Comments on: Preseason Power Rankings No. 29: Minnesota Vikings

By: pappavike

pappavike — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 07:10:00 +0000

I think if ponder and some of the new & younger recievers can build some ”Mojo” in camp and pre season. They should be at least 2-1 And then get Simson back will help. Ponder already has a confidence going with Simson, I am really looking foward to the training camp battles around the NFL there are always cuts made that shock us and teams are always looking for depth!

By: pappavike

pappavike — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 05:33:05 +0000

I won’t go as far as to say that last year was all because of missed Ota’s and Mini camp but They just didn’t gel Take everybody at thier jobs we all learn,And get better at what we do. So why would Football players be any different.Talent is a big factor,I think the Vikes improved in all positions, Sure they don’t have stars at every position, But they have most certainly up graded

By: vikingsfan4life

vikingsfan4life — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 18:52:19 +0000

I don’t know whether #29 is appropriate or not but of the Vikings’ 13 losses, 9 were by a TD or less. And that was with (1) McFlabb at QB, (2) no NFL-caliber LT, (3) Cook in jail, (4) Winfield out with injury, (5) Griffin trying to play with two bad knees, and (6) more than half the games started by a rookie QB who didn’t have a training camp or normal offseason to prepare. I’m not saying that squad would have come close to 8-8, but the 2011 Vikings were not nearly as bad as their record suggests.

By: passosvilla

passosvilla — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:53:32 +0000

Worst team in the league period.

Ponder is just a regular QB, not the best, not the worst. WR corp is one of the worst in the legue, i really don’t trust in Harvin, the OL is not good either, and Peterson is coming from a injury.

The defense in two words: Jared Allen. D# have solid players, but the most is garbage.

By: diehardtwinsfan

diehardtwinsfan — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:23:05 +0000

They lost something like 9 games by a TD or less and had a number of games where they racked up huge leads only to lose. Part of that is on the coaching staff for not adjusting mid-game (though the fact that they had a nice lead makes it hard to adjust much).

that said, they have star power, but were absolutely terrible in a couple of areas (secondary, Oline, and receiving corps). They should pretty improved in all of those areas. The question is whether or not this will tip those close games in their favor…

I have no problems ranking them low, as they deserve it, but I suspect they will be one of thoe most improved teams. Ponder will do better with Kalil protecting his blind side and having better targets to throw to. The secondary will be improved by having Cook and Windfield back, and they clearly drafted some improvements there as well. 8-8 seems pretty reasonable… might be a fringe wild card contender, but most likely a spoiler for a lot of other teams.

By: pappavike

pappavike — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 05:58:39 +0000

Vikes could do very well if they can start fast with a easier schedule, Im not bashing on the likes of the Jags or Colts But there division rivals are tougher than the rest of the schedule. The fact that this vikes team has had a normal off season will help lotz! (No lockout )

By: wiseguy12

wiseguy12 — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 04:28:11 +0000

If memory serves me right, the Vikings dominated on both side of the ball in the first half of at least 3 games maybe 4. Had they played halfway decent in the second half they would have won those games. Based on talent alone in the Division, Minnesota should lose 4 out of 6. The rest of the schedule (10 games) could be 3-7 or 4-6, but games are not just won (or lost) on talent alone. It’s a game of luck and confidence. Minnesota has achnce to build a little momentum in the first couple of games by playing teams with similar talent. Some of the younger players make a few big plays, it builds confidence and they will be looking for opportunites to make more. Unfortunately, last year players (though none would admit it) were expecting something
bad to happen and it usually did. Minnesota looks to be a better team this year for number of reasons. With a little luck, I wouldn’t be surprised to see 7-9 or maybe 8-8. The Vikings should be ranked in the low 20s or mid to high teens.

By: 2ruefan

2ruefan — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:30:04 +0000

I also think anybody claiming Ponder is so bad simply didn’t watch him play.

Rookie mistakes? For sure.
Not great at reading the defense yet? Yep.
Tendency to take off quickly? Uh huh.

BUT.. also VERY fast/nimble
Made some great throws at times.
Good Pocket awareness
Had a GREAT game against the so-called “GREAT” Denver defense.

He’s going to be MUCH better this year. Mark it down.

By: 2ruefan

2ruefan — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:25:15 +0000

I think the Vikings are pretty under-rated at this point. The typical fan (and even analysts) seem to simply go by what a teams’ record was the previous year.

The Viking surely have some holes.

