| This series of analysis on the 32 NFL teams takes a look at where teams have been over the last three years for each position - where they have ranked in the most notable categories and the hard statistics produced. This is to give a view of each team heading into training camp and what they most likely need to improve on this season and where their strengths lie that likely won't need any changes. Ending each team review is a brief summation of what to watch in training camp in August to uncover those developing situations that you can take advantage. Combining where teams have come from and what they have done in free agency and the NFL draft gives you the very same thing that NFL coaches are looking at as they attempt to improve their team for 2009. |
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Training Camp Opens: July 30
Head Coach: Brad Childress (4th year)
Stadium: Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (Dome) Surface: FieldTurf
2009 Schedule 2009 Roster 2008 Statistics 2008 Record: 10-6
| QB |
Carries |
Rush YD |
Rush TD |
Pass |
Comp |
Comp % |
Pass YD |
YPP |
Pass TD |
Int |
Rank YD |
Rank TD |
| 2006 |
46 |
161 |
2 |
538 |
330 |
61% |
3371 |
10.2 |
11 |
20 |
17 |
31 |
| 2007 |
59 |
278 |
3 |
427 |
246 |
58% |
2817 |
11.5 |
12 |
14 |
31 |
30 |
| 2008 |
45 |
146 |
1 |
450 |
266 |
59% |
3213 |
12.1 |
21 |
17 |
26 |
15 |
Quarterback - The Vikings thought they addressed the quarterback position much earlier in the offseason with the trade for Sage Rosenfels and the plan for Sage and Tarvaris Jackson to compete for the starting gig in training camp. Now, they sit and wait for Brett Favre to make a decision. While Favre waffles and the Vikes wait, at least a couple things are certain: first, after a horrendous showing in Minnesota’s home playoff loss last year Jackson is not the solution; second, whether it’s Favre or Rosenfels the Vikings will receive an upgrade at the position. With Rosenfels the hope is that he improves the Vikings’ completion percentage and maintains his playmaking ability while relying on the running game to help eliminate the mistakes that came from him trying to do too much. With Favre… well, by embracing the once-hated former Packer, the Vikings and their fans are selling their souls for a shot at that elusive Super Bowl ring. Update: Favre has announced he will stay retired. The saga ends?
| RB |
Carries |
Rush YD |
YPC |
Rush TD |
Target |
Rcv |
Catch % |
Catch YD |
Rcv TD |
Rank YD |
Rank TY |
Rank TD |
| 2006 |
393 |
1648 |
4.2 |
10 |
138 |
106 |
77% |
901 |
1 |
18 |
10 |
19 |
| 2007 |
428 |
2326 |
5.4 |
19 |
96 |
66 |
69% |
693 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
| 2008 |
464 |
2159 |
4.7 |
14 |
118 |
83 |
70% |
568 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
14 |
Running Backs - Regardless of who is playing quarterback, this team is built to run and will go as far as Adrian Peterson’s legs take them. Chester Taylor remains as a solid backup and third-down back, but the Vikings lack a fullback—either the smash-mouth lead blocking type or a more classic WCO pass catcher. Rookie right tackle Phil Loadholt should improve the weakest link along the offensive line, but center John Sullivan has Pro Bowl shoes to fill after the departure of veteran Matt Birk. Of course, there’s a certain quarterback whose very presence under center would prevent opposing defenses from stuffing the box against the run and opening up the field for Peterson.
| WR |
Target |
Rcv |
Catch % |
Catch YD |
YPR |
Rcv TD |
Ranks YD |
Rank TD |
| 2006 |
301 |
157 |
52% |
2166 |
13.8 |
13 |
19 |
16 |
| 2007 |
291 |
159 |
55% |
1983 |
12.5 |
9 |
19 |
24 |
| 2008 |
241 |
129 |
54% |
1884 |
14.6 |
13 |
25 |
15 |
Wide Receivers - Viking receivers have been handcuffed by a run-first offense as well as subpar quarterbacking; witness the abysmal connection rate the past three seasons. Somehow Bernard Berrian managed to put up good numbers last season anyway, and the prospect of having Rosenfels or Favre throwing more catchable balls his way is tempting. Sidney Rice is reportedly healthy after being limited last season by a knee injury; he’s a popular sleeper candidate entering his third pro season, though the arrival of Percy Harvin is stealing some of his thunder. The Vikings went all-in with their first-round selection of Harvin; his game-breaking ability could make this offense almost indefensible, but to reach that point he’ll have to answer a multitude of questions: How will he be used? Can he avoid off-the-field problems? Can he stay healthy? Can a Florida receiver make it in the NFL? Bobby Wade gets lost in the shuffle, but if Harvin falters he’s a solid security blanket coming out of the slot.
| TE |
Target |
Rcv |
Catch % |
Catch YD |
YPR |
Rcv TD |
Ranks YD |
Rank TD |
| 2006 |
104 |
67 |
64% |
518 |
7.7 |
3 |
20 |
25 |
| 2007 |
64 |
40 |
63% |
449 |
11.2 |
2 |
28 |
29 |
| 2008 |
85 |
55 |
65% |
765 |
13.9 |
7 |
15 |
8 |
Tight Ends -
Visanthe Shiancoe was a top-five fantasy tight end a year ago, yet somehow he was underexposed—on the field, at least. Like the wideouts, Shank should benefit from improved quarterback play—especially if the quarterback in purple is Favre, who has demonstrated a distinct fondness for tight ends throughout his career. Jim Kleinsasser also returns, though his role is more of another offensive tackle than any sort of pass-catcher.
Training Camp Fantasy Angle - Obviously, the biggest news coming out of Mankato will be if and when Favre shows up. If he doesn’t, then Rosenfels will need to distance himself from both Jackson and Favre’s shadow as he takes the reins. The running game is a given, though those looking to spend that first overall pick on AP will want to make sure the revamped line is coming together nicely. And while the Vikings probably won’t tip their hand too much, they’ll need to get Harvin work in the various roles they expect to use him in. The rookie is a threat to go the distance on every play, but he still needs to be on the field in order to do so.
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