Harvin, Favre Could Ignite Vikings Offense In 2009

It's no secret that Adrian Peterson has been the focal point of the Minnesota Vikings' offense since his arrival in the NFL.

Peterson has rushed for more than 3,100 yards and 22 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Vikings, and carried the ball 363 times last season.

Without a vertical threat in the passing game, though, opposing defenses can clamp down on Peterson, stacking the box with eight or nine defenders to try and slow down the NFL’s leading rusher.

The Vikings could find Peterson some help for 2009 with two additions, though.

One of those additions is already wearing purple, while the other is only rumored to be suiting up for Minnesota this season.

Percy Harvin—the Vikings’ first-round draft selection in 2009—could give Minnesota’s offense another deep threat with his speed and versatility.

Vikings coach Brad Childress put his faith in Harvin on Draft day that he could be missing link in Minnesota’s offense.

Harvin could have an impact on the Vikings’ offense similar to the way the Reggie Bush has on the New Orleans Saints.

At the University of Florida, Harvin was possibly the most underrated part of a Gators’ offense led by Tim Tebow. Tebow received all the glory and Heisman-hype while Harvin piled up yards and touchdowns.

In his three years in college, Harvin rushed for more than 1,800 yards and 19 touchdowns to go with his more than 1,900 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.

If Harvin can get past the personality issues—Harvin tested positive for marijuana—that arose during the NFL scouting combine, he could serve as a valuable asset to the Vikings’ offense.

Brett Favre would be the second roster addition that could drastically alter Minnesota’s play-calling in 2009.

Favre would give the Vikings a battle-tested gunslinger for a quarterback with the proven ability to lead a playoff contender.

Opposing teams wouldn’t be able to stack the defense against Peterson with a reliable quarterback whose name isn’t Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels.

Favre would already have Bernard Berrian and Visanthe Shiancoe as offensive weapons to throw the football to in addition to Harvin. Berrian played well last season as Minnesota’s big offseason addition for the 2008 season on offense. Shiancoe also began to emerge as a reliable target.

The Vikings have relied on the rushing prowess of Peterson and their defense in the past two seasons, but with Harvin and the potential of Favre playing quarterback, Minnesota could put together an all-around attack that would be difficult to stop and could put them in position to be one of the premier squads in the NFC.