But what is missed is the number of games they lost after having a double digit lead.

Give them those games they lead in as wins, and they were a 9-7 team, and I am SURE nobody would be saying they were “one of the worst teams” in the league.

If you watched them play (compared to the Colts, or Rams) you’d see they were significantly more competitive and talented.

A record is not the only indicator of the general capability of team.

I suspect they will be 8-8 or better this year.

Not by ANY means are they the 3rd worst team in the league. Not even close. Only by record..

By: lbouchard1

lbouchard1 — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:40:33 +0000

I actually think Ponder did pretty good last year. Keep in mind that he didn’t start till week 6, so he didn’t get any of the first team reps til then. Add in a bad O-Line, and no WRs after Harvin, and I don’t think any rookie QB would do good. Ponder had very good pocket awareness. He struggled with progression reading, but many rookies do. I’m excited to see what Ponder can do with full offseason.

By: pappavike

pappavike — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:19:37 +0000

Everybody wants to bash Ponder! But Think about any Qb not having mini camp or ota’s is really behind the 8 ball so let’s see what the kid has after a full year, Webb only looked good because teams had not prepared for him!! to play! Yes im a homer but! The vikes well be much improved!!

By: vikings1976

vikings1976 — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:13:24 +0000

When the Vikings aren’t expected to do anything in a season…they usually respond well. When their expected to do well and compete for a Superbowl birth…they usually flop. Bring on the negative predictions. This formula has always worked for this 37 year Viking fan.

By: vikings28

vikings28 — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:30:39 +0000

I think they could surprise people. If we can get to 2-1 for the first 3 weeks, which is doable, then we get Simpson back who can stretch the field. If that happens, it can open up a lot of things for the Vikes. I think if Ponder can take a step forward, we could be ok. I don’t think we will make the playoffs, but ya never know. I think Ponder has a stronger arm than people give him credit for and last year, he didn’t have ANYONE to stretch the field. Simpson is a burner and he could be the guy that gets it done this year!! I’m a HOMER so that’s my take!!

By: vikinganswer

vikinganswer — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:24:39 +0000

O Line will be drastucally better. Have added some playmakers on offense. It comes down to what the defense does and Musgrave calling an aggressive game every week. Good mix run to pass.
Someone asked how better than Jags, its not even close. We should be much better than 29. Thats embarrassing for Viking fans.

By: mattyjimmy

mattyjimmy — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:24:36 +0000

I understand the ranking, but I have a different opinion. Quite a few losses were very close last season. When looking at this team I like to break it down into both offensive and defensive units. On the defense you have the secondary, linebackers and the Line. The secondary was historically bad last year in large part because the two best players were out. One for injury and the other for stupidity. Those guys are back, and there is an ultra fast hard hitting rookie addition named Robinson added to the CB mix. As for safeties, Raymond was a rookie last year and will probably only play better this year and there is the addition of Harrison Smith. This secondary should be better then last year. Much better. The linebackers should be about the same. Erin Henderson graded out as a pretty solid outside linebacker last season and Greenway should rebound some from a down year. The substitution of Jasper for EJ is about a wash. Everson Griffin’s shift to linebacker will get another pass rushing force on the field when appropriate. The line should be about the same as well. The biggest hole there is the lack of a nose tackle to absorb double teams. When looking at this defense, I believe it will be an improved group this season. Offensively, the I like to look at WR, TE, line, RB and QB. The wide receivers are improved over last years sorry bunch with a solid draft and the Simpson signing. The offensive line is shaping up to be much improved and possibly even sneaky good. I love the personal and the youth. TE’s are a question in my opinion. Pass catchers are in place. Blocking TE’s are not. This will hurt in certain situations. The Vikings should be fine at running back as well. Assume that Peterson is never going to be the same again. That is a huge loss, but the back up Toby Gearhart played solid last year after Peterson was out. So, in my opinion, this is a team who’s success hinges on the QB position. I have absolutely no prediction on that. A total crap shoot. I see 5 wins as a worse case and with solid QB play 10 wins in not out of the question.

By: pleazenufalready

pleazenufalready — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:24:08 +0000

While I don’t see them as a playoff team this year (the division is pretty tough), I think that they’re better than what most of the so-called experts are predicting. Several reasons for my optimism: (1) 9 of their losses last year were by 7 points or less; they blew a couple and were unlucky in a few others; (2) Donovan is gone….nuf said; (3) hopefully, they have AP for more than 12 games this year; (4) Ponder is no longer a rookie…he has to be better (doesn’t he?); and (5) they were playing 3rd and 4th stringers in the secondary by the end of the year, as they were decimated by injuries, etc……that shouldn’t be the case this year, no matter who’s back there.

