team was already pretty damn good. So good, I might add, that people were picking them to win the division without Favre.

Really. And now some people out there actually have the audacity to predict they’ll miss the playoffs?

Favre could stink it up for the final five games just like he did last year, and this team could still make the post-season. But with such a good supporting cast, not to mention and offense he actually knows (and has mastered), that doesn’t seem nearly as likely as Favre being successful.

The truth is, too many people aren’t giving Favre and the Vikings much of a chance. And the sad part is, they really don’t have much reason not to.

You see, fans across the nation got it all wrong.

This isn’t about Favre coming into an NFL town and trying to will it to victory. Instead, this championship-ready team is merely joining forces with the veteran to form a complete roster, one that was simply short a true, reliable passer.

Does Brett Favre put the Vikings over the hump and into Super Bowl contention?

Maybe, and maybe not.

But do the Minnesota Vikings give Brett Favre one last shot at a title? You bet.

2009 Minnesota Vikings: Five Things to Watch For

The Vikings drafted the explosive and dynamic Percy Harvin, courted future Hall of Famer Brett Favre, and now are dealing with an MCL injury to Tarvaris Jackson.

While we may never be able to fully close the door on Favre, at least Minnesota can focus on their new, electrifying player, and finding out who their best quarterback is.

If they can get their focus back to simply playing football, this could still be a team to be reckoned with.

Continue on for more things to watch for.

5. Can Percy Harvin Be Their X-Factor?

Harvin is already being projected as the “target” in over 100 plays, which could leave him with 50 catches and close to 20 rush attempts.

He’s also going to be potentially used as a quarterback in Minnesota’s Wildcat formation.

There’s no question the height of his early value, as he brings so much speed and explosiveness, despite not running pure routes.

Harvin should also have a large impact on the special teams as a returner, where his play-making ability may best be showcased as a rookie.

4. The Pat and Kevin Williams Suspension Saga

Recent reports have the “Williams Wall” getting by their suspension from the league.

There were originally scheduled to miss the first four weeks, but hen requested there be no suspension through an appeal, and and it was apparently granted

With all four of their opening games being against teams that didn’t make the playoffs last season, having their run-stuffing wall intact could mean a hot start.

3. Can Adrian Peterson Stay Healthy For a Third Straight Year?

Adrian Peterson has had plenty of knocks early in his career, despite arguably being viewed as “the best back in the league.”

He fumbles.

He plays recklessly.

He does nothing in the passing game.

But he’s also a true gamer and has jaws preparing to be dropped with every touch he handles.

But still, what everyone wonders is when will AP finally get a serious injury, and how will Minnesota respond?

Without Peterson, the Vikings could still potentially not miss a step, as they have a proven veteran in Chester Taylor to step up.

2. Brad Childress on the Hot Seat

While Childress has kept the Vikings competitive, and even led them to a 10-6 division title last season, he is still not a lock to keep his job.

Childress was already a hot seat candidate entering last season, and to keep his job, he must prove that he can stick with and win with ONE quarterback.

He must also get Minnesota back to the playoffs in order to prove 2008 wasn’t a fluke.

With the whole Favre fiasco behind us (maybe), Childress needs to stick with whoever ends up being his guy, and let Adrian Peterson and the defense do the rest.

Even without the Hall of Fame presence of Brett Favre, Minnesota should still make the postseason.

1. The Brett Favre Affect

The Favre “effect” could go in a few different directions.

If Favre decided to come back, this could positively affect the team with an entrance to the playoffs, and possibly a shot at a Super Bowl.

Then again, there are many skeptics that are convinced that Favre, 39, is no better than the options they already have.

Regardless of whether or not he does come back, the mere possibility of adding Favre at any time of the season could disrupt team chemistry and focus.