2008 Minnesota Vikings Offense
Will Bernard Berrian Help the Purple People Eaters Playoff Chances?
Head coach Brad Childress hopes that by signing WR Bernard Berrianand the return of RB Adrian Peterson, QB Tarvaris Jackson can mature into the kind of player that can lead the Vikings into the 2008 playoffs. Here is a look into the 2008 Minnesota Vikings offense.
Quarterbacks
When coach Childress drafted Tarvaris Jackson in the 2nd round of the 2006 NFL draft, he saw a quarterback that could lead his team for years to come. In his first 14 starts, Jackson has thrown more interceptions (16) than touchdowns (11)But in 2007 he showed a lot of maturity. On opening day in ‘08 he will be the starting quarterback barring injury. The Minnesota Vikings believe in Jackson and will give him every chance to prove himself.
Gus Frerotte, signed as a free agent; and 5th round pick in ‘08, John David Booty; will play behind Jackson. Booty is a future insurance policy should Tarvaris Jackson fail to become the quarterback Childress imagined.
Running Backs
Of course Adrian Peterson is the man to get most, if not all, of the carries. The reigning offensive rookie of the year returns to give opposing defenses headaches. Peterson was second in the league in rushing yardage (1,341) and added 12 touchdowns. Adrian should have no problem duplicating that production in 2008.
Tailbacks Chester Taylor and Maurice Hicks will spell Peterson when he needs plays off the field. Taylor is an excellent number two back, rushing for 844 yards and 7 touchdowns in ‘07. If the quarterback play proves inconsistent, Taylor and Peterson could share the workload and both end up with 1,000 yards in ‘08. Running the football will definitely be the strength of the Vikings offense.
Receivers
Free agent wide receiver Bernard Berrian adds an experienced deep threat to the Vikings passing attack. Berrian should complement 2nd year WR Sidney Rice (31 rec. 4TD in ’07) nicely. Rice is a big target at 6’4” 202 pounds. There is plenty of big play opportunities with these two receivers on the field. Whoever is under center for Minnesota should have no problem finding these guys in the open. Rice and Berrian should combine for many touchdowns in 2008.
Veteran WR Bobby Wade and 2nd year WR Aundrae Allison will battle for the third slot with Robert Ferguson also getting playing time. Visanthe Shiancoe and Jimmy Kleinsasser are a formidable duo at tight end. Look for these players to have a bigger role in the offense in ’08 as both are very talented.
Offensive Line
Which takes us to the heart of the Vikings offense, the O-line. In 2007, this unit helped the Vikings average over 160 yards per game on the ground; good for 1st in the league. This shouldn’t change in 2008 with the return of all five starters of a year ago.
Tackle Bryant McKinnie and guard Steve Hutchinson help form maybe the best left side in all the NFL. Two time All-Pro and six time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk is the leader of the pack with eleven years experience in the NFL. RT Ryan Cook and RG Anthony Herrera are also solid at their respective positions.
All in all, the Minnesota Vikings offense revolves around the play of the O-line. If 2007 was any indication of how well this unit plays together, look for the Vikings to dominate on the ground again in ’08.
2008 Offensive Outlook
As long as the quarterback position can play consistently, the Vikings should have a shot at the NFC North title. Look for running backs Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor to possibly be the best one two punch in all the NFL. 2008 should be an exciting year for Vikings fans and the NFL.
