Minnesota Vikings: Questions Abound on the Offense.
Notable Free Agents: TE Visanthe Shiancoe, LB E.J. Henderson
The Minnesota Vikings are teetering on a fine line right now. Rookie QB Christian Ponder played better than expected last year after QB Donovon McNabb’s failed comeback attempt (again).
Question 1: Can he continue to improve with a full offseason after a lockout shortened one last year?
RB Adrian Peterson blew out his ACL and MCL at the end of the year and may start the season on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) List (which means he would miss at least the first six games of the season). AP is known as a workaholic and has been working intensely to get back in time for the Preseason, but no one is going to know for sure until Training Camp begins.
Question 2, 3 and 4: Will AP be ready for the start of training camp? If so, will he be the same monster that defenses fear? If not, can backup RB Toby Gerhart carry the load until AP is ready to step back onto the field?
The Vikings need to keep Shiancoe to give Ponder a safety valve on offense and draft WR Justin Blackmon to give Ponder a deep threat. The offense will always revolve around Peterson, but until he is at full speed, Ponder will have to carry this offense and manage it at least as well as he did last year. If he regresses at all, the Vikings are in trouble. Draft Blackmon and add some help in the secondary and the Vikings should land on the better side of 8-8 this year.
On the Clock: Cleveland Browns (Pick #4)