By: SmurfJuice

SmurfJuice — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:15:09 +0000

Have they improved enough to compete against the Packers consistently? Or the Bears? Haven’t the Lions passed them by?

Their division is growing by leaps and bounds, but the Vikings haven’t been able to catch a break yet. Until they can at least go 3-3 in the division, it’ll be a lot of tough times ahead.

By: amanistumor

amanistumor — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:08:21 +0000

Love it how a Lions fan has something to interject…

Talk smack when the Vikings are perennial last placers, have 0-16 season, and a stockade of top 5 draft picks. Oh wait that IS the Lions!

By: 7ransponder

7ransponder — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:07:29 +0000

I scoff at the fact that you placed the Vikes below St. Louis considering the Vikes lost NINE of their games by 7 points or less last year.

I believe this team is a few major playmakers away from surprising people. Super Bowl? No way. Wild Card playoff spot? If the rookies live up to their potential and Ponder gets marginally better (not amazingly better, just maringally) this team has a shot at a Wild Card spot, yes. Even with the vaunted Black and Blue division in play here, which I think won’t be quite as competitive as last year, pundits be damned.

Every year a few teams remind us why the term “any given Sunday” came about, and I believe the Vikings will be one of them this time around.

By: piemasteruk

piemasteruk — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:00:31 +0000

I think the Vikings underachieved last year and were stuck in a very tough division, so I believe they should be higher than 29th. Not *much* higher mind you, but I think there will be a few folks in St Louis, Tampa Bay and Miami thinking “sweet, it’s not us!”

By: sincejumpstreet

sincejumpstreet — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:52:34 +0000

Alas, 29 sounds about right. I wouldnt be shocked if we win more than four games, but I will be surprised. Too many question marks, too few answers — the biggest being at QB.

By: norseyapper

norseyapper — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:48:21 +0000

Rebuilding: meaning if they double their win total from last year to 6-10 it would be considered real progress. Very few teams avoid this kind of misery from time to time and when you blow the wad looking for a chance at the 201o Super Bowl you’re going to pay up. Yeah, they were screwed in 2010 and missed the target.
All that really matters is that they are adding quality players/people so that in a couple of years they’ll be back to a good place as a team, and just in time for the new stadium.

By: flapjackdaddy

flapjackdaddy — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:33:16 +0000

I have a feeling that in 5 years from now, Ponder will be one of the top 5-8 QBs in the league. As a Panthers fan, he was impressive against us last year, on the road, with very few legitimate receiving options outside of Harvin and Peterson.

By: tebowsafraud

tebowsafraud — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:32:52 +0000

With a team as “talented” as this one is, it’s hard to believe there were people who thought it was a good idea to give the owner a new stadium (courtesy of the local taxpayers).

By: thankheavenfornumberseven

thankheavenfornumberseven — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:30:34 +0000

It all depends on the quarterback. If Ponder can be a middle of the road starter, the Vikings will be a middle of the road team. I don’t see how the Vikings are worse than the Rams at this point.

By: jaimelh02

jaimelh02 — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:29:30 +0000

I don’t think any team has regressed more than the Vikings. Weren’t they a Brett Favre interception away from going to the Super Bowl not too long ago?

By: mnomalley

mnomalley — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:22:06 +0000

While I understand that most annalysts would become greatly scruitinized if they had the Vikings (or any 3-13) team ranked any higher, I believe the Vikings to be a much improved team on both sides of the ball and will suprise anyone who believes that they should remain at 29.

By: blowpackblow

blowpackblow — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:20:24 +0000

I am surprised they haven’t pursued any washed up QBs this year, isn’t Kerry Collins available?

By: holdsteady76

holdsteady76 — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:17:17 +0000

Rebuilding takes time. We will endure another year outside the playoffs but I think the Vikings are better than the 29th team. They will finish the season higher than this.

Moving Charlie Johnson to Guard is going to help their line as well. I think the secondary will be night and day better than last year, time will tell but I would definitely take the over … the Vikings will finish the season higher than this.

Under rated and overlooked ate the MN Vikings this season.

By: zoxitic

zoxitic — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:15:39 +0000

This team is better than the Jaguars? I don’t see it, but I guess we will find out Week 1.