NFL Preview Show Extravaganza: Minnesota Vikings

Since I kicked off Monday with the Bears, I might as well just work on the NFC North. Today, we discuss the defending NFC North champions, the Minnesota Vikings.

Would Brett Favre really have made that much of a difference for the Vikings? Honestly, who gives a crap!? The Vikings have one of the top defenses in the NFL and without a doubt one of the best running backs in the league (Adrian Peterson).

The Vikings do have two quarterbacks (well three) to choose from. They could go with the incumbent of the trio, in Tarvaris Jackson. They have the newcomer, Sage Rosenfels, who came over in the offseason from Houston. They also have the guy who sits on the bench, I mean John David Booty. Jackson, Rosenfels and Booty all have their ups and downs to them, but are all three guys really that appealing?

In short no and to elaborate a little more...no. While it seems dumb that the Vikings attempted to "lure" Favre out of retirement, it's still a move the Vikings felt they had to make. The Packers have Aaron Rodgers, who is blooming into the position very nicely. And the Bears traded for Pro Bowler Jay Cutler.

Most likely, it will come down to Jackson and Rosenfels. Who will head coach Brad Childress go with though?

No doubt about it, Childress is under pressure to make the right choice. His job could very well be in jeopardy. We'll have to wait and see.

Time for those burnin' yearbook style questions:

Most Offensive Player (Offense MVP): Adrian Peterson
Most Defensive Player (Defense MVP): The Williams'
Best New Guy (Rookie of the Year): Phillip Loadholt (No really!)
Coolest Twitter Page: Visanthe Shiancoe
Team Song: Purple Rain by Prince
Coolest Names (Top 3): Visanthe Shiancoe, Phillip Loadholt and Chris Kluwe
Most Likely to Succeed (Team MVP): Adrian Peterson
In 2009, the Vikings will go: 8-8
Next head coach: Leslie Frazier


Tomorrow, we profile the Green Bay Packers!

Tuesdays with Romo: Rodgers wins, Jackson not so much

Okay Green Bay fans, how happy were you at your new quarterbacks performance? I'd be feeling pretty good, but then again I'm not a Packers fan.

Rodgers completed 18-of-22 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown pass. I know it's not Brett Favre numbers. I really didn't think it was that big of an issue though. Rodgers didn't make a lot of mistakes. He had a far better night than Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.

Jackson completed 16 out of 35 for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson managed to run for 103 yards on 19 carries with one touchdown. Ryan Grant ran for 92 yards on 12 carries.

NFL Preview Show Extravaganza: Minnesota Vikings

Under current circumstances, I am holding off on doing the preview of the Green Bay Packers until things are settled. As of right now, I'm doing the other three teams in the NFC North. Today, I will focus on the Minnesota Vikings.

The Minnesota Vikings started the 2007 season with uncertainty at the quarterback position. By the end of the season, there was still uncertainty. Is Tarvaris Jackson the right fit for the Vikings offense.

Last season, Jackson threw for 1900 yards, nine touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Jackson played 12 games.

This season will be Jackson's third in the NFL. This team is stacked. They have a 1-2 running combo in Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. A solid offensive line led by All-Pro's Matt Birk and Steve Hutchinson.

They also have an improving defense. When you add Jared Allen to the mix, you have something potent.

This is a make or break year for Jackson. If he has a successful year, Jackson will be the man behind center for years to come. If he doesn't then don't be surprised to see Gus Frerotte or rookie John David Booty take the snap.

The Vikings open up the regular season on the road against the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football (or Brett Favre lovefest). The Vikings have notable home games against Indianapolis, Carolina, New York (Giants) and Atlanta. They have notable road games against Tennessee, New Orleans and Arizona.

Time for those burnin' non-Brett Favre questions (yearbook style):

• Tarvaris Jackson will: Take strong steps, but won't be the best in the league
  
  
• Best receiver for the team: The running game
  
  
• Adrian Peterson will: Run for 1600 yards
  
  
• Chester Taylor will: Run for 1000 yards
  
  
• Best defensive player in 2008: Chad Greenway.....Nah it will be Ben Leber
  
  
• Brad Childress' best quality: His moustache (almost looks like Ron Howard if you squint)
  
  
• Coolest names (Top 3): Naufahu Tahi, Cullen Loeffler, Vinny Ciurciu
  
  
• 80s song to best describe team: I'm Alright- Kenny Loggins
  
  
• In 2008, the Vikings will: Win the division, at 10-6
  
  

The Monday's: The Minnesota Vikings

Happy Monday, everybody. It's time to continue with the NFC North and with that we will do the Minnesota Vikings.

The Minnesota Vikings, led by second year Head Coach, Brad Childress, went 6-10 last season, finishing in third place.

The Vikings drafted Adrian Peterson with the seventh pick in this year's draft. They will play such teams as the Eagles, the Cowboys, the Raiders, the 49ers and the Falcons.

Let's do some questions (Yearbook style):

1. Tarvaris Jackson will lead the League in: Most interceptions
2. Adrian Peterson will: Not be the next Robert Smith, but will still be a stud for all defenses to deal with
3. First thoughts of Brad Childress: That man has the best moustache in the NFL (Cowher retired, Fisher has a beard)
4. In 2007, Brooks Bollinger will: Go into the Real Estate business (In other words, sell his home in Minnesota and go elsewhere to be a back-up player)
5. Top three coolest names currently on team or trying out: Erasmus James, Aundrae Allison and Vinny Ciurciu (Kenechi Udeze receives honorable mention)
6. In 2007, Chad Greenway will: Explode on to the scene and be one of the top LB's in the NFC North
7. Chester Taylor will: Struggle whlie Peterson shines
8. The 'Party Boat Scandal' is: Officially gone, but forever in our hearts
9. Kiss song that best describes the team: Rock And Roll All Nite (And PARTEY EVEREE Day)
10. In 2007, the Vikings will: Go 7-9 and miss the playoffs.

Check me out tomorrow as I preview the Green Bay Packers

Peace

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