Minnesota Vikings 2009 Season Preview

After many long months of speculation that Brett Favre would be returning to football to play for the Vikings, Favre has decided to stay retired and will not be playing in Minnesota this season. This leads the quarterback competition between Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels. Jackson most likely has the edge in this competition as he is more familiar with Brad Childress' offense. He is a superb athlete who had trouble with consistency so far in his career but if he can stay more consistent and produce in big games, the Vikings offense has the potential to be pretty good this season. Adrian Peterson is the one of the more dangerous weapons in the NFL and backing him up is Chester Taylor who can also be a dangerous threat. First round pick Percy Harvin could also get some snaps at running back and be used if the Vikings decide to implement a type of Wildcat offense. The offensive line could be a little suspect as center Matt Berk and veteran lineman Ryan Cook will be replaced by young inexperienced players. Minnesota's backfield could possibly be the best in the entire league if the line is anywhere near decent. Bernard Barrian will be returning as the number one receiver but Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice could also have big roles at the receiver position.

Last year, Minnesota had one of the best defensive lines thanks to Pat and Kevin Williams. Although both players will be returning this season, they are possibly facing a 4 game suspension due to testing positive for banned substances. Defensive end Jared Allen should have another great season and strike fear into opposing quarterbacks. In the secondary, the Vikings have Tyrell Johnson taking over for Darren Sharper at safety as well as Madieu Williams.

Not having Brett Favre play for their team this year was a huge blow to Minnesota. Although the Vikings would have loved for him to play for them, they will have to play with what they have and pray that one of their quarterbacks, whether it be Jackson or Sagenfels, can step up and start producing this year. The quarterback position and the inexperience of the offensive line may be the only things that are really holding this team back from becoming NFC championship contenders. They have many dangerous playmakers that will need to step up huge this season for them to have a chance to win the division and make a run in the playoffs. Expect to see Minnesota and Chicago sitting at the top of the NFC North at the end of the season.

2009-2010 Season Prediction: 9-7, 2nd NFC North

Source: http://vikingswarcry.com/2009/07/season-preview-2009-minnesota-vikings.html