The Minnesota Vikings looked unbeatable when the season began, but as injuries and strategy frustrations began to mount the Vikings began to look beatable. Minnesota finished 12-4 and first place in the NFC North. They also captured the number two seed in the NFC North.
The Vikings offense relies on the establishment of Adrian Peterson as a running back. This may have hurt Peterson's numbers, but the offense has been able to spread the field because he continues to draw so much attention from the defense. No matter what his per carry average is, Peterson is forcing a safety to creep up the field at the very least. Teams were simply willing to let Favre beat them instead.
Brett Favre had a stellar year playing in this system with this team. Favre threw for 4,202 yards and 33 touchdowns. He threw only 7 interceptions and helped six different players catch more than 40 passes. In fact, receiver Sidney Rice came into his own after being deemed a disappointment. Rice caught 83 passes for 1,312 yards. Rookie Percy Harvin caught 60 passes for 790 yards. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe had a career year catching 56 receptions and 11 touchdowns.
The Vikings defense has been a shadow of itself without its starting middle linebacker. The Minnesota playoff run depends on the defense. If the defensive line can dominate then suddenly the whole in the middle of the field does not matter as much. If the Vikings are expected to beat teams through coverage, then this could be a very short playoff season.
Vikings playoff tickets are not something to ignore though. This team has talent on both sides of the ball so this team could easily end up in the Super Bowl. There will be at least game at the Metrodome and more if the Saints are upset.